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Fights erupt over PDM money as mafia target funds

By
Our Reporter
-
Ramathan Ggoobi PSST.

The grand mafia plan to divert Parish Development Model cash from the known and tested channels (government financial Institutions – FIs) of disbursement to the use of Wendi (an infant mobile wallet platform developed by Post Bank) may cause the government to lose billions of taxpayers’ money.

Since Wendi was launched in July 2023 to purportedly bridge the gap between the banked and unbanked population in Uganda, it has never been tested and may cause a huge financial loss due to the loopholes which some technocrats have already poked in its implementation. To save the situation, some top National Resistance Movement honchos who are cognizant with the well calculated plan to frustrate the progress of PDM activities and dent NRM steady progress have petitioned President Museveni to weigh in and arrest the situation before it gets out of hand.

Genesis

Whereas the government previously used 13 banks to reach out to the PDM beneficiaries across the country, the architects of the new mobile Wallet have scaled down the second phase 2 transactions to only three banks. The letters generated from the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MOFPED) on January 8, 2024 and February 7, 2024 contradict the previous letter which the ministry released on December 19, 2022.  The first letter directed the MOFPED to disburse PDM funds through recognized Financial Institutions. These financial institutions made investments in providing digital tools to SACCOs and trained PDM enterprises to ensure that all participating FIs did comply in liaison with the Chief Administrative Officers of the respective local governments.

However, the January 8, 2024 letter which was signed by Moses Kaggwa on behalf of the PSST allocated this task solely to the computer illiterate SACCO leaders and the selected so-called government owned FIs which are not part of local government structures and lack the capacity to identity and recommend beneficiaries. 

While the technocrats at the Ministry of Local Government were trying to analyze Kaggwa’s motive, another intimidating letter was issued by the Permanent Secretary and the Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Ramathan Ggoobi surfaced.    

The February 7, 2024 letter which was signed by Ggobi to the three selected banks (Post Bank, Housing Finance Bank and Pride Microfinance), he directs them to release all funds received to SACCO Wendi Accounts which are controlled by SACCO leaders within 24hours of receipt of funds. By empowering the SACCO leaders to release funds under their Wendi Accounts, the FIs and the Local Government have no control over what actions or errors the SACCO leaders take and this is likely to put the government at a risk of incurring heavy losses.

Whereas the accounting officers, RDCs, OWC officers, DISOs, Parish Development Committee (PDC) members and elected leaders at all levels were supposed to work together and enforce compliance with the PDM conditions, the PSST’s letter that came out barely a month after Kaggwa’ on January 8, 2024 trashes their relevance and gives all the authority and responsivity to the less trained SACCO leaders.

Although it is clearly indicated that beneficiaries should be paid individually through their personal accounts or mobile wallets, this is not compliant with the new Wendi system.  The new Wendi system has ignored the interest that is supposed to be earned by the PDM SACCO in a revolving fund since the February 7, 2024 letter directs only 3 FIs to use Wendi which does not pay interest. Besides Wendi will charge Shs3750 net of taxes per transaction to the beneficiaries yet the same ministry had earlier asked the FIs to waive all charges under Phase 1 and only allowed a fee under Wendi. It should be noted that the Mobile telecom networks will still charge a separate withdrawal fee for customers to access cash.

It ought to be stressed that the selection of government owned FIs for onboarding the PDM SACCOs and the beneficiaries of Wendi mobile wallet ignores the existing local government structures yet the FIs have no capacity to determine the beneficiaries.

Enters Wendi platform

The three letters released by MOFPED contradict each other. Whereas the letter of December 19, 2022 requires participating FIs to use technology to reach the last mile beneficiary, the January 8, 2024 letter requires participating FIs to use Wendi to disburse funds and the letter of February 7, 2024 drops 10 FIs and retains only 3 to serve the PDM beneficiaries. This puts the MOFPED on spot for breaching key corporate governance principles. As the custodians of the funds, the MPFPED should desist from participating in determining who receives the funds. Their role is to ensure that the disbursements are made to the supervised FIs which were given the guidelines to follow. Once the ministry of local government is tasked to independently engage communities to form SACCOs and enterprise groups and guide the process of determining the beneficiaries, it allows segregation of duties between the ministry of local government and Ministry of Finance and provides checks, balances and accountability. The Ministry of Finance is the implementing ministry and by forcefully coercing SACCOs and local government leaders to use selected FIs and the disbursement method is a potential conflict of interest and could lead to huge financial losses. As per the PSST’s letter of February 7, the local government structures were quickly and completely ignored, abandoned and rubbished. Owing to the fact that the Wendi Wallet system is not fully tested and its security is not known, a security breach on the platform has the capacity to wipe away the entire PDM disbursement without a trace. This could result from the system manipulation by the users or the system failure. When the funds are deposited on the SACCOs wallet accounts, the FIs have no control and it will be up to the SACCO leaders or Wendi Wallet administrators to disburse the funds.

At this stage, any form of accountability given is correct because there is no single person that is guaranteed to get PDM funds and hence none can claim not to have received their portion. This may aid an open window to mercilessly swindle the taxpayers’ funds without remorse or traceability. In the situation where the ministry that was in charge of developing the PDMIS wants to have control of the wallet, it is therefore very easy and fast to create or distort the audit trail.

KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka and the representatives of the participating banks.

The irony is that the PSST or the ministry of finance that is supposed to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and encourage creation of jobs hence economic growth, is writing contradictory letters to stifle banking industry growth and job creation processes. This is not only self-defeating but raises questions about the patriotism and foresight on government programs. It is important to highlight that the dates of the cabinet meetings in which the purported directives were allegedly given are not mentioned and instead the ministry quotes references of other communications.

The proponents of the Wendi mobile wallet who want it as the only method of managing a nationwide government program do not appreciate the efforts president to lift Ugandans out of poverty. The financial scandals that are likely to come out of this monopoly of taxpayers’ funds are likely to be the biggest liability to the NRM government and may leave a huge dent on the fight against corruption. Some NRM cadres think that it may also turn out to be a political capital for the opposition leaders come 2026. The NRM cadres who have poked loopholes in the Wendi mobile wallet system call upon the government to carry out an independent investigation to satisfy itself that its own funds and taxpayers’ money is not being diverted by the elements within the ministry of finance to support opposition politicians and distabilise the successes of the NRM government in bringing prosperity to the people.

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Minister Mugarra calls for more funding to end human-wildlife conflicts in parks 

By
Francisco Adongo
-

The State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, has rallied Members of Parliament to push for increased funding for Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), with the aim of fighting human-wildlife conflicts in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth national parks.

Minister Mugarra, accompanied by the UWA team, said most parks are experiencing challenges with poaching as well as animals escaping to community land resulting into destruction of life and property.

“The human-wildlife conflict is key. UWA has constructed dams in Lake Mburo National Park to keep animals from going to the communities, but they still stray. We have been praying that the UWA budget ceiling is raised to deal with such challenges,” said Mugarra.

Mugarra was addressing MPs on the Committee of Tourism, Trade and Industry during the oversight visit at Lake Mburo National Park located in Kiruhura District, on Friday, February 4, 2024.

The additional funding, he said would assist in fencing the park, construction of the roads within the parks currently in bad shape and staff houses. He also stressed that accommodation for local tourists is limited, yet their number has surpassed that of foreign tourists.

“We have only 10 accommodation units for local travelers. It is important that we start catering for Ugandan travelers who are now over 60 percent of Lake Mburo visitors. We want that when we have issues like the impact of the gay bill, Ugandans can sustain the tourism sector,” he said.

He argued that Lake Mburo once sufficiently funded to improve on infrastructure is able to considerably boost its annual revenue presently at Shs3.2 billion.

“We will be bringing this suggestion to the finance minister to raise the UWA ceiling because we can collect that money, if you give us the money the results will come,” he said.

Legislators advised UWA to increase its engagements with the community on measures to end poaching, as they wait on the desired increased funding.

“Try your best to sensitise your communities in activities such as poaching, as you plan on fencing the park. With fencing, you can add animals such as lions which many tourists love to see,” said Andrew Koluo (Indep., Toroma County).

At the Queen Elizabeth National Park, MPs learnt of the plan to domesticate the wild but edible rats known as cane rats, which are among the most poached mammals.

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URA commends tax agents for supporting revenue mobilisation

By
Our Reporter
-

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has commended tax agents for supporting the revenue body with the mobilisation of revenue.

Addressing the tax agents’ fraternity at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, URA Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi said they are partners with the tax body.

“The mission of growing our country’s tax to GDP ratio can’t allow us to leave any man behind, and we need all hands on deck to execute it. To work better together we must engage, listen to one another and devise new tactics where things are not working, in doing so we’ll be able to move from the staggering 13%/14% tax to GDP ratio,” he said.

In his remarks, the URA Commissioner IT and Innovation, Robert Mutebi, pledged to deliver a simplified taxpayer experience for every taxpayer as promised in the URA Digital ICT Strategy launched at the tail end of the last calendar year.

“We addressed the issue of individual tax registration with Instant TIN, which is working very well.  Next, on the agenda is simplifying returns filing, we started with Presumptive tax by introducing the USSD Code. Now, all you do is dial *285# and make payments by generating a PRN,” he said.

“Our third objective is to further simplify tax payments wherever you may be and also improve accurate reporting,” he added.

In her presentation, the head of the URA Ledger Reconciliation Unit, Ag. Manager Christine Mirembe, walked the tax agents through URA’s transformational journey of  tax ledger management since her inception in 1991 to date.

She shared the different tax laws and legal precedents and how they have influenced tax ledger management at the Authority.

“If you’ve got any issues with your ledger, kindly reach out to URA, and let’s support you! We thank you for supporting your taxpayers in taking advantage of the Section 40D waiver, and we look forward to a continued partnership,” Mirembe said.

The URA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, Sarah M. Chelangat in her remarks thanked the agents for supporting taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations and urged them to share their feedback on their relationship with URA.

“As URA, we’re a service oriented entity eager to pick feedback from you, and we believe that this engagement is the right avenue to get it. We can’t develop Uganda without such partnerships. We need all the support we can get from you since you support our clients on a day to day basis.”

URA Commissioner General Musinguzi handed over the tools of office from the outgoing Tax Agents Registration Committee (TARC) to the new committee.

The TARC is mandated with acting as a bridge between the Authority and the tax agents fraternity. It also sets the guidelines to ensure integrity and professionalism in the fraternity.

The new Committee members are; Francis Kamulegeya, Georginah Kirabo, David Baliraine Kibumba, and Charles Lutimba.

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Uganda to host Africa’s blood transfusion congress

By
Our Reporter
-

Uganda is set to host the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) Congress. The revelation was made by Dr Dorothy Kyeyune, the Executive Director of Uganda Blood Bank Services.

Under the theme’ “Safe and Sustainable Blood Transfusion Services in Africa: Adopting Global Innovations and Technology Advancements in Blood Transfusion Services, the congress will be held between March 4 and 7, 2024.

According to Dr Kyeyune, the congress serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices while also exploring innovative approaches and technologies to sustain blood transfusion services in Africa.

World Health Organisation guidelines indicate that a country is deemed self-sufficient in safe blood collection when it reaches one percent of its population. With Uganda’s population expected to reach 55 million by 2025, the demand for safe blood is projected to increase accordingly, including for the refugee population residing within the country.

The Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS), operating under the Ministry of Health, plays a key role in ensuring the availability, accessibility, and appropriate use of safe blood and blood components nationwide. With a commitment to increasing blood supply and promoting the clinical use of safe blood.

“It is the first time the country will host such a distinguished gathering focused on transfusion medicine. This presents an opportunity for our country and the broader health sector. We encourage each of you here today and everyone watching us to donate a unit of blood today to your loved ones,” she said.

The eleventh AfSBT Congress will attract hundreds of world-renowned experts in blood transfusion, policymakers, and key stakeholders, all of whom play crucial roles in advancing transfusion medicine and science.

“The Congress offers unparalleled networking opportunities among professionals in the field, fostering collaboration and collective action towards enhancing blood transfusion practices across the continent.

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Dokolo Woman MP By-election set for March

By
Simon Kabayo
-
Late Cecilia Ogwal

The Electoral Commission has released the programme for the by-election of the District Woman Representative to Parliament for Dokolo District and Councilors on various Local Government Councils in the district where vacancies exist.

In a statement, the Electoral Commission set Thursday, March 21, 2024 as the polling date for the District Woman Representative to Parliament.

The by–election programme will commence with an update of the National Voters’ Register from Monday 12th to Thursday 15th February 2024 at update stations in each of the seventy-one (71) parishes/wards in Dokolo District.

The Commission has appointed Thursday February 15, 2024 as the cut-off date for applying for registration as a voter and for transfer of voting location in the District. The registration and transfer of voters from one polling station to another within Dokolo District will not take place after Thursday 15th February 2024.

The display of the Voters’ Register will be conducted for a period of ten (10) days, that is, from Wednesday 21st February to Friday 1st March 2024, at all the one hundred and seventy-three (173) polling stations in Dokolo District.

The Display of Parish Tribunal Recommendations for deletion from/or inclusion on the Register will be conducted for six (6) days, that is, from Friday 1st March to Wednesday 6th March 2024 at the respective Parish/Ward Headquarters.

The nomination of candidates will be conducted on Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th March, 2024 at the Office of the District Returning Officer, Dokolo and the successfully nominated candidates will conduct campaign meetings for seven (7) days, that is, from Wednesday 13th till Tuesday 19th March, 2024.

Polling and tallying of results for by-election of councilors representing Special Interest Groups will take place on Monday, March 18, 2024. 

The District Woman Representative seat for Dokolo became vacant following the death of the former Representative (MP), the Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, which occurred on January 18, 2024.

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UEFA President Ceferin to commission football ground in Masindi

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Aleksander Ceferin.

The President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Aleksander Ceferin, has arrived in Uganda.

Accompanied by the President of Slovenia Football Federation Radenko Mijatovic, Cefarin arrived last evening aboard Qatar Airways.

The UEFA team was received by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang; Asuman Basalirwa, the Chairperson of the Uganda Parliament football club; Ritah Aliguma, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Aliguma Foundation; and others.

The team is later today set to play against the Parliament football team at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

“I am happy to be in Uganda once again. Tomorrow (Monday, February 12, 2024) between 2 and 6 PM, we shall not be friends because it is match time. We want to win,” he said.

“I am excited to return to Uganda to visit the football projects and see the wonderful people,” he said.

“We welcome the President of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, back to Uganda. We appreciate his love for Uganda. We look forward to a successful visit, and I will personally organise a meeting for him with the First Lady, Janet Museveni. Feel free to tour the country,” Ogwanga said.

Tomorrow, the UEFA team will travel to Masindi at the Aliguma Empowerment Centre to commission a training football ground before jetting off on Wednesday. 

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Peace Proscovia: From Ugandan Courts to International Netball Stardom

By
Our Reporter
-

In netball, a sport that captivates millions worldwide, the story of Peace Proscovia stands out as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of determination. Rising from humble beginnings on the courts of Uganda to becoming an international netball sensation, Proscovia’s journey is a remarkable narrative of overcoming adversity, shattering barriers, and achieving global stardom. Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a milestone for Ugandan sports, highlighting the potential of African athletes on the world stage.

A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Peace Proscovia’s ascent to netball fame is a story of resilience, hard work, and an unyielding spirit. Growing up in a region where opportunities for aspiring sportswomen were scarce, Proscovia’s path was fraught with challenges. However, her passion for netball and exceptional talent quickly set her apart. Her dedication to the sport was unwavering, even in the face of societal and financial barriers that might have deterred a lesser spirit. For those interested in the dynamics of sports success and the factors contributing to an athlete’s rise, including the role of mental and physical preparation, to know more about betting and learn how to win, you can here: https://bet-pawa.ug/how-to-win/. This platform offers insights into making strategic decisions, much like Proscovia did in her career.

A Star in the Making

Proscovia’s exceptional talent was noticed for a while. Her towering presence on the court and an innate understanding of the game quickly set her apart from her peers. Her journey from local tournaments to representing Uganda’s national team, the She Cranes, marks a significant chapter in her career, showcasing her meteoric rise within the sport. As she led the She Cranes to new heights, including memorable performances at the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup, Proscovia’s name became synonymous with excellence in Ugandan netball.

Breaking International Barriers

Peace Proscovia’s impact transcended national boundaries when she boldly joined the professional netball league. Her move to play for clubs in Australia and England marked a significant milestone for her career and Ugandan netball, as she became a trailblazer for African players in the sport’s global arena. Her tenure with the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia, later with the Severn Stars, and then London Pulse in the UK highlighted her adaptability, resilience, and unmatched skill set, propelling her teams to numerous victories and earning her accolades.

Championing Women’s Empowerment Through Sport

Beyond her achievements on the court, Peace Proscovia’s journey is a powerful narrative of women’s empowerment. In a world where female athletes often face disproportionate challenges, Proscovia’s success story serves as a testament to the potential of sports as a vehicle for change. Her advocacy for women’s rights, education, and the importance of sports in fostering gender equality has made her a role model for young girls in Uganda and across the globe.

Overcoming Challenges with Grace

Proscovia’s path to stardom had its challenges. From battling gender stereotypes in a conservative society to overcoming financial constraints and the physical demands of the sport, her journey encapsulates the essence of resilience. Yet, through every challenge, Proscovia remained focused on her goals, using her faith and family as the bedrock of her strength. Her ability to transcend barriers and emerge victorious against the odds is a critical aspect of her legacy, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams with tenacity and courage.

The Legacy of Peace Proscovia

Peace Proscovia’s contribution to netball and sports extends beyond her accolades and records. Highlighting the broader impact athletes can have beyond their sporting accomplishments, her commitment to using her platform for advocacy and change is exemplary.

The Future of Ugandan Netball

As Peace Proscovia continues to shine on the international stage, her legacy is already influencing the growth and development of netball in Uganda. With increased interest in the sport, enhanced support for women athletes, and the rise of new talents inspired by Proscovia’s journey, the future of Ugandan netball looks promising. Through her achievements, Proscovia has laid a foundation for the sport’s growth, demonstrating the global potential of Ugandan athletes and the transformative power of perseverance and hard work.

Conclusion

Peace Proscovia’s story is not just a chronicle of personal achievement; it is a narrative that resonates with the power of sports to change lives, challenge societal norms, and inspire generations. From the humble beginnings on the courts of Uganda to the pinnacle of international netball, Proscovia has blazed a trail of inspiration, showing that with determination and hard work, no dream is too lofty, and no goal is out of reach. As she continues to make her mark on the world stage, Peace Proscovia remains a towering figure in the world of sports, embodying the spirit of resilience, excellence, and unwavering determination that defines the true essence of a champion.

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Police brings details of boyfriend who ‘stole’ household property few days after ‘Kukyala’

By
Our Reporter
-

Police have brought fresh details on the trending saga concerning the boyfriend who is alleged to have stolen household items and cash from his girlfriend, just days after the Kukyala (introduction) ceremony.

The incident reported at Kanyanya Police Station on Saturday, February 3, 2024, involved one Winnie Namasere, aged 25 and a resident of Kyebando Central Zone pinning her boyfriend, Timothy Lukyamuzi, aged 26, of taking her household items without permission.

Despite the initial reports suggesting that Lukyamuzi had taken all the household property, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire has provided an update on the incident refuting the exaggerating reports.

According to Owoyesigyire, the boyfriend is not on the run as earlier reported, and that he only mortgaged the TV, whose receipt lists him as the owner.

Investigations carried out by police indicate that at the beginning of this month (February 2024) Winnie left the residence she was staying with her boyfriend due to domestic issues and sought refuge at her sister’s place, Evelyn Nakasita, in Namavundu Gayaza, Wakiso District.

“According to Ms Winnie, on February 3, 2024, around 1pm, she received a call from Mr Timothy informing her that he had relocated their belongings to an undisclosed location following an eviction notice from their landlord. Despite attempts to reach Mr Timothy by phone, he was unreachable, prompting her to report the incident to the police as a case of domestic violence and theft,” Mr Owoyesigyire said in a Friday police statement.

Owoyesigyire added that Timothy later voluntarily presented himself to the police and provided his statement, denying any intention of theft.

“He explained that he had transferred the belongings to his sister’s workplace for safekeeping while he searched for alternative housing. Subsequently, the missing items were recovered at his sister’s workplace with the assistance of the police.

Both parties have agreed to separate their belongings temporarily as they work towards resolving their domestic issues amicably.

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Troubled businessman Bitature’s guards beat up City Lawyer

By
Our Reporter
-
Mr.Bitature

The guards of businessman Patrick Bitature have been summoned to Kololo police station on allegations of assault and beating up city lawyer, Raymond Aine.

A case has been opened at Kololo Police station under reference number; SD Ref 34/06/02/24.

Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) Spokesperson Patrick Onyango told Eagle Online that Bitature and his guards are under investigations.

“Yes, the case is at the initial stages but investigations have commenced” Onyango told Eagle Online.

Lawyer Aine hails from Kirunda and Wasige Advocates that represent Vantage Mezzanine Fund.

Vintage sued Simba Properties Investment Co. Ltd, Simba Telecom Ltd, Elgon Terrace Hotel Ltd and Linda Properties Ltd together with Patrick Bitature, his wife Carol Bitature, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the commissioner of land registration.

In a ruling chaired by Justice Thomas Ocaya, court said that if Bitature was to be allowed to change the shareholding of the mentioned companies would cause an eventual court ruling on the same non implementable.

“In the interests of justice, I find that the applicants ought to obtain the reliefs sought in order to preserve their action in the main suit. In the premises, I make the following orders, in the interests of justice: (a) An order issues preventing 1st respondent (commissioner land registration) from taking any actions or conducting any proceedings in respect of the certificates of title that the 2nd to 7th respondents mortgaged to the applicants, that would affect the applicants’ rights and the merits of the final arbitral award and its addendum pending court’s determination of the application for recognition and enforcement of the arbitral award,” the judgment reads in part.

According to court records, Bitature obtained a loan facility of $10 million from Vantage but failed to pay in the scheduled time leading to a pile-up of interest, which he declined to pay. He then ran to court arguing that Vantage had no locus to sue him because it wasn’t legally operating in Uganda.

A number of court cases including arbitration have all held that Bitature is liable to pay the said monies. Bitature also filed a case in court to stop the enforcement of the arbitral award. According to the loan agreements, Bitature mortgaged the said properties to get the $10 million loan. In the judgment, court found that Bitature wanted to change the shareholding of the companies so that by the time the final decision is issued, they would be in other hands.

Court has also issued fresh criminal summons against Bitature and his wife to answer charges related to fraud.

A one Anthony Natif posted on his X handle that he was worried about the kind of stress Bitature and family are going through to reach an extent of beating up a lawyer.

“I do not understand what kind of power would make someone think the best way to refuse service is to have your guards beat up a lawyer till he pees his pants,” Natif stressed.

Natif further revealed that Aine Raymond told him that he (Aine) called Bitature’s daughter who asked him and his colleague to take it home and on reaching the gate, guards pounced on them.

Bitature has been known of his arrogance even in 2019 on Valentine’s Day evening he beat up a white man having dared to complain about the poor service at the SKYZ Motel.

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Speaker Among urges judicial officers to solely base their rulings on the law

By
Simon Kabayo
-
Speaker Anita Among.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has urged judicial officers to solely base their rulings on the law. She said this while closing the 25th Annual Judges’ Conference at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday, 08 February 2024 which ran under the theme, “A People-Centred Approach to Justice.”

“Courts are a House of record whose decisions set precedents upon which subsequent decisions are premised. Therefore, judicial officers should base their decisions on the law, not emotions, so that such decisions can stand the test of time,” Among said.

She appealed to Judiciary to place people at the heart of judicial processes and decisions, saying a people-centric judiciary is pivotal in fostering judicial accountability, independence and easing access to justice.

“Decisions and actions of judicial officers should be open to public scrutiny. This will ensure that both the public and judicial officers are accountable to legal requirements which will foster proper performance of their responsibilities,” Among said.

Among said the centrality of people in all public processes and decisions should not only be the judiciary’s responsibility but should also act as a convergence point for all other arms of Government.

She also advised judicial officers to uphold professionalism at all times.

“I would like to appeal to you all to exhibit high levels of professionalism, ethics, judicial etiquette, and decorum in dispensing judicial services to the citizens. We owe our people a just, fair, truthful, and satisfactory service,” Among said.

She pledged full support to the Judiciary in pursuit of the strategic objectives of the Judiciary Transformation Agenda (2020-2025), which is hinged on enhancing equitable access to justice, improving court processes and case management, developing and supporting the judiciary workforce and institutional capacity.

“This is evidenced by the increased budgetary appropriation, favourable and appropriate oversight of the Judiciary to aid its efficiency and effectiveness,” she said.

Recently, Parliament enacted the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020, and the Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2023 which will seek to improve the welfare of judicial officers and increase the number of judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, respectively.

According to Speaker Among, the increase in the number of judges is a game-changer in addressing recurring challenges of case backlog.

As of 2023, the average caseload per judge of the High Court stood at 945 cases annually which she said is way higher than what other judges in Africa have on their table.

In his remarks, the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, called for a cordial working relationship among the three arms of Government for better dispensation of services to the public.

“We shall make a better country if the three heads of arms of Government speak to one another without losing the independence which the constitution clearly states…For as long as Judiciary is under my charge, I will continue to relate with other arms but vehemently with jealousy, defend the independence of the Judiciary,” Owiny-Dollo said.

The Annual Judges’ Conference allows judges to build synergies, consensus, and share experiences and challenges to strengthen judicial processes.

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