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Jenifer Bamuturaki elected President of African Airlines Association

By
Our Reporter
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Jenifer Bamuturaki (on the right)

Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki has been elected the President of African Airlines Association (AFRAA) for the year 2023.

Bamuturaki takes over from Mr. Alioune Badara Fall, the CEO of Air Senegal who has been the President of AFRAA for 2022.

She took over the presidency at the 54th AFRAA Annual General Assembly in Dakar, Senegal that happened on December 13, 2022.

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) is a trade association of African airlines. It was founded in Accra, Ghana, in 1968, and is, as of February 2021, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The primary purpose of AFRAA is to establish and facilitate co-operation between African airlines.

The highest policy making body of the Association is the Annual General Assembly composed of Chief Executives of member airlines. The Annual General Assembly is presided over by the President of the Association.

The President of the Association rotates annually and is elected at the Annual General Assembly from among Chief Executives of member airlines.

AFRAA, as an association advocates for safe, secure and reliable air transport; promotes the industry best practices to support safe, secure and reliable air transport in Africa. It enhances the visibility, reputation and influence of African Airlines in the global aviation industry.

It also advocates for the reduction of costs of air transport services in Africa by reducing taxes, fees and charges and strives for the implementation of cost-effective Human Resource Development.

The association also lobbies for market access to increase revenues and enhance connectivity for the aviation sector in Africa, undertake the implementation of joint initiatives aimed at reducing operating costs for airlines, increase revenues and market share and also facilitates and encourages partnership among African airlines.

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World Cup semi-final: Morocco faces biggest test against France

By
Agencies
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Morocco Players

France face Morocco in a World Cup 2022 semifinal that pits the defending world champions against this year’s underdog story.

France have Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. Morocco have the hopes and dreams of Africa and the entire Arab world, not to mention the support of most neutrals.

Whatever happens in the game, history will be made at Al Bayt Stadium, the giant Bedouin tent in Al Khor, with Morocco the first Arab or African nation to make it to the semifinals of a World Cup.

The French are overwhelmingly the favourites in this match, but Morocco have claimed some notable scalps on their way here – Belgium, Spain and Portugal were all talked about as serious contenders for the title, and all fell to the Atlas Lions. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui on Tuesday made clear that his side were going to try their best to pull off another “upset” in their fairytale run.

Walid Cheddira is suspended for the semifinal after being sent off in the win over Portugal, while captain Romain Saiss is a potential injury concern for Morocco in defence. Having missed the quarterfinal, it’s not yet clear if Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui will be fighting fit in time for Wednesday’s match.

Morocco’s place in the semifinal isn’t down to luck. It’s down to sheer hard work, grit, determination and talent. They deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. Morocco have not fluked it – they should now be considered one of the footballing world’s top sides. You do not make it to a World Cup semifinal by chance.

And then there’s France. This extraordinary team, missing many of its star players, yet with the depth to produce absolute champagne football. They have flair, consistency and muscle. Plus, they’ve been here before. Head coach Didier Deschamps is one of only three men to have won the World Cup both as a player and as a manager.

France’s play has been hallmarked by speed and attack. Mbappe streaks away from defenders as if the ball were tied to his boot – like watching Lionel Messi a decade ago. Indeed, Mbappe is just one shy of Messi’s World Cup goal tally – but he’s only 23, and could easily be playing in another two World Cups before he even turns 32.

Giroud brings the calm experience to the attacking line; a wise head that the veteran can still use to devastating effect. Griezmann remains the all-round playmaker, directing the game with pinpoint precision.

And that’s just thinking about France’s top line. They have no suspensions among their team to worry about. Sitting deep, they’ve got such talent as Theo Hernandez, who is one of Europe’s best left-backs.

Morocco will be looking to slow the game down, control and neutralise the pace of Mbappe, and frustrate France into lapses of discipline or skill. When in possession, they’ll be hoping to put the ball at the feet of Achraf Hakimi, Mbappe’s teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, to see if the star pairing can make a little more magic for Morocco.

This will be neither team’s last game in Qatar; the losing team will still have to play arguably the worst match in any competition – the third-place playoff – at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday night.

The winners, however, go on to sport’s biggest event to face Argentina. Watched by quite possibly billions of people, the World Cup final will be held on Sunday, Qatar’s national day, at Lusail Stadium. Glory awaits.

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URA, KACITA partner to ease tax education

By
Our Reporter
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URA, KACITA partner to ease tax education

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is to start conducting tax education programs together with the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA).

This new development was disclosed by Ag. Commissioner General Abel Kagumire while attending the annual KACITA dinner held at Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala.

The development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between URA and KACITA early this year. In the MoU, the two entities agreed to partner in the areas of; tax education, taxpayer registration and supporting businesses with tax related business development advisory.

Speaking at the dinner, Kagumire expressed his enthusiasm saying tax education programs are better understood and welcomed when facilitated by fellow traders as opposed to URA officials.

He also lauded the traders for being compliant disclosing that the wholesale and retail sector contributed the most revenue among SMEs in the last quarter amounting to UGX 1.4 trillion.

Mr. Kagumire also used the platform to highlight the different initiatives URA has put in place to simplify tax payment and enhance compliance including, EFRIS, BWIMS, DTS, Alternative Dispute Resolution among others.

“We have brought the Bonded Warehouse Information Management system and it works. Through the system, we can now see what happens in the bonded warehouses. It has eased tax collection and I urge you to support it,” he explained.

He added that URA has extended an olive branch to evasive taxpayers to pay with zero interest on their penalties. The self-assessment period has also been increased from 12 months to 3 years.

The new developments were welcomed with applause by the traders who also raised concerns on the technology they are expected to grasp in a short period.

Muyomba Sam, the spokesperson for Kikuubo traders revealed that they are having a challenge of customers refusing to buy from those who cannot give e-receipts.

Mr. Kagumire in response, urged the traders to support EFRIS saying it will simplify tax payment and collection.

Meanwhile, the KACITA dinner is an annual event that is held to celebrate traders in Kampala. This year’s ceremony attracted different officials including Minister of finance Hon. Matia Kasaija who reechoed the need for compliance to lessen on the borrowing from external sources.

On the taxation in all EAC member states, the Minister advised that taxation varies in the different countries despite the integration.

Alongside tax collection, URA has purposed to become a business enabler and through partnerships with associations like KACITA, tax compliance is expected to improve immensely.

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South Africa’s Parliament votes against impeaching Ramaphosa

By
Agencies
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President Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa’s parliament voted against starting impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over a report that says he held undeclared foreign currency at his farm in 2020.

The lawmakers voted 214 to 148 against the move to impeach Ramaphosa. The ruling African National Congress party, which holds a majority in the parliament, largely stood with Ramaphosa, preventing the motion from getting the two-thirds vote needed to proceed with impeachment.

Four ANC members of parliament, however, showed their opposition to Ramaphosa by voting in favor of impeachment and a few more did not show up for the vote.

The crucial vote came after a damning parliamentary report alleged that Ramaphosa illegally hid at least $580,000 in cash in a sofa at his Phala Phala game ranch. It said he did not report the theft of the money to the police in order to avoid questions over how he got the foreign currency and why he had not declared it to authorities.

The report has brought Ramaphosa’s opponents — opposition parties and even rivals within his ANC party — to call for him to step down.

At least four ANC lawmakers broke ranks with the party line and voted along with the opposition parties in favor of the impeachment process, including Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, currently a minister in Ramaphosa’s Cabinet and high-ranking ANC leader.

Dlamini-Zuma lost against Ramaphosa for the ANC presidency at its last national conference in 2017.

Other notable figures who voted in favor of Ramaphosa’s impeachment were Supra Mahumapelo and Mosebenzi Zwane, known rivals of Ramaphosa and allies of former president Jacob Zuma, indicating the extent of divisions within the ANC.

During the Tuesday seating. ANC lawmakers argued that the panel that drafted the report did not present enough evidence to warrant the impeachment of Ramaphosa. They said that other law enforcement agencies are still probing the matter.

They also cited Ramaphosa’s application for a judicial review of the report, saying parliament should await the outcome of that process before proceeding with any move against the president.

The parliamentary vote comes in a week where Ramaphosa will also be fighting for his political life as he seeks to be re-elected the leader of the ANC at its national conference starting in Johannesburg on Friday.

The conference will also elect members of the party’s National Executive Committee, which is the party’s highest decision-making body.

Ramaphosa must be re-elected as the ANC leader in order to stand for re-election to a second term as South Africa’s president in 2024.

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Gov’t, Magogo agree to harmonize Sports Bills

By
Our Reporter
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FUFA President Moses Magogo

The government and Budiope East Member of Parliament, Moses Magogo have agreed to harmonise and come up with a comprehensive and holistic Sports Bill.

While meeting the Committee on Education and Sports on Tuesday, 13 December 2022, the two parties were given up to 20 December 2022 to furnish the committee with a harmonised Sports Bill.

On 01 December 2021, Magogo was granted leave of the House to introduce a Private Member’s Bill entitled, ‘the National Sports Bill, 2021’.

Subsequently, the bill was tabled for the First Reading on 10 November 2022.

Barely a month later, the Minister of State for Sports, had Peter Ogwang also tabled the government bill entitled, ‘the Physical Activity and Sports Bill, 2022’?

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa directed that both bills are harmonized and scrutinised by the Committee on Education and Sports

During the meeting, both the minister and Magogo submitted two separate bills, which prompted MPs’ moderation calling for harmony.

“My proposal is that we allow Magogo together with government to sit and harmonise. If that is not done, then the committee can sit and harmonise. But I would propose that government supports the private member’s bill,” Soroti City West  MP Jonathan Ebwalu said.

Representative of Older Persons, Joram Tibasiimwa said that the private member’s bill is very practical and rich in content and therefore, should be harmonised with the government bill.

Minister Ogwang said there was an attempt at a retreat held in May 2022 to harmonise the two draft bills.

However, Magogo denied that there was any harmonisation process.

However, he said he was open to harmonisation processes for as long as it is intended to bring a good bill which seeks to address challenges in the sports sector.

“My motivation to bring a private member’s bill is not a contestation of ideas, but to have a law which serves this country better,” he said.

The object of that Bill is to regulate the operation and administration of national sports associations, federations and community sports clubs.

Magogo told Parliament at the time that the Bill proposed the creation of a Sports Fund to provide sustainable means of supporting sports in Uganda.

It also sought to repeal the 1964 National Council of Sports Act, and enable Uganda to harness available opportunities in local and international sports.

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Justice Aweri Opio was humble, selfless – MPs

By
Our Reporter
-

Parliament has paid tribute to Justice Rubby Aweri Opio, the Justice of the Supreme Court who passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

During a special sitting to pay tribute to him held on Tuesday, 13 December 2022, the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao  among others laid wreaths on the casket in honour of the deceased.

The Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, the family of the late Judge and other members of the Judiciary were in the House as Parliament paid tribute to the deceased.

In her communication to the House, Anita Among described the late as a man of boundless intellect who was selfless and dedicated in his service in the Judiciary.

She said that the deceased was committed to administering justice.

“I urge the members to emulate the dedication, humility and the selflessness of Justice Aweri Opio. Personally, I knew Justice Opio when he was a resident Judge in Gulu and I was working at Centenary Bank; he used to be a parent to all of us,” she said.

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja who moved the motion to pay tribute to the deceased described Aweri Opio as a great towering legal mind who served the bench with boundless dedication, utmost humility and commitment.

“There is no doubt Uganda will miss his noble service. Justice Aweri had major interest in law and practice, civil litigation, criminal law, environmental law and management,” she said.

Nabbanja added that Aweri Opio was a true legal professional who dedicated his life to the Judiciary.

Several Members of Parliament described the deceased as a fountain of humility, hard work and someone who fought corruption.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga said that although Aweri Opio had the opportunity to excel in private practice, he chose public service, which turned out to be of great importance to the nation.

Butembe County MP David Livingstone Zijan said that Justice Aweri Opio dispensed justice with empathy and humility, and decried the apathy and corruption in Ugandans institutions.
“As we send him off today, we owe him a better nation at the end of our journey. His legacy speaks for himself,” he said.

The House also adopted an amendment to the motion to name a road after Aweri Opio and also set up a modern library at Lango College in Lira, the secondary school that the deceased studied from.

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja said that she will take the matter to Cabinet for consideration.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao said that Justice Aweri Opio had a tough stance on corruption in the Judiciary when he was named the Chief Inspector of Courts.
“Those of us who knew Justice Aweri Opio personally were impressed by his humanity, his capacity for hard work and his seriousness of purpose,” he said.

The Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua hailed Parliament and the President for the Administration of Judiciary Act, stating that the deceased’s family will benefit from the provisions of the law.
“In his rise to the Supreme Court, the track record of the late Justice Aweri Opio from wherever he was within and outside Uganda was clean and clear,” Obua said.  

The Minister of State for Defence, Jacob Marksons Oboth described the deceased as a humble person who served with meekness.

The Minister of State for Urban Development, Obiga Kania equally described Aweri Opio as a humble man who presided over his court sessions with utmost integrity.   

Dokolo District Woman MP, Cecilia Ogwal said that Justice Aweri Opio was a humorous man who cared so much for his community. She said that in his humility, Opio Aweri was a giant.
“I plead with MPs that we should remember this man to make sure that we increase funding for the Judiciary. They cannot perform unless we increase funding to them.” Ogwal said.

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10 Best Cryptocurrency to Invest In & Explode in 2023

By
Boses Muhinda
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To pick a worthy digital project for investment, you should analyze it. Check out the following factors:

  • The essence of a project and its application
  • Price chart 
  • The market cap for cryptocurrency
  • Trade volume 
  • A project’s roadmap 
  • Partners and supporters
  • Real application cases.

The cryptocurrency market cap is a figure that shows the total value of all crypto assets that were released and are now in circulation. To get the market cap, you need to multiply the current crypto price by the number of tokens or coins released.

Based on the market cap and the actual use cases for coins, we have made the list of the most promising projects to invest in with their price in brackets:

  1. Bitcoin ($16.9)
  2. Ethereum ($1.27)
  3. Solana ($13.58)
  4. Decentraland ($0.4)
  5. UniSwap ($5.86)
  6. Apecoin ($3.89).

Check out these projects, and if you want to buy their tokens now that their price is relatively low, welcome to the WhiteBIT crypto platform. It is a centralized exchange with over 450 crypto pairs and a convenient interface. Novice users may pick a beginner interface, while experienced traders may configure an advanced option. In addition, the platform offers an easy-to-handle mobile application to trade on the go, low fees, and quality customer support. 

The platform has created a standalone educational resource – the WhiteBIT blog, where you will find a lot of valuable information on how the market works and learn about new up-and-coming crypto projects that come to the market. 

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Prime Minister Nabbanja directs Richard Byarugaba be re-appointed NSSF MD

By
Our Reporter
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Managing director of NSSF, Richard Byarugaba

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja has written to Gender and Labour minister Betty Amongi, the appointing authority, directing that Mr Richard Byarugaba be re-appointed for another five years as the Managing Director of National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Byarugaba’s tenure as NSSF MD had expired on November 1, 2022. He has held the position since 2010.

In a letter dated December 7, 2022, the Prime Minister said Byarugaba’s re-appointment followed a meeting they had at State house Entebbe chaired by President Museveni and the recommendations from the Board of Directors of the NSSF.

“As you are equally aware; H.E The President delegated me to conclusively handle this matter and provide update. I am happy to note that comprehensive consultations with key stakeholders on the matter have taken place. You and I have been pivotal. In my assessment, consensus has emerged that we should agree with the Board Recommendations to give a five-year non-renewable performance contract to Mr. Richard Byarugaba and Mr. Patrick Ayota as Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director respectively,” the letter reads in part.

“I appreciate that you have already appointed Mr. Patrick Ayota the Deputy Managing Director.”

“The purpose of this letter is to guide that you proceed and appoint Mr. Richard Byarugaba as the Managing Director of NSSF as recommended by the Board to avoid any managerial gaps which can put the workers funds at risk. This will ensure that the fully constituted Management Team can embark on implementing the Fund new Strategy in light of the New NSSF Law as amended,” the letter adds.

The Fund position itself is to mobilize retirement savings from citizens as envisaged in the amended NSSF Act. The Fund further ensures that those funds are invested for the benefit of the members and the overall socio-economic transformation.

Nabbanja added that in light of the allegations submitted to them in the last meeting, they referred the matter to the Auditor General for investigations.

NSSF-Uganda is a quasi-government agency responsible for the collection, safekeeping, responsible investment, and distribution of retirement funds from employees of the private sector who are not covered by the Government Retirement Scheme.

It is the largest pension fund in East Africa with total assets of about Ush16.86 trillion as of March 2022.

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Uganda gets Shs136 billion for solar mini-grids

By
Our Reporter
-

The German Government and the European Union (EU) launched the GET ACCESS Mini-grid Solar Programme, a 35 million Euro initiative to support the electrification of Uganda’s rural areas and contribute to the transition towards renewable energy.

GET ACCESS will provide first time access to modern, affordable and clean electricity to over 110,000 people, 800 public institutions (schools, health centres, other) and at least 700 businesses in remote rural areas. 

GET ACCESS catalyses private funds into development, construction, operation and maintenance of 120+ solar powered mini-grids ensuring a 24h/7d reliable electricity service. The mini-grids installed will approximately add 5-6 megawatts of generation capacity to the country. 

With a contribution of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ) of 15 Million Euro and the EU contributing 10 Million Euro, the total project cost will be 35 Million Euro (Shs 136.2 Billion). Both the Government of Uganda and the private investors will contribute to cover the remaining 10 Million Euro. The funds will be managed by the German Development Bank (KfW).

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) will be responsible for the programme implementation in collaboration with the Ugandan Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).

GET ACCESS will be implemented through a competitive tendering process whereby mini-grid developer companies, with demonstrable technical and financial capacities, offering the least cost energy are selected. To ensure necessary scale for financial leverage, operation and commercial sustainability, GET ACCESS supported mini-grids will be grouped in up to five clusters across Uganda. The village clusters of Palorinya–Maaji (West Nile refugee settlement), Kalangala and Wakiso (Central Uganda), Buvuma Island (East & West) and Lake Albert Shores have been confirmed for off-grid electrification through the programme. 

The tender process shall begin in 2023 and the construction of the mini grids shall start by 2024. GET ACCESS will support selected private companies with a unique combination of upfront and results-based subsidies that will reimburse mini-grid developers for significant portions of capital expenditures and costs to stimulate the productive use of energy (PUE).

GET ACCESS builds on previous pilot projects supporting deployment of off-grid technologies and on the recently gazetted Isolated Grid System regulatory framework and its associated guidelines.  

GET ACCESS will contribute to national socio-economic development by stimulating economic activities in the cluster areas by promoting current businesses and future business ventures. Moreover, GET ACCESS will also create a market for private sector driven & financed mini-grid electrification as a viable & ready alternative to publicly financed grid electrification in remote locations.

GET ACCES is a Team Europe Initiative contributing to fostering Private Public Partnerships in Uganda in pursuit of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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11 ADF rebels killed in Ntoroko District attack

By
Our Reporter
-

A number of Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels on Monday night crossed into Uganda through Ntoroko District but were held off by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).

The developments were confirmed by army’s spokesperson Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye.

“Estimated 20-30 ADF fighters last night crossed River Semuliki into Kyanja in Ntoroko district. Our intelligence got wind of them and they were intercepted. A fight is on to decisively deal with the group. 11 of them have been put out of Action,” he said.

He added that eight of the rebels have been captured alive, 10 sub-machine guns recovered at Kyapa Village, Bweramure Sub County, Ntoroko District with operations still on going.

More details to follow.

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