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Australian national charged to court for rape and human trafficking

By
Francisco Adongo
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SCP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson.

The Sexual and Gender Based Violent Department of CID headquarters, in coordination with the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), have charged to court a foreign national with rape and trafficking in persons.

The suspect, identified as Jones Robert Williams, is an Australian, and Managing Director of Jinja Marine supplies Co. Ltd, who was arraigned in Jinja Chief Magistrates Court for rape and trafficking in persons.

SCP Enanga Fred Police Spokesperson said, “As you are all aware Human Trafficking and Sexual abuse are disgraceful and unacceptable crimes in society. The suspect in this case is a foreign national, who took advantage of his female workers, and conditioned them into having sexual intercourse with him, failure of which, he would threaten to sack them.

Enanga also revealed that he had group sex with the female victims and also instructed them to perform sexual acts, using sex toys, as he recorded them on videos. Several videos were recovered and exhibited. The pornographic content that was created was shared on specialized websites at a cost.

“We urge anyone with information about potential Human Trafficking offences in their area to contact the police, so that further enquiries can be carried out. We need the public to work with us, if we are to identify and help vulnerable individuals from being exploited,” Enanga cautioned.

However, the police and ODPP will continue to investigate and vigorously prosecute human traffickers and sexual predators, in order to bring justice to victims.

“We will continue to pursue those who abuse, manipulate and exploit vulnerable persons for personal gain. This case is a testament of our Joint dedicated efforts and commitment to working together, to eradicate these deplorable crimes from our community,” Enanga said.

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LOP Mpuuga challenges gov’t over several bomb warnings

By
Simon Kabayo
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LoP Mpuuga.

The Leader of Opposition (LOP), Mathias Mpuuga has castigated the government for refusing to update the nation on the security situation in the country, following several bomb scares, wondering why the Speaker has to plead to cabinet for updates on such sensitive matters.

Over the weekend security agents foiled a suspected terror attack at Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral, in Kampala reportedly recovered some bomb-making devices in other localities.

“I would expect that the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Internal Affairs to be sensitive and even move ahead of the Speaker to come and make a statement on such a sensitive national matter. It speaks a lot about the people managing our security in our country that Parliament, which is the voice of the people, doesn’t deserve to know and ask particular legitimate questions,” Mpuuga said.

“We demand that the Minister in charge of Security appears and explain what is happening. What should we tell our voters, that somehow the Speaker is demanding & you don’t care. You are the Executive, we are Parliament, are you sleeping on duty? What have they come to do, beyond securing the nation, why are you here, to tell us what? I believe they are cheating us and taking the house for granted,” Mpuuga said.

Rukia Nakadama, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister rejected claims that the government is sleeping on the job for failing to update Parliament on terror threats in the country, saying President Museveni has not yet authorized the Minister of Security to issue such a statement.

“I want to assure this house that the Executive is not sleeping on the job, if it was doing so, you would not have known what is happening in the countryside. Because it is because of the work that the Executive and Security is doing, you were informed of what is happening and what has been done. On matters concerning security it is supposed to be the President to guarantee the security minister to come and brief and I understand he is aware and the Cabinet was briefed,” Nakadama said.

Nakadama also warned MPs against rising publically complaining about the limited human resource and equipment at their district Police stations, saying such a move exposes vulnerability of their areas, thus setting their districts up for attacks by terrorists.

“Security issues are not supposed to be public, you are alerting people how vulnerable you are, since they are security issues you need to be vigilant and not expose your weak points,” Nakadama cautioned.

However, Speaker Anita Among asked Deputy Prime Minister Nakadama not to defend the undefendable saying Parliament is not interested in details on how the bombs are being detonated, but rather how the nation should live amidst the bomb scares.

“We will not continue listening to Enanga alone, because for me I learnt from Enanga, let the Minister come and give a report and tell us how to live, we need to be guided as a country,”

Among also commended police for the swift response on suspected terror and urged the general public to remain vigilant and always work with security.

 “I commend the security for their swift response and urge the general public to remain vigilant and always collaborate with security,” Among applauded.

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UNRA clears buses to use Katonga Bridge

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has finally cleared 69-seater buses going to and from western Uganda to use the temporary bridge erected over River Katonga.

Since May 2023 when floods washed away the bridge, it has been closed to bigger motor vehicles including buses and trailers.

In a statement, UNRA revealed that buses had been cleared to use the bridge, following an assessment of its integrity.

“Following the continuous technical monitoring and recent assessment conducted for the old existing bridge at Katonga, it has been established that the bridge can withstand loading up to 30 tonnes,” UNRA announced.

“As a result, the existing bridge has now been opened to all buses in addition to the light vehicles that were earlier permitted to use the section under the precautionary measures that are to be implemented immediately by the Contractor (China Communications Construction Company Ltd) during this time.”

UNRA further advised all permitted traffic to follow the signage in place and all the traffic guidelines established at a safe approach distance to the bridge.

Larger vehicles over the past three months have been using the diversion route through Butambala, Gomba, Sembabule, and Kalungu to connect to Masaka.

Initially, the plan was to build a steel bridge over Katonga that could support all vehicles in a period of two months; as the government embarks on construction of a larger elevated bridge.

However, the works on the steel bridge are reported to have stalled after the government failed to agree with the contractor on the cost.

UNRA said yesterday that the steel bridge construction works are ongoing and that completion will enable full restoration of traffic at Katonga section before permanent works can commence.

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UPDF officer killed in fatal accident

By
Our Reporter
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Uganda Peoples defence Forces-UPDF officer attached to the Airforce, Corporal Busoke Martine, has tragically lost his life in a severe road accident that occurred in Kitubulu, Katabi town council, Wakiso district.
Traffic police reported he was speeding on a slippery road after a morning downpour. They advise caution on the Entebbe Expressway and the stretch after the Mpala exit toll.
Details to follow…

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Housing Finance Bank earns a certificate of acceptance to sustainability standards and certification initiative in a bid to drive it’s affordable home ownershipmandate

By
Our Reporter
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Housing Finance Bank (HFB) proudly announces the receipt of the Certificate of Acceptance to the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI) during the 10th Global Sustainable Finance Conference recently held in Karlsruhe, Germany. This recognition underscores HFB’s steadfast dedication to sustainability, responsible business practices and alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals and national development agenda.

The journey towards becoming a sustainability-certified bank began earlier this year, with HFB proactively subjecting its Environmental, Social, and Governance practices to a rigorous benchmarking process and comprehensive evaluation with the overall aim of providing sustainable financing to enable home ownership across all segments of the population, including low-income earners and aspiring first-time owners, at a time when Uganda’s housing deficit estimated at 2.4 million houses, and growing at a rate of 200,000 housing units per annum. 

The Certificate of Acceptance was received by Board Chairperson David G. Opiokello on behalf of the Bank in a delegation he led, which comprised the Managing Director, Micheal Mugabi, and other executive team members. The delegation was joined by esteemed dignitaries, including Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Kuteesa, The Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe, Dr. Frank Mentrup, Mr. Arshad Rab, CEO of the European Organization for Sustainable Development, and the Chairman of the International Council of Sustainability Standards.

David G. Opiokello, Board Chairperson, HFB expressed his enthusiasm for the recognition, stating, “At Housing Finance Bank, our vision for a sustainable future goes beyond words; it is a tangible commitment that we have engrained within our new strategic plan to shape our solutions to customers and stakeholder activities at large. This recognition solidifies our unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable financial independence and transforming homeownership dreams into reality for our fellow Ugandans while being resolute in ensuring a better future for generations to come.”

Micheal Mugabi, HFB Managing Director and a driving force behind the Bank’s sustainability initiatives, also shared his thoughts on the accomplishment. “This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable future for our customers, employees, and communities in a process that started earlier this year. Sustainability is at the core of our business strategy, and we firmly believe that responsible banking is not only vital for the well-being of our society but also crucial for the long-term success of our institution. This recognition encourages us to continue leading the way in sustainable finance, innovate for a greener tomorrow, and empower Ugandans with the tools and solutions they need to achieve their housing and financial goals.”

As Housing Finance Bank continues its journey towards a more sustainable future, it remains steadfast in fostering positive change and contributing to the betterment of Ugandan society by encouraging the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and resilient economy and aiding social inclusion.

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UPDF soldiers in Equatorial Guinea continue to protect president against raging coups in W. Africa

By
Our Reporter
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Lt.-Col.-Wycliff-Keita who has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier.

The Ugandan troops in the western African country of Equatorial Guinea have given the President Teodoro Obiang Nguema confidence and protection against the surging Coups in West Africa. 

About 700 soldiers have been deployed in the West African country to train and mentor the weak national army which was about 1,500 personnel when the UPDF deployed there in 2017.

Military coups in the region-Mali 2020 and 2021, Guinea Bissau in 2021, Burkinafaso in 2022 and recently Niger and Gabon in 2023 have created fear in the region especially those countries formerly colonised by France.

President Nguema, who assumed power in 1979 after overthrowing his uncle Fransico Macia Nguema, the country’s first president, is being guarded by Ugandan troops drawn from different UPDF units.

” The UPDF has been mentoring their troops and think soon they will be able to stand on their own,” said a UPDF source

The Equatorial Guinea, a former Portuguese colony and like Gabon is being ruled by one family. The Vice president is Nguema’s son. 

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Uganda’s Inflation Rate declines to 3.5% in August 2023

By
Simon Kabayo
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Uganda Shilling

The annual inflation rate in Uganda, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, for the 12 months to August 2023 has been registered at 3.5% compared to 3.9% in July 2023, according to the latest data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.

The slowdown in inflation in August was attributed to the Annual Core Inflation, which slowed down to 3.3% in August 2023, compared to July 2023. The Inflation drop was further attributed to other goods, services, Rice, and maize flour whose annual inflation that dropped.

In addition, Annual Energy, Fuel, and Utilities Inflation also slowed to -2.7% from the -1.6% recorded in July 2023. A fall in inflation boosts effective demand since people can afford to purchase goods, and this in turn supports economic growth.

On average, there has been a reduction in inflation since October 2022, when it was at 10.7%. It gradually reduced to 10.6% (November), and 10.2% (December), and slightly picked up in January at 10.4% before reducing to 9.0% in March. In April inflation was further reduced to 8%, and currently stands at around 3.5%.

Ideally, reduced inflation should imply that there’s a stable investment environment as it reduces uncertainty and inflationary expectations. Investors are more likely to make long-term investment decisions when they can confidently predict future costs and returns.

This stability encourages both domestic and foreign investment, leading to economic development.

Ideally, a drop-in inflation allows disposable income which enhances aggregate demand, the driver of economic activity, increased consumer confidence, and lower interest on loans among others. However, a key concern is the fact that inflation has been going down yet the cost of living continues to be high. Several factors explain this issue;

Supply and Demand Dynamics: Inflation is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand dynamics. While inflation may be dropping overall, specific sectors or goods may be experiencing higher demand or facing supply constraints, leading to increased prices. This can affect the cost of living for specific services, even if inflation, in general, is declining.

 Imported Inflation: Uganda relies on imports for many goods and services. Changes in exchange rates, global commodity prices, or trade policies can influence the cost of imported goods, which may not be fully reflected in overall inflation figures. Thus, the cost of living for imported items can remain high even if inflation is decreasing domestically.

Wage Growth: The cost of living can also be influenced by wage growth. If wages are not keeping pace with inflation or are growing at a slower rate, it can result in a higher cost of living for individuals and households.

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Tycoon Sudhir wins lifetime tourism achiever award

By
Francisco Adongo
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Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.

City tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia has been awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding charitable efforts to conserve wildlife and the environment.

The award was presented to Sudhir Ruparelia by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) in recognition for his charitable contributions to the trust and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

This was at the Trust’s 25th Anniversary Celebration held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo and attended by global icon, Dr. Jane Goodall, an English anthropologist and primatologist who founded the Jane Goodall Institute. The Trust and Sanctuary were both co-founded by the Institute.

While receiving the award,Sudhir Ruparelia said, “We at the Ruparelia Group and I personally are grateful to have been accorded a chance to be part of 23 of these 25 years of the Ngamba Island and pledge to continue being lifelong partners in this noble cause.”

Uganda’s Sudhir is supporting many charitable causes and empowering communities

“We hold the Chimpanzee Sanctuary project in the highest regard. It is a crucial part of the Ruparelia Foundation’s environmental and wildlife conservation pillar, which was established in 2012 by my wife Jyostna Ruparelia and me.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the Trust for granting us the chance to join you as Partners in Wildlife Welfare. We also wish you a long life of happiness and success. I also want to congratulate the Jane Goodall Institute and the creators of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), commonly known as the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, for their more than 25 years as partners in the welfare of Uganda’s wildlife,” he added.

Sudhir through his foundation has been supporting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary for over a 25-year period.

The group started working with the trust in 1999 barely two years after it was set up in 1997. The Ruparelias have since named one of the chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Ruparelia after the group and adopted it for life.

Since that time, Sudhir and I have had the honor of making an annual donation to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in order to provide “Ruparelia” (the chimpanzee) and all other rescued chimpanzees with a safe home to live as well as the food, medical attention, and affection they require.

The Ruparelia Group, one of Uganda’s largest business conglomerates with investments in financial services, real estate, education services, hospitality, agriculture, and media and broadcasting.

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US dollar rise, oil production cuts have hiked fuel prices- Energy Ministry

By
Simon Kabayo
-

Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has revealed that the hike in fuel prices is being caused by the rise in the US dollar and the production cuts by oil producing countries.

Apparently a litre of petrol goes for between Shs5,100 and Shs5,430, while diesel, which had reached Shs4,600 at some stations, is now between Shs4,999 and Shs5,200.

According to the Ministry of Energy information officer Solomon Muyita, Uganda’s hands are tired in such a situation since we are importers of fuel and not producers.

“There are a number of factors causing the hike in fuel prices we are experiencing right now, one of them being the exchange rate; the dollar has gone up. The oil producers also scaled down on production as they wanted to balance their markets,” Muyita revealed.

“Uganda is a net importer of petroleum products. All the petroleum products we use in this country are from other countries until 2025 when we expect to have our own oil from the ground,” he added.

Oil producing companies under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have now resumed their strategy of reducing oil supply on the market amid what they call a decline in oil prices as global economies begin to recover from #Covid-19.

In May 2023, several OPEC members announced 1.2 million b/d in collective cuts while Saudi Arabia cut an extra 1 million b/d in July, which has been extended through September.

Russia has also announced plans to cut oil exports by 300,000 barrels per day in September.

The Uganda Shilling has been sliding against the US dollar. On Monday morning, the shilling traded at 3714.96 against the US dollar. The GB pound opened at 4686.79 and sold at 4686.40.

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BAT Uganda tasks gov’t to fight illicit trade

By
Simon Kabayo
-

BAT Uganda has called upon the government to ramp up efforts to curb illicit trade, which it says is impacting the sustainability of its business. In its unaudited half year 2023 results announced today, the company posted a 4% decline in gross revenue to Shs48.6 billion. Profit after tax reduced by 2% to Shs3.8 billion reflecting the lower revenue, partly offset by a decrease in cost of operations.

Operational costs reduced by 4% to Shs18.7 billion, in line with the drop-in sales volume and an inflationary increase in input costs.

BAT Uganda Managing Director, Mathu Kiunjuri remarked: “Our business continues to be impacted by general macro-economic volatility and rising inflation, which is mounting pressure on consumer purchasing power. This is exacerbated by a high prevalence of illicit trade in tax-evaded cigarettes, estimated at 29% as at the end of 2022 (Source: 3rd party research).”

“While our business remains resilient, the impact of illicit trade cannot be overstated. For the first half of 2023, our contribution to the exchequer declined by 4% to Shs27.2 billion due to reduced sales. It is estimated that illicit trade in cigarettes denies the government approximately Shs30 billion annually and threatens the livelihoods of legitimate Ugandan businesses and their value chains. Third party research indicates that the most prevalent illicit cigarette products are those without the required tax stamps or have fake tax stamps and or have absent or altered graphic health warnings on their packaging. Additionally, we have noted the unlawful sale of flavoured cigarettes, especially those smuggled from neighbouring countries and further afield.”

“We acknowledge efforts by the government to fight illicit trade, including seizure of illicit cigarettes and public education on tax compliance by the Uganda Revenue Authority. However, given the dire situation, it is critical that the government doubles its efforts for a meaningful and lasting impact. This includes ramping up multi-stakeholder and cross-border collaboration to ensure full implementation of the Tobacco Control Act, 2015, and the Tax Procedure (Tax Stamps) Regulations, 2018, which contain measures to address illicit trade.”

BAT Uganda chairman, Elly Karuhanga said: “This year we are proud to mark 95 years of operations in Uganda. Over the years, we have made sustained contributions to the socio-economic development of the country, including supporting the livelihoods of over 30,000 Ugandans in our value chain, delivering sustained value to approximately 1,200 local (East African) shareholders and contributing to domestic tax revenue.”

“As we work to build a future-fit business, BAT is on a transformation journey anchored on our purpose to build A Better Tomorrow by reducing the health impact of our business. This is underpinned by our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities: driving excellence in environmental management, delivering a positive social impact and ensuring robust corporate governance across the business. As we navigate this transformation, we will continue to contribute transparently to national dialogue to advocate for sustainable fiscal and regulatory frameworks.”

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