Government of Uganda through the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance has launched the West Nile regional ICT Innovation Hub at Muni University in Arua city.

The launch that was presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde took place on Friday, 3^rd May, 2024.

Dr. Zawedde said as a ministry, we are now focusing on infrastructure; setting up connectivity, hubs, data centers and also computer labs, and making sure that people have equipment such as computers and other affordable devices to support digital transformation.

The ICT hub launched was graced by the Area MP for Ayivu East Division, Hon. Feta Geofrey along with three (3) ICT Parliamentary committee members who included Hon. Leku Joel- MP Terego west, Hon. Ezama Siraji Brahan- MP Aringa constituency and led by Hon. Dr. Noah Musa- MP Koboko North County.

Dr. Noah Musa while addressing the congregation appealed to the government of Uganda to consider reducing taxes on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices. He also encouraged the youth to embrace ICT in their day-to-day activities and businesses such as livestock farming.

“We can do all these investments but if the end users do not have the gadgets to use the ICT investments we have put in place, then our investments will be in vain and one of the bottlenecks that we are experiencing as a country is the cost of the end-use ICT devices,” Dr. Musa remarked

The need for a regional ICT innovation hub stemmed from the challenges faced by West Nile entrepreneurs in accessing critical resources, getting guidance and internship required as they expand their businesses.

According to Prof. Robert Kajobe, the Director Graduate Training, Research and Innovation, Muni University is just a host of the regional hub which is going to help in addressing the problems entrepreneurs face such as lack of meeting/training venue, work spaces, fast internet connectivity and cloud storage system among others.

Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, the Muni University Vice Chancellor also noted that in the year 2020, Muni University requested for support through the National ICT Support Initiative program for establishing an innovative ICT hub at the University to accelerate the growth of the ICT eco-system in Uganda.

Prof. Anguma confirmed that a total of UGX. 250 million was released to Muni University by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance which money was appropriately utilized to set up the regional ICT innovation hub.

“The Hon. MP Musa talked about the need for us to reduce the cost of devices, those are some of the policy issues we are looking in to see how do we ensure that the cost of these devices are brought down or how do we ensure that we bring into this country and the various regions may be assembling plants for computers. If these computers are manufactured here or smart phones are manufactured and assembled in the country, they would be more affordable,” PS, Dr. Zawedde said.

As she concluded, Dr. Aminah Zawedde shared the five pillars of the digital transformation that include ICT infrastructure and connectivity, digital skilling, e-services, cybersecurity and data privacy along with innovation and entrepreneurship. She encouraged the young people to take advantages of the ICT hub and the opportunities that come along with it in order to develop solutions for challenges they face in their region.

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Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira has been appointed as Director, Law Development Centre (LDC). Her appointment was confirmed by Justice Paul Mugamba, the Chairperson of the LDC Management Committee.

She replaces Frank Nigel Othembi, whose tenure as director ended in April 2024 after 12 years of committed and impeccable service.

“We appreciate Mr. Othembi’s contribution to the growth and development of LDC and wish him well in the pursuit of his professional career,” Justice Mugamba said.

He said Dr. Tibihikirra’s proven leadership and transformative approach will undoubtedly steer the Law Development Centre towards greater success in legal education. We have full confidence in her ability to drive innovation and expand our vision and mission.

She brings to LDC a wealth of experience in legal education, training and the administration of justice. She served in various capacities, for example, as Dean of the Faculty of Law at Uganda Christian University, Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation at the National Council for Higher Education and most recently, Chairperson of the Uganda Law Reform Commission.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Makerere University, Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, a Master of Laws in Public International Law (Merit) from the London School of Economics and a Doctorate in Juridical Science (SJD) from Indiana University, Maurer School of Law, Bloomington, Indiana, USA, where she studied as a Fulbright Scholar.

She was enrolled as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda in 1999 and she has practiced commearcial law in Uganda. She is the recipient of the Best Female Academician Lawyer, Women in Law Awards, Uganda Law Society, 2016.

She is part of the LDC family, having served as a member of the LDC Management Committee from 2010 to 2016.

Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira has been appointed as Director, Law Development Centre (LDC). Her appointment was confirmed by Justice Paul Mugamba, the Chairperson of the LDC Management Committee.

She replaces Frank Nigel Othembi, whose tenure as director ended in April 2024 after 12 years of committed and impeccable service.

“We appreciate Mr. Othembi’s contribution to the growth and development of LDC and wish him well in the pursuit of his professional career,” Justice Mugamba said.

He said Dr. Tibihikirra’s proven leadership and transformative approach will undoubtedly steer the Law Development Centre towards greater success in legal education. We have full confidence in her ability to drive innovation and expand our vision and mission.

She brings to LDC a wealth of experience in legal education, training and the administration of justice. She served in various capacities, for example, as Dean of the Faculty of Law at Uganda Christian University, Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation at the National Council for Higher Education and most recently, Chairperson of the Uganda Law Reform Commission.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Makerere University, Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, a Master of Laws in Public International Law (Merit) from the London School of Economics and a Doctorate in Juridical Science (SJD) from Indiana University, Maurer School of Law, Bloomington, Indiana, USA, where she studied as a Fulbright Scholar.

She was enrolled as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda in 1999 and she has practiced commearcial law in Uganda. She is the recipient of the Best Female Academician Lawyer, Women in Law Awards, Uganda Law Society, 2016.

She is part of the LDC family, having served as a member of the LDC Management Committee from 2010 to 2016.

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Companies manufacturing electric vehicles, electric batteries, or electric vehicle charging equipment or fabricator of a frame and body of an electric vehicle; and employ 80 percent of Ugandans will not pay Stamp Duty in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The exemption is part of the amendments in the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2024 passed by Parliament chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Monday, 6 May 2024.

To qualify for the exemption however, the companies shall have the capacity to use at least 80 percent of the locally produced raw materials, subject to availability.

The Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Amos Kankunda, who presented the committee report on the Bill, said that the company is required to have a minimum investment capital of US$10 million in case of a foreigner; US$300,000 in case of a citizen; or US$150,000 in case of a citizen who invests up country.

“This is intended to promote investment in an environmentally friendly transport system in Uganda,” Kankunda said.

Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC, Budadiri County West) said that Uganda is endowed with herbs and hence, promoting their use by manufacturers is a move in the right direction.

Pian County Member of Parliament, Remigio Achia, said that the exemption is timely since youths are increasingly investing in science and innovations.

“Young people are engaged in innovations and it is very good,” said Achia.

Karim Masaba (Ind., Industrial Division, Mbale City) welcomed the exemption, saying that by employing 80 percent of Ugandans in such companies, government would be protecting the citizenry.

The Shadow Minister of Finance, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju, however dissented from the committee, presenting a Minority Report, arguing that according to the Auditor General, out of the 36 companies that obtained tax incentives and exemptions, 22 were performing below the 50 percent threshold, thereby failing to achieve the desired employment levels.

“The Auditor General is advising us to stop tax exemptions because they are not serving the purpose. You may not listen to the Opposition but at least listen to the Auditor General,” he said.

He added that tax exemptions cost the government Shs1.4 trillion, annually.

Butambala County MP, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi called for comprehensive study of the companies that are considered for tax exemptions, saying that some of them lobby so as to avoid taxes.

“We do not have revenue and we are exempting without specific studies to inform our exemptions. We can exempt but let us be very elaborate with studies,” he said.

The lawmakers also approved a proposal of stamp duty exemption on shares or other securities by an investor in a private equity or venture capital fund regulated under the Capital Markets Authority Act.

Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi said that this will stimulate the economy’s growth.

He added that taxing private equity and venture capital has pushed potential investors into neighboring countries such as Kenya and Tanzania.

“It is a new area and in order to attract capital, we need to exempt them from stamp duty tax,” said Musasizi.

HoDicksons Kateshumbwa (NRM, Sheema Municipality) supported the Minister, saying that based on the nature of equity and venture capital investments, it is prudent that tax is waived until profits are realised.

“When someone [Investor] is coming in, we should reduce our appetite to tax where there is no interest yet,” Katesumbwa said.

Relatedly, legislators passed the Tax Procedures Code (Amendment) Bill, 2024 whose objective is to ensure that a taxpayer who intends to claim a deduction of or credit for goods destroyed informs the Uganda Revenue Authority’s Commissioner General before destruction of goods.

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The territorial Police at Kampala Metropolitan North carried out a coordinated intelligence led operation on the 3rd May 2024, that resulted in the apprehension of a Chinese national, JIN YUNGUNG, aged 33, residing in Ganda, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso.

Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Police Spokesperson, Kampala Metropolitan said that Mr. YUNGUNG was found operating a shop involved in the illegal sale of government property, specifically army uniforms, shoes, and gloves. His shop, located at Kasaga Shop No.14, was targeted following intelligence reports.

Owoyesigyire added that during the operation, significant quantities of military equipment were seized from Mr. YUNGUNG’s premises, including uniforms resembling those of the UPDF and SFC.

“Investigations revealed Mr. YUNGUNG’s collaboration with an individual known only as Frank, purportedly affiliated with the Special Forces Command (SFC), who provided both the business idea and financing. Mr. YUNGUNG admitted that some uniforms were sourced from Somalia,” Owoyesigyire said.

He further noted that it was discovered that Mr. YUNGUNG entered Uganda as a tourist, renewing his visa periodically by traveling to neighboring countries.

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The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces- 4Infantry Division Headquarters has noted with deep concern of augmenting number of civilians and private security companies in Acholi and west Nile sub religion dressed in Military outfits bearing UPDF imprint that are a conserve of the security forces such as warm suits, jackets, ranger boots, berets, capes, porches, weapon slings and backpacks.

Capt. Kato Ahmad Hassan, UPDF 4Infantry Public Information Officer, warned that the UPDF Act, of 2005 Section 160 part 2 prohibits none members of the security forces using such costumes mentioned above.

“Whilst the Uganda Gazette under General notice No 1013 of 2019 dated 18^th Sept 2019 issued a notice describing and prohibiting members of the public from wearing military materials and decorations or so nearly resembling them,” Capt. Kato said.

He added, “We wish to warn these individuals in their various capacities to stop putting on these items listed above as soon as possible and to hand them over to the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF for further management.”

Capt. Kato further noted that futility to comply with these admonitions will invite an indictment to the violators. Adding, “UPDF desires to restate its commitment to maintaining law and order in our community.” 

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Stanbic Black Pirates survived the charging Rhinos to qualify for the semifinal playoffs in the Nile Special Rugby Championship at Kings Park Arena.

It was a tale of two halves as Rhinos came out swinging and laid down an early marker in the first half by scoring two tries courtesy of Arthur Ocen and Godwin Abwang.

Ivan Kirabo was handy with the boot as he helped the Rhinos race to a 21-0 first half score. The performance from the visitors was breathtaking but it also highlighted where the Stanbic Black Pirates were letting themselves down.

Stanbic Black Pirates brought in reinforcements like Timothy Kisiiga, Haruna Muhammad and Desire Ayera to save the situation. Muhammad was the orchestrator of the comeback as he played a vital role in some decisive and eye-catching rugby.

“It took belief and trust in ourselves. We had a game plan among ourselves and that’s what it took for us to overcome Rhinos,” said Muhammad.

It was rather disappointing for Rhinos to see what had been a solid campaign come to an end like this but coach Martial Tchumkam remained proud of his team.

“It was unfortunate that we took a 21-0 lead in the first half and in the second half we gave it away. I am very proud of my team and today showed that I have depth because I have five starters out,” said Tchumkam.

For Rhinos, it is the end of the season but for Stanbic Black Pirates they have a date with the Jinja Hippos who defeated the Buffaloes 12-5 but went through on aggregate score after their 40-21. Kobs will take on Heathens in a two-legged semifinal after they overcame the Plascon Mongers while Heathens defeated the Walukuba Barbarians.

Rhinos is one of the oldest rugby clubs in Uganda and was founded around 1993 by a group of rugby players.

Results:

Nile Special Rugby Men’s Championship – Full Quarterfinal Results:

KOBs 51-16 Mongers (Agg. 68-29)

Heathens 28-16 Walukuba (Agg. 53-16)

Buffaloes 12-05 Hippos (Agg. 33-45)

Pirates 30-27 Rhinos (Agg. 40-34)

Nile Special Rugby Championship Semifinals Fixtures:

Semifinal 1: KOBs vs Heathens

Semifinal 2: Hippos vs Pirates

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The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) has expressed its readiness ahead of the national housing census.

The technologically driven National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2024 will be carried out from May 10–19, 2024. The first day of enumeration, which is set for May 10, 2024, was approved a Census Public Holiday by the Cabinet and declared by the President to ensure easy recall of the Census Night during the period of enumeration.

The National Population and Housing Census was last conducted in 2014. At that time, Uganda had a population of 34 million people. The census is carried out every 10 years, and this year’s exercise was expected to take place on August 24 and 25, but it was postponed due to the delayed procurement of tablets.

Speaking during the training of trainers of the enumerators, Mukiza said after the census, 30000 tablets will be given to the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) for mass registration of people and verification of voters by the Electoral Commission.

According to Albert Byamugisha, Chairman of the Board of Directors (UBOS), he urged Ugandans to stay at home on Friday, as it has been gazetted as a public holiday by the government.

“The public is encouraged to stay home for a smooth census exercise. During the exercise, there are a few questions that will be posed to the respondents. The questions include, how many are you in the household,” he said.

He noted that the UBOS secured over 12,000 tablets required for the conduct of the census exercise, trained officers, assistant district census officers, district information and technology officers, and district technical officers.

Of the 12,000 tablets, 38,000 are enhanced with special features for verification and fingerprints that will be required for mass registration of people by the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) and verification of voters by the Electoral Commission, while others will be retained by local governments for picking data for community information systems. This will later be picked up by UBOS for the generation of statistics for better planning for the country.

He said that Pads have been dispatched to various districts ahead of the national census. The first batch of iPads were flagged for six districts, including Gulu district, Gulu city, Apac, Albatong, Amolata, and Otuke.

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