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NDA declares Pastor Kayanja’sĀ tickoff acaricide counterfeit

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has found Tickoff, an acaricide produced by Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Center Cathedral to be counterfeit and have since banned it.

According to Abiaz Rwamwiri, NDA’s Public Relations Officer, the product which has been distributed in districts of Kiruhura, Lyantonde, Sembabule, Gomba, Isingiro, and parts of Karamoja is laced with diazinon, a highly concentrated fumigant used to kill bedbugs, bats, and termites.

It was also found to be contaminated with Fipronil, a spray that was banned for food-producing animals because of the long withdrawal period due to the potential risks it could have on human health in addition to Benalaxyl a fungicide which is carcinogenic composing of cancer-causing components.

According to a statement issued by NDA on Tuesday, the chemicals were being mixed with animal feeds and silverfish and packaged without an expiry date, ingredient information, or warning.

Rwamwiri says that NDA received a tip-off about the product after the pastor started advertising the anti-tick drug during services at his church claiming that the product kills ticks instantly.

But, after being engaged by the authority about the drug’s efficacy, Rwamwiri says the team revealed that they had worked with scientists at Makerere University School of Veterinary Medicine to conduct trials on the medicine but they denied having ever worked with the pastor and his colleagues.

Pastor Kayanja and his team have declined to disclose the ingredients of the product but NDA working with police have impounded over 100 samples from his church stores and taken them to both NDA and Government Chemist Laboratories.

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UPDF, South African army sign defence co-operation agreement

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and South African National Defence Forces have signed a defence cooperation agreement that will see the two institutions from their respective countries share training experiences and exchange programs intending to enhance the Military Police functions of their respective countries.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Commandant Military Police Maj Gen Don Williams Nabasa on behalf of Uganda while Mokgadi Alpheus Maphoto Provost Marshal Gen signed on behalf of the South African National Defence Force.

The bilateral relations between the two parties had earlier started way back in 2019 as far as signing the cooperation agreement and had partially been implemented but was quickly hampered by COVID-19 which brought the entire program to a halt.

Maj Gen Don Williams Nabasa informed the SANDF delegation that he was confident that integration of experience by both parties forms a basis for sound and timely decision-making by their respective leaders by proposing practicable and actionable measures that bear enduring effects towards professionalisation of provost formations.

Speaking at the same function the Provost marshal General of South Africa’s Defence Force Mokgadi Aupheus Maphoto said the relationship between the two countries was real and aimed at reviving the long-standing history, adding that during the struggle for independence, South African youth came and trained in Uganda in 1989 part of that group became formed the military police of SANDF, therefore this agreement will see improvement in defending territorial boundaries of their countries.

Others in attendance during the signing of the cooperation agreement were Col Silvia Meeme Boto Military police, Col DR Lumumba, Lt col Hamza Kasaija from Protocol, and on the South African side Col Twice Moganyaka , Lt col AK Mahlangu and Maj ME Motala.

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Hoteliers shift focus to online marketing in 2023

Davis Mugabi (left), flanked by Uganda's Simba Group Chairman Patrick Bitature (second left), Nigerian comedian Klint da Drunk and Protea Hotel’s General Manager Florence Nyiramugisha.

Hoteliers in Uganda are set to focus on online marketing and training to boost customer experience and hit huge profits in the year 2023, Jean Byamugisha the Chief Executive Director of the Uganda Hotel Owner’s Association has revealed.

Byamugisha says that 2023 is gearing up to be a great year for tourism and it’s being approached with a lot of optimism.

Byamugisha confirms that the hotel sector is officially out of the red zone as many hotels are picking up now after the effects of the pandemic. She said hoteliers are now focusing more on online marketing, one of the latest emerging tech trends in the hospitality industry.

ā€œWe got a huge boost at the beginning of the year when Uganda was declared Ebola-free. Not only did it open up our economy once more to the countries that were treating us with caution but it also earned us a lot of kudos for the excellent and quick way in which it was handled.Ā This did wonders for our tourism marketing campaigns,ā€ states Byamugisha.

She adds: ā€œMost importantly from lessons learned during the pandemic, most of our hotels have adopted online operations right from booking and payment options to embracing new online marketing techniquesā€.

Just like Byamugisha, Davis Mugabi, the Operations Manager at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz by Marriott also observes that it is time for hotels to embrace technology like any other sector to remain relevant.

ā€œThe hospitality sector is extremely competitive, making it essential to keep up with the latest hospitality technology trends. New technology such as automation, mobile bookings, tech-empowered travel, virtual reality tours, and influencer marketing, among others are changing the hotel industry.

ā€œTechnology can help businesses streamline their processes, reduce costs, lower staff workloads, increase revenue generation potential, and improve customer experience delivery,ā€ says Mugabi.

According to Mugabi, previously, the hotel industry was not threatened much by competitors due to the lack of alternatives, but this is changing, with the growth of new lodging alternatives catering to different consumer segments.

Speaking about that race in the sector, Byamugisha says the management is seeing how Artificial Intelligence-AI is taking over most jobs and now trying to future-proof the sector’s staff to ensure that they get the right online training to keep them relevant in an ever-changing industry.

ā€œWe are seeing a lot more meetings being hosted in Uganda and more hotels coming up both in Kampala and upcountry. The majority of our staff are also back at work and it’s looking like the worst is behind us and we are going full steam ahead into the New Year,ā€ says Byamugisha.

The key to success in the competitive hospitality industry is customer satisfaction and effective management, which can be achieved by creating authentic relationships with customers, hiring the right staff, and making value-adds meaningful.

According to Florence Nyiramugisha, the General Manager of Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz, East Africa’s hospitality industry is growing due to increased demand for unique travel, improved air links, visa convenience, new hotel brands, and government infrastructure improvements.

She adds: ā€œThe industry continues to expand, employment opportunities for both high and low-skilled-led workers will increase, leading to a boost in the economyā€.

Such applications have so far been successfully used in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and USA among others in Europe.

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Tayebwa launches legislative agenda to safeguard children against homosexuality, sexual harassment

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has launched the legislative agenda for children, also raising critical issues concerning children with special needs.

The much needed legislative blueprint for children was developed and presented by Members of Parliament on the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Children (UPFC). 

The forum which was started in the seventh Parliament is an avenue through which the status of Ugandan children, especially those in difficult circumstances could be addressed. It is a platform where MPs from different political parties lobby for the rights of children in situations of competing needs and priorities where children’s rights are often neglected.

Tayebwa said the legislative agenda would help Parliament as an institution to pass laws that safeguard children against emerging threats including homosexuality and sexual harassment.

“Most of the children face sexual and physical violence and as a country, we are not doing very well. We are ranked number 16 out of the 25 countries which are doing badly on child labour rights. We can’t be proud of that. We must look for a way of addressing that,” he said.Ā 

“I’m glad this forum is bringing out all these issues,” the Deputy Speaker added.Ā 

Quoting a national survey on violence against children done in 2020, Tayebwa said every 3 in 4 young adults, reported having experienced at least four forms of violence including sexual or physical harassment during childhood. 

Tayebwa also urged UPFC to work with the government to ensure that children are protected from homosexuality and other forms of anti African behaviors. 

“We need to protect our children. This is the biggest burden that we do have now. We have evils that have invaded our schools and every institution. Why is someone going to school, teaching our children that it’s okay for a man to kiss a man or sleep with a man. Some people are trying to change our social order,” he said.Ā 

“The problem we have is that many parents are fearing to talk about it because they feel their children will be disenfranchised,” he said, asking the children’s forum to look into this issue.

Youth and Children Affairs junior minister Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke said the government of Uganda acknowledges that there’s an urgent need to initiate and promote legislation that fosters a holistic development of all the children.

“We recognize the need to harness the full potential of every child as a key strategy for economic transformation,” she added, lauding UPFC for providing technical oversight in the development of the agenda.Ā 

“I commended Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Children for its commitment and the deliberate efforts to monitor the national legislative and policy environment,” she said.

The minister also said the agenda would help to address a number of gaps in the country’s laws concerning children. 

She urged all MPs to support improving children’s wellbeing in Uganda through legislation and policy reforms.

Margaret Makhoha, the Chairperson Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Children said the Agenda Identifies gaps where the legislation does not protect internationally recognized rights and principles to guide required legislative and policy reforms.

“Most of these laws are scattered that, may be exploited to deny children their rights, or do not address the current context and emerging challenges, such as the post-pandemic environment, thus a need for the Forum to assess continuously assess their relevance and address existing legislative gaps.”

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NUP backs Alice Alaso in forthcoming Serere County by-election

Alice Alaso

The National Unity Platform (NUP) will back Alice Alaso, the flag bearer for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) in the forthcoming Serere County by-election, Eagle Online has learnt.

The revelation was made by Joel Ssenyonyi, the spokesperson of the NUP who said the decision followed ANT’s request for a joint candidate ahead of the by-election.

Last month, FDC unveiled Emmanuel Eratu as its candidate despite ANT’s request to back its candidate. The party president Patrick Amuriat said they can’t support ANT’s candidate because of the irreconcilable facts between the two political parties.

Serere County Parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of the former Member of Parliament, the Late Okabe Patrick, in a motor accident on December 19, 2022.

Recently, the former Serere Woman MP, who is also a former Secretary General of FDC Alaso said they petitioned all the opposition political parties proposing to have a single candidate in the by-election.

According to the electoral road map,Ā the election exercises kicked off withĀ the update of the National Voters’ Register from Friday 6th to Tuesday 10th January, 2023 in each of the 38 parishes and wards in Serere County.

The nomination of candidates will be conducted on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th February, 2023 at the Office of the District Returning Officer, Serere.

Polling and tallying of results for the by-election of Member of Parliament will be conducted on Thursday 23rd February, 2023.

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NRM’s correct ideology has increased unity in Uganda – Museveni

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who doubles as the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on Monday 6th, February 2023 said Uganda is more united than ever because of the correct ideology of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government.

The ideology, according to the President, includes the four (4) core principles of; Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation and Democracy.

ā€œThe correct principles of the NRM united our people as never before. When we won power, again, the NRM put out a correct strategy which has achieved the following: minimum economic recovery; expansion of the small enclave economy of the 3Cs and 3Ts after it had recovered by 2005; diversifying it; and now, transforming the economy into one of knowledge and skills e.g., the automobile industry,ā€ Museveni said.

He made the remarks while speaking at the celebrations to mark the 42nd Tarehe-Sita Anniversary at Kakyeka Grounds in Mbarara District under the theme: ā€œRecognising the sacrifice of the founders of the people’s revolution for social-economic transformationā€.

Museveni said the unity and support Ugandans have shown NRM has enabled the party to win elections on the first round, ā€œbecause majority of the people are United.ā€

On the military side, Museveni said the strategy of the protracted people’s war with the tactical battles of quick-decision, enabled the NRA to metamorphose from a small force of a few sections to a powerful force of brigades.

He further informed the gathering that the NRM has achieved in building a new economy not only based on agriculture and minerals but also on science.

ā€œI congratulate everybody who has contributed to the struggle but also to the reconstruction of the economy,ā€ Museveni said.

The President outlined nine (9) tasks ahead to fully achieve the NRM’s strategic goals. These include; Fully monetizing the economy by involving all families in commercial activities, value addition to all agricultural products that are not consumed fresh, irrigation, modernizing and expanding of the economic infrastructure (roads, the railway, electricity, piped water, etc.) and expanding and modernizing the social infrastructure (schools, health centres, stadiums, etc.)

Other tasks mentioned were; uncompromisingly implementing free education in government schools and tertiary institutions so that children stop dropping out of school and fighting corruption.

Here the President warned government schools against charging money.

ā€œI have heard of Headmasters charging children extra money to pay arts teachers. When I get information, you will see what I’ll do,ā€ H.E Museveni warned.

The other task is to uncompromisingly defend the environment which he said ā€œwas given to us by God and bequeathed to us by our ancestors against parasites who are enemies of our water sources.ā€

ā€œYou have heard that we are going to have massive irrigation. Anybody destroying the environment is an enemy of our future,ā€ the President said.

The 9th task ahead is working with African countries to deepen the regional integration of East Africa and the African continent.

ā€œWith these aims, given what we have already achieved, our strategic goals of prosperity for all, strategic security for Africa and African fraternity, will be achieved,ā€ Museveni further noted.

He further saluted Ugandans that have contributed to the heroic efforts, including the people of the Ankole-Kigezi area who he said went through the invasion of 1972; the 1979 war when he was involved in capturing Mbarara Town on the 28th of February 1979; and the protracted battle for Mbarara in 1985, when Mbarara barracks was besieged for three (3) months.

At the same ceremony, Resistance Officer (RO) 00001 Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa was the only recipient of the Order of Katonga Star Medal, the highest military decoration awarded to a person who exhibits extraordinary instances of heroism in the army. Museveni who was decorated by the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo thanked the awards committee for recognising him alongside the 28+1 group of FRONASA fighters who helped him liberate Uganda.

ā€œI thank those people who recognised me as a hero,ā€ Museveni said.

Gen Akandwanaho Salim Saleh, Gen Ivan Koreta, Brig Gen Bosco Omure received the Kabalega medal. The three (3) together with Gen Museveni are the only surviving 28+1 Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) fighters trained between 1976 and 1978 in Montepuez in Northern Mozambique.

These were among the 66 deserving Ugandans who were awarded with medals in different categories during this year’s 42nd Tarehe-Sita celebrations.

The Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja thanked the President for leading the country well and also ushering in the peace which is key to the development Uganda is enjoying now.

According to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi said Tarehe-sita gives them an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic link between UPDF and the population.

He said holding this year’s event in the Greater Mbarara Sub-Region was to trace and link the current peace, security, stability and development, to the earlier efforts in the struggle, particularly, the anti-Amin Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), and document their contributions in the struggle to liberate Uganda.

ā€œWe therefore salute those who have paid the ultimate price because of the freedom and the environment that we’re enjoying now. We build on these sacrifices therefore to continue professionalizing the army to make it for purpose,ā€ Gen Mbadi said.

The date 6th February 1981 is symbolic in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) calendar owing to the fact that the National Resistance Army (NRA) launched its first offensive against Kabamba Military Barracks of the then ruling establishment aiming to take over control of the country on that day. The NRA later metamorphosed into the UPDF.

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Byarugaba dispels Amongi’s allegations, calls for his reappointment to the Fund

Mr. Richard Byarugaba.

The former Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Richard Byarugaba has refuted claims of mismanagement of the Fund.

Last month, Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development declined to reappoint Byarugaba despite recommendations from both President Yoweri Museveni and the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and instead called for investigations into the mismanagement of the fund.

Byarugaba was on Friday, February 3, appearing before the select Parliamentary committee investigating mismanagement claims at the Fund with a focus on issues like corporate governance of the Fund, the appointment of the Managing Director, and safety of savers’ money.

He told the committee that the Fund’s performance had improved in the last ten years, growing at a higher rate than the national GDP. ā€œIn 2012 the Fund was less than 4% of the country’s GDP. Currently, NSSF is more than 10.6% of GDP,ā€ he said.

He continued to say that in the last ten years, the growth rate of member registrations had oscillated between 17% per annum, compliance had increased from 40% to 60%, annual contributions indicated an upward trajectory and assets grew to 17.3 trillion in June 2022.

On the return to member savings, Byarugaba told the committee that the Fund was paying double digit interest rate above inflation over the last ten years. ā€œPreviously, NSSF wasn’t paying above inflation; the average interest payout was 6.27% while inflation was at 6.3%. Over the last ten years, we have been paying double digit interest rates with inflation at 3.65%. Meaning that we are preserving member funds and giving real return to members. The highest interest rate paid to members in the history of the Fund is 15% that we paid in 2018.ā€

NSSF’s current management is led by Patrick Ayota, the Acting Managing Director had reported the same growth of the Fund when they appeared at the committee earlier in the week, contrary to allegations of unsatisfactory performance by Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social development. NSSF is supervised by the Gender ministry and the Finance Ministry according to the new NSSF Act 2021. Whereas the Gender Ministry is in charge of operations at the Fund, the Finance Ministry oversees its investments.

Byarugaba also refuted claims of non-participation in the national development agenda by NSSF saying that the Fund provides the government with 40% of its domestic borrowing. ā€œFor every 10 shillings the Ministry of finance borrows from the public to develop roads, electricity and the health sector, Shs 4 is from the NSSF. If this doesn’t show participation in national development, then I don’t know what does!ā€ Byarugaba said.

On the contentious Shs6 billion, Byarugaba said that Amongi had asked the Fund to provide for the money purportedly to support implementation of the new NSSF law and yet this was already provided for in the Fund’s overall operations budget for the financial year 2022/23.Ā ā€œThe Minster’s letter of 16th June, 2022 to the Fund clearly shows that she wanted to handle the Shs6 billion,ā€ Byarugaba told the committee.

Regarding the alleged purchase of Nakigala land at Shs400 billion as part of the Fund’s real estate investments, Byarugaba clarified that the amount was provisioned as total budget estimates for all strategic land purchases for the FY 2022/23 to purchase two land assets and that the amount wasn’t entirely for Nakigala as alleged by the Minister.

On the Shs40 billion budget provision for the Grain Council, Byarugaba clarified that the Fund had declined to partner with the council due to disagreement in implementation on the back of unclear accountability measures. The minister had instead looked at this as ā€œinsubordinationā€ from Byarugaba.

The Committee is chaired by Mwine Mpaka who is the Member of Parliament for Mbarara City South. Other members of the committee include Workers MP Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, Mr. Karim Masaba (Industrial Division, Mbale City), Mr. Michael Kakembo (Entebbe Municipality), Ms. Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman), Ms. Laura Kanushu (Persons with Disabilities), and Mr. Amos Kankunda (Rwampara County).

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BoU maintains lending rate for February at 10%

Deputy Governor, Dr Michael Atingo-Ego

Bank of Uganda (BoU) has maintained the Central Bank Rate (CBR) for February at 10 per cent amid uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook in the country.

BoU Deputy Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego on Monday, February 6, 2023 said while the economy is showing signs of recovery amid declining inflation, there are many risks such as slower adjustment in domestic demand due to tight monetary and fiscal policies, higher food crop prices due to unfavorable weather, a possible increase in global energy prices, and a resurgence of supply chain distortions due to heightening geopolitical tensions.

ā€œBased on the uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook, the MPC assessed that the current CBR would contain domestic demand pressures, while accommodating and supporting economic recovery,ā€ he announced.

ā€œThe MPC, therefore, maintained the CBR at 10%. The bands on the CBR will remain at +/-2 percentage points. The margin on the CBR for the rediscount and bank rates will remain at 3 and 4 percentage points. Consequently, the rediscount and bank rates will be 13% and 14%, respectively,ā€ he added.

Annual headline and core inflation increased to 10.4% and 9.0% in January 2023 from 10.2% and 8.4%, respectively in December 2022.

The increase in inflation was largely driven by base effects arising from a significant drop in public transport fares in January 2022 after the Government allowed full-capacity carriage following the reopening of the economy.

 ā€œThe increase in inflation is therefore expected to be short-lived. Indeed, the average month-on- month headline inflation was zero percent in the three months to January 2023 compared to an average monthly increase of 1.1% in the three months to October 2022. Similarly, month-on- month core inflation averaged 0.1% in the three months to January 2023, a decline from an average of 0.9% in the three months to October 2022,ā€ the Deputy Governor explained.

Inflation is expected to continue declining in the months ahead due to lower energy prices, improved global supply chains, exchange rate stability supported by tight monetary conditions, and moderate demand pressures due to tight monetary and fiscal policies. The headline and core inflation are expected to average 6.5% and 5.6%, respectively in 2023.

The latest quarterly GDP data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBoS) revealed stronger than expected economic growth in the three quarters of 2022, averaging 6%. Strong industrial and service output growth more than offset a decline in growth of the agricultural output. Similarly, the Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA), a high-frequency indicator of activity, points to a 1.5% growth in the second quarter of the FY 2022/23, up from 0.3% in the previous quarter. Also, business sentiments have improved since the MPC meeting of December 2022.

BoU projects economic growth in the range of 5.0 – 5.6% in FY 2022/23. Increased external demand for exports, a significant rebound in foreign direct and private investment, which is reflected in strong growth in the quarterly industry and services output, and better supply-chain conditions, are expected to support modestly higher economic growth in the near term, firming further in the outer years.

However, BoU said economic growth is projected to remain below its long term trend until FY 2025/26.

ā€œThe BoU will continuously review the monetary policy stance against new information and stands ready to respond appropriately to ensure that inchoation is brought back sustainably to the 5% medium term target,ā€ he said.

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New York Red Bulls II name Ibrahim Sekagya as head coach

New York Red Bulls II has named former Uganda Cranes captain and defender Ibrahim Sekagya as its head coach for their inaugural season in MLS Next Pro, the club announced.

Sekagya will be the third Head Coach in Red Bulls II history after spending eight seasons as an Assistant Coach.

ā€œIbrahim [Sekagya] has played a crucial role in the development of Red Bulls II in addition to his success as a player with the main club,ā€ Sporting Director Denis Hamlett said. ā€œWe know he will continue his hard work and dedication to improve in every facet of the club.ā€

Following his retirement as a player in 2015, Sekagya joined the Red Bulls II coaching staff for its inaugural season in USL that same year. After seven and a half seasons as an Assistant Coach, he was named the Interim Head Coach on July 3, 2022, and guided the team for the final 17 matches of the season.

With Sekagya on the staff, Red Bulls II has seen 21 players go on to sign MLS contracts with the New York Red Bulls. Two, Tyler Adams and Aaron Long, were part of the United States Men’s National Team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He has also spent time assisting in first team training sessions and continues to work with players on the team.

During his eight seasons with the club, Red Bulls II won 98 matches, qualified for the postseason five times, and won both the 2016 USL Cup and Regular Season Title.

ā€œI am thrilled to continue my journey with the New York Red Bulls organization and lead New York Red Bulls II to success,ā€ Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya said. ā€œI cannot wait to get this season started and show all of the work that has been done this winter to put a well-balanced squad on the pitch.ā€

As a player, Sekagya joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2007 after playing in both Uganda and Argentina. During his time in Salzburg, he helped win three Austrian Football Bundesliga titles over a four-year span from 2008 to 2012 and was also part of the team that won the 2012 Austrian Cup.

He joined the New York Red Bulls in July of 2013 and spent two seasons with the club. Sekagya was part of the 2013 Red Bulls team that clinched the club’s first-ever Supporters’ Shield.

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Heathens player Charles Uhuru banned for 15 weeks

Charles Uhuru

Platinum Credit Heathens player Charles Uhuru has been slapped with a 15-week ban for dangerous play by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) Disciplinary Committee.

Uhuru, who is also the Rugby Cranes vice captain, was involved in a nasty incident during a league game against KOBS where he was seen lifting and throwing down Joseph Aredo on the 28th of January at Legends Grounds in Kampala.

ā€œThe Disciplinary Committee referred to the World Rugby Regulation 17, appendix 1 for guidance and has resolved to suspend Mr Uhuru for fifteen (15) weeks from taking part in any Union sanctioned rugby activity,ā€ reads a ruling shared by the Secretary of URU, Peter Odong.

ā€œThis suspension takes effect from February 3 and ends on May 19, 2023.

ā€œThe URU further guides the Clubs and their leadership take keen interest and promote fair play.ā€

This means Charles Uhuru will not be available for his side for the remainder of the 2023 Rugby Premier League.

Stanbic Black Pirates player Stephen Alul has also been suspended for two weeks following an act of foul play attributed to him on 28th January in Jinja between Hippos and the Pirates.

Alul has been suspended for two weeks and his ban runs from February 3 to 17.

Uhuru and Alul have until Thursday evening to appeal the ruling.

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