CELEBRATING TRIPLETS: Celebrated popstar Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen Lasichanh
Celebrated popstar Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen Lasichanh have welcomed a set of triplets.
The musician, director and Chanel model announced that he and his wife were expecting a second child to join his eight-year-old son Rocket.
The couple’s representatives haven’t provided the names or sexes of the babies but did say that the mother and children are all ‘happy and healthy’.
Along with the arrival of the triplets, 2017 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Pharrell Williams, with the star being the first male model to front a Chanel handbag collection as well being an Academy award nominated producer for his work in Hidden Figures.
The film has already won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the SAG awards.
Pharrell is known in Uganda for his song, ‘Happy’ that went viral in 2015 with almost all of the corporate companies in the country shooting their own versions of the video.
President Museveni meets Tanzaniana President Dr. John Magufuli
President Yoweri Museveni, the newly elected First Vice Chairperson of the African Union and President John Magufuli of Tanzania have agreed to meet over talks on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Kenya and Rwanda have already signed the deal but it won’t be operational until all the East African Community member states sign the agreement, which is protested by Tanzania.
EAC Heads of State led by their chairman President John Magufuli agreed in September to push for more time, the bloc’s commitment on the deal to allow more deliberations and negotiations on the matter.
President Museveni said they needed to discuss the issue, point on point because scattering it without discussion would be a mistake.
“EPA is also about East Africans. If we scatter it without discussions, it would be a mistake. Am more worried about the unity of East Africa,” he said.
The Tanzanian parliament already voted against signing of the EPA negotiated between the EU and member states of the East African Community (EAC).
The two leaders also discussed the situation in Burundi and agreed to meet and to harmonise on how to handle the situation.
President Magufuli commended President Museveni as mediator in the Burundi peace process and Former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa as facilitator for their efforts to engage all stakeholders in dialogue.
The two leaders agreed to hold a meeting later in February ahead of the next EAC session.
PURSUE AFRICAN AGENDA: President meets Pan African MPs.
President Yoweri Museveni has urged Members of the Pan African Parliament to pursue common interests for the continent including legislating on issues such as Environmental protection and Climate Change, Trade and investment, Terrorism and security, Infrastructure etc that cut across countries.
“Even if there is no one government spearheading this, these are areas of common interest that nobody is addressing. There is no political body following these up,” he said.
President addresses the Uganda Pan African MPS
The President was yesterday meeting Uganda’s members of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) on the sidelines of the 28th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of States and Government at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
President Museveni poses for a group photo with Uganda PAP members. Standing next to him (Left) is Prof. Ogenga Latigo, while extreme right is foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa.
The PAP members included Jacqueline Amongin (NRM, Ngora), also the Leader of the PAP delegation; Prof. Ogenga Latigo (FDC, Agago North); Anifa Bangirana Kawooya (NRM, Sembabule); Felix Okot Ogong (NRM, Dokolo South) and Babirye Kadogo (Independent Buyende).
The PAP members of parliament briefed the President about the current status of business and the need to discuss the ratification of the Malabo protocol, a new structure of parliament that stipulates that members once elected to PAP relinquish their seats at the national parliament.
The members also sought from the President, government’s agenda at PAP and what their role can be beyond being Members of Parliament.
The also protested to the President the laxity by the South African government security that they faced when two of their delegations (Uganda and Senegal) where attacked in South Africa.
The PAP members called on the President to tackle the issue of Uganda’s image abroad in terms of investment and tourism potential, saying despite having some of the best programmes on the continent, Uganda is always knocked out by Rwanda and Tanzania.
The President has called a meeting of various sector ministries and stakeholders to meeting with PAP members and forge a way forward for Uganda’s more effective representation in the regional body.
President Yoweri Museveni meets Omar El Bashir of Sudan
President Yoweri Museveni, who was elected the First Vice-Chairperson of the African Union, has met a series of African leaders including Omar Al Bashir of Sudan, Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Faustin-Archange Touadéraat of the Central African Republic and Hage Geingob of Namibia.
In separate meetings held on the side-lines of the 28th Ordinary AU Summit of the Heads of State and Governments at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Museveni and the other leaders discussed issues aimed at boosting relations between their countries especially peace, security, trade and development.
The President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni interacting with the UN Secretary General HE Antonio Guterres at the African Union conference centre on Sunday 29th January 2017.
Earlier, the President had held meetings with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and later with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, President Uhuru Kenya of Kenya, President John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
The newly elected bureau of the African Union as announced by the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps comprises of Chairperson Alpha Conde, President of Guinea, First Vice-Chairperson Yoweri Museveni of Uganda; Second Vice-Chairperson Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria, Third Vice- Chairperson and Rapporteur King Mswati III of Swaziland and Idriss Deby Itno of Chad.
COMMITTED: Declaration of Outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Heads of State from across Africa have endorsed the African Declaration on Immunisation, to ensure that everyone on the continent receives the full benefits of immunization. The endorsement was issued during the 28thAfrican Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after the leaders adopted the ‘Declaration on Universal Access to Immunization in Africa’.
“We know that universal access to immunization is achievable,” noted outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, adding: “The Addis Declaration on Immunization is a historic pledge. With political support at the highest levels, we are closer than ever to ensuring that all children in Africa have an equal shot at a healthy and productive life.”
The Addis Declaration on Immunization calls for countries to increase political and financial investments in their immunization programmes. It includes 10 commitments, including increasing vaccine-related funding, strengthening supply chains and delivery systems, and making universal access to vaccines a cornerstone of health and development efforts. The full declaration can be found below.
Declaration of Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa
“Vaccines are among the most effective public health tools available,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “When children are given a healthy start, communities thrive and economies grow stronger. This show of support from Heads of State is a significant step forward in our efforts to achieve universal access to immunization and, ultimately, improve child health and drive sustainable development across Africa.”
Fewer than 15 African countries fund more than 50% of their national immunization programmes. As Africa nears polio eradication, critical funding for immunization through the polio eradication programme is expected to ramp down. Additionally, countries approaching middle-income status will transition away from Gavi support for immunization in the coming years. Consequently, governments must redouble their efforts to make universal immunization coverage a national priority.
Declaration of Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean
“As long as even one child in Africa lacks access to immunization, our work remains unfinished,” said Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “With the right mix of political will, financial resources and technical acumen, Africa can – and will – stem the tide of vaccine-preventable diseases across the continent,” Dr Alwan added.
With strong leadership and investment, increased access to immunization is within reach. For example, in 2010, Ethiopia built 16,000 new health centres, purchased 2,000 battery-free solar refrigerators for vaccine storage, and built a network of millions of health extension workers and volunteers at community level to increase access to immunization throughout the country. Since these investments were made, Ethiopia has made remarkable gains, with immunization rates soaring from 61% in 2010 to 86% in 2015.
Declaration of H.E. Professor Yifru Berhan Mitke, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health
“Immunization is one of the smartest investments a country can make in its future,” said H.E. Professor Yifru Berhan Mitke, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health. “We must do more to protect all our children from preventable diseases – not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it makes economic sense. When our children are healthy, our families, communities and countries thrive.”
The Addis Declaration on Immunization was signed by Ministers of Health and other line ministers at the Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa (MCIA) in February 2016 in Addis Ababa. MCIA was the first-ever ministerial-level gathering with a singular focus on ensuring that children across the continent can access life-saving vaccines. To guide the implementation of the ADI, a roadmap is being developed in close collaboration with the WHO offices in the African Region and Eastern Mediterranean Region, the African Union Commission and immunization partners.
Declaration of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance board
“African leaders are showing outstanding leadership by endorsing this landmark commitment which will allow more African children to be reached with life-saving vaccines no matter where they live,” said Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance board. “We must now ensure that the commitments translate into sustainable financing for immunization. Gavi stands ready to support African countries in their efforts to implement equitable health approaches and maintain strong immunization coverage so we can create together a more prosperous future for communities across our continent.”
One in five children in Africa still does not receive basic life-saving vaccines
While Africa has made impressive gains over the last 15 years toward increasing access to immunization, progress has stagnated, and the continent is falling behind on meeting global immunization targets. One in five children in Africa still does not receive basic life-saving vaccines and, as a result, vaccine-preventable diseases continue to claim too many lives. Measles alone accounts for approximately 61,000 preventable deaths in the African region every year.
RECRUITING UGANDAN VOTERS? Teso South MP Mary Emaase of Kenya.
A Kenyan Member of Parliament from the ruling coalition, Jubilee Alliance, has evaded arrest after she reportedly came to Uganda to recruit voters for her party ahead of the her country’s General Elections scheduled for August this year.
Kenyan media, quoting Uganda Police Bukedi regional spokesman, Sowali Kamulya, said Mary Emaase, the Teso South MP (Kenya) was found registering voters and campaigning in Amagoro village, Buteba Sub-County, of Busia district in Uganda.
“Police got information that she was campaigning in that area but as soon as she sighted them, she managed to escape back to Kenya but police managed to arrest her bodyguard,” Kamulya is quoted by the Daily Nation, adding: “It is a crime to recruit voters and campaign in a foreign country.”
The MP’s bodyguard No. 86019 PC Geoffrey Atwaine was arrested and disarmed, pending his release, the media said.
However, Emaase said it was propaganda meant to discredit her after opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) top officials took to social media to raise the matter saying the MP was in a Ugandan police cell awaiting extradition by the Kenyan government.
It should be recalled that tribes at the border regions between Uganda and Kenya are closely inter-related, with the Itesot from both countries having the same cultural leader Emorimor Augustine Osuban.
READY TO DELIVER: Judges of the EACJ First Instance Division in Court. They are set to make a judgment in the case of former Speaker Margaret Zziwa against the EAC Secretary General.
The East Africa First Instance Division will on Friday February 3, deliver a judgement in the case filed by Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa against the Secretary General of the East African Community.
Former EALA Speaker Margeret Nantongo Zziwa
In the case Hon. Zziwa alleges that the process of her removal from the Office of EALA Speaker was illegal and an infringement of Articles 53 and 56 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
Hon. Zziwa was the then elected Speaker of the EALA, after her impeachment, the Assembly elected Hon. Daniel Kidega as the Speaker for EALA up to date.
The Court heard the court oral evidence from witnesses for both parties’ witnesses (the Applicant and Respondent) from July 26 to 29 2016. Also court heard oral highlights of written submissions by counsels for the parties on November 21, 2016 that concluded the hearing of the case.
The judgment will be delivered by Judges of the First Instance Division: Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Justice Isaac Lenaola (Deputy Principal Judge), Dr. Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, Justice Fakihi A. Jundu and Justice Audace Ngiye.
On February 15, the Appellate Division will also resume sessions which will go up to February 28, 2017. Only four appeals will come up before the Court for scheduling conferences and hearing. All appeals will be brought before Judges of the Appellate Division: Dr. Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja (President), Justice Liboire Nkurunziza (Vice President), Justice Edward Rutakangwa, Justice Aaron Ringera, and Geoffrey Kiryabwire.
On February 28, the First Instance Division, will again continue with the sessions up to March 30, 2017. A number of cases will come up for hearing, scheduling conferences and delivery of rulings and judgments. These include five hearings, four scheduling conferences, two rulings, one judgment and two other matters.
The Court seats for a month every quarter due to the ad-hoc nature service of the Judges. Currently the President and the Principal Judge of the court are the only resident Judges in Arusha, other Judges come only when there are sessions or other court business.
All matters will be in open Court 2nd Floor EACJ wing.
Troops loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar have engaged the SPLA in Pagak town.
Fresh clashes broke out around South Sudan’s second-largest city of Malakal on Tuesday, a rebel spokesman and a government official said, the latest turn in the struggle for the capital of the oil-producing Upper Nile region.
The United Nations said Malakal, on the banks of the White Nile near the country’s northern border with Sudan, was largely deserted after civilians fled the fighting.
“The rebels had been trying to provoke the SPLA all this time because the SPLA has been given instruction not to wage offensives against the rebel forces,” said military spokesman Colonel Santo Domic Chol, using the acronym for the military, known as the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.
“This is in line with the call by the president for the national dialogue,” he added, referring to a presidential directive on dealing with the rebels.
But rebel spokesman William Gatjiath Deng said government troops launched several attacks on rebel positions.
“In the fight this morning, [the] Juba regime suffered heavy losses in human and material, as bodies of the Juba regime soldiers lie everywhere,” he said in a press statement.
Neither Chol nor Deng had casualty figures.
Civil war broke out in 2013 in South Sudan after President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his deputy president, Riek Machar, from the Nuer ethnic group.
An internationally brokered cease-fire returned Machar to his position but broke down in July after a gunfight between the two sides in the capital. Machar and some of his fighters fled the country on foot in August, pursued by helicopter gunships.
Sporadic fighting between the rebels and government forces broke out in Malakal a week ago, forcing officials to close the airport. On Friday, Chol said that 10 rebels had been killed in fighting in Ditang, near Malakal.
The area around the city is a stronghold of Johnson Olony, a militia leader from the Shilluk ethnic group who was appointed an army general when he agreed to join the government in 2013. In April 2015, he announced he was deserting the military to join the rebels.
The civil war has driven more than 3 million people from their homes.
All similes, Mr. Lawrence Mulindwa, St. Mary's Kitende proprietor.
St. Mary’s Kitende Secondary School has emerged as the top performer in the 2016, Uganda Certificate of Education results released on Tuesday January 31, 2017.
The school registered 430 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) students in Division One, with over 15 students scoring eight aggregates in eight subjects.
The remaining two students passed with Division Two grades.
Kitende’s John Atem Aguer, scored 8 in 8 subjects.
St. Mary’s Kitende proprietor, Lawrence Mulindwa was in a jovial mood when EagleOnline asked him what makes him and his school standout of the rest when it comes to producing the top brains in the country.
“I am extremely happy that we have upheld our position and to my students;thank you for flying the Kitende flag high. We will always be known by our works and indeed here we are” Mr. Mulindwa told EagleOnline.
Kitende has now been at the helm of academic excellence in both ordinary and advanced levels for close to a decade and half.
Another Kitende star, Caleb Busingye who got 9 in 8 subjects.
The other school that closely followed is the little known The Academy of St. Lawrence located in the Budo suburb of Wakiso. The school surprised the ‘big and traditional giant’ schools when it emerged second to St. Mary’s Kitende to claim for the number two slot as per Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) rankings.
Edmond Mugabe who got 8 in 8 from Kitend
Seeta High, Green Campus located on Kayunga road in Mukono Municipality came in a third place. Seeta High Green Campus is a sister school to the two Seetas, one in Seeta and another in Mbalala, all owned by High Education Minister John Chrysostom Muyingo.
Ntare and St. Mt. Mary’s Namagunga are among the few traditional schools did perform well in the 2016 UCE exams.
The Uganda National Examinations Board has released the 2016 Uganda Certificate of Education results, indicating a slight drop in performance compared to 2015.
Frankline Nyangara also got 8 aggregates in 8 subjects from Kitende.
In the results released by Education Minister, Janet Kataha Museveni, 23,489 students passed in Division I, 44,307 passed in Division II, 63,072 passed in Division III, 142,479 passed in Division IV while 41,632 were ungraded.
When singer Ibrahim Mayanja aka Bigeye broke up with his ex, Don Zella, word began making rounds that he had replaced her with a singer Sasha Brighton. However, Sasha Brighton yesterday put the two-year rumour to an end by denying the allegations.
“Am not Bigeye’s gal friend!! I live a single life……..” she clarified yesterday.
Celebrated radio presenter, Isaac Katende popularly known as Kasuku said her statement must have come out of fear for witchcraft though he didn’t categorically state the person she was afraid of.
But it ought to be remembered that Sasha has also been linked to singer Geoffrey Lutaya’s son, Jovan Luzinda.
Sasha and Jovan are both in the same music group, De Nu Eagles, which is owned by the older Lutaya.
Bigeye and Zella broke-up over a year ago after being together for a very long time. Zella is currently in the US and back to her ex whom she had left for Bigeye. Zella and Bigeye have a child together.
