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Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.

Queen Elizabeth II’s tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK’s entry into – and withdrawal from – the European Union.

Her reign spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, born in 1874, and including Liz Truss, born 101 years later in 1975, and appointed by the Queen earlier this week.

She held weekly audiences with her prime minister throughout her reign.

At Buckingham Palace in London, crowds awaiting updates on the Queen’s condition began crying as they heard of her death.

The Queen was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926.

Few could have foreseen she would become monarch but in December 1936 her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated from the throne to marry the twice-divorced American, Wallis Simpson.

Elizabeth’s father became King George VI and, at age 10, Lilibet, as she was known in the family, became heir to the throne.

Within three years, Britain was at war with Nazi Germany. Elizabeth and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, spent much of wartime at Windsor Castle after their parents rejected suggestions they be evacuated to Canada.

After turning 18, Elizabeth spent five months with the Auxiliary Territorial Service and learned basic motor mechanic and driving skills. “I began to understand the esprit de corps that flourishes in the face of adversity,” she recalled later.

Through the war, she exchanged letters with her third cousin, Philip, Prince of Greece, who was serving in the Royal Navy. Their romance blossomed and couple married at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947, with the prince taking the title of Duke of Edinburgh.

She would later describe him as “my strength and stay” through 74 years of marriage, before his death in 2021, aged 99.

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KTA Advocates to hold the fifth Annual Symposium on Law, Technology, and Innovation

KTA Advocates Formerly, Karuhanga Tabaro & Associates is set to hold the fifth Annual Symposium on Law, Technology, and Innovation.

Under the theme; Achieving Uganda’s National Development Plan(NDP) III Goals; How Intellectual Property, Digital Trade, and the fourth industrial revolution can Facilitate an Inclusive and Robust Digital Economy, the symposium is slated to take place on the 20th and the 21st of October 2022 at the National ICT Innovation Hub Nakawa.

The symposium seeks to facilitate a dialogue between policymakers and members of different industries who have an integral role to play in the acceleration of Uganda toward a robust digital economy. Particularly, the symposium shall serve as an avenue through which those empowered to implement the digital transformation program can consult with stakeholders on key issues related to the program.

The two days event shall address the role of the digital transformation program in the EAC regional integration and the opportunities it holds for Uganda’s economy as well as the creation of a regional digital economy.

“It also seeks to give policymakers direction on how best to implement IP into policy and have meaningful results. The desired result is availing policymakers with valuable insight into how IP can be used to realize the objectives of NDP III as well as how policy can support digital trade and technologies to lead to economic growth. Lastly, the symposium aims to sensitize the public about the financial benefits of IP in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era,” reads part of the statement

According to a statement released by KTA advocates, the Symposium will consist of panel discussions, plenary sessions, break-out sessions, presentations, and speeches by government officials, civil society organizations academics, trailblazers in the technology industry, business actors, and representatives from industry organizations, research institutions, business associations and development partner organizations all of who play a key role in creating and influencing policy and the economy.

“The plenary sessions will allow different makers and creators, the government, academics, and other relevant sectors to discuss key issues, giving informed opinions on the processes of enhancing innovation for social economic transformation. The break-out sessions will allow for more in-depth and technical analysis of salient issues arising from the thematic focus of the conference,” reads part of the statement

The symposium convener shall host an exhibition for startups and entrepreneurs to showcase and market their innovations and products. Among the exhibition, stalls shall be one set up by KTA Advocates and URSB which shall disseminate information about trademark registration and shall offer clients discounted trademark application services and post-registration trademark maintenance.

The event shall include a pitch competition wherein selected startup entities shall present their business concepts to a panel of judges with the winner taking home a prize. The Symposium shall establish a call center where participants may dial in and contribute / or ask questions.

The symposium shall be a hybrid event hosted physically at the National ICT Innovation Hub Nakawa and virtually on YouTube, Facebook, and other online platforms determined by the convener and the organization committee.

The event will end with a live podcast recording of The Big Conversations by Ordinary People Podcast at the MCI Media Hub Kabalagala which will host experts in IP disseminating knowledge on copyright law in Uganda. This shall be followed by a live show performance by Xpressions UG.

KTA Advocates (Formerly, Karuhanga, Tabaro, and Associates) is a specialized award-winning IFLR recommended and a WTR1000 top-tier law firm that focuses on technology, media, telecommunications, intellectual property, and construction law.

The firm provides real-time legal solutions at each step of its client’s business decisions. Alongside its special commercial expertise, the firm’s team of specialized attorneys provides full legal service across various sectors like corporate governance, project finance, international trade, dispute resolution and arbitration, tax finance, civil and commercial litigation, employment, and real estate and property.

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Tooro Kingdom gets Shs30 million for 200th year anniversary

Tooro Kingdom has received Shs 30 Million donation geared towards facilitating the coronation activities to take place on 12th September.

These celebrations are held annually to commemorate the anniversary of the coronation of the Omukama of Tooro, His Majesty King Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Speaking at the handover, the Board Chairman of Uganda Breweries Mr. Japheth Katto said that much like Tooro Kingdom, Uganda Breweries, the oldest brewery in Uganda has enjoyed a rich heritage and history due to the passion that Ugandans have for upholding great cultural and heritage institutions.

“200 years of Tooro Kingdom is indeed a showcase of the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the people of Tooro. It shows the people’s zeal in protecting and upholding this great institution and that kind of strength in character resonates with us as Uganda Breweries and with Pilsner Lager, commonly known as the King’s Beer.”

The Shs 30 million from Uganda Breweries Limited through the Pilsner Lager brand was received by Peter Sunday Rusoke, the Minister of Culture of Tooro Kingdom who led a delegation from the kingdom.

“In our 200-year existence, we have relied on the goodwill of first our people and then, stakeholders from outside the kingdom to support us to continue doing the good work that we do in growing our communities through various activities. We are happy that Uganda Breweries has remained a consistent partner, supporting the Tooro Kingdom and in particular our Empango festivities through the years.”

The Brand Manager for Uganda Breweries Edgar Kihumuro said that Pilsner as a brand recognizes the importance of culture and cultural functions in bringing people together something that the brand Pilsner strives to uphold.

“We do this through sponsorship of various cultural festivities like this one, previously the Achooli Cultural Festival, the Bunyoro Coronation Anniversary, and Bamasaba Sports Tournament, to mention a few. “We are a brand that is deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of the Ugandan fabric.”

“Pilsner, aptly known as the Kings Beer, recognizes the important role that culture plays in bringing people together for everyday celebrations, just like our brand. So, our contribution is a way to support Tooro Kingdom as it continues to celebrate its rich history,” Kihumuro said.

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Miss Tourism to be crowned at Serena Hotel

Miss Tourism Uganda is this month scheduled to crown this year’s beauty queen. The Colorful event is scheduled to take place on 23rd September 2022 at Serena Hotel on 23rd September 2022.

This year’s edition is being held under the theme, “Rethinking Tourism”, as the pageant celebrates 10 years of existence.

Over the years, Miss Tourism Uganda has been promoting tourism awareness in Uganda through pageantry and several other initiatives such as conservation, cultural preservation, fashion, Music, and art in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the Ministry of Tourism.

Speaking during the launch at the Uganda museum early this year, Allan Kanyike the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Miss Tourism Uganda said Miss Tourism Uganda revealed that this year’s edition will showcase the achievements of Miss Tourism Uganda for the last 10 years.

“This time around, it’s not the continuation of the past pageants. It is a new start. We want to give it a new image and life. We want to build trust among the people. We want it to be prestigious and glamorous,” he said.

The search for beauty queens has been conducted in different regions and over the weekend they crowned the finalists of the Buganda region, Northern Region and Kigezi Region ahead of the grand finale at Serena Hotel.

This year’s queen will take over from Susan Kahunde Adyeri, the reigning Miss Tourism Uganda from Toro Region.

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Museveni praises NSSF for Lubowa Housing Project

Museveni

President Museveni this afternoon praised the National Social Security Fund-NSSF for the long term Housing Project called the Solana Lifestyle and Residences (Lubowa Housing Project) worth $400 million.

When completed, the Solana Lifestyle and Residences will be the largest project in East Africa, comprising 2,750 residences, that is apartments, townhouses, bungalows, and villas.

Speaking at the event, Museveni appreciated the NSSF Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba for being a good manager and investing in such a big project that will yield much profits in the near future. 

“I am very happy with this project. This is a good initiative and I want to congratulate NSSF for this big investment,” Museveni said.

However,  he said that Byarugaba is a good manager but a poor strategist.

“Byarugaba, you are a good manager but a poor strategist. I instruct you to visit Minister Kasaija for some lectures,” Museveni said.

He went ahead and encouraged Ugandans to get involved in economic agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, and income accumulating services like boda boda and driving.

“NRM is struggling so much to get all Ugandans into a money economy. You must create wealth for yourself and your household, stop working for ekida kyonka (working for stomach satisfaction),” he said.

Museveni also appreciated the tremendous work by the late Ivan Kyayonka, the former Board Chairman who ignited the project.

According to NSSF Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba, the project will help solve the problem of housing in the country.

“There are about 13 million people in urban centers in the country. Over 50% of Ugandans by 2050 will be in cities and above 35 million people in total yet housing is an integral part in developing our nation. This project will reshape the future of housing in this country since it will have a multiplier impact,” Byarugaba said.

He noted that in the first phase of the project, 73.3 million dollars has been spent while employing over 1500 people directly and 3200 people indirectly.

“We have invested close to $31 million on construction materials that have been sourced from local industries and have created over 1,500 direct jobs and 3,200 indirect jobs through construction of this project. These numbers will increase as we implement the next eight  phases,” he said.

Byarugaba said the units are to be sold on a rent-payment model where one pays a small percentage of the total cost of the unit and starts living in it as he pays rent and on completion of the money, they officially own.

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Queen Elizabeth unwell

Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

All the Queen’s children are either at, or are travelling to, her Scottish estate near Aberdeen.

“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision,” a statement said.

The Queen is comfortable, it added.

Prince Charles has travelled there with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duke of York and the Count and Countess of Wessex are travelling to the Scottish estate, about 40 miles (64km) west of Aberdeen.

The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was already in Scotland undertaking engagements.

The Duke of Cambridge is also on his way.

The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of a meeting of her Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest.

There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen’s health – much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility.

There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall. And on Tuesday she was on her feet and photographed smiling as she appointed the new prime minister.

But from the last-minute cancellation of what would only have been a virtual meeting of the Privy Council – of senior ministers – there is no mistaking the fragility of the Queen’s health.

‘Deeply concerned’

Prime Minister Liz Truss said the “whole country” would be “deeply concerned” by the news.

“My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time,” she added.

The Queen appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral, instead of travelling to London for the event.

During her 70-year reign the Queen has typically had an audience with her new prime minister at Buckingham Palace.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “My prayers, and the prayers of people across the [Church of England] and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today.

“May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.”

News of the Queen’s ill-health came as MPs heard details of the government’s new plan to help households and businesses with energy costs in the House of Commons.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply worried”, while Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her thoughts and wishes to the Queen.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford sent his best wishes on behalf of the people of Wales.

The monarch has been on a summer break at her Scottish home since July.

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New malaria vaccine is world-changing, say scientists

A malaria vaccine with “world-changing” potential has been developed by scientists at the University of Oxford.

The team expect it to be rolled out next year after trials showed up to 80% protection against the deadly disease.

Crucially, say the scientists, their vaccine is cheap and they already have a deal to manufacture more than 100 million doses a year.

The charity Malaria No More said recent progress meant children dying from malaria could end “in our lifetimes”.

It has taken more than a century to develop effective vaccines as the malaria parasite, which is spread by mosquitoes, is spectacularly complex and elusive. It is a constantly moving target, shifting forms inside the body, which make it hard to immunise against.

Last year, the World Health Organization gave the historic go-ahead for the first vaccine – developed by pharmaceutical giant GSK – to be used in Africa.

However, the Oxford team claim their approach is more effective and can be manufactured on a far greater scale.

Trial results from 409 children in Nanoro, Burkina Faso, have been published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases. It shows three initial doses followed by a booster a year later gives up to 80% protection.

“We think these data are the best data yet in the field with any malaria vaccine,” said Prof Adrian Hill, director of the Jenner Institute at the university.

The team will start the process of getting their vaccine approved in the next few weeks, but a final decision will hinge on the results of a larger trial of 4,800 children due before the end of the year.

The world’s largest vaccine manufacturer – the Serum Institute of India – is already lined up to make more than 100 million doses a year.

Prof Hill said the vaccine – called R21 – could be made for “a few dollars” and “we really could be looking at a very substantial reduction in that horrendous burden of malaria”.

He added: “We hope that this will be deployed and available and saving lives, certainly by the end of next year.”

Malaria has been one of the biggest scourges on humanity for millennia and mostly kills babies and infants. The disease still kills more than 400,000 people a year even after dramatic progress with bed nets, insecticides and drugs.

This malaria vaccine is the 14th that Prof Katie Ewer has worked on at Oxford as “this is not like Covid where we have seven vaccines straight away that will work… it’s much, much harder”.

She told the BBC it was “incredibly gratifying” to get this far and “the potential achievement that this vaccine could have if it’s rolled out could be really world-changing”.

Why so effective?

The currently approved vaccine – made by GSK – shares similarities with the one developed in Oxford.

Both target the first stage of the parasite’s lifecycle by intercepting it before it gets to the liver and establishes a foothold in the body.

The vaccines are built using a combination of proteins from the malaria parasite and the hepatitis B virus, but Oxford’s version has a higher proportion of malaria proteins. The team think this helps the immune system to focus on malaria rather than the hepatitis.

The success of the GSK vaccine has partly paved the way for Oxford to be optimistic of having their vaccine out next year – such as by assessing how feasible a vaccination programme in Africa would be.

It is hard to give a direct comparison of the two vaccines. GSK’s has gone through large real world trials whereas Oxford’s data may appear more effective due to being given just ahead of the peak malaria season in Burkina Faso.

Prof Azra Ghani, chair in infectious disease epidemiology at Imperial College London, said the trial results were “very welcome”, but warned it would take money to get vaccines in arms.

“Without this investment, we risk losing the gains that have been made over the last decades and witnessing a rising tide of malaria resurgence,” Prof Ghani said.

Gareth Jenkins, from the charity Malaria No More UK said: “Today’s R21 vaccine results from Oxford’s renowned Jenner Institute are another encouraging signal that, with the right support, the world could end child deaths from malaria in our lifetimes.”

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Parliament approves midterm access to pension for Members

Parliament of Uganda

Members of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme are lined up to access 20 percent of their contribution when the President assents to an amended bill in accordance with Article 91 of the Constitution.

The Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2022, introduced as a private member’s bill by workers’ MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara, in July was passed by the House following a lengthy debate during plenary on Wednesday, 07 September 2022

The House voted to introduce a new clause to allow pension scheme members who are 45 years and above, and have saved for at least 10 years to have midterm access to 20 percent of their savings.

Parliament last year passed the National Security Social Fund (NSSF) Amendment Bill, which granted 20 percent midterm access to her eligible members.

During debate on the report on the bill presented by the Chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Robina Rwakoojo, members said midterm access to their savings will help contributors to utilise part of their pension constructively as opposed access after retirement.

“It is important that we get money and utilise it when we can still work because this money can come when we have died. In case that a member is serving in Parliament at 70 years, if you deny him midterm access to do his business, you will have denied him his rights,” said Butambala District Woman MP Aisha Kabanda.

Legislators were exultant that mid-term access would rescue contributors from the high interest rates on bank loans.

“This is your pension – this is your money,  you have served for 10 years, why should I go to borrow from the bank at 16 percent when  my money is lying there,” said Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi.

There were, however, legislators opposed to the provision, arguing that midterm access is likely to deplete the pension scheme’s investment capital and returns.

“This is a small pension scheme. When members withdraw their money, it will affect the scheme’s investment returns in the long run,” said Rubanda District Woman MP Prossy Akampulira and also a Parliamentary Commissioner.

The Minister of State of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Henry Musasizi guided that the provision was premised on a good principle and that it caused no risk to the scheme allowing members to utilise part of their savings.

“The principle is to allow savers to get money to do something when they are still strong. This is not to allow every member to access midterm. If this midterm can be given when a member has saved for 10 years or more I do not see a problem with it,” said Musasizi.

Members, during the sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among, also adopted a proposal in clause 2 of the bill to increase the rate of contribution made by government to 10 percent and members’ contribution from 15 to 20 percent.

In the new law, contributors are encouraged to make voluntary monthly contribution to the Parliamentary Post-Retirement Medical Fund not exceeding two percent of total contributions to the scheme.

“The committee is of the opinion that post-retirement medical cover is one of the critical requirement of a retiree since after retirement, when the medical cover granted by the Commission is terminated, it leaves retirees destitute and unable to obtain medical treatment due to a reduction in income,” said Rwakoojo.

A new clause was introduced and adopted requiring the Parliamentary Commission to provide retirement benefits to previous Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Parliament and their dependents from 1980.

The bill spells out that they receive a monthly allowance as a percentage of the salary of a sitting House Speaker.

This is justified by the observation by members that Speakers and Deputy Speakers do not contribute to the pension scheme and that some former Speakers and their dependents were living in deplorable conditions.

“We have former Speakers and Deputy Speakers who are moving as destitute, whose children cannot afford anything – yet they are very few people, dignified people who have contributed to building this Parliament,” said Tororo North County MP Geofrey Ekanya.

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Museveni promotes 469 UPDF officers, confirms 28 senior and junior officer ranks

President Yoweri Museveni

The Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Yoweri Museveni has promoted 469 senior Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers and confirmed 28 officers into senior ranks.

The recognised officers have been promoted to ranks of Brigadier General, Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel while others were given titles of Major.

The new promotions were revealed in a press release announced on Thursday, September 8, 2022 by the army spokesman Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye.

This is the third time this year that President Museveni, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, is promoting officers. The first promotions were announced in January and the next group was in April.

“The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and UPDF fraternity congratulate the Senior and Junior Officers upon their well-deserved promotions and confirmed ranks,” read part of the document.

LIST OF PROMOTED OFFICERS

1. Col David Tweheyo – Brig Gen

2. Col Silver Changa Muhwezi – Brig Gen

3. Lt col Tom Musoke Buwembo – Col

4. Lt Col Robert Nabimanya Katanaka – Col

5. Lt Col Samson Henry Nabeeta – Col

6. Lt Col Christopher Kyanku – Col

7. Lt Col Giradier Roger Owor – Col

8. Lt Col Samuel Alex Wabuyi – Col

9. Lt Col Sylvia Meeme – Col

10. Lt Co Ronald Kagyenyi – Col

11. Lt Col Moses Wilson Ssentongo – Col

12. LT Col Godfrey K Tukamwakira – Col

13. Lt Col Ronald Wairindi Mugisha – Col

14. Lt Col Betty Musuya Wanyera – Col

15. Lt Col Edmond Ruta Agaba – Col

16. Maj Dr Jeniffer Alanyo – Lt Col

17. Acting Col David M Byaruhanga – Col

18. Acting Col Martin S Byegarazo – Col

19. Acting Col Vincent Odori Omollo – Col

20. Acting Col Chris Sseruyange Ddamulira – Col

21. Acting Col Daniel Kalala Kirya – Lt Col

22. Acting Lt Col Douglas N Katondwaki – Lt Col

23. Acting Lt Col Patrick K Obong – Lt Col

24. Acting Lt Col Alfred Okech Olama – Lt Col

25. Acting Lt Col Edson K Kwesiga – Lt Col

26. Acting Lt Col Gerald R Murekwa – Lt Col

27. Acting Lt Col Israel Kasaija – Lt Col

28. Acting Lt Col Wilfred Dickson Birungi – Lt Col

29. Acting Lt Col Kepher Kaigo Mukomba – Lt Col

30. Acting Lt Col Ronald Mwamba Adyeri – Lt Col

31. Acting Lt Col Collins Mugga Luswata – Lt Col

32. Acting Maj Nelson Marks Kyatuuka – Maj

33. Acting Maj Geofrey Barigye – Maj

34. Acting Maj Karim Dwale – Maj

35. Acting Maj Mugaiga Picos Aruho – Maj

36. Acting Maj James O Omara – Maj

37. Acting Maj James Twinamasiko – Maj

38. Acting Maj Kenneth Nuwagaba – Maj

39. Acting Maj Edgar K Musasizi – Maj

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Museveni to attend William Ruto’s inauguration on Tuesday

Museveni shaking hands with Kenya's William Ruto

President Museveni is among the 40 Heads of state and other dignitaries set to grace William Ruto’s inauguration scheduled on Tuesday September 13th 2022.

The inauguration comes after the Supreme Court in Kenya confirmed Ruto’s election as President after throwing out a petition by candidate Raila Odinga, who had argued that the election on August 9th was null and void.

It should be remembered that President Museveni has twice called to congratulate William Ruto for winning the election on August 9th and also being confirmed as the winner by the Supreme Court in Kenya earlier this week. Museveni also said that he’s looking forward to strengthened working relations with Ruto.

William Ruto’s swearing in ceremony will be held at Kasarani Sports Stadium on Tuesday and the day shall be a public holiday and the oath of office will be administered by the country’s Chief Justice alongside the registrar of the High Court.

Thereafter, the Deputy President will also take the oath of office after which President Uhuru Kenyatta will hand over the instruments of power including the Constitution and the sword of power to the new Head of State.

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