Uganda military personnel are seen a top military and police trucks driving towards Juba in South Sudan at Nimule border point on July 14, 2016. The Ugandan Army have started an evacuation mission to extract 3000 ugandan civilians stranded by the recent fighting between army loyal to President Salvar Kiir and first Vice-president Riek Machar. AFP PHOTO/ ISAAC KASAMANI
The US backs African Union (AU) plans to deploy a 4,000 strong “protection force” to bolster the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said.
Uganda provides the biggest contingent of soldiers to the AU force, African Union mission fighting Islamist group al-Shabab in Somalia and joined Amisom in 2007 and has just over 6,000 troops in the 22,000-strong force.
Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Burundi also have troops in Amisom.
US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) flanked by Kenya”s Minister for Foreign Affairs Amina Mohamed (R)
Mr Kerry was speaking in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, at the start of his tour of several African countries.
He announced the backing of the South Sudan plan at a press conference in Nairobi after meeting with Foreign minister Sam Kuteesa of Uganda and counterparts from Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan to discuss options for putting the peace process back on track.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Amina Mohamed said she wanted the force to be deployed “sooner rather than later”, Reuters reports.
The UN Security Council approved the deployment of troops to South Sudan following renewed fighting in June between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former Vice-President Riek Machar.
After the civil war erupted in 2013, Uganda’s forces also crossed into South Sudan to assist with evacuations, but in that case they also stayed on to help President Salva Kiir secure the capital Juba.
Reigning Uganda Premier League champions Kampala City Council FC has labelled rivals Jinja Municipal Council as “desperate” after the Busoga team lodged a complaint to Fufa questioning the registration status of left foot winger Isaac Muleme.
Muleme, a former SC Villa assistant skipper came in as a substitute in the 70th minute replacing Brian Majwega in KCCA FC 2-1 win over their Jinja counterparts on Friday at the Philip Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
But KCCA management believes all the paperwork was in order and the case is an attempt by JMC to take three points off their rivals.
“We have come across various media reports about the status of our player, Mr. Muleme Isaac who is contracted with us for a period of two seasons. We have also learnt that JMC petitioned UPL accusing KCCA FC of fielding an ineligible player,” a KCCA statement said.
Uganda Cranes international Isaac Mumele made his KCCA debut against JMC Hippos in the opening game of the 2016/2017 Azam Uganda Premier League on Friday.
Muleme and six other Villa players: Jonathan Mugabi, Nicholas Ssebwato, Misi Katende, Karim Ndugwa and Sulaiman Ochero were released before the start of the new season for what the club describes as “indiscipline.”
The said players have in the past however complained about delayed salaries at the club while others claim not to ever have been paid sign on fees.
KCCA now say they would want to clarify allegations claiming that Muleme wasn’t cleared by SC Villa as follows: “We were advised by the CEO Fufa in his circular dated August 1, 2016 to halt any process of signing up the player. Whereas the club had concluded all the negotiations and terms of the transaction with the player, we adhered to the directive and this is the very reason why he did not feature in the super cup win against Vipers SC on 14th August 2016.”
“We continued to consult with the officials at FUFA and was informed that Mr. Muleme Isaac and the other players like Mr. Sebwato Nicholas at Bright Stars were cleared to play for the clubs they wished to represent.”
“We accordingly submitted to the Fufa competitions committee an application for the licensing of Mr. Muleme Isaac which was granted vide number 921010001.
“The club was therefore granted permission by FUFA to field the player for our opening game against JMC.
Joseph Ssentume of Police (R) dribbles past ex SC Villa star Isaac Muleme during a league game in December last year.Muleme battles Zimbabwe’s Ali Sadiki during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships Group B clash at Athlone Stadium, Cape Town on 16 January 2014. JMC have lodged a complaint to FUFA questioning the registration status of the left foot winger at KCCA FC
KCCA vowed to go ahead and field Muleme in their Tuesday game against Lweza FC, a side the league champions are yet to beat in four league outings.
CORDIAL: Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Joseph Kabila of the DRC at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Africa’s second largest country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will be split into two if incumbent President Joseph Kabila does not step down at the end of his constitutional two-five year term in November, a new rebel group in the country has announced.
Alexis Byicaza Sebatware, an alleged leader of a new rebel group forming in the eastern DRC called Les Forces Novatrices pour Union et la Démocratie Congolaise (Innovative Forces for Union and Congolese Democracy), said his group would take up arms if President Kabila insists on standing for a third term.
SEEKING SUPPORT FROM REGIONAL LEADERS? DRC President Joseph Kabila
According to Sebatware, Mr Kabila, whose country is supposed to go to the polls in November, recently met with Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, to seek their support for his ‘third term’ project.
“We know his plan. But we have given him an ultimatum to organise elections and hand over power. If he doesn’t, we are to pick up arms against his government and our main aim will be to split the country into two independent states because he has refused to respect the Constitution,” Sebatware was quoted as saying.
KABILA CHALLENGER: DRC opposition leader Moise Katumbi going to court. He was sentenced to a lengthy jail term and faces several other charges.
President Kabila faces protests and resistance from several quarters including in eastern DRC, where his onetime ally and now rival Moise Katumbi, enjoys huge support. Mr Katumbi, a wealthy and popular businessman and leader of opposition, remains in exile after he left the country in May to seek treatment following an attack by security forces. Meanwhile, analysts of regional geopolitics see President Kabila’s quick successive visits to Uganda and Rwanda as a strategic move to pacify eastern DR Congo and use it as a stepping stone to extend his rule. Sources indicate that with resistance mounting in eastern DR Congo, President Kabila is counting on Rwanda to help contain the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese who are up in arms against his government.
TO HELP KABILA ON THIRD TERM? Rwanda President Paul Kagame.Photo credit/reuters
With the issue of M23 remaining in the way, President Kabila fears that a volatile eastern DR Congo would threaten his chances of seeking another term in office. Hundreds of M23 former fighters remain in Rwanda and Uganda, almost four years after an agreement was reached to repatriate them and reintegrate them back in the two countries.
KABILA FOE: Former M23 Commander Sultan Makenga
According to sources privy to the talks between the three heads of state, the Congolese president promised to address the matter ‘with finality’.
Mr Kabila reportedly promised Rwanda and Uganda ‘full co-operation’ in dealing with the two rebel groups — Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
In Rwanda, Presidents Kabila and Kagame committed to strengthening mutual efforts to revitalise bilateral relations, including the enhancing of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
Rwanda and Uganda were accused by the UN Group of Experts of backing the rebels who waged war in eastern Congo in April 2012, even though both countries denied the accusations.
Indeed, Uganda, Rwanda and DRC have been at loggerheads at different points in the past 22 years, despite the former two working together to install Laurent Desire Kabila, after deposing Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997. Joseph Kabila took over in 2001 after his father was assassinated.
Meanwhile, the US has warned that President Kabila’s decision to hold onto power will escalate further violence in the already volatile mineral-rich nation.
“Countries where incumbents try to change the rules to stay in power are five times more likely to face violence and instability,” Thomas Perriello, the State Department’s special envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa said last week.
A number of senior military commanders, mainly from Guit, the home county of the newly appointed First Vice President Taban Deng Gai in Unity region, have defected to the South Sudanese army (SPLA) under the leadership of President Salva Kiir.
Gen. Liah Diu, Gen Makal Kuol and Lt. Gen. Dor Manjuor confirmed in separate satellite phone interviews that they no longer support former first vice president Riek Machar, adding they are part of the group allied to new South Sudan first vice president Taban Deng Gai.
Although the three Generals were reported last month to have defected to Gai with their bodyguards, at the time Gen. Liah denied that he had defected and added that he did not support the new South Sudan first vice president.
But yesterday Gen. Liah said he is no longer loyal to Machar, a move which contradicted his earlier last month’s statement. Observers said he refused to declare his open support to Gai because he feared for his life in the location where he was as he was only with his bodyguards and could be attacked by Machar’s loyalist forces in Guit area.
RETURN TO JUBA: A group of Generals led by SPLA-IO Chief of General Staff (Centre) arrive in Juba following the signing of a peace deal in August last year. Now, some of the Generals have defected to SPLA under President Salva Kiir.
However, Gen. Manjuor, another army officer hailing from Gai’s home town, declared his allegiance to Gai, and claimed he joined the group in support of President Kiir to defend the country.
“What I want to tell you the whole of Guit county is for peace. We support the peace under President Salva Kiir and his deputy Taban Deng Gai,” he said.
The declaration came as the SPLA Chief of General Staff, Paul Malong Awan flew to Guit county with some senior officers including SPLA spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Lul Ruai Koang.
The group claimed they had defected from the SPLA-IO to President Kiir’s SPLA with 11,000 troops currently allegedly stationed in Guit area, waiting for full integration into the SPLA under the command of President Kiir.
However, Major Weirial Puok Baluang, press secretary for the opposition’s appointed governor of Unity state, has dismissed as ‘propaganda’ the alleged number of troops that defected to President Kiir for integration.
He said the three Generals only defected with the total of 80 soldiers, describing the claim as ‘white lies’ from desperate people in need of cash money from the regime of Juba.
PULLED OUT OF KCCA CARNIVAL: Singers Radio and Weasel
Saturday, August 20, 2016, may have seemed just like any other day of the week for Mbarara revelers. But for the large audience that witnessed the Mbarara edition of the Uganda Breweries Tubbaale party that took place that day, it will remain etched in their memories. The event held at the Agip Motel, was the first of four regional tours.
The line up of stars at the event was impressive. Radio, Weasel and MunG dazzled the audience on the night besides setting the venue on fire with their scintillating performance.
While the established stars shone, the upcoming stars in Western Uganda also had ample opportunity to showcase their talents which saw performers slugging it out in singing, dancing and comedy.
At the same event, many UBL customers walked away with a range of prizes such as motor cycles, flat screen TVs, airtime, among other many giveaways.
Speaking about the event, Maureen Rutabingwa, the Bell Brand Manager said the party was meant to celebrate the Mbarara customers and reward them for their support for the past 70 years.
“It has been a rollercoaster ride for us since Tubbaale started and we are satisfied with what we have been able to achieve so far as we take the fun and prizes to other parts of Uganda,” she said.
Part of the cargo seized at Mombasa port with suspected cocaine./ Courtesy Photo
It is almost a month and Uganda Police authorities are still silent about claims that the US$3 million cocaine haul seized at the Mombasa port on July 27 was destined for Uganda.
According to an investigation by a Kenyan daily, The Star, the narcotics worth Uganda shillings 11 billion was destined to ‘Mshalle Commodities’, Bugolobi Industrial Area, Uganda.
Sources that sought anonymity said that the drugs might have been loaded in Oman. The vessel left the Port of Santos in Brazil on June 10, 2016, and a bill of lading obtained by The Star – printed on July 29 2016 from the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) – stated that the vessel carrying the drugs, MSC Letizia V. SS621R, had been loaded with 18 by 20 containers among others, each containing 520 bags of ‘brown sugar’.
The investigations indicate that MSC Letizia V. SS621R allegedly docked in Oman and the cargo was loaded onto MSC Posetano which then docked at the Port City of Mombasa, berth number 16, on July 27, 2016.
By July 31, the same ship that delivered the consignment was reported to be missing from the port.
Uganda Police are yet to make any statement over the seizure and those interrogated in connection to the shell company, Mshalle commodities. Outgoing Police spokesperson Fred Enanga last week did not answer any questions about the cocaine haul and their alleged destination.
However, a fortnight ago, Uganda’s Mombasa consular for Trade and investment Tayebwa Katureebe said no one had launched a complaint with his office regarding the drugs.
Former Kenyan President Emilio Mwai Kibaki has been flown to South Africa for specialized treatment.
Reports indicate that the former Head of State is suffering from complications arising from a December 2012 accident as he returned from a presidential campaign rally.
He was later hospitalized in London, United Kingdom but went ahead to win the 2003 elections, defeating his former boss-turned-political foe Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi.
An octogenarian Kibaki, whose wife Lucy died in April, served as Kenyan President from 2002 to 2013.
President Yoweri Museveni has commended the people of Rushere in particular and of Kiruhura district at large for engaging in income generation projects.
The President was speaking yesterday at Emmanuel Cathedral in Rushere, seat of North Ankole Diocese in Kiruhura district during a thanksgiving service commemorating the first anniversary since the consecration of Rt. Rev. Stephen Namanya, as Bishop of North Ankole Diocese.
The event was also used to celebrate the victory of President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) during the 2016 elections. President Museveni, who was the guest of honour, commissioned the Diocesan SACCO and milk plant and also laid the foundation stone of the girls’ school
North Ankole Diocese, created in 2003, has a variety of investments worth Shs. 800 million that, among others, include a dairy farm, milk plant, a bee farm, a girls’ school and health insurance.
“I am pleased to note that the people have stopped nomadism, embarked on work and are generating income. I thank God who has enabled them to educate their children,” he said.
He expressed happiness that the people had gathered to thank God for the NRM victory. He said that NRM has built the Lyantonde – Ibanda – Kamwenge – Fort Portal road adding that the facility would go a long way towards promoting development in the area. He further informed the gathering that the NRM Government will build the Kazo – Kyegegwa – Hapuyo road.
President Museveni commended the congregation for their commitment to educating their children in schools near their homes. He, however, cautioned the youth over the dangers of the HIV/AIDS scourge. He called on them to avoid the situation of what he called ‘winning a trophy in AIDS.’ He urged parents and religious leaders to sensitize the youths over the pandemic.
Regarding environment, the President called on the people of Kiruhuura district and the Ankole Sub-Region as a whole, to protect water sources. He made particular reference to River Rwizi which transverses the area but is threatened with drying up because of the harmful activities of the people along its course. He asked them to leave intact the swamps that are water catchment areas for the benefit of the community. He informed them that the Government has made plans to promote irrigation in order to ensure sustainable agricultural production adding that it would also promote work on valley dams to ensure that wananchi are served.
Mr. Museveni said plans are underway to enable wananchi cultivate perennial crops such as coffee, fruits, tea and cocoa. He gave assurances that this would be done through the provision of quality seedlings. He urged wananchi not to worry about incidents of East Coast fever that affects cows because veterinary officials are working to ensure that the threat is contained.
President Museveni thanked the people of the area for establishing a Diocesan SACCO to which he donated Shs.10 million to boost it. He pledged to donate a tractor to facilitate their agricultural venture and that he will assist them to search for an investor to help them tap into the resource of their 670-acre land.
During the thanksgiving service, Shs. 372 million was realized towards the girls’ school building project to which the President had auctioned a cow at Shs.10 million; donated Shs.10 million for the thanksgiving cerebrations and also pledged Shs.200 million for the girls’ school building, out of which he gave cash of Shs.20 million. The President further bought 21 cows at a total of Shs.42 million and donated the cows to Bishop Namanya.
North Ankole Bishop, Rt. Rev. Steven Namanya, saluted President Museveni for his wise leadership and thanked God for the gift of Mr. Museveni. He congratulated him for the general elections’ victory.
NEW ROLE: Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Felix Kaweesi
The Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura has shaken up the police media department, bringing in Andree Felix Kaweesi to ‘stand in’ for long-serving Fred Enanga.
According to available information, Commissioner of Police (CP) Enanga is away on assignment, while his deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Polly Namaye and Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Superintendent Patrick Onyango have been sent to study.
AWAY ON ASSIGNMENT: Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga
By press time it was not possible to establish the replacements for ACP Namaye and Supt. Onyango.
SENT TO STUDY: ACP Polly Bagambaki Namaye
The changes come in the wake of a sustained negative publicity stunt that engulfed the police hierarchy following the beating of citizens by officers on duty to monitor the travels of opposition key figure Dr Kizza Besigye after his release from a two-month incarceration in Luzira prison on treason charges.
EFFECTED CHANGES: IGP Gen Kale Kayihura
Since then, the IGP and seven other senior police officers have been dragged to court, though they have failed to turn up. Their failure to appear before court however, has not been without drama; first, goons who are reportedly supporters of the IGP raided and disrupted proceedings at the Makindye magistrate’s court, where Gen Kayihura had been scheduled to appear August 10.
‘NO SHOW’: Internal Affairs Minister Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo addressing the press at the Media Centre. He said Gen Kayihura would not show up in court
Then his boss, minister of Internal Affairs Gen Abubaker Jeje Odong took to the microphone at the Media Centre last week, and suggested the IGP would not go to court when he is next required to, on August 29. “…What we are talking about is a gentleman performing his constitutional duties. Therefore, we would be talking about General Kale Kayihura, the institution, and not General Kale Kayihura, the individual… Therefore, when you are talking about going to court, it is the institution and not the individual,” Gen Odongo was quoted by local media as saying.
Former Olympic marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich and Uganda is confident he can use his Rio disappointment as a springboard to fresh World championship glory.
The marathoner posted 2:13:32 in the wet and lightly rainy conditions to finish a distant 8th on the final day of the Rio 2016 Olympics, a race won by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge who has done extremely well since switching from track to marathon.
Kiprotich and Kipchonge share a manager, Jurrie van der Velden.
Now that the four year honeymoon within which Kiprotich has inflicted so much pain on the East African neighbours, beating them to gold twice is over, the 27-year-old prisons officer has said his next focus once he relaxes in the hilly Bukwo district, is the IAAF World Championship in London next year.
“The marathon in Rio was difficult but now my focus turns to the World Championship in London,” Kiprotich said on Monday.
In the shadow of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, poking through the rain clouds from high above the city, Solomon Mutai was the best placed Ugandan in 8th while Jackson Kiprop finished 80th. The trio blamed their poor finish on weather as Uganda left Brazil empty handed.
Incidentally, Kiprop was selected to undergo a doping test.
