Sarah Aguti Nyangkori has been sworn in as newly elected woman member of Parliament for Dokolo District.
She replaces Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, who died in January 2024.
Mrs. Ogwal succumbed to cancer-related illness at an unrevealed hospital in India, where she had been evacuated for specialised medical care.
Her election was announced by Stephen Ngobi Erikwain, the returning officer for Dokolo District.
In a hotly contested election, she out competed six candidates, including Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Dr. Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal; the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) flag bearer, Harriet Ageno; the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidate Aguti Nyangkori; the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Janet Adond; Dr. Esther Akulo Obat Otad; and Dr. Grace Anna Lalam, both independent candidates.
Lalam Grace Hanna, however, withdrew her candidacy barely three days before the polling day.
According to the results, Nyangkori garnered 23,044 votes, followed by Adongo, who polled 14,001 votes, Dr Alwoc 8,138 votes,Dr Akullo 790 and Ageno 727 votes.
The Constitutional Court has declined to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act enacted by Parliament in 2023 in its entirety.
The decision was delivered by a panel of five Justices led by the Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera; Justice Geofrey Kiryabwire, Justice Monica Mugenyi, Justice Kibeedi Muzamiru, Justice Christopher Gashirabake.
“We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety neither would we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement,” Justice Richard Buteera said.
The Court nullified Sections 3(2) (c), 9, 11(2)(d) and 14 of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 for contravening the Constitution of Uganda, 1995.
The nullified Sections had criminalized the letting of premises for use for homosexual purposes, the failure by anyone to report acts of homosexuality to the Police for appropriate action, and the engagement in acts of homosexuality by anyone which results in the other person contracting a terminal illness.
The court dismissed claims that the Anti-Homosexuality Act violates the right to practice business and profession by restricting content promoting homosexuality, saying the law aims to uphold societal morals by limiting the use of media to publish or broadcast offensive material.
“Evidence on record is that the Anti-Homosexuality Act was enacted against the backdrop of the recruitment of children into the practice of homosexuality,” said Butera, adding, “That is the mischief that Section 11 of the Act seeks to address.”
In 2023, the Parliament of Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act following the public outcry, social and broadcast media discussions and homosexuality victims’ ‘painful and gruelling stories’ of children and families that were ‘dying in silence’ from the psychological trauma of forced recruitment of children into homosexual acts. The Act criminalised homosexuality, its recognition, promotion, financing and normalisation.
As soon as the President of Uganda assented to the Anti-Homosexuality law on the 26th of May 2023, four Constitutional Petitions were filed in the Constitutional Court by a total of 22 private citizens and human rights activists challenging virtually all the seventeen sections of the Anti-Homosexuality Act for their alleged contravention of human rights and freedoms that are guaranteed under the Uganda Constitution, and international human rights instruments to which Uganda is a party.
The Petitions were opposed by the Attorney General of Uganda, Pastor Martin Sempa, Eng. Stephen Langa and the Family Life Network Limited. Court also did benefit from an amicus brief filed by the Secretariat of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS).
In coming to its decision, the Constitutional Court considered the following:
1. The legislations and judicial decisions from sister jurisdictions that have decriminalised consensual homosexuality between adults in private space.
2. The absence of consensus at the global level regarding non-discrimination based sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). This is reflected in the fact that to date non-discrimination on the basis of the SOGIESC variables has not explicitly found its way into international human rights treaties. Instead, it has been ‘vetoed’ by a bloc of resistant (UN) member states that has prevented the adoption of a binding declaration or similar instrument to strengthen protections for LGBTI human rights.
3. The conflict in international human rights law between upholding a universal understanding of human rights and respecting the diversity and freedom of human cultures, with no one culture entirely diminishing the dignities of the other.
4. The conflict between individuals’ right to self-determination, self-perception and bodily autonomy, on the one hand; and the communal or societal right to social, political and cultural self-determination, calling for a delicate balance between individual autonomy and communal interests.
5. The recent developments in the human rights jurisprudence including the decision of the US Supreme Court in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organisation, No. 19-1392, 597 U.S. 215 (2022), where the Court considered the nation’s history and traditions, as well as the dictates of democracy and rule of law, to over-rule the broader right to individual autonomy.
6. The uniqueness of Uganda’s Constitution which obliges the courts of law to take into account the country’s socio-cultural norms, values and aspirations when resolving any disputes before them.
7. The Anti-Homosexuality Act being, in general, a reflection of the socio-cultural realities of the Ugandan society, and was passed by an overwhelming majority of the democratically elected representatives of the Ugandan citizens.
Armstrong limited, the auctioneer has re-advertised the sale of AYA Investment Uganda’s Pearl of Africa Hotel for sale by auction following failure by the proprietor to pay the money being demanded.
“Upon instructions from the High Court of Uganda (Commercial Division), we shall proceed to sell the property together with all thereon by public auction pursuant of to a warrant of attachment and sale issued by High Court unless the judgment Debtor pays us the entire outstanding decretal sum (including interest) before the fall of the hammer at the auction,” Armstrong Limited stated.
The property comprises a 5 Star Hotel spanning 32,000 square meters with 23 floors, 296 rooms, 37 suites, 2 restaurants, 3 bars, 9 meeting floor executive lounges and a business centre with all top class 5 star amenities.
The auction started in 2021 where the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd attempted to seize the hotel to recover a debt of $118 million but court issued an order restraining the South Africans from going on with the seizure process.
The money in demand is part of the financing contract signed between AYA Investment and the South IDC to finance the construction of a hotel in 2007 in Nakasero, Kampala. AYA Investment says IDC made it hard for them as it delayed the disbursement of the money to them, which allegedly also resulted in delay of the project completion.
AYA also cited disputes with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on what taxes to pay but also admitted that it was going to be tough completing the construction in time, especially due to Uganda’s landlocked nature.
Further, in 2017, AYA Investment entered into another deal with a Belgium-based hotel company, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group (now Radisson Hospitality) in January 2017. However, this was short-lived as Radisson withdrew six months later. It was replaced in September of the same year by a South African hotel brand, Sovereign Hotels on a short-term basis to oversee the opening the following month.
American group, Wyndham Hotels, and Resorts, then was hired by AYA boss Muhammed Hamid, in 2018 to manage the hotel, but this did not go far. The hotel has been trading as WIN 5 Hotel & Spa since February this year. The branding has since changed from Pearl of Africa to Win 5, amidst reports that the Libyan foreign investment firm, LAICO has taken the majority holding of the hotel.
Many companies including meat processing company Fresh Cuts and Sanlam General Insurance have in the past claimed that Aya Hotel was yet to settle outstanding debts with them.
In 2018, KCCA threatened to close the hotel over failure to pay local hotel tax that had accumulated to almost Shs34 million whereas power distributor, UMEME was at one time demanding over Shs800 million from the hotel.
Re-appointed CGP. Dr. Johnson Omuhunde Rwashote Byabashaija.
President Yoweri Museveni as the Commander in Chief of armed forces has reappointed Dr. Johnson Omuhunde Rwashote Byabashaija as Commissioner General of Prisons.
Dr. Byabashaija has been the helm of Prison Services since 2005 when he was first appointed CGP.
“In exercise of the powers vested in the President under Article 216 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and in accordance with the advice of the Prisons Authority under sections 10 (1)(b) and 18 0f the Prison Act 2006; I Yoweri Kaguta Museveni do hereby renew the appointment of Dr. Johnson O. R. Byabashaija as Commissioner General of Prisons for a period of 24 months on local contract terms with effect from May 2, 2024.” Reads the Presidential appointment addressed to the Prison Authority and Minister of Internal Affairs which EagleOnline has seen.
The appointment of Byabashaija reaffirms President Museveni’s confidence in the prison chief despite the fueled sanctions by the United States.
The US Department of Treasury in December last year sanctioned Dr. Byabashaija over allegations of torture in the country’s correctional facilities.
The sanction came just days after the US imposed visa restrictions on unnamed Ugandan government officials believed to be behind the alleged human rights violations and repression of marginalised groups in the country. However, this came about after Uganda enacted the Anti-Homosexuality law which Washington and other pro-gay states were against.
In 2017, Dr. Byabashaija was awarded with the JLOS Distinguished Service Award at the Recognition awards 2017 during the 22nd Joint Government of Uganda and Development Partners JLOS Annual Review conference.
Byabashaija joined Uganda Prison Service in 1982 and underwent a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Course at the Prisons Training School then he joined the prison service
He was first posted to Kigo Prison where he oversaw the prisons hatchery, for about 15 years and eventually became Officer-in-Charge of Kigo Prison.
In 1999, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Prisons and in 2000 was transferred to Prisons Headquarters as Assistant Commissioner in charge of farms inspectorate. He was later promoted to a Senior Assistant Commissioner for two years and then promoted to Deputy Commissioner General for One and half years after which he became the Commissioner General of Prisons replacing Joseph A.A. Etima who retired in 2005. He is credited for transforming prisons into a food reliant institution from prison farms, he has also overseen the growth of new facilities like Kitalya modern prisons across the regions of Uganda.
Dr. Byabashija recently embarked on the improvement of housing conditions in the prisons facilities for prison warders across the country.
Who is Byabashaija?
Dr. Byabashaija was born in Kajumiro village Nyakishenyi sub-county, Rubabo county in Rukungiri District. He started his education from Nyakishenyi Primary School, Kamwezi Primary School and Mukyayi Primary School for his primary education before joining Mutorere Secondary School in Kisoro for O-level education.
From Mutorere, Byabashaija he joined Makerere College School for his A-Level education. He offered Physics, Biology, chemistry and Subsidiary Mathematics and then was admitted to Makerere University Veterinary School for a four year course in Veterinary medicine. In 1986, he went for a Post-graduate Master of Science at the University of Glasgow UK.
The magnificent Speak Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala has been nominated in the World Travel Awards under the category of Africa’s Leading Conference Hotel 2024.
Speak Resort is affiliated to Ruparelia Group headed by Ugandan business tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia as chairman
The hotel has been hosting many national and international conferences over the years, the latest international conferences hosted there being the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits.
The Ugandan hotel located on the shores of Lake Victoria has hosted other international events in the past such as CHOGM (2007).
The hotel has been nominated alongside other 13 regional hotels such as Djibouti Palace Kempinski, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo, Hilton Garden Inn Casablanca Sud, Morocco, and Sun City Resort, South Africa.
Recently
The First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni recently lauded Sudhir for the great work done in constructing and beautifying the Speke Resort Convention Centre.
Janet Museveni applauded Sudhir while inspecting the facilities of the Convention Centre ahead of the concluded Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China Heads of State and Government Summits.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the Ruparelia Group for their commendable work in preparing the Convention Centre for these Summits. Their attention to detail and level of preparedness is truly praiseworthy,” Janet said in January this year
She added, “However, I want to emphasize the importance of maintaining these high standards. It is crucial to conduct continuous checks on all amenities, ensuring they remain in excellent working condition not only during the Summits but also in the future.”
The Convention Centre has a multipurpose hall, 12 high-end conference/breakaway meeting rooms and a floating restaurant that can host more than 900 guests, with an extraordinary view of Africa’s largest freshwater lake⏤ Lake Victoria.
Police registered a total of 62 major incidents during the Easter holiday, compared to 44 incidents reported last year, as Eagle Online can reliably report. The revelation was made by Fred Enanga, police spokesperson.
According to Enanga, during the entire festive season, 46 people died and 52 suspects were arrested in the entire country. The arrests included 20 suspected criminals who were terrorizing residents in Wakiso.
He said police recorded incidents of murders resulting from aggravated domestic violence. For instance, in Kabale municipality, Aharempisia, Alexander was murdered by Medard Muheki using a spade. Aharempisia Alexander developed a misunderstanding with their mother, Jovia Tibasima, aged 56, which resulted in a quarrel that annoyed the deceased.
“There were also two separate incidents of alleged child kidnapping and ritualistic murders. One happened in the Savanna region, where the territorial police in Nakaseke District. The police so far have three suspects in custody who lured a primary pupil called Ayikoru, aged 8, around March 21, as she was going back home from school,” he said.
“The reports from all our jurisdictions indicate that during this festivity, it was generally peaceful without any incidents of security concerns. We want to thank all the church leaders for various religious events,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has led a delegation comprising of her Deputy Thomas Tayebwa and host of MPs to Bulange, Mengo to support the upcoming Kabaka birthday run.
This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run, slated for Sunday, 07 April 2024 is hinged on the fight against HIV/AIDs scourge under the theme: “Men are stars in the fight against HIV/AIDs to save the girl child.”
Speaker Among and her entourage, which included Government Chief Whip Hon Hamson Obua, the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness Hon Lilian Aber, was welcomed to Bulange by the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Kingdom of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga.
In his welcoming remarks, Mayiga termed the Speaker’s visit historic, adding that it marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between the Kingdom and Parliament.
“This is the first time the Speaker has been to Bulange… This is a historic visit because no Speaker of Parliament has ever been here for this purpose of participating in the run and it marks a starting point of a collaborative program with Parliament to promote the eradication of HIV/AIDs in the country,” Mayiga said.
Mayiga said for the last five years, Kabaka’s runs have been themed in the fight against HIV/AIDs and it is projected to continue following threats of withdrawal of financial support by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
He called upon Parliament to prioritise the health sector in their legislative agenda, by ensuring that hospitals are spread all over the country, well equipped with medicines and equipment and also ensure that health workers are adequately paid.
He also urged politicians to find some time off politicking and attend to social needs of their constituents.
“Don’t get so consumed by politics all the time. Give special attention to some social aspects like health, sports, community development, protection of culture and heritage,” he said.
Speaker Among commended the Kabaka of Buganda, His Royal Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for championing health needs and pledged to continue supporting the Kingdom’s humanitarian causes.
“I appreciate the Kabaka for being the champion in the fight against diseases like HIV/AIDS and others and we are here to support the kingdom in doing so. I am cognizant of the fact that HIV/AIDs has been prevalent and Buganda Kingdom has done a tremendous job…Fighting HIV/AIDs and achieving the dream by 2030 is the role of government and we thank you [Kingdom] for complementing government,” Among said.
On behalf of Parliament, Speaker Among contributed Shs50 million to support the run, while the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus bought kits for 529 MPs worth Shs10,580,000. The Speaker and MPs also gifted the Kabaka with birthday presents.
Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka receiving a report from Gen. Okidingi.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has applauded the outgoing Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, for his exemplary leadership and steering the mission to success during his tenure.
Lt. Gen. Okiding is scheduled to depart the ATMIS mission area to take up a new position as Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
At a farewell event held at the ATMIS Force Headquarters in Mogadishu, the AU chairperson’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Sivuyile Bam, commended Lt. Gen. Okiding for his stewardship of the multinational African peace support operation.
“Uganda has gained from our loss. As you return to Kampala, we look forward to working with you wherever you are. And we promise that we will continue with your legacy and do the work that is expected of us,” said Bam.
The ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, applauded Lt. Gen. Okiding for leading the ATMIS military component in implementing its mandate even after troop numbers were reduced and security responsibilities were transferred to the Somali Security Forces.
“We appreciate how he has commanded the military component since his arrival on the mission. We highly appreciate his leadership. He promoted teamwork among staff officers at the ATMIS Force Headquarters and across all sectors,” said Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka.
Lt. Gen. Okiding expressed confidence in the ability of the ATMIS military to successfully implement the mission’s mandate during the transition phase. He pledged that ATMIS would continue to benefit from his support when he assumes his new position as Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
“My voice will now be heard about Somalia’s operations. We will fight for this operation, especially in the area of force enablers, where we are still lagging behind. And as we continue to draw down and the force shrinks, we need alternatives. So, I think I will be in a better position to advocate for our operations,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Okiding took the helm of the ATMIS military command in May 2023 and presided over the successful handover of 13 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces during the first and second phases of the ATMIS drawdown concluded in June and December 2023.
Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka has taken over the interim responsibilities of the ATMIS military ahead of the arrival of the substantive Force Commander.
Gen. Okiding will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma at ATMIS. The has also said Gen. Kavuma will keep his seat in Parliament as UPDF representative.
“Gen. Kavuma doesn’t have to resign his seat in Parliament, it is one year and he is completing Gen. Okiding’s tour of duty. He will remain as an MP” Brig. Felix Kulayigye, Army and Defence Spokesperson told EagleOnline.
Betty Amongi, Uganda's Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and Qatar’s Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri during the labour signing ceremony.
The government of Uganda has signed a new bilateral labour agreement with Qatar, EagleOnline has learnt. The agreement was signed by Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and Qatar’s Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri.
The agreement aims to enhance the strategy of the Ministry of Labour in attracting skilled and qualified labour, bolstering their presence in the local market, and improving the productivity of the private sector, as well as upgrading the work environment.
Under the agreement, the two parties will facilitate the procedures for recruiting skilled labour from Uganda and supply the local market with the required competencies, qualifications, experiences, and specialisations.
This also includes reviewing job opportunities available in Qatar, the skills and experiences required, and the extent to which they are available in Uganda to benefit from them.
Following the signing of the agreement, Amongi said, “I have signed the Bilateral Labour Agreement for skilled, semi-skilled, and domestic workers.” The welfare of workers, health insurance, and terms and conditions of workers are embedded in”.
The minister said a joint technical committee of the two countries will digest the agreement before the recruitment begins.
This is the second bilateral labour agreement Uganda signed after Saudi Arabia in March last year. As of June, last year, there were 235 licensed private recruitment companies. Every two years, each company pays Shs2 million in licence fees. Annually, the government collects $1.3 billion globally from labour export businesses; the Middle East alone sends in $700 million.
Last year, the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, said that during the #Covid-19 pandemic, the country was surviving on remittances. The contribution of remittances amounted to $1.3 billion in 2022, compared to $1.1 billion the previous year.
The government collects $30 (Shs110,000) in job order fees for each eternalized worker. That money is wired directly to the Uganda Revenue Authority accounts. From August 2021 to August 2022, the government collected over Rs12 billion from job orders.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs says they process 10,000 passports every month, and the biggest percentage goes to individuals seeking to work in the Middle East.
According to the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, there are over 150,000 Ugandan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. Most Ugandans are employed in the informal sector as housemaids, gardeners, cargo handlers, and other jobs.
In 2021, Uganda externalized 89000 Ugandans, of whom 79000 went to Saudi Arabia. Of the 79000, 75000 were female. By June 2022, Uganda had externalized 50,000 nationals, and a high percentage went to Saudi Arabia.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba fondly known as “MK” has taken over the office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and vowed to improve welfare of soldiers by fighting the evil of corruption and mismanagement of resources.
The Hand over which took place in Gulu 4th Division Headquarters was presided over by uncle and Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and also Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, commonly known as Salim Saleh.
Gen Saleh congratulated both the Incoming and Outgoing CDFs upon their tour of duty and implored them to continue preserving their health.
He also urged them to cautiously uphold the first pillar of “Musevenomics”, that’s security of life and property for social economic transformation.
Gen Muhoozi replaces Gen Wilson Mbadi now appointed State Minister for Trade.
Gen Muhoozi promised that the UPDF under his charge would continue being professional, moral and tackle comprehensive national security.
The 49-year-old, who most recently served as Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations (SPA/SO), is on a pivotal post on the path to the top spot. Gen MK current task among others is to continue battling Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists, cattle rustling in Karamoja Sub region, cyber terrorism among others.
Gen Muhoozi in his acceptance speech, expressed his profound gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his wise stewardship that has grown UPDF to what it is today.
“UPDF continues to be the principal pillar of the Ugandan state that all Ugandans respect. UPDF is the central institution of Uganda’s nationhood because entry into it is open to all Ugandans.” He said. He added that Ugandans can disagree on anything but respect and support UPDF works.
He lauded the Outgoing CDF for a job well done in building a modern professional force and implored soldiers to avoid the spirit of “arrivism”, thinking that you have achieved all.
Gen Muhoozi further emphasized that having the best equipment, best uniforms, best education, best welfare and best accommodation, among others; can only be done by fighting corruption and mismanagement of resources.
He promised to work with every soldier to achieve what is expected of the forces.
“Continue with our role in securing the non-military aspects of security like environmental, cyber, and political security,” Gen Muhoozi cautioned troops.
The new CDF, also called upon troops to maintain their position as defenders of African interests by defending emerging technologies.
Speaking at the ceremony, the former CDF and now Minister of State for Trade and Industry Gen Mbadi congratulated the Incoming CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba upon his new appointment as CDF.
“I congratulate you for catching the eye of the appointing authority, ” Gen Mbadi said.
He further sincerely commended the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for giving him the great opportunity to serve at the helm of the country’s military. ” It has been an exciting 33 months serving at the helm of the Peoples’ Force and it gives me a strong sense of pride,” he emphasised, adding that” UPDF is a family of great people that bound together to serve our great country.”
He further promised his willingness to sacrifice in order to maintain our freedom, our security and our very existence as a Pearl of Africa.
He underscored the ongoing threats posed by inadequate defence budget where defence continues to get only 47% of its required budget, extremist organizations (terrorists), sabotage, cross border tensions, cybercrimes and livestock theft, among others; and henceforth highlighted the need for vigilance, frugality, effective anti-corruption measures and improvisation; in countering their actions.
Gen Mbadi concluded by noting that the country is calm and peaceful despite the infiltration of negative elements and negative political activism, environmental challenges and cross border tensions from Eastern DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.
Some of the achievements of UPDF so far include: increased defence diplomacy, legal reforms, created new institutions (like National Defence College), protection of military land, In-house fuel storage, partial salary enhancement, ideological refocus, environmental refocus, mobility capability and budget increment, among others.
The instruments of power that were handed over to the Incoming CDF included but not limited to the: Uganda Constitution, UPDF Act 2005, UPDF Doctrine, UPDF Defence Policy, UPDF Establishment 2020/21, MOD Policy Statement 2024/25 and National Defence Policy
Gen Muhoozi comes in as the top army chief of the NRA/UPDF after Gen Mbadi, Gen David Rubakuba Muhoozi, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Late Gen Aronda Nyakairima, Late Maj Gen James Kazini, Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, Late Gen Elly Tumwine .
The function was also attended by the Permanent Secretary MODVA Mrs Rosettie Byengoma, UPDAF Under Secretary Finance and Administration Mr James Mutabazi, Director General of External Security Organisation (ESO) Amb. Joseph Ocwet, former Director General of ESO David Pulkol, and former ISO boss and Chief Advisor OWC Ambassador Philip Idro.
Other Attendees were: Commander of the African Transition Mission in Somalia Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, Managing Director National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Lt Gen James Mugira, Special Presidential Advisor (designate) Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Commander Reserve Force Lt Gen Charles Otema Awanyi, Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, former Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS) Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Commander Special Forces Command (SFC) Maj Gen David Mugisha, Deputy Commander Air Force Brig Gen Stephen Kiggundu, among other invited UPDF Generals, Service Commanders, Chiefs and Directors.
