Local celebrity Judith Heard is in a tight fix; who isn’t when you knock down and seriously injure a boda boda cyclist and then try to drive off?
Last Thursday as she reportedly returned from an all-night booze binge Ms Heard, driving her state-of-the-art Audi Reg No UAP 433S knocked down Francis Mukasa, who was riding his motorcycle Reg No UEG 927 Y along Jinja Road, near the traffic lights.
Eye witnesses said a ‘drunk’ Ms Heard tried to drive on but was encircled by other boda boda riders until she was forced to pull over and try to settle the matter.
Mukasa was later taken to Mulago Hospital where his legs were amputated on arrival.
But as the matter was being pursued, Mukasa asked for Ushs20 million as compensation and treatment charges but Ms Heard requested to pay Ushs5 million, which his family and friends rejected, opting for the law to take its course.
Police has since preferred hit-and-run charges against Ms Heard under case file number TSD:02/04/06/2015.
Ragga Dee is said to have composed two songs for Mbabazi.
editorial@eagle.co.ug
Amama Mbabazi’s bid to contest for the presidency in the 2016 general elections comes with so many opportunities and one of the many, is having artistes to drum up support through music.
And for this case, we all know that music has recently been used to deliver candidates’ messages to the masses and the latest from Makindye based artist Daniel Kyeyune Kazibwe aka Ragga Dee is that he has already composed two songs for Mbabazi.
Word has it that the former Prime Minister is on a musician registering drive and according to reports, Mbabazi is looking for musicians to help him on his campaign trail.
These will be paid handsomely if they compose songs that push his agenda to the masses.
Ragga Dee being the music ‘Jaja’ (grandfather) has recorded the songs already and now that Mbabazi has declared his bid for State House, Dee’s songs are likely to hit the airwaves anytime soon.
Mbabazi writes to his former boss for his State House bid
Mbabazi writes to his former boss for his State House bid
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT KINKIZI WEST CONSTITUENCY
Our reference. . . .01 5/006-001 1 3 June 2015
His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni National Chainnan, National Resistance Movement and President, of the Republic of [Uganda
Your Excellency,
I thank the National Resistance Movement (NRM) under your leadership for the opportunity given me to serve our great nation. We have worked together from the formation of NRM, and before that, from the earlier period of the liberation movement, on policy and implementation of the armed struggle and, later on, government programmes.
I am reasonably satisfied that the fundamental objectives NRM initially set out to achieve have been realized. These are: peace and security, a united country, improved economic security, positive economic growth, increased provision of education; the strengthening and/or building of institutions on which democratic governance can be anchored, and the respect of the international community, to name a few. I am very proud of whatever part I have played in bringing about the aforementioned achievements.
While we have done many great things, we now need to look not at the quantity but the quality of the product. When we look at all our accomplishments, it is clear we still face many more challenges. These are in brief: to transform the economy, to fight corruption, to tackle the scourge of unemployment and to create jobs for all, to provide universal and superior quality healthcare, to address the quality of education and the skills gap, and to strengthen and respect public institutions and the rule of law among others. Uganda is at a crossroads; stuck between old and new and very different economic development stages. Our future leaders need to understand this. What the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) began, and NRA achieved, was a revolution. This was akin to building the foundation of one’s house. But now we must build upon our achievements, constructing the pillars and columns that will elevate our nation to new heights and form the basis upon which a stronger, more enduring and equitable social order can be laid. NRM must adapt and Uganda must progress. It is time to evolve.
This is what elections are about: the future; the path our great and proud nation will embark on. And yet, today’s leadership is afraid of the unknowable quality of the future. It is apprehensive of the fast-shifting landscape upon which present Uganda unfolds. The leadership clings to the sails of a wearied boat that is familiar, not observing that it is no longer properly equipped to stay the post liberation course, or that too great a number of its crew are now fortune-hunters and not genuine workmen. A number of those in the leadership reject various facets of 21st century modernity that have become essential to efficiency and advancement in other parts of the world.
The undeniable reality is this: a new age is upon us and it demands three things. The first is an awareness of its existence and the accompanying implications therein. The second: a willingness to engage with it as a present reality and not some far-off time in the future. The time is now for fairness; fairness in the salaries we offer teachers, doctors, nurses, and other medical workers; fairness in the salaries and allowances offered to policemen and soldiers – the men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect us; fairness for those in public service and all those Ugandans whose labour powers our economy.
The third and final demand of this new age is the competency to put in place the answers to the questions it will necessarily pose.
Whatever age we are in, however, the basic tenets of good governance remain the same. Good governance is based on the rule of law and not the whims of an individual. Good governance is grounded in equity and inclusiveness and demands the participation of citizens in decision-making. Good governance means a separation of powers where there is autonomy between the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government. Good governance occurs when the Ugandan people can expect accountability, transparency and finally, effectiveness and efficiency. The time has come for Uganda to go forward in pursuit of a radical system change based on the principles of good governance. We cannot tarry for this is the most critical endeavour of our time.
As in the past, Uganda, and her people, still need peace and security. But they now have additional concerns. As they see how scientific and technological advancements continue to shape many parts of the world for the better in areas such as health, education, business and even governance, they are desirous of a leap into 21’t century modernity. Today’s Ugandans are exposed to and better aware of the possibilities available to them now that the preservation of life and limb is no longer their only primary concern.
Mr. Chairman, as I earlier stated, much has been achieved. Given this fact, let us not risk undoing our past gains.
The coming election is not simply about a change of leader, but about changing systems in Uganda for this generation and generations to come. We simply must join those nations where a change of guard happens regularly and through the ballot. It is time for a peaceful transition; and so I hope that all Ugandans will use the opportunity next year to cast their vote for a healthier and more democratic Uganda: where the rule of law is observed and where the identity, dignity, solidarity and productivity of her people are returned to her.
As you know Mr. Chairman and as I indicated earlier, I have had, in the past, the honour and privilege to work with you and other colleagues in the party, the government and the country and with so many young, passionate and engaged people. The change Uganda must have requires someone with the requisite ideas, energy and drive; and the experience I have acquired has given me the wherewithal needed to successfully steer this change. In light of this, I will be seeking to run for Party Chairman of the NRM and as the Flag-bearer for the National Resistance Movement for President of Uganda in the 2016 general election.
I remain loyal to my party the National Resistance Movement. Yet, my greatest devotion and allegiance is fixed upon my country Uganda and its people.
Kampala-Uganda Peoples’ Congress has called upon all its members to fully participate in the forthcoming 2016 general elections.
Speaking to journalists at the highly-guarded UPC offices at Uganda House, senior party official David Basalirwa said all party members need to participate in the elections so as to make the party strong.
“We want to see mainly UPC at the election centers,” Mr Basalirwa said adding: “we call upon all the youths and elders to take part in the 2016 elections.”
Sections of the opposition and some political activists have called for the boycott of the 2016, with claims that they cannot be free and fair under the current Electoral Commission, and subsequently called for its disbandment.
Meanwhile, asked about the heavy police presence at Uganda House, Mr. Basaliirwa first said: ‘the police was doing its duty of protecting citizens and their property’.
He however, later acknowledged that the police was called in to monitor the situation because “there was a bit of confusion.”
UPC is currently divided into two factions with some members supporting Mr Jimmy Akena, while some back Olara Otunnu. Last week Otunnu and Mr. Joseph Bossa were manhandled by youths allegedly loyal to Akena.
Meanwhile Michael Orach Osinde, a member of the party’s Conflict Resolution Committee says Otunnu is to blame for all the confusion in the party.
Mr. Osinde says the party Electoral Commission was mandated to release results in 48 hours, but was surprised when Otunnu set up a committee to review the election results.
“Cabinet did not approve it,” he said adding: “he (Ottunu) appointed members that supported Bossa, it would be unfair to Akena.”
Ugandan teachers hold banners and shout slogans during a demonstration in Kampala June 15, 2005 in a protest against the government's failure to pay them a strike recently.
Ugandan teachers hold banners and shout slogans during a a strike recently.
editorial@eagle.co.ug
Kayunga-Universal Primary Education in Kayunga district is facing severe challenges with problems ranging from having few teachers, poor welfare and pupils studying from under trees.
During a visit to two UPE schools in Galilaaya sub county, Eagle online established that the teacher – pupil ratio is still low and needs to be addressed.
“Our staff ceiling is 10 members but surprisingly we are only seven including me the head teacher,” said Mr. David Lutaaya, the head teacher of Galilaaya Church of Uganda Primary School adding: “My office has sent in requests to the District Education Officers to send us more teachers but we have not been helped.’’
Mr.Lutaaya also pointed out the geographical location of his school is a major hindrance to attain the required number of teachers since most of them don’t want to be posted to such rural places.
“I don’t think they want to come to the village; they will do anything in their power to stop a possible transfer to such a place.” he said.
At Kasokwe Primary School located in Kasokwe village, the staff ceiling is reportedly nine but the available manpower is of only five teachers handling a population of over 553 students.
“Being a small group with a big work load, we do not perform to the expectations of many as the syllabus is not even complete by the time students sit for Primary Living Examination (PLE),” said Ms Irene Namugenyi, the deputy head teacher.
A few pupils also expressed concern over having few teachers, with one Rose Nabankema, a primary four pupil saying: “We have few teachers and so we miss out on studying some subjects like Luganda and Christian Religious Education; we hope the government will send us more teachers.”
At the same school, a group of pupils is holding lessons under a tree because of the few and small classrooms.
“Because we study outside, we get disturbed mostly when it rains as our books get wet.” Derrick Kyobe, a primary five pupil. He also said those who study in classes are no better.
“I am also not happy for our friends who study in the classrooms as most of them sit on the floor, there are no desks,” he disclosed.
The issue of feeding also raises concern in these schools as most of the students study on empty stomachs, something Mr.Lutaaya blames on the parents.
“When I came here, I started a policy where each student had to carry five kilograms of maize flour to cater for their daily porridge but the parents have refused because they are mean and illiterate,” he said.
He also revealed that his pupils take sugarless porridge at lunch time “because it cannot be afforded”.
However, the story is quite different at Kasokwe Primary School, where some go hungry the whole day.
“We eat nothing at school completely, so if you don’t carry something from home or come with money, you go hungry until when the classes end,” Jacob Buule, a primary seven pupil said.
And here too, Ms Namugenyi, the deputy head teacher blamed the parents for failing to provide for their children.
“It’s the parents I blame; they don’t want to contribute anything for their children’s lunch and they think the school has to provide everything,” she said.
However, it is not all about lack of food as she also complained about the poor state of the teachers’ quarters.
“Where we sleep is not different from a kraal, the roof is leaking and we have broken doors; we are worried anytime the building collapse and we are even tired of complaining to the district officials,” Ms Namugenyi says resignedly.
She said several district officials and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have promised to help them to no avail.
”They only stop at visiting but they never come back, I think we now have to help ourselves because it’s clear they forgot us,” Ms Namugenyi adds.
Reached for comment on the various challenges raised by the schools, the District Education Officer Mrs. Alice Doyo, declined.
The District Inspector of Schools Mr. Moses Olok’s known phone number was off by the time we contacted him for a comment.
In a bid to align with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of providing basic primary education, in 1997 the government of Uganda introduced free primary education under the UPE programme.
Since then enrolment for primary education tripled from about 2.7 million in 1996 to 8.2 million in 2009. The Net Enrolment Ratio (NER), which is a key MDG indicator and measures the share of children in school-going age bracket who are actually in school, has hovered above 90% in recent years, close to the 100% needed to meet the MDG.
Also, according to reports, by 2010 Uganda had registered a tremendous 87.4 percentage increase in the literacy rate ‘of 15-24 year old men and woman through UPE’.
However the programme has faced numerous challenges, with some Ugandans questioning or castigating the quality of education being offered by the UPE schools.
concretised by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) and Volta cars Rental Services (VRS)
The first-ever carbon credits trading in Africa has been concretised by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) and Volta cars Rental Services (VRS)
The first-ever carbon credits trading in Africa has been concretised by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) and Volta cars Rental Services (VRS).
I&P is the leading carbon finance group, dedicated to (partnering with) small and medium size enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa, while VRS is a car leasing company operating in West Africa.
“We develop a strong environmental strategy; CO2 emissions are at the heart of our concerns and we are pleased to offer our customers the option to offset their carbon footprint. Today’s transaction is pioneering and a unique choice, which distinguishes us on the West African market. We hope it will become standard in our sector.”VRS will aggregate the offset demand of customers taking part in the “carbon neutral” program each quarter and for the whole fleet concerned. The carbon credit purchases will be made with same periodicity,” Thomas Crand, a co-founder of VRS said at the launch.
According to a release, the transaction, secured by ecosur afrique, will enable VRS customers to offset the CO2 emissions of vehicles leased in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
The carbon credits, or emission reductions, which are at base of the offset transaction, are generated from the dissemination of energy efficient cooks stoves in Côte d’Ivoire. The cook stoves are distributed as part of the “Soutra Fourneau” programme financed and operated by ecosur afrique.
“They allow to reduce charcoal consumption of small entrepreneurial users such as restaurants or canteens. The use of charcoal and firewood for cooking purposes remains a major source of CO2 emissions and deforestation in West Africa. Beyond the environmental aspect, the benefits are numerous: redistribution of purchasing power to consumers, decrease of noxious fumes, reduction of meal preparation time by half,” the release by Africa Press Organisation, satates in part..
Fabrice Le Sache, the CEO of ecosur afrique, noted that the future of carbon credit markets lies in Africa.
“The exchange of carbon credits involves traditionally their transfer from developing countries to industrialized countries. We are convinced that the future of the market lies in part in the development of the South / South transactions, particularly within Africa. We have been working for several years on our carbon credit offer in order to create sufficient liquidity allowing the emergence of such a market. With over 40 projects in 17 countries, we now have the largest portfolio of African carbon credits in terms of volume and diversity. We must now increase and expand the demand; Similar CO2 offset transactions are under negotiation with African hotel chains, carriers and agribusinesses,” Le Sache said.
According to Jean-Michel Severino, CEO of Investisseurs & Partenaires, his company is committed to pioneering entrepreneurial ideas.
“I&P shows, once again, its commitment to pioneering entrepreneurial ideas, both to strengthen the business model of its holdings, to offer them distinctive solutions in their market and to assist them in environmental and social performance, a pre-condition of economic sustainability,” Severino said.
The investment partners will lay emphasis on, among others, companies which deal with logistics, transport and distribution of fresh products.
Billionaire Donald Trump, the real estate mogul and TV reality star launched his US presidential campaign Tuesday, with his speech inclined to job creation and currency manipulation by China.
Trump, who has in the past four presidential electoral cycles promised to contest for the Oval office but did not, has now broken with tradition, is the 12th individual to announce he will be standing for the US President’s job, and if he makes it to the top 10 candidates in polls, he will participate in the Fox News presidential debate.
In 1987, 1999, 2004 and 2011Trump said he would run for president but never did but now observers point to his seriousness this time round, even citing that the businessman has already hired key staff to man offices in New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina.
“I am officially running for President of the United States, and we are going to make our country great again,” Trump told the crowd at the Trump Towers, his 68 storey building in . His slogan is “Make America Great Again.”
Trump usually attacks rivals and this time was no exception; the TV star of the ‘Apprentice’ series attacked the other 2016 presidential aspirants, with a jab at 2012 Republican candidate Mitt Romney, while reflecting on his wealth: “I have a Gucci store that’s worth more than Romney.”
Earlier this year he said: “The last thing we need is another Bush,” in reference to Republican presidential aspirant Jeb Bush, a son and brother to George Herbert Walker Bush Sr and George Bush Jr, respectively.
The elder Bush served as the 41st President of the United States between 1989 and 1993, while his son was the 43th US President, serving from 2001 to 2009.
So, if Jeb Bush wins the Grand Old Party (GOP) nominations and later the US presidency, he will become the third member of the Bush family to occupy the White House.
Meanwhile, not bothered with such a profile, Trump considers himself as the “most successful person ever to run for the US presidency, by far,” flaunting his wealth and disclosing his net worth at US$9 billion.
Other contenders in the race include Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton, one time Senator of New York and former Secretary of State, Senator Bernie Sanders, Martin O’Malley, former Maryland Governor and Lincoln Chafee, a former Rhode Island Governor.
The Republicans include: former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham. Others are former Senator Rick Santorum; former Governors George Pataki of New York and Mike Huckabee of Arkansas; former presidential candidate Rick Perry, retired Neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Ms Carly Fiorina, a former business executive.
On June 16 the world commemorated the Day of the African Child. In Uganda, one of the radio stations, Monitor’s KfM 93.3 hosted four refugee children, two from South Sudan and two from Burundi.
These four children, two boys and two girls, gave a chilling account of what as refugees they endure on a daily basis, and what they talked about reflects what hundreds of thousands of their colleagues across Africa experience.
The recent events in both Burundi and South Sudan need no introduction; they are common knowledge for most people in the East African region.
The stalemate in Burundi caused by the unwavering efforts of Pierre Nkurunziza to hold onto the presidency of his country and the raging supremacy battles in South Sudan between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his nemesis, former Vice President Riek Machar Teng, have led to untold suffering of people in both countries, mostly the young children and women.
It is pertinent to note that in any conflict situation, it is these two categories that suffer most, with the women and young girls facing gross atrocities such as rape, defilement or even outright death at the hands of the marauding belligerent groups.
But even the boys are not that safe: early this month it was reported that troops from Chad and Equatorial Guinea, on peacekeeping duty in the restive Central Africa Republic, had ‘feasted’ on young boys. It was also reported that French peacekeepers in the same troubled country had had oral sex with hungry refugee boys, luring them with food rations in exchange.
Unfortunately, months later nothing has come out of the investigations ordered by the French government, with prevarication rotating around ‘lack of evidence’. And this is where part of the problem lies; how can you get evidence when you even do not look out for the victims to give an account of the despicable acts committed against them? Or, why do you have to wait until their parents run to the media for you to resuscitate the so-called investigations? No one seems to care about these vulnerable people; we just continue living as if there is nothing wrong!
The above-mentioned revelations of sexual indecency against refugee children appear like isolated cases, but the reverse is true; cruel acts against these hapless refugees are rampant and must stop.
Indeed, Africa’s children must be secure and it is our duty to ensure their future.
DHL Expres Sub-Saharan Africa MD Charles Brewer at a press conference
DHL Expres Sub-Saharan Africa MD Charles Brewer at a press conference
The Managing Director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa Charles Brewer, has said that Small and Medium (SMEs) in Africa are the basis for strong and sustained economic growth on the continent.
Speaking at the just-concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, Mr Brewer also called for synergies by governments, business leaders and the communities in a bid to ease doing business on in Africa.
Held in Cape Town, South Africa under theme: Then and Now: Reimagining Africa’s Future, the Summit brought together business leaders from all over the world and, according to Mr Brewer,
Africa is the last frontier for growth and economic development.
“The region offers plenty of untapped opportunities, which pave the way for SMEs to fill the gaps not presently being catered for by larger corporations. Manufacturing, on a large scale, is still somewhat embryonic in Africa and as such, there is a definite opportunity for SMEs that operate in the manufacturing industry,” Mr Brewer was quoted saying, adding that, “the biggest game changer for Africa going forward will be its ability to boost connectivity and intra-Africa trade.”
According to participants in panel discussion 1 on the Future of Trade at the WEF summit, only 12% of African countries’ total trade is with each other, while the continent only accounts for 3% of value addition in global trade.
“Africa needs to remove the obstacles which hinder the ease of doing business and continually investigate new trade agreements in the region, as these have the potential to boost the level of trade significantly. Africa has already benefited from several trade partnerships such as the East Africa Community (EAC) and ECOWAS and the imminent launch of the Tripartite Free Trade Area. These are significant developments for Africa – and it is crucial that these collaborative relationships continue and more importantly, that they be implemented consistently,” Mr Brewer said at the WEF on Africa.
“Attending a forum such as WEF definitely enriches your knowledge, but what I find most valuable, is that a lot of the discussions challenge your beliefs and value sets. As an example, the sessions about gender equality in the workplace, digitization across Africa and being a socially responsible organization that delivers shared and inclusive value have really reignited my focus areas. These have always been a top priority for DHL, but it is always great to hear how other organisations are managing these issues and to learn from them.” DHL’s Brewer said.
A multi-billion dollar investment, DHL, a leading global logistics firm set up in Africa in 1978 and the company boasts of a presence in 220 countries including in Uganda, with 325.000 employees across the globe. In 2014, the company generated revenue worth 56 billion Euros. DHL also deals with, among others, e-Commerce, technology, life science and healthcare, and energy.
The prestigious Uganda Cup. SC Villa beat KCC FC 2-0 at Namboole today.
Result
The prestigious Uganda Cup. SC Villa beat KCC FC 2-0 at Namboole today.
KCC FC 0-3 SC Villa
editorial@eagle.co.ug
Kampala- SC Villa triumph in majestic style with a 3-0 demolition of fierce rivals KCC FC to win the 2015 Uganda Cup title at Namboole stadium, Tuesday evening.
The feeling that engrossed Villa fans last evening when their team won a replayed Cup final to secure theirfirst title in six years and 9th Cup title as they ensured a return on the continent scene.
“I congratulate the players, they played well, with a high tempo game and surely deserved this (Cup) title,” said Ibrahim Kirya, who was also named the best coach of this year’s Uganda Cup.
The Jogoo swept KCC aside with a swashbuckling display sparked by Augustine Nsumba’s first half header and a sublime strike from Abdul-Karim Kasule plus a Waibi Jether powerful shot from a free kick after the interval.
KCC looked brunt going forward and lost for creativity playing without suspended Hakim Senkumba, Owen Kasule, Joseph Ochaya and Yasin Mugabi and injuried Francis Olaki, Savio Kabugo and Ronnie Kisekka.
“It was always going to be hard without them, but those that played did compete fairly well” said KCC coach Abdallah Mubiru.
Villa striker Erisa Sekisambu was named best player of the tournament, while the club took Shs2.5million as Cup winners.
For Villa, even as the merry-making over-rides the feeling of relief that the Villa fraternity has at this juncture, the focus will shift to how this success can be built on, in order for the club to enjoy a sustainable run in the CAF Confederations Cup in 2016.
