Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
24.5 C
Kampala
Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
Home Blog Page 208

Protests: City traders insist on strike as Minister tells them to go grow pineapples

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
State Minister for Kampala Kabuye Kyofatogabye.

Minister insists traders should not put Museveni under pressure but rather go and grow pineapples

Kampala City traders and various umbrella bodies of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), Uganda Cargo Consolidators, and Kampala Rice Traders have insisted on closing their shops until they meet President Yoweri Museveni.

Yesterday, city traders embarked on closing their shops protesting exorbitant tax regimes in the country. According to Isa Ssekitto, the Spokesperson for Kasita, the closure is aimed at seeing President Museveni address their challenges, including the implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS).

Their strike followed the calling off of their planned meeting with President Museveni. The meeting was scheduled to happen on Tuesday after the flopping of the June 30 meeting.

The meeting aimed at assessing the processes implementing EFRIS. City traders decried over taxations and penalties arising from failure to remit VAT and the Chinese invasion of the local markets.

The business community protested the system, closing shops in Kikuubo and downtown, claiming double taxation and lack of information about the system. They stated that the system is costly in terms of implementation since it requires devices like computers or smartphones and a gadget for printing receipts.

They contend that high import values (old ones) are making it hard for traders to clear their goods and that the high cost of living means that most of the essential goods are becoming unaffordable to the common man.

Earlier today, Edward Ntale, the chairperson of the United Arcades Entrepreneurs Association (UATEA), condemned the dismissive stance by Minister of State for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, towards their grievances.

Minister tells traders to go grow pineapples

Kyofatogabye claimed that if city traders feel uncomfortable working or paying taxes, they should resort back to their villages and grow pineapples. Ntale vowed not to bow down to police pressure to reopen their shops.

URA started implementing EFRIS in 2021 to address tax administration challenges relating to business transactions and the issuance of receipts. The system helps URA assess the right taxes using accurate and authentically generated information. It also enables businesses to thrive with improved record-keeping and monitored stock and sales, among others.

The implementation of EFRIS will ensure not just equity in tax collection, especially VAT, but also transparency. The system is expected to double total VAT collections from Shs3.5 trillion to about Shs7 trillion.

Tanzania and Rwanda adopted EFRIS over 10 years ago. These countries collect 33% and 30%, respectively, of their total tax revenue through VAT. Uganda is currently collecting about 15% VAT of its total tax revenue, and this amounts to Shs3.5 trillion.

Stories Continues after ad

Thanks to Angola for its silent diplomacy

By
Guest Writer
-
Presidenta Kagama, Joao and Tshisekedi at the past peace event.

 

On behalf of Pan Africa Forum Ltd I want to take this opportunity to thank the Angolan President Joao Lourenco for striking a cease fire deal between Rwanda and DRC on the fighting between M23 and Government of DRC.

Pan African Forum welcomes the ceasefire and believes in the suspension of hostilities which are due to come into effect from midnight August 4, 2024. It is a humanitarian truce between the M23 and government forces that will remove suffering  on the ground.

Pan African Forum thanks the informal contacts used by some key stake holders that have helped in bringing about the humanitarian ceasefire .We laud the contacts that Angola used to silently bring both sides on table and we  encourage them to go ahead without external imperialistic threats that have characterized the past peace processes  .

Pan African Forum notes that DRC’s mineral-rich east has been racked for some 30 years by fighting between both local and foreign-based armed groups, including M23 rebels. Time has come for both parties to sit on table and speak frankly on DRC. The two parties fighting in DRC must state what they want!

Pan African Forum notes that there are over 240 rebel groups based in DRC who continue to fight on the DRC soil without end. We would like the DRC government to publish all the names of those groups that are supported by France and other mineral hungry countries like USA in the world

Pan African Forum shall continue to support the Angolan Government to achieve the Peace needed in DRC and Africa in general.

Thanks

God Bless DRC

Dr. David Matsanga
Pan African Forum (UK)Ltd
1.08.2024
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa

Stories Continues after ad

Kenyan police tasked to explain how FDC activists were kidnapped by Uganda security operatives

By
Agencies
-
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters that have been slapped with terrorism charges.

KISUMU-Kenya, July 31 — Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has condemed a joint raid by Kenyan and Ugandan security agents to extract thirty-six officials of Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

Security teams staged a night raid at a hotel on the outskirts of the lakeside city and arrested the officials who were later charged with terrorism-related cases.

“Although the County Government of Kisumu has no link with the politicians, we condemn in the strongest terms possible the Human Rights Violations meted against them while within the territory of Kisumu County,” Nyong’o said on Wednesday.

Nyong’o added that he was informed that the politicians had been lawfully allowed to enter Kenya by Immigration officials to attend the meeting.

He said Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye had told him that the FDC politicians had just concluded a meeting at the Ukweli Pastoral Centre on the outskirts of Kisumu City on July 23 when armed security personel broke into their rooms.

Besigye said the team assaulted the officials before arresting them and driving them back to Uganda in the middle of the night.

“As the Governor of Kisumu where the incident happened, I challenge the Kenyan police to clarify it its officers were involved in the attack and hurriedly deported them while within the territory of Kisumu County and the reason behind the attack,” he added.

He called for detailed investigations into the matter and called on the Ugandan authorities to “tell the world” the crimes the officials committed.

The Governor faulted Kenya’s cooperation with the dramatic raid boting that the country is a democratic State that obeys International Human Rights charters.

He cautioned the national government against allowing Kenya to collaborate with those who curtail the rights of foreign citizens legally in the county.

The 36 activists who were smuggled into the country have since appeared before court and slammed with terrorism charges.

Stories Continues after ad

Retiring generals praised for tireless dedication and selfless commitment

By
Our Reporter
-

Major General Jack Bakasumba, Chief Joint Staff, has praised outgoing Generals of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their tireless dedication and selfless commitment, which has significantly contributed to the prevailing peace in the country.

He specifically commended them for their mentorship of subordinate officers, who will succeed them in their respective roles.

 Speaking at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters during a documentation exercise for five retiring Generals, Maj Gen Bakasumba encouraged them to embrace their new phase of life positively. He urged them to uphold patriotic values and avoid engaging in negative political activities that could undermine the country’s progress.

Maj Gen Bakasumba also advised the Generals to wisely manage their gratuity funds, recommending that they consult financial experts before making investment decisions.

Additionally, he encouraged them to maintain their membership in Wazalendo Sacco, highlighting its favourable lending rates and secure savings options as a better alternative to commercial banks.

 Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Joint Staff – Human Resource Management, advised the retiring Generals to actively participate in community initiatives, facilitating a seamless transition to civilian life. He stressed the importance of respecting civil authorities, ensuring a harmonious shift from military structure to civilian norms.

On behalf of his fellow Generals, Brig Gen Charles Kisembo, Director of the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwazi, thanked the Commander-in-Chief for his efforts in professionalizing the UPDF and facilitating a smooth retirement process. He pledged to actively engage in socio-economic transformation efforts, supporting Uganda’s Vision 2040 goal of achieving economic growth and stability.

The retiring Generals expressed pride and satisfaction in leaving behind a stable and peaceful country, free from major security threats, as a legacy of their successful guerrilla war efforts. They expressed confidence that their wealth of experience and leadership expertise will greatly benefit their communities, driving progress and development in key areas like agriculture.

Stories Continues after ad

MTN Uganda’s conduct raises concerns over support for local talent

By
Our Reporter
-

In 2023, MTN Uganda launched a thematic campaign dubbed “Together, we’re unstoppable,” anchored on celebrating the resilience and creativity of Ugandans and providing a platform for them to showcase their skills. For Twaha Kakaira, a budding entrepreneur building his profile within the marketing communications world through his advertising agency, CTA Space, this campaign spoke directly to his mission of supporting brands and businesses in maintaining a firm rooted in consumers’ minds. His passion led him to partner with M&C Saatchi Abel during the pitching process for the MTN account across the continent.

Twaha Kakaire, Founder and Managing Director of CTA Space, the agency affiliated with M&C Saatchi and Abel in Uganda and waiting to take over the MTN Uganda Account..jpg

In April 2024, MTN Group announced M&C Saatchi Abel as its new marketing partner across all operating companies on the continent. For Twaha, this was a David and Goliath situation, as the advertising behemoth TBWA, which had implemented MTN’s marketing activities globally (including in Uganda), was set to hand over to new partners, with CTA Space taking over within the Ugandan market. However, Twaha’s excitement and strategic plans were short-lived when he learned that CTA Space had been rejected by MTN’s procurement and the local Ugandan business unit.

The communication from Nival Maharaj, a new business project director at M&C Saatchi Abel, read, “As we have now had the opportunity to engage directly with the MTN OpCo, concerns were raised about the scale of CTA Space and current capability and quality to deliver against 360-degree work. Even with the willingness to scale up the agency and skills for MTN, MTN wants to start with an agency that is more established in this regard.”

David Case, Founding Partner of TBWA Uganda (former MTN Uganda advertising agency) and majority shareholder of Creatabuzz Communications.

When Twaha reached out to Jacques Burger, CEO of M&C Saatchi Abel, to seek redress and inquire about the decision-making process, he was met with a stark clarification. Jacques stated explicitly, “The MOU doesn’t commit to any obligations from ourselves beyond putting yourselves forward as our affiliate partner in the Uganda market. It does not guarantee a contract or success, nor does it make any financial commitments.”

Jacques further added, “With regards to the pitch itself, you contributed or delivered no work in terms of strategy or creative development. You submitted a rate card that had to be updated several times due to incorrect information and a credentials document. It is important to note this as you have not invested any creative or strategic pitch hours towards the pitch opportunity.”

Jacques Burger, CEO of M&C Saatchi Abel.

MTN Uganda had thoroughly reviewed CTA Space’s credentials and deemed the agency unsuitable for the Ugandan market. However, Jacques noted that “We have spent time understanding MTN Uganda’s point of view and following our additional assessment based on our experience around your rates submission, market research, and reviewing your credentials again, we are aligned to their view. Please note, we are not saying that you are not a good agency, but you are not an ideal partner for MTN in Uganda.”

As Twaha sought to understand the situation and save his dream fully, he learned that M&C Saatchi Abel had instead contracted Creatabuzz Communications, an outfit previously called Limelight and an affiliate of TBWA. This agency had previously handled the MTN account in Uganda and across the continent.

Stories Continues after ad

Gov’t contracts Yapi Mckenzie to construct Standard Gauge Railway

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Standard Gauge railway

Yapi Mckenzie, a Turkish company, has been selected to construct the much-awaited Standard Gauge Railway.

Revelation was made by the State Minister for Information and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabyanga.

The Standard Gauge Railway project was launched in 2013 and According to Kabyanga, efforts to compensate people who will be affected by the project are underway.

During the presentation of the 2023/2024 budget, the government prioritized the security and transport sectors. Currently, the government has acquired a 161-km corridor for the Standard Gauge Railway between Tororo and Mayuge. 

The recent discovery of substantial quantities of oil in the Bunyoro region of Western Uganda is also expected to give rise to increased economic activity in the hinterland of both the Tororo-Pakwach and Kampala-Kasese railway corridors. The government is fast-tracking the start of commercial oil production.

There are over 27 minerals in Uganda, including iron ore (80 million metric tons), phosphates (200 million metric tons), beryllium, chromium, and copper/cobalt, among others, that cannot be exploited economically without efficient rail transportation.

The SGR in Uganda will also provide access to the rich, vast minerals of DR Congo, which include iron ore (5 billion metric tons), aluminum, and large deposits of copper in the Katanga region (62 million metric tons). There is also tin, lead, and zinc (4 million metric tons), nickel, timber, and oil and gas among others. The proposed SGR in Uganda will act as a transit route for the minerals since it will be easier and shorter to reach the markets of China, India, Europe and the Americas.

Currently, the total freight transit traffic from the Indian Ocean Port of Mombasa through Uganda to Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo is of the order of 650,000 metric tons per annum. This traffic is expected to increase drastically (more than 20 times) tons by 2040.

More export traffic than import traffic is expected as peace and stability return to Eastern DR Congo, allowing increased exploitation of her vast resources. Without an efficient railway, the roads leading to these countries will not be able to economically sustain the expected volume of freight traffic.

Stories Continues after ad

Former Kampala Assistant Bishop Niringiye attacked in Ntinda

By
Our Reporter
-
Quick recovery Dr. Zac Niringiye.

Former Assistant Bishop of Kampala Dr. Zac Niringiye has been attacked by an unknown thug in Ntinda, Kampala.

Niringiye was attacked during his daily-routine jogging by an unidentified man on a motorcycle that hit him on the back of his head and fell down.

One of the eyewitnesses who called for quick help to rush him to the hospital noted that the thug grabbed Nirigiye’s phone and disappeared.

Niyigire is a leader with national and international acclaim and has experience as a church leader, theologian, peace and social justice activist and an organizational development consultant.

Niringiye holds a PhD in Theology and Mission History from the University of Edinburgh, UK an MA in Theology from Wheaton College, USA as well as a Physics Honours degree and Teaching Diploma from Makerere University, Uganda.

This is the second time man of God has been attacked. The first attack was in July, 2021 at Legacy courts in Ntinda, Nakawa Division in Kampala City.

Stories Continues after ad

PS Ggoobi sucks Ogwel for failure to account for funds

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Mr Bernard Ogwel.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, has sucked Dr. Benard Ogwel, the Secretary General of the National Council of Sports, for failure to account for funds.

According to the letter addressed to the Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, Ggoobi said Ogwel is ineligible for that office. 

Ggoobi said Section 11(2)(g) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 2015, as amended, states that “appoint or designate accounting officers in accordance with this Act, except that the Secretary to the Treasury shall not appoint or designate a person an accounting officer where, according to the report of an Internal Auditor General or the Auditor-General, that person has not accounted for the public resources or assets of the vote for a financial year.”

He added “Based on the recommendations from the Auditor General and Internal Auditor General for financial year 2024/25, the current Accounting Officer, Dr. Bernard Ogwel, is ineligible to continue executing this role,” he said. 

He asked the chairperson of the National Council of Sports to recommend a suitable officer for the appointment of an accounting officer for the financial year 2024/25.

Last year, Ogwel and Sarah Babirye Kityo engaged in counter accusations after failing to account for Shs139,347,810 extended to the Uganda Netball Federation’s Netball Namibia Pent Series Tournament.

Babirye said she received Shs200 million but asked her to account for Shs139,347,810. She was later arraigned before court and charged. 

Stories Continues after ad

Gabon’s transitional president Oligui Nguema to visit Uganda tomorrow

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Brig. Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, transitional president of Gabon.

Brig. Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the transitional president of Gabon, will visit Uganda on an official trip from August 1 to 3 and will be hosted by President Yoweri Museveni, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Oligui Nguema assumed the role of interim president of Gabon following the 2023 coup d’état that ousted President Ali Bongo.

The Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions announced his appointment on state television.

A military officer, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also serves as chairman of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions and Commander-in-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard.

He is believed to have played a significant role in the coup.

Born in Haut-Ogooué Province, a stronghold of the ruling Bongo family, Oligui Nguema is the son of a Teke mother and a Fang military officer.

He is a cousin of former President Ali Bongo. Oligui was primarily raised by his mother and her family and studied at Omar Bongo University.

He received military training at the Meknes Royal Military Academy in Morocco.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema served as an aide-de-camp to President Omar Bongo until his death in 2009 and then worked as a military attaché at the Gabonese embassies in Morocco and Senegal.

In October 2018, he was recalled to Gabon, where he succeeded President Ali Bongo’s half-brother, Colonel Frédéric Bongo, as head of the intelligence service of the Republican Guard. He was promoted to Brigadier General in April 2019.

In 2021, he revived Operation Mamba, a campaign to arrest corrupt officials. Oligui Nguema took over the leadership of the Gabonese Republican Guard in April 2020, replacing General Grégoire Kouna, a cousin of then-President Ali Bongo.

Stories Continues after ad

Uganda Breweries donates threshers to benefit smallholder farmers

By
Francisco Adongo
-

Uganda Breweries has launched an initiative to support local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture, donating five threshers worth Shs5 million to benefit 1,000 smallholder farmers across the country. This donation aims to improve the efficiency and productivity of farmers, who are the backbone of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

The threshers will be distributed to farmers in five districts, including Kween, Bukwo, Kapchorwa, Rwenzori, and select districts in Northern Uganda. This initiative is part of Uganda Breweries’ Spirit of Progress sustainability strategy, which seeks to create a positive impact in the Environmental, Social, and Governance spheres.

By reducing post-harvest losses and increasing earnings for farmers, Uganda Breweries is investing in the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

While handing over the threshers to representatives of the beneficiary farmers in Luzira, the Uganda Breweries Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo said that by supporting local farmers, the organisation is not only contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector but also ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials.

“Today, we are not just donating threshers to farmers, we are investing in the future of agriculture in Uganda. We believe that by empowering smallholder farmers with the right tools and technology, we can unlock the full potential of our agricultural sector and create a more sustainable future for our business and the communities we serve,” he stated.

Kilonzo said that the donation of threshers is part of Uganda Breweries’ broader commitment to supporting farmers under the program dubbed “Farm for Success” which seeks to address farming challenges related to the quality of inputs, and best agricultural practices.

Under Farm for Success, the organisation invests Shs52 billion annually into farmer communities that supply raw materials used in the alcoholic beverages production process, benefiting 50,000 farmers in the value chain.

Solomon Odongo, who represented farmers at the handover of the threshers applauded Uganda Breweries for the donation, saying that the brewery also provides them with good quality seed, training, and being on Frontline champion of youth inclusion in agribusiness.

“The quality of the grain will improve since threshers make work very fast compared to using sticks which are time-consuming. Use of threshers is also cheap and affordable to the farmers,” said Odong who is also a youth sorghum grower in Bukedea

The Manager of Agribusiness at Uganda Breweries Joseph Kawuki said the donation is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gesture, supportive move to drive to the quality agenda in terms of better-quality grain as well as a move to reduce the hard labour farmers go through to produce quality grains for Uganda Breweries.

Stories Continues after ad
1...207208209...2,399Page 208 of 2,399

© Eagle Online. All rights reserved.

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks