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Unregistered Sim Cards stop functioning at midnight – Airtel boss

By
Badru Kasadah
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TO SWITCH OFF UNREGISTERED SIM CARDS: Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Anwar Soussa

Following a directive by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Airtel Uganda will deactivate all pre-activated and non-registered SIM cards by midnight.

“At Airtel we follow strict KYC compliance guidelines as set by the regulator; and therefore we will implement the directive issued by UCC. We will provide all necessary support as required by our regulator to ensure that the security of the country is not compromised,” Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Anwar Soussa said in a release.

Earlier in the day UCC Executive Director Godfrey Mutabazi had issued a directive ordering all telecommunication companies to switch off all unregistered sim cards.

This followed complaints from police, accusing the body of hampering their work since many criminals were reportedly using unregistered sim cards to carry out their heinous acts.

 

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Sheebah Karungi denied visa to Europe

By
Badru Kasadah
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'IN ACTION': Sheebah Karungi

Songstress Sheebah Karungi is not a very happy woman at the moment after being denied entry into Europe.
Information reaching our desk indicates that Sheebah was denied a visa to Denmark and the Netherlands where she was meant to perform during the Easter Period.

However, we have been told by a promoter in the Scandinavians that it’s expensive hiring the services of a foreign musician. Indeed, a source told EagleOnline that it is very expensive to legally fly a Ugandan musician to Europe yet in most cases the attendances are always dismal since only Ugandans turn up.

So normally, Ugandan musicians usually travel as visitors, visiting ‘relatives and friends’ and when they successfully make it there, that’s when they end up in bars as musicians.
According to the source, Sheebah was to be smuggled to Europe as a visitor to a one Eddie Bukenya, who had been paid by a music promoter in Netherlands, a one Eddie Lule of Mambo Entertains.

When Bukenya contacted Sheebah’s management, they reached an agreement and was given an advance payment.
But in the course of applying for her visa, one of her managers, Allan Kiwa insisted he had to travel with them lest she wasn’t going anywhere. He was given a green light to travel with her but sadly the two failed to convince the embassy officials. Their documents were thrown into the bin.
However, we’ve learnt that they aren’t alone; Rema Namakula and Irene Ntale too had been lined up to perform in Netherlands during the Easter season. However, Rema was also denied a visa.

By press time it was not possible to get comment from either Sheebah or Rema however, since there are over 10 days left to Easter, we hope this will be sorted out. We’ll keep you posted on any new developments.

 

 

 

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Iganga district pioneers ordinance for PWDs

By
Francisco Adongo
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Iganga-RDC-Ms-Muhindo-hands-over-the-Ordinance-to-Ms-Kayanga-black-dotted-dress-at-Iganga-District-council-hall-recently

Iganga has become the first district in Uganda to implement the Local Governments Ordinance, 2013 that ensures that the rights and inclusiveness of Persons with Disabilities are adhered to.

The formulation of the Ordinance, a brainchild of Integrated Disabled Women’s Activities (IDIWA) is supported by Independent Development Fund (IDF), Disability Rights Fund (DRF), Human Rights Network (HURINET – Uganda) and Iganga District Local Government.

The Ordinance emphasizes aspects of health, education, finance, accessibility, production and marketing among many other crucial areas that have for long affected the social and economic empowerment of People with Disabilities.

Speaking at the launch of IDIWA’s Good Governance Project, the Resident District Commissioner Iganga Ms Pulkeria Muhindo hailed the organization (IDIWA) for initiating the ordinance that aims to empower and protect the rights of People with Disabilities.

“We already have a disability policy in place which protects you. Break the stigma and join women groups to benefit from government programmes like the Women Fund and Operation Wealth Creation,” the RDC said.

In 2014, the national population census put Iganga’s population at 53,870 with 12.4 percent of this population is disabled. Muhindo said this was a big number and urged district leaders to support IDIWA in the implementation of the ordinance.

She asked the political and technical leadership in the district to support IDIWA in the ‘immediate implementation of the Ordinance’.

IDIWA is leading a collaborative effort to end discrimination and ensure equal rights to Persons with Disabilities in Busoga sub region.

The Executive Director of IDIWA, Ms Elizabeth Kayanga said at the launch that her organization is leading a collaborative effort to end discrimination and ensure equal rights to Persons with Disabilities in Busoga sub region.

“We influenced the Iganga Local Government, Persons with Disabilities Ordinance, 2013 through an intensive, engaging and consultative process involving all stakeholders, making Iganga the pioneer in legal reform and domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the local level in Uganda.

It is important to note that the Ordinance works in synergy with the Constitution of Uganda, Disability Act and other related legal frameworks on disability,” Ms. Kayanga said.

She said that IDIWA worked with Iganga District Local Government to develop the District Policy on Disability, 2013 which provides guidelines for implementation of Ordinance and mainstreaming disability in local government planning and budgeting, to ensure inclusive service delivery.

She underscored the baseline report which presents findings of the survey on implementation of Iganga PWD Ordinance, 2013 and its effect on provision of social services to PWDs in Iganga District.

The Overall rating on key aspects of the baseline indicates that there is partial improvement in access to education and health services among PWDs in Iganga District where IDIWA is working, compared to the situation before the enactment of the Ordinance.

There is gradual improvement on knowledge about the relevance of the PWDs ordinance, which has made some positive contribution in terms of sensitizing the public to support the rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Ms Kayanga observed that there are glaring gaps in the delivery of health services to people with disabilities in Iganga district. There are no sign language interpreters, most health centres still lack adjustable delivery beds, and Sexual Reproductive Health Services generally do not address the unique needs of PWDs.

There is also lack of scholastic materials for Children with Disabilities, specially trained teachers and access facilities, hence perpetuating low retention of learners with disabilities in school.

 

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Poverty has deterred environmental conservation efforts – UPC

By
Geoffery Serugo
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UPC (Akena faction) Spokesperson Michael Osinde Orach. Photo/chimpreports

The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) spokesperson Michael Osinde Orach has implored government to sensitise the public about environmental conservation in Uganda.

According to Mr Osinde Orach, poverty and unemployment have characterised Uganda in the past 30 years President Yoweri Museveni has been in power, forcing people to ignore environmental conservation efforts.

“That is why most people have resorted to exploiting nature to meet their present needs yet nothing has been done to check the population growth in  Uganda,” he said.

Mr. Osinde Orach said the population pressure had resulted into deforestation and land reclamation, which resulted into the recent drought that the country is experiencing.

“Therefore the state and its organizations responsible for conserving the environment should check itself  even though they are infiltrated with corruption,” Mr. Osinde Orach said, adding: “instead of conserving, they connive with rich officials to destroy forests and reclaim swamps with land titles provided.”

Further, Mr Osinde Orach said that many forests have been cleared “by the so called investors to grow sugarcane’ but that the price of sugar manufactured in Uganda remains higher compared to the imported  sugar.”

Quoting a recent report by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Authority, Mr Osinde Orach said 80 per cent of the youth do not save, in the process negatively impacting on economic growth.

“The youth should invest in agriculture other than betting, accessing smartphones and staying online every single day,” Mr. Osinde Orach added.

 

 

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UCC gives ultimatum, to switch off unregistered sim cards

By
Badru Kasadah
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Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Eng Godfrey Mutabazi.

Following a complaint from the Uganda Police, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced it is to switch off all unregistered sim cards today.

Addressing the media today, UCC Executive Director Godfrey Mutabazi has said unregistered sim cards will be switched off at midnight.

“All pre-activated and non-registered SIM Cards MUST be deactivated by Midnight, of March 29, 2017,” he said, adding that those previously registered won’t be affected immediately.
“Those who had previously registered fully shall be given more time to submit the required documents for verification,” Mr. Mutabazi said. The directive has come just hours following a complaint from police.
Addressing journalists on Monday, police spokesperson, Asan Kasingye said UCC should switch off all unregistered Simcards, saying they are causing a hitch in pursuing criminals.

“Why do we still have unregistered numbers? Those numbers should be cut off. The criminals drop the telephone lines after using them for criminal activities,” Kasingye said.

It has been reported that prior to his murder, slain police spokesman, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Felix Kaweesi had earlier received death threats from a mobile phone whose Simcard was unregistered.

 

 

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Stanbic Bank announces 2016 Financial Year Results

By
Badru Kasadah
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HEALTHY GROWTH FIGURES: Patrick-Mweheire-Stanbic-Bank-Chief-Executive-Officer

Stanbic Bank Uganda has released details for the 2016 Financial Year, reporting record figures for the second successful year and reaffirming its position as Uganda’s leading bank.

“2016 was another record year for the bank, reflecting our intense client-focus and solid performance across our businesses. We had double-digit growth in deposits and showed expense discipline while continuing to invest for the future. Building upon the strength and depth of our platform, we continued to deepen relationships with personal and institutional clients and achieved higher customer satisfaction scores throughout the year,” Patrick Mweheire, the Chief Executive commented on the results.

According to Mr. Mwehrirwe, the key to Stanbic’s performance was meticulous planning for the cycle.

“The Ugandan economy does work in cycles closely aligned to the election calendar and 2016 reflected the pressures we tend to see around election time – high inflation expectations, a heightened interest rate environment and ultimately subdued credit growth,” Mr. mweheirwe said, adding: “As a bank, we understand the opportunities and risks embedded in these cycles and have been very deliberate in fortifying our revenues by building a diversified business model that appropriately positions us to withstand the shocks associated with adverse changes in economic performance.”

“This is the major reason why our revenues and earnings have grown consistently in recent years notwithstanding the industry-wide spike in NPL’s driven by the high-interest rate environment. You will note that Non-interest revenue which is not susceptible to interest rate fluctuations represents over 40% of our total revenues,” Mweheire said.

Beyond the figures, Mweheire talked about the contribution the bank makes to the country’s economic development, highlighting the role Stanbic plays in enabling business growth.

“Stanbic drives transformation of the economy by facilitating trade activities at all levels, providing affordable credit finance and supporting the national developmental priorities as the Governments leading commercial bank lender,” he said.

He cited the example of the Karuma Dam loan deal signed in June 2016, in which Stanbic Bank led a consortium of banks that swapped USD 645 Million of the 1.3 Billion USD debt, fixing the interest rate on this portion of the loan for its remaining 15-year duration. According to the Ministry of Finance, the move has helped the Government achieve its goal of improved fiscal discipline and saved the country from significant future interest rate risk.

Looking to the rest of 2017 Mweheire stated that the Ugandan economy will build momentum on the back of renewed Oil and Gas spend. “There is opportunity for good, rational and thoughtful policy decisions to be implemented which can support local businesses and create jobs for Ugandans across the income spectrum. As Uganda’s leading bank we are well positioned to play our part in actively supporting this process,” Mweheire said.

In his concluding remarks, Mweheire thanked all stakeholders especially customers and employees for helping the bank achieve such extraordinary results and remain resilient in such challenging times.

“Your trust and support have been unwavering. While some macro-economic headwinds remain in 2017, I am encouraged about the potential momentum that Oil and Gas spend might provide to spark economic growth.  We will continue to invest in innovation and technology, infrastructure and talent- crucial for protecting the bank and customers and for our growth.  The bank is getting safer and stronger each year.  We will continue to adjust our competitive strategy to the new world and see exciting opportunities ahead to invest and contribute to the transformation of lives in our communities,” he said.

 

 

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Mombasa Governor interrogated over academic papers

By
Agencies
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OF TO DCI: Joho accompanied by his lawyer James Orengo, a host of ODM leaders from the Coastal region and hundreds of supporters to the DCI offices

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is currently being grilled at Mombasa CID Headquarters meeting detectives over forgery claims of his academic papers.

Joho was accompanied by his lawyer James Orengo, a host of ODM leaders from the Coastal region and hundreds of supporters to the DCI offices.

Anti-riot police barricade roads leading to the DCI in Mombasa. Photos/Tuko.co.ke

All roads leading to the office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations were barricaded by armed GSU and riot police officers who blocked the media and Joho’s supporters from accessing the area.

Joho has maintained he sat his KCSE in 1993 and scored a D- but investigators are interested in a 1992 KCSE certificate bearing Joho’s name which was used to enroll him into Nairobi University. The whole scandal has been politicised with claims he is being harassed by the government due to his run-ins with the president.

On Tuesday, March 28, a visibly agitated Joho pointed fingers at Jubilee and government agencies of frustrating him.

The ODM deputy leader also revealed that the government already investigated the schools where he attended in nursery and primary education level.

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Bantu Production brings new flavour to Uganda’s entertainment industry

By
Badru Kasadah
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AT HOME: Timothy Kizito in the Bantu Productions studio

Uganda’s music industry has received a big boost thanks Bantu Productions Uganda, an affiliate of Bantu Productions Inc, US.

Buka, Kudzie and Maro

Boasting of the latest sound and visual technologies, the label already has musicians signed to its name including Buka Chimney and Kendie Kudzie, a Zimbabwean. The two form the duo that goes under the name Bantu Clan.

Still in its initial stages, the group is already attracting global attention and their latest song with Maro, ‘Dance With Me’, has played on BBC Xtra and RFI, France. Locally, the song is enjoying fair airplay since its premiere last week at Amnesia.

Speaking to Eagleonline, the duo said they see themselves becoming Africa’s biggest music export in five years’ time. Kendie sings in Tshona and English while Buka sings in English, Lusoga, Luganda and Kiswahili.

The Bantu Productions studio

Originally a gospel group, it has now ventured into other genres,  currently doing reggae, hip hop and Rn’B.

“When we did something with Maro, we felt like we needed to do more,” said Buka on their switch from gospel music.

Similar to Bantu Clan, Bantu Production began as a production house for gospel music but has since opened doors to secular artistes.

“Bantu Pro Inc & Bantu Pro Uganda is geared to improve production in Uganda this 2017 so this week it’s sending one of its best Henry Karis to reorganize the production house and build one in Kenya after we will send one of the best keyboard player/producer/sound doctor Christian Kennedy to teach us sound combinations, mixing, production and mastering!” said Bantu Productions CEO, Timothy Kizito, who is based in the US.

With a rich experience in music having been among the founders of Kasiwukira records, Kizito has already sent a sound expert, Henry Kariuki, to Bantu Productions Uganda.

Kariuki, formerly working with Capitol Records and 20th Century boasts of expertise in sound engineering.

He is also a fine pianist, guitarist and vocalist boasting of having featured in Hollywood Blockbuster, ‘Rise of the Planet of Apes’.

Kariuki has been in the California, US with Kizito, and has also worked with Misele and Ugandan music group Limit X. He studied IT at California State University.

Some of the artistes who have produced their works from Bantu Productions include Bennie Gunter, Gagmel, Diamond Oscar and Maro.

 

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Big Brother Naija: TBoss, Debie-Rise, Bally & Marvis up for eviction

By
Badru Kasadah
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The Big Brother Nigeria 2017 Housemates at the beginning of the show.

Palpable tension may have returned to the Big Brother Naija house as today’s fresh nominations put TBoss, Debie-Rise, Bally, and Marvis up for eviction, just less than 24 hours after the trio of Bally, TBoss and Debbie-Rise narrowly escaped eviction.

The house also experienced a rare change in leadership as Bisola became victorious in this week’s head of house contest, after over 78 days of anticipation and several botched attempts at clinching the house leadership.

Bisola replaces Efe, who was the immediate past ultimate head of House and was unfortunately nominated for eviction but was saved by Bisola, the new queen of the house.

Meanwhile, today’s nomination jolted some of the housemates as they all sobered, with eviction fever making them sit back and re-think their strategies.

For embattled Debie-Rise and TBoss, synergy appears to be the working strategy as both openly canvassed for voters’ support. Recall that both of them have been up for eviction back to back in the last two weeks.

What has become of the usual fun and excitement that the Big Brother Naija house is known for? Will the housemates get over this eviction fever and pick up the lives that viewers know them for?

Meanwhile, Bisola remains the only housemate that is yet to be formally nominated for eviction. Efe, the proverbial cat with nine lives, may have found favour before the new queen in the house.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, while on stage, said one of the newly nominated housemates will have to go home by Sunday. Will the voters will be influenced by the plea for votes by TBoss and Debie-Rise? Will Bally survive another eviction just a few days after he escaped possible eviction?

The ninth eviction show is on Sunday, 1 April, 2017. To save your favorite housemate, viewers in Nigeria should text the word “Vote” followed by the housemate’s name to 32052.

While for the rest of Africa, follow the AfricaMagictv official account on WeChat and click on the menu option ‘BBNaija’ and select your preferred housemate.

 

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Take heed of Janet Museveni’s advice on school-reporting time, boda bodas

By
Julius Mwesigye
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DANGEROUS: A boda boda cyclist carrying 4 school-going children

It should have been a directive! The advice given to teachers by the Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataha Museveni to review the school-reporting time with a view to sticking to the relatively-agreeable 8am, and the advice the First Lady gave to parents to stop using boda bodas to transport their children to school could have come a bit late but should all the same be lauded.

Over the past two decades, a lot of changes have been experienced in the education sector, notable among them the mushrooming of private schools following liberalization.

This single development gave rise to unprecedented standards and academics competition, mostly at the kindergarten and primary school levels, with the new schools trying to outwit each other, and also trying to outwit the traditional schools like Buganda Road, Kitante and Nakasero primary schools.

Since that advent, our young school-going children’s lives have changed; the toddlers report to school at 6am and go back home at 4pm, while their older colleagues have to brave the whole day at school.

As a result, it is not surprising to visit some of these schools in the morning at around 9am and one finds almost a whole classroom of toddlers dozing off; they simply can’t handle the pressure of waking up before 5am and then manage to stay awake during the early hours of the morning!

And then turning to the boda bodas, some parents, because of trying to ‘save’ time, have resorted to hiring boda boda riders to take their children to school. All the while, without a care in the world as to how the rider behaves on the road!

It is common knowledge that boda bodas are the leading cause of road accidents and, at the ‘best’ many a rider and passenger have had limbs amputated, while those not so lucky have died! Actually, it is not surprising to find a rider carrying four kids on the motorcycle, in the process exposing them to the perils of the road. The question then begs: why would a parent knowingly expose his/her child to such danger?

It is against such a background that the First Lady’s advice be taken seriously and if need be even be made a directive.

We need these children alive!

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