Court has granted bail to three embattled former officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA); Dorothy Kisaka, David Luyimbazi, and Daniel Okello following charges linked to the August 10^, 2024, Kiteezi landfill disaster. The tragedy claimed 35 lives and left 21 others injured.

The court set cash bail of Shs5 million Ugandan for each of the accused, while their sureties are to execute a non-cash bond of 100 million shillings. Additionally, the former KCCA officials are required to surrender their original passports and are prohibited from leaving Uganda without prior court approval. The case has been adjourned until November 26.

Prominent media analyst Andrew Mwenda has criticized the arrests, suggesting that they serve more as a placatory measure than a genuine effort to address underlying issues.

Mwenda contends that the real cause of the disaster lies in the government’s persistent underfunding of waste management and its neglect of Kampala’s infrastructure.

According to KCCA, the Kiteezi landfill had long exceeded its capacity. Despite repeated requests from the authority for funds to decommission the site, no action was taken, leaving the landfill in a critical state.

However, a report by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) implicated two Kampala ministers and the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, in the Kiteezi Landfill disaster. The report attributed part of the blame to the ministers, citing lapses in oversight and poor management of the waste disposal crisis at Kiteezi, which has put residents’ health and safety at risk.

The COSASE report specifically highlights the ministers’ failure to address the longstanding waste management issues at Kiteezi, allowing the situation to escalate into a disaster. Furthermore, PSST Ggoobi is held accountable for withholding funds necessary for decommissioning the Kiteezi Landfill, a critical step in resolving the waste management problems. Despite repeated calls for intervention, the funds were allegedly withheld, causing delays in closing the site and exacerbating the hazardous conditions.

The Kiteezi Landfill disaster has been a ticking time bomb, with the site reaching its capacity as far back as 2015. The tragedy has claimed dozens of lives and highlighted the grave shortcomings of the government’s waste management and governance.

The former KCCA officials have since been arrested, charged, and remanded to Luzura prison until November 4, 2024. They face allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and environmental regulation violations contributing to the disaster.

The COSASE report’s findings sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and urgent reforms in Uganda’s waste management sector. As the investigation continues, the nation awaits justice for the lives lost and affected by the Kiteezi landfill disaster.

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The Minister of State for Animal Industry  Bright Rwamirama has today  launched the state-of-the-art heavy-duty animal feed production, harvesting and manufacturing machinery at NAGRC&DB’s Entebbe-based livestock experimental station (LES ).

The machines include heavy-duty agriculture tractors, tipper trailers(10-tonne) capacity, heavy-duty primary disc harrows, heavy-duty secondary disc harrows, heavy-duty precision low planters, long-range boom sprayers, forage harvesters, poultry haulage trucks, animal feed distribution trucks, and animal haulage trucks among others. 

Uganda currently faces a growing high demand for quality pasture and value-added animal feed. This demand is fueled by a growing population that majorly depends on livestock as a source of food and income. 

The new machinery comes as a stitch in time when the agency is implementing the presidential directive on  Food and animal feed security. In 2022, the cabinet tasked NAGRC&DB with boosting the production of maize and soybeans using 30,000 acres of land that makes up a fraction of the agency’s land.

However according to the agency’s management, , among the key challenges they have been previously grappling with is hiring expensive machinery to use in  bush clearing which has always been costly especially during rainy seasons. 

Government through its various programs such as the Parish Development Model, envisions having a competitive, productive, and sustainable agriculture sector through agricultural commercialization. 

NAGRC&DB management hopes that with the help of the launched modern machinery, the agency will be able to leverage modern agricultural technologies over traditional means that will assist it in value addition and boosting production of animal feed benefiting not only the agency’s farms and ranches but also the neighboring communities. 

Through consistent and sustainable agriculture innovation and mechanization, the government will be making agriculture more attractive to youth that  make up the majority of Uganda’s population making them key players under the Parish Development Model.

As a government agency charged with livestock development and breeding activities, NAGRC operates fifteen regionally distributed center farms and ranches, including Rubona Stock Farm in Bunyangabu, Maruzi Ranch in Apac, Aswa Ranch in Pader and Lamwo, Got Apwoyo Ranch in Nwoya, Kasolwe Stock Farm in Kamuli, Njeru Stock Farm in Buikwe, Lusenke Stock Farm in Kayunga, Bulago Stock Farm in Bulambuli, the Livestock Experimentation Station, and the National Bull Stud in Entebbe, Ruhengyere Ranch in Kiruhura, the National Poultry and Piggery Development Centre in Wakiso, Nshaara Ranch in Kiruhura, and Sanga Stock Farm in Kiruhura. Each of these facilities has specific livestock production and breeding objectives aimed at producing superior breeding stock accessible to farming communities at subsidized rates. 

The above facilities have been instrumental in the progress of the NRM manifesto as they facilitate the use of AI and other assistant reproductive technologies for better breeding outcomes in communities. 

Since genetic improvement can not succeed without animal nutrition, nagrc&db is heavily producing animal feeds (silage, hay and compounded animal feeds) for subsidized access by farmers across the country. To ensure effective adoption of Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs), all the 15 animal breeding centers serve as skilling and training centers designed to equip  farmers with all the know-how needed to succeed at whichever livestock enterprise they choose. 

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One of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda’s (CCBU) Official Coca-Cola Distributors (OCCDs) marked its significant growth as a business partner by inaugurating new premises.

Bronze Logistics, an OCCD based in Kazo, Bwaise, has moved from a rented 116m 2 warehouse to a self-owned 500m 2 facility.

“Our partnership with Bronze Logistics shows what can be achieved when vision meets opportunity. This new warehouse sets the stage for greater efficiency and allows Bronze Logistics to meet growing customer demand,” said CCBU General Manager Melkamu Abebe during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“At CCBU we aim to create value for all our stakeholders – communities, consumers, customers, suppliers, employees, government and shareholders.

“Our goal is to help our partners grow sustainably while delivering excellent service that ensures product availability. Our Route-to-Market strategy is all about ensuring a smooth flow of products from production to final consumption,” said Abebe.

Bronze Logistics became an OCCD in late 2023 and has quickly demonstrated exceptional growth while maintaining CCBU’s world-class standards.

This transformation was made possible through CCBU's ongoing support. The company facilitated access to credit, provided training for sales staff and accelerated the distributor’s digital capabilities that enable real-time tracking and operational data.

“What started as a small operation has grown beyond our expectations. The support and capacity-building from CCBU have allowed us to dream bigger. With this new warehouse and advanced digital tools, we are ready to serve more customers and become a leading distributor in the region,” said Geoffrey Kisitu, proprietor of Bronze Logistics.

Bronze Logistics is on track to surpass its 2024 targets. Its improved capacity and digital readiness reflect how modern warehousing can unlock greater business potential.

“With over 96 OCCDs across Uganda, CCBU’s focus remains on empowering partners to reach new heights. Through continuous capability building, operational support and an unwavering commitment to customer-centricity, CCBU strives to partner for growth with all our distributors,” said Abebe.

CCBA is the 8th largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 720,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. The group was formed in July 2016 after the successful combination of the southern and east Africa bottling operations of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages businesses of The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments. CCBA shareholders are currently: The Coca-Cola Company 66.5% and Gutsche Family Investments 33.5%. CCBA operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi.

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President Yoweri Museveni has pledged Shs1 billion towards the completion of the All Saints Cathedral Nakasero. Museveni said while consecrating the All Saints Cathedral.

In 2011, Christian embarked on the construction of the 5,000-seat cathedral to accommodate the increasing numbers of believers in Kampala.

The multi-billion-dollar project includes four chapels, a 45-meter bell tower, offices for the Bishop of Kampala Diocese and the Parish, two-level underground parking, a coffee centre, and a library.

Archbishop Samuels Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu estimates that the project will cost more than Shs26 billion. Last month, Kaziimba said they still need Shs6 billion to fully complete the cathedral, particularly for the exterior, after they sunk in Shs18 billion.

“I discussed with Mama Janet Museveni, and we asked ourselves, what have we done towards the construction of this church? We have resolved that from our cows, not from the government budget, we contribute Shs100 million. That is our own money,” he said.

“Since I was elected as the president, I will use that authority in the coming budget to contribute Shs1 billion,” he said.

He congratulated the church for being part of the interreligious council, an association that brings together all religious organisations in Uganda.

“I want this to percolate down to the whole society so that you judge people by what they do, not denominations, that is to say, where they worship, “he said.

Museveni also offered a brand-new car to the newly concreted 5^th Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, Rev. Fredrick Jackson Baalwa.

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Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), have urged stakeholders in the mining sector to focus on protecting investors in order to unlock Uganda’s mineral wealth.

Nakalema cited numerous complaints of fraud and other challenges faced by investors, highlighting the need for collective action.

“Today’s meeting is pivotal for Uganda’s mining sector. We must address challenges, seize opportunities, and promote responsible mineral sourcing practices,” Nakalema said.

SHIPU has registered several complaints related to fraud in gold trade and is working with anti-corruption agencies to address these concerns. Nakalema proposed government incentives for responsible mineral sourcing practices, investor protection, and elevating Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining.

Moses Kaggwa, Director Economic Affairs, revealed plans to grow Uganda’s economy ten-fold to $500 billion in 10-15 years, with minerals playing a key role.

“We have identified areas that will propel this growth, including Agro-industrialisation, Tourism, Minerals and Gas, and Science/Knowledge Economy,” Kaggwa said.

The government has established the Uganda Mining Company to act as the country’s investment arm in the mining sector.

“A law has been passed to ensure orderly exploitation of our resources,” Kaggwa assured.

Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, emphasized the need for Uganda to do things differently to achieve ten-fold economic growth.

“We must add value to our products, have technology and a leading plan,” Muvawala said.

Commissioner Mining Agnes Alaba noted Uganda’s rich mineral potential and the need for increased exploration. “We are prioritizing policies, regulations, and laws to regulate the mining sector,” Alaba said.

Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a Government Policy Analyst, advocated for a mining school to train technical skills and expertise. “Ugandans want their lives changed and jobs increased,” Karyeija said. “Mineral wealth should be public wealth, not personal wealth.”

CP James Ruhweza, Deputy Director of Operations Services, Uganda Police, pledged continued cooperation to protect the sector. ACP Tusingirwe Julius Caesar, Commander Police Mineral Protection Unit, noted concerns over fraud cases, particularly in gold trade.

Fred Sapong, CEO of Ghana’s Oheneba Poku Foundation, advised Uganda to adopt strict regulations, similar to Ghana’s, to prevent fraud and ensure transparency. “In Ghana, gold traders are registered, transactions are through banks, and everyone in the value chain is covered,” Sapong said.

Patricia Gulyetonda, Bank of Uganda Reserves and Investment Management Head, assured stakeholders of the Central Bank’s dedication to regulating the sector.

Humfrey Asiimwe, CEO Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, thanked Nakalema for organizing the meeting. “This is a step in the right direction,” Asiimwe said.

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