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Otafiire unaware of Russian contractor of digital number plates

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Minister for Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen, (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has revealed that he is unaware of the company, Joint Stock Company Global Security that is supposed to undertake the issuance of digital number plates in Uganda.

He revealed this to the Committee on Physical Infrastructure on Tuesday, 22 August 2023.

Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu (Indp., Soroti West Division) asked the minister about his knowledge of the contract with the company to supply the digital number plates.

“How did this company from Russia come to Uganda, who signed the contract with them? The minister said he does not know but he should be responsible,” Ebwalu said.

Otafiire responded saying he would have taken responsibility if he had been a signatory on the contract, which he insisted he knew nothing about.

“This thing started in 2019; I am just a cog in the whole machine. I do not know who is doing what. What is disappointing is that the Police who would have been the principal actor was largely kept out,” he added.

Otafiire also told the committee that he authorized a team to carry out due diligence on the Joint Stock Company Global Security and its station in Russia.

“The team brought back a report and informed me that there was no digital number plate manufacturing companies in Russia and that such a service is only being provided in Poland,” said the minister.

Minister Kahinda also admitted that he is unhappy about the increase of costs of digital number plates from Shs150, 000 to Shs714, 300 and neither Police nor Ministry of Internal Affairs had a hand in the pricing.

“I am unhappy about the cost, but unfortunately, I am not the one who determines the cost. I have heard about the cost in the press, nobody has brought it to my attention to address, so my role in that aspect is limited. Everything else is hearsay, like you see it in the press, that is how I see it, that is the limit to our engagement,” Kahinda.

Asked by Hon. Maurice Kibalya (NRM, Bugabula County South) about his knowledge of the company setting up fitting centres at different bonds in the country, the minister said he was not aware about it.

“Are you aware that this Joint Stock Company is also phasing out local companies that have been manufacturing number plates?” Kibalya asked.

Otafiire said the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) halted the decision to phase out local number plate making companies in Uganda.

“The IGG is supposed to have halted the whole project. The IGG instructed the Ministry of Works not to halt the production of number plates,” he noted.

Asked by committee chairperson, Hon. Dan Atwijukire on whether he had documentation to the effect of the information, the minister only attributed it to “…information that amounts from the press.”

Hon. Ebwalu faulted the minister for his lack of knowledge on the project being investigated by the committee.

“The ministry has got very many departments including Police, Prisons and Immigration. I cannot know every single detail in every department. I am a macro manager not a micro manager,” Otafiire responded.

The digital number plate project under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System will be implemented in a phased manner and managed by Joint Stock Company Global Security for 10 years before it is handed over to the government.

New vehicle and motorcycle owners will pay shs714,000 for the digital number plates while already registered road users will be required to pay shs150,000 and shs50,000 for vehicles and motorcycles.

However, the Tororo District Woman Representative, Hon. Sarah Opendi has petitioned Parliament on the high cost of the new number plates expected to be rolled out on 31 October 2023.

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Deputy Speaker assures Ssegirinya on clearance of medical bills

By
Our Reporter
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Muhammad Ssegirinya


Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has appealed to the relatives of Kawempe north legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya to submit his documents to Parliament so that they are presented to Uganda Medical Board for him to access treatment abroad.
Ssegirinya is currently hospitalized in the Netherlands where he is receiving treatment. He is allegedly suffering from skin cancer and a lung infection. Yesterday, Ssegirinya said Parliament has not helped him in settling medical bills at the health facility.
Speaking during the plenary, Tayebwa said the medical board, office of the speaker and clerk have not received any application form Ssegirinya but we are going to work on how best we can help him,” he said.
“If you have an issue and you don’t know how to go about it, please approach the office of the clerk for guidance on how the procedure is done,” he said.
The leader of opposition Mathias Mpuuga said Ssegirinya traveled to the Netherlands without notifying his office or the NUP party headquarters.
He said that he has communicated the matter to the party leadership, including President Robert Kyagulanyi.
Chris Obore, the director of communication at parliament said the House cannot neglect any MP when they have health complications. He said that there is an insurance scheme for each member and immediate family, but that Parliament only foots the medical bills for treatment outside the country upon clearance by the Medical Board.
He faulted Ssegirinya for traveling abroad for medical attention without the Medical Board’s clearance and without notifying the Speaker of Parliament or the Leader of the Opposition. He said that this makes it difficult for Parliament to process public funds for Ssegirinya’s treatment.
“Ssegirinya’s handlers have been reaching out to Parliament and that the procedure for seeking medical treatment outside the country has been explained to them. He said that it is not a good example to go to social media to attract public sympathy while ignoring the law.,” he said.

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Prudential Contributes $30,000 worth essential medical supplies to Mulago Hospital

By
Our Reporter
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Prudential announced a $30,000 donation to Mulago National Referral Hospital inform of essential medical supplies such as safety boxes for syringes, heavy duty aprons, sterile and examination gloves etc
The donation, which is part of the Prudential Post COVID Recovery Funds initiative, is a significant step in Prudential’s commitment to the health and well-being of Ugandans and supporting vital institutions such as Mulago National Referral Hospital to boost their ability to provide exceptional medical care.
Tetteh Ayitevie, the CEO of Prudential Uganda, said COVID had impacted many people and institutions, emphasizing that there was need for collective action in journey to recovery.
“As we navigate the post-COVID landscape, Prudential Uganda remains committed to our community’s health and well-being. Our partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital is a testament to our dedication of fostering a stronger and more resilient healthcare system,” he said.
Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, thanked Prudential and its community investment arm, noting that the support will be instrumental in ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and medical services.
“Mulago National Referral Hospital hosts one of the largest number of patients and to-date, it remains the epicentre of the fight against COVID. This contribution contributes significantly to our post-COVID recovery endeavours,”she said.
This Covid relief fund has been provided by Prudential Uganda with the support from the Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc in Asia and Africa.

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Housing Finance Bank Celebrates Eastern Region Customers in Jovial Customer Dinner

By
Boses Muhinda
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Housing Finance Bank, a leading indigenous financial institution committed to fostering convenient, affordable, relevant, and empowering solutions, hosted an exceptional Customer Service Forum for its customers in the Eastern region on Friday 18 August 2023 at Jinja Nile Village Hotel Jinja. The exclusive event was designed to express gratitude to the bank’s valued customers, celebrate their loyalty, and provide an engaging platform for sharing feedback,networking, and strengthening business relationships. On behalf of the bank, Mr. John Baptist Kaweesi, the Head of Mortgage and Consumer Banking, Carolyn Agudo, the Head of Customer Experience, and other officials from the bank were present at the event. 

The event brought together the bank’s customers from all sectors including education, agriculture, manufacturing, and business to mention but a few. The event showcased the bank’s dedication to going beyond traditional banking services and fostering meaningful connections with its clientele.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this Customer Service Forum is a testament to our commitment to nurturing these relationships. We believe in the power of genuine relationships” said Mr. John Baptist Kaweesi the Head of Mortgage and Consumer Banking at Housing Finance Bank.

The event featured a meticulously crafted dining experience, interactive sessions, and engaging conversations. Customers hadthe opportunity to connect with each other, as well as Housing Finance Bank executives and relationship managers, in a relaxed and elegant setting. 

“We are truly humbled by the trust and loyalty our customers place in us,” Carolyne Agudo the bank’s Head of Customer Experience continued. “This dinner is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our customers and acknowledging the integral role they play in our success.”

The Customer Service forum also served as a platform for customers to share their insights, feedback, and suggestions directly with Housing Finance Bank. This valuable input will contribute to enhancing the bank’s products, services, and overall customer experience.

By hosting this event, Housing Finance Bank reaffirms its commitment to Building lasting relationships with its customers, providing exceptional personalized service experiences, listening to customer feedback and laying strategies to address concerns raised. This is in alignment with Housing Finance Bank’s 5-year strategy to increase customer satisfaction by 90% by 2027.

The success of the Customer Service Forum underscores Housing Finance Bank’s dedication to enabling sustainable home ownership and financial independence for its customers. The Bank remains steadfast in its pursuit of strengthening bonds, fostering loyalty, and delivering financial solutions that cater to its customers’ diverse needs.

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Stick to your business of eradicating poverty – MP Opendi tells off World Bank

By
Our Reporter
-

Tororo District Woman representative, Hon. Sarah Opendi has asked the World Bank to stick to its business of eradicating poverty in the world, saying Uganda will not accept to have the homosexuality sin be disguised as a human right.
She made the remarks today during a press conference at Parliament, in reaction to the decision by the World Bank to suspend funding to Uganda over passing into the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023.
“I want to request the World Bank to stick to its core mandate which is providing long term economic development & eradicating or reducing poverty from countries. The World Bank didn’t create human beings, God created human beings & he created a man & a woman, & gave us clear commandments & we are living by those commandments. We aren’t going to relent, accept sin being disguised as a human right,” Opendi.
Opendi also warned the World Bank against listening to Ugandan gay rights activists, describing them as self-seekers who are looking for greener pastures, and once they achieve their objectives, they will abandon homosexuality and return to their ‘normal’ sexual orientation.
“I want to tell the World Bank that those few Ugandans that are trying to confuse the World Bank & other partners are looking for greener pastures and given an opportunity, once they have achieved what they want, they will revert and become normal human beings. The law that we passed was intended to ensure that sin doesn’t find its way in this country. The Anti-Homosexuality Act is intended to protect the children of this country. We aren’t going to allow the sexualization of our children, sodomising our children and calling that a human right,” Opendi.
Backed by the Anti-Homosexuality Act  mover, Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) accused the World Bank of suspending funding to Uganda without fully understanding the provisions in the Anti-Homosexuality Act, saying contrary to public sentiments, no Ugandan will be arrested for not reporting acts of homosexuality, unless those acts are committed against vulnerable groups like children.
“By making that statement, the World Bank in effect is expressing a lack of knowledge of that law. Section 14 doesn’t create an offence arising from the failure to disclose acts of homosexuality. When you look at the statement by the World Bank, it creates an impression that everybody will have committed an offence if they don’t report acts of homosexuality that are wrong. And that is our problem, either, there is deliberate distortion, misinformation or total ignorance in as far as this law is concerned,” Basalirwa.
Basalirwa also denied allegations by the World Bank that some Ugandans may be denied health care due to their sexual orientation, describing this argument as a misconception, adding that no such cases have been reported in Uganda since the coming into force of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
“In this country, where health rights are concerned, people aren’t asked about their sexual orientation. And if the medical person did it, they would actually be undermining the Hippocratic oath. So again, the World Bank makes a very deliberate misconception as far as we are concerned, to try and create an impression that when people who are gay or perceived to be gay go to health facilities, they are going to be denied medical care on account of their sexual orientation. That doesn’t happen, it hasn’t happened anywhere in this country and it will not happen because that in itself is against our laws,” Basalirwa said.

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Uganda Airlines to increase flights to Mombasa and other coastal towns

By
Our Reporter
-

Uganda Airlines plans to increase flights to Mombasa, describing the route as one of the most lucrative in its operations.

Speaking in Mombasa where the airline sponsored a golf tournament the airline’s country manager Peggy Macharia said the rapid growth can be attributed to increased trade between the two countries.

“We have seen a lot of growth in Mombasa post-Covid hence the need to shout about it. We have business traffic from Uganda to the Mombasa port and Kenyans going to Uganda as a tourism destination,” Macharia said.

The airline flies into Mombasa from Entebbe, Uganda thrice a week, using CRJ-900 jets whose capacity is 76 passengers. Each flight has an average 80 per cent full.

“Many clients come to Mombasa port for business. And that is why we are looking to increase frequency to Mombasa as a destination,” Macharia said.

From Entebbe International Airport, the airline flies into 11 African countries including Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and South Africa.

They are looking to start flying into Nigeria within the next three months.

Market development representative of the Uganda Tourism Board in the Africa source market, Anthony Ochieng, said Kenya is the number one source market for Uganda.

Last year, close to 400,000 Kenyans visited Uganda either as tourists, business travellers or due to cultural or family ties.

Ochieng said with the encouraging numbers, the airline might open other routes into the Coastal region with flights to Malindi, Ukunda and Lamu.

“In the near future we will be thinking of other routes to the Coastal parts of Kenya but currently we are concentrating on increasing the load Entebbe-Mombasa and Mombasa-Entebbe,” Ochieng said.

According to Ochieng, Uganda’s tourism sector is steadily improving with United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) statistics suggesting full recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic might be achieved in 2025.

“There is a gradual growth if you look at the tourism statistics from the East Africa Community states,” Ochieng said.

Majority of Ugandans fly into Mombasa and by extension, Diani, for weddings, parties and other social activities, apart from business, he said

“We are trying very hard to promote intra tourism within Africa. There is vigour in wildlife products marketing, cultural tourism marketing and MICE.

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UPDF, FADRC rescue 19 in Operation Shujaa exercise

By
Simon Kabayo
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The joint operation of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday rescued nineteen (19) people in the ongoing offensive against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.

The rescued include eight (08) children, nine (09) women, and two men who reported to the joint base at Bwakadde in Ituri province after the joint forces attacked an ADF position at Tingwe Hills North East of Erengeti Town. 

The 19 were airlifted by the UPDF and are receiving medical care from the UPDF medical team.

Among the nine women include a mother who delivered two months ago and was left in the bush by her colleagues after failing to keep pace with her group. On reporting at Bwakadde, the abductees reported about her and a joint UPDF/FARDC squad went back and rescued her. 

According to Capt Dr Daniel Okello, the medical officer in charge of Mountain Division military hospital, both the baby and the mother are in stable condition.

In a related development, a gun was recovered and an ADF fighter put out of action when the joint forces in the general areas of Kavisao north of River Semliki in Mwalika valley, North Kivu province battled ADF terrorists on Saturday (August 19, 2023) at 9:00 am. The joint forces under sector three’s Makindye battalion are still tracking the terrorists.

Meanwhile, traditional and local leaders in Ituri province have pledged support to the joint forces to ensure that total peace is attained in the province. This was during the Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga’s courtesy call to chiefs in Ituri as he toured the different bases of the joint forces in the province.

The Chief of Boga, Omukama Tabaro Kato Kabuga II chief of the Bannyamboga thanked the joint forces for the successful Joint operation that had led to the Bannyamboga returning to their homes after years of displacement.

The chief Tchabi (chef de chefferie des Bi Tchabi) Babanilau Tchabi Etienne thanked Excellencies Felix Tishikedi of DRC and his counterpart of Uganda Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their joint vision of fighting ADF together.

“Tchabi is at peace. The IDP camp which was here with 12,000 people is now empty. They all went back to their homes, mostly in Tondoli, Vukeka, Malibongo and Bukedi, we shall ever be grateful,” said the Chief.

The CLF was accompanied by the overall operation Commander of Operation Shujaa, Maj Gen Dick Olum and the FARDC Ituri province sector commander Col Joseph Amuli. W.

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FDC reschedules its Delegates Conference amid intraparty in fights

By
Our Reporter
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Toterebuka Bamwenda

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has rescheduled its National Delegates Conference amid intra-party in-fights. The revelation was made by Boniface Bamwenda Tuterebuka, chairperson of the FDC Electoral Commission.

The delegates’ conference was scheduled to take place in November however, it has been rescheduled for October 6, 2023, at the UMA showgrounds, Lugogo in Kampala.

Initially, the conference was scheduled to happen in October 2020 however, due to the #Covid-19 pandemic, it was postponed to a later date.

“This is to announce that the ongoing general election of the party being conducted at all levels shall culminate in a meeting of the delegates whose business will be to elect members of the National Executive Committee as provided for in the constitution,” said Bamwenda.

He said the National Council in its 14th sitting held on October 8, 2020, extended the term of office bearers for a period of three years which expires on October 8.

In this year’s delegate’s conference, the party will elect new national leaders, including the party president and secretary general. A total of 1,400 delegates are slated to participate in the election.

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Lack of social orderliness among Ugandan migrant workers contributes to the injustices committed to them

By
Guest Writer
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Kayonde Abdallah

Social order refers to the way in which a society is structured and the rules and norms that guide social behavior. It is the framework that governs and maintains harmony within a community or a group of individuals.

When we talk about being in a state of nature as Ugandan migrant workers, we are referring to a condition or situation where there is a lack of organized social order or established systems to regulate and ensure the well-being of individuals in society.

The difference between social order and being in a state of nature as migrant workers lies in the presence or absence of societal structures. Social order implies that there are established laws, institutions, and norms that provide a framework for regulating and organizing society. In this context, Ugandan migrant workers would be able to rely on legal protections, access to services, and mechanisms for ensuring fair treatment and the fulfillment of their rights.

On the other hand, being in a state of nature suggests that migrant workers may face more challenges due to a lack of established systems or protections. They may encounter difficulties in accessing legal rights, fair working conditions, and necessary social support. Without a social order in place, migrant workers may be vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination.

In summary, social order provides a structured and regulated environment where the rights and well-being of individuals, including migrant workers, are protected and promoted. Being in a state of nature as migrant workers suggests a lack of such social order, which can result in greater vulnerability and challenges for this specific group of individuals.

Promoting social orderliness among Uganda migrant workers leaving for work abroad can be achieved through the following steps:

Pre-departure orientation and training: Provide comprehensive pre-departure orientation and training programs that cover various aspects of living and working abroad, including cultural norms, laws, and social expectations in the host country. Ensure that workers understand the need to follow rules, respect local customs, and adapt to the social environment they will encounter.

Awareness campaigns and information dissemination: Conduct awareness campaigns through various channels, such as community meetings, radio programs, and social media, to provide information on the importance of social orderliness while working abroad. Focus on promoting good behavior, respect for local laws, and adherence to ethical standards.

Collaboration with recruitment agencies: Collaborate with recruitment agencies to emphasize the importance of selecting responsible and well-behaved workers. Encourage agencies to screen potential migrants for behavioral attributes that align with social orderliness.

Strengthening legal framework: Develop and enforce regulations that govern the behavior and conduct of migrant workers. Ensure that these regulations include guidelines on social orderliness, ethical behavior, and respect for local customs and laws.

Establish support systems: Set up support systems, such as helplines or hotlines, that migrant workers can reach out to in case of any issues or concerns they encounter abroad. Provide counseling services to address personal and social challenges that may arise during their employment.

Cooperation with host countries: Foster cooperation and communication with the host countries to address social orderliness issues. Exchange information on the rights and responsibilities of migrant workers and work together to create a conducive environment for both the workers and the host community.

Reintegration programs: Develop reintegration programs that help returning migrant workers adjust to life while back home in the country. These programs can include reorientation sessions, skills training, and counseling to facilitate their successful reintegration into the local society.

Continuous monitoring and evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of initiatives aimed at promoting social orderliness among migrant workers. Collect feedback from both workers and host countries to identify any shortcomings and make necessary adjustments to the strategies implemented.

It is important to work together with stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, recruitment agencies, and Migrant workers themselves, to create a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs and challenges faced by Uganda migrant workers leaving for work abroad.

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Bar Aviation offered investment license to boost operations

By
Simon Kabayo
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Minister Anite and Bar Aviation team.

State Minister for Privatisation and Investment, Evelyn Anite, has handed a Uganda Investment Authority-issued investment license to Bar Aviation, a strategic Ugandan-owned airline.

Bar Aviation, which operates from Kajjansi Airfield, mid-way between Kampala City and Entebbe International Airport, has invested $38.5 million dollars (Shs140 billion).

It operates over 20 aircraft (planes and helicopters) for tourist and passenger travel, runs training of aviators, and offers air ambulance service in Uganda and the region.

Bar Aviation employs 150 people, 99 percent of whom are Ugandans. The aviation school has trained over 300 aviators like pilots and aeronautic engineers who work for aviation operators like Uganda Airlines, Emirates, and Kenya Airways, amongst others.

While handing over UIA’s investment license, Minister Anite said she was proud that Bar Aviation, a Ugandan airline, had not only invested in the country but was offering efficient air services and employing Ugandans.

Minister Anite said with the investment license, Bar Aviation qualifies for incentives that should help boost its growth. She said UIA would guide the airline on the kind of investment incentives they can access in order to encourage them to invest even more in Uganda’s aviation sector.

The minister said: “Transportation is key in ease of doing business and today I am very excited to hand over the investment license to Bar Aviation. Thank you for creating 150 jobs for Ugandans. We promise to fix the challenges of infrastructure that you are facing like access roads to the highways”.

Minister Anite said the government would also expand the Kajjansi Airfield runway with the aim of making it help in decongesting Entebbe International Airport.

Bar Aviation’s Marketing Manager and Public Relations Officer, Dorothy Kagaba Byenkya, said they are currently training 52 Ugandan pilots.

Bar Aviation’s Marketing Manager and Public Relations Officer, Dorothy Kagaba Byenkya, said they are currently training 52 Ugandan pilots.

She however told the minister that despite all these strides, the industry needs robust government support to boost its potential.

Among these, she said, the Kajjansi Bweya road is very bumpy, constraining ease of travel to and from Kajjansi Airfield.

She also noted the short length and ‘dirt’ composition of the Kajjansi, whose runway makes it difficult for bigger aircraft to use the facility as an alternative route to Entebbe Airport in case of emergency but also to decongest Entebbe as the only international airport in Uganda.

“Government can look into developing Kajjansi Aerodrome into an entry and exit point and expanding the facility to act as an alternative aerodrome to Entebbe,” she said.

“We believe that addressing these challenges will increase the ease of access to air transportation but also paint a positive image on the country from investors/tourists and allow for surrounding local investment to grow.”

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