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U.S Embassy updates travel advisory for Uganda over anti-LGBTQI+ law, crime and terrorism

By
Simon Kabayo
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KAMPALA-The United States Embassy in Kampala has updated its travel advisory for Uganda to reflect on recently enacted anti-LGBTQI+ legislation, crime and terrorism.

The U.S Embassy has urged its citizens to reconsider their travels to Uganda as there remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and throughout the region and although they did not target the foreign citizens and anyone can be a victim.

“Terrorist attacks occurred in several villages in western Uganda in December 2022 and there were multiple bombings in and around Kampala in 2021. While the attacks did not appear to target foreign nationals, anyone can be a victim. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings,” U.S Embassy stated.

The Embassy added that violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, presents a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda and can occur at any time, especially in larger cities, including Kampala and Entebbe, in the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders and local police may lack appropriate resources to respond effectively to serious crime in most areas.

The U.S Embassy said that the May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law, and may be subject to mandatory reporting to the police if they are suspected of committing or intending to commit acts in violation of the law, and could face harassment or attacks by vigilantes.

“Supporters of the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons (including those of youth under the age of 18) could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences,” Embassy added in statement.

The Embassy cautioned the United States citizens not to not leave food and drinks unattended in public, especially in local clubs, not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry and be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, to carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and secure originals in your hotel safe and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate them in an emergency.

U.S citizens are further urged to be mindful that any public identification with the LGBTQI+ community, as either a member or supporter, could be grounds for prosecution and those even private consensual same-sex relations are illegal.

The Anti-Homosexuality law in Uganda includes penalties up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and capital punishment for crimes of “aggravated homosexuality” (such as serial offenders). Youths under the age of 18 could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences. LGBTQI+ persons, including youth, may be subject to forced conversion therapy.

“Forced conversion therapy is a dangerous and discredited practice that causes significant harm, including high rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among LGBTQI+ youth,” U.S Embassy said.

But government has assured the population and the international community that there are no specific targets on LGBTQI+ people as alleged by their promoters as the act seeks to protect family values and the African traditions of the people of Uganda.

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Sudan conflict is another proxy war between America and Russia

By
Guest Writer
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Writer of the article David Matsanga.

I will not get tired of saying the truth. I was born during the day and the Sun is my light. I stand for Africa which has true light. The war in Sudan is a PROXY WAR.

I am glad that the Pan African message of defending Africa has taken a new root. Africa is waking up. More and more Africans are beginning to see what I predicted would happen.

I was encouraged by the new vision and the frankness of H E President Dr.William Ruto at IGAD summit on the  Imbalances in the United Nations Security Council. I thank President Dr. William Ruto of Kenya for the candid message to the world on important African matters.

Fellow Africans unfortunately the African Union (AU) has remained confused and divided on number of issues and on most conflicts in Africa. There is no tough voice coming from African leaders in the Africa Union as the AUC has been captured by external forces. Now I am not alone.

It brings me to the current fighting in Sudan which is symptomatic of a new age of conflict in which wars last longer—fueled by regional power politics and jostling for hegemonic power between the West and Russia in the light of its control of the Red Sea routes and bases.

The dynamics at play in Sudan’s crisis mirror those of many wars over the past decade that have ushered in a new era of instability and strife, in Syria, Angola, Yemen, Libya and Somalia in the recent past.

The root causes of these conflicts lie in the hegemonic masculinity of two main global superpowers in their struggles to shake off decades and to carve out their interests in the Sahel, which is a strategic region between Africa, Europe .and the Middle East.

Sudan’s story is all too familiar to many in the past, one which could soon mutate into a proxy free-for-all. The AU has watched the war extend to a sharper conflict with USA trying piece meal pieces of 24hr ceasefires. The most recent one ended few days ago and bombs started falling on Khartoum again.

Up to this juncture, it’s no secret that what is going on in Sudan is a serious proxy war that has more implications than we know. The godfathers of the war are just across the Red Sea. They decide on how and when they can end it.

Is it not a matter of fact that the Russian mercenary company- Wagner Group is working with the Rapid Support Forces and supplying training, firepower, and logistics whilst the Sudanese Army has the support of the West, particularly through their allies on the ground like Chad?

This trend of proxy war should make the rest of Africa nothing but worried, like any other vulnerable country in Africa, Sudan is just one playground where turf wars are taking place.

To assume that the conflict between Russia and the West is localized is a very costly assumption and it might get even more costly because nobody can tell exactly where the next playground will be in Africa?

Right now, the international powers seem to be sanctimonious and hellbent in asking for obnoxious ceasefires, but do they really mean what they say? Are they trying to send more arms to one side?

I believe it is one thing to call for ceasefire in the Sudanese armed bloody conflict and it’s another thing to achieve it. Longtime ceasefires are got from real stake holders not from remote control operators far away to the conflict.

Africans know where this conflict began, anything else is just a decoy. When Omar Al-Bashir was President of Sudan, Russia and Sudan signed agreements for Gold mining concessions and for Russia to build a huge Naval base at Sudan’s largest Red sea port. This started in 2013 and was finalized in 2020.

In 2019 the Pro-Democracy protests sponsored by the CIA broke out in Sudan which led to the ousting of President Omar Al-Bashir and in August the same year a transitional civilian government was put in place but it unfortunately lasted for only few months.

In 2021 the civilian government was overthrown in a military coup which led to the formation of a military government with the Sudanese Army General Mohammad Al-Burhan as President and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of (RSF) Rapid Support Force as Vice President.

The RSF paramilitary was formed in 2013 by former President Omar Al-Bashir and was heavily supported by the Russian Wagner paramilitary group.

Last year in September 2022 John Godfrey the first USA Ambassador to Sudan in 25 years warned the Sudanese Military government against rekindling the Sudanese agreements with the Russian government as they would be consequences for doing so.

The military government somehow complied with the USA directives. As a result, discussions of returning the government to a civilian democratic governance system commenced.

The first move proposed in the reconstruction of Sudanese Democratic Governance System was to reintegrate the (RSF) into the Sudanese Army within two years.

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) refused that proposal and counter proposed a ten years period. This is what has since ignited this civil war in Sudan.

The reason General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo is so adamant is because he knows he has a huge military backing from the brutal Russian Wagner Paramilitary group which already has its presence in several North African countries.

As I hit the homestretch and down my pen, the daylight truth is that the current conflict in Sudan is actually a proxy war between USA and Russia. Both global superpowers have huge interests in Sudan and this is the root cause of this conflict, it has got nothing to do with the rivalry of the two generals nor the Sudanese people.

As things stand, if there is no agreement of ceasefire reached as soon as possible this war may escalate into a chaotic regional civil war and its spillover to the already precarious neighbors of Sudan will terribly destabilize the continent of Africa.

Thanks.

13.06.2023 London

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Uganda sends contingent to participate in EAC Command Post Exercise to Rwanda

By
Francisco Adongo
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The Chief of Training and Recruitment, Brigadier Matthew Gureme has flagged off the Ugandan contingent that will participate in the East African Community (EAC) Command Post Exercise (CPX) “Ushirikiano Imara 2023”, at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.

The Command Post Exercise “Ushirikiano Imara 2023” will be conducted in Musanze in the Republic of Rwanda.

Brig. Gureme said that the objective of this exercise is to get forces to practice on duties and responsibilities of a mission headquarter. He noted that such missions ensure and check that Uganda’s systems, practices and kits are interoperable with our other partner states.

 “It is through these exercises that militaries learn to integrate so that we are not left behind in economy and commerce. As you know, defence plays a big role towards our commercial success,” said Brig. Gureme as he called upon the participants to cooperate with other sister countries.

Colonel Stuart Agaba, the Head of the Delegation urged the participants to be observant of key concepts that characterize the operation environment. He said these concepts ensure that the operating environment is connected, chattered, congested, constrained and contested in order to prevail over as they execute their roles.

The exercise will bring together the military, police and civilian components from the seven East African Community (EAC) member states of the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Uganda, the Republic of South Sudan the Republic of Rwanda as the host nation and the United Republic of Tanzania.

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PM Nabbanja, Gen Saleh pay tribute Kato Lubwama

By
Geoffery Serugo
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RIP Kato Lubwama.

KAMPALA-Prime Minister Robinna Nabbanja and the Coordinator of Operation of Wealth Creation (OWC) Gen. Salim Saleh have mourned the demise of the former Rubaga South MP Kato Lubwama.

The talented Ugandan actor, singer, comedian and playwright succumbed to a heart attack at Stana Medical Center in Bunamwaya last week.

“I extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the late Kato Lubwama. He was a talented artist who made a significant contribution to the development of the creative industry in our country,” Nabanja condoled.

She said in recognition of his contribution to the entertainment industry, in 2017 on heroes’ day, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni awarded him with a medal.

He had constructive ideas and brought life to the 10th Parliament through his remarkable sense of humor. He was a celebrated actor who has left a mark on the entertainment industry.

Speaking at the National Theatre at De winton Street this evening, Nabanja described Kato Lubwama as an intelligent man, one of the great actor who understood and was a content creator. “What he didn’t know, he labored to ask. He appreciated those that knew”.

“Simplicity was another hallmark of Kato Lubwama’s approach to the public. He believed in cutting through the complexities and ensuring that the essence of the issues at hand where understood by all. He made it simple for everyone to understand,” he said.

He said the deceased’s courage was evident in his unwavering dedication to championing the rights of the marginalized. He fearlessly tackled issues that many would shy away from, speaking out against injustices and advocating for positive change.

Kampala Central legislator Muhammad Nsereko revealed that on two occasions, President Yoweri Museveni footed medical bills at Medpal and Medicana Hospital, Konya in Turkey.

Nsereko said Gen Saleh contributed Shs50 million towards the send-off.

In a condolence message delivered by Maj. Herbert Ndiwarana, Gen. Saleh said the passing on of Kato Lubwama is a great loss to the country, especially at this time when “we are trying to revive the art and creativity industry”.

“At the time of his death, he was in Parliament developing a script crypt for a film dubbed Ceasefire. His legacy will continue to shine. He will be remembered for his style of debate in the parliament and his mobilization skills without any inclining on political grounds,” he said.

Lubwama rose to the limelight in the 1990s as the founder of the Diamonds Ensemble, a theater company credited with reviving the art form in Uganda.

He later joined the radio. He is well known for his humor and creativity in the Kalisoliso show on CBS FM where he formed a successful partnership with fellow actors Abby Mukiibi and Patrick Mujuka.

In 2016, Lubwama joined politics and was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Rubaga South constituency. He replaced Ken Lukyamuzi who had been in parliament for almost 20 years.

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Minister Nankabirwa hands over resettlement houses to Tilenga Project-affected persons

By
Geoffery Serugo
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The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa has handed over 105 resettlement houses and titles and agricultural equipment to the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Buliisa.

The people were displaced during the identification of land for the construction of the Tilenga Oil Project facilities and associated infrastructure in Bulisa District.

The houses are part of the planned 205 houses to be built. The structures are located on parcels of land chosen by the affected persons and have been designed to last for at least 25 years. The completion and handover of the remaining 100 houses are planned for the end of August 2023.

Tilenga is one of the two upstream oil projects in Lake Albert. The Tilenga is a project, operated by Total, and the Kingfisher project under CNOOC. They are expected to deliver a combined production of 230,000 barrels per day at the plateau.

The upstream partners are Total (56.67%), CNOOC (28.33%) and UNOC (15%). The crude oil will be transported from the oilfields in Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania via EACOP cross-border pipeline, with Total, Uganda, Tanzania and CNOOC as shareholders.

“We promised to implement Uganda’s oil and gas projects while safeguarding the environment and transforming the lives of our people. We shall sustainably exploit Uganda’s natural resources for social and economic transformation. I hope the world is watching what is happening here,” she said.

TotalEnergies EP Uganda through its Agricultural Support Services program has handed over post-harvest handling equipment to 20 Farmer Groups and Associations established among Project Affected Persons.

The equipment includes Cassava chippers, silos, milling plants and drying racks among others and is aimed at supporting farmers to access and utilize good agronomical practices to improve their household income levels I urge the farmer groups to use these optimally.

Total Energies EP commemorated 10yrs of the local scholarship program that has benefitted over 270 students from the districts of Buliisa, Nwoya, Pakwach, Masindi and Nebbi. The beneficiaries are supported in O’level and A-level education in the top schools in the country.

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Ex-MP Munyagwa granted bail

By
Francisco Adongo
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Munyagwa

WAKISO-Former Kamwepe South MP, Mubarak Munyagwa has been granted Shs1 million cash bail. Munyagwa was released by Kajjansi Chief Magistrate, Doreen Karungi.

Munyagwa and four other people include; Paddy Kabuye, Isa Sekitoleko, Joweria Nakafero and Godfrey Buwembe were last week charged and remanded to Luzira prison over a land dispute.

They are facing four counts that include Criminal Trespass, Malicious Damage to Property and Conspiracy to commit a felony. They have denied the charges and investigations in this case are still ongoing.

Today, the five appeared before Chief Magistrate Doreen Olga Karungi for a bail application and ordered the former legislator and his four co-accused persons to each first deposit a cash bail of one million shillings before leaving prison. The matter has been adjourned to July 7,2023.

Prosecution led by Charlotte Kwikiriza between May 26, 2023, and June 3, 2023, in Mutungo Cell, Wakiso District, Munyagwa and his co-accused unlawfully entered land owned by Dechomai Asset Trust Number Three LCC, a Ugandan company owned by an American, with the intent to annoy the company.

They are also accused of willfully and unlawfully destroying cassava valued at Shs5 million, which belonged to Janan Opio.

All the accused individuals have denied the charges brought against them. Munyagwa maintained his innocence and suggests that political motives may be behind the accusations, asserting that he purchased the disputed land for Shs1.2 billion and paid in installments.

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Amama Mbabazi undergoes back ailment in London

By
Simon Kabayo
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Former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi has undergone back ailment treatment at undisclosed hospital in London.

However, his revelation came on the backdrop of allegations that the former NRM strongman could have suffered a stroke.

“It is not true that I got a stroke. I had a back ailment which was fixed and I have actually in the last week or so been involved in fairly heavy diplomatic work,” Amama confirmed.

“To all those that have sent me get well soon messages, I thank you for your encouragement, sympathy and love,” he added.

The 74-year-old has appeared in a struggling health state in a video which went viral on social media as he endured the pain as he labored to walk from a hotel.

He was supported by the nearby staff members, as he gritted his teeth painfully and groaned as he slopped downstairs at the hotel.

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Rev Lydia Kitayimbwa installed as new Makerere St. Francis Chapel Chaplain

By
Geoffery Serugo
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The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu on Sunday June 11,2023, installed Reverend Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa as the new Chaplain of St Francis Chapel, Makerere University.

The chaplain’s installation liturgy at St. Francis Chapel Makerere was under the theme, “Commissioned to Shepherd.”

The Archbishop commended the newly installed Chaplain for her efforts in transforming digital evangelism in the Church of Uganda.

The Archbishop applauded Rev. Kitayimbwa for starting the Online Church of Uganda Ministry to the world. She apparently did this during the #Covid-19 pandemic, when churches were closed.

“During the #Covid-19 pandemic, when churches were closed, Rev Lydia Kitayimbwa began the Online Church of Uganda which ministers virtually to the whole world. The church will never be the same again after #Covid-19. We now have congregations on Facebook, Zoom, YouTube, Twitter and many other platforms. We must utilize them fully to preach the good news of Jesus Christ”, Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu noted.

He also re-echoed the COU’s firm stand against same-sex marriages. Furthermore, he advised Christians to defend biblical values, especially on family.

“Church of Uganda is committed to keeping biblical values. We are now focusing on building an autonomous Church because we cannot kill our values because of money. That is why corruption should be stopped so that we can share the little we have,” The Archbishop said.

He further said that the church is focused on empowering women in Evangelical Ministry. This includes strategic positioning due to their flexibility, zeal and determination to preach the gospel.

Rev. Kitayimbwa made history by becoming the first female Chaplain of the 81-year-old Chapel. On top of that, she is the twelfth chaplain since the inception of the chapel.

Rev Kitayimbwa noted that her focus will be on mission and evangelism through developing and training mission teams. These will be sent into the communities both in Makerere University and beyond Uganda.

Late 2022, the Reverend attained her PhD in Practical Theology from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Her thesis was on “Communicating the gospel in a digital age: A case study of the dioceses of Kampala and Namirembe in the Anglican Church of Uganda,” pledged to transform the Church’s digital evangelism.

“We shall use technology and media in the propagation of the gospel, strengthen St Francis online and ICT ministry to increase our reach to wider communities through the use of multimedia in the communication of the gospel,” She said.

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The police officer held over killing of Ronnie Mukasa

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Ronnie Mukisa

KAMPALA-Police are holding four suspects implicated in the gun down of city paralegal Ronnie Mukisa. The revelation was made by Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga.

Mukisa was killed last month at Kitiko Birongo, Ndejje Division, Makindye Sebagabo, Wakiso District. Mukisa, a 45-year was working at IBC Advocates located in Namanda Plaza, Kampala as a clerk.

The suspects include; Robert Karedou Irama, his wife Brenda Cathy Nalwoga , CPL Max Geoffrey Anyuse , a UPDF deserter and self-appointed bodyguard to Karedou, and SP Vincent Irama, a police officer attached to KMP North.

Enanga said the suspects are being detained at different locations.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson, the preliminary information indicates that Mukisa would often return home late. However, on the night of the incident, he arrived at the apartment parking lot at approximately 11:00 PM.

After parking his dark blue Subaru Legacy with registration number UBJ 006K, Mukisa proceeded to close the gate. It was during his return to the apartment that neighbors heard gunshots, prompting them to investigate the commotion.

“Statements from eye witnesses have indicated that an unidentified individual was seen shooting at Mukisa before briefly withdrawing, only to return and shoot him at close range multiple times in the head. The assailant quickly fled the scene and escaped on a waiting motorcycle, the direction of which remains unknown,” he said.

He said Kajjansi Police Station took immediate action upon receiving the report of the incident. A team was dispatched to the scene, followed by the introduction of canines to aid in the investigation. Despite their efforts, the scent was lost along the way. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of four projectiles and cartridges.

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Museveni calls for unity and development in Bunyoro

By
Simon Kabayo
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PM-Nabanja

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has called upon Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and all its subjects to discourage forces of disunity for socio-economic development.

In his speech read by Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja at the 29th coronation ceremony of Omukama (King) Dr Solomon Gafaabusa Iguru on Sunday in Hoima city, Museveni urged Ugandans to embrace government programmes like Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM) to foster development.

He said the programmes are aimed at eradicating poverty amongst Ugandans.

 “The government has put in place many programs like PDM and Emyooga to eradicate poverty but this cannot be achieved when there is no peace in the country,” he said.

The 29-year-journey of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom restoration is commendable for the transformation of lives by the NRM government that has seen many schools and hospitals for example constructed in collaboration with the kingdom.

“The government restored cultural leaders so that they can work together in harmony once handled well,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity.

Museveni also urged the BKK leaders and the people of Bunyoro to fight the foreign and unwanted behaviours of homosexuality.

The president contributed Shs50 million towards the 2023 Empango commemoration while the Nabanja contributed Shs10 million cash from her purse.

In his speech on behalf of the Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, the Okwiri (Chief Prince), Eng Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, congratulated the current Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom administration for promoting a good relationship with the central government.

He also said homosexuality was unwelcome to the kingdom saying it was also condemned by the forefathers as an unacceptable vice.

The Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Mr Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga Ateenyi, said they are determined to promote peace, unity and hard work through supporting government programmes for the development of the people of Bunyoro.

Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr Matia Kasaija, appreciated the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom administration for organising such a function that restores the subjects’ confidence into the kingdom, hence, promoting unity.

He tipped Banyoro, especially the youth, to focus on coffee farming pledging that the government is ready to support value addition for development.

Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and also Minister for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, congratulated the Omukama and the people of Bunyoro upon the commemoration saying that as a Musoga, she traces her ancestors from Bunyoro land.

The Attorney General of Buganda Kingdom, Godfrey Sserunkuma Lule, the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Mr Steven Kiyingi are some other high-profile dignitaries that attended the ceremony.

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