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Former UBC journalist Alhaj Nsereko Abdul is dead

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Former Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and Radio Uganda journalist, Alhaj Nsereko Abdul, has passed on. His death was confirmed by his son, Kampala central legislator Muhammad Nsereko.

“Alhaji Abdul Nsereko, my lovely dad, has passed on. May Allah grant him Janat Firdaus. From Allah we came and unto Allah we shall all return,” he said.

The former journalist with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and a former radio host on Radio Uganda. The former director of political programmes at UBC died earlier in the morning.

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The Dark Side of Betting: Recognizing and Avoiding Addiction

By
Our Reporter
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In the world of online betting and gambling, success stories often shine as beacons of hope, showcasing the immense potential for winning substantial sums of money. Among these narratives, the “1xbet highest winner” tale stands out as a testament to the dreams of fortune that draw countless individuals into the realm of betting. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly harmless activity lies a dark side that can lead to addiction, financial ruin, and personal distress. In this article, we will explore the dangers of betting addiction, how to recognize the signs, and steps to avoid falling victim to its grip.

The Appeal of Betting

Before we delve into the darker aspects of betting, it’s essential to understand what makes it so appealing in the first place. Betting offers a unique combination of excitement, anticipation, and the possibility of winning a substantial amount of money. The thrill of predicting an outcome, the adrenaline rush when watching a game, and the dream of hitting the jackpot are all factors that draw people into the world of betting.

The Slippery Slope of Betting Addiction

While betting can be enjoyable when done in moderation, it can become a slippery slope that leads to addiction. Betting addiction, often referred to as gambling addiction, is a recognized psychological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences. Here are some signs that may indicate a person is developing a betting addiction:

1. Preoccupation with Betting

One of the early signs of betting addiction is an increasing preoccupation with betting-related activities. Individuals may spend a significant amount of time thinking about betting, researching betting strategies, or planning their next bet.

2. Chasing Losses

A common behavior among those with a betting addiction is the compulsion to chase losses. This means that after losing money, they continue to bet in the hope of recovering their losses, often leading to even more significant financial setbacks.

3. Neglecting Responsibilities

Betting addicts may begin to neglect their responsibilities at work, school, or home. They might miss deadlines, skip social events, and experience a decline in overall performance due to their preoccupation with betting.

4. Borrowing Money

To sustain their betting habits, individuals with a gambling addiction may resort to borrowing money from friends, family, or financial institutions. This can lead to financial ruin and strained relationships.

5. Lying and Hiding Behavior

Many betting addicts lie about their gambling activities, losses, and debts. They may go to great lengths to hide their behavior from loved ones, further isolating themselves.

6. Emotional Distress

Betting addiction often leads to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. The stress of mounting debts and the constant cycle of winning and losing can take a severe toll on a person’s mental health.

How to Avoid Betting Addiction

Preventing betting addiction is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced life. Here are some steps you can take to avoid falling into the trap of gambling addiction:

1. Set Limits

Establish clear betting limits before you start gambling. Determine how much money and time you are willing to spend on betting activities, and stick to these limits.

2. Self-Exclusion Programs

Many casinos and betting platforms offer self-exclusion programs that allow individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from accessing their services for a specified period. Consider utilizing these programs if you feel your betting habits are getting out of control.

3. Seek Help

If you or someone you know is showing signs of betting addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Professional counseling and support groups can provide valuable assistance in overcoming gambling addiction.

4. Find Alternative Activities

Engage in alternative activities that provide a similar sense of excitement and enjoyment without the financial risks. Explore hobbies, sports, or social activities that can distract you from betting.

5. Maintain a Support System

Build a strong support network of friends and family who can help you stay accountable and provide emotional support during difficult times.

6. Educate Yourself

Learn about the risks and consequences of betting addiction. Understanding the potential harm it can cause may serve as a deterrent.

Conclusion

While betting can be a fun and exhilarating pastime, it’s essential to recognize the potential dangers it poses. Betting addiction can have devastating consequences on one’s finances, relationships, and mental well-being. By staying informed, setting limits, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a support system, individuals can avoid the dark side of betting and enjoy it responsibly as a form of entertainment. Remember that betting should be a source of enjoyment, not a path to addiction and despair.

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Discovery of crucial documents, emails await DFCU bosses as Crane Bank claims $500 in the UK legal battle

By
Editorial
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DFCU team led by their former chairman Jimmy Mugerwa face COSASE on the illegal closure banks and more so fraudulently acquiring Crane Bank.

They must now file their defences within 21 days as court awaits to discover sensitive documents and emails regarding the transaction whose former MD and a key witness Juma Kisaame said was conducted without documents.

The UK Supreme Court has ordered that DFCU, Juma Kisaame, William Sekabembe and Jimmy Mugerwa must stand trial in the UK court for their role in the January 2017 fraudulent acquisition of the assets of Crane Bank Limited (CBL) from Bank of Uganda (BoU).

DFCU and its former directors had sought to avoid accountability in this case by presenting a jurisdiction challenge, arguing that the corrupt sale of the assets of Crane Bank Limited to DFCU by Bank of Uganda was an act of state by the Government of Uganda, and that UK courts had no jurisdiction to hear the case. This argument was rejected by the UK Court of Appeal, and they were ordered to file their defences and proceed to trial in the UK High Court.

They then sought leave of the UK Court of Appeal to appeal this decision to the UK Supreme Court, which leave was denied. They then filed another application seeking the leave to appeal from the UK Supreme Court. This application has also been refused as the UK Supreme Court found no merit in their application. They have been ordered to pay costs and must now file their defences within 21 days.

Crane Bank will then respond and seek for discovery of details of the transaction by asking for emails, whatsup chats, correspondences among key information on how the whole deal was sealed.

DFCU Limited, DFCU Bank Limited, Jimmy Mugerwa, Juma Kisaame, William Sekabembe, CDC Group PLC, Norfinance AS, Rabo Partnership B.V., Arise B.V., Stephen Caley, Michael Alan Turner, Albert Jonkergouw, Willem Cramer, Ola Rinnan and Deepak Malik have all been sued in the UK in a case where Crane Bank Limited is seeking the recovery of over $220 million, before assessment of additional damages, which experts believe will raise the amount to be recovered to over $500 million.

In the written ruling delivered on January 8, 2024, Court held: “After consideration of the application filed on behalf of Applicants seeking permission to appeal the order made by the Court of Appeal on 26 July 2023 and of the notices of the objection filed by the Respondents [Crane Bank Limited and others], the Court ordered that permission to appeal be refused because the applications don not raise an arguable point of law which the court should consider at this time…i.e before trial. In each application the Applicants pay the Respondents costs, the amount of those costs be assessed if not agreed.”

Background

On October 20, 2016, BoU took over Crane Bank Limited, claiming the lender was undercapitalised, and mismanaged. BoU’s decision to take over the lender surprised Ugandans, given that the Central Bank had earlier announced the lender as the best-performing bank in the country.

On January 25, 2017, BoU in a questionable transaction transferred the assets of Crane Bank Limited to the rival DFCU Bank at Shs200 million, moreover paid in installments, yet the Central Bank had earlier claimed it injected Shs478.8 billion in Crane Bank Limited before the transaction took place.

A parliamentary inquiry into BoU’s closure of Crane Bank Limited and other commercial banks confirmed the Auditor General’s report that BoU closed Crane Bank Limited without following the known procedures and processes, such as the valuation of its assets and liabilities.

In his August 2017 special audit report on seven defunct commercial banks the Auditor General held: “

I noted that BoU did not carry out a valuation of the assets and liabilities of CBL in a transaction initiated by BoU officials over phone. In the absence of the valuation, I could not establish how the terms of transfer of the assets and liabilities in the Purchase of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities were determined.”

In its 2017 half-year results, DFCU Bank disclosed an after-tax profit of Shs114 billion, compared to Shs23 billion earned over the same period in 2016. DFCU attributed its sharp rise in profits to the acquisition of assets and liabilities of CBL.

 It is also believed that the over Shs100 billion that was deposited on the account of one of the listed former Managing Directors could have been part of the money which was swindled from BoU in the pretext takeover by BoU.

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 LoP Ssenyonyi pledges to keep the government in check for the benefit of Ugandans

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Joel Ssenyonyi.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP) and Nakawa West legislator, Joel Ssenyonyi, has pledged to prioritise keeping the government in check for the benefit of Ugandans.

Last month, the National Unity Platform (NUP) named Ssenyonyi LoP after end of two and half years of Nyando-Mukungwa MP Mathias Mpuuga’s term in office. Mpuuga’s two-and-a-half-year term ended on December 13, 2023. Mpuuga was, however, named to the parliamentary commission.

While giving his maiden speech, Ssenyonyi said the principal role of the leader of the opposition is to keep the government in check. I will execute that mandate effectively.

He said keeping the government in check is to the benefit of all of us and the people we represent. Because when we are pushing against corruption, we ensure service delivery and value for taxpayers’ money. It’s not for the good of the opposition, but for all of us.

“I want to appeal; that where we disagree. I hope that we can disagree respectfully and that there is to be space to disagree and for divergent views, but otherwise, I look forward to working with everybody to serve the people of Uganda,” he said.

He saluted Mpuuga his service and leadership. “Mpuuga led us under difficult circumstances, but he managed to remain composed and led us through”.

In his handover statement, Mpuuga urged leaders to remain servants of the people and invite the common good to prevail.

“I appeal to the house to accord my successor, Joel Ssenyonyi, the same support so that the common good is served,” he said.

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#Covid-19 vaccines worth Shs28.159b expire in NMS stores—Auditor General

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Peace Piwang, Chief Human Resource Officer of Housing Finance Bank receiving the COVID-19 jab.

At least 5,619,120 doses of #Covid-19 vaccines worth Shs28.159 billion has expired in the stores of the National Medical Stores, the just-released Auditor General’s report for financial 2023/23 indicates.

The annual audit report by Auditor General Mr.John Muwanga, details how ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) spent the money that was allocated to them in the financial year ending June 2023. The report was received by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.

Muwanga said out of 12,595,920 doses of #Covid-19 vaccines in stores, 5,619,120 doses had expired. The expired #Covid-19 value of the vaccines as of the reporting date was worth.

“More expired vaccines still lie in various health facilities across the country and the total combined loss to be incurred next year is estimated at Shs300 billion. These are vaccines procured out of the World Bank loan advanced for #Covid-19 support,” he said in the report.

The report further shows that the government has been spending Shs53 billion annually on 10,192 non-existent employees who had been on government payroll. During the verification exercise in February 2023, the employees were found to have died, retired, or absconded from duty.

The Office of the Auditor General undertook a special audit of the salary payroll across the government, where he validated all employees in 367 entities comprising 162 MDAs, 179 local governments, and 29 other government organisations in February 2023.

The report highlights that the country’s public debt as of June 30, 2023, stood at Shs96 trillion. The domestic debt stock stands at Shs43.6 trillion, while the external debt is Shs52.4 trillion. The public debt has increased by 107% in the last five years.

Among other things, the submission of this report marks the beginning of Parliamentary scrutiny, for which I undertake to ensure timeliness in line with Article 163(5) of the Constitution, which requires Parliament to pronounce itself on the report of the Auditor General within six months.

“As Parliament, we are committed to effectively playing our role in the public finance and accountability cycle so as to enable greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. I urge the other players in the public finance and accountability cycle to effectively play their roles too, given that effective accountability requires collective effort,” she said.

She applauded the Auditor General for maintaining a fully functional parliamentary liaison unit that renders effective support to the Public Accounts Committees. I hope for the continuity of this productive collaboration for the good of our country.

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Dr. Abiriga Murder: Police nab wife and recover blood stains from the walls in the bedroom

By
Our Reporter
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The police have arrested Betty Cherotic in relation to the brutal murder of her husband, Dr. Jino Abiriga.

The deceased was the District Health Officer of Masindi District.

According to Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson, the victim left his home in the morning to attend a friend’s wedding. After the wedding, his driver dropped him off at his home at around 9 p.m.

At around 10 p.m., Abiriga and his wife, Betty Cherotic, went to sleep in their double-roomed house. Their children and dependents, who included Angela Aseru (daughter of the deceased), Maureen Cherotic (stepdaughter), Kenneth Cheprotich (stepson), Jackline Afakoru (niece), and Desire Arinaitwe (daughter of his family friend), also went to sleep in their separate units. The units are enclosed by a fence.

“It was very unfortunate that the victim’s body was found dead, with a deep cut on the neck and multiple cuts on the head and hand and dumped 50 metres away from his residence. An immediate search was conducted at the premises of the deceased, and suspected blood stains were recovered from the walls in the bedroom and from under their marital bed,” Enanga said.

Enanga says that although the wife claims that the victim was called on the phone by someone to go and carry out an operation on a patient and never returned home, there is no evidence yet supporting her claim. She claims the blood stains in her bedroom were from her menstrual cycle.

The forensic experts recovered blood stains and other samples for forensic analysis that will help establish whether the victim was murdered at his house or elsewhere and the body dumped near his home.

Eagle Online has also learnt that the wife stole about Shs80 million from the deceased. The money was reportedly generated after selling one of their pieces of land.

It is said that when the suspect saw police officers, she collapsed and rushed to the health facility for medical attention.

In line with the execution of their mandate, police found one locked room. They broke into the room and found blood stains on the walls, and another blood sample was collected and placed under the bed.

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IGP Ochola on tension as contract ends

By
Our Reporter
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IGP: Martin Okoth Ochola.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martins Okoth Ochola is waiting with bated breath as he enters the final stretch of his second 3-year contract.

IGP Ochola was first appointed Police boss in March 2018, replacing the then powerful Gen Kale Kayihura. Ochola’s contract expires in less than 60 days.

IGP Ochola was given a second 3-year contract in March 2021, with that contract set to expire in March this year, a mere 52 days from today.

 Multiple sources who are very knowledge with the behind-the-scenes security apparatus say that IGP Ochola is very unlikely to win a third contract renewal.

Sources say President Museveni has been consulting his trusted lieutenants regarding IGP Ochola’s fate, which has been made more critical as the country heads into the high stakes 2026 general election, that is just one year away.

IGP Ochola has not been helped by his health troubles, as he was forced to publicly declare that he is “as fit as fiddle” in September 2021, amid rumours that he could not effectively carry out his duties as police boss because of health complications.

President Museveni and his National Resistance Movement(NRM), who will be seeking a record 7th 5-year term in 2026, will be keen to have a combat-hardened IGP as he has often relied on the police to crush dissent during elections and help him to secure disputed victories.

IGP Ochola is a police veteran who joined the Forces in 1987 and has enjoyed a meteoric rise from a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Superintendent of Police, Director CID, Assistant IGP and Deputy IGP.

IGP Ochola has enjoyed a fairly unblemished record in Police, though the Justice Julia Ssebutinde Commission of Inquiry into corruption in the Police faulted him for irregularly ordering the release of an impounded vehicle in 1998. The Commission, however, cleared him.

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UK supreme court orders Dfcu, its owners & directors must stand trial in the UK for their role in fraudulent acquisition of asserts of Crane bank from BoU

By
Our Reporter
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THE MAN IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kisaame taking oath during parliamentary probe. He revealed Dfcu acquired Crane bank without any document

The UK Supreme Court has ordered that DFCU, its former top managers Juma Kisaame, William Sekabembe and Jimmy Mugerwa must stand trial in the UK court for their role in the fraudulent acquisition of the assets of Crane Bank Limited from Bank of Uganda.

DFCU and its former directors had sought to avoid accountability in this case by presenting a jurisdiction challenge, arguing that the corrupt sale of the assets of Crane Bank Limited to DFCU by Bank of Uganda was an act of state by the Government of Uganda, and that UK Courts had no jurisdiction to hear the case. This argument was rejected by the UK Court of Appeal, and they were ordered to file their defences and proceed to trial in the UK High Court.

They then sought leave of the UK Court of Appeal to appeal this decision to the UK Supreme Court, which leave was denied. They then filed another application seeking the leave to appeal from the UK Supreme Court. This application has also been refused as the UK Supreme Court found no merit in their application. They have been ordered to pay costs and must now file their defences within 21 days.

DFCU Limited, DFCU Bank Limited, Jimmy Mugerwa, Juma Kisaame, William Sekabembe, CDC Group PLC, Norfinance AS, Rabo Partnership B.V., Arise B.V., Stephen Caley, Michael Alan Turner, Albert Jonkergouw, Willem Cramer, Ola Rinnan and Deepak Malik have all been sued in the UK in a case seeking the recovery of over $220 million, before assessment of additional damages, which experts believe will raise the amount to be recovered to over $500 million.

Back in Uganda, late last year, Justice Asiimwe of the High Court had agreed with the lawyers of Meera Investments Limited that DFCU bank’s acquisition of the 48 properties was illegal and invalid as done without the consent of Meera Investments Limited.

Upon taking of CBL, DFCU hurriedly registered the 48 properties in its name, which court also said was illegal. Even if DFCU bank claims it had vacated the premises, the judge said it must vacate after restoring the facilities to the tenantable position. In otherwise, DFCU bank must rehabilitate the properties before new tenants can occupy them. The same court ordered that Meera Investment Limited be compensated with Shs2.4 billion.

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EC Commissioners fate hangs in balance, fear grips electoral body  

By
Our Reporter
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Electoral Commissioners.

There is fear at the Uganda Electoral Commission after the contracts of the top managers and the commissioners ended last week and President Yoweri Museveni has not renewed their appointment.

According to sources that talked to Eagle Online, the commissioners and other top managers do not know what will happen as the electoral body prepares for 2026 elections.

“They are all waiting for the president to renew their appointment. It’s him who appoints and renews their appointments,” the source said. 

It’s not clear whether the delayed renewal of their appointments is connected to the internal fights at EC which might jeopardize the preparations to have free and fair elections in 2026.

The fights that threaten the smooth running of EC are connected to money, power struggles and jostling to employ relatives and friends.   

One of the commissioners is said to be in a fierce fight with Chairman Simon Mugenyi Byabakama and has sometimes threatened to usurp the powers of the chairman.

There are also reports of misusing fuel cards, especially one powerful official from the Finance Department whose records seen by this website show for example during 2021 elections one car could use fuel worth shs500,000 a day. It is said that this official had over 100 fuel cards and would sometimes falsify on non-viable journeys in order to connive with fuel suppliers.    

Sources say there is “a lot going on” and the problem is selfish interests fueled by power struggles and corruption.

The Electoral Commission is led by Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama who is the Chairperson and six commissioners.

The commissioners include; Hajjat Aisha Lubega Deputy Chairperson, Peter Emorut, Justine Ahabwe Mugabi, Stephen Tashobya, Sebaggala Mustapha Kigozi and Nathaline Etomaru.

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From Shs17b annual revenue in 2015 to Shs151.9b in 2023 lotteries show great performance as Ithuba intends to take over

By
Simon Kabayo
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The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda (NLGRB) is a corporate body, established under the Lotteries and Gaming Act No. 7 of 2016.

Lotteries and gaming board sole role is to license and regulate lotteries, casinos, and the betting industry in Uganda but also operate under a set of five regulations, in effect since May 27, 2016.

The mandate of lotteries as per section 4 of the Act, includes licensing, supervision, enforcement, and dispute resolution in the lotteries and gaming sector.

However, established in 2015 as a department under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the sector has seen revenue collection grow from Shs17 billion to Shs151.9 billion.

The growth in revenue collection under this sector indicate the rising desire for lotteries and gaming by the ever-growing young population in the country.

Entry of Ithuba

Around August last year, governmentthrough Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning has signed a 10-year contract with Ithuba Holdings Limited to run Uganda National Lottery.

Through their local company, Ithuba Uganda Limited was issued with a license and this marked the start of business in Uganda.

Ministry of Finance through National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board issued the licence to Ithuba Uganda Limited.

 Ithuba has committed to invest $15 million.

As Ithuba positions itself to take over the lotteries and gaming sector on May 4, 2024, the sector has estimated annual average revenue of Shs147 billion for the next ten years effective financial year 2024/25 shows that all isn’t lost in negativity as some Ugandans associate lotteries and gaming wasteful spending and expenditure.

Accordingly, lotteries and gaming sector have planned that out of the Shs147 billion earmarked annually 60% of the proceeds is gaming tax and 40% is non-tax revenue for good cause.

It is also planned that the sector will contribute to corporate social investment (CSI) projects in the communities. The licensee is obliged to spend 0.5% of the total sales on CSI. The translates to Shs3 million per year.

Also, of significance is to create an estimated 1,700 jobs in Uganda,

construct a primary data centre in Kampala and a secondary data centre in Jinja. And establishment of regional offices in Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, Fort portal and Arua.

The National Lottery shall be launched on May 2024 and thereafter, priority shall be given to sports facilities development in the utilization of the funds raised from the National Lottery.

In an effort to protect communities from the effects of illegal gambling, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board has embarked on a relentless crackdown on illegal gaming machines and the closure of unlicensed gaming premises in an ongoing enforcement exercise around Uganda. When illegal gaming operations are dismantled communities are better protected, legal operators thrive in a fairer environment and revenues collected are directed toward the public services they were intended to support and as such, 2, 869 illegal gaming equipment have been confiscated while 17 illegal gaming sites have been blocked.

NLGRB board chairperson Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri revealed that Ithuba Uganda Limited had secured irrevocable funding to fiancé the operation of the National lottery as it shall construct an in-country data centre.

“As a board, we are confident that the National Lottery shall contribute significantly to raising the required revenue for funding government programmes but also promote social responsibility through its operations” Mr Mugasa said during signing of an agreement with Ithuba.

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