President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday commissioned Uganda’s first-ever railway concrete sleeper Factory in Kawolo, Lugazi, Buikwe.

Museveni applauded the proprietors of the factory- Imathia Construction, headed by the company’s Chairman Mr. Julian Garcia Velverde for helping Uganda achieve part of its vision of building an economy that is integrated, independent, and self-sustaining.

“If you remember right from the beginning, point number five of the NRM program which we wrote long ago, we advised Ugandans and Africans in general to build an economy which is integrated, independent, and self-sustaining. This is part of the problem in Africa today; when you hear of all these endless crises in Africa, it is because of failing to get to that point,” President Museveni said.

“I want to thank the Spanish Group, Imathia for helping us, in this case in implementing part of this effort because Uganda needs the railway system which needs a number of things like sleepers and rails. Now, if they are all not made here what does it mean? It means that you must buy them from outside and if you buy them from outside, transport alone is too high, what will happen?” he added.

President Museveni further revealed that the government was in the final stages of developing Uganda’s own steel industry, an attribute that will help the country to start manufacturing rails, also used in the construction of railway lines.

“We also need the rails themselves for the Standard Gauge Railway. We may not do it immediately because the rails need very good steel but we shall also work on it because we are developing our steel industry in Kabale. We shall be able to produce that type of steel that is needed by the railway system, not only here in Uganda but also in other parts of East Africa.”

The chairman of Imathia Construction Mr. Julian Garcia Velverde commended the President, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the Board and Management of Uganda Railways Corporation for the wonderful hospitality and support they have given to them since making the decision to invest in Uganda.

“As you have seen during your tour of the Plant Sir, this railway concrete sleeper factory has a 90% local staff component. The young Ugandan men and women have learnt how to operate this plant and I am in no doubt that one day we shall be 100% Ugandan Operated,” he said.

“Your Excellency, the investment we have here has the capacity to supply sleepers for all the rehabilitation works the railway is undergoing, I wish to appeal to you and to the Honourable Minister of Works to consider utilising this new technology to Uganda and replace the current steel sleepers with these concrete sleepers.”

Mr. Garcia further informed the President that concrete sleepers are the most suitable technology in modern railways for meter gauge and also SGR railway option that is on the country’s transformational agenda.

“The concrete sleepers increase safety, increase comfort, speed as well as decrease the maintenance cost of the track and there’s less vandalism associated costs.”

Mr. Garcia also noted that Imathia was contracted to renovate the Kampala- Mukono line and he assured the President that they are working within schedule to complete the project.

The factory whose workforce is over 90 percent made of Ugandans, has a daily production of 208 concrete sleepers of meter gauge sleepers for the Refurbishment Kampala-Namanve-Mukono.

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The Director of Public Prosecution Justice Jane Frances Abodo has directed that all files with charges preferred under the Anti-Homosexuality Act first be submitted to the Headquarters for further guidance before the prosecution process is affected.

Her decision comes barely three weeks after the World Bank decision to suspend its financing to Uganda. The World Bank Group’s decision followed the government’s decision to enact the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023.  The World Bank said that the new law contradicts its moral values of eradicating poverty without discrimination.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) came into force on May30, 2023. The law the law aims at protecting traditional families by prohibiting sexual relationships between people of the same sex, strengthening that country’s capacity to deal with emerging threats to the traditional family, protecting the cherished culture of Uganda and protecting children and youth who are vulnerable to sexual abuse.

In her communication to all prosecutors, Abodo said it has come to the attention of her office that a number of charges of Homosexuality and Aggravated Homosexuality are being preferred by some officers without initializing some crucial aspects of the act.

“It is important to note that the law only criminalizes offences where a sexual act has been performed. The term “sexual act” is defined under Section one of the Act,” she said in a statement.

She noted that it is also important to note that Sections2 (5) and 3(5) of the Act provide that for the avoidance of doubt, a person who is alleged or suspected of being a homosexual, who has not committed a sexual act with another person of the same sex, does not commit the offence of homosexuality under this section.

“Officers are therefore advised to peruse files with offences under the law cautiously while taking into account the above-mentioned provisions. You are hereby directed to ensure that all files with charges preferred under the Act should first be submitted to Headquarters with a written legal opinion for further guidance before a decision to charge is made,” she stated.

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With an academic offer of more than 10,000 programs, presence in more than 150 countries, and a 100% online method, TECH Uganda aims to break the foundations of traditional education and enable the academic and professional development of thousands of students.

TECH Technological University has positioned itself as the world’s largest online university thanks to its wide range of degrees and innovative academic methods. With its arrival in Uganda, a new opportunity opens for all professionals, students, and people interested in getting a decisive competitive advantage in their career paths.

The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) estimates that the chances of getting a job with postgraduate studies are higher, this shows the importance of this type of degree in the labor market, since in many cases they are decisive when choosing a candidate or getting a promotion. For this reason, TECH has burst into the university academic scene guaranteeing 99% employability to all its graduates based on technological innovation and advanced teaching methodologies.

“The chances of having a job increase if you have a postgraduate study. TECH offers accessible, modern higher education adapted to all professional profiles.”

Technological University aims to offer accessible higher education that makes a difference in its students’ career progress. With more than 10,000 university degrees, available in more than 10 different languages, there are programs ranging from Health Sciences to Communication or Education, through faculties such as Business, Computer Science, Design, Education, and even Video Games.

It covers a wide range of academic offerings, tailored to the individual needs of its own students. Among others, there are bachelor’s degrees, official master’s degrees, and Grand Master’s degrees for those seeking a broad improvement of their competencies, while the University Experts and University Courses offer an exhaustive development of more specific areas of knowledge.

The professors in charge also guarantee the quality of each lesson, as there are more than 5,000 professional experts in their areas of knowledge. Professors, department heads and leading academics make up a multidisciplinary faculty, which brings to the programs a unique practical perspective for each subject covered.

Educational elite within everyone’s reach

The purpose set by Technological University is to be able to offer an elite education for everyone. The Financial Times recognized it as one of the 200 fastest growing companies in Europe and Forbes considers it “The best digital university in the world”.

Such is the recognition that TECH has positioned itself as the Official Online University of the NBA (National Basketball Association), with many exclusive academic programs focused on the health, athletic and business sides of the sport. This is an exceptional opportunity for people looking to specialize in the sports sector, with educational resources of the highest level.

“Forbes recognizes TECH as <<The best digital university in the world>>, becoming one of the 200 fastest growing European companies according to the Financial Times.”

The high percentage of employability is one of the most important motivations for students to enter TECH, as 99% of graduates find employment in less than a year, which proves the importance of advanced and complete studies in today’s competitive job market.

Innovative teaching method

Over the years, TECH has perfected its work method, based on Relearning, which handles reiterating the key contents of each syllabus, summarized by the experts who created them. The student can review these contents as many times as they wish, which results in a more organic assimilation of the keys and relevant techniques of each program.

This means that students do not have to spend excessive hours of study time or take on a heavy teaching load when undertaking their degrees. In addition, a high percentage of the content of each program is offered in a multimedia format, resulting in much more visual and direct learning.

Based on Miller’s competency model, TECH includes in each program many simulated cases, practical examples and real-life situations. This ensures that the student not only integrates the knowledge gained, but also knows how to apply it in their field of action.

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The Electoral Commission has concluded the nomination of candidates for Local Government Councils by-elections in Hoima District.

The nomination exercise commenced on Wednesday 30th August and closed today Thursday 31st August 2023, at Kitoba Sub-County headquarters, Hoima District, and was presided over by the Hoima District Returning Officer, Ms. Merab Kasande.

Five (5) candidates were duly nominated to contest for the position of Chairperson, Hoima District. The candidates are: Patrick Musinguzi sponsored by Forum for Democratic Change (FDC); Mugisha Uthman Mubarak sponsored by National Resistance Movement (NRM); Muhumuza Vincent Savanah (Independent), Aguuda Moses sponsored by National Unity Platform (NUP) and Mugume Lennox (Independent).

Irumba Silvest (NRM) and Tumusiime Arafat Bun Ali (NRM) were declared elected unopposed for the position of Sub County Male Councillor representing Older Persons for Kabaale Sub County and Councillor for Katereiga Parish, Buhanika Sub County respectively.

The nominated candidates will conduct campaign meetings for a period of twelve (12) days, from Friday 1st September to Tuesday 12th September 2023.

Polling for the by-election of the District Chairperson will be conducted on Thursday 14th September 2023, at all polling stations in Hoima District.

The District Chairperson seat for Hoima District fell vacant following the death of the former Chairperson, Kadiri Kirungi on 17th March 2023.

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The Migrant workers voice organization has expressed its dismay over the government’s decision to revive labour export to Jordan without involving all stakeholders.

Last week, the Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi set stringent conditions towards the resumption of labour externalisation to Jordan.

In 2019, Uganda suspended the deployment of Ugandans to Jordan due to refusal and failure to pay salary on time, denial of adequate and appropriate food, sleeping facilities and absence of shelters for domestic workers.

Others included; time off, appropriate care during extreme weather, allegations of verbal, physical and sexual abuse, confiscation of travel documents, working in multiple houses, confinement in houses, forceful renewal of contracts which leads to overstays and others.

Kayonde Abdallah, the president of migrant worker’s voice said they deeply worry about the protection of rights of Ugandans deployed in Jordan in the current external labour recruitment status quo when instances of mistreatment raise questions about monitoring systems and accountability for recruitment agencies and employers.

He claimed that there is need for transparency and accountability in any proposed changes to the recruitment process. Uganda migrant workers deployed in Jordan are untraceable and therefore you cannot just let business continue.

“There is no support and assistance for Ugandan migrant workers who face difficulties or mistreatment in Jordan and the absence of a consulate in Jordan and the need for a robust system to aid workers facing challenges, including those resulting from constructive dismissal. You cannot rely on Saudi Arabia’s embassy in giving job orders when it has failed to manage migrant workers within its jurisdiction,” he said.

He said without involving all other stakeholders including concerned government agencies, recruitment representatives and workers, labour export to Jordan remains at a threat and the minister will expose Ugandans without any fallback position as they are left in Saudi Arabia.

They urged that minister to first advocate for measures that prioritize the well-being and protection of Ugandan migrant workers before revamping business with Jordan and highlight the importance of addressing their social, psychological, and financial needs, as well as ensuring they receive fair treatment and due process in case of alleged criminality.

“The minister has to consider the need for collaboration between relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, recruitment agencies, employers, migrant workers and civil society organizations to highlight the importance of working together to develop and implement effective protection mechanisms and support systems for migrant workers,” he said.

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Roofings Group, a market leader in the manufacturing of Steel and Plastic construction materials in Uganda donated building materials towards the construction of the recently launched SD Cancer Palliative Care center in Jinja City. The care centre is an initiative by the Sisters of the Destitute Charitable Trust.

The centre aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with Cancer in advanced stages and experiencing significant physical, emotional, and psychological distress. The center, housing up to 40 terminally ill patients, is the first care in Uganda to provide free services to terminally ill cancer patients.

Isaac Aropet, the Roofings Group Corporate Social Investments Coordinator says that Roofings firmly believes in the ubuntu philosophy, ‘I am Because We Are’. ‘Uplifting communities is rooted in DNA of Roofings… It’s an honour to be part of an initiative that will provide solace to those facing difficult circumstances.’

Local authorities in Jinja City lauded Roofings Group and other donors for supporting this initiative. They emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in creating sustainable, impactful healthcare solutions. They noted that this initiative sets an inspiring example for other companies to actively participate in community development.

According to Edwin Abaasa, the Roofings Group Brand Manager, collaborations between companies and charitable initiatives are indeed a testament to the positive impact that businesses can have on local communities and society at large.

Edwin calls upon everyone, from individuals to organisations, to join hands in supporting the care centre which support will include food, medical supplies, clothing, doctors, nurses and so much more.

It’s heartening to see organizations like Roofings taking proactive steps to make a difference in the lives of people who require specialized care and assistance.”

Roofings Group has several projects aimed at uplifting communities.

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