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Gen Museveni orders UPDF to evacuate Ugandans from South Sudan

By
Stephen Muneza
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With the increased tension in South Sudan, President Museveni has ordered the evacuation of Ugandans living in Nisitu, East of River Nile near the South Sudan border immediately by road.

At least 15,000 Ugandans are said to be working in the war tone country.

In a message conveyed by Uganda Media Center Executive Director and Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo via Twitter, the president issued a directive to have all Ugandans living near the war torn area evacuated immediately.

Uganda Peoples Defence Force spokesman Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda confirmed in a series of tweets that the UPDF on orders of the Commander in Chief Gen. Museveni was to conduct safe evacuation for Ugandans trapped in south Sudan.

Uganda will deploy its army to evacuate some of its citizens from South Sudan, government spokesman Ofwono Opondo and UPDF Paddy Ankunda have confirmed
Uganda will deploy its army to evacuate some of its citizens from South Sudan, government spokesman Ofwono Opondo and UPDF Paddy Ankunda have confirmed

Few Ugandan troops are set to enter Juba and other major towns to secure movement of evacuated civilians.

At least five Ugandans were yesterday evening killed in an ambush at Aruu junction inside South Sudan at around 4pm on Monday evening. This raised death toll of Ugandan businessmen who have so far perished in the ongoing fighting to seven.

The clashes that erupted last week, with earlier skirmishes in Wau city have at least left about 270 people dead, mostly fighters.

Uganda’s military has for days been deployed to prevent the conflict in neighbouring nation from spreading to its territory.

Many Ugandans are reportedly going back to , especially to the capital Juba, despite the heavy fighting in some parts.

Uganda has stopped it’s nationals from traveling there until the tense situation in the country is resolved.

Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson has revealed that by Monday, more than 300 Ugandans had been repatriated using five buses with carrying capacity of 65 passengers each from Juba.

Meanwhile South Sudan’s Vice-President Riek Machar has called on troops loyal to him to stop fighting – about two hours after President Salva Kiir unilaterally declared a ceasefire.

“I inform all troops who have been fighting and have been defending themselves that they should observe the ceasefire and stay in position,” Mr Machar said on Eye Radio Juba.

Additional reporting by Pius Enywaru @penywaru

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Ruling on Kizza Besigye bail application on

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
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Former Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is at the High Court in Kampala to hear the ruling on his bail application.

In 2006, Besigye who was facing treason charges, was released on bail and appeared in court 39 times before he was acquitted.

High Court Judge Wilson Masalu Musene is today expected to rule on the bail application of Besigye who is currently facing treason charges.

Besigye’s four sureties include FDC party president Gen. Mugisha Muntu, FDC Secretary  General Nathan Nandala Mafabi,  Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Mugume and Rubaga Division Mayor Joyce  Nabbosa Ssebugwawo.

Besigye’s lawyers also argued that Besigye has been on remand at Luzira prison for close to 2 months without trial and was therefore entitled to have his bail application approved.

The state represented by state Attorneys, Brian Kalinaki and Florence Akello on Monday argued that since he is a political figure with a big following, Besigye has the capacity to interfere with ongoing police investigations into his case.

The state asked court to impose stringent terms on Besigye if it decides to grant him bail.

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300 Ugandans repatriated from Juba

By
Emmanuel Okello
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Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson has revealed that by Monday, more than 300 Ugandans had been repatriated using five buses with carrying capacity of 65 passengers each from Juba where South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has declared a cessation of hostilities, his army chief of staff ordering troops back to barracks.

At least 15,000 Ugandans are said to be working in South Sudan. Over 200 people have died since Friday.

Many Ugandans are reportedly going back to the war tone country, especially to the capital Juba, despite the heavy fighting in some parts.

Enanga said they were liaising with the foreign affairs ministry for the possible evacuation of Ugandans who might be stuck due to the conflict.

Police has stopped Ugandans from traveling to South Sudan until the tense situation in the country is resolved.

On Sunday, Police blocked unspecified number of Ugandans and trucks from crossing into South Sudan.

UPDF spokesperson Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said Uganda may consider involuntarily evacuating Ugandans from South Sudan “if violence escalates”

So far two bodies of Ugandans killed in the conflict have been repatriated. These were identified as Dr Ben Chandinga, a 35 year old pharmacist and resident of Oriya village, Pakele Sub County in Adjumani District and Ceasar Batele, 39, a UN driver and resident of Sinveni village, Terego Sub County, Arua District.

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Mi Casa turns up the ante at Blankets and Wine

By
Our Reporter
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J Something performing at the Blankets & Wine XIII

The 13th edition of the Tusker Malt Lager sponsored Blankets and Wine Kampala social event was all that had been promised to be. The blend of Davis Ntare, Jackie Akello, Mo Roots, and the main act Mi Casa were a perfect set up of afro-pop with a Jazzy feel blended in by Kirya Kuti showed why Blankets and Wine is still the social event of the year.

BW

With a remarkable turn up at the Uganda Museum grounds, the proverbial home of Blankets and Wine Kampala, revelers were at the grounds as early as midday.

The show kicked off at 2pm with House of DJs entertaining revelers with various DJs taking to the turntables.

Davis Ntare opened up the day’s performances as he took to the stage with his the multi-fusion Zouk combined with and art of Jazz, afro fusion and an element of Reggae. It is his songs like Sheka Sheka, No vacancy, Rise, Wanna Make love and Sisinkana that made the revelers sing along and dance to the music.

Dj Fred Fem turns up the crowd at the Uganda Museum grounds
Dj Fred Fem turns up the crowd at the Uganda Museum grounds

Jackie Akello’s African contemporary and urban music brought a change of mood as she sang in various popular languages like Acholi, Luganda, Swahili and English.

Top saxophonist, Mo-Roots added more fervor to an already energetic mood as she performed many of her songs to the revelers. Elegantly clad in a fashionable afro style dress, she put up a performance that left the revelers asking for more of her saxophone beats.

Mo Roots with Solome and Sandra Suubi perform at the Blankets a& Wine XIII
Mo Roots with Solome and Sandra Suubi perform at the Blankets a& Wine XIII

When Mi Casa later on took the stage, the party was only getting started. J’Something – the vocalist and guitarist was clearly astonished by the atmosphere of the crowd that had been waiting anxiously for the South African band. When they played the ‘Jika’ song, the revelers went into a sing-along that was only similar to an anthem.

“Our journey has been an exciting one and we are proud to have watched the property grow in leaps and bounds to become the most anticipated event in Uganda’s social calendar. We aim basically to enhance the Blankets and Wine experience whilst giving our consumers the chance to enjoy the best afro music,” said Alex Tusingwire, the Tusker Malt Lager Brand Manager.

“In the past 12 editions, several artistes like Oliver Mtukudzi, Freshly Ground, Liquideep, Just a Band, among others have performed in Kampala. Now we can add Mi Casa to the list.” he added.

 

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Salva Kiir orders for ceasefire

By
Agencies
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CALLED FOR CALM IN WAU: President Salva Kiir

SOUTH Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has ordered a ceasefire after days of intense fighting with former rebels in the capital, Juba, state TV says.

More than 200 people are reported to have died in the clashes, involving heavy artillery, tanks and helicopters.

The violence erupted with a shootout between forces loyal to President Kiir and first Vice-President Riek Machar.

The UN Security Council had urged both sides to stop fighting, amid fears for the safety of millions of civilians.

In a unanimous statement, the council condemned the violence “in the strongest terms” and expressed “particular shock and outrage” at attacks on UN sites. It also called for additional peacekeepers to be sent to South Sudan.

President Kiir’s ceasefire order came into effect at 1800 local time (1500 GMT) on Monday. It is not yet clear if the clashes have subsided.

 

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How Uganda’s HIMA Sponsored kickboxers muscled up in Budapest

By
Our Reporter
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Although the first female boxing match took place in the early 1970s, women in Uganda were prohibited from kickboxing by most major organizations and licensing bureaus until the late 2000s.

Enter Patricia Apolot the face of Ugandan kickboxing and first female Ugandan fighter to win outside Africa when she won a World Kickboxing Federation International title by stopping Serbian Ivana Mirkov, in Dunaujvaros, Hungary June 27 2015.

Apolot was part of the HIMA Cement sponsored Kickboxing team that represented Uganda at the recently concluded World kickboxing championships in Budapest Hungary.

They returned victorious with two of the three team members winning their respective matches and titles and qualifying for the Kick Boxing World Cup to be held in Andria Italy from 14th to 19th November 2016.

Apolot beat Slovakia’s Victoria Lipianska in the full contact category while Shakey Mubiru defeated Hungary’s Sandor Joo through a unanimous decision by the three judges. Their colleague Alex Masiko lost to Csaba Gyorfy in the class A category even if he is ranked as class C.

In June, HIMA Cement handed over a 70 million sponsorship deal to the team which included a 50 million one year sponsorship package for Patricia Apolot. The rest of the cash package amounting to UGX20 million went to cover travel and other expenses for the rest of the team that comprised Alex Matsiko (International champion Lightmiddleweight) and Shakey Mubiru (Uganda welterweight champion) for the global tournament.

HIMA Cement’s Marketing Director Allan Ssemakula 2nd from left poses with kickboxers Patricia Apolot, Alex Masiko, and Shakey Mubiru with their coach Adam Boumadi after they returned from a successful trip in Hungary for the World Kickboxing Championships.
HIMA Cement’s Marketing Director Allan Ssemakula 2nd from left poses with kickboxers Patricia Apolot, Alex Masiko, and Shakey Mubiru with their coach Adam Boumadi after they returned from a successful trip in Hungary for the World Kickboxing Championships.

According to their coach Adam Boumadi, the team did exceptionally in Hungary and helped to put Uganda on the map. “This is a good team. Mubiru is new to international competition but he fought well and won his category. Alex, who had not fought for two years and had never been to Europe to compete also did well even though he lost in his category, with more opportunities like these, he should be able to go on and win many competitions.”

During the press briefing where the kickboxers showcased their trophies and the belts they won, Allan Ssemakula the Marketing Director HIMA Cement, said that the company strives to support initiatives that share the same values. “At HIMA, we identify with people that have grit, zeal, determination and a hunger for success and that is the potential we saw in this young kickboxing team. We could not be prouder to be associated with this kick boxing team because they fought strong opponents and still came out on top.”

The kick boxers are next slated to take stage on international level in September 2016.

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Uganda Open kitty gets Shs500m boost from Tusker Malt

By
Stephen Muneza
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Otile celebrates after becoming the youngest winner of the 2015 Uganda Open. The Fort Portal-bred lad is primed for a phenomenal 2016

The 74rd edition of the Uganda Golf Open tournament tournament that billed itself as among the richest in East and Central Africa, and a challenger to some of the South Africa’s top events, has earned an additional UGX 270 million shillings from top sponsor Tusker Malt Lager set for August.

This is the 6th year Uganda Breweries Limited, through its flagship premium beer Tusker Malt Lager has sponsored the annual tournament.

Fort Portal-bred Ronald Otile became the first-ever to clinch both Amateur and Professional titles at the five-in-one Tusker Malt Uganda Open at the par-72 Kitante course last August. Otile stroked nine-over-par 297 to end four rounds of gruelling golf atop the leaderboard from start to finish.

UBL Managing Director Mr. Nyimpini Mabunda hands over the dummy cheque to Johnson Omolo the President of the Uganda Golf Union
UBL Managing Director Mr. Nyimpini Mabunda hands over the dummy cheque to Johnson Omolo the President of the Uganda Golf Union

Speaking on Monday during the unveiling of the sponsorship deal in Kampala, outgoing UBL MD Nyimpini Mabunda said the Uganda Open was an excellent opportunity for the country to market itself in positive way. Out of the Sh500 million sponsorship, Sh230 million will be in kind and Sh270 million in cash.

Mabunda said the Open also offers local pros a chance to play with the best in world with the hope of winning the event.

“We have increased our sponsorship to resonate with the status that the game of golf has attaining. The Uganda Open provides an opportunity for renewal and development of golfing skills in Uganda, and initiation of new acquaintances while renewing old ones. As all true sports lovers know, the beauty of the whole exercise is not just in winning but in participating,” said Mabunda.

Plenty of entertainment

The Uganda Golf Club Course, which is considered to be one of the toughest courses in the country, will be awash with over 500 amateurs, pros and seasoned pros as they try their hand at not only outsmarting their competition and being bestowed upon the title of 2016 Winner of Uganda Golf Open.

Mr. Johnson Omolo, the President of the Uganda Golf Union explained that in order to attract a sizeable field from the Sunshine Tour and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) regions, the dates for this year’s Uganda Open had been chosen to suit their schedule.

“We had consultations with the Sunshine Tour team and we set our dates for this year’s Golf Open, so that we could have the participants from the tour also participate in Uganda. We are also hoping to attract players from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) tour. The course at the Uganda Golf Club has been prepared to match the highest global standards. All tests that have been carried out on these luscious grounds have proved that the club has the capacity to handle a tournament of this magnitude,” he added.

Jay Sandhu of Kenya chips from a bunker. The star is expected to be part of the Kenyan contingent whose amateurs are captained by Bo Ciera for the event.
Jay Sandhu of Kenya chips from a bunker. The star is expected to be part of the Kenyan contingent whose amateurs are captained by Bo Ciera for the event.

So far, Uganda Golf Union has received confirmation of 15 national team entrants from Kenya led by Captain Bo Ciera for the Amateur event. Other entrants are from Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi fighting for a prize award of UGX 110 million shillings for the professionals.

The armatures will be playing from 10th – 13th August, 2016 while the professionals will play from 31st August – 3rd September, 2016.

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Uganda closes border with South Sudan

By
Our Reporter
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Fred Enanga, Police spokesperson

EagleOnline understands that there is restricted entrance and no exit at Lobone and other border crossings between South Sudan and Northern Uganda.

Uganda is trying to prevent entry of refugees following fresh fighting in Juba and a new communication from Police stops Ugandans from traveling to South Sudan until the tense situation in the country is resolved.

“From Lobone, get exit stamps from South Sudan side, the Ugandan side is not accepting people without stamps. Don’t use Nimule, unless you are willing to forfeit your car to erratic soldiers,” a Ugandan blogger, Sam Agona who on Sunday crossed from South Sudan via Lobone tweeted.

“Our borders remain open except that South Sudan is not giving entry visas now,” Internal Affairs publicist Pamela Ankunda clarified on behalf of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC).

However, unconfirmed reports say Uganda has also suspended issuance of visa to South Sudan.

border

Uganda’s military has been deployed to prevent the conflict in neighbouring South Sudan from spreading to its territory.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga announced the ban at Naguru Police Headquarters today, saying the move is aimed at protecting the lives and property of Ugandan traders as the clashes in Juba rage on.

“As a precaution, we urge all business persons and other Ugandans with plans to travel to South Sudan to cancel their plans since the situation is still tense and potentially dangerous,” Enanga said. On Sunday, Police blocked unspecified number of Ugandans and trucks from crossing into South Sudan.

While addressing the press this afternoon at Uganda Media Centre, UPDF Spokesperson Col. Paddy Ankunda did not downplay the rumors of the government of Uganda deploying its troops in South Sudan.

“If the UPDF is to deploy in South Sudan there are procedures to follow,” Paddy categorically stated. He added that, “Let there be no speculation on UPDF deployment in South Sudan.”

Ankunda is however optimistic IGAD extraordinary session will forge a way forward on the South Sudan question. “We may consider evacuating Ugandans from South Sudan if violence escalates,” Ankunda said. We are concerned about the escalating insecurity in South Sudan and Uganda is already experiencing an influx of refugees.”

More than 200 people are reported to have been killed in South Sudan since a new round of fighting broke out between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his rival, Vice-President Riek Machar.

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Pan Africanists to be awarded in Uganda

By
Emmanuel Okello
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TO HOST AWARDS: Fairway Hotel

The Pan African Pyramid is set to recognize different personalities who have made a positive contribution to the enfranchisement of the black race.

Addressing the media at Fairway Hotel earlier today, the organisation’s Speaker Andrew Irumba Katusabe said the awards are the first of a kind in Uganda and that the Pan African Pyramid, a non-government organization, intends to bring to Uganda families of renowned Pan Africanists like Martin Luther King Junior, Khalid Muhammad, Nelson Mandela, Louis Farrakhan and Malcolm X. Others to be invited include: former and current African presidents and, social and cultural leaders who contributed to the struggle of Black people’s rights and freedoms globally through spreading the gospel of Pan Africanism.

BLACK RACE CHAMPION: Martin Luther King Junior
BLACK RACE CHAMPION: Martin Luther King Junior

He noted that there was need for Africa to go back to its basics; the unique cultural beliefs and heritage if she were to maneuver strategically in the global village.

Mr Irumba Katusabe, who was accompanied by his deputy Norah Asekenye and the Secretary Sandra Kasule, said those to be recognized include revolutionaries, scholars, writers and, movie and sports personalities among others.

“As Africa gets ready to take up the struggle, recognition, appreciation and awarding of the fore fathers in Pan Africanism from around the world who stood up in the most difficult circumstances of their times and advocated for the rights and freedoms of Black people around the world should be the first step taken so as to instill the spirit of patriotism in the new generation that would emulate the works of the fore fathers,” Mr Irumba Katusabe said.

He added: “These awards are not meant for only Africans but everyone in the world that worked towards equality for the Black race and everyone who had a hand in the promotion of Blacks’ freedom and human rights and that’s why families of people such as Martin Luther King were invited despite the fact that he was an African American living in the United States of America but fought and championed the struggle for freedom for blacks and respect of their human rights.”

Those recognized will receive their awards during celebrations to mark the second anniversary of the organization on August 26 at the Fairway Hotel gardens in Kampala.

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Treason Accused MP Kabaziguruka tells court he’s ‘not a soldier’

By
Our Reporter
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GRANTED BAIL: Nakawa MP Kabaziguruka

Jailed Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)’s deputy electoral commission chairman Nakawa Division MP Michael Kabaziguruka, has challenged his trial before the army court in a civilian court.

Giving his own account, Kabaziguruka’s lawyers Rwakafuuzi and Company Advocates, petitioned the Kampala High Court saying is ‘unconstitutional’ to try him in the army court when he is not subject to military law.

Kabaziguruka requests the High Court to direct the Makindye court to stop hearing the case until the case in which he challenges its jurisdiction is disposed off.

The court heard from the petitioner that he is not comfortable appearing before court martial on grounds that this court was constituted by President Museveni as Chairman of High Command, and is most likely to be impartial while hearing the allegations that he (Kabaziguruka) attempted to kill the President.

President Mr Museveni, earlier this week while meeting Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) officials, allegedly said Dr Besigye , the incarcerated second-place finisher in the just concluded general election and Gen Sejusa, the former coordinator of intelligence services wanted to destabilise Uganda. He also reportedly claimed jailed Nakawa MP Michael Kabaziguruka was behind schemes to assassinate him.

“He [Kabaziguruka] came to Kisozi [Museveni’s farm in Gomba] to assassinate me,” Museveni reportedly told the meeting.

Kabaziguruka on June 28 was arraigned together with 21 soldiers in the Military Court Martial in Makindye on treason charges, contrary to section 130 (1) (F) of the UPDF Act and Treachery contrary to section 129 (c) of the UPDF Act. The arraignment came a day after he was rearrested from his Luzira home and briefly taken to Nalufenya detention facility in Jinja. He was first arrested on June 5 and locked up at the Kireka-based Special Investigations directorate (SID) before police severally-searched his home.

Kabaziguruka has previously been investigated over allegations of treason and illegal possession of a fire arm by Police.

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