Karamoja State Minister Agnes Nandutu in the dock.
Karamoja Iron sheets: Arrest of state witnesses delays the trial of Minister NandutuKOLOLO-The arrest and subsequent remanding of state witnesses has delayed the trial of State Minister for Karamoja Agnes Nandutu. Nandutu is grappling with charges of dealing with Suspect Property following the diversion of Iron sheets meant for the Karachunas in the Karamoja Sub-region.
On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) nabbed six Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) officials for failure to account for Shs8 billion meant for pacification of Karamoja Sub- region. The six include; Masigazi Deogratious, Abaho Joshua, Asasira Barbara, Tonny Ameny Emmy, Peter Amodoi, and Samuel Ofungi.
Appearing before High Court judge Jane Kuo, Kajuga prosecution told court that investigations into the matter are complete however, proceedings can’t take place because witnesses are on remand. Prosecution avers that during the month of June 2022, Nandutu dealt with 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 marked Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) by receiving and holding them with reason to believe that they were acquired as a result of loss of property an offence under Section 10 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2000.
Last week, the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Kololo declined to halt corruption proceedings against her. Nandutu had petitioned the court seeking for interpretation of the law. She contended that the provisions of the law under section 21a (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 which she is being charged are vague and ambiguous.
THE Chair of the Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) Primates Council, the Most Rev. Laurent Mbanda, says the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, does not have any moral authority to criticise the Primate of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, for supporting the Anti-Homosexuality Law.
In his recent letter to Archbishop Mugalu, the Archbishop of Canterbury expressed “grief” and “sorrow” over the Church of Uganda’s support for the reinforced Anti-Homosexuality Law passed by the Parliament and Government of Uganda.
Archbishop Mbanda wonders how Archbishop Welby does not grieve over the disintegration of the global Anglican Communion adding that no wonder he, in the past issued similar statements criticising the positions of the Anglican Provinces of Kenya and Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, he did not express any grief or sorrow over the crisis that has torn apart the Anglican Communion under his watch nor the downward slide of the compromised Church of England (and the Canterbury Cathedral) which is his See,” Archbishop Mbanda says.
The Gafcon chair castigated the history of colonisation and patronising behaviour of some provinces in the Northern Hemisphere towards the South and Africa in particular saying it is not yet to an end.
He stressed that the Gafcon Council will continue strongly abiding by the commandments of God in which marriage is between man and woman.
“We commit ourselves strongly to obedience of the commandments of God as contained in the Holy Bible, one of which is marriage between man and woman as instituted by God from the beginning of the creation (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18, 21-15).”
Adding: “We hereby question the rights and legitimacy of the Archbishop of Canterbury to call the leadership of Gafcon to honour commitment to Lambeth Resolution I.10, when he has led his church to undermine the teaching of the church as expressly stated in the same resolution.
Archbishop Mbanda says it is contradictory and self-serving for the Archbishop of Canterbury to cite Resolution I.10 to defend practising homosexuals whereas very vital parts of the Resolution have been flagrantly and repeatedly violated by Canterbury and allied western revisionist churches.
He cites such parts of the Resolution as the teaching of Scripture upholds faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union, rejects homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture and the Lambeth cannot advise the legitimising or blessing of same sex unions nor ordaining those involved in same gender unions.
Archbishop Mbanda says rather than becoming a spokesperson and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Archbishop Welby, the Church of England and other revisionist Anglican Provinces in the West which have chosen the path of rebellion against God in matters of biblical authority should instead, show sorrow for sin and failure to follow the word of God, the primary source for Anglican theology and divine revelation.
He says the Archbishop and co-travelers should first protect Lambeth I.10 by repenting of their open disregard for the Word of God and harbouring sin, adding that no resolution can have more force than the Word of God which both Gafcon/GSFA stand to defend.
“In other words, they must take away the log in their eyes before attempting to help others. We, in Gafcon and GSFA had earlier declared unequivocally that we no longer recognise the Archbishop of Canterbury as the head, leader or spokesperson of the Anglican Communion. He has lost every power and authority to dictate to or advise other Primates and Provinces of the Communion who oversee 85% of the Global Communion,” Archbishop Mbanda emphasises.
He “reminds Archbishop Welby that Africa is no longer a colony of the ‘British Empire,’ and the Church of England has no jurisdiction over the Anglican Provinces on the continent of Africa. As such, he should stop meddling with the internal affairs of the Anglicans on the continent of Africa.”
The Primate says Gafcon stands together in their commitment to the Bible and the essence of the Christian faith adding that they will stand together with Christ and shall resist all attempts to pollute their faith.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV),” he concludes.
BPC, a Switzerland-based global digital payments company, has joined the Financial Technology Association of Uganda (FITSPA) marking their official entrance into the Ugandan market.
Speaking about the partnership on Thursday, June 15, 2023, Frank Molla, MD for sub-Saharan Africa at BPC, said their joining of FITSPA, symbolises the company’s commitment to foster innovation in Uganda’s financial services sector and a willingness to contribute further to the development of the nation’s fintech ecosystem.
He said FITSPA’s mission to create a safe and regulated fintech ecosystem aligns seamlessly with BPC’s commitment to delivering robust, reliable financial technologies.
“We are thrilled to join FITSPA in Uganda as this gives us the opportunity to show our dedication in supporting and contributing to the fintech ecosystem in Uganda,” said Molla.
“As we deepen our presence in this vibrant and evolving market, we aim to help bring about an inspiring future filled with expansive socio-economic growth and a thriving middle-income status,” he added.
Zianah Muddu, the engagement manager at FITSPA and Secretary General Africa Fintech Network, said the growth and relevance of the local Fintech industry can now be seen from attracting global operators.
She said the evolution of fintech has the potential to drive financial literacy, increase access to credit, improve business efficiencies, and stimulate economic activity, creating a more resilient and vibrant financial ecosystem in Uganda.
Fintech in Uganda presents a landscape filled with vast opportunities. With a rapidly growing population embracing digital transformation, there is a surge in demand for innovative financial solutions that can improve financial inclusion and socio-economic growth.
As the mobile and internet penetration rates rise, digital payments, mobile banking, and online financial services are becoming increasingly prevalent. The government’s supportive regulatory framework fosters a conducive environment for fintech innovation and entrepreneurship.
As a new Platinum Member of FITSPA, BPC is positioned to contribute meaningfully to these key areas of growth. By leveraging its comprehensive suite of digital payment solutions, BPC will continue to drive forward Uganda’s digital transformation, ensuring that businesses and consumers alike can enjoy the benefits of secure, efficient, and accessible financial services.
Founded in 1996 and with 350 customers across 100 countries globally, BPC collaborates with all ecosystem players ranging from tier-one banks to neobanks, Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to large processors, e-commerce giants to start-up merchants, and government bodies to local hail riding companies.
BPC’s SmartVista suite comprises banking, commerce, and mobility solutions including digital banking, ATM and switching, payments processing, card, and fraud management, financial inclusion, merchant portals, transport, and smart cities solutions.
KOLOLO-Government has set aside Shs22 billion to resolve medical interns, senior house officer’s grievances. The revelation was made by Matia Kasaija, the minister of Finance, Planning and economic development.
Recently, the Ministry of Health had declined to deploy medical interns for their one-year training, despite several demonstrations that have taken place since April. Dr. Diana Atwine said medical interns will be deployed if they can foot their bills.
While presenting the budget, Kasaija said the government in the next few weeks will resolve the plight of the medical interns and doctors designated as senior house officers in the view of the important role in supporting the health care system.
“Please intern calm down. We are coming to rescue you. In the meantime, I have provided Shs22 billion to clear out the standing areas for medical interns and a senior house officer for the financial year ending June,” he said.
Kasaija said access to health care by Ugandans remains a key priority. Consequently, 381 Health Center IIs have been upgraded to Health Center IIIs. In addition, 250 Health Center IIIs have been upgraded to Health Center IV and equipped, and are now functional, largely supported by the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program (UGIFT), which is co-funded by the World Bank.
Construction and equipping of 31 new Health Center IIIs in sub counties without any health facility is 90 percent complete. The health referral system has also been enhanced by fully functionalizing 143 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and five High Dependency Units (HDUs) in National and Regional Referral Hospitals across the country.
He said Mulago national referral hospital Uganda cancer institute will be operationalized to provide specialized care to all Ugandans and reduce Medical Referrals abroad.
“All the existing health center fours and health center trees will be facilitated to offer quality health care to all Ugandans. In this respect, health workers provision and management will be strengthened to reduce absenteeism. After the ongoing audit over the payroll the ban on health worker recruitment will be lifted,” he said.
CNOOC Uganda Limited and the contractors of the Kingfisher Oilfield Project, have donated Shs184.9 billion ($500,000) to the Entebbe Children Welfare School, an educational institution serving the vulnerable and disadvantaged children with different disabilities.
The donation includes a financial contribution that will aid in the improvement of the school’s infrastructural facilities and educational resources, ensuring that students have access to a conducive learning environment.
CNOOC Uganda Limited led the drive where contractors of the Kingfisher Oilfield donated a total of $500,000 in cash ($50,000 from China Construction, $150,000 from COOEC and CPECC, $150,000 from Daqing Oil Field Company and $150,000 from COSL).
Hu Weijie, the Vice President of CNOOC Uganda Limited said we believe in the transformative power of education. By investing in the Entebbe Children Welfare School, we aim to enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for students to excel academically.
“We are honored to collaborate with our contractors and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the vulnerable children who represent the future of Uganda,” said.
He said CNOOC and its contractors remain committed to fostering sustainable development in Uganda through responsible business practices and community engagement.
This donation to the Entebbe Children Welfare School aligns with their overarching mission to support local initiatives and uplift communities and thereby fulfilling its mission of oil for better life.
The Entebbe Municipal Council leadership, the Children Welfare School administration expressed their gratitude for the generous donation, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the institution and its students. The additional resources will be used to construct classrooms and staff housing.
The Electoral Commission in Bukedea district has declared the ruling party National Resistance Movement candidate, Mary Akol as the winner of the LC 5 By-election.
The Bukedea District returning officer, Joel Mugyenyi Mugerwa declared Akol the winner with 79,692 votes against her rivals Lokwiisk Tychicus Ebukalin of Independent who got 4,941 votes and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Sam Oita Odeke who came third with 2343 votes.
“Accordingly, as returning officer for Bukedea electoral district, I declare Mary Akol, who has obtained the largest number of votes, winner for Bukedea electoral district,” Mugerwa declared.
Akol Mary replaces Moses Olemukan who died on December 17, 2022.
Directors of Wellex Hardware Ltd – Jigar Chandarana and two (02) others are in trouble having been convicted by the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo for generating and selling fictitious invoices.
Wellex Hardware Ltd has been issuing false invoices with the intent to defraud.
Wellex Hardware Ltd deals in building equipment located in Bwaise kawempe division, along Bombo Road, Kampala
Uganda revenue Authority stated that the intelligence network is working round the clock to bring anyone suspected of committing such tax crimes to order
Joshua Abaho, one of the officials arrive at Anti-Corruption Court.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Geoffrey Sseremba is currently on run for failure to account for Shs8 billion meant for meant for pacification of Karamoja Sub- region.
Earlier today the Inspector General of Government (IGG) arrested six OPM officials over abuse of office. They were later charged before the Anti- corruption Court.
The six include; Masigazi Deogratious, Abaho Joshua, Asasira Barbara, Tonny Ameny Emmy, Peter Amodoi, and Samuel Ofungi.
The six join Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, the Minister of Karamoja Affairs; Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi; the State Minister in charge of Karamoja, Agnes Nadutu and Joshua Abaho, Kitutu’s personal assistant.
Appearing before Grade one magistrate Herbert Asiimwe and charged with embezzlement, abuse of office and causing financial loss. The six pleaded not guilty.
KAMPALA-President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that he has again tested positive for #Covid-19 for a 3rd time.
“It is now seven days since I tested corona positive on the 7th of June, 2023. As I told you yesterday, I do not feel sick and I only felt a slight feverishness on the 3 or so first days. Otherwise, I feel ready to move out of self- isolation. However, today, again, we carried out corona tests and I was still positive”.
Museveni said that although he remains positive, First Lady Janet Museveni tested negative. He also revealed that he has cancelled his trip Kiev for Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
“Fortunately, Maama Janet is still negative because we take precautions. Somebody on social – media and others who spoke to me on the phone, were saying that testing after 4 days or a week was too soon. We had to do it because we had pressure on the diplomatic front because the other six Presidents of Africa from the Comoros, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Congo- Brazzaville and Zambia are supposed to arrive in Poland tomorrow to take the train trip to Kiev to mediate in the Russia- Ukraine war”. The president said.
Museveni said that despite his unable to attend the peace initiative in Kiev, he has sent his Presidential Envoy for Special Duties, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda to represent him at event.
“I was supposed to have joined them tomorrow. I have now sent an official message that, on account of my continued corona status, I cannot join the group. Dr. Rugunda will represent us. He is already in Poland. From Poland, they will go to Russia to meet with the Russians. I wish the mission success” he said.
Museveni also pointed out that he will be able to address Parliament tomorrow for Budget Day but said he will be limited at speech as the inspection of parade will be carried out by Vice President.
“Since I am not travelling to Kiev and Russia, I will be able to address Parliament tomorrow at a distance of 300m on the budget Day. Otherwise, I had delegated the whole effort to VP Alupo. Now that I am not travelling, she will inspect the Parade for me, take the salute for the match past and I will make my brief remarks at the end of budget speech”.
Speaker of Ghanaian Parliament Alban S. K. Bagbin.
The Speaker of Parliament of Ghanaian Parliament Alban S. K. Bagbin, has indicated that he prefers to die than to see the legalization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) activities in Ghana.
“For you all to participate in it, count me out of Ghana because I will prefer to join my maker than to live. That is me I am a Catholic and I will not do anything that will end the world because God says the world is eternal until he comes back we cannot do that to end the world,” Bagbin swore.
Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, popularly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill is not entirely unconstitutional but faces challenges of implementation if the bill is passed by Parliament.
The bill, which is currently under review by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, seeks to provide for human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values while seeking to prohibit the activities of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, and queers in Ghana. A person found guilty could face up to 10 years imprisonment if the bill is passed.
“The Bill recognizes our family values, it accepts what we call normal and not abnormal and it protects those who by nature or whatever are caught and so we will pass the legislation that we believe will not offend the position of the 1992 Constitution.”
The Speaker of Parliament made this known during a press soirée in Tamale as part of Parliament of Ghana’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on the theme: “Thirty (30) years of Parliamentary Democracy Under the Fourth Republic; The Journey thus far”.
Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) human rights experts have called on the government of Ghana to reject a proposed anti-gay bill, saying the bill seeks to establish a system of state-sponsored discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
A statement from the UN office said the consideration of the bill by a country that is regarded as a champion of democracy in Africa, with an impressive record of achieving certain Millennium Development Goals by 2015, is quite worrying.
