At least two pilgrims have died in a fatal accident along Kampala- Masaka highway. Their death was confirmed by Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokespersons.

The deceased have been identified as Oliva Nabakooza and Specioa Nambi from Makondo Parish in Masaka Diocese. The bodies of the deceased were respectfully taken to Mulago City Mortuary for postmortem examinations.

The unfortunate and tragic incident occurred earlier today at St. Lawrence Nakati along the Kampala- Masaka highway, involving a UAL 881Z Isuzu bus belonging to Perfect Company.

The incident transpired at approximately 3:00 AM. It is alleged that the driver of the UAL 881Z Isuzu bus, while traveling from the Nsangi direction on a slope, lost control of the vehicle, veering from his lane and tragically colliding with the two pilgrims who were on their way to participate in the forthcoming Martyrs Day celebrations scheduled for 3rd June 2023 in Namugongo.

The bus remains at the scene, awaiting assistance from a professional breakdown service to facilitate its removal, and inquiries are underway to ascertain the full details and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“The loss of Oliva Nabakooza and Specioza Nambi is a heartbreaking blow, particularly as they were on their way to join thousands of fellow faithful in commemorating the Martyrs Day celebrations, a significant event in the calendar of our beloved country. Their untimely demise is a profound loss not only for their families and loved ones but also for the wider community,” Owoyesigyire said.

He said “Kampala Metropolitan Police Traffic Department extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of Nabakooza and Nambi and assures them that every effort will be made to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. We will work tirelessly to uncover the facts, determine the cause, and ensure that justice is served”.

He said police further urges all road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. “We also appeal to the public to support and offer solace to the affected families during this incredibly challenging time,” he said.

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Jumia, an online marketplace is set to mark 11th year anniversary in Uganda. The announcement was made during a special event to celebrate Jumia Uganda’s milestone held at its Warehouse in Ntinda Industrial Area.
In celebration of Jumia’s in Uganda, dfcu Bank has been announced as the Platinum Sponsor of the 2023 Jumia Anniversary Sale which will run from June 5th to July 2nd, 2023.
Vinod Goel, CEO of Jumia Uganda, expressed excitement about celebrating 11 years with the Company’s customers, partners, staff, and associates.
We are thrilled to celebrate 11 years in Uganda with our customers, partners, staff and associates and as is tradition, we will have amazing offers across all categories like phones, TVs, appliances, fashion and more.”
For 30 days, customers will enjoy a discount of up to 10% on all purchases made using dfcu Visa Debit or Credit Cards. The discount will be in addition to up to 60% in discounts on products that will be offered by Jumia.
Eng. Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo, Executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, commended Jumia for pioneering and championing innovations that have disrupted the traditional e-commerce model in Uganda.
She highlighted the ripple effect it has had on the market, presenting numerous opportunities for Business-to-Business and Business-to-Customer interactions due to the elimination of physical limitations in its business model.
Jude Kansiime, dfcu’s Head of Marketing said “Our partnership with Jumia started last year, and it’s still going strong because we recognize the immense benefits that our customers reap from it. For the Jumia Anniversary Sale, dfcu customers will enjoy an additional 10% discount from us, in addition to the Jumia discount, allowing them to enjoy up to 70% off while shopping on Jumia,” noted Kansiime.
He further emphasized dfcu Bank’s commitment to enhancing convenience, particularly in the digital realm. “dfcu is a Bank that is dedicated to creating digital solutions which empower our customers and also ease the way they live and do business. With this partnership, we’re strengthening our commitment because we know our customers will enjoy the convenience of online shopping and the added bonus of massive discounts.”

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The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) has partnered with UNESCO to implement the UNESCO-Aschberg Project and the Open Digital Roadmap which aims at improving the status of Artists in Uganda.

The two projects which have been running since February are being implemented within the frameworks of UNESCO’s internationally-renowned statutes and programmes on culture, notably the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

According to Naumo Juliana Akoryo, Commissioner for Culture and Family Affairs at the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, the projects are aimed at strengthening the process of data collection and analysis to provide evidence through comprehensive digital archives and studies on the status of the artists.

“The projects will ensure a new law is documented through consultations with a number of Government Agencies and Artists and raise awareness of Government Policy makers and other stakeholders on the status of the artists through five regional dialogues and National Dialogues,” she said.

It will also build the Capacity of 10 Government Agencies in Cultural programming through Policy briefs to inform provision of measures in their annual plans, programs and projects.

She said in Uganda, however, unfavourable regulatory frameworks; limited skills amongst practitioners and limited access to the global market among a host of other challenges have long prevented the local sector from realising its full potential.

Rosie Agoi, the Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO said many artists find themselves falling out of the profession and therefore this particular project comes to address the culture of professionals, particularly women, vulnerable in the face of economic disparities. These projects will no doubt boost the sector.   

“The sector needs to be boosted because it takes time to put ideas together even if the frameworks are provided. It takes human resources, it takes financial resources to be able to do some good bankable sellable projects. So, if we do this, the opportunities are there,” she said.

The project activities will include; development of principles for the new Law, capacity building workshops for film practitioners, Community Screenings for Promotion of Local Content digital platform, regional Stakeholders Consultations and capacity building for MDAs.

The ministry will work with two Ugandan culture industry experts Amos Tindyebwa, a cultural policy analyst, and Polly Kamukama, a film lecturer at Makerere University to deliver on the two projects. 

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THE African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding has visited soldiers who were injured in the recent attack on Buulo Mareer Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Lower Shabelle region.

According to a statement released by ATMIS, an unrevealed number of injured soldiers were admitted at Level two hospital in Mogadishu.

“Lt. Gen. Okiding commended the soldiers for their bravery in fighting off Al-Shabaab militants and wished them quick recovery. The soldiers are recovering at ATMIS Level Two Hospital in Mogadishu. General Okiding also extended his message of condolence to relatives and friends of those who died during the attack,” ATMIS said in a statement.

Last week, FOB in Buulo Mareer, approximately 120-km southwest of Mogadishu in Lower Shabelle region was attacked by Al-Shabaab militants using Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and suicide bombers.

Fighting between the terrorists and soldiers ensued. Reinforcements from ATMIS’ Aviation Unit and allies managed to destroy weapons in possession of the withdrawing Al-Shabaab militants.

Unknown number of soldiers are reported to have been killed however the attackers claimed to have killed 130 soldiers.

Following the attack, ATMIS re-assured the public and all other entities in the country that everything was being done to bring the situation under control.

“The mission remains committed in its fight against terrorism and will continue working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal Member States and other international partners in securing Somalia against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups,” ATMIS said.

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THE Director of Strategic Communications Col Paddy Ankunda has handed over to Lt Col Edson Kwesiga, the former Spokesperson of Special Forces Command.

Col Ankunda, who is also the former UPDF spokesperson, is going for National Defence College at Bwikwe district.

“I handed over the office of Director Strategic Communications today in order to prepare for National Defense College, Uganda, where I will be for the next one year. What a privilege it has been to serve under Maj Gen Birungi, the Chief of Military Intelligence,” he said in a tweet.

The second lot to attend a one-year course at NDC starts this week after the pioneer one completed early this year.

Lt Col Kwesiga who had been under SFC now moves to CMI where he will be guiding the military intelligence in strategic communication.

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