The Government of Uganda is looking up to the Lohana International Business Forum to sign more investment deals in agribusiness, manufacturing and value addition. According to Investment Minister Evelyn Anite, Lohana International Business Forum, to be held at Speke Resort and Conference Centre, Munyonyo, from March 20-22, aims to attract more Lohanas across the world to come and invest in Uganda.
“The major areas of focus for this year’s Lohana International Business Forum will be Agribusiness, manufacturing and value addition. We envisage this to attract many more Lohanas and the international community to invest in Uganda,” she told journalists at the media centre in Kampala on Tuesday, 14 March 2023. She explained that the Lohana International Business Forum will showcase the opportunities for business and investment in Uganda as well as provide a platform for Lohana delegates to have a stand to promote their companies to the Ugandan business community.
“We thank the Lohana Community for investing in Uganda, like Sudhir, Mehta, Madhvani, Dawda and many others, we want more Lohanas from across the world to come and invest in Uganda,” she added. The minister added that following the Afro-Indian Investment Summit 2022, the government of Uganda offered Indian investors the 500-acre industrial park in Hoima, for agro value-addition, manufacturing, ICT and services. “We want products, services and jobs,” she said. Mohan Rao, the Chairman of Indian Association Uganda, said the summit will attract 700 Lohana investors from all over the world.
“To commemorate 100 years of Indian Association Uganda, we had Afro-Indian Investment Summit that raked in $169.5M in investments. Lohana International Business Forum follows it. Will bring 700 Lohana investors from all over the world,” Rao said. He said Uganda is a peaceful country with a conducive investment climate. “We’re 27,000 Indians in Uganda, which has welcomed us.
Some have lived here for over 100 years. We’ve learnt to eat matooke, groundnuts and enjoy wonderful peace,” he said. “As Chair of Indian Association Uganda, I welcome the Lohana International Business Forum in Uganda. Come as visitors, stay as investors. Our stay in Uganda is peaceful, pleasant and profitable. We who came ahead will support you. Come invest in Uganda,” he added. House of Dawda’s Binay Dawda said: “We chose Uganda because it’s centrally located giving access to EAC, Great Lakes Region and continental Africa. We shall have 750 serious investors who’ll sign serious MoUs and deals
ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, has expanded the global frame agreement with Ooredoo Group for Ooredoo Algeria network modernization and related implementation and maintenance services as well as supply and delivery of Lithium Battery Products.
ZTE and Ooredoo will expand cooperation in the transport network, which includes the large-scale commercial deployment of SRv6. The new solution will transform the traditional transport network architecture into a 5G-oriented programmable one.
ZTE will partner with Ooredoo in the energy field. With ZTE’s latest highly efficient power system and Smart-Li batteries, Ooredoo will improve energy utilization efficiency, increase battery life while protecting current battery investment, and realize its social commitment to building greener networks.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo, said: “Our close collaboration with ZTE has been significant in taking the next step for technological innovation in many Ooredoo Business Units. In choosing to continue working with ZTE’s leading solutions, we’re able to address new and developing markets and transform business in different Ooredoo Business Units. Together, we’re creating a new digital area for our customers.”
Christian Linhart, Group Chief Procurement Officer, Ooredoo, said: “The extension of the frame agreement with ZTE solidifies our partnership with them. With this mutually beneficial partnership, we are sure that it will add further value to our business and our customers.”
TIMOS Tsokanis, Group Chief Technology Information Officer, Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo Group and ZTE have established a partnership during the past several years, and we are delighted to extend our cooperation in more fields. This will make it possible for our businesses to continue working together on cutting-edge networks provided by one of the world’s leading providers of telecommunications and information technology to improve the digital lives of our customers. ZTE has proven its capabilities by providing end-to-end solutions, and now we would like to leverage it in more areas of cooperation. “
Xie Junshi, Chief Operating Officer, ZTE, stated: “ZTE has a long-standing and collaborative partnership with Ooredoo. To accelerate Ooredoo’s digital transformation, ZTE will continue offering state-of-the-art solutions to the Opcos of the Ooredoo Group. These innovative solutions will deliver high-performance networks and superior user experiences thanks to ZTE’s cutting-edge, cost-effective technologies and solutions.”
Zhang Jianpeng, MTO & International Marketing President, ZTE, emphasized: “Ooredoo Group, one of ZTE’s key MTO (Multinational Telecom Operator) customers, has shown tremendous growth in many markets in MENA (Middle Eastern & Northern Africa) and Asia Pacific regions despite many challenges. ZTE cherishes its strong partnership with Ooredoo Group, and we look forward to working closely with Ooredoo to fulfil their ambition of delivering new and exciting solutions to its consumers through more collaboration soon.”
A logo sits on display outside the offices of Absa Bank Ltd., a subsidiary of Barclays Africa Group Ltd., in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. The South African Reserve Bank said it will collaborate with Barclays Plc to manage the flow of money and minimize risk of causing fluctuations in the rand as the British bank prepares to reduce its stake in Barclays Africa Group Ltd. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
Absa Group reported strong normalised headline earnings of R21 billion for the 2022 financial year, an increase of 13% from the prior year and well above pre-Covid levels. The result was driven by significantly higher pre-provision profit which, in turn, was driven by very strong revenue growth of 15% to just under R100 billion.
Strong pre-provision profit growth was tempered by a 61% increase in impairments. This reflects the impact of higher interest rates and inflationary pressures in South Africa and significant Ghana sovereign debt-related impairments.
“Our consistent strategy execution produced strong results in 2022,” said Arrie Rautenbach, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer. “We believe in our strategy and we have momentum behind us. Along with a stable and experienced leadership team, I am confident that we will be able to sustainably achieve our targets,” he said.
Absa’s customer base grew through improved product offerings and enhanced digital platforms. In South Africa, Absa’s largest market, the number of customers increased to 9.7 million from 9.6 million, with digitally active customers increasing 10% as stability improved and functionality was enriched. Absa was among the first to go to market with Google Wallet and the rollout of the Abby chatbot; Absa ID was also effective, with over two million enrollments in the first year. Absa won more than 15 awards in the digital space, including Best Digital Bank in South Africa, Mauritius and Tanzania.
Key metrics including return on equity and cost-to-income ratio continued to improve as the Group continues to deliver against its growth strategy adopted in 2018 and which was refreshed last year.
“We are building a strong and consistent track record of delivery against our strategy and we are well positioned for growth, notwithstanding the more difficult operating environment,” said Jason Quinn, Absa Group Financial Director.
The Group capital position remains above the Board approved target range and the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio was strong at 12.8%. The Group loan coverage ratio of 3.9% remains robust and well above the pre-Covid position.
Business unit performance
The Group refined its operating model, with effect 1 July 2022, as part of its journey to enhance market competitiveness, while also improving its transformation position. In essence, the Group has moved from two commercial businesses – Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Pan-Africa and Retail and Business Banking (RBB) Pan-Africa – to five business units.
Product Solutions Cluster (mortgages, vehicle financing, both life and non-life insurance products as well as an investment products and advisory services in SA).
Headline earnings increased by 26% to R3.5 billion, driven by the recovery in the insurance business, while the lending businesses maintained balance sheet growth momentum, notwithstanding the impact of the weaker macro environment and supply chain challenges. Rising interest rates and higher inflation, plus the non-recurrence of 2021 model enhancements benefits saw the impairment charge increase year-on-year.
Everyday Banking (day-to-day banking products and services in SA)
Headline earnings were unchanged at R4.1 billion as higher credit impairments offset strong pre-provision profit growth. The unit registered growth in personal loans, credit card sales and sales of transactional accounts.
Relationship Banking (business banking, wealth, commercial asset financing in SA)
Headline earnings increased by 8% to R4 billion as the unit registered strong growth in the commercial segment, notably in specialised lending, commercial payments and agri products.
Absa Regional Operations (ARO) RBB (retail, business banking and insurance products and services aimed at individuals, small to medium enterprises and commercial customers)
Headline earnings rebounded to R1.1 billion from R106 million, due to a combination of strong revenue-led pre-provision profit growth and lower impairments. The active customer base increased to 1.7 million from 1.6 million a year earlier.
CIB Pan-Africa (specialist investment banking, corporate and transactional banking, financing, risk management, advisory products and services)
Headline earnings increased by 9% to R9 billion as revenue rose across all business areas and as solid growth was achieved in the client franchise, particularly as the number of primary banked clients increased. The benefit of good revenue gains was partially offset by a substantial increase in impairments, particularly as a result of challenging market conditions in West Africa.
An Active Force for Good
During the year, Absa made progress in further elevating the importance of sustainability as an integral part of Group strategy as part of its commitment to being an active force for good in everything we do. Within this, Absa identified climate change, financial inclusion and promoting diversity and inclusion as key focus areas.
Absa registered milestone developments in sustainable lending and funding and continued to build on its leadership in renewable energy financing. Absa acted as joint mandated lead arranger and lender for South Africa’s first utility-scale renewable energy captive power project, comprising 200 MW of solar power, in one of several transactions that added to the bank’s growing renewable energy portfolio.
Absa also made progress in inclusive finance. For instance, Absa Home Loans housed close to 7,000 households through a R2 billion social loan secured from the International Finance Corporation and the total affordable-housing book in South Africa increased to R17 billion.
As part of its revised leadership structures, Absa ensured that changes reflected its commitment to advancing transformation, diversity and inclusion and the Group made significant progress in this regard in 2022.
During the year, Absa Group invested more than R267 million (a 37% increase) in support of communities, through education and youth employability, and strategic engagement initiatives to enable inclusive sustainable economic growth in Africa. This included R25 million towards corporate community support, comprising disaster and humanitarian relief efforts, food relief and health support, as well as employee volunteering activities.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to being an active force for good in everything we do by contributing meaningfully to the societies in which we operate,” said Rautenbach.
Outlook
The outlook for the global, regional and domestic environment remains unusually uncertain. For South Africa, Absa expects the economy to grow by less than 1% in 2023. Electricity supply is expected to remain a significant risk for the economy for the foreseeable future. Absa forecasts 4.4% GDP-weighted economic growth for the ARO presence countries in 2023.
Based on the current assumptions, Absa expects solid revenue growth and credit losses at the top end of its target range, given higher rates and inflationary pressures. Absa expects return on equity of around 17%.
“We are conscious that the macro environment is tough and is expected to get tougher but we have a well-positioned and resilient balance sheet to withstand it,” said Rautenbach.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to expeditiously investigate the Ministers implicated in the mismanagement of iron sheets that were meant to benefit the impoverished people in Karamoja.
The revelation was made by Fred Enanga, the Spokesperson of the Uganda Police Force.
“The DPP asked the director CID and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to expand on the preliminary inquiries that have so far been done. They will work with sister agencies like the inspectorate of government and the parliamentary team investigating the matter,” Enanga said.
Yesterday, the Inspector General of Government-IGG Betty Kamya said they have embarked on investigating the case against several ministers.
“I wrote to all of them especially those who have been written about in the newspapers and those whose names have appeared on the distributions list in the Office of the Prime Minister. From the Vice president to the prime minister, ministers and other individuals,” she said.
She said the ministers will be required to explain whether they asked for them or not, and whether they followed the right procedures to get them.
Earlier this month, Kitutu confessed to diverting 3000 iron sheets that were meant for the unprivileged people in Karamoja.
Appearing before the Presidential Affairs Committee of Parliament Kitutu accepted responsibility for the mismanagement of iron sheets procured for the vulnerable in the sub-region.
“Some of the iron sheets were used to roof a boys’ dormitory in Situmi Primary School, Namisindwa district. The school lacked a store, hence storing them at a relative’s house,” she said.
She apologized to the committee and parliament noting that she was never guided about the project. Kitutu requested for 12,200 iron sheets to aid her in community mobilization and peace-building missions in Karamoja.
Her January 12, 2023, internal memo to the stores’ department at the OPM read in part, “During community mobilization and peace-building missions, I usually meet vulnerable groups and karuchunas (reformed warriors) who are willing to dissociate themselves from rustling. As part of my intervention, I will be distributing iron sheets to such special vulnerable groups.”
Last month, security operatives nabbed Cotilda Kitutu, Michael Nabwaya, and Julius Wabule. The accused are the mother, brother, and nephew of Minister Kitutu. The three were allegedly selling OPM-branded iron sheets to residents of Namisindwa district, in eastern Uganda.
Kitutu is among the top ministers who benefited from the iron sheets which were allegedly meant for people in Karamoja. The ministers involved in the scandal include; Rebecca Kadaga, Jacob Oboth Oboth, Hamson Obua, Amos Lugolobi, Matia Kasaija and others.
iGaming is enjoyed by people all across the world. As internet accessibility has increased, technology improved and more people look for ways to stay entertained at home, online casinos and gaming sites have become increasingly popular.
One of the most played casino titles is poker, new players can learn the poker ranking hands online to get started. Other popular options include slots, blackjack and roulette online.
If you are searching for new iGaming sites to try out, there are a number of things to consider before signing up for an account and playing games. While the industry is regulated and there are many great gaming sites with a variety of games, some are far better than others.
The vast array of iGaming sites online can make it difficult to know where to play. However, using these factors in your search criteria will help to to find the safest and most enjoyable sites on the web:
Promotions and offers
The iGaming industry is now highly competitive with a huge number of sites all working to attract customers and encourage them to return to the site. One way in which they achieve this is through promotions and special offers.
Many sites will have a welcome bonus that a player can use when they sign up for an account and deposit cash to play games. For slot games, free spins is a popular offer. This can be used to entice you to play a new game or as a reward for being a loyal customer.
When selecting a site and making use of its promotions, be sure to take the time to read the offer’s terms and conditions. There are usually wagering requirements that you need to meet in order to make full use of the promotion.
Credibility and security
Of course, when gaming online or making any kind of online translation, you want to protect yourself from fraudulent activity. There are a number of ways you can access the security and credibility of an online gaming site.
A good place to start is to look for a valid SSL certificate. This certificate shows that the site encrypts your data and helps your personal information stay secure. Look for a padlock symbol in the search bar in your browser.
If the site is an online casino, you can look in the site’s footer for the correct licensing and certifications. These will differ depending on what region the website is operating in as there are different regulations in different countries and states.
Lastly, reading player reviews on independent third party sites and following recommendations from trusted friends and family will help you to pick credible iGaming options.
Variety of games
Another factor to consider is the amount of good game options on offer. Does the site have a wide selection of the types of games you are most interested in?
You should also take notice of how often they update games and add new game options to their library. If they fail to do this then you are likely to get bored of the same old games after a short while.
Usability
iGaming sites are not all compatible in terms of usability and some are more successful in creating a good customer journey than others. Consider the load speeds, layout and functionality.
Is there a logical flow to the site and an easy-to-navigate menu? Can you easily find what you are looking for or is the experience plagued with irrelevant content and pop up ads?
Payment options
When playing on online gaming sites it is likely that you will need to deposit and withdraw cash. Different sites allow different payment methods and so you may want to check this out before signing up for an amount.
A commonly accepted payment method is debit or credit card, many online gaming sites will also allow third party payment providers such as Skrill or PayPal. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular.
Bank transfers may also be allowed, however these are not always the fastest method to utilise.
Customer support
Lastly, checking out what customer support is available before you start playing any games is a good idea, just in case you run into any problems or have any questions. Phone Lines, email addresses and live chats are the most common methods for seeking support and good sites will give you multiple options to choose from.
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has clarified that the Fund does not exist to hamstring or cripple businesses but instead an employer who demonstrates and commits, through a binding agreement, that they will pay arrears, along with interest earned, the Managing Director exercises his discretion to waive the penalties.
The clarity follows parliament select committee report on the state of affairs at the Fund. The Fund’s Acting Managing Director, Ayota Patrick, flanked by the Board Chairman, Peter Kimbowa, and the NSSF Executive Committee, shared the update on the adopted cause.
The Fund noted instances where the committee appears not to consider the facts which the Board members availed to them during the hearing, for instance, the issue of onboarding of Geo-mapping technology to help the Fund to easily trace the locations of all employers.
“We explained to the committee that our geo-mapping exercise was successful. The Fund was able to map all the employers. It is now fully operational and there is value for money. We wonder how then the committee concluded that our Geo-mapping technology failed. Many examples such as the case of staff restructuring, payment of performance bonuses, corporate social responsibility, and legacy investments like West Nile Golf Club and Workers House land title fall into this category,” Ayota said.
Ayota further noted that the committee ignored the context within which the Fund operates & assumes that it operates like a government ministry. For example the budgeting process, hence their conclusion on the Fund’s budgets for land purchase.
Because of this, the Committee assumed that budgeting means spending at the Fund, which is far from the truth. Budgets are plans that are informed by market assessments.
Before any funds are committed, the user department must provide justification for the procurement process to commence or satisfy the Accounting Officer, among others, of the value for money. Just because an item appears on the budget does not mean the money has to be spent.
In some instances, the committee did not consider the existing provisions in the legislation governing the Fund. One such case is the waiver of penalties, which is at the discretion of the Managing Director as provided for by law.
The committee’s report highlights areas where the Fund must improve, and we appreciate them for that insight. However, we would like to clarify a few issues where the committee did not consider the context or information provided.
Ayota added that the Fund’s investment philosophy is guided by the Investments Policy and Guidelines and the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) Investment Guidelines. One key component is the principle of investment diversification both in terms of asset class and sector.
“The basic rule of diversification is that an investment that may not be performing well at a specific time is offset by another investment that is performing well. Any fund’s investment performance must be analyzed as a portfolio, rather than just one investment,” he said.
An analysis of the Fund’s investment portfolio over the last 12 years shows consistent growth of the assets and a competitive return.
Whereas we appreciate the Committee’s efforts to obtain information from the Fund, in many instances, it appears that not all the information was used.
“For instance, in the case of Uganda Clays Limited, NSSF is a major shareholder in Uganda Clays, which is listed on the USE. We considered the risk of letting the company collapse with the Fund’s initial investment against injecting capital of Shs11b to help it survive & return to profitability. The Fund chose the latter,”
The loan was approved by the NSSF Board and the then Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development. It is also important to note that the loan was approved before the passage of the URBRA Act which bars direct loans. The action at the time was regular and legal.
“Uganda Clays is now profitable & has already planned to pay back the loan with interest. The company contributes over Shs1.5 billion a year to NSSF. Our action helped Uganda Clays survive, saved more than 1,000 jobs, and saved the 33% equity NSSF had made into Uganda Clays,” Ayota clarified.
Patrick Kimbowa the NSSF Board Chairman applauded the Committee saying it is not easy to investigate an entity of their size and complexity over a 20-year period in 2 to 3 weeks, but they were able to do so. “We, therefore, like to register our appreciation for the rigorous and robust probe,” he said.
“The Committee in Section 7 appreciates the entire management team for the good performance of the Fund. The mere fact that the Fund is growing and has continued to grow reiterates the good governance structures at the Fund and the experienced team of technocrats at the Fund.”
Kimbowa said that there is neither evidence nor conclusion that any individual at the Fund had stolen member funds, despite the numerous allegations in the media purporting bribery and mismanagement of Funds.
“The report did not look at issues of growth, the sustainability, drivers, and risks/dangers to that growth. One critical aspect which should have been used to justify these costs would have been the staff-related costs and performance-driven culture within the organization,” Kimbowa said.
The Fund has a total of 210 investments, however, only the Arua investment property has lost value. The fact that the Committee had to go back almost two decades to find one investment that has lost value is not a bad performance per se.
Rt Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe was on Sunday, March 12 consecrated as the 6th Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese at St. Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano in Rukungiri Municipality.
Preaching at the event, Dr Archbishop Church of Uganda Dr. Stephen Kaziimba called on the Church Leaders and entire Christians to commit themselves to a united prayer in order to overcome the challenges they are faced with.
The Archbishop quoted from the Book of James 5:16 and emphasized how God’s Word tells us to pray without ceasing and also 2 Chronicles 7:14, says God will hear our prayer and bestow his favors and blessings upon all people.
Archbishop Kaziimba urged the Church Leaders to engage in intensive evangelism and mission because the gospel is needed now more than ever before.
“The gospel is needed to bring healing, reconciliation and restoration of faith in one True God and his saving power,” he said.
Archbishop Kaziimba also expressed fear that materialism is increasing with aggressiveness to dilute the Gospel, but God’s Word will endure all seasons, and further asked church members to engage in meaningful income-generating projects for the sustainability of Church Ministry and programs.
He urged the Christians to utilize the available Church land well make sure that their income sustains the Diocese otherwise some organizations will utilize the vulnerability to exploit them.
At the same event, Archbishop Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi asked Asiimwe to create togetherness among Christians in the diocese through preaching the Gospel.
Orombi said that he got to know Bishop Asiimwe as a young man and saw in him a person passionate about evangelism and a rising star in him and he is now happy that the rising star has risen since his prophecy of him becoming a servant of God and a Bishop at most has come to pass.
Archbishop Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi preaches during the service
Orombi asked the new bishop to become a leader who has got followers because any leader without a following will find him alone and asked to touch the hearts of the young generation who are being swayed away from the doctrine of good upbringing.
“Some parents are absent and they have failed to do their responsibilities and Satan is stealing them for bad vices like homosexuality,” Orombi said.
In his Charge, Bishop Asiimwe paid glowing tribute to the former Bishops of North Kigezi Diocese whom he thanked for leaving a firm foundation from where he will start.
He said that he will use the time he will be the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese to focus on evangelism with emphasis to expand the church both in numbers and infrastructure and also ensure promotion of family values.
“Prayer must be emphasised based on togetherness and unity…” Bishop Asiimwe said.
The Vice President of Uganda Rt Maj Jessica Alupo Epel who represented President Museveni at the event said that the Lord has chosen Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe to lead the people of North Kigezi to righteousness and thanked the House of Bishops for electing him.
Museveni in his message commended the Church of Uganda for its commitment to teaching the people on how they can improve their livelihoods and contribute to the development of the church and the country at large.
The President called on all the believers to support the new Bishop so that the Diocese can develop and thanked the caretaker Bishop Patrick Tugume Tusingwire for steering the Diocese following the death of the Late Bishop Magezi and hailed the Christians for their patience.
Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation is set to hold a fundraising campaign towards the establishment of a resource center for children in underserved communities.
The resource center aimed at improving literacy levels among the children.
Dubbed Angaza, the center is an extension of 4040’s Angaza literacy program in which volunteers make weekly visitors to schools and spend time with children, sharing the joys of reading and learning.
Under the theme; the night is African culture, the fundraising event will be held on March 31, 2023 at Hilltop Gardens Naguru.
According to the foundation, at least 136,000,000 has been collected for the construction and furnishing of the resource center through the fundraisers such as 4040Night and individuals who partner with the youth-led organization by making a monthly contribution of at least Shs10,000, Global Giving campaigns and sale of merchandise.
“Under this campaign, we aim at raising Shs 40 million. The money will be used to establish a resource center in Kubuli. The space will give in and out-of-school children access t books, learning aids, toys and computers,” Ivan Kabandize, the fundraising and partnerships lead at 4040 said.
The center will serve as a training ground for teachers and provide a meeting space for the community. Under this program, the organization intends to benefit over 4000 vulnerable children and more than 200 children.
Mbarara City North MP Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari was days ago released from Luzira civil prison after spending there some time, following his committal by the registrar of the Commercial Court.
His arrest came after the court issued an arrest warrant on November 17, 2022, over his failure to pay the debt he willingly sought and was well aware of the consequences if he failed to pay back the money.
Rukaari also the NRM Entrepreneurs League national chairman was released after he paid Shs 300 million of the Shs 702mln debt.
However, after coming out of prison, the MP seems to have turned his guns against court bailiffs and police officers who arrested him as provided under the law.
Rukaari after filing to get positive response from police bosses now wants to involve State House Anti-corruption Unit (SHACU) to have the police officers who participated in his arrest to be arrested. This is unlawful.
As an MP, Rukaari knows that all men in Uganda are equal before the law. Why does he want special status? He is not the first MP in Uganda to be sent to prison by court, nor will he be the last. He should sue government if he feels he was unfairly arrested and detained in Luzira civil prison.
In trying to clean Rukaari’s name, last Saturday Justice Minister Norbert Mao while at church fundraising event in Mbarara days ago condemned the arrest and detention of the area MP, claiming his committal was merely intended to humiliate him.
Mao went on: “This was absolutely unnecessary. The same money lender has Rukaari’s land title of property worth billions and a duly signed transfer form. So if it was about recovering the money, all he would have done was to sell the property.” Truth is that Minister Mao knows that selling someone’s property is not easy as such even if he owes you money. Even then, people like MP Rukaari can give you their land titles but make it hard for you to sell their properties.
Minister Mao went on to say government owes MP Rukaari more than Shs 40 billion, stressing that it is only the Ministry of Finance holding his money. Why can’t Rukaari take government to court if is holding his money? Why didn’t Mao explain the contract that Rukaari entered with his creditor?
Rukaari knows that the mandate of Uganda Police Force as provided in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, and Uganda Police Force Act Cap 303, is protection of life and property, prevention and detection of crime, keeping law and order, and maintenance of overall Security and Public Safety in Uganda. So by lawfully working with court bailiffs to arrest Rukaari, the police were fulfilling this mandate. The MP should use parliament to amend the law of contract if he feels it is unfair to the borrowers.
The Ugandan government is preparing to establish anti-homosexuality law, arguing that the sexual practice erodes the country’s morals as well as religion. Many Ugandans subscribe to Christianity, even though Islam is also growing.
According to Wikipedia, homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. “As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is “an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions” to people of the same sex.”
One of the reasons why parliament and the executive want to have the anti-homosexuality law in place is that the practice has found its way into schools and churches, not only putting the lives of the young people at risk but also that it risks the future of the country in terms of human multiplication as ordered by God.
However, as parliament and the executive work to have the anti-homosexuality law in place, the reality on the ground is that sexual deviations have invaded marriages in Uganda, not even sparing the families of judiciary officers who are supposed to preside over crimes related to sexual perversions.
This news website understands that a senior judge in Uganda’s judiciary is not enjoying her marriage because the husband, a senior government official, who has also held other roles in the private sector, wants to have anal sex with her, but she has declined to grant him his desire.
Unfortunately, the wife has not come out publicly to tell her story, even though it is said she has disclosed her ordeal to the family members who are contemplating what to do.
Still, this news website has been approached by wife claiming that her husband who belongs to certain religion wants to have anal sex with her, reasoning that their religion permits so. “My husband is not happy with me because I have refused to accept his request.” She would want to leave the marriage but her kids still need her home. She is confused.
Yet a gentleman told this writer that his girlfriend of eight years convinced him to have anal sex with her, explaining that her friends do it with their men. She is beautiful and I couldn’t resist. We used condoms and lubricants though,” the 30-yer old man said, adding that his girlfriend is pregnant with their first kid.
Prostitute confirms some clients pay for anal sex
Penal Code Act Article 139 says any person who practices or engages in prostitution commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. However, this business thrives in the country, with some of the women nd girls offering anal sex to their clients.
“Much s well give services to heterosexuals, there are those who come demanding anal sex and we serve them because they pay good money for the service. Some of them, especially those who invite us to hotel rooms and homes give us some lubricants to use,” said one of the prostitutes interviewed on the matter.
But what is anal sex?
Wikipediaagain defines anal sex as generally the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person’s anus, or anus and rectum, for sexual pleasure.
Other forms of anal sex include fingering, the use of sex toys for anal penetration, oral sex performed on the anus [anilingus], and pegging.
While anal sex is commonly associated with male homosexuality, research shows that not all gay men engage in anal sex and that it is not uncommon in heterosexual relationships.
Dangers of anal sex
As with most forms of sexual activity, anal sex participants risk contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). “Anal sex is considered a high-risk sexual practice because of the vulnerability of the anus and rectum. The anal and rectal tissue are delicate and do not provide lubrication like the vagina does, so they can easily tear and permit disease transmission, especially if a personal lubricant is not used
Anal sex without protection of a condom is considered the riskiest form of sexual activity, and therefore health authorities such as the World Health Organisation recommend safe sex practices for anal sex
Anal sex has attracted strong views and it is controversial in various cultures, especially with regard to religious prohibitions. “This is commonly due to prohibitions against anal sex among males or teachings about the procreative purpose of sexual activity. It is considered taboo or unnatural, and is a criminal offence in some countries, punishable by corporal or capital punishment.”
Despite the good intentions of anti-homosexuality law, one thing to note is that sex has become a complex subject that heterosexuals are facing challenges.
