Human Rights Watch has called for the release of the nabbed and remanded protesters in Kampala.
On Monday, joint security forces of the police and the army arrested and cracked a whip on the stage protesters against the speaker of parliament, Anita Among. One is accused of corruption.
The protesters’ demands include the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who had in February been named alongside other parliamentarians in a corruption exposé published on social media, and for the salaries of Ugandan parliamentarians, among the highest-paid in the world, to be reduced.
The protest, partially inspired by recent youth-led protests in neighbouring Kenya, saw participation from young Ugandans who had mobilised online.
On July 23, police in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, detained at least 50 people protesting widespread corruption in the government.
According to Oryem Nyeko, Senior Researcher, Africa Division for Human Rights Watch, the police have continued to arrest young people connected to the protests, including three on Wednesday as they were attempting to hold a press conference.
The day before the protest, one of the participants, Praise Aloikin, said, “We know we will be met with resistance from the government. But we hope this will normalise Ugandans to exercise their right to protest.” Aloikin was among those arrested on Tuesday and remanded to prison.
He said the police said they had attempted to “dissuade the organisers” during a meeting on July 18. Aloikin, who attended that meeting, said the officials “just tried to create fear in us” and asked them: “Didn’t you see people die [in Kenya]?” Two days before the scheduled protests, Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni threatened protesters, saying they were “playing with fire.”
Ugandan authorities have regularly cracked down on activists, political opposition members, and human rights defenders daring to voice concerns about issues like oil sector development and police brutality.
This latest crackdown on protesters is a blatant violation of the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech, guaranteed in Uganda’s constitution and international law, and is indicative of the authorities’ intolerance towards dissent.
The Ugandan authorities should drop the charges against these activists and instead listen to the concerns they are raising.
President Salva Kiir on April 27, 2017 cancelled a meeting at the army general while he was en-route to the SPLA headquarters and returned to the presidency after he was advised by the security not to attend, multiple sources told Sudan Tribune that day.
It was not clear why the president changed his mind mid-way to the military headquarters, sparking debates among government and opposition supporters.
Kiir’s decision was linked to the tension between the ex-Chief of General Staff and the Director General of the Internal Bureau of the Security Service, Akol Koor Kuc, both of whom had presidential eyes.
Gen. Malong’s sacking was based on the bickering him and Gen. Koor had since both were struggling for the attention of the president. As this bickering intensified crude and underhand methods were used like fake intelligence and hence Gen. Malong was outfoxed and lost the favour the head of state and this meant he was out of touch with the president.
However, on April 21, 2022 South Sudan President Salva Kiir realized he could have wrongly sacked Gen. Malong based on wrong intelligence and has since called for reconciliation between the country’s spy chief, Akol Koor Kuc and the former Army Chief of Staff, Paul Malong Awan, a presidential aide disclosed.
Koor is currently the Director-General of South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS).
“We were on our way to Bilpam but returned mid-way because the president was advised by the security to not go to the SPLA general headquarters. I don’t know the reason and I have asked nobody. The president was talking on the telephone and the driver turned the vehicle when he finished talking,” said a presidential aide who asked not to be named.
“Talks between the government and holdout groups are due to resume in the coming period. But the challenge which we are seeing is that Paul Malong and General Akol Koor Kuc, the director-general for the internal bureau of our national security services need to reconcile. His Excellency the president has indicated this to general Akol on numerous occasions and this prompted him to reach out to General Paul Malong himself to initiate reconciliation before talks resumed,” the presidential aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.
Koor fell out with the former army chief of staff, resulting in the removal of the former amid allegations that he was plotting to remove Kiir from power.
Several efforts to pursue Malong to return to the country from exile have been fruitless after he proposed a negotiated arrangement for his return.
Paul Malong Awan Anei had been the South Sudanese chief of the army since April 2014 before President Kiir fired him on May 9, 2017.
Malong decided to travel to his home in Aweil. However, he was stopped in Yirol and asked to return to Juba. He was later put under the house arrest and the military surrounded his home. An intervention by the elders got President Kiir to allow Malong to seek medical help in Kenya.
“I was told to go to Kenya and promised the money for treatment, and none of that came. When President Kiir visited Kenya, the meeting was initiated by the ambassador for me to meet President Kiir. I was able to ask President Kiir about the reasons my money was delayed… and my passport. But there was no good answer. After our meeting, the ambassador who initiated the meeting between Kiir and me was humiliated and fired,” he said.
Malong is one of the people who was known to be a friend of President Kiir. However, that relationship deteriorated after he was fired. Malong said he tried to make peace, but there is no scope for such things on the side of President Kiir. He also accused people around President Kiir of having malicious intentions.
“I have never had the intentions to fight anyone. I wanted us to work together to find the roots or how things went wrong? I was released to go to Kenya on medical grounds, but I was stripped of my passport… I was given a document to travel in the region.”
As opposition and rebel outfits gear up for Nairobi Peace Initiative, there are concerns that the unseen hand of Gen. Koor could be employed to disorganize the process as it is alleged that the success of peace in South Sudan would mean that some powers that be and close the head of state could lose their influential positions and among them is Gen. Akol Koor whose fear is that the return of Gen. Malong means his fall. Sources allege that Gen. Akol Koor can only remain relevant in the absence of Gen. Malong.
President Museveni has granted an official burial to Simon Peter Aleper, the former Member of Parliament for Moroto Municipality and NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja.
Simon Peter Aleper died instantly on July 23, 2024, following a road crash along Iganga- Tirinyi Road in Eastern Uganda.
The announcement has been made by Gloria Asio, Principal Private Secretary to the President in an address to the Prime Minister.
“This is to inform you that the President has directed that the government grants Simon Peter Aleper former Member of Parliament, who died in a motor accident, an official burial.
The Speaker Anita Among has called Members of Parliament for a special sitting tomorrow July 25, 2024, to pay tribute to former Moroto Municipality legislator.
The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) opened a condolence book at the party secretariat at plot 10, Kyadondo Road, for the general public to register their heartfelt messages.
Uganda Development Bank (UDB) has posted a Shs49.8 billion profits up from Shs42.6 billion, the just released 2023 financial year results indicate.
The results indicated that the bank continued to grow, with total assets closing at Shs1.67 trillion in 2023, an uplift from Shs1.52 trillion the previous year.
Loans and advances stood at Shs1.47 trillion, growing 20% from Shs1.22 trillion, underpinned by the Shs610 billion in new loan disbursements realized during the reporting period.
This resulted from the sustained growth in the bank’s balance sheet, matched by prudent investment in interest-earning assets while ensuring lean operations.
UDB’s net loans expanded to Shs1.47 trillion in 2023, reflecting robust support for the private sector. In 2023, the Bank approved funding of Shs692 billion in new loans to over 200 enterprises in 63 districts nationwide.
UDB Managing Director Patricia Ojangole noted that in 2023, the bank approved Shs691.8 billion and disbursed Shs610 billion, demonstrating a dedicated approach to supporting private business growth.
“UDB remains committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through strategic investments in sectors that drive sustainable development and job creation across Uganda. Our focus on key priority sectors underpins our mission to deliver high socio-economic value and support Uganda’s long-term development goals,” she said.
Similarly, these businesses’ profitability improved to Shs869 billion from Shs492 billion in 2022. Because of improved output, performance, and profitability amongst the companies financed by the Bank, their total contribution to government tax revenue grew by 60%, to Shs236.1 billion from the Shs147.5 billion registered in 2022.
The report shows that 51,841 jobs were created/maintained amongst the enterprises that the Bank financed, compared to 51,439 jobs realised in 2022.
“64% of the jobs created and maintained were filled by the youth, 27% by women, and 0.25% by persons with disabilities (PWDs). Additionally, 33%, 39%, and 0.2% of the youth, women, and PWDs, respectively, are among the shareholders,’ the report reads.
Supporting Private Sector Performance This output value grew 71% year-on-year, from Shs3.4 trillion in 2022 to Shs5.8 trillion in 2023, supported by improved production mainly in agriculture and industry.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Uganda Development Bank, Felix Okoboi, pledged the bank’s continued commitment towards catalysing socio-economic development within the country.
“UDB remains resolute in driving inclusive economic growth through innovative financing solutions and leveraging strategic partnerships, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for sustainable development in Uganda,” Okoboi said.
Security operatives arresting some of the anti-corruption protesters.
The National Youth Council has urged Judiciary and Parliament to release all the detained protesters to pave the way for dialogue.
Yesterday, joint security forces of the police, and the army arrested and cracked a whip on protesters against Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. Among is accused of being corrupt.
At least 50 protesters including youth were arrested on their way to parliament, charged and remanded to Luzira Prison.
The leaked documents show the alleged exorbitant sums of monies pocketed by the Speaker Among in the name of per diem, social responsibility among others.
The funds were being deposited in various accounts of the parliamentary staff. The parliamentary exhibition revealed that several MPs claimed per diem for the same activity from parliament and the National Council of Sports.
It further showed that the speaker received over Shs2.4 billion in a space of 39 days. The money that was received by Daniel Adilo and Okwi Emmanuel Emuron was reportedly meant to cater to field mobilization activities, her outreach activities, community consultation activities, and others.
It also showed that she pocketed, per diem, Shs2.6 billion for the eight trips she made out of the country between September 2023 and January 2024. She also received a per diem of Shs646 million between July 2022 and July 2023.
In a period of four days from October 11, 2023, to October 16, 2023, Shs2,673,000,000 was deposited into a personal bank account of parliament staff.
Jacob Eyeru, the chairman of National Youth Council commended the young people both online and physically on the streets for their courageous stance against corruption in Uganda.
“Fighting corruption is a timely and patriotic duty of every well-meaning Ugandan that must be done. We welcome the zeal of all Ugandan youth in speaking out against corruption and demanding accountability on the part of all leaders including the leadership of the National Youth Council,” he said.
He appealed to the leadership in the Judiciary and in Parliament to release all the youth without charge and to provide avenues for further dialogue to have them air out their grievances in a conducive manner.
Shopping for fresh produce in Uganda is not just about filling your basket with nutritious food; it’s an experience that connects you with the vibrant local culture and the rich agricultural heritage of the region. With an abundance of supermarkets offering a wide range of fresh produce, here are some tips and insights to help you make the most of your fresh produce shopping in Uganda.
Explore Various Supermarkets-Uganda boasts numerous supermarkets that stock fresh produce, such as, Carrefour Supermarket, Quality Supermarket and Capital Shoppers, among others. These stores offer a convenient and reliable source of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Know what’s in Season-Uganda’s tropical climate allows for year-round farming, but different fruits and vegetables are at their peak during specific seasons. Knowing what’s in season helps you get the freshest produce at the best prices. For instance, mangoes are abundant during the dry season, while avocados and pineapples are available almost all year round. Seasonal produce is often more flavorful and nutritious.
Inspect the Produce-When shopping for fresh produce in supermarkets, take the time to inspect the items carefully. Look for vibrant colors, firm textures, and fresh smells. Avoid produce with blemishes, mold, or signs of spoilage. For leafy greens, choose bunches that are crisp and have a bright green color. For fruits, gently press to check for ripeness – they should be firm but yield slightly to pressure.
Check for Freshness-Supermarkets often labels their produce with packing or harvest dates. Always check these labels to ensure you are buying the freshest items available. Additionally, supermarkets frequently restock their produce sections, so visit during peak restocking times (usually in the morning) for the freshest picks.
Store Produce Properly-Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and nutritional value of your produce. Some items, like tomatoes and bananas, should be kept at room temperature, while others, like leafy greens and berries, are best stored in the refrigerator. For longer shelf life, consider using reusable storage bags like the ones offered at Carrefour supermarket or containers that allow for proper air circulation.
Take Advantage of Promotions-Supermarkets often run promotions and discounts on fresh produce. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money while still getting high-quality items. Joining supermarket loyalty programs can also provide access to exclusive discounts and offers.
Try New Varieties-Ugandan supermarkets offer a wide range of produce, including some unique to the region. Be adventurous and try new fruits and vegetables that you might not find in smaller stores. Items like jackfruit, matoke (green bananas), and sukuma wiki (collard greens) are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Experimenting with different produce can add variety to your diet and inspire new culinary creations.
Support Local Producers-Many supermarkets in Uganda source their produce from local farmers. By purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables, you are supporting the livelihoods of local farmers and contributing to the local economy. Additionally, locally sourced produce is often fresher as it doesn’t have to travel long distances to reach the store.
Shopping for fresh produce in Ugandan supermarkets is a convenient and enjoyable experience. By exploring various supermarkets, knowing what’s in season, and supporting local producers, you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful fruits and vegetables. Happy shopping and healthy eating.
The State house Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with Police in Rukungiri and Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions have arraigned Herbert Musasizi, the Head Teacher, Kebisoni Integrated Primary School and Seven members of PTA Executive Committee before the Magistrates Court in Rukungiri District.
The accused are charged with levying charges on UPE pupils and sending away defaulters from the school. Their arrest followed an outcry from parents over the charges and the sending away of their children, yet UPE is free for all.
The court presided over by Grade One Magistrate His Worship Mbalangu Gonzaga heard that Musasizi Herbert, the head teacher Kebisoni Integrated Primary School in Kebisoni town council Rukungiri district together with PTA Executive members are accused of levying a certain amount of money and sending away defaulters contrary to C/S 9(1) and 4 of the education pre-primary, Primary and Post-Primary Act 2008 CAP 247.
Musasizi and fellows committed the offence together with Twesigye Paddy, the chairperson PTA, Edith Ankunda, Jolly Tumwesigye, Fred Kayabuki, Kobusingye Eve, Baryaija Obed and Beatrice Muhirwe all executive members.
It’s alleged that Musasizi the school head teacher between January 2022 and July 2024 at Kebisoni Integrated Primary School levied a charge for the purpose of education against the parents and guardians of pupils of the said school.
Between May 2023 and August 2023 at Kebisoni Integrated Primary School, the head teacher sent away one pupil whose name was withheld for two days over failure to pay levied charges.
Also between February 2024 and May 2024, the head teacher sent away another pupil over failure to pay levied charges.
Musasizi Herbert and his PTA executive members between January 2022 and July 2024 at Kebisoni Integrated Primary School conspired together to levy against the parents and guardians of pupils of the school but they all denied charges slapped to them. However, all the eight suspects were on Monday granted bail of Ugx5 million non cash bail and Ugx 7M non cash bail to each of their sureties.
His Worship Mbalangu Gonzaga noted that they will reappear in court on 30th July 2024 emphasizing that the sureties were charged with ensuring that all the suspects appear in court on the scheduled dates starting at 2PM and failure to do so would result in their arrest.
The President of the Republic of Uganda Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has oftenly warned government aided heads to desist from sending away students for school due because the education is paid for by the government.
The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala has revealed that construction of a new bridge at the Katonga River along the Kampala-Masaka highway will commence in October this year.
He made the revelation while responding to Kashari North County Member of Parliament, Basil Bataringaya, during the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 23 July 2024.
Bataringaya expressed concern that repairs on the existing bridge had been abandoned and asked the minister to give dates by which the key trade route would be fixed.
“Last year, the Katonga Bridge was swept away and closed for more than six months. Temporary measures were taken to repair this bridge, and traffic was channeled through the long Sembabule road which was inconvenient to traders in terms of money and time,” Bataringaya said.
He urged the Works Minister to create a shorter alternative route as works on the affected bridge take shape.
“And in this case, I propose the Villa Maria-Kalungu-Masaka road,” he added.
Gen. Katumba Wamala said that the Katonga Bridge was compromised due to meteorological changes which impacted the behavior of the river.
“We had to study the meteorological behaviors of that river so that we can make a new structure which is resilient and will stand the test of time. We could not rush into establishing more or less the same bridge which had been compromised,” he said.
The minister also revealed that the contractor will address the challenges within Kalandazi and Lwera swamps to ensure that the section of the road is restored to meet the challenges of the truck volumes. He also called on road users along the Kampala-Masaka highway to exercise patience as construction works on the new bridge takes place.
“I want us to understand these structures are not simple structures to do. If we do a structure in a hurry, and it gives away in a few years, it will be this same House that will put us to task. This is a very sensitive structure and so it should be done with all the caution and detail it deserves,” said Katumba Wamala.
In May 2023, the Katonga Bridge was destroyed by flash floods prompting the government to create a diversion for heavy trucks to the Mpigi-Sembabule-Masaka road.
Are you looking to elevate your online betting game? Especially for beginners, the world of online betting can seem overwhelming if they don’t know where to start. How do you choose the right betting platform? What strategies should you use to increase your chances of success? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We will share 9 tips to help boost your online betting success right below. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of how to navigate the world of online betting and increase your chances of winning big — look no further!
Choose a Reputable Betting Platform
Selecting a reputable betting platform is the first step to a secure and enjoyable experience. Always research and verify the legitimacy of a platform before committing any funds. Look for platforms like Wolf Winner that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities. Read user reviews and check for secure payment methods to protect your transactions.
Reputable platforms often provide excellent customer support, ensuring any issues or concerns are promptly addressed. Take these steps to ensure you join a legitimate platform and avoid falling victim to online betting scams.
Understand the Basics of Betting Odds
Before placing any bets, you must first understand the basics of betting odds. Betting odds indicate the probability of an event occurring and reflect how much you could potentially win. Odds can be displayed in different formats, including decimal, fractional, or moneyline.
Imagine a scenario where you are betting on a football match between Team A and Team B. The odds for Team A to win may be displayed as 2.0 in decimal format, which means if you bet $100, you could potentially win $200 (plus your initial stake back). Once you understand the basics of odds, you can use them to make informed decisions when placing bets.
Set a Budget
Online betting can be exciting and potentially profitable, but you want to set a budget to avoid overspending or, even worse, addiction. Determine how much you are willing to spend on betting each week or month, depending on your financial situation.
It’s easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment, especially when experiencing a winning streak. Remember that responsible betting means knowing when to stop and not risking more than you can afford. Know that losses are a part of the betting experience, and it’s crucial to stick to your budget to maintain control.
Research Before Placing Bets
Just like with any other form of gambling, research is key to online betting success. Take the time to learn about the teams or players you are betting on and their past performances. Familiarize yourself with the sport and its rules to make informed decisions.
Keep an eye out for any injuries, team changes, or weather conditions that could affect the outcome of a match. Conducting thorough research can help increase your chances of making successful bets.
Diversify Your Bets
Once you’ve gained some experience and knowledge in a particular sport, don’t be afraid to diversify your bets. Instead of solely focusing on one team or player, consider placing bets on different matches or events.
Diversifying your bets can minimize risks and increase your chances of overall success. Just make sure you still stick to your budget and only place bets on sports you are familiar with. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with trying out new sports and expanding your betting horizons but do so cautiously.
Take Advantage of Promotions and Bonuses
Online betting platforms often offer promotions and bonuses to attract new users and retain existing ones. These incentives can include free bets, deposit matches, and cashback offers. Taking advantage of these promotions can significantly boost your betting capital and provide more opportunities to win without increasing your financial risk.
Always read the terms and conditions associated with these offers to understand any wagering requirements or restrictions that may apply. Utilize these promotions wisely to enhance your overall betting experience.
Use Betting Tools and Resources
Utilize various betting tools and resources available to sharpen your strategies and increase your winning potential. Analytical tools, such as odds comparison websites, provide valuable insights into the best available odds for a particular event.
Additionally, betting calculators can help you understand potential returns and manage your stakes more effectively. Many platforms also offer expert tips and predictions, which can serve as a valuable guide. If you leverage these tools and resources correctly, you can significantly improve your betting success.
Manage Your Emotions
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of successful online betting is managing your emotions. It’s easy to make impulsive decisions when you’re excited or frustrated, but these can often lead to poor betting choices and significant losses.
Stay calm and composed, especially during losing streaks. Don’t chase losses by making larger bets in an attempt to recover quickly. Instead, take a step back, review your strategies, and refocus on your long-term goals. Consistent, disciplined betting is essential for sustained success. By keeping your emotions in check, you can make more rational decisions and greatly improve your overall betting experience.
Learn from Your Mistakes
Every bettor experiences losses, but the key to long-term success lies in learning from those mistakes. Take the time to analyze and reflect on your past bets to understand where you went wrong. Did you overlook crucial information? Were you swayed by your emotions? Identifying and learning from your mistakes can help you avoid making the same errors in the future.
Regularly review your betting history so you can reveal patterns and areas for improvement. Create a journal or use tracking software to keep detailed records of your bets, including your rationale and outcomes. By continuously refining your strategies and learning from your errors, you can become a more proficient and successful bettor over time. Embrace each setback as a valuable learning opportunity on your betting journey.
Incorporating these nine tips into your online betting strategy can significantly enhance your chances of success and create a more enjoyable betting experience. By choosing a reputable platform, understanding betting odds, and setting a budget, you’ll build a solid foundation for responsible betting.
Conducting thorough research, diversifying your bets, and leveraging promotions and tools can further sharpen your skills and increase your profit potential. Most importantly, managing your emotions and learning from mistakes are crucial for sustained long-term success. Approach online betting with knowledge, discipline, and a positive mindset, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your betting goals. Happy betting!
Uganda protesters being offloaded police truckers.
The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi has called out the double standards within Parliament, wondering why the young people peacefully protesting against corruption in Parliament were beaten and arrested, yet recently, residents protesting against Lwemiyaga County MP, Theodore Ssekikubo were calmly ushered into Parliament and received by Deputy Speaker
“Today, there are some young people, as we have been witnessing, who have been coming to Parliament in a similar fashion with placards. They have concerns about corruption in Parliament and they were coming in similar fashion, to come and raise their concerns. Many of them have been bundled up, many are in jail. And so, I thought, the same way you received those who were protesting apparently against one of our colleagues, you would receive them in a similar manner because they are saying they have concerns as citizens of this country,” said Ssenyonyi.
“There seems to be double standards within our institution called Parliament. Last week, there are some citizens that came to Parliament with placards to protest against one of our colleagues, Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga County), they came the first day, they were ushered into Parliament with their placards, then they came the following day, they were still ushered in. You received them on behalf of the Speaker, you asked that a few of them come to meet you, and some of us were happy that this Parliament can be accessed decently by people who are saying they are peacefully protesting,” he added.
However, over 30 activists have been arrested by the police and other security agencies as they marched to Parliament in the anti-corruption walk in Kampala.
The protestors are calling for the resignation of the top leadership of Parliament and reduction of the legislators’ salaries and allowances.
Despite several warnings from security agencies and President Yoweri Museveni himself, the protestors are destined to fight against corruption, with some calling for the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anitah Among who has been accused of corruption severally with even being sanctioned by European countries over stealing from the vulnerable.
However, Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament has said that the institution of Parliament has not received any formal notification of anyone who wants to bring a petition regarding the issues they are talking about in public.
“I will not move from my chair, to start moving around looking for people, soliciting for petitions from the public, when we are a formal institution that has formal structures,” Tayebwa said.
He added that the address of Parliament is known and requested if there is anyone who wants to bring a petition to Parliament, let them write to the leadership of Parliament and shall be guided on how to bring the petition.
