NO PROPERTY ATTACHED: City tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia
Sudhir Ruparelia
Kampala-Crane bank will tomorrowJune 2, open another branch at Gulu University.
Crane bank is a locally owned bank and it boosts of countrywide branches across all the regions of Uganda.
The branch opening will be among the 2015 goals that Ruparelia Group setup. The group last year said by close of 2015, it would have opened 50 branches countrywide.
The new branch has many counters, a spacious banking hall and parking lot to conveniently serve its clients. Ruparelia Group is owned by East African richest man Sudhir Ruparelia as ranked by Forbes.
The aggressive expansion of opening up many branches is aimed at bringing banking services closer to people in all regions of the country Crane bank is also aiming at opening branches at all universities and tertiary institution’s of learning.
Crane bank was named Bank of the Year in Uganda, for the ninth time in ten years by the influential London-based Financial Times newspaper. Since its inception, Crane Bank has won Bank of Uganda annual awards as bank of the year for several years.
Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, Speaking to Mubs officials
Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, Speaking to Mubs officials
Kampala- Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, has called on government to adjust the current university education system.
Prof. Kagonyera was speaking at the 10th Makerere University Business School (MUBS) graduation ceremony in Kampala today May 29, 2015 were the business school awarded diplomas and certificates to 1000 students.
Addressing over 1000 graduands’ and guests, Prof. Kagonyera said although the government has tried to do its best in providing resources, much effort is still needed.
“We continue to depend on donors to fund our staff development programmes. This is a clear demonstration of lack of good plans to respond to society needs.” He said.
Kagonyera said he has passed out many graduates, but many of them don’t have jobs. He says the university plays its role of educating but government has to make sure that the graduates are employed. “Universities are playing their role of educating them. It’s not the role of universities to create employment.”
The Chancellor said it’s hard to keep the good staff in the current university education system since many universities cannot pay their staffs’ remuneration. He further said that the university staff and administrators need to do research, attend conferences and publish their findings. “University professors must contribute to new knowledge that generates changes that transform society,” he said.
He said although president Yoweri Museveni promised to give professors more money little has been received.
Prof. Waswa Balunywa, MUBS Principal echoed out the Chancellor’s views. “We are trapped in poverty because we lack knowledge,” he said.
He said many promises need to be fulfilled. “We will receive Shs 6bn out of the Shs50bn promised to academic staff in public universities,”
guest speaker, Gen. Salim Saleh
This year’s guest speaker, was Gen. Salim Saleh whose was theme ‘creating employment and wealth through agriculture as a business,’ advised universities to practically train students before sending them to the field. Gen. Saleh said that many of today’s graduates cannot go to villages to practice agriculture. “Make it attractive so that they can go and do it (agriculture.”
Seven best performing students walked home with Shs500, 000 prize and plaques commending them on their achievements. Three professors and Hajj Omar Mandela, proprietor City Oil were all awarded for their roles in promoting the education sector.
Midrand-South Africa-The Sixth Ordinary Session of the Pan African Parliament has adjourned, recommending dialogue to solve political problems on the continent.
In recommendations approved during the last sitting of the session held in Midrand, South Africa, on Friday, May 29, 2015, the Pan African Parliament is concerned about the growth of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational criminality including human trafficking in Africa.
Terrorist groups and crises highlighted during the two weeks session included the Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al Shabaab in Somalia, Lord’s Resistance Army in Central Africa region; and the conflicts in Burundi, Mali and Saharawi Republic.
PAP noted that despite the considerable progress in democracy in the last two decades, conflicts in Africa are still caused by factors such as political and socio-economic exclusion, lack of democratic governance, poor organization of elections, human rights violations, inequitable distribution of wealth and terrorism.
The continental body recommended that “the African Union invite all member states to strengthen their capacity in the fight against illegal arms trafficking which continues to fuel wars in Africa.”
“The current peace efforts deployed by the African Union with the support of the United Nations and other institutions be intensified with a view to eradicating terrorism on the continent,” read part of the recommendations.
PAP also recommended that the AU strengthen the capacity of all organs and mechanisms in place to enable them play a bigger role in the prevention of conflicts in Africa.
AU member states were also asked to sign, respect and implement all the AU instruments relating to peace, security and good governance, in particular the African Charter on Democracy and Elections.
Today’s sitting marked the end of the Third Pan African Parliament, during which Mr Roger Nkodo Dang (Cameroon) was elected to replace Mr. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi (Nigeria) as President.
Similarly, Mr Eduardo Joaquim Mulembwe (Mozambique/Southern), Mr. Suilma Hay Emhamed (Saharawi/Northern), Dr. Ashebir Gayo (Ethiopia/Eastern) and Dr. Bernadette Lahai (Sierra Leone/Western) were elected as Vice Presidents from the four African regions.
In the Committees, the Leader of Uganda’ s delegation Mr. Onyango Kakoba was re-elected to chair the Committee on Justice and Human Rights while Ms. Jacquline Amongin was elected to chair the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.
Uganda’s other representatives to PAP are Beatrice Barumba, Sam Amooti Otada and Elijah Okupa.
President Buhari said Nigeria now had "a window of opportunity to fulfil her potential"
President Buhari said Nigeria now had “a window of opportunity to fulfil her potential”
The winner of Nigeria’s presidential election in March, Muhammadu Buhari, has been sworn in as leader of Africa’s most populous country.
Mr Buhari is the first opposition figure to win a presidential election in Nigeria since independence in 1960.
“I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”, he told cheering crowds at the inauguration in the capital, Abuja.
He vowed to tackle “head on” the issues of corruption and the insurgency from militant Islamist group Boko Haram.
Mr Buhari, a former military ruler, has taken over from Goodluck Jonathan, who had been in office since 2010.
Will Ross, BBC News, Abuja:
As soon as Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in the invited guests in Eagle Square rose to their feet, danced and sang their new president’s name. As he was then driven around in an open vehicle, people rushed forward to record the moment on their phones.
This was a time for celebration not just for supporters of the new leader but also for Nigerians who are proud that their country has witnessed this historic transition. By conceding Goodluck Jonathan steered the country away from violence. We will never know how close Nigeria was to the precipice.
Moments after Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in thousands of excited young men ran through the security barriers to Eagle Square and pressed up against the perimeter fence cheered their new leader. It was a stark reminder that so many in Nigeria are expecting change, including jobs, from President Buhari.
As Mr Jonathan is driven away I would not be surprised if he has a sense of relief and feels an almighty weight has just been lifted off his shoulders.
At the inauguration ceremony at Abuja’s Eagle Square – Mr Jonathan handed over the constitution and national flags before Mr Buhari took his oath of office.
“I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law,” he said to cheering crowds.
The announcer declared to the audience afterwards: “Change has come to Nigeria.”
Muhammadu Buhari in focus:
Muslim from northern Nigeria, aged 72
Military ruler of Nigeria from 1984 to 1985, deposed in a coup
Seen as incorruptible
Poor human rights record
Survived apparent Boko Haram assassination attempt
Among the guests at the ceremony was US Secretary of State John Kerry and African leaders including Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe.
Mr Buhari comes into power as Nigeria faces significant economic as well as security challenges with an Islamist insurgency having devastated towns and villages in the north-east.
Besides tackling the Boko Haram militants, Mr Buhari has promised to stamp out corruption.
For many of our Ugandan celebrities, the road to stardom wasn’t an easy one, but they had to forge ahead with determination, hard work, consistency and God’s help, and were able to make it despite all the challenges they faced.
For many of them, their stories are that of transition from grass to grace but these days, our youths are no longer patient as they wanting to be stars over night.
Here are my top five entertainers who moved from humble beginnings to the top and have affluence and might keep on rocking for years to come.
Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
He has acted and directed over 30 local plays and owns a group known as The Afri-Talent. He is currently the most sought after Ugandan actor internationally known for his major roles in internationally acclaimed blockbuster movies like,The Last King of Scotland (2006), Sometimes in April (2005) and The Silent Army (2008). He is also a celebrated TV and Radio personality.
Anne Kansiime Kubiryaba. She is born on April 13, 1987. She is an entertainer, comedian and actress. She has been referred to as “East Africa’s Queen of comedy” by most East African entertainment gurus.
Kansiime has continued to perform and touring abroad as a standup comedian and her comedy style tends to focus on aspects of her personal life. Some of the awards she has won include, Airtel women of substance awards 2014, Beffta 2013 (best comedian) winner, Lagos International Festival 2013 (best actress) winner, social media awards (favorite celebrity) winner and African social awards Malaysia (ASAM) – 2013.
Patrick Idringi (Salvado) Patrick Idringi is a man of many hats; a telecommunications engineer, comedian, actor, father and radio presenter.
Many people don’t deviate from what they studied in schools but when he decided to resign his job at MTN to pursue a career in comedy many people thought he was running mad. The man who only dreamt about flying (Boarding the Plane) is now a regular traveler and sought after comedian abroad.
Jose Chameleone (Joseph Mayanja) –He is an Afro-beat and Reggae musician. He is one of the most popular Ugandan musicians and enjoys strong popularity in many countries throughout Africa. He sings in Luganda, English and Swahili.
Several of his songs have yielded popular catchphrases, including Basiima Ogenze, Shida Za Dunia, Nekolera Maali and Badilisha. True to his stage name Chameleon, he indeed acts like one. He is a Moody person who will not hesitate walking away from a planned show if the quality of the sound output is poor and trust me, when he gets to that stage he truly rocks.
Bebe Cool. (Moses Ssali) He is s a top African Reggea and Ragga musician. A true entertainment “warlord” the man has been shot and seriously wounded in the past, survived the July 11, 2010 Kampala bomb blasts that killed 74 people and was involved in a nasty car accident in 2011.
Bebe Cool was winner of the artist of the year award (Uganda) at the prestigious Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards). He was nominated for the Kora All-African Awards in 2003 and 2005. He has toured in the UK and the US. I once visited a studio with him, and was surprised to know that he has over 50 unreleased songs.
Coach Micho allies the Kobs team to finish the job
Coach Micho allies the Kobs team to finish the job (courtesy photo)
CAF/Olympics U-23 Qualifier: 4pm
Uganda v Rwanda @Nakivubo Stadium
SERBIAN tactician Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević has urged his Uganda Kobs team to take the opportunity presented to them by their first-leg performance.
The Kobs host Rwanda’s’ Wasps, holding a 2-1 first-leg advantage heading into the return leg of the U23 African Championship Qualifiers at Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday.
Rwandese delegation arriving in Uganda ahead of the Saturday game (courtesy photo)
“We have put ourselves in a nice position and now we need to try and do our best to seal,” Micho said after Friday morning training session in Lubowa.
“We must control the game and play to win the game,” he added.
Micho added striker Ssentamu Yunus of Tunisian side CS Sfaxien replacing injured Police striker Umar Kasumba.
Despite missing the services of head Coach Jonny Mckinstry (who traveled to Europe for a UEFA Pro Licence course), Wasps’ interim head coach is Vincent Mashami remains positive of overturning a 2-1 first leg deficit.
“Everything is possible in football. We can easily register the victory in Kampala, the same way Uganda did in Rwanda” Mckinstry noted.
A 25 man delegation arrived at Entebbe on Thursday aboard Rwanda Airline Boeing WB 422.
Captain Faruku Miya and Muzamiru Mutyaba scored in each half; Wasps had leveled matters through a Xavio Nshuti header as the Kobs picked a 2-1 lead from Stade De Amahoro, Rwanda.
Meanwhile Sudanese officials Mohamed Fadul Sabri (center referee) Mustafa Ibrahim M. Medany and Yousif Eltirafi Saeed Idris assistant referees will officiate the game.
The narration by the Director of Operations in Uganda Police Force, AIG Andrew Felix Kaweesa at the Public Relations Association of Uganda that pupils of Namagunga Junior were alarmed and made noise while calling him all sorts of names in reference to bad picture in which these pupils see police is what most Ugandans hold about the force.
Therefore, it isn’t surprising that these children at such tender age have also realized whether misconception or real the public long held view about the misconduct of some police officers while on duty.
Police is none partisan and yes, it is supposed to be none partisan as per our Constitution but the misconduct of some individuals within the force makes it look otherwise. Again, police shouldn’t be condemned entirely as a bad institution, because its work in areas like traffic, investigations, public order is commendable and thanks to the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura. However, Gen. Kayihura should prevail on those seen to be denting the image he has built.
What explains the mishandling and the inhumane treatment the force has continuously used on members of opposition and those who do not agree with the order of the day? Why treat Dr. Kizza Besigye like we are in slave trade era? Such inhumane treatment coupled with other misconducts of the force is what is dissuading the public from trusting the police porce as a civil force that is supposed to protect them.
Assuming Dr. Besigye became President of Ugandatomorrow, what will happen to such officers who are ever beating him and smashing his vehicles like movies actors shooting a film? Would they comfortable remain here or head to exile?
A story is told in Zambia of how Michael Sata while in opposition was being depicted in wrong stories and pictures by some editors at one of the government dailies. However, when Mr Sata won elections and became president, these editors resigned and took off but in his light moods like he was, President Sata recalled them and told them he knew what they were doing wasn’t their choice but that of the state.
So let us all use our offices well to serve others than being used to do things we wouldn’t want to be done unto us.
And has Uganda Police Force ever realized why Uganda People Defence Forces (UDPF) regained its magnificence as a people’s force? Have they (Police) seen what UPDF does to its enemies? UDPF has captured many its enemies at the battlefields but they haven’t killed any of them but instead they are given first class treatment like buying them suits, offering medical treatment and sending military choppers to offer transport for them. Police should emulate what the army did and invest in building a good relationship between army and the public.
Namakula has won the Uganda Open 3-times(courtesy photo)
Uganda’s Ladies’ Golf team is buoyant of making a statement when the East and Central Africa Regional Challenge trophy tees off this weekend (June 1-3) in Lilongwe, Malawi.
“A number of the golfers in this tournament came here and we beat them” said Flavia Namakula.
Namakula saw off Zimbabwean Loice Chingono, Angel Eaton and Iddi Madina both Tanzanian to conjured up the biggest win in the history of the 61-year-old Uganda Ladies Open – a 12-shot win – to complete her special hat-trick at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Kitante
“The group is relaxed and confident, we can shock people,” Namakula (the UPDF Corporal) added.
The national team includes Eva Magala (captain), Namakula and Irene Namakula, together with national golf coach Amos Kamya, left this morning (Friday) for Lilongwe.
Uganda Ladies Golf Union president Esther Okullo, travels as a non-playing captain. The team has been sponsored by the Uganda Golf Union treasurer Prof Anthony Kerali together with several companies and individuals at the Uganda Golf Club.
This is the fourth edition of this tournament that started in Uganda in 2009 which is held twice-yearly with Tanzania having won the first two editions and Zambia winning the last one.
The region show-piece gathers countries in the East and Central region, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi (hosts), Reunion (who will be hosting the 2017 edition), Mauritius, Ethiopia, Seychelles and Burundi.
The best two scores from the three ladies national team will be considered action will see the players play 56 holes over three days of action.
Kampala-After a successful launch in Kampala last month, the search for the 2015 Mirinda Miss Teen takes its second step this weekend with the start of the school tours.
Tomorrow, Saturday May 30, Mirinda team will be at Seeta High School and the following day Sunday May 31 at St. Joseph’s Nsambya, starting 2pm until 5pm. The next stops will be at Rubaga Girls School on June 9 and St. Mary’s Nabbingo on June 7.
This year’s theme is; “Work Hard, Play Hard” and will involve a search for a girl who is not only beautiful and smart but is also fun-loving.
“Mirinda Miss Teen helps the youth to realize that inner spontaneous playful spirit that is within every one of us. In so doing, Mirinda Miss Teen brings to life our exciting thematic campaign, free your fun side,” says Timothy Luzinda, the Mirinda brand manager.
According to the organisers, during the school tours, girls will be entertained by some of the top musicians and comedians in the country.
More than 40 schools are set to take part in this year’s edition including those from the North, for the very first time in the competition’s history.
On why Mirinda decided to sponsor the girls’ pageant, Mr Luzinda says the platform is still the most relevant for the brand to connect with its primary audience; a young girl with the attributes that Mirinda embodies.
The new categories introduced this year; Miss AMBITIOUS and Miss PLAY HARD will see winners getting a chance to attend fully-paid five-day career guidance training and a Shs1million cash prize respectively.
Fourteen-year-old Keza Namazzi from Mt. St. Mary’s Namagunga is the reigning Mirinda Miss Teen, and second runner-up is Gloria Rutaremwa of Seeta High. Marianne Katusiime now of Gayaza High School was the first runner-up.
Keza walked home with Shs2.5 m worth school fees for a year while Katusiime and Rutaremwa got Shs1.5 m and Shs1.2 m respectively. The prizes for these categories remain the same this year, as well.
Kampala-Zuena Kirema has thrown in a towel at the Kampala Serena based NTV station where she has been hosting a Sundayprogram dubbed Life Stories.
Zuena posted on her Facebook page that she will be concentrating on family issues and this weekend will be the last episode of her show. She is wife to musician Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool. Zuena joins Anita Kyalimpa aka Fabiola who was forced to resign over the leaked nude pictures.
Others who have left NTV are long serving Sports Reporter, Alfred Odong, as MC Kats and some in the production and marketing departments are throwing in a towel soon.
NTV is likely to see most of its seasoned reporters quit the station as the Luganda station goes on air this June. It is believed that the station has failed to increase salaries and allowances of reporters and yet the bosses want the employees to work for the Luganda station as well.
Below is the post;
‘’It’s been an interesting journey for two years working at NTV with a great team of management, producers, cameramen and fellow presenters but my journey has come to an end & i would like to thank God for the good friends i made and experience i got, unfortunately on Sunday you’ll be watching my last show as Life Stories presenter as i have to concentrate on unavoidable family issues. I thank you all for being a great audience, it was a great experience presenting to you, may Allah keep you safe.’’
