THREATENED TO BLOCK AID DELIVERY IN REBEL-HELD AREAS: South Sudan presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny.
South Sudan appears to have softened its stance on the UN resolution to send extra peacekeepers to quell violence in the country.
The UN Security Council approved the deployment of an additional 4,000-strong peacekeeping force in South Sudan, after recent fighting threatened to send the country back to all-out civil war.
South Sudan has previously rejected the resolution claiming it ‘seriously undermines’ its sovereignty.
But the spokesman for South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has told Al Jazeera on Sunday that it has not closed the door on a UN protection force.
Ateny Wek Ateny, presidential spokesperson, said the government will accept the force, but only if it can negotiate its size, mandate, weapons and the contributing countries.
The planned deployment has also been dividing opinion on the ground in South Sudan.
For the 200 000 people living in UN camps it means greater protection. But those living outside the camps fear the troops are coming to take over their country.
The difference in opinion between civilians outside the UN camps and the displaced people inside, mirrors the chasm between the UN security council’s resolution and the government’s rejection of it.
While one side regards the additional troops as a guarantee of peace and security, the other side considers it a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
The fighting in the capital, Juba, last month raised fears of a renewed civil war after an August 2015 peace deal and worsened a humanitarian crisis.Rejection of the UN resolution is within South Sudan’s rights as a country but doing so threatens to to worsen its relations with the international community at a time when the country is already facing threats of an arms embargo.
Riek Machar, the rebel leader and former first vice president, fled during the fighting and said he would return only when regional peacekeepers secured the capital.
The civil war began in December 2013 when government forces loyal to President Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, battled rebels led by Machar, a Nuer.
Tens of thousands of people were killed in the fighting and over two million people were displaced.
Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal in August 2015 under which Machar was to be first vice president, but fighting has continued.
The resolution demands that South Sudan’s leaders immediately end the fighting and implement the peace deal.
If there was ever any doubt before, it is surely gone now: Usain Bolt is the greatest sprinter in the history of the world.
Bolt won gold in the 100 metres Sunday night in Rio, becoming the first man in history to win the event at three Olympic Games. His time of 9.81 seconds didn’t approach his world record of 9.58, but the point was made.
American Justin Gatlin, who won gold in 2004 and bronze in 2012, took home silver this time in 9.89, and Andre de Grasse of Canada got bronze in 9.91. Yohan Blake, who took silver in 2012, finished fourth in 9.93.
But Bolt is the man Rio and all the world most wanted to see, and he lived up to his billing. The 29-year-old from Jamaica, the current world-record holder, extended a streak that started in Beijing in 2008 stretched to London 2012 and now Rio.
For perspective, American Carl Lewis is the only other man in history with two gold medals in the 100, in 1984 and 1988.
Winning the 100 metres was the first step to Bolt’s attempt at a “triple triple.” Bolt is also looking to win his third straight gold in the 200 metres and with Jamaica’s 4×100 metre team.
Olympic 10.000m champion Mo Farah of Great Britain. Photo credit/runnersworld.com
In a related development, Mo Farah became the first British track and field athlete to win three Olympic gold medals by retaining his 10,000 metres title in Rio.
The 33-year-old continued his unprecedented spell of long-distance domination by landing his eighth straight global crown, but he did it the hard way after falling to the track following a trip from training partner Galen Rupp.
He recovered to respond to the challenge laid down by Kenya’s Paul Tanui, bursting past him down the home straight and crossing the line in 27 minutes 5.17 seconds.
Former Information and National Guidance Minister, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi is being considered as a replacement to the troubled Inspector General of Police.
According to highly placed sources with the presidency, Gen. Muhwezi is considered for his vast training in both intelligence and police.
“It is true his name is being discussed but I really don’t know whether he has been already considered for IGP job or it is still pending” said a source who preferred anonymity.
The source further said that given that Kayihura is currently under storm from both National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters and opposition and with the condemnation from the Chief Justice, to ministers, it is likely going to be hard for Gen. Kayihura to operate given that he has failed to respect court summons.
EagleOnline has reliably learnt that this Saturday August 13, evening, President Yoweri Museveni is also meeting some of his ministers and security chiefs to discuss the current saga surrounding the IGP and criminal case brought about him and his juniors over the alleged beating of Kizza Besigye supporters and by-standers.
Gen. Kale Kayihra and his co-accused failed to turn-up at Makindye Magistrate court to answer charges brought against them. However, police maintains that Gen. Kayihura wasn’t served the summons and therefore, wouldn’t appear before court without summons being served to him.
Nevertheless, as the Ping-Pong between lawyers that represented the petitioners and police, Makindye court was on Wednesday August 10, besieged when the alleged supporters of the IGP demonstrated that he shouldn’t have been summoned because of the alleged criminal case was nonexistent. The supporters furthers say the IGP and other junior commanders were keeping law and order.
Muhwezi
Given his background as a detective, while in the bush Mr Muhwezi was assigned spying roles, a trait that followed him even after the war ended in 1986 when he was named the first Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (DGIS), where he served for 10 years. With an impressive career that began with graduation as a lawyer from Makerere University, Gen. Muhwezi joined the Uganda Police Force as a Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police (D/ASP), stationed at Mbale Police Station.
Gen. Muhwezi, recently questioned his omission on the cabinet list asking why he was dropped and yet he worked hard for Museveni to defeat both Besigye and Amama Mbabazi in their backyard.
“For the people of Rujumbura, yes they feel they were left out and they are asking questions and they definitely know who put a fight against the opposition given that both Dr. Kizza Besigye and Mr Amama Mbabazi come from the area” Muhwezi said.
HOME: Victoria University Uganda (VUU) premises on Jinja Road
The Oil and Gas Department, Victoria University is happy to announce to the general public that short course training in oil and gas management will be held starting from 27th August 2016. Registration is ongoing for our August intake. Training is conducted by professionals working in the oil and gas industry and other consultants practicing along the oil and gas value chain.
This programme targets professionals who are working in the oil and gas industry and those working for organizations and sectors whose businesses support the oil and gas industry. The programme includes an oil and gas education tour/Filed tour of the Oil Fields in the Albertine Graben (Hoima and Buliisa Oil Fields). The training program equips delegates with skills and knowledge to start a rewarding career in the oil and gas industry. On successful completion, delegates are awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Oil and Gas Management.
The fees for the programme are Uganda Shs. One million four hundred thousand (1,400,000). Foreign applicants shall pay Uganda Shs. One million five hundred thousand (1,500,000) including a field trip. The fees include training fees and fees for the field trip.
To apply contact our admissions office on admissions@vu.ac.ug, call:
+256 417 727000/+256759-996146/130 or visit us at Victoria Towers, Plot 1-13, Jinja Road, Kampala.
Visit the University Website for more information about the 2016 AUGUST -SEPTEMBER Intake Programs.
GOLDEN BOY: Uganda's double Olympic and World Champion Stephen Kiprotich. Photo credit/iaaf.org
The crave for even a single medal at the ongoing Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro has seen Ugandans go wild over a hoax went viral on the internet indicating that reigning Olympic Marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich had bagged a gold medal in the same discipline early today.
For all their lack of knowledge about even the miniscule matters around the globe the anxious Ugandans, craving for a podium position from Uganda’s greatest sportsman so far, did not even bother to check with the games’ schedules, provided daily on the internet, which clearly indicate that the marathon is the last discipline, to be held on August 21.
Kip, as he is fondly called by his fans, first came to the limelight when he won the 2012 marathon gold medal in London, UK, becoming the second Ugandan after John Akii-Bua (RIP) to win a gold medal at the summer games. Kip then went on to win the 2014 World Marathon Championship that was staged in Moscow, Russia.
FIRST GOLDEN BOY: John Akii-Bua celebrates his victory in the 110m hurdles at the 1972 Olympic Games in Germany.
The other Olympic gold medallist, John Akii-Bua won the 1972 110m hurdles race during the Summer games in Germany.
An accident scene involving a bus along the Masaka road
Following the recent spate of accidents along the Kampala-Masaka–Mbarara highway that have claimed the lives of over 30 people within a period of one month, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), has initiated a programme aimed at reducing the number of accidents.
The ‘Fika Salama’ programme that began early this week is being carried out in conjunction with the Uganda Police Force traffic department and the Ministry of Works and Transport, and has seen a number non-roadworthy vehicles being impounded and licenses revoked. Since its launch, UNRA officials have estimated that over 50% of drivers do not possess the required documents.
“It’s aimed at penalizing errant motorists while looking out for the following: vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition, speeding motorists, driving under the influence of alcohol, and those without driving permits,” an official of UNRA said.
The programme also strongly advocates for the participation of passengers, encouraging them to report any misconduct on the road in order to ensure their safety.
According to UNRA, props such as cameras and road blockades have been employed with new gadgets such as the ‘speed guvnor’ also being introduced to fight against the ‘bloodshed’ on the roads, starting with the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara Highway.
Gulu is preparing for the first female solo music concert dubbed the ‘Best of Jenneth Prischa’, by a recording artiste who has been at the forefront of major musical events in the region. Prischa is a household name and a darling to many youth and women who cherish some of her gender sensitive songs aimed at rebuilding shattered families and souls across northern Uganda. Her diversity in song writing and singing as exhibited in some of her songs with mixed genres ranging from hiphop, dancehall, afro, Zouk and gospel music makes her on top of her game regionally. With over 20 songs to her name, Pricha is geared towards the path of stardom. We caught up with her for an exclusive interview and share with you her full life story and career path
Who is Jenneth Prischa
My real names are Jenneth Amony but majority call me Prischa, a name I got from my granny. I am a self-styled female artiste based in northern Uganda who rose to fame in 2012 during a song competition organised by Save the Children International. Her song on the negative impact of domestic violence scooped an award and cash prize that encouraged her to record more hits thus her rise to be recognized as the best northern female artiste for the years 2013 and 2015, respectively. Prischa is passionate about family relations, community and love life as manifested in most of her songs.
Tell us briefly about your family and educational background
I am the second born in a family of seven kids, born on 13 March 1990 to Mr Darius Kalokwera and Mrs Adyero Rose all of Paluga in Lamwo district. My parents are farmers and so I stand to be a typical village girl.
As far as my education is concerned, I went to Padibe Boys for primary education then moved on to Padibe secondary school and completed my lower level education from YY Okot Memorial College in Kitgum in 2009. From there I could not continue with my education due to financial challenges and I opted for a vocational career joining the Northern Youth Development Centre Labora for a two year certificate course in garment making and cutting. I spend most of my time working on my sewing machine, designing cloths from my house and that’s how I am able to survive besides music.
Jenneth Prischa poses for the camera
When did you discover your music talent?
The first time I realized I could sing is when I was at primary school during the post primary music competition. My teachers checked my talent and helped groom me. I started to take it seriously by writing my own songs. However, during my senior four vacation I recorded my first hip hop song ‘Pe Itema’ meaning ‘Don’t try me’ to test the waters before joining professional music in 2012.
Who are your big inspirations?
My biggest music inspiration is my dad; he is one of the most talented traditional Bwola dancers, a royal kind of dance done specifically for the kings. I grew up seeing him as a real family man and I learned a lot from him. I am inspired by family life, love and adventure in general and that sets the tone for my music genres. However, there are some music personalities who have helped influence me into music like Roselyn Otim, a locally- based female artiste whom I used to listen to very much while I was still growing up. At national level I have quite a number notably Cindy Sanyu, Juliana (Kanyomozi) and Judith Babirye.
Prischa poses with her award after being announced the ‘best-female-artiste-of-the-year’
Do you write all your songs?
Yes, I write most of my songs because then the lyrics flow easily. I am inspired by what I see, so I feel I am better-placed to envision what I see than recording what I have been given by another person. My Dad has personally written for me two songs which I am yet to work on but this will be the first time I am taking on a divergent angle to my music career.
What is your best instrument?
My best instrument is a guitar but unfortunately I have no skills to play it but as my music career spans on its one thing I want to practically learn.
What does the future hold for Jenneth Prischa in 2016?
The release of my album dubbed ‘The Best of Jenneth Prischa’ slated for Friday, September 2016 will be a night to share all my music with my fans that have been with me since my breakthrough in 2012. They have been there to see me grow with a lot of love and support that made who I am today. It’s candid to say I am not alone but with all who have been an exciting part of my musical career.
This maiden solo music performance and one of its kind, where a female artiste like me plans to put up such a mega show in the region should to enable me sell my music to a wider audience. It’s not a mere album launch as said, but a moment to give my fans a variety of my music genres. I will perform all my songs right from ‘Tim Gero’ that scooped me an award from Save the Children International for its concept on domestic violence. I will move on to showcase some of my latest (2016) releases including gospel, dancehall and afro beat hits like ‘Atimango’, ‘Pa Pore’ and ‘Super Glue’. With over 20 songs to my name I anticipate the ‘best of the best’ for my fans.
After the concert I plan to get back to the studio and work on some of my new and pending projects for 2016; invest in the production of quality music videos, intensify promotions of my songs and then secure a part time job with a charity organisation working for the less advantaged girl child in the region.
What advice do you have for young artistes who want to join the music industry?
Music is a long term investment or career option and it requires patience so that you can master the trade fully. Those joining it to make instant money with single releases can never go far. Concentrate on giving your fans all your best always.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a female artiste?
The fact that I am based upcountry is already a challenge; some of us do really good music but lack a basic platform to promote our songs. I am hopeful one day we can take on the music scene by storm as we struggle to meet standards in this highly competitive industry.
The aspect of promotion and look out for competent promoters needs to be checked too. To me a promoter should be someone who understands music as a business and not just showbiz. He or she should be able to as well do media relation work in a bid to bring out the unseen but potential talents. Whereas the people look at me as a star in Gulu or across northern Uganda, I feel this is not enough in this dynamic world of competition.
ANNOUNCED EVICTIONS: Kampala minister Beti Kamya says Lord Mayor does not attend scheduled meetings. Photo credit/elections.co.ug
The Minister of Kampala Beti Olive Kamya has called upon government to amend the law governing Kampala Capital City Authority.
According to Minister Kamya, the amendments will help settle the leadership wrangles that hinder service delivery in the city. She cited examples where the Lord Mayor has on occasion declined to attend scheduled meetings.
Kamya said the Article 5 of the Constitution which states Kampala shall be governed by the central government, contradicts KCCA Act that mandates the Lord Mayor to be the political head of Kampala.
Kamya was accompanied by the two KCCA spokespersons, an indicator that the city executive clearly cooperates with the ministry as was the case during the Frank Tumwebaze’s tenure as Kampala minister.
Efforts to contact Lord Mayor Lukwago on the issue were futile by press time.
Since the creation of the KCCA the relationship between Executive Director Jennifer Musisi, Lord Mayor Lukwago and the two Kampala ministers Frank Tumwebaze and Beti Kamya, seems to be rocky, with all of them juggling for supremacy.
ATTACKED BY ODOI: Major General (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire
Leading politicians and public figures in Uganda have attacked the Inspector General of Police for allegedly instigating demonstrations aimed at thwarting his appearance before court, where he was summoned in connection to the beating of opposition kingpin Dr Kizza Besigye’s supporters on July 12 and 13.
Appearing on the NBS’s Front line talk show panelists including Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire, Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Francis Gimara and human rights activist Miria Matembe, all castigated Gen. Kayihura for the actions of the rowdy mobs at Makindye magistrate’s court on Wednesday, August 10.
The IGP General Kale Kayihura and ten senior officers are currently facing private prosecution for allegedly failing to supervise their subordinates
“I don’t encourage people rioting around court and if all us are going to bring to court our supporters whether to be tried or not to be tried, then it is going to be (rule) of the jungle. Those who were rioting there, they were acting illegally and I don’t approve what they were doing,” Gen. Otafiire said.
He added: “We must observe rule of law that has been the hallmark of society by the National Resistance Movement. Nobody should stop courts from doing their work. Supporters or no supporters, we should all go to court to plead our innocence, this hooliganism is unacceptable.”
RILED BY MOB CONDUCT AT COURT: ULS President Francis Gimara. Photo credit/uls.or.ug
For ULS’ Francis Gimara, Gen. Kayihura must appear before the court on the scheduled date, August 29.
“If what happened repeats itself on August 29, lawyers will sit down and agree on what to do. I can’t anticipate that,” he said, adding: ‘Government should ensure that subsequent appearances are devoid of what happened this week’.
According to Gimara, the police should explain why they opted to allow a demonstration within court premises, a thing he said, is ‘unprecedented and illegal’.
“How come this mob had a license to act the way they did? They even asked the magistrate why he was trying a General!” the ULS boss wondered.
WHO IS KAYIHURA? Human rights activist Miria Matembe asked.
And when Ms Matembe weighed in on the issue, she had no kind words for the IGP, saying he is not above the law.
COURT SIEGED: DP President Norbert Mao
“Kayihura has defied Parliament, the court… Who is Kayihura that he defies the law?” a charged Matembe asked, while DP’s Mao said the mobs at Makindye threatened the lives of the officers of court. “They were besieged,” he said.
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces will not look on as its officers and men trample on the rights of Ugandans, the Chief of Defence Forces General Edward Katumba Wamala has warned.
Gen Wamala’s stern warning comes in the wake of the UPDF seeking to punish the men who took part in beating bystanders and supporters of the opposition’s Dr Kizza Besigye, who were lined up along the streets to welcome him from Luzira prison, where he had been incarcerated for two months on treason charges.
And now Gen. Wamala has cracked the whip against impunity in the army and directed the Military Police to investigate and bring the errant soldiers to book. The said soldiers were deployed alongside the police to escort Dr Besigye to his Kasangati home after he granted bail by the High Court. And instead of carrying out their assigned duties diligently, some of the soldiers were captured on video beating up people, an oversight that has attracted vicious criticism from the public and the opposition in Parliament.
Indeed, the first victims of the public ire were the police, whose boss IGP General Kale Kayihura and ten senior officers are currently facing private prosecution for allegedly failing to supervise his subordinates.
This Wednesday Gen Kayihura was supposed to appear before the Makindye magistrate’s court to answer to the charges but he did not turn up. Interestingly, his absence was overshadowed by the presence of rowdy demonstrators, who caused chaos and brought activities at the court to a temporary standstill.
In a related development the officers being charged with the IGP, six constables and a ‘crime preventer’, one Dan Tandeka, are appearing before the police disciplinary court to answer to charges ranging from failing to supervise their subordinates to the physical beating of Dr Besigye’s supporters.
