National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) has launched a BRESSER-NANO-AR-70-700-AZ-Telescope donated by Dr. Jean-Pierre Grooteard from the University of Gent, through the coordination of Pan-African Citizens Science-eLabs.
The telescope was unveiled at a ceremony held at NCDC head offices in Kyambogo. University lecturers, SESEMAT Master Trainers, Primary Teacher Educators and private individuals, attended the event.
According to Cale Santus, the Coordinator of the project, the telescope is meant to promote the teaching and learning of astronomy, a new content in the physics (science) curriculum in Uganda’s education system.
For effective use, NCDC will work with the SESSEMAT and NCDC panel structures to support teachers in promoting astronomy education.
Santus appealed to stakeholders to support Astronomy Education through provision of instructional resources, development of text resources, training of teachers and supporting co-curricular activities related to the subject.
Prof. Edward Jurua called for collaboration and networking among individuals and institutions interested in promoting astronomy education in Uganda.
He noted that there are enormous opportunities in astronomy education and astrophysics and praised the government of Uganda for taking steps to explore space science.
In Uganda, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Muni University, Gulu University and Busitema University are among institutions with courses in space science.
The Deputy Director NCDC, Dr. Richard Irumba, who represented the Director NCDC, Dr. Grace Baguma, pledged that the Centre would support efforts to grow the pool of educators in the field of Astronomy Education.
He appealed to partners to venture into this relatively new area of space physics in Uganda’s school curriculum.
The benchmark for world food commodity prices increased for the third consecutive month in May, as higher prices of cereals and dairy products outweighed decreases in quotations for sugar and vegetable oils, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported Friday.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 120.4 points in May, up 0.9 percent from its revised April level, while it remained down 3.4 percent from its level a year ago and 24.9 percent below its March 2022 peak.
The FAO Cereal Price Index rose by 6.3 percent from April, powered higher by rising global wheat export prices, reflecting growing concerns about unfavourable crop conditions curbing yields for the 2024 harvests in major producing areas including parts of Northern America, Europe and the Black Sea region. Maize export prices also increased in May, pushed up by production concerns in both Argentina, due to the Spiroplasma disease (also known as corn stunt disease), and Brazil, due to unfavourable weather, as well as spillover effects from the wheat markets and limited selling activity in Ukraine. The FAO All-Rice Price Index rose by 1.3 percent in May.
The FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1.8 percent from April, underpinned by increased demand from the retail and food services sectors ahead of the summer holidays as well as market expectations that milk production in Western Europe may fall below historical levels. Renewed import demand for spot supplies from some countries in the Near East and North Africa also lifted dairy prices.
The FAO Sugar Price Index, meanwhile, decreased by 7.5 percent from April, mainly driven by pressure from the good start of the new harvest season in Brazil. Lower international crude oil prices also exerted downward pressure on sugar prices, by lowering demand.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index declined by 2.4 percent from April. Lower palm oil quotations due to seasonal output increases and ongoing weak global demand more than offset higher prices of soy oil, due to increasing demand from the biofuel sector, and firmer prices of rapeseed and sunflower oils due mainly to diminishing export availabilities in the Black Sea region.
The FAO Meat Price Index decreased marginally, by 0.2 percent, as international prices of poultry and bovine meats fell while those of pig and ovine meats increased.
First global cereal forecast for the 2024/25 season
FAO also released its first forecast for the 2024/25 (July/June) season, anticipating world cereal production to total 2 846 million tonnes, virtually on par with the record output realized in 2023/24. Global maize and wheat outputs are forecast to decline, while those of barley, rice and sorghum are predicted to increase, according to the new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released Friday. However, the recent adverse weather conditions in the Black Sea region will likely result in a downgrade in world wheat production, a possibility not yet reflected in the forecast.
World cereal total utilization in 2024/25 is expected to increase by 0.5 percent to a new record high of 2 851 million tonnes, led by increased food consumption, especially of rice.
World cereal stocks will likely increase by 1.5 percent above their opening levels to a record level of 897 million tonnes. Inventories of maize, barley, sorghum and rice are all expected to increase, while those of wheat could decline. The global stocks-to-use ratio will likely remain at 30.9 percent.
FAO predicts world trade in cereals to decline by 1.3 percent from the previous year to 481 million tonnes, led by lower trade prospects for maize. International rice trade is forecast to grow robustly.
ITHUBA Uganda is thrilled to announce that three lucky winners have already claimed their DAILY LOTTO winnings. The ITHUBA Uganda head office in Kampala was excited to welcome the first of these winners to validate and claim their prizes. Each winner won Shs8,012,800 with the daily jackpot game called DAILY LOTTO. To protect their identities, we have not included their names.
Winner 1 is a single mother of two children who plans to use her winnings to complete the building of her father’s house. Her dedication to family and her perseverance has been rewarded with a significant prize.
Winner 2, also a mother, has three children and cares for four additional children. She saw the lottery terminal at her local shop and decided to purchase a ticket, which won her over Shs8 million. Her story is a testament to the life-changing potential of the Daily Lotto.
Winner 3 is a 40-year-old male who has experienced luck before, having won $12,000 in the Australian lottery many years ago. This week, he claimed over Shs8 million in the Uganda National Lottery, proving that lightning can indeed strike twice.
Michelle van Trotsenburg, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at ITHUBA Uganda, expressed her joy at the winners’ success: “We are delighted to see the positive impact the DAILY LOTTO is having on people’s lives. These stories of joy and hope reaffirm our commitment to providing a fair and exciting lottery experience to all Ugandans.”
Tips for Winners:
Winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim their prizes.
Winnings are tax-free and only paid to individuals presenting a valid winning ticket.
It’s important to protect your winnings and be cautious of scams. Your luck earned you the prize, and your winnings are yours alone. Avoid individuals who may ask for a share of your prize.
All participants must be 18 years or older. Play responsibly.
For further information and to participate in the DAILY LOTTO, visit our official website or contact our Player Help line on 0800 334433.
One of the best performing national institutions Uganda’s finest President, Yoweri Museveni, has nurtured perfectly well is the UPDF; why? Because it’s non-parasitic, has fabulously safeguarded our national borders in a sea of regional insecurities and exuded the highest level of professionalism compared to the immediate post colonial armies the British colonizers left here and their oppressive and repressive splinter hordes that repressed nationals with impunity.
Just recently, the UPDF’s Engineering Brigade (UEB) refurbished Mandela National Stadium at Namboole, Wakiso District. That UPDF’s feat wasn’t without political rapids however; supported by some local politicians with a cognitive deficit, folks were made to grossly encroach on that land yet the gallant UPDF officers, through persuasion, recovered over 120 acres of the land from interlopers who had moreover created false graveyards as a way of laying claim on public land. And Ugandans should remember that this was happening the second time; before the initial construction of Mandela National Stadium folks had dug such graves and in them were banana stems!
Fortunately, the facility has been fully restored by the UEB for public use. These are actions that speak to President Yoweri Museveni’s dexterity in the way he conducts public affairs and by extension, the unsung heroism of the UPDF which continues to be radiated through the institution’s actions.
Many, especially from the opposition, are always quick to de-calibrate the UPDF’s contribution to our national wellness and stability. For instance, some less sagacious amongst the opposition have shouted in western capitals so that some of our gallant soldiers are sanctioned – NUP tribalistic oligarchs have been the worst at doing those things.
Elsewhere, the UEB has foot-printed itself at: Firstly, Entebbe Airport – where a multi billion extension of the facility has afforded us ultramodern appearance in both capacity and content; it should be noted that, for decades that airport had neither seen any such expansion nor modern tech being used, save for the renovations that severally occurred there over the years. No wonder of recent our international airport has experienced the biggest surge in arrivals and transits not comparable to the past’s paltry numbers.
Most recently we had back-to-back international meetings amongst others the Common Wealth Speakers Conference, NAM, G77+China conference and IGAD that burgeoned arrivals to unprecedented levels. And the pre-1986 insecurities had adversely affected all manner of national sectors including arrivals and transits through Uganda.
The renaissance, therefore, of such sectors is good for our country’s wellness and global standing forget about the sanctioning west that seems to target us because of the anti-sodomy law that we enacted recently. What the hell should someone teach us how to legislate.
Secondly, the UEB, just recently, completed Makerere University’s perimeter wall; the construction of that barricade had eluded Uganda’s prime institution for a while thanks to VC Barnabas Nawangwe’s administration that oversaw the actualization of that project. Goons from the university’s neighborhood would access the institution through its porous boundary to steal, rape, trespass and idle in the campus with reckless abandon. There were also cases of some fraudsters who made several attempts to encroach on university land but have now been stopped in their tracks.
The perimeter wall has secured Uganda’s oldest university from those and other ignominious and mortifying occurrences.
Thirdly, some years back, the UEB constructed the Kololo Airstrip pavilion; that changed the face of that aerodrome. Currently, several national events are held at the facility including Uganda’s national day celebrations of every October 9. With hundreds seating capacity, the facility has been particularly instrumental in adding to the number.
Amb. Henry Mayega Consul General Uganda Consulate General Dubai, UAE
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has partner with Absa Bank to plant 3,300 trees at KCCA’s Agricultural Resource Center, Kyanja situated on an expanse of 4.9 acres.
The tree planting was held to commemorate World Environment Day, attracting attendance from Absa and KCCA staff and members of the community.
The international day is this year focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”
Speaking at the launch, KCCA’s Head, Landscaping Unit, Isaac Mugumbule said the authority intends to continue to improve the quality of life of city residents through efforts under the Greening Kampala initiative.
“Kampala City is home to over 40% of the total national urban population and the increased population in the city has triggered excessive demand for infrastructure development directly impacting land and other environment resources inclusive of all ecologically sensitive areas. KCCA is working towards the development of a green and clean environment that befits attributes of a modern city which is climate resilient. We are grateful for the support of private sector partners such as Absa towards enhancing these efforts.”
According to KCCA, with an existing urbanisation rate of 5.5%, it is projected that the urban population in Kampala and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan area combined is likely to increase to eight million people by 2040.
Kampala’s high rate of urbanization has also presented several challenges including loss of wetland biodiversity, destruction of habitats, deterioration of water quality, and have largely impeded natural drainage patterns of the landscape leading to frequent floods in most urban centers, including Kampala.
The tree planting activity was held under an existing partnership with Absa Bank Uganda through which the bank dedicated Shs490 million focused on three areas of intervention namely, supporting environmental sustainability, skilling of women & youth, and behavioural change communication.
“As Absa, we are cognisant of the large array of societal challenges facing us including economic development, job creation, quality education and the impact of climate change. Public and private sector collaboration can play a key role towards addressing challenges faced by our city including loss of tree cover. We have set out to plant mostly indigenous fruit trees today in alignment with our drive to build resilience and mitigate the impact of climate change in our communities,” said Edward Ocen, Director Legal and Company Secretary, Absa Bank Uganda.
According to data from KCCA, over 80% of the trees in the city are foreign tree species, resulting in low survival rate. Through this partnership, Absa will boost KCCA efforts to plant indigenous trees, especially fruit trees that have a greater chance of survival within the community.
Under the partnership, Absa is working with the city authority to enhance youth skilling with the aim of increasing youth employability and supporting job creation specifically through KCCA programs such as the Employment Services Bureau and Youth Centers and provide financial literacy to impart essential money skills to city dwellers.
The International Crimes Division of the High Court has set August 5, 2024 as the date for hearing the murder case of former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi, seven years after he was assassinated by unknown assailants.
Eight people including: Abdul Rashid Mbaziira, Higenyi Alamanzani, Mugerwa Yusuf, Bruhan Balyejusa, Nyanzi Yusuf Siraji, Kyambadde Josua, Kalyango Jibril and Kasujja Shafick are charged with the said murder, terrorism and aggravated robbery of a pistol and a panel of four justices led by Dr. Winfred Nabisinde will preside over the said trial.
According to the Prosecution, the late Andrew Felix Kaweesi, along with his driver Constable Mambewa Godfrey and bodyguard Corporal Erau Kenneth, were ambushed and fatally shot by armed assailants on March 17, 2017. The attackers stole firearms belonging to both AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesa and his bodyguard after ensuring the victims were deceased.
The Public Relations Officer of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Jacquelyn Okui said that the subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the accused individuals, who duly confessed to their involvement in the crimes. Analysis of call data further corroborated their proximity to the crime scene before, during, and after the attack.
Kiira Motors Corporation has unveiled its latest electric bus model, the 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS, designed specifically for the African market.
The convoy of 8 buses caused a stir as they weaved through traffic from Luwero to Kawempe, across the Northern Bypass for a brief stopover at the Kisaasi roundabout before proceeding to Bweyogerere and finally to Jinja, covering a distance of 236 kilometres.
“We’re proud to be contributing to Uganda’s push towards becoming a net source of e-Mobility Solutions in Africa,” said Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, Kiira Motors’ Executive Chairman.
The 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS has a nominal range of 200 kilometers on a full charge and a capacity of 56 passengers. It features modern amenities like infotainment systems, CCTV cameras, E-Ticketing & Cashless Payment Systems, Wi-Fi, and USB charging.
Tickodri-Togboa emphasized the need for sustainable transportation solutions, especially in Kampala, where air pollution is a significant concern. “Uganda’s push towards becoming a net source of e-Mobility Solutions in Africa is steadily getting closer and we are proud to be contributing to this agenda,” he said.
“Following World Environment Day, we are reminded that more Ugandan public and private sector players need to embrace environmentally sustainable means of mass transit for the good of the environment, with solutions that offer quality and value for money like the Kiira Motors portfolio of products,” he added.
“We are in the process of onboarding several partners with whom we shall work to ensure that a robust charging network is established across the country in line with the National E-Mobility Strategy for a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience,” said Eng. Ian John Kavuma, Kiira Motors’ Quality Inspection and Testing Manager.
The 2024 Kayoola EVS model comes in various lengths and capacities, offering flexible solutions for urban transportation needs.
Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda, has today rewarded twenty lucky customers with school fees for their children as part of the ‘Kigwera Ku Shell’ back-to-school promotion for the second school term of the year. The promotion, aimed at supporting our customers during the back-to-school season, provided an opportunity for participants to win up to one million Uganda shillings in school fees, along with other exciting prizes.
The ‘Kigwera Ku Shell’ promotion aimed at easing the financial burden on parents during the back-to-school season. Customers who purchased fuel at Shell service stations, shopped at Shell Select stores, serviced their vehicles, or bought Shell Gas had the chance to win. Every qualifying purchase earned them Shell Club points and entry into a draw to win.
“We are thrilled to see the positive impact of the ‘Kigwera Ku Shell’ promotion,” said Joan Nabukalu,Brand Manager of Non-Fuel Retail at Vivo Energy Uganda.
“Education is a cornerstone of development, and we are proud to have supported our customers and their families by contributing to their children’s school fees for term two. This aligns with our commitment to empowering communities and making a positive difference.”
Joanita Menya, Chief Commercial Officer at Vivo Energy Uganda, reflected on the profound impact of the ‘Kigwera ku Shell’ promotion on their customers during this back-to-school period, saying “The back-to-school season is usually stressful for most parents and guardians, and we are happy that we could bring a smile to some of our customers with this promotion. This initiative was designed to give back to our loyal customers and support them in a meaningful way.”
“Congratulations to the winners of this campaign. It gives us great joy when we give back to our customers. Thank you for trusting us as your preferred partner for fuel and non-fuel purchases,” she added.
The promotion offered multiple ways to participate, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. To qualify, customers would have to buy fuel worth 50,000 Uganda shillings for cars and 5,000 Uganda shillings for boda bodas (motorcycles). Other ways to participate included spending 10,000 Uganda shillings at participating Shell Select shops, servicing a car for 50,000 Uganda shillings, servicing a boda boda for 10,000 Uganda shillings and buying or refilling Shell Gas.
Each qualifying purchase gave customers a scratch card with a unique code. By texting the code and their vehicle number plate to 6688, they entered the draw and earned Shell Club points as well.
In a grand celebration at Mestil Hotel Kampala, ICEA LION Group commemorated its 25th anniversary in Uganda. Industry leaders, employees, and stakeholders gathered to reflect on the company’s remarkable journey marked by growth, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
ICEA LION’s history in Uganda is one of remarkable transformation. Over the past 25 years, the company has not only expanded its product offerings but has also made significant contributions to the insurance industry’s development. The company has played a crucial role in de-risking the economy, providing financial security to businesses and individuals alike.
Ambrose Kibuuka, CEO, ICEA Lion General
One of the highlights of the event was the special tribute to David Opiokello, one of ICEA LION’s longest-serving directors. For 18 years, Mr. Opiokello’s dedication has been instrumental to the company’s success. His tenure embodies ICEA LION’s unwavering commitment to leadership excellence.
“We are incredibly grateful for David’s 18 years of service,” said Emmanuel Mwaka, CEO of ICEA Life Assurance. “His leadership and expertise have been invaluable in shaping ICEA LION into the successful company it is today.”
David Opiokello’s journey with ICEA LION has been transformative not only for the company but also for himself. Joining the company at a pivotal time, David has grown alongside ICEA LION, contributing to its strategic vision and operational success. “I have had the privilege of serving on many boards, but my time at ICEA LION has been the most rewarding and enjoyable. As a board member, it is crucial to be deliberate because the choices you make have a significant impact on others”. David shared.
ICEA LION’s impact extends beyond financial services. The company is a pioneer in environmental sustainability, being a founding signatory of the Principles of Sustainable Insurance and the Nairobi Declaration. At the celebration, guests were gifted plants, a gesture that underscores ICEA LION’s dedication to reducing carbon footprints. This initiative is part of a larger project where the company plans to plant one million trees in partnership with primary schools across Uganda.
“We aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among young children,” said Mwaka.
The company’s resilience was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. ICEA LION demonstrated exceptional customer care by allowing clients to stay insured without making premium payments during the crisis. “ICEA LION offered to cover customers without premium payments, allowing them to stay insured during tough times,” Mwaka said. “We have supported businesses affected by floods and other disasters, ensuring they can reboot and continue thriving.”
Innovation remains a cornerstone of ICEA LION’s strategy. The company has been at the forefront of addressing emerging risks, including cybersecurity. Despite the nascent nature of cybersecurity insurance in Uganda, ICEA LION has positioned itself as a leader in this domain. They have established partnerships with global players to offer comprehensive cybersecurity coverage, providing much-needed security for businesses facing digital threats.
The event also highlighted the company’s commitment to talent development. In its early years, ICEA LION invested heavily in building local capacity, a strategy that has paid off with a new generation of well-trained professionals leading the industry. “Today, the company stands on the shoulders of a new generation of well-trained professionals,” said Mwaka. This investment in human capital has been crucial for the company’s sustained growth and success.
ICEA LION has also been instrumental in shaping industry policies. “We advise regulators and Parliament to develop policies that facilitate financial deepening,” Mwaka added. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone understands the importance of insurance in securing their financial future.”
As ICEA LION celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company looks forward to the next years to come. “Reflecting on how ICEA LION has made time count, here we are 25 years strong as a trusted financial provider in East Africa. Today, we look forward at our trail, considering what has worked and what needs to be improved” Ambrose Kibuuka, CEO, ICEA LION General
