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Uganda receives 300 South Sudan refugees from DRC

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Our Reporter and Agencies
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South Sudan refugees getting food aid at Bidi Bidi camp in Yumbe District, Uganda. Photo credit/WFP/Henry Bongyerirwe

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have handed over 300 South Sudanese refugees who lacked humanitarian needs to the government of Uganda for better management.

The South Sudanese had sought refuge in DRC, but lack of resources and poor governance systems prompted Congolese authorities to hand them over to Uganda, under the care of the United nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Famed for her compassionate refugee policy, currently Uganda reportedly receives about 4,000 South Sudanese refugees a day, and the country is today home to over half a million refugees, most of them from South Sudan, Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda.

In a related development, over 15,000 South Sudanese refugees arrived in Faradge and Aru in Haut-Uele and Ituri provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a resurgence of violence in South Sudan, aid agencies said.

The DRC has been experiencing an influx of refugees into Aru territory in Ituri, close to the border with South Sudan, since October 2015.

Currently there are 27,250 registered South Sudanese refugees in the territories of Faradge and Aru in Haut-Uele and Ituri provinces, according to aid agencies.

Much as the new arrivals of South Sudanese refugees have received little humanitarian assistance, those in Ituri reportedly lack food, shelter, and medicine.

There are also fears that the security situation in South Sudan could remain volatile over the coming months, amid reports that fighting could intensity between government and opposition forces across the country, including across parts of Central and Western Equatoria states thus forcing people to flee into the DRC.

Aid agencies, including the United Nations, say refugees would be in need of psychosocial support as grave human rights abuses, including a high incidence of sexual violence, have been reported in South Sudan since conflict escalated in July.

The violence in South Sudan, aid agencies say, has forced more than 195,000 people to flee the country since 8 July, bringing the number of South Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries to over 1 million. In South Sudan, over 1.6 million people are internally displaced and another 261,000 are refugees from Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia and CAR, according to latest figures from the UN refugee agency.

 

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Somalia asks US to explain ‘friendly fire’ deaths

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Agencies
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SEEKING RE-ELECTION: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Photo credit/radiosahan.org/

Somalia has sought for an explanation from the United States after officials said a US ‘friendly fire’ air strike killed at least 22 soldiers and civilians in the Horn of Africa nation.

Officials in the semi-autonomous, northern region of Galmudug said a US air strike killed members of its forces this week and accused a rival region, Puntland, of duping the Americans into believing those targeted were Islamist rebels.

Washington said the United States carried out a ‘self-defense air strike’ after Somali troops faced fire from militants. It said nine al Shabaab militants had been killed but that it was looking into reports others may also have died.

“The cabinet requests the US government give a clear explanation about the attack its planes carried out on the Galmudug forces,” the government statement, signed by Mohamed Omar Arte, said.

It also urged both Galmudug and Puntland, which have often clashed over territory in the past, to mend fences. Protests erupted in Galkayo after the U.S. strikes, with demonstrators burning US flags and chanting anti-American slogans.

The United States, a major donor to Somalia’s government in Mogadishu, has often bombed al Shabaab militant positions and commanders in its bid to support the government and help the nation rebuild after two decades of war.

In a separate statement, Somali General Ali Bashi said the Somali military had confirmed that members of the Galmudug forces and civilians were killed in the strike, describing it as a case of ‘friendly fire’.

The General also said al Shabaab was not in the area, confirming the al Qaeda-affiliated militants’ earlier claim that they had no forces there at the time of the attack, which occurred overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.

 

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Juba protests to Sudan over Machar presence

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Agencies
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HAPPIER TIMES? President Salva Kiir (in hat) with former First Vice President Riek Machar Teny

South Sudan has made a formal protest to Khartoum, against hosting the former First Vice President Riek Machar, who has since declared war against his country led by his political nemesis Salva Kiir Mayardit.

According to South Sudanese Deputy Head of Mission to Khartoum Kau Nak Maper, the Embassy on Thursday handed a protest letter to the foreign minister over the conditions of Machar’s hosting in Khartoum.

“The protest came on the background of the political activity carried out by Machar, and through which he declared the armed resistance against the government of Juba,” Maper said.

Following a three-day meeting in Khartoum, the SPLM-IO Political Bureau under the leadership of Riek Machar announced they opted for the armed struggle in order to establish a democratic regime in Juba.

Juba had been reassured by the Sudanese authorities that Machar is in Khartoum for humanitarian reasons, indicating he was receiving medical care.

The South Sudanese diplomat said the embassy has not yet received a response from the Sudanese government to the protest note. However, he pointed out that the lack of response would not lead to escalation or a crisis in the bilateral relations.

“The issue will be discussed during the meetings of the joint security committee between the two countries, which is taking place in Juba nowadays,” he revealed.

Last Monday, South Sudan’s Ambassador to Khartoum Mayan Dut Waal, said he was surprised to see the Sudanese government allowing Machar to declare war against his government, and called for a ban to his political activities against Juba.

ANNOUNCED MACHAR WOULD LEAVE SUDAN: Sudan foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour
ANNOUNCED MACHAR WOULD LEAVE SUDAN: Sudan foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour

On the same day, Sudan Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour stressed that Sudan wouldn’t serve as a launching pad for any armed opposition activities against South Sudan.

Twenty four hours later he said that the rebel leader would leave Sudan in the near future without further details.

“The hosting of former South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar in Sudan is temporary, as he is now admitted to a Khartoum hospital and will leave the country soon,” he said.

 

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Uganda denied slain man travel documents – US govt

By
Our Reporter and Agencies
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KILLED: Ugandan Alfred Olango who was killed by police in the US. Photo credit/heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com

The government of Uganda over the years twice refused to avail travel documents for Alfred Olango, the Ugandan man who was felled by a policeman’s bullet on Tuesday in El Cajon, southern California, USA.

According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the 38-year old Olango, who arrived in the US as a refugee in 1991, was supposed to be deported after he was convicted for transporting and selling narcotics in the US.

However, ICE says the Uganda government refused to avail Olango with the travel documents needed for his deportation, forcing the US government to imprison him. He was later to be released in 2003 and placed under an order of supervision that directed him to report to the agency regularly, ICE western regional communications director Virginia Kice said in a statement.

According to Kice, Olango was again arrested in 2009, after serving prison time for a firearms charge conviction in Colorado. That time ICE tried to deport him for the second time but allegedly failed after the Uganda government once again refused to grant him travel documents necessary to effect the deportation, Kice said, adding that the last time Olango was in contact with ICE as required was in February 2015.

By press time efforts to contact Ugandan internal affairs ministry spokesperson Pamela Ankunda over the US government’s allegations were futile.

Olango was killed on Tuesday after his sister dialed 911, asking police to help because he was ‘not acting like himself’. His killing has since sparked off protests from mostly black protestors in El Cajon who accuse the US police of carrying out racially-instigated killings.

El Cajon police Chief Jeff Davis said Mr Olango died after one officer fired an electronic stun gun and another officer simultaneously fired his firearm several times.

Police, who had already acknowledged that the object was not a weapon, confirmed on Wednesday that the object Olango possessed was a three inches (7.6cm) long silver vaping cigarette.

By press time it was not possible to ascertain whether Olango’s body would be returned to Uganda. However, yesterday the US Embassy in Uganda sent a message of condolence to the family of the deceased.

“We are aware of reports that on September 29, Alfred Olango was shot and killed during an incident with law enforcement officers in El Cajon, California. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Olango’s family and friends,” reads the statement posted on the embassy Facebook page on Thursday.

BEREAVED: Alfred Olango's mother Pamela Benge addresses a news conference following her son's killing in the US. Photo credit/media.10news.com
BEREAVED: Alfred Olango’s mother Pamela Benge (C) addresses a news conference following her son’s killing in the US. Photo credit/media.10news.com

Meanwhile, at a news conference organised by the Rev  Shane Harris, the president of the San Diego Chapter of the National Action Network (NAN), Olango’s mother Pamela Benge denied the deceased was ‘mentally-ill’.

According to Ms Benge and the family lawyer Dan Gilleon, the deceased was ‘grief-stricken’ after losing a close friend.

“Alfred was not mentally ill. He was going through a mental emergency – a mental breakdown – because he had lost someone he loved dearly. We all go through a bad day,” Gilleon said at the news conference.

 

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KCCA’s Musisi dazzled by UBL’s Tubbaale, emerges winner in Spin and Win game

By
Our Reporter
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With the Kampala City Festival just around the corner, preparations by organizers Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) and sponsors are in high gear. At a press conference held at City Hall this morning, KCCA Executive Director and sponsors announced the arrangements underway for the festival.

Bell Lager, who has been a platinum sponsor of the annual event since inception, announced that they would give away a brand new van to a lucky winner at the festival. The announcement was made by Juliana Kagwa, Marketing and Innovations Director, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL).

“We have worked closely with KCCA this year to deliver an unforgettable and exciting experience for our customers. We have taken up the space at the National Theatre and will have a special stage there with exciting entertainment. We have also doubled our selling points to make sure that they can be conveniently accessed by our customers,” she said.

The brewery has been running an under the crown promotion called Tubbaale which will come to an end at the city festival. “We intend to give away a brand new van at the National Theatre. To stand a chance to win, all you need to do is visit any of our selling points and buy a Bell Lager. You will automatically be entered into a raffle,” Kagwa said.

During the event, an opportunity was given to two lucky people to spin the Tubbaale wheel and win. Ms. Musisi who volunteered to take part, ended up the winner of a beer which she politely turned down, to the amusement of the crowd.

In her remarks, Ms. Musisi thanked the sponsors of the festival for their continued support and pledged that given the experience gathered by the organizing team over the years, Sunday’s fete would be more colorful and fun for those who attend.

She also announced that this time, the festival would have pre-event activities to lead up to the big fete that include a rally on Saturday which will be flagged off at Naguru.

“The last time we had a rally in Kampala was in Amin’s era. This time we will have a rally right here in Kampala which will be graced by all the big rally race car drivers. It will also be a family event and we have a special race for the children,” Musisi said.

UBL has also promised to have their full range of products from beer to spirits available for sale. From favored beer brands Bell Lager, Tusker Malt, Guinness to renowned spirits like Uganda Waragi, Johnnie Walker, Baileys and single malt whiskies.

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Ugandan born Danny Faure named Seychelles President

By
Peter Etiang
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Acting President of Seychelles, Danny Faure who is a Ugandan born.

Danny Faure, has been named acting President of Seychelles after President James Alix Michel announced on Tuesday that he was stepping down from office.
Mr Alix exist follows a constitutional amendment earlier this year that meant he had exceeded his term in office.
Mr Danny has been Vice President since July 2010 and was born in 1962 in Kasese district at Kilembe.
In a televised State address and whose speech was posted on the country’s Statehouse website, Michel, 72, said he will leave office on October 16 to be replaced by Vice-President Danny Faure.
“After 12 years as president, the time has come to hand over the reins of power to a new leader”. Adding “A new leader who will take Seychelles to the next frontier of its development, to face and overcome the challenges of this century, without abandoning our principles,” he said in the address initially delivered in Seychellois Creole but later translated to English.
Michel, a former teacher, came to power in April 2004 after serving as VP to his predecessor France-Albert René between 1996 and 2004.

Who is Danny Faure?
Danny Faure was born on May 8, 1962 to Seychellois parents in Kilembe, Uganda. He is married and has four children.
He completed his primary and secondary education in Seychelles and continued in Cuba where he graduated with a Degree in Political Science.
Upon his return to Seychelles in 1985, He worked as an Assistant Curriculum Officer with the Ministry of Education and Lecturer at both the National Youth Service and the Seychelles Polytechnic. In June 1989, he was appointed Director of the National Youth Service.
As a young man, Danny Faure worked with the SPPF organization. He became the Chairman of its Youth Wing and was elected as a member of the Central Committee of the Party. In June 2009 he was appointed Secretary General of the Party.
With the return of Multi-Party in Seychelles in 1993, Danny Faure was appointed Leader of Government Business of the majority Party in the National Assembly, a post he served for 5 years (from 1993 to 1998).
Danny Faure was first appointed as Minister in April 1998 when he became Minister for Education, in 2001, he assumed the role of Minister for Education and Youth, which he held until July 2006. In 2006, Mr Faure was appointed Minister for Finance.
He was assigned portfolio responsibilities for Trade in July 2007 and Industries in August 2009.
Danny Faure was appointed Designated Minister in April 2004 up to June 2010.
He has overseen the implementation of the first generation of reforms under the macro economic reform programme which started in October 2008. He continues to direct the second generation of reforms as part of the on-going economic programme.
In July 2010, Mr Faure was appointed Vice-President holding Ministerial portfolios for Finance and Trade, Public Administration, and Information Communication Technology.
Today the Vice-President holds the portfolios of Administration, Youth and Information Communication Technology.
Vice-President Faure is also Governor of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

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Senior executives meet to drive Uganda’s human capital agenda

By
Our Reporter
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The African Management Services Company (AMSCO) hosted a senior executive’s breakfast forum at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda on Wednesday 28th September, 2016.

Held under the theme ‘Focus on the Future: Developing Local Human Capital to Drive Organisational Strategy and Growth’, the event sought to increase dialogue around skills development in Uganda, and in particular, building local human capital for sustainable growth.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr Peter Kimbowa, Managing Partner for IFE Consultants who urged the CEOs to encourage their employees to take up leadership training so as to build exemplary and committed leaders.

“There are very many things that define who a great leader is and an education qualification alone is not enough. We ought to look at the emotional conscience, social intelligence and capacity to manage social relations with other people. Such skills can be imparted in someone by the organisation,” Kimbowa said.

During her welcoming remarks, Training and Development Manager, Ms Stella Masinde spoke on the need to invest resources to ensure that employees have the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to work effectively in a rapidly changing environment. “Organisations are in urgent need of new strategies and approaches that focus more explicitly on the links between investments in skills development and productivity. Unfortunately, in many companies, training, which is one of the most effective forms of human capital development, is viewed more as a cost, rather than an investment.”

According to the AMSCO Director of Operations Mr Kofi Andah, “An organisation’s workforce is the most valuable asset in order to pave ways for greater achievements through innovation and creativity. While Uganda has experienced significant growth during the 2012-2015 period, national progress on human development has been slow and mixed.”

Ms Maris Wanyera, Commissioner – Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development was in agreement, emphasising the need for strengthened partnerships between public and private sector in order to accelerate development. “As government, we are prepared to ensure that we expand the capabilities for people and enhance their functioning in sectors that are critical to Uganda’s growth and development. Some progress is being made but the road is long. We need to partner for change.”

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US Gov’t sends condolences to family of slain Ugandan

By
Badru Kasadah
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KILLED: Slain Ugandan Alfred Olango, killed by police in the US.

The US government has sent condolence messages to the family of a Ugandan refugee, Alfred Olango, who was shot dead by police officers in the US on Wednesday.

Through the social media platform, Facebook, the US Embassy in Kampala sent its condolence messages to Olango’s family and friends.

“We are aware of reports that on September 29, Alfred Olango was shot and killed during an incident with law enforcement officers in El Cajon, California. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Olango’s family and friends,” reads their statement posted Thursday.
Olango was killed on Tuesday after the officers responded to a call from his sister who said that he needed help. She said he was mentally unwell.

El Cajon police Chief Jeff Davis said Mr Olango died after one officer fired an electronic stun gun and another officer simultaneously fired his firearm several times.

Police, who had already acknowledged that the object was not a weapon, confirmed on Wednesday that the object was a three inches (7.6cm) long silver vaping cigarette.
Another woman, who identified herself as the victim’s sister, shrieked and cried,telling officers that she had called them to help her brother.

“I just called for help and you came and killed him,” she said. However, claims that Olango had his hands in the air when he was shot have been disputed by the police.

PROTESTS: People protest Alfred Olango's killing
PROTESTS: People protest Alfred Olango’s killing

This latest fatal shooting of a black man by police comes during a year when police violence against African Americans has divided the country and sparked numerous protests, some of which have turned violent, most recently in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Chief Davis has appealed for calm and is promising a thorough investigation into the shooting.

“This will be transparent,” he insisted.”This will be looked at by multiple sets of eyes, and not just ours.”

AGGRIEVED: A_man_claiming_to_be_Alfred_Olango_s_cousin_shouts_at_police_during the protests
AGGRIEVED: A man claiming to be Alfred Olango’s cousin shouts at police during the protests

As candles and flowers were laid at the scene of the shooting on Wednesday, Olango’s cousin Anthony Williams paid tribute.

“He was a cool dude, for real. He was no mean person, the whole picture how they got showing him pointing a gun; I don’t believe none of that. That ain’t him, I know for sure.”

 

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Broke showy socialite loses luxurious car over loan

By
Badru Kasadah
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Jack Pemba

Self-styled moneybag, Jack Pemba was initially listed among the sponsors for this year’s Miss Uganda.

However, his banner was out of sight on the day of the unveiling of this year’s Miss Uganda contestants. We later learnt he had pulled out of the project. Word reaching us is his pulling out wasn’t because of his own liking but rather he is currently going through financial difficulties just like many Ugandans.

Apparently he has accumulated several debts that are even threatening some of his properties.

Reports indicate he has already put up one of his cars for sale to pay off a city money lender who is on his neck over taking a loan of US$10, 000 (approximately Shs35m) that he failed to clear.

This prompted the money lender to confiscate his car that he had put as security while taking the loan.

Consequently the car, a blue Hummer registered in the UAY series has been put on sale for a whopping US$25 000 by the moneylender.

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We are on track over Karuma and Isimba dams – Minister Muloni

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
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Energy Permanent Secretary Dr. Kabagambe Kaliisa (L) being briefed at Karuma HPP

Energy, Mineral and Natural Resources Minister, Eng. Irene Muloni has said that her ministry is on course and will deliver the Karuma and Isimba power stations on time.

The Minister’s clarification comes in the wake of refreshed allegations that there are cracks that would delay the two multi-billion projects, and Members of Parliament on Tuesday resolved to form a nine-member committee to investigate the energy ministry over the perceived controversies surrounding the construction of Isimba and Karuma hydro-electricity dams.

The MPs’ decision arose from a motion moved by Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, contending that the alleged defective works on the two power dams is a result of chronic breach of contractual obligations and reckless implementation of the Community Development Action Plan. The select committee will be named on Tuesday next week and will be expected to deliver its findings within 45 days.

Eng. V. Vasu, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Infratech PVT Limited, in engineering cracks occur but they do so for a reason.
CRACKS: Eng. V. Vasu, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Infratech PVT Limited, in engineering cracks occur but they do so for a reason.

But Eng. Muloni, who is currently out of the country, and spoke to EagleOnline through an aide, said the allegations that have been brought before Parliament are like ‘old wine in a new bottle’.

“Steps have been taken over those allegations and these very accusations are the old ones that came up early this year. We investigated and collective measures at both dams are undergoing,” Muloni said.

She added: “Definitely, as government we are concerned and we are much aware. However, those bringing up these same allegations should focus on the substance rather than form. Why personalize national issues as Kabagambe Kalisa or Irene Muloni?”

In April, this year, a team of three dam construction engineers from Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation Ltd rushed to the country to assess magnitude of cracks in the spillway section of Karuma dam and to recommend the next course of action.

The cracks forced Sinohydro Corporation to halt work in that section of the dam, pending further investigation following a meeting with Energy Minister Irene Muloni and officials from Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) during a site tour.

Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Irene Muloni address journalists as Mr Harrison Mutikanga, the Chief Executive Officer UEGCL looks on.
Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Irene Muloni address journalists as Mr Harrison Mutikanga, the Chief Executive Officer UEGCL looks on.File Photo.

Now, a July report by an ad hoc committee investigating ‘shoddy works and negligence’ by contractors and officials manning Karuma and Isimba hydropower projects has revealed that the material used are of questionable quality.

However, following a tour of both dams by energy ministry officials, UEGCL plus both constructors Sinohydro for Karuma and China International Water and Electric Corporation for Isimba, lead supervisors for the ministry Energy Infratech, SMEC and AF Consults who supervise on behalf of UEGCL as well as the media, it is was established that there were minor cracks but by the time the teams visited, some had been fixed.

At the time, Eng. V. Vasu, the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Infratech PVT Limited, said in engineering cracks occur but they do so for a reason.

“We are very particular with our work and it is true that minor cracks were observed but we have since fixed them. However, that aside, we are also doing investigations on that very particular area as we observe,” Eng. Vasu said.

Concerns over the two dams was first raised by President Yoweri Museveni, after which  officials from the Ministry of Energy and the other respective agencies took a tour of both dams to establish the status.

And it was from the site tours that Energy minister Muloni and Permanent Secretary Kalisa directed that work on the cracked areas be suspended as investigations are carried out to establish the cause.

UNDERGROUND TUNNEL: Due to the wildlife concerns, it was decided that the dam is constructed underground.
UNDERGROUND TUNNEL: Due to the wildlife concerns, it was decided that the dam is constructed underground.

A unique infrastructure component, the Karuma dam which has both the power house and turbines underground, will on completion produce 600 megawatts.

Due to the wildlife concerns, it was decided that the dam is constructed underground so that wildlife along the River Nile is not endangered, so part of the river will be diverted underground into a tunnel where power will be produced and thereafter the water will be released to the 8.5 kilometer distance downstream to join the river exactly 8.5 kilometers south of the bridge.

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