The Korean investors have expressed intention to establish a plant in Uganda to manufacture automotive components, including electric batteries, to complement Kiira Motors Corporation’s efforts in electric vehicle production.

The delegation led by Mr. Kwon Hurkkoo, Mr. Cho Shanghyu, and Mr. Kim Jinwook, Directors of HINENI Ltd, a company registered in Uganda with its headquarters in Nakawuka, Entebbe Road was welcomed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House, Entebbe, on July 17, 2024 and they explored areas of mutual interest and cooperation between the two nations.

Mr. Kwon Hurkkoo emphasized that the profits from this investment would be reinvested in Uganda, contributing to the country’s development.

The delegation also visited Kiira Motors Corporation and offered to provide expertise and training to Ugandans in South Korea. Additionally, they expressed interest in investing in Styrofoam iron sheets to mitigate heat and noise in residential areas. Mr. Cho Shanghyu, an ICT expert, highlighted their plans to invest in advanced ICT technology and installation in Uganda.

President Museveni thanked the investors for choosing Uganda and emphasized the country’s strategic location in Africa, abundance of raw materials, and potential for value addition. He assured them of his government’s support and encouraged them to take advantage of Uganda’s resources. However, he stressed the importance of adhering to safety standards set by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

“Uganda is much easier to develop because it has got a lot of resources. Even now production is very big but the problem is its raw materials; so, by adding value to these raw materials, Uganda’s economy will be far.,” President Museveni said.

The meeting was attended by Hon. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun, Minister of State for Gender, Labour & Social Development (Labour, Employment & Industrial Relations); Ms. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance; Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, founder of the Institute of National Transformation; Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors Corporation; Mr. Ji Soonim; Mr. Kim Jeong Dae; Mr. Cho Kyungsik; Mr. Shin Chaechul; and Mr. Richard Okodel Mukhalu.

This investment is expected to boost Uganda’s automotive industry, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

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Lieutenant General James Mugira, the Managing Director of National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), has refuted claims that the preferential treatment given to NEC Construction Works & Engineering Ltd is harming Uganda’s construction industry. Mugira argued that this move aims to build a national construction company and reduce the outflow of funds to foreign companies.

Mugira made these remarks while responding to concerns from Martin Muzaale (Buzaaya) who highlighted that the Army’s proximity to the government grants NEC, a commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence access to capital, creating unfair competition for the private sector.

Muzaale remarked, “It is a challenge for Ugandans who are using their own money to build the construction industry, compared to a government entity receiving resources from the government. Our tax body, when they hear it’s NEC and the Army, they feel it’s a no-go zone. Just on the road, when a vehicle with a UPDF number plate comes, even if it’s a lorry, roadblocks just open.”

In July 2021, President Museveni directed the health and education ministries to use the Army Construction Brigade for government construction projects, citing delays and corruption in the current system.

Mugira countered that the construction industry is dominated by foreign players, mainly Chinese companies. He emphasized that NEC Construction Works & Engineering Ltd is distinct from the UPDF Engineering Brigade and aims to develop into a national construction company capable of handling major projects. “NEC Construction is coming in to build capacity and execute major infrastructure projects in this country, saving our resources from being repatriated,” Mugira stated.

The Amuru District Women Representative Lucy Akello inquired whether NEC Construction procures its materials from the UPDF army shop. Mugira clarified that NEC sources materials directly from manufacturers, not the Army shop. 

“We have memorandums of understanding with manufacturers like Roofings and Tororo Cement, allowing us to buy materials at factory prices and on credit due to our established trust,” Mugira explained.

NEC’s arrangement with manufacturers has reduced costs and improved efficiency, supported by permission from the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) to use an alternative procurement system. 

“This approach helps us construct cheaply and quickly,” Mugira added.

Muzaale supported a request of his counterpart Allan Mayanja of Nakaseke Central Constituency for NEC Construction’s asset schedule to ensure NEC pays the relevant taxes on imported equipment and does not exploit its proximity to the Army. 

“We need to understand whether NEC is paying taxes on imported equipment or operating under UPDF to avoid taxes,” Muzaale argued.

Eng. Brian Buhanda, General Manager of NEC Construction Works & Engineering Ltd, denied allegations of preferential treatment from the Uganda Revenue Authority. 

“We pay taxes like any other private company. In 2022/23, we paid Shs217 million in PAYE, Shs45 million in income tax, and Shs1.026 billion in VAT,” Buhanda noted.

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Selecting the best life insurance plan is a critical decision, especially for individuals over 30 who are often in their prime earning years and have significant financial responsibilities. While premium costs are a major consideration, other factors such as coverage options, flexibility, and long-term benefits should also be weighed. For those seeking a comprehensive and flexible life insurance solution, the Liberty Life Assurance Uganda Kuza Plan stands out as an exemplary option.

Liberty Life Uganda is renowned for its innovative insurance solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of both individuals and businesses. With a strong emphasis on customer-centricity and continuous innovation, Liberty Life Uganda has been at the forefront of making financial security accessible and manageable for all. Their Kuza Plan is a testament to this commitment, offering a blend of life insurance, savings, and disability benefits tailored to the needs of people between 30 and 60.

The Kuza Plan goes beyond traditional life insurance by integrating savings with life and disability insurance. This unique combination not only provides death and permanent disability benefits at no extra cost but also offers optional critical illness and physical impairment coverage for an additional premium. Such comprehensive benefits make the Kuza Plan a standout choice for individuals seeking more than just basic life insurance.

Traditional savings plans typically focus on accumulating savings with little to no additional benefits. These plans often come with surrender penalties if canceled prematurely and lack the extensive coverage that the Kuza Plan provides. For instance, many traditional plans do not offer last rites or permanent disability benefits, which are included in the Kuza Plan at no extra cost. Moreover, the Kuza Plan’s flexibility in premium payment and the absence of surrender penalties enhance its appeal, making it a more user-friendly and financially sound option.

The Kuza Plan offers flexible premium payment options to accommodate various financial situations. Policyholders can choose from monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment schedules. This flexibility ensures that individuals can manage their financial commitments without straining their budgets. Premium amounts are determined based on factors such as the age of the policyholder, chosen benefit options, and desired coverage level.

Liberty Life Assurance Uganda provides a range of optional benefits that can be added to the Kuza Plan for an additional premium, allowing policyholders to tailor the plan to their specific needs. This customization ensures that each policyholder can build a plan that aligns with their personal and financial goals, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind.

One of the standout features of the Kuza Plan is its emphasis on transparency and flexibility. Policyholders are assured that their investments will continue to grow even if premium payments stop. Unlike traditional plans, the Kuza Plan allows easy access to funds without surrender penalties, ensuring that individuals maintain control over their savings.

The plan encourages long-term investment, rewarding policyholders the longer they stay invested, and simplifies the application process, making it easier to make informed decisions.

By integrating savings with comprehensive life and disability coverage, the Kuza Plan provides a pathway to financial continuity and security for generations to come.

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The Kenyan President William Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan have congratulated their counterpart Paul Kagame for his fourth term victory as the president of Rwanda.

President Ruto praised Kagame’s leadership and his role in promoting stability and development in Rwanda. He highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Kenya and Rwanda and expressed confidence that these ties would continue to flourish under Kagame’s continued presidency.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Kenya, I have the pleasure to convey warmest congratulations upon your re-election to serve a further term as President of the Republic of Rwanda,’ Ruto said.

He added, “We celebrate with you the sovereign choice of the people of Rwanda and wish you success as you continue steering your country in the path of peace, stability and posterity.”

Ruto said that he looks forward to continuing working with Kagame in regional and Pan-African affairs in strengthening the bonds of solidarity and fraternity between the peoples of Kenya and Rwanda.

President Suluhu also extended her congratulations, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and unity. She commended Kagame’s efforts in fostering economic growth and regional stability and expressed her hope for continued collaboration between Tanzania and Rwanda.

“On behalf of the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Paul Kagame, on being re-elected as the President of the Republic of Rwanda,” Samia said.

Samia Suluhu also looks forward to continuing working with Kagame in fostering the relations between our two countries and in the pursuit of East Africa’s unity and prosperity.

Paul Kagame won the presidential election with 99% securing the fourth term in office. He has been the country’s leader since 2000, and his victory continues his long-standing leadership.

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The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) company Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University to guide collaboration between the two parties towards the realization of the National Content Capacity Building initiatives and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and projects.

EACOP is a project company set up to develop, build and operate a pipeline system which will transport crude oil from the inlet flange at Kabaale in Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.

Among the commitments made by Makerere in the MoU is to work with EACOP to support knowledge and build capacity among Ugandan fresh graduates, technicians and instructors, professors, and lecturers from tertiary and vocational training institutions.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and EACOP Managing Director Martin Tiffen on Tuesday signed the MoU.

“We are delighted to formalize our collaboration with Makerere University through this Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership highlights our commitment to fostering local talent and enhancing capacity-building initiatives in Uganda. By working closely with Makerere University, we aim to equip recent graduates, technicians, and educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project and beyond,” EACOP MD Martin Tiffen said.

These commitments will be realized through the implementation of two key Capacity Building initiatives. The first is Internship/ Graduate Training programs where graduates or existing students from the institution will be offered training and work exposure with EACOP’s suppliers and contractors on various scopes of the project according to their disciplines. The duration and location of the internships varies between the different contractors/suppliers.

The second is to the Trainer programs, which will be delivered by EACOP’s contractors and suppliers and will seek to share knowledge on their different scopes of work on the project as they relate to various engineering disciplines and vocational skills.

To date, Tiffen said EACOP has signed MoUs with Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) as well as with professional bodies such as the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda to support the onboarding of graduate trainees with our contractors/suppliers and of interns with EACOP’s internal departments.

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President Yoweri Museveni has condemned the attempted assassination on America’s former President, Donald Trump over the weekend at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, citing the act as a despicable and cowardly attempt.

“I learnt of the assassination attempt on His Excellency Donald Trump’s life on Saturday, July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. On behalf of the Government and people of Uganda, and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deep and heartfelt sympathies to His Excellency,” Museveni said.

Museveni’s condemnation reflects his stance against political violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful political processes globally. This sentiment aligns with the international reaction to the incident, which has drawn widespread attention and concern

Museveni noted, “I condemn this despicable and cowardly assassination attempt that put his life and that of his supporters at risk.”

Museveni also extended his deepest condolences to the family that lost their loved one.

He added, “As freedom fighters and peace-lovers, we condemn political violence because it threatens democracy wherever it manifests. I wish His Excellency and all those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Trump was targeted days before he was to accept the Republican nomination for a third time. He was shot on the ear and whisked off the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania after gunshots rang through the crowd.

Trump’s campaign announced Monday that the former president was doing “fine” after the shooting, which he said pierced the upper part of his right ear.

The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who was fatally shot by secret service operatives.

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