UPC asks Besigye to abandon defiance campaigns

By

-

July 13, 2016

UPC SSEGANYI — (L-R) UPC (Akena faction) Secretary General Edward Sseganyi (RIP) , party member Jonathan Odur and spokesperson Michael Orach Osinde at a past function. Photo credit/chimpreports.com

The Secretary General of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) Edward Ssegganyi has implored former candidate in the February 18 presidential elections Kizza Besigye, to take a break from the defiance campaigns.

Flanked by the UPC spokesperson Michael Osinde Orach and National Chairman Lawrence Okae Engirot, Sseganyi said Besigye needs to respect the peace and stability of other citizens in Uganda especially those in Wakiso and Kampala who are most affected by the defiance campaigns.

“People have to work hard to earn a living so the defiance campaign is a hindrance to their work since it involves unemployed youth that end up stealing and causing damage to peoples properties which always forces them to close their businesses,” he said, adding however, that the UPC was ‘happy’ Besigye is now a free man.

Sseganyi, the SG of the Jimmy Akena splinter faction, also noted that the NRM regime had weaknesses that needed solutions, and hastened to acknowledge they had engaged the President Yoweri Museveni on a number of issues including the 2016 presidential elections, during the Inter-party Dialogue (IPOD) meeting held at State House, Entebbe.

Of recent the UPC has been ‘in bed’ with the NRM, a strong indicator being the appointment of Akena’s wife Betty Amongi as Minister of Lands and Housing, a development that has since upset the opposition, mostly the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), whose flag bearer Dr Besigye is highly critical of the ruling NRM government, which he accuses of stealing his 2016 electoral victory.

FDC’s Dr Besigye lost the 2016 presidential elections but contested the results, prompting him to declare a defiance campaign after the Supreme Court rejected a petition by his opposition colleague, Go Forward candidate Amama Mbabazi, and ruled in favour of incumbent National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Museveni.

Besigye, who has been on remand in Luzira Maximum Security prison for about two months on charges of treason was yesterday released on a non-cash bail of 100 million by Nakawa High Court judge Justice Wilson Masalu Musene, and immediately vowed to re-start the defiance campaign in earnest.

And, as if to emphasise his point, today Dr Besigye addressed a lengthy press conference at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi where he, among other issues, reaffirmed his commitment to the defiance campaign.

Stories Continues after ad

Kayizzi insists he will not feel pressure back at KCCA

By

Our Reporter

-

July 13, 2016

Vincent Kayizzi (born 6 March 1984) has made it clear that he will not feel under any extra pressure despite becoming KCCA FC’s most talked about signing.

Masaka born striker recently joined the Kasasiro Boys a one-year deal from Express FC on but insists that any stigma of his transfer will not be felt in his forthcoming season with Mike Mutebi’s reigning Premier League champions.

“I have never been under pressure at any club I have played and here won’t be different,” the former FK Srem Sremska Mitrovica star told EagleOnline.

“I will be my usual self at Lugogo as there is no cause to be under pressure.I am looking forward to score as many goals as possible to lift the team so we can achieve together,” the experienced right winger added.

Express FC captain of the 2015-16 season Vincent Kayizzi in action against SC Villa's Kirya. The veteran right winger returns to KCCA - 13 years since he gave him his breakthrough at Lugogo. — Express FC captain of the 2015-16 season Vincent Kayizzi in action against SC Villa’s Kirya. The veteran right winger returns to KCCA – 13 years since he gave him his breakthrough at Lugogo.(Photo/ChimpReports)

Vincent Kayizzi controls the ball during a 2012 Uganda-Rwanda CECAFA game. Kayizzi arrives at KCCA with huge promise of delivering success and returning to the Cranes fold.

Kayizzi, who will don jersey number 17, will vie for the right wing position with Paul Mucureezi and Julius Poloto next season in the league and CAF Champions League. He joins Geoffrey Sserunkuuma and Brian Majwega that were unveiled last week at the club.

A bonafide KCCA supporter, Kayizzi was elated to rejoin KCCA for the third time – 13 years since Mutebi gave him his breakthrough at the club.

“I know what the club expects from me and I’m not going to let down the club management for vesting their faith in me. This is a different KCCA from the one that signed me in 2003,” Kayizzi, who has been given a one year renewable contract, told the club website.

The midfielder has massive continental experience and is pictured playing for former club URA in March 2012 against Lesotho's LCS in the preliminary first leg round at Namboole. — The midfielder has massive continental experience and is pictured playing for former club URA in March 2012 against Lesotho’s LCS in the preliminary first leg round at Namboole.

Kayizzi, is a born winner, having helped Vipers win the league trophy in 2015 and had successful professional stints in Poland and Serbia.

“I still labor with ambitions to play for the national team and I want to achieve that again in the first half of the season. I’m ready for the competition at KCCA and I hope to push the club to greater heights,” Kayizzi added.

KCCA manager Mutebi says the right winger joins the club at the right time to provide width and crosses for strikers.

“He is 30 years and can still offer four more years. When I first recruited him in 2003, he was in the same age bracket as Andreas Iniesta of Spain and Barcelona and the two have almost garnered the same experience over time,” Mutebi reminisced

He added; “I was compelled to turn to the tested players like Kayizzi to inspire young players to develop into established stars. In a nutshell, Kayizzi is a great acquisition that will lift our dressing room at the same time giving us cutting age in difficult games as we bid to retain the league trophy.

Stories Continues after ad

Ambassador Mugambage retired from Rwanda army

By

Our Reporter

-

July 13, 2016

RDF 2 — Rwanda's High Commissioner to Uganda Maj Gen Frank Mugambage. Second left is former EAC Secretary General Maj Dr Richard Sezibera.

The Rwanda High Commissioner to Uganda Major General Frank Mugambage has been retired from the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), at a function presided over by the Minister of Defence General James Kabarebe.

According to sources, Gen. Mugambage was one of the five senior most officers retired on July 11 alongside former RDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Caesar Kayizari, Maj. Gen. Paul Rwarakabije, Maj. Gen. Sam Kaka and Brig. Gen. George Rwigamba.

Mugambage, who was the first Rwanda Patriotic Front/Army (RPF/A) Commander in 1994, has served the post-genocide Rwanda in several other capacities including serving as the first Commissioner General of Police and later as President Paul Kagame’s Principal Private Secretary.

The RDF retired officers pose for a group photo with defence minister Gen James Kabarebe (in black suit).

For Lt. Gen. Kayizari, he served in several capacities in the RDF including as Member of Parliament representing the army; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and later rising up to the level of Chief of Staff. He also one time served as the head of the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA), and most recently as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Turkey.

Maj. Gen. Kaka also once served as RDF Commander and later became a Member of Parliament.

As for Maj. Gen. Rwarakabije, a former top rebel commander of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), he denounced rebellion and returned to Rwanda in the 2003. Subsequently, in 2004 he was re-integrated in the RDF and also appointed to the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission. At the time of retirement Maj. Gen. Rwarakabije was the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Services.

Stories Continues after ad

Bank reaches out to orphanage

By

Our Reporter

-

July 13, 2016

Mapeera house along Kampala road where Centenary Bank has its headquarters

Centenary Bank has donated a 10,000-litre water tank to Malaika Orphanage Children Foundation in Kawempe as it extends its community outreach programme in areas it operates.

“We are optimistic our donation will not only enable the children to have clean water but also have a steady supply of it. We are best known as a financial institution but through our deliberate corporate social responsibility programmes we have managed to make the lives of our customers better, beyond assisting them with financial services. We believe a healthy community, makes a healthy customer,” said Patrick Odhiambo, the Centenary Bank Bwaise branch manager.

Patrick Odhiambo, the Centenary Bank Bwaise Branch Manager, cuts the tape with Mr and Mrs Serunjogi, the proprietors of Malaika Orphanage Children Foundation in Kawempe, last week

The orphanage takes care of more than 200 children.

Stories Continues after ad

Burundian former Minister assassinated

By

Agencies

-

July 13, 2016

Burundian member of the East African Legislative Assembly was shot dead on Wednesday in what Rwanda’s foreign Minister called an assassination in a country in violent political turmoil.

Hafsa Mossi, a former Minister in President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government, was “shot by criminals” in the capital Bujumbura, the President’s media adviser Willy Nyamitwe tweeted.

More than 450 people have been killed since Nkurunziza pursued and won a third term last year, a move that his opponents say violated the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005.

Government officials and members of the opposition have been among those killed in tit-for-tat violence by rival sides.

Louise Mushikiwabo, the Rwandan Minister of foreign affairs, tweeted that she was mourning the loss of Mossi who had been “assassinated”.

The upsurge in violence in Burundi has caused alarm in a region where memories of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide remain raw. Like Rwanda, Burundi has an ethnic Hutu majority and a Tutsi minority.

So far the violence has largely followed political rather than ethnic lines. But diplomats fear ethnic wounds could re-open the longer violence continues.

Mossi had represented Burundi at the regional parliament since 2012 and her term was set to run until next year, according to the assembly’s website. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

Stories Continues after ad

Feni Ali gains new URA contract extension

By

Our Reporter

-

July 13, 2016

Moses Feni Ali has won a new contract at Azam Premier League giants Uganda Revenue Authority.

After showing his enviable scoring proficiency in the last two seasons, the attacking midfielder has seen his contract extended to 2018 courtesy of a clause in his previous deal at the tax collectors.

URA are apparently carrying out a complete overhaul before the new season that will see the likes of Saidi Kyeyune, Sulait Luyima, Villa Oromchan, Simeon Masaba and Yayo Lutimba depart as they aim to rebuild a competent side.

Other contract extensions have been tabled for Jimmy Kulaba (defender) and Oscar Agaba (midfielder) while Robert Sentongo (striker), Samuel Senkoomi (defender), Savio Kabugo (defender) and Derrick Tekkwo (midfielder) are all expected to stay put.

The Lugazi fans will have higher expectations with their club showing a reassuring willingness to strengthen by retaining the best performers.

Stories Continues after ad

The day President Museveni ruled the world through just a few photos

By

Shawn Davis Kawalya

-

July 13, 2016

Yesterday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s media team released photographs of their boss making a phone call by the roadside as he was returning from Isingiiro, where the World Population Day was commemorated. In the ensuing hours social media was set on fire with memes trolling the President to the extent that the whole world took on the trend in form of the ‘Museveni Challenge’:

The Guardian, a UK paper picked up the story with the headline, Ugandan president stops to make roadside phone call. Twitter explodes

BBC could not also hold back as they published, ‘Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni’s roadside call gets Twitter users guessing.’

Kenya’s The Daily Nation also jumped on board the Museveni cruise ship, with Kenyans actually pulling off a better Museveni Challenge to the extent that they have even owned the challenge.

No one could help but notice the ancient phone that the President used to make the roadside phone call. “Museveni steals villagers hearts with roadside call on cheap phone,” wrote The Star.

The Museveni Challenge continues to break the internet both on Twitter and on FaceBook.

Stories Continues after ad

Airtel launches the ‘Mujje Tulumbe’ promotion ahead of the Cranes AFCON 2017 qualifier

By

Our Reporter

-

July 13, 2016

Airtel Uganda officially launched its Mujje Tulumbe promotion in support of the Uganda Cranes preparations for the AFCON qualifier against the Comoros in September.

The promotion comes after Uganda Cranes several near misses to make the African Cup of Nations grade in 39 years, a blight that could be buried on September 3, 2016 at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

At a press conference this morning at the Airtel head office, the media was presented with a 53-day promotion detail that is aimed at building national pride in support of the Uganda Cranes team that is on the verge of qualifying for the 2017 AFCON to be held in Gabon.

The promotion comes with freebies and amazing offers from the mobile phone network ranging from over 5,000 tickets, 53 million shillings ( to be won by one lucky winner daily) and 8 cars, one to be won every week. Airtel customers only have to simply recharge Airtime and will automatically qualify for the draw.

“We have had a 39 year wait, we are almost close to making our way to rewriting history. We believe we should do something for our consumers who also add to this struggle of the Cranes,” Remmie Kisakye, Airtel Uganda’s Head Brand and Communications, said.

Airtel Head, Brand and Communication Ms Remmie Kisakye and FUFA boss Eng Moses Magogo and other officials at the launch of the Mujje Tulumbe campaign

She added: “Today we finally launch the Mujje Tulumbe campaign that will see Airtel giving back to its customers for supporting the Cranes this long. All our subscribers have to do is recharge today through Airtel Money, e-recharge or using a voucher and they will stand a chance to win; it’s time to recharge our passion for our team.”

At the same occasion FUFA president Eng Moses Magogo moved a vote of thanks to Airtel Uganda for supporting the Cranes.

“It’s because of the Airtel sponsorship that has enabled us get to various places; we have increased on bonuses for the players. We thank Airtel for the relentless support for the Cranes. Mujje Tulumbe is the campaign we are launching today and we are giving back to the community and customers,” he noted.

Uganda Cranes will host Comoros on September 3, 2016 in a must win last AFCON 2017 qualifier to book a place in the tournament next year in Gabon.

AFCON 2017 Qualifiers

Saturday, 3rd September 2016

Uganda vs. Comoros, Namboole Stadium (4 pm)

Stories Continues after ad

Besigye calls Uganda Police ‘incompetent’

By

Our Reporter

-

July 13, 2016

Opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye has launched a scathing attack against the Uganda Police Force, calling its officers ‘incompetent’ despite the billions of money they spend.

Addressing a press conference at the Forum for Democratic Change headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Dr Besigye said he defied acts of Police impunity when he escaped to downtown Kampala which led to his recent arrest and subsequent imprisonment.

“Those of us who chose to oppose must know the dictator’s wrath will be directed towards us by the Police, Besigye said adding: “the biggest challenge is when you are still in police custody. Police is a direct extension of the dictator because it is his arm.”

Besigye has before sought for help from the international community to put a stop to what he calls government’s continued brutality against the citizens.

Police has made it a habit to arrest Besigye, the FDC presidential candidate in the February 18 presidential elections, whenever he drives out of his house in Kasangati to go about his business.

“Whenever I am arrested, I am at ease with myself. I am always psychologically prepared for arrest and torture,” Besigye said in his first public address as a free citizen, following his release on bail on Tuesday by High Court judge Wilson Masalu Musene.

Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, exploits and savours his cult-like status by waving to supporters from his sunroof window, often drawing ever-swelling crowds who follow his car – paralysing traffic in the process. As a ‘solution’, police then places him under ‘preventive arrest’.

The Uganda police has severally been implicated in a number of human rights abuse reports against the citizens they are meant to protect.

“The people breaching peace are the ones who should maintain it. I hope Ugandans organise and we charge these officers of their offense; if not now, at some point in the future, those officers will be held accountable,” Besigye said of officers ‘breaking the law’.

“Police taking me to Karamoja and charging me in Moroto was irregular. When I was brought to Nakawa that is why I was charged again for the same case,” the four-time presidential candidate narrated.

“In Moroto, strange things happened. All inmates were transferred to other police stations. I was the only inmate at the CPS where Counter-terrorism unit officers (the ones who wear black uniforms) were in charge of the Moroto CPS while I was there,” he said.

According to Besigye, he has reported more than 20 cases against police and other government security agencies to Uganda Human Rights Commission since he first joined the race for the presidency in 2001, but says no action has ever been taken.

Besigye adds that he has now exhausted all avenues for justice within the official agents of government to protect his rights and rights of all Ugandans.

Besigye hears mention for his treason case

Before Besigye headed to Najjanankumbi, James Mawanda Eremye, the Nakawa Chief Magistrate had adjourned the mention of his treason case to allow prosecution to complete its investigations into the matter. Mawanda made the ruling this morning following a request by the state prosecutor, Doreen Elima for more time to conclude the investigations.

In his ruling, Magistrate Eremye said that since the state isn’t ready to, he would adjourn the court for a longer period to allow the state to complete its investigations. He, therefore, adjourned the mention to August 12.

Earlier, Prosecutor Elima had told court that given the fact that treason is a capital offense, it requires exhaustive investigations to collect all the required evidence. She said that although the law requires that investigations are completed within six months, there should be an exception given the gravity of the matter before court.

However, in his response, Besigye asked the state to abandon the case if prosecution has failed to complete investigations and only rearrests him once the investigations are complete. “These charges they prefer against me are aimed at weakening me into submitting to this regime. I won’t,” he said. He said it is a total waste of tax payer’s money and his resources to keep dragging him to court, yet there are so many prisoners who haven’t seen a day in court, who need to be attended to.

Besigye also said because of being charged with a capital offense, he can’t even access a bank loan for his businesses.

Stories Continues after ad

Machar troops demand reinforcements in Juba

By

Our Reporter

-

July 13, 2016

Machar troops — Troops loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar have engaged the SPLA in Pagak town.

South Sudan First Vice President Riek Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition have demanded that their full complement of troops allowed under the security arrangements deal be finally brought to Juba following attacks waged on their troops in the city.

Both SPLA and SPLA-IO were allowed a limited number of troops in the city under the terms of the peace deal and a follow-on security deal. The SPLA-IO troops were brought to Juba in March and April this year but the full number authorized was never reached and hundreds have since been killed in fighting that lasted from Friday to Monday in Juba.

Architects of the peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa last year envisioned that the partial demilitarization of Juba besides the creation of various ceasefire and coordination mechanisms would prevent accidental clashes between the two rival armies turned ‘peace partners’ in Juba. Some leaders of the SPLM-IO in recent days, however, claim that the recent clashes were not accidental but rather well-planned attempts to eliminate their forces.

Manawa Gatkuoth, deputy spokesman of the SPLM-IO, demanded yesterday that the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) take measures to transport the balance of SPLA-IO troops in Upper Nile to Juba.

He accused the government forces in Juba led by Salva Kiir and militias loyal to him of carrying out assassinations of their troops in Juba since their arrival to Juba up until the outbreak of fighting late last week. He pointed out that the peace deal had provided for the creation of a joint police force to take over the security of Juba but instead many other government troops remained in the city.

Manawa called for the speedy deployment of joint forces to carry out this responsibility, besides demanding the withdrawal of SPLA forces and pro-government militias from the city of Juba immediately. He further accused government troops of responsibility for the looting that took place in Juba over recent days.

“We urge the African Union , the United Nations and especially JMEC that the remainder of our troops that are stationed in Kaldak be brought to Juba. Secondly, we want the joint police forces that were in training to be brought inside Juba.”

Separately, army spokesman Lul Ruai claimed that during the recent fighting the army successfully overran the SPLA-IO base in the Jebel area of Juba and drove their forces out of the city. “We chased them from the city… and they ran away far,” he told Radio Tamazuj, in what amounts to an admission that their forces waged attacks on the SPLA-IO cantonment site.

Stories Continues after ad

UPC asks Besigye to abandon defiance campaigns

Kayizzi insists he will not feel pressure back at KCCA

Ambassador Mugambage retired from Rwanda army

Bank reaches out to orphanage

Burundian former Minister assassinated

Feni Ali gains new URA contract extension

The day President Museveni ruled the world through just a few photos

Airtel launches the ‘Mujje Tulumbe’ promotion ahead of the Cranes AFCON 2017 qualifier

Besigye calls Uganda Police ‘incompetent’

Machar troops demand reinforcements in Juba

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks

Kiira Motors secures $250m electric bus export deal with South Africa

URSB secures prestigious ISO certification in service delivery boost