Presenter VJ Junior ( in green T-shirt) with his one time co-presenter DJ Shiru.
Bukedde TV movie translator, VJ Juniorreal names Marysmats Matovu spent last night in jail over production and distribution of pornographic materials contrary to the anti-pornographic law.
Junior was arrested yesterday along with a friend, one Geoffrey Bbosa, and the two were taken to Police CIID headquarters in Kibuli.
Here, they were read the Anti-Pornography Act, and were also showed some of the pornographic movies they allegedly produced or translated and have audio commentary done by VJ Junior.
Available information indicates that the two were also producing, making and circulating movies that have not been approved by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and Uganda Media Council despite earlier warning from the latter.
Police, sources say, now wants to use Junior to help in the arrest of others engaging in similar business.
Junior is not the first to be arrested over production and distribution of pornography; in 2014, police arrested renowned music producer, Didi Muchwa over the production of music video featuring nude ladies dancing erotically.
Radio and TV presenter, Ssenga Justine Nantume was also arrested last year over production and distribution of pornographic materials.
Actor Sir Roger Moore, best known for playing James Bond, has died aged 89, his family has announced.
He played the famous spy in seven Bond films including Live and Let Die and A View to a Kill.
Sir Roger’s family confirmed the news on Twitter, saying he had died after ‘a short but brave battle with cancer’.
The statement, from his children, read: “Thank you Pops for being you, and being so very special to so many people.”
“With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated,” they said in a Twitter post.
The actor took the character of James Bond in a more humorous direction than his predecessor Sean Connery.
Sir Roger’s Bond was calm and suave – a smooth operator who could seemingly get himself out of a tricky situation with ease.
The veteran star, who died in Switzerland, will have a private funeral in Monaco in accordance with his wishes, his children said.
“The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone,” read the statement from Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian.
“Our thoughts must now turn to supporting Kristina [Tholstrup, his wife] at this difficult time.”
The statement added: “We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, his television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF which he considered to be his greatest achievement.
Along with his famous Bond role, Moore was also known for TV series The Persuaders and The Saint.
Sir Roger was also well known for his humanitarian work – he was introduced to Unicef by the late Audrey Hepburn and was appointed as a goodwill ambassador in 1991.
In a statement, fellow Unicef ambassador and actor Ewan McGregor said: “Thank you, Roger, for having championed so tirelessly the rights of all children for the last 26 years.
“You’ve shown that we all have the power to make a change to the lives of the most vulnerable children.”
Frank Gardner, the BBC’s security correspondent, recalled how he and Sir Roger had become good friends in recent years.
“He even watched me ski past his chalet in Crans-Montana [Switzerland] while sipping a drink on his balcony,” he said.
“He had a wonderful sense of humour and I will miss his jokes by email. We had lunch together only a few months ago and even after all these years he seemed surprised that his career had been as successful as it evidently was. We will miss him.”
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, a former health minister and foreign minister of Ethiopia, won an election to head the World Health Organisation (WHO), the first African to do so, edging out a veteran insider from Britain.
A jubilant Ethiopian official emerged from the closed-door meeting in Geneva, to shout after the secret ballot where Britain’s candidate David Nabarro came second: “We did it, we did it!”.
“It’s a victory day for Ethiopia and for Africa,” Ethiopia’s ambassador Negash Kebret Botora said.
Known universally as Tedros, he garnered 133 votes from the 185 WHO member states who officials said were eligible to cast ballots in the vote to succeed Margaret Chan, who has been at the helm of the Geneva-based UN agency since Nov. 2006.
The powerful Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has banned President Jacob Zuma from speaking at any of their future activities.
After a special central executive committee meeting, the federation said their May Day events reflected the level of frustration felt by workers about the ‘absence of leadership’ in the country and the ‘deteriorating’ state of the country’s political situation.
As crowds began singing that Zuma should step down, Cosatu took the decision to cancel Zuma’s all other speeches for the day.
Zuma’s address to trade union federation Cosatu’s main Workers’ Day rally in Bloemfontein on May 1was cancelled after unruly unionists wouldn’t let him speak.
Cosatu general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali said on Tuesday the delegates who attended Monday’s meeting condemned the ‘divisive actions’ by some leaders of the ANC who allegedly attempted to rent crowds in Bloemfontein to disrupt and ‘hijack’ the federation’s event on May 1.
“The [special committee meeting] also took time to deal with the sentiments expressed by some of our members before May Day, who felt that allowing Zuma to address our event in Bloemfontein was inconsistent with our position calling on him to step down ,” Ntshalintshali said.
Cosatu agreed with its members and reiterated that they no longer trusted and supported Zuma’s leadership.
“Zuma will no longer be welcome to address Cosatu activities. This shall be communicated to the ANC, including engaging on its implications for our alliance,” Ntshalintshali said.
Questions posed to Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini regarding his comments on Zuma’s birthday, where Dlamini said the Zuma has the workers support, were mostly dodged.
Infinix S2 Pro is a successor of the Infinix Hot S. Popularly known for its strong Camera, Infinix seems to be dropping the hot branding from the S range more like they did with the NOTE range a couple of years ago.
The most outstanding feature of the Infinix S2 Pro is a dual-front camera, which should make it a toast of selfie and wefie lovers.
Infinix S2 Pro Key Specs & Features
5.2-inch IPS Display, 720 x 1280 pixels (282 ppi)
1.3GHz octa-core MediaTek MT6753 CPU with 2GB / 3GB RAM
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
16GB or 32GB Storage with support for memory card up to 128GB
13MP Rear Camera and 13MP + 8MP Front Camera
4G LTE (up to 150 Mbps download)
Fingerprint Sensor
3000 mAh Li-ion Battery with Fast Charging
Infinix-S2-Pro-Box
Infinix S2 Pro features a sleek design. It offers the same screen size with a downgraded resolution. Infinix S2 Pro has a 5.2-inch IPS display with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution. This may not be as good as the 1080 x 1920 pixels of its predecessor, but at 282 ppi is still near Retina Display range.
The downgrade may have been a trade-off for a cheaper pricing. Hopefully, the screen will be bright enough to compensate for the lower pixel density. The screen is covered in 2.5D Dragontrail glass.
Camera is where the Infinix S2 Pro is bringing its A-game. The dual-camera in front is the most talked about feature. Infinix S2 Pro has a 13 megapixels camera combined with a wide angle 8 megapixels camera in the front. The wide-angle camera offers a 135° wide-angle lens that makes it possible to pack more people into a selfie shot.
On the back, the Infinix S2 Pro sports a 13 megapixels camera with dual-LED flash.
Hardware and Software
Infinix S2 Pro runs Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) on a MediaTek MT6753 chipset with 3GB RAM and 32GB built-in storage provided. However, the more affordable Infinix S2 has 16GB internal storage and 2GB RAM.
The chipset offers eight cores that can be clocked at up to 1.3GHz. If you need more storage space, you can add up to 128GB via a microSD memory card. However, Infinix S2 Pro does not have a dedicated memory card slot, so you have to sacrifice a SIM slot.
Infinix S2 Pro offers Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, Wi-Fi, and rear-facing fingerprint sensor. The Android phone supports 4G LTE on MTN, Etisalat, InterC, Smile, and NTel.
Pricing and Availability
Infinix S2 Pro is now available in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and now even Uganda. You can buy the Android phone at online stores like Kilimall; and at shops like, Banana phone world, Charm Towers, Karumi Communications Ltd, Micromax Company – Ambassador House, Gadget Store, Beries (all along Kampala Road) and Rabbi Communications Ltd opposite Entebbe Road.
CALLED FOR SPEAKER'S INTERVENTION: DP spokesperson Paul Kenneth Kakande
The Democratic Party (DP) has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga to institute a probe commission to inquire into the rampant torture taking place in the country.
Addressing a press conference earlier today, DP spokesperson Kenneth Paul Kakande said parliament should investigate places like the Nalufenya police station and detention centre in Jinja; the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence offices in Mbuya and the defunct police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at Kireka, with a view to bringing the torturers to book.
Kakande noted much as the parliamentary human rights committee inspected the Nalufenya facility, the findings don’t reflect the suspects’ claims of inhuman acts, against which background, he called for hiring of special investigators to expose the perpetrators.
Recently, police officers arrested and tortured the Mayor of Kamwenge Town Council Geoffrey Byamukama, after linking him to the gruesome murder of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Felix Kaweesi, his driver and body guard, who were all brought down in a hail of bullets on March 17. ‘’Police officers are paid to observe law and order, now they going against them to the extent of torturing suspects purposely to extract information from them’’ Kakande said.
Following the expose of Byamukama rotting away at Nakasero Hospital, President Yoweri Museveni wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) General Kale Kayihura, directing him to ensure torture is not used as a means of extracting confessions from suspects.
ON SICK BED: South African-based businessman Ivan Semwanga
Zari Hassan, the Ugandan socialite and o wife to Tanzanian pop star Diamond Platnumz, has of late earned praises from the public for taking care of her ex-husband, Ivan Semwanga, who has been in coma for two weeks now.
However, despite the Ugandan public seeing Zari as a person with a big heart, to Ivan’s family she is a gold digger.
According to Ivan’s relatives, the main reason Zari has camped at the hospital is to only wait for the bad news then grab all of Ivan’s property; a move that was apparently unearthed by one of Ivan’s brothers.
“It’s true Zari called Ivan’s brother Sir Pinto and told him that she is gonna take all of Ivan’s assets 100%. That she will continue to be with Platnumz as she also takes everything,” says Ivan Semwanga’s cousin and right hand man, King Lawrence.
He adds that on getting the information, he got so infuriated and confronted her.
“I warned her not to ever think about it. She takes advantage because I’m busy with my businesses in another area so that is why she has taken over everything because Ivan’s brothers are weak alcoholics. I went there and put her in a straight line and told her even Mandela never gave up.”
Zari was married to Ivan for over 10 years and their union was blessed with three sons. Zari is currently married to Diamond Platnumz and the couple has two children together.
Ivan has been bedridden for the past two weeks though his condition deteriorated on Sunday; the South Africa-based Ugandan businessman suffered a stroke two weeks back and has remained in a coma since. He is being hospitalized at Steve Biko Hospital, South Africa and Zari is among the people by his sick bed.
Former South Korea president Park Geun-hye (Centre) with President Museveni and wife Janet Museveni when the former visited Uganda . She is now on trial for corruption.
South Korea’s former leader Park Geun-hye abused her power and pressured companies to pay her tens of millions of dollars in bribes, a prosecutor has told a Seoul court at the start of her corruption trial.
If found guilty of taking bribes from business leaders, including Samsung Group scion Jay Y. Lee — one of the key accusations that led to her impeachment — Ms Park faces more than 10 years in jail.
The two, who are being reunited for the first time since the scandal erupted in public in late October, did not acknowledge each other or exchange words as they entered the courtroom.
“I don’t have any occupation,” Park said when the presiding judge asked her to state her basic personal information.
Media reported Park said she did not want a jury trial.
Defendants have the right to be tried by a jury although its decision is not binding and can be changed by the presiding judge.
Many Park supporters were seen on the court grounds and at the entrance of the holding facility where Park has been held, waving the national flag and demanding her release.
The first day of the trial comes two weeks after the election of President Moon Jae-in, who promised to get tough on chaebol bosses who commit crimes.
Park was arrested on March 31, three weeks after she was removed from office by a Constitutional Court ruling and after a warrant judge decided she posed a flight risk and was likely to tamper with evidence.
Media reports said she spent her time in her prison cell awaiting trial reading the English dictionary and keeping away from the news available for inmates.
A lottery last week for 68 public seats available for the trial drew more than 500 people, most of them young people in their 20s and 30s.
Heo Go-eun, a 22-year-old university music major said she had cut her classes that day to enter the lottery.
“This will remain a page in history and I wanted to see for myself Park on trial,” said Ms Heo, adding she had participated in the candlelight rallies last year that drew millions of South Koreans to the street in peaceful protests.
Celebrated female musician, Sheebah Karungi has been castigated by fans over her live performances.
The outrage was sparked off after one of her recent live performances, where she appears struggling to perform her own songs. And fans are not taking any of this; they say her vocals during live performances are the direct opposite of her vocals on her audio songs. It’s against that background that they have now advised her to stick to lip syncing than embarrass herself through live performances.
Walz PolloSheebah cannot sing live, we got so much disappointed at Bayimba festival of the arts when she was slotted for the main stage and Apollo Kagimu one of the best reggae artist in Uganda was put on a smaller stage just because he isn’t so mainstream and the outcome? Sheebah was flatting. Seruga Titus I agree 100% this lady doesn’t practice her vocals. She needs a vocal trainer. Ugandans should also start accepting positive criticisms like these otherwise defending something we all see is not right is only an abuse of your love to the person. I personally like dancing to her music but can’t spend a coin on her show coz I know she will not sing to her best.
Some however, sympathized with Sheebah and advised her to embark on training vocals or join a church choir.
Ssebaduka Ronald Myles Naturally, she’s not a singer but a dancer. So computer does the work in studio, unfortunately she can’t carry the same computer on stage.
Apo Hillary All I see she knows her weakness so let her leave live music coz it embarrasses…live (music) is for only those with natural talent.
Kamau Andrew Chegeshe doesn’t train her vocals. She needs to train with either a choir or a band, most studios enhance the sound and help flatting musicians by recording in bits.
Diana Grace Graceful She’s not in my list of singers or vocalists….but she’s a good performer and creative…….
US POINTS MAN IN REGION: President Yoweri Museveni with his South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir
President Yoweri Museveni has urged the people of South Sudan to embrace unity for prosperity and development warning that the misuse of identity can paralyze and endanger their nation.
President Yoweri Museveni addresses delegates of the 94-member steering committee for national dialogue
“There are three problems; misuse of identity. This can paralyze and endanger any nation. Why insist on identity at the expense of other people. The issue of identity broke up Sudan,” he said at the launch of South Sudan’s National dialogue and swearing in of the steering committee members.
The President arrived in the South Sudan Capital Juba direct from Dar es Salaam where he assumed the EAC chairmanship, to attend the ceremony at the invitation of President Salva Kiir.
The launch was held at the Freedom Hall in Juba under the theme: ‘Redefining the basis of our unity and sense of common purpose through the national dialogue’.
“Yes identity is important but it can be misused. Why are you not concerned about prosperity, about common interests? Emphasizing identity and forgetting common interests is very dangerous. Our other disadvantage is backwardness in technology and science,” he said.
The President said he came to Juba to lend his support to the effort to promote dialogue for peace.
Members of the steering committee for national dialogue and other delegates at the swearing in
A 94-member steering committee for national dialogue was sworn in to start the work of bringing harmony and peace to the people of South Sudan. The committee co-chaired by H.E Molana Abel Alier and H.E Angelo Beda Bangboru comprises of distinguished members of the country including religious leaders and professionals as well as politicians. Among them is Mrs. Rebecca de Mabior, widow to fallen leader of South Sudan John Garang De Mabior.
The National dialogue initiated by President Kiir is both a forum and process through which the people South Sudan shall gather to redefine the basis of their unity as it relates to nationhood, redefine citizenship and belonging, as well as restructure the state for national inclusion.
President Museveni who was chief guest commended President Salva Kiir for initiating the national dialogue and called on the people of South Sudan to support SPLM.
“SPLM is a strong movement and has respect of the people of South Sudan that is why it won by over 99 percent. Where did you get all that support…the Dinkas, Nuer and people from Equatorial province. How can you let them down? This is very good political capital which you cannot squander, you should revive SPLM and weed out all those subversive ideas, ” he said.
The President also warned against tolerating impunity in cases of killings, rape and defilement especially by armed forces calling for strict discipline to gain the confidence of the masses.
In his speech, President Salva Kiir congratulated the committee and the secretariat for accepting the national duty and said “the people of South Sudan look up to you to help deliver peace and reconciliation among them.”
President Kiir also called upon national leaders to embrace the spirit of national unity and join the national dialogue so as to end the violence in the country.
He also declared a unilateral ceasefire to create an environment for an inclusive dialogue and to facilitate the movement of humanitarian aid to famine stricken areas.
“Declaring national dialogue was based on our belief that solutions to the internal conflict in South Sudan are within our reach and that we are ultimately responsible for resolving our internal matters. We have witnessed that imposed solutions can divide and sow seeds of hate and fear among us. It is imperative that we, as south Sudanese, take responsibility for brining lasting peace to our beloved nation,” he said.
The national dialogue shall undergo three different stages; the first phase shall largely deal with grass root consultations to map out grievances that are unique to each community. The second step will be to convene regional peace conferences and the third and final stage will be to convene national conference which will tackle the remaining issues that will not have been addressed at the subnational level as well as adoption of resolutions made.
President Kiir said that the Presidency remains committed to provide guidance and leadership through moral, political and financial support to the committee.
“As your government, we are taking charge of our country and we are taking full responsibility for ending the on-going crises, including the war, famine and economic challenges we are facing,” he said.
