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Makerere University’s IPC Fellowship Program Gives Hope to Health Workers

By
Ronard Shabomwe
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A group photo of MakSPH and CDC Staff (Courtesy Photo).

Health workers from various medical backgrounds are optimistic for their future in the field of Infection Prevention and Control-IPC, after successfully completing their IPC Fellowship program.

During the first Cohort dissemination workshop in Kampala this week, the graduates revealed how impactful the program has been, and how they hope to immensely contribute to the nation while focusing their efforts to the field of Infection prevention and control.

Bernadette Namugema, the currently IPC nurse in-charge at Mulago National Referral hospital said that the fellowship has equipped her with formal, specialized, evidence-based practices, and she hopes to become a distinguished IPC lecturer at Makerere university, to shape the next generation while serving as a transformative change agent at her work place.

Namugema carried out a study about improving hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers at Mulago National Referral Hospital Eye and Ent Ward.

Dr Charles Ntambi Mbadhi, a medical doctor from Kampala Hospital who carried out a study about quality improvement project hand hygiene compliance among the health workers at Kampala hospital, noted that the fellowship equipped him with advanced knowledge to build upon his clinical background and continue championing evidence-based IPC best practice as a mentor.

“Looking ahead, I aim at becoming an esteemed IPC leader, spearheading initiatives and policy development to elevate Uganda’s standards nationally and internationally. I aspire to establish a legacy as a distinguished IPC trailblazer”. Dr. Ntambi revealed.

Seasoned principal nursing officer, Florence Ayoo from Kiruddu National Referral Hospital revealed how the fellowship has positioned her as an IPC evolving into a sustainable, robust national program supported by skilled practitioners.

She added “This specialized expertise will drive improvement and fortify Uganda’s healthcare system against infectious threats”.

Grace Musiimire, a nursing officer at Mengo Hospital is grateful how the fellowship has equipped her with specialized knowledge to prevent infection spread, monitor trends, investigate outbreaks, implement control measures, and provide effective training.

“I am excited to enhance my research capabilities while building lasting capacity in this critical domain to safeguard healthcare quality” Musiimire further noted.

Harriet Kembabazi, a senior nursing officer currently employed by the Ministry of Health, who said the program will help her make lasting impacts in IPC policy, capacity building and sustainable healthcare delivery.

Other graduates of IPC first Cohort include; Joyline Kanyunyuzi, a nursing officer from Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, and Robert Gatama nursing officer specializing in infection prevention and control.

The fellowship is a partnership between Makerere University School of Public Health, Health Ministry and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-CDC.

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Household, personal loans dominate total private sector credit in Uganda

By
Francisco Adongo
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The household and personal loans have dominated the largest share of credit in the private sector in Uganda as financial institutions continue to shy away from others due to risks involved.

According to the Performance of the Economy Report for April 2024, of the total credit extended to the private sector in March 2024, personal and household loans accounted for the largest share at 32.9% followed by business, community, and social services (22.3%), trade (16.6%), and agriculture (10.0%), among other sectors.

This is similar to February 2024 when personal and household loans accounted for the biggest share at 37.1% followed by Business, community, and social services (16.6%), Trade (16.2%) and agriculture (13.5%) among others.

In March, the value of credit approved for disbursement increased by 10.6% to Shs1.096.1 trillion from Shs991.2 billion in February 2024.

“This was mainly attributed to increased demand for credit by prime borrowers who are considered less risky. Commercial banks were therefore more willing to advance credit to these borrowers,” the report states.

Nevertheless, the weighted average lending rates for Shilling-denominated credit reduced to 17.34% in March 2024 from 18.09% in February 2024.

This was partly due to more lending towards prime corporate borrowers, whom banks charge lower interest rates as they are deemed less risky.

However, lending rates for foreign currency-denominated credit increased to 9.2% in March 2024 from 8.8% in February 2024, mainly on account of depreciation pressures on the exchange rates in the previous months.

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Kiira Motors unveils the Kayoola EVS Model 2024 at Uganda – Tanzania Business Forum

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Kayoola EVS Model 2024 bus.

Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has unveiled the all-electric Kayoola EVS Model 2024 at the 2nd Uganda – Tanzania Business Forum held at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam from May 23-24, 2024. 

The Kayoola EVS is a fully electric low-floor bus specifically designed for Urban Mass Transportation. The Kayoola EVS Model 2024 has models ranging from six metres (15 seating capacity) – to 18 metres (120 seating capacity).

At full charge, the Kayoola EVS can cover a range between 200 to 300 kilometres – making it capable of seamlessly handling the daily Urban Mass Transportation duty cycle. Its favourable seating capacity offers great returns for the bus operator while enabling a reduction in congestion on the city roads. 

The Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum provides a platform to enhance the economic and commercial ties between Uganda and Tanzania. This year, the Forum’s theme is “Enhancing Our Win-Win Partnership”, and the team from Uganda is looking to leverage the high-level deliberations to build the African market for Kiira Motors. 

The delegation from Uganda is led by Dr. Monica Musenero – Uganda’s Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation – Office of the President, and the leadership of Kiira Motors Corporation. 

During the forum, the team engaged with diplomats, businesspeople, and key players from both the public and private sectors, aiming to showcase Kiira Motor’s extensive portfolio of products and services. Speaking to the press on the forum’s sidelines, Dr. Musenero remarked, 

“It is an honour for Uganda to introduce to Tanzania the Kayoola EVS – a manifestation of Uganda’s technological advancement to serve the African market with sustainable mobility solutions. We look forward to fostering synergies between our nations, the East African Community, and Africa as a whole.”

Tanzania represents a significant market for Kiira Motors due to substantial improvements in the country’s public transport system – particularly through the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (DART) project. This large-scale infrastructure initiative, developed by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), aims to enhance public transportation with a network of dedicated bus lanes, stations, and terminals. 

According to the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), the DART system, which began its first phase in 2016 with twenty-nine buses and five terminals, quickly made a significant impact: It reduced a 20km journey from three hours to 45 minutes, thereby decreasing reliance on private cars, cutting emissions, and offering a safe and affordable travel solution for the city’s over eight million residents. 

Kiira Motors aims to leverage this development to expand its market reach within East Africa and beyond the region. 

KMC’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi stated that the organisation’s value proposition centres on replacing imported mobility solutions with an African-built electric vehicle platform to improve public transport efficiency.

“This initiative aims to lead the e-mobility revolution and the decarbonisation of transportation in East Africa. By localising the development and deployment of electric vehicles, Kiira Motors Corporation seeks to enhance environmental sustainability and stimulate economic growth within the region,” he said. 

He added that the other market product from Kiira Motors Corporation is the 17m/400km and 12m/250km Articulated Kayoola Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus with carrying capacities of 120 (30 seated / 90 standing) and 83 (43 seated / 40 standing) respectively.  

The Kayoola Coach is an electric or diesel intercity bus with models ranging from 10m (39 PAX) – to 13m (63 PAX). The electric buses, when fully charged, can cover up to 500km. 

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UDB and ATC Uganda partner to save lives through blood donation drive

By
Our Reporter
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ATC Uganda and Uganda Development Bank (UDB) have organized a blood donation drive to bolster the much-needed blood bank at Mengo Hospital.

Mengo Hospital and Minet are the technical partners in this initiative which is part of a broader effort to increase the availability of safe blood across the nation.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase the availability of safe blood across the nation. The drive successfully attracted employees from the partner institutions and members of the public, all eager to contribute to this critical cause.

According to the World Health Organization’s Global Database on Blood Safety, a country should collect blood equivalent to at least 1% of its population. Uganda currently collects an estimated 300,000 liters of blood annually, which falls significantly short of the required amount. This ongoing deficit highlights the necessity for continuous blood donation efforts.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Dorothy Ssemanda, Chief Executive Officer of ATC Uganda, emphasized the importance of safe and sufficient blood supplies in saving lives.

“Blood donation is a selfless act that can save a child with severe anemia, a mother experiencing complications during childbirth, or a patient undergoing surgery. We are proud to partner with UDB to encourage voluntary, unpaid blood donations and make a positive impact,” she said.

Ms. Ssemanda also noted that the blood donation drive is one of several activities ATC Uganda is conducting during their Health and Fitness Week, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Joshua Mwesiga, speaking during the launch of the drive said, “UDB is dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes for Ugandans. This blood donation drive is a way for us to contribute to the national blood bank and support patients in need of transfusions. We as staff are enthusiastic about participating in this life-saving cause.”

According to research conducted by the National Institute of Health, access to safe blood in Uganda is crucial for maternal and neonatal care as well as for treating patients injured in emergencies such as accidents. However, there is a significant shortage of blood banks, leading to preventable deaths, particularly among mothers and patients requiring urgent transfusions.

The need for blood donations is now more urgent than ever. ATC Uganda and UDB urge everyone to consider donating blood to help save lives and improve health outcomes across the country.

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UNEB to conduct both old and new curricula O-Level examinations

By
Simon Kabayo
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UNEB Executive Secretary , Dan Odong.

This year, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) will conduct Four sets of Examinations; the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) for both the Old and New Curricula, and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).

Dan Odongo, UNEB Executive Director said that this will be the first time UNEB is conducting the UCE examination based on the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC), and arrangements for this examination are on course.

“This is the last time UNEB is conducting the UCE Examination under the Old curriculum. Kindly encourage all those interested and qualify for this examination to please use this opportunity and register. It is a one-off opportunity and UNEB will not Conduct UCE Exams under the old curriculum next year,” Odongo said.

He added that only candidates who passed PLE (Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4) or its equivalent and have attended four years of Ordinary Level Education may be registered for this UCE Examination. The PLE Grades shall be verified automatically by the e-registration software for those who have sat the PLE within the periods specified the circular on registration sent to schools at the commencement of the registration exercise, or earlier. Candidates should provide their correct index number and year of sitting for PLE.

The New Lower Secondary Curriculum requires candidates to register for a minimum of eight (8) and a maximum of Nine (9) subjects. Continuous Assessment (CA) Scores for the subjects offered, as well as Project scores shall be a requirement for certification.

Odongo clarified that normal registration of candidates will close on May 31, 2024 and that candidates who will miss registering during this time, a period has been set for late registration, which attracts a surcharge.

“The government will pay the registration fees of all candidates under any of the three programs of the UPE, USE and Universal Post O-Level and Training. Heads of these Centres are advised to ensure that they submit the registration data of their candidates during the period of normal registration,” Odongo said. 

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Police arrest man who set his own car ablaze

By
Our Reporter
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Mr Suubi Baliddawa after setting his car on fire.

Police in Elegu have arrested one Suubi Baliddawa, who set his black Toyota Wish car with registration number UBE 852E on fire.

Baliddawa reported that he set his car ablaze after becoming frustrated with the police for having held his car since early May after he was involved in an accident.

In a statement, the police noted that on May 7 at 9:18 am at Muvule along Gayaza Road opposite Riham Depot, Suubi Baliddawa, while driving his car from Mpererwe towards Kalelwe, knocked and injured a pedestrian identified as Naome Nakabaliki, 58 years old, who was crossing the road to check on her son who works in the building across.

After the crash, Baliddawa attempted to flee but was compelled by boda-boda riders to take the injured pedestrian to the hospital, which he agreed to do.

However, on the way to the hospital, he transferred the victim from his vehicle to a hired motorcycle and parked his vehicle elsewhere to avoid being recognized at the hospital.

It is reported that Baliddawa shared his contact with the victim’s son but allegedly gave a false number plate for his vehicle in an attempt to evade justice.

Later that day, the victim’s son went to Kanyanya Police Station to check if Baliddawa had reported the incident, which he had not. A case was registered by Edward Kamuhanda, the victim’s son.

“The traffic officer at the counter contacted Baliddawa, who claimed he was taking his sick child to Gulu for treatment. The officer instructed him to hand over the vehicle to the nearest police station, but he did not comply,” said the police.

They added, “On May 9, 2024, Suubi Baliddawa reported the crash at Elegu Police Station after the 24-hour mandatory period had passed. He was advised to return to Kanyanya Police Station to follow the proper investigation procedures, which he did not do.”

On May 17, at about 7:00 am, Suubi Baliddawa reported to Kanyanya Police Station following the guidance of the OC Traffic Elegu. Upon presenting himself before the OC Traffic Kanyanya, he initially denied any involvement in the crash but was subsequently detained.

The following day, while recording a statement, Baliddawa is said to have confessed to providing a false number plate and accepted liability for the crash.

On May 18, he was granted police bond and given a police form to produce his driving license, certificate of insurance, and registration book within five days for inspection. However, on May 21, 2024, a video surfaced on social media showing Baliddawa burning the vehicle.

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Pearl of Africa tourism expo kicks off at Speke Resort Convention Centre

By
Francisco Adongo
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The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2024 has kicked off at Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo.

The expo aims at uniting both local and international stakeholders and partners in the tourism industry to interact with clients and showcase various products and cultural aspects.

This year’s expo is under the theme; “Responsible Tourism” is the 8th edition and will close on Saturday.

The expo is being hosted by the Uganda Tourism Board, under the leadership of diminutive Lilly Ajarova.

In her address, Her Excellency Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda during the grand opening event highlighted that ‘there are only three countries in the world where you can find the shoebill stork, and Uganda is one of them.’

From today until Saturday (May 23-25, 2024), the general public is invited to attend this event (#POATE2024) at Speke Resort, to learn, interact, to get discounted offers and to see what Uganda has in store

According to the UTB, POATE serves as a global platform for meaningful B2B meetings, fostering connections between industry leaders, insightful seminars and workshops, exquisite exhibitions, and breathtaking familiarization Trips (Fam Trips).

“Join us at #POATE2024 and be part of a transformative experience that celebrates responsible tourism, fosters collaboration, and paves the way for a sustainable future of tourism,” UTB says.

At last year’s event, the 7th edition of POATE, 100 hosted buyers were in attendance, from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Spain, among others.

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AIDS Commission ranks Fort Portal city with highest HIV prevalence

By
Our Reporter
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The Uganda AIDS Commission has revealed that currently, Fort Portal City is the region with the highest HIV prevalence based on the 2023 data and it is followed by Mbarara City, although the high HIV prevalence has also been reported in Northern corridor especially along the highways where there is high commercialization, sex work, and the lake regions have also recorded high HIV prevalence rates.

Dr. Nelson Musoba, Director General Uganda Aids Commission also warned about the likelihood of increased prevalence rates of HIV/AIDs infections in Hoima City, as Uganda moves towards the commercialization of its oil and gas.

He issued the warning while speaking to journalists at Parliament, after his meeting with MPs on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).

In the report released by the Ministry of Health, 2023, Fort Portal city had a prevalence rate of 17.8 % followed by Mbarara district with HIV prevalence rate of 14.4 %.

Dr. Musoba noted that prevalence rates are usually determined by activities taking place in different regions and with the looming commercialization of oil production in Hoima City, many workers will leave their spouses home and interact with people whose HIV/AIDs status they aren’t aware of, thus increasing their risk to being infected with HIV/AIDs.

“The risk factors are based on which activities are taking place in the region, because if you have a region with a highly mobile population, like now, we are worried about highly commercialized activities in the Hoima region. We see oil taking place, it means people will take services there and every time people move, they leave their partners home, and they are at risk. They are moving amongst key populations, they don’t know the status of the people they are interacting with. So, if you have a region with high commercialization, a lot of young people and high activity with disposable income, those form part of the risk factors,” remarked Dr.

At individual level, Dr. Nelson Musoba said that the high prevalence rates are amongst young people and older persons between 40-50 years, attributing the trend to the cross generational sex, saying the girl child is at a higher risk due to low bargaining power to ensure practice of safe sex.

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Haliburg Group commits to invest Shs458.9b in tourism and hospitality sector

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Amb. Mayega and the investors.

Haliburg Group, one of the largest companies in the real estate, construction, education, medical and hospitality sectors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Asia and Europe, is set to construct two hotels in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Eagle Online has learnt.

With the investment worth $120 million (Shs458.9 billion), the company is committed to establishing an industrial park in Uganda.

According to Hani Saliba, the president and engineer at Haliburg Group, the company will also establish an airline company for domestic flights.

He noted that under one of its brands, One Nature Hotels and Resorts, the company will start with the construction of hotels worth $20 million (Shs76.4 billion) and the $100 million (Shs382.4 billion) budgeted for an industrial park.

“We believe that Uganda requires an organised domestic airline, and we are here to provide that and allow growth in the hospitality industry. Uganda has tourist sites, and it can become the best tourist destination in Africa,” he said while meeting Martin Muhangyi, Director of Investment at the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).

According to Ambassador Henry Mayega, the Consul General of Uganda in Dubai, in March, Saliba and his team met President Yoweri Museveni and shared their investment plans.

He noted that President Museveni was impressed by the plans and decision to invest in an industrial park. The company is expected to lure other companies to invest in Uganda, given the tax incentives offered to investors.

“This is a big chance for Uganda to benefit from a multibillion-dollar company willing to extend its investment in the various sectors of tourism, real estate and others,” Amb Mayega said.

Muhangyi applauded Amb. Mayega for attracting investors from the UAE and pledged to facilitate all the processes to see the company realise its investment dream.

He noted that the authority will take them through the tax incentives offered by the government of Uganda, a 10-year tax holiday for the company and free land for investment.

He said the UIA will offer them an investment license and other relevant documents, tax identification numbers and others.

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Gov’t repatriates trafficked Ugandans from Myanmar

By
Geoffery Serugo
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The government has repatriated Ugandan citizens who were trafficked in Myanmar. They are part of the 400 Ugandan nationals held hostage in Myanmar by rebel groups, and others were denied exiting Cairo, Egypt, and India over failure to pay immigration fines.

After receiving social media reports in December 2023 about Ugandans held in Myanmar, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja convened an inter-agency meeting on December 9, 2023 and discussed avenues of how to secure their release.

She confirmed that over 290 Ugandans are stranded in India, Egypt, and Myanmar after being trafficked out of the country, and there are fears that some of the victims have been recruited into rebel activities.

This was done through concerted efforts by various government agencies and international partners, demonstrating the Uganda Foreign Service’s commitment to protecting Ugandans abroad and combating human trafficking.

Speaking at Entebbe International Airport, the Permanent Secretary, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, urged Ugandans to be cautious of fraudulent employment schemes. “The Ministry, working with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, continues to work on preventing human trafficking through regional and international cooperation,” he said.

On the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Kampala in January 2024, John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for Regional Cooperation, along with Ambassador Betty Bigombe, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to Thailand with residence in Kuala Lumpur, met with Myanmar’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, U Than Swe, and raised concerns about the safety, rescue, and return of the incarcerated Ugandan citizens.

The issue came to light in 2023 when reports surfaced of about 23 Ugandans being held in Tachileik, Myanmar, after being lured with promises of high-paying jobs. They were subsequently forced into crypto-currency scams and smuggled across borders. The Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister, initiated a series of diplomatic engagements with the Government of Myanmar, leading to an agreement to release the Ugandans.

PS Bagiire extended the gratitude of the people of Uganda to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for providing crucial support, such as shelter and travel arrangements back to Uganda. He also graciously thanked the Government of Thailand, which generously waived all overstay visa fees and pardoned those rescued repatriates without work permits.

“Following their release, the victims were sheltered at the Thailand-Myanmar border, with assistance from the Thai government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Thai authorities confirmed the victims’ status as trafficking survivors, enabling the repatriation process to commence,” the Permanent Secretary highlighted.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends heartfelt thanks to the Government of Thailand, the IOM, and particularly President Museveni for their invaluable support. Special recognition goes to Amb. Dr. Betty Bigombe for her relentless efforts.” PS Bagiire further remarked.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its dedication to protecting Ugandan citizens abroad and addressing human trafficking with the seriousness it deserves. With collective effort and unwavering commitment, we can prevent and manage human trafficking, safeguarding our children, youth, and vulnerable populations. 

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