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Uganda inaugurates first-ever National Forensic Sciences University

By
Simon Kabayo
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Uganda has inaugurated the first-ever National Forensic Sciences University (India – Africa Campus) in Africa.

The ceremony was graced by the Third Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Nakadama Rukia on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre (URDCC) Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja .

Speaking to distinguished guests at the function, Nakadama and Woman MP for Mayuge District commended the Government of India for helping Uganda establish the NFSU – Uganda Campus.

She said that the act demonstrates the excellent diplomatic relationship between India and Uganda, and will create forensic and allied experts that manage complex security situations.

Nakadama pledged government support to the NFSU to meet its expectations and further enhance the existing cordial bilateral relations.

“This is the first NFSU branch that India has built outside their country,” remarked Nakadama.

She further said that the Uganda Government has already secured 130 acres of land with a 99-year-old lease for the construction of the permanent NFSU – Uganda campus.

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyan Jaishankar praised the robust relationship between India and Uganda, saying it reflects the vision and leadership in both countries.

Hon. Jaishankar also noted that the first foreign campus for the NFSU of India will mark a significant milestone in furthering bilateral defence cooperation between India and Uganda.

He observed that courses in forensic science are in high demand world over for the past few years.

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja recognized the strategic vision between President Museveni and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in building modern and efficient economies based on science and technology to spur social-economic transformation.

He said that both Uganda and India need a shared peace, adding that the University will facilitate technological transfer and enhance defence capabilities to address emerging threats.

“The investigative capacities of our legal experts will be greatly enhanced with this university,” he concluded.

Speaking at the same ceremony on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Deputy CDF Lt Gen Peter Elwelu commended President Museveni for his earlier guidance on building the workability of the tripartite doctrine; where any assistance must seek to build internal capability, as evidenced by the day’s security-related scientific education at URDCC.

Lt Gen Elwelu noted that the coming of the NFSU will have a positive bearing on the national security architecture since it will plug the gap of the acute shortage of forensic experts both in Uganda and Africa, bust crime more easily and in a scientific way, aid more research in forensic science crime management and add on the already existing curriculum.

“By building capacity and capability enhancement, UPDF is becoming more of a highly productive force,” said Lt Gen Elwelu, adding that UPDF shall remain focused on providing conditions for investment in Uganda and beyond.

The D/CDF also remarked that the management of contemporary security challenges calls for science and technology.

“The spirit of science and technology has taken over man,” he said.

The D/CDF further noted that the most serious threat to man is science, not conventional wars and crimes, thus necessitating the adoption of science and technology to safeguard our human life and security.

At the same ceremony, a plaque was declared and signed by the Hon Dr. Jaishankar for a satellite survey program and mapping agreed upon between the Government of Uganda and the Government of India.

The NFSU will provide specialized training in forensics (use scientific methods and techniques to investigate crime), cyber security, and digital forensics, behavioral and allied sciences.

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Minister Goretti Kitutu denied bail over unsubstantial sureties

By
Simon Kabayo
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Minister Kitutu breaks down upon court refusal to grant her bail.

The Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo has denied the Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu Kimono bail on grounds of unsubstantial sureties.

Last week, the Minister was remanded to Luzira Prison by the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of causing loss of public property, corruption, and conspiracy to defraud the government.

According to state prosecution, Kitutu is accused of allegedly diverting iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people in Karamoja to her own benefit and to the benefit of third parties, having reason to believe that such an act would result in the loss of public property.

On count two of the same charge of causing loss of public property, the minister is accused of causing the loss of 5,500 iron sheets.

Under the charge of conspiracy to defraud, the DPP contends that the minister and Mr Abaho, between June 2022 and January 2023, allegedly conspired to defraud beneficiaries under the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme of 9,000 pre-painted iron sheets.

Kitutu’s brother is accused of receiving stolen property. The charge sheet says he received 100 pre-coated iron sheets from OPM, having reason to believe the same to have been feloniously obtained.

If convicted of the charges, Kitutu could spend at least 10 years in prison.

Yesterday President Museveni weighed in onto the issue of iron sheets for the disadvantaged communities in Karamoja saying all those ministers and legislators implicated should return them and be prosecuted as well.

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Sacked staff is blackmailing URA on corruption- Commissioner General

By
Geoffery Serugo
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John Musinguzi Rujokyi, URa Commissioner General

The Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi Rujokyi has said the allegations of corruption at the tax body are the work of former staff members who are trying to blackmail the company.

The Inspectorate General of Government (IGG) is conducting a wide-ranging investigation into allegations of unstrained corruption, gross abuse of office and tax evasion at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where it is said the country may have lost hundreds of billions of shillings.

According to Musinguzi, in the last three years, 63 staff members have lost their jobs and three have been prosecuted for corruption-related crimes, and it is some of these that could be blackmailing the company.

“The allegations in the media are unfair and manipulative being fueled by some wrong elements that have been sacked and are now trying to use their influence to blackmail the institution. The fight against corruption is at the heart of URA’s daily operations and is unstoppable,” Musinguzi said.

“As we serve our country, we are instituting several internal anti-corruption measures to maintain our integrity. We are on a mission to mobilize enough revenues for our nation’s development, and we will not be diverted. I urge the public to wait for the IGG’s conclusive report on the ongoing investigations,” he added.

The IGG is investigating allegations of “blatant alteration and concealment of records by URA officials to facilitate tax evasion; non-collection of taxes worth hundreds of billions; undue and reckless waivers of tax liabilities; gross misappropriation of informer rewards scheme cash; and connivance in management of tax disputes leading to revenue loss.

In the last financial year, the URA fell short of its Shs22.8 trillion revenue collection target by more than Shs700 billion, according to the Auditor General’s (AG) 2021/2022 report.

The tax body has over the years been derided for reportedly being a hotbed of corruption, with President Museveni describing it as a “den of thieves”.

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Police cracks down criminal gang attacking schools

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga

Police Flying Squad Unit has cracked down an organized criminal gang that had specialized in attacks on schools. 12 cases of attacks were registered between February 9, and March 27, 2023.

As a result, 26 suspects have since been arrested, including a Kenyan National called Yusuf Babu who is the overall commander of a criminal gang that operates in small clusters of 3-7, and are deployed and evacuated on motorcycles and motor vehicles.

Fred Enanga, Police spokesperson said four notorious suspects who include; Yusuf Babu (the group commander), Ssetenda Emma, Mayengo Paul Musinguzi aka Mulefu and Reagan Mawejje, admitted to having participated in the attack and robberies at UMEA Primary School in Kyebando – Nansana, Bodoko Primary School at Kayunga in Wakiso and Kyadondo Islamic Secondary School, Matugga. During their attack at Kyadondo Islamic Secondary School, on September, 2, 2023, they killed an askari, called Solomon Mujumbi and critically injured John Asingya John, before robbing Shs111,000,000 (One hundred eleven million shillings).

The group was also behind the attack and robbery at St. Joseph’s Junior Seminary, Nswanjere, where they stole the communion cup (ciborium) and robbed Shs1.400.000, two laptops and mobile phones from the priests.

The task teams have so far recovered three motor vehicles used to facilitate their criminal operations. Other exhibits include; an HP printer, three laptop bags, black face masks, several house breaking implements etc.

“We have now clocked 14 days without any new attacks on schools. The recoveries and arrests demonstrate our resolve to disrupt and dismantle rackets behind attacks on schools. We also thank all members of the task team, who participated in the operation and all persons who volunteered information that led to the arrests and recoveries,” Enanga noted.

He added, “As we conclude; we urge all school administrators and proprietors to periodically review and upgrade their security and safety measures.”

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Uganda to pay Shs800b to acquire UMEME majority shares

By
Simon Kabayo
-

Government is set to pay Shs802.17 billion ($215 million) to acquire majority shares in UMEME, the country’s main electricity distribution company.

This comes at a time when Umeme’s 20-year contract is scheduled to end in 2025.

The development came to light on Tuesday during a meeting between Parliament’s Committee of Environment and Natural Resources and officials from the Ministry of Energy officials led by, Irene Bateebe the Permanent Secretary.

Bateebe said that Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) requires $158 million, approximately Shs589.5 billion to enable it to invest in the distribution system over the next three years.

This is meant to reduce the final Umeme buyout amount to $7.1 million when the concession ends. Bateebe said that as of December 2022, the buyout price was at $215 million.

 “On an ongoing basis, Umeme is investing, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority- ERA has a recovery mechanism where they recover part of this investment from the tariff. The Umeme concession and the asset remained on the books of UEDCL and the agreement provides for an option where UEDCL can come in and invest today,” she said.

Bateebe said that if they attract concessional funding through UEDCL, the government can invest and gradually reduce Umemes’ investment.

She added that the figure of the final buyout could either decrease or increase based on the Auditor General’s investigations.

 Members of Parliament have called on the Ministry of Energy to take action and ensure a steady energy supply for Ugandans during and after UMEME’s exit.

The committee noted that UMEME was failing to replace damaged transformers and poles due to its impending exit in 2025 and MPs raised concern over the possibility of widespread blackouts and power outages.

Polycarp Ogwari, the Agule County MP, asked the Committee Chairperson to ensure that the Ministry of Energy addresses the issue since the exit is still far away.

Dr. Emmanuel Otala, the Committee Chairperson expressed the need for the Ministry of Energy to take action and ensure that Umeme’s exit does not affect the electricity supply.

He tasked the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Peter Lokeris with the responsibility of finding a solution and providing clear information about who will take over after Umeme.

Eddie Kwizera, the Bukimbiri County MP tasked the ministry to provide their strategy for handling the Umeme exit.

“When you indicate the $63 million, yet we know that the company is absent on the ground; like in Kisoro, we don’t have them and when there is no power, there is no personnel, we need to know that there is the capacity for them to use the money,” he said.

Bateebe said UEDCL which will replace Umeme needs a capitalization of $64 million to build its capacity.

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Health Ministry to re-launch free mosquito net distribution campaign

By
Simon Kabayo
-

Ministry of Health is set to re-launch the Mosquito Net Distribution campaign to reduce chances of Ugandans contracting Malaria.

The free mosquito net distribution campaign will be launched during the World Malaria Day celebrations on April 25, 2023 in Bugiri District.

Under the campaign, the ministry targets to have all citizens sleep under a mosquito net every night to prevent malaria

According to the Ministry of Health, sleeping under a mosquito net can reduce one’s chances of contracting Malaria by 60%.

In 2020, Uganda’s ministry of health completed an eight-month nationwide distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in a renewed fight against malaria.

A total of 27.5 million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets were distributed in the campaign, dubbed “Under the net campaign,”

Emmanuel Ainebyoona, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said, the ministry prioritized distribution of mosquito nets as a key intervention for malaria control and prevention every 3 years for people to get their nets replaced.

“We have had some districts recording a high number of Malaria cases so we want to ensure that their nets get replaced and strengthen awareness on how to use nets and other aspects of Malaria prevention. We shall be launching the campaign officially so people need to keep following the media for when the campaign will be in their districts.” Ainebyoona said.

The nets distribution campaigns have contributed to the reduction of malaria in the country, with the national malaria prevalence dropping to 9 percent in 2019 compared to 17 percent in 2014/2015, according to the ministry.

According to the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) study, over the past 20 years, the scale-up of Malaria control efforts has led to marked reductions in mortality and morbidity. An estimated 663 million cases were averted by malaria control interventions, nearly 70% of these were attributed to use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets between 2000 and 2015.

However, global progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa which accounted for 94% of the world’s 219 million cases in 2019. In Uganda, malaria accounts for 30-50% of outpatient visits at health facilities. 15- 20% of all hospital admissions and up to 20% of all hospital deaths and 27.2% of inpatient deaths among children under five years of age.

Long-lasting insecticide treated nets are the ones recommended by the World Health Organisation to reduce malaria transmission and prevent malaria in high risk communities. Since 2013, the government of Uganda has conducted 3 mass mosquito net distribution campaigns to achieve universal coverage and reduce inequality in ownership of nets between the poor and wealthy households, with the most recent mass campaign conducted in 2020/2021.

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Expedition to collect mosquitoes in Uganda

By
Guest Writer
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Aedes aegypti; adult female mosquito taking a blood meal on human skin

By Dr. Martin Lukindu
Malaria represents a heavy economic and health burden for communities across Uganda, with 90% of its population at risk, and an average of $500 million annual economic loss due to the disease.
The work we do at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in partnership with Imperial College London and the University of Notre Dame is aimed at addressing this challenge.


The three partner institutions are involved in a mosquito collection activity called “Close Kin Mark Recapture” (CKMR) to study dynamics and behaviour of the primary malaria transmitting mosquito Anopheles gambiae. CKMR is a technique used to estimate, among others, the population size and migration potential of organisms within their habitats.
This technique molecularly identifies closely related individual specimens (parent-offspring or half-siblings) among the field collected samples upon which the traits of interest can be estimated. In this study, mosquitoes are collected from a selected village by the field entomology team and taken to the laboratory at Uganda Virus Research Institute where they are further examined to establish their genetic background.


The mosquitoes captured in the field are used to estimate the population; survival rate, age-specific mortality rates, and dispersal range of these mosquitoes in the village. Developing a better understanding of these factors has a crucial role to play in assessing the potential of future vector control tools, like gene drive approaches.


The field entomology team captured as many adult mosquitoes as possible using various methods over a period of 14-21 days. The UVRI team set out in October 2021 to Jaana Island, Lake Victoria for three weeks to examine the population traits of malaria vector Anopheles gambiae using the CKMR approach. Prior to the field excursion, the communities had been engaged by the Stakeholder Engagement team at UVRI not only to seek a written consent but also for the community to appreciate the importance CKMR in achieving the goal of reducing the burden of malaria in Uganda.


The expedition was successful, and a total of 733 adult Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes were collected indoors from the three villages which inhabit Jaana island (Lwazzi, Kiku and Nalukandudde). Mosquito collections were carried out daily (early in the morning) using an aspiration method (prokopack). An average of 50 houses were sampled daily for the duration of the field excursion. The samples were then morphologically identified and preserved in individual tubes before being transported to UVRI for further analysis. In collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, the collected specimens will be molecularly analysed to estimate the various population traits that are the subject for this study.


Dr. Martin Lukindu
Postdoctoral Researcher, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) Target Malaria Uganda

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Works Ministry to start registration of vehicles in July

By
Simon Kabayo
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URA and Works Ministry officials

The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) is set to handle all vehicle registration functions with effect from July 1, 2023. This move is the final stage in the transition of Vehicle registration from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to MoWT that commenced three years ago.

The transition was managed in phases, with the first phase including post-registration services such as; Change of ownership, alterations, deregistration, duplicate plates and registration books successfully done. However, phase 2, including the first registration processing, was left with URA until MoWT was ready with a new Motor Vehicle Registration System (MVRS).

In a recent meeting between the Commissioner General of URA, John Musinguzi, and officials from the Ministry, it was revealed that the Ministry would be ready with the new Motor Vehicle Registration System (MVRS) beginning of the next financial year hence the move. To implement this, URA will hand over first-time registration and registration & licensing of foreign registered vehicles (temporary imports in TEVIES).

The new registration system will also capture vehicles coming into the country before the declaration in Asycuda. However, URA shall remain with the management of the revenue processes, thus continuing to collect the related Non-Tax Revenue from the MVRS.
Additionally, MoWT will take over the integrations with the motor vehicle database that URA has provided to various MDAs, including the Insurance Regulatory Authority, Uganda Police and Uganda Registration Services Bureau.

The move also aligns with the Government’s implementation and operationalisation of an Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS). This system requires the issuance of new digital plates to enable tracking of vehicles and motorcycles to combat crime facilitated by the use of vehicles. The system is to be provided by Joint Stock Company-Global Security.

To implement the system in the next financial year, MoWT issued regulations; requiring car owners to apply for replacing the old plates with digital plates with tracking devices, new number series for each vehicle category and new number series for each vehicle category for each Government agency.

A centralized vehicle register will be provided, and sensors will be inbuilt into the registration plates.

URA has welcomed the move; with the spokesperson Ibrahim Bbossa saying that having all aspects of motor vehicle registration offered by one agency will improve service delivery to Ugandans. He also called it a testament to the success of a project that started three years ago with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

“It comes at a time when we are streamlining services as URA by leveraging on technology to simplify processes and user experience hence offering better service delivery to our clients; for us, that is a win,” he said.

Bbossa added that car owners would be informed of the changes as part of URA’s Taxpayer education programs before implementation.

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Accidents claim over 35 people during Easter Season

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
YY bus company registered 3rd fatal accident in two weeks.

At least 37 people died in road accidents during Easter Season.

The revelation was made by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Faridah Nmapiima.

According to Nampiima, a total number of 76 crashes occurred on our roads; 28 of those were fatal, 40 were serious and 8 were minor. The total number of victims is 113, among which 37 died and 76 sustained serious injuries.

“All the crashes that occurred during the Easter season have a different cause. We have careless overtaking where we registered 4 fatal crashes, 8 serious, and 2 minor, making a total of 14 crashes,” she said.

She said when it comes to overspending, police registered 11 fatal crashes, 14 serious, and four minor, making a total of 29 crashes. We have an unknown cause. We registered six fatal, three serious and one minor, making a total of 10 crashes.

“We have no passengers that died in the medium omnibus and heavy omnibus. We thank all those people who drive buses and coasters for the discipline you exhibited during this Easter season,” she said.

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NHCC, UAE investors meet to explore potential in Ugandan market

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Amb. Mayega and Reportage team.

The Consul General of Uganda’s Consulate in Dubai, Ambassador Henry Mayega, the Chief Executive officer of National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka and Reportage Properties’ Alkesh Rajput have met to explore potential in the Uganda housing market.

Reportage Properties intends to invest in real estate in Uganda and is seeking to partner with NHCCL in several ventures that will include, in terms of location, but not limited to, Luzira, Bugolobi and Buganda Road.

According to Amb.Mayega, the two companies are to develop a memorandum of Understanding that will guide the partnership. Last week, Reportage Properties launched one of its mega projects at Buganda Road.

Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, the Chief Executive Officer of NHCCL said it is important that they structure their relationship and are happy to deal with Reportage as their partners.

“Our mandate is to increase the housing stocks in the country, rehabilitate the housing industry and encourage Ugandans to own homes in an organized environment. But also, we are not stopped from getting other construction work and other business,” he said.

He said when the Ambassador is looking for you (Investors), he is looking for money. We have everything starting from construction materials to the market. Then the magic in the equation is normally how we attract favorable financing.

Rajput said when you have an international partner, they put up structures which meet the international standards and the cost will be slightly higher and I cannot afford to sell at an affordable price. But I’m not going to demonstrate that we should get a lot of very expensive units.

“You cannot have two drivers in one car. So, I will drive the car. But I need your support. And your support is very important and essential because you are very strong in this market. And you are the one who basically developed the entire country,” he said.

He said the company is worth $4.5 billion. We have done 11,000 units in six years. We are expanding. We have international presence, which will also add value to our projects in terms of sales.

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