Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
21.2 C
Kampala
Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
Home Blog Page 440

Pope Francis urges prayers for ‘pilgrimage of peace’ to South Sudan and DRC

By
Agencies
-
Pope Francis

Pope Francis sets off on Tuesday as a “pilgrim of peace” to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan on 31 January – 5 February.

Ahead of his 40th Apostolic Journey abroad, the Pope read out a message to the people of the two African nations during his Sunday Angelus address.

He thanked the civil authorities and Bishops of both countries for their invitations and the preparations they have made for his visit.

The Pope also offered a heartfelt greeting to “those beloved peoples who await me.” 

“These lands have suffered greatly from lengthy conflicts,” he said.

Pope Francis noted that the DRC “suffers from armed clashes and exploitation,” especially in the east of the country.

South Sudan, he said, has been “wracked by years of war” and “longs for an end to the constant violence that forces many people to be displaced and to live in conditions of great hardship.”

Ecumenical pilgrimage of peace

In his message, the Pope recalled that he will arrive in South Sudan accompanied by Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby and Rev Dr Iain Greenshields.

“In South Sudan, I will arrive together with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Together, as brothers, we will make an ecumenical pilgrimage of peace.”

Pope Francis wrapped up his message with an appeal for everyone to accompany his Apostolic Journey with their prayers.

Brief overview of visit

The first leg of this papal visit will take the Pope to the Democratic Republic of Congo from 31 January to 3 February.

He will remain in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, where he will meet with civil authorities, victims of conflict in the east, and the Church’s local ministers.

Then, on Friday, he travels to South Sudan until 5 February for a visit which seeks to bind up the wounds of the world’s youngest nation.

Pope Francis will stay in the capital, Juba, holding meetings with various Church and civil groups, including several internally displaced people (IDPs).

He will return to Rome on Sunday following a public Mass for the faithful of South Sudan.

Stories Continues after ad

UPDF applauded for serving beyond its mandate in Somalia

By
Simon Kabayo
-

The United States Special Representative to the United Nations and in the United Nations Security Council respectively; Ambassador Linda Thomas- Greenfield has applauded Uganda Peoples Defense Forces’ (UPDF) efforts in Somalia.

Ambassador Thomas- Greenfield extended USA’s appreciation to Uganda and her Sector 1 UPDF-ATMIS Contingent in Somalia for supporting Somali Security Forces (SSF) beyond its own mandate and for evacuating casualties and the dead from the battlefield and especially in the hard -to-reach areas

The meeting was also attended by Ambassador El-Amine Souef, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to Somalia, Ambassador Thomas Kipkosgei Chepkuto of the Republic of Kenya to Somalia, Brig, Gen. Peter Omola; Ag. ATMIS Force Commander and UPDF Contingent Commander in Somalia and Mr. Robert Mugimba; Charge D’ Affaires, at the Uganda High Commission in Somalia.

Other issues discussed were; Somali Security Forces/Somali National Army (SSF/SNA) Force generation, Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the ATMIS drawdown Plan, Support to SSF/SNA, Financing of the ATMIS and its operations among others.

On her part, Uganda commended the United States for being a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism and for supporting the ATMIS Mission and in particular Uganda Peoples Defense force in Sector 1 that secures the whole of Mogadishu and Banadir region in Somalia.

Uganda further asserted her commitment to implementing the drawdown plan of ATMIS. Uganda continues to support the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) including protection of key Government installations, evacuation of casualties, and the dead from the battlefields in hard-to-reach areas as well as medical support to the wounded. UPDF troops also escort the humanitarian assistance to the Internally Displaced Camps.

The meeting underscored the importance of Coordination of Actors, gradual implementation of the CONOPS, strategic drawdown process that would take into consideration the interests and safety of FGS and TCCs as well as partners. The meeting affirmed strengthened cooperation.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also met with UN humanitarian groups and NGOs and reviewed U.S. and international support in response to the continued threat of famine in Somalia. They also discussed steps to improve the safety and security of local and international NGO communities, who are risking their lives to deliver therapeutic feeding to remote communities in dangerous and difficult conditions due to al-Shabaab.

Stories Continues after ad

HR practitioners urged to invest in upskilling people

By
Simon Kabayo
-
Mumba Kalifungwa - Absa Bank Uganda's Managing Director (center) poses for a photo with HR practitioners during the forum

Human Resource practitioners in Uganda have been urged to constantly invest in upskilling themselves and their workforces to prepare their organisations for the future of work.

While giving the keynote address during the annual ‘Heads of HR Beginning of Year Cocktail’ held at the Kampala Serena Hotel last Friday, Mumba Kalifungwa, Absa Bank Uganda’s Managing Director said, “If you are not deliberate about investing in new skills, anticipating the future and responding to the constantly changing challenges in the overall business environment, you will be left behind.”

He added that the human resource function can be very instrumental in driving the organisation’s strategy by planning for and training employees of the future because of technological advancements and an environment defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers 23rd Annual Global CEO Survey, there is an increased demand for ‘new collar’ jobs that require a combination of digital, technical and soft skills that are going unfilled in today’s tight global labor market. The report adds that the supply of people possessing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills and uniquely human skills like creativity, empathy and collaboration are increasingly prized in today’s job market.

Held under the theme: “Enabling Business to achieve Strategic Objectives as the Head of HR from a CEO’s Perspective”, the forum was organised by Motivation Hub – a human resource and capacity-building consultancy and training firm – bringing together the heads of the human resources divisions of leading organizations in the country to inspire them to become better professionals within their organizations.

Pepe Minambo, the Managing Partner of Motivation Hub Ltd. said that the two key pain points of any organisation are accountability and execution and that HR can go beyond being just an enabling function, but a support function taking the lead in matters relating to strategy execution.

Stories Continues after ad

Don’t drag us into NSSF controversies – Tondeka bus boss

By
Our Reporter
-

Tondeka Metro Company, a bus operating company, has dismissed as “rubbish” the allegations that the corporation could have illegally accessed the National Social Security Fund money to buy the buses.

Fred Senoga, the Director of Tondeka Metro Company said they should not be dragged into the ongoing personal fights at the NSSF.

“That’s comical and a waste of time,” he said. The NSSF also issued a statement on Thursday, dismissing the allegations by a Whistleblower calling for investigation against the Fund’s chairman Peter Kimbowa who previously worked as the Executive Chairman of Tondeka.

 “We would like to clarify that this is not true. The Fund has not funded any activities of the said project as alleged,” NSSF stated. 

According to sources at the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, the whistleblower dossier to the Inspector General of Government is intended to blackmail Mr Kimbowa who refused to “implement illegal directives” by the Minister Betty Amongi.

“The Chairman has stuck to his guns and refused to side with minister Amongi and Sam Lyomoki who have been trying to get Richard Byarugaba[ the NSSF Managing Director] out,” the source said.

Minister Amongi has refused to renew Byarugaba’s contract over what sources say is a personal vendetta.  

Sources say the protagonist camp led by Amongi “thinks has been a barrier to the move to kick Byarugaba”.

Stories Continues after ad

Is censured Namuganza the reason why Among and Tayebwa missed NRM celebrations in Kakumiro?

By
Editorial
-
Speaker Among and Deputy Speaker Tayebwa

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) yesterday in Kakumiro district marked 37 years of leadership in Uganda but what was interesting is that neither the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among Magogo or her deputy Thomas Tayebwa were in attendance despite being senior NRM members.

According to political analysts, at least one of the two leaders of parliament should have attended the function attended by thousands of Ugandans and where Parliament’s sergeant-at-arms Ahmed Kagoye was awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“I have never attended a national NRM function where both the speaker and deputy speaker of parliament are missing. Not even in the 10th parliament or 9th parliament,” a strong NRM carder said, when asked of what could have happened to the two leaders of parliament.

Others who have been watching the relationship between parliament and NRM as a political party say there has not been a major stand-off between the two sides since the two were elected to their positions.

“It is hard to believe that there is a rift between parliament and NRM that would force Among or Tayebwa not to attend the celebrations yesterday,” another politician added, notwithstanding the fact that the two top leaders in parliament were fished by NRM from rival Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and have now made a mark in NRM and the country’s history.

Moreover other political watchers say the only time that Among and Tayebwa came close to antagonizing President Yoweri Museveni is when the president initiated a Vinci coffee deal that would promote the new company’s coffee business at the expense of local players. None of the two-Among or Tayebwa has supported Museveni on this deal but still relationships between them and NRM party were strong  as the legislators have always defended Museveni’s presidency when issue arise in parliament, especially from the National Unity Platform (NUP)-led opposition.

Enter Minister Persis Namuganza

A few days Parliament spearheaded by deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa censured the controversial state minister for housing, Persis Namuganza for allegedly disrespecting the institution of parliament and its speaker who the minister alleged had illegally married Budiope East MP, Moses Magogo who is also FUFA President.

Analysts now say that Among and Tayebwa are annoyed that Museveni has not responded positively after the MP censured Namuganza who also happens to be the Bukono County MP, whose voters have not welcomed the censuring of their daughter as minister.

The two expected Museveni to drop Namuganza as the law requires, having been censured on Monday. Tayebwa is said to have written to Museveni informing him of Namuganza’s censure.

Now analysts say Among and Tayebwa did not attend the NRM celebrations to force Museveni to sack Namuganza as desired by the MPs.

Since her censure on Monday, Namuganza is still performing her duties of state minister for housing and is hopeful Museveni will not sack, even though she has made it clear she will not resign despite being censured.

Article 118(2) of the Ugandan Constitution stipulates that upon a vote of censure being passed against a minister, the President shall unless the minister resigns his or her office , take appropriate action in the matter.

Namuganza’s troubles started last year when parliament’s ad hoc committee that was investigating the Nakawa-Naguru land saga pinned her for unlawfully manipulating the allocation of plots. They would recommend that she steps aside to pave way for further investigation, which she declined, reasoning that Parliament had no powers to make such a decision, apart from the President. The MPs having done their job, it remains to be seen if Museveni will crack the whip on Namuganza. However, the more the president delays to take the decision, the more it hurts Among and Tayebwa who are at the helm of Parliament but also are disgusted that Namuganza has gone to court to save her.

Stories Continues after ad

Shilling to trade within a tight range as activity picks up

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

The shilling has closed sessions at the 3675/3685 levels, having opened the week at the 3670/3680 levels. Month-end inflows from Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other sectors are trickling into the market, but on the other hand, the flows are being covered by some demand from the Corporates and other sectors as activity for the year starts to gain some momentum.

The unit is anticipated to trade within the 3650 – 3750 trading range in the short term as activity picks up in the short term.

Catherine Kijjagulwe, Head of Trading at Absa Bank Uganda said money Markets faced tight liquidity conditions during the week with overnight yields ranging between 11.00% – 12.50%.

Bank of Uganda held a 2-year and 10-year Treasury Bond auction and yields cleared at averages of 13.50% and 15.39% respectively. Bank of Uganda is scheduled to hold a Treasury Bill auction on Wednesday 1st February 2023. The next Monetary Policy Committee Meeting is scheduled during the month of February 2023.

“The narrative remains the same with the Kenya shilling as it remains weak against the dollar with continued demand requirements amidst a shortage of dollar supply that has kept the unit within the 124.00 -130.00 trading ranges,” she said.

The dollar had some positive economic data on Wednesday with US Q4 GDP at 2.90%, Jobless Claims printed at 186k – which pointed to a growing US Economy supporting the Fed’s Monetary Policy stance.

The Euro weakened on Wednesday due to a strong dollar to touch lows of $1.0848 (Shs 3,998) and closing at $1.0889 (Shs 4,013).

The Pound was also pressured by a strong dollar touching lows of $1.2430 (Shs4,581) and closing the day at $1.2406 (Shs 4,572).

Crude Oil prices rose marginally on expectations of the reopening of China’s economy that will lead to increased demand. Brent traded at $88.53 (Shs 326,319) a barrel and West Texas Intermediate traded at $82.16 (Shs 302839) a barrel.

Gold traded at $1930.80 (Shs7.1 million) an ounce.

Stories Continues after ad

FUFA Big League side Kitara FC appoint Sam Ssimbwa as Head Coach

By
Our Reporter
-
Coach Sam Ssimbwa

Kitara Football Club, the FUFA Big League table leaders have appointed Sam Ssimbwa as their new head coach on a three-year contract.

Ssimbwa replaces Mark Twinamatsiko who was suspended due to his poor relationship with the players despite a strong run that has seen the club end the first round top of the table.

The Hoima-based club currently sits at the top of the second-tier of Ugandan football with 31 points from 15 games played in the first round.

Ssimbwa,56, has been out of football management since 2021 when he parted ways with URA FC.

He is a well demonstrated figure having played for Mbale Heroes and KCC. He also featured for the Uganda cranes between 1989 and 1993. As coach, he has managed a mouthful of clubs including SC Villa, KCCA, Simba, SC Victoria University, Sofapaka in Kenya and the Somalia National team.

Kitara FC have already added Godfrey Lwesibawa from Gadaffi FC and former Vipers winger Paul Mucureezi to their team as they look forward to secure promotion to the Uganda Premier League next season.

Stories Continues after ad

BoU: Here is why chauffeur, chef, office attendant and others still miss Late Governor Tumusiime-Mutebile

By
Our Reporter
-
Late Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile
It is now a year and some days gone by since former Bank of Uganda [BoU] Governor the Late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile died.From the latest accounts of BoU staff, there is no doubt that they still miss the Late Tumusiime-Mutebile who was first appointed to that position on January 1, 2001, and their loss is not helped by the fact that the appointing authority in the country has not yet found the deceased’s successor, leaving the financial sector still waiting for the next person fit to occupy the hot seat.That aside Eagle Online has extracted tributes of BoU junior workers who served Mutebile as he went around his daily work. Below they speak:John Baptist Balinda (Governor’s Chauffeur)Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile was a very humble, kind, highly disciplined, honest, and hardworking gentleman who commanded a lot of respect. The Governor cared for and treasured all of us as his children. He commanded a fatherly figure towards staff at all ranks. He was a father to us all. The Governor was a man of very few words who barely made phone calls, but often answered in-coming calls with very brief and simple replies; ‘yes’, ‘okay’, or ‘sorry’. For resolute callers, the answer was always a big “No!” In all our travels around the country, Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile did not display any tribal or religious discrimination. “May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.Herbert Bandese (Catering Staff, Governor’s Office)Prof. Mutebile was a people-person who respected everybody. At his rank, you would assume that the Governor would be too busy to talk but that was not entirely true. On Monday mornings, the Governor often asked how the weekend was. After a memorable day for example Father’s Day, he would take time to ask how the special day was. Governor’s character would prompt you to serve him unceasingly because he was a patient man who gave everyone a chance to do their work. He also always sought the opinion of staff in their different capacities. I will miss Governor’s thankfulness. There is a famous quote that goes, “the only time a non-believer is thankful is when there is no one to thank”. Governor was clearly a believer because he was always thankful.William Osire (Office Attendant, Governor’s Office)Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile was a gentleman with a large heart. On my first day of work in the Governor’s office, Prof. Mutebile said hello to me, asked what my name was and told me that I was welcome. I could barely comprehend how the Governor of the central bank was personally welcoming me. His words were always ‘Good Morning’, ‘Thank you’, and ‘Good night’. One evening, when he was done for the day, the Governor walked to the elevator but walked back after a short while. When I asked him if he had forgotten something, the Governor said to me; “Yes, I forgot to say thank you for opening the door for me.” I will miss so many things but most of all, his humility.Jackie Rose Nankumba (Receptionist, Governor’s Office)The fallen Governor was a unique man with a pure soul. I will always remember the Governor for his ‘huge’ heart and his willingness to help everyone in need and at any time. His kindness was unmatched. He was an exemplary leader, generous, had a good sense of humor, and he respected all irrespective of rank. My most fond memory of Prof. Mutebile is from over 20 years ago at his welcoming party. Many staff were worried that the late Governor Kikonyogo was leaving but Prof. Mutebile’s words were reassuring. “I will care for you,” he declared. Indeed, the Governor has cared for his staff.Joyce Okello (Personal Assistant to the Governor)The late Governor was a man of the people regardless of rank! The Governor’s tough outlook notwithstanding, he was a very humble man. Indeed, his humility was reflected in the way that he spoke, which made everyone comfortable and at ease. He was also a very consistent man. His “No” was “No”, and his “Yes” was “Yes”. I learnt several things from the Governor but most of all, I will always remember his leadership skills, his decisive nature, and that fact that he inspired and empowered people to do what is right. I salute Prof. Mutebile for serving with distinction as evidenced in many achievements that the BoU registered under his leadership. I will miss his integrity and his smile. The Governor’s smile would light an entire room and cheer one up if they were feeling low. I remember walking into his office on several occasions and he would look up from his computer and greet me with a wide smile.Akura Mugyenyi (Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor)Governor was an amazing communicator who often read speeches off script. He did not mind being approached randomly by people at the numerous events he attended. He liked being around people. Governor respected everyone’s work. He enjoyed a good debate even when he was not speaking. Prof. Mutebile was unusually comfortable with silence; probably because he was often the smartest man in the room. I will miss him not least because of the fact that ‘there is only one Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile’. I am not sure that there is somebody playing the unique role that he played i.e., personally inspiring economic confidence, thereby containing the national risk premium at levels that investors were comfortable with, simply by his presence at the helm of economic management.Lilian Nanyanzi (Former Administrative Assistant Governor’s office)He has been a true friend! He was a man who always appreciated anything you did for him. He was also a people person who cared for his staff and encouraged their advancement. Governor was also as God fearing as he was humorous. One day, two reverends attempted to visit his office without an appointment. When I asked Governor if he was free to meet them, he quickly answered, “Nanyanzi, who am I to refuse the men of God to see me?” I will miss the fact that he always went an extra mile to help those in need.

Page 7 of 13

Stories Continues after ad

Hillside Primary Naalya shines again

By
Simon Kabayo
-
Hillside Nursery and Primary school pupils

Hillside Nursery and Primary school has defied odds by outshining again in the 2022 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

A total of 632 pupils got first grade with 99 of them having four aggregates and 140 pocketing five aggregates. Only 6 pupils got second grade.

In 2021 the school registered 133 candidates with aggregate 4, out of the 642 ‘4s’ registered throughout the country.

Hillside Primary School Naalya has maintained its position as one of the best primary schools in Uganda for the last 5 years.

According to UNEB, a total of 832,654 candidates from 14,691 centers registered for PLE. of those, 114,617 (14.1%) passed in first grade. At least 583,786 pupils who sat PLE were from the Universal Primary Education and 249,041 were non-UPE candidates.

Stories Continues after ad

Parents dismayed by Greehill’s poor performance in PLE

By
Our Reporter
-
Greenhill Academy Kibuli

Parents to pupils who sat Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at both Kibuli and Buwaate Greenhill Academies are bitter and shocked by results posted in 2022 exams.

Greenhill Academy Kibuli registered over 500 pupils for PLE and out of the 500, the school managed to get only one candidate who scored aggregate 4. While at Buwaate campus the school enrolled over 300 pupils for exams and out of that number, the school got four pupils with aggregate 4 whereas 200 got first division.

Buwaate campus

Greenhill is among the schools that charge school fees exorbitantly but have declined in performance.

The two campuses have lately declined in performance in examinations and this was seen from the 2021 exams as well.

According to one parent who demanded she remains anonymous, when she visited one of the campuses, both the head teacher and deputy looked confused as they fled the school grounds.

Stories Continues after ad
1...439440441...2,400Page 440 of 2,400

© Eagle Online. All rights reserved.

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks