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Tourism experts call for repatriation of Uganda’s artefacts

By
Our Reporter
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MPs and members of the Uganda Tourism Association scrutinising documents during the committee interaction at Parliament

The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) has called for the establishment of a committee to lead the return of Ugandan artefacts from foreign museums.

Herbert Byaruhanga, the President of UTA made the call on Tuesday, August 30 as he and association members appeared before the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industries chaired by MP Mwine Mpaka.

According to Byaruhanga, who was presenting on the Museums and Monuments Bill, 2022, several artefacts were taken from different archeological and historical sites by different entities like the British, and to date, these have never been returned.

The Museums and Monuments Bill seeks to repeal the outdated 1967 Historical Monument Act. It among other things seeks to provide for the development, management, and maintenance of museums and monuments and formalise, control, and protect tangible and intangible heritage and works of art collection.

Byaruhanga said that it was a great achievement for several countries including the DR Congo (DRC) that are returning their furtively taken or stolen items – and besought that the Ugandan authorities do the same.

“We only have pictures in museums. The bill should start the process of bringing these artefacts back. We need to constitute a committee to survey, investigate and bring back the artefacts that were taken from places like Bigo bya Mugenyi, Ntuusi, Bwogero, and Nshogezi among others,” he said.

On specific provisions of the bill, Byaruhanga proposes that the administration and management of museums or sites should be done at district, community, and supervised levels by a government department.

He is also against the proposal to have the tangible and intangible heritage managed by different ministries and departments.

“The management of imbalu site is under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and management of rituals is under the Ministry of Gender, this confusion will affect tourism promotion and development.” He said.

Byaruhanga said that every city or district should have a monument for instance the Bull in Mbarara and the Elephant in Gulu among others.

Mr. Hannington Musoke Wakayima the Nansana Municipality MP questioned whether it is not pricy to repatriate the artefacts.

“It is expensive to maintain these artefacts when they are brought back, there are several items that were once returned and some of them are still in boxes, how can you help the committee to see how we can work on them despite these challenges?” he asked.

Mr. Ronald Afidra, the Lower Madi County MP said it is important for the association to begin by sharing the profile of the heritage that could have been taken away by colonialists. He says that as legislators, this will help them in the process of searching for the artefacts.

“What are some of the heritage that has been taken by the colonialists? We know these things were taken but what is the profile of those artefacts?” he asked.

For only Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, it is reported that over 300 artefacts were taken by the British including the traditional nine legged stool, a symbol of the throne.

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Who are the surviving protractors of the 1986 NRA war?

By
Geoffery Serugo
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M7 1986 Swearing-in

In February 1981, a group of about 42 people with 27 guns led by now President Yoweri Museveni attacked Kabamba Military barracks aiming at getting more military ware to topple President Apollo Milton Obote’s government. Museveni’s decision to take up arms against the legitimate government followed his loss of the 1980 elections.

It is reported that at Kabamba is where the first bullet of the five year guerilla war was fired. The first bullet was allegedly fired by the fallen General Elly Tumwine who died last week at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. 

The former Fine Art teacher had been admitted over Lung cancer. Tumwine who has been a permanent member of the High Command was laid to rest yesterday 30th August 2022 at his ancestral home in Kazo District. Several protractors of the war have since died before passing on the political button to other potential politicians to steer the country.

According to the veterans of Luwero bush, in 2009 the Observer reported that 16 of the 27 guns the rebel group, the National Resistance Army (NRA) used to launch its rebellion in 1981 were provided by Col. Julius Chihandae. The guns were stolen from Gulu military barracks where he served as a junior officer in the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA). Chihandae was the first casualty of the NRA war after being shot by one of his colleagues.

Of that group which attacked Kabamba, only seven, including Chihandae, were commissioned officers. Others were; Lt. Rubereza, 2nd Lt. Sam Katabarwa, 2nd Lt. Sam Magara, 2nd Lt. Jackson Mule Muwanga, 2nd Lt. Elly Tumwine and 2nd Lt. Ahmed Sseguya. They trained in Monduli, Tanzania.

The group fought Bukalabi, Kiboga, Katiti battles, capturing Kamwenge and Bihanga Prisons, besieging Mbarara Barracks and forcing it to surrender in late 1985 and others.

HIGH COMMAND

According to section eleven of the UPDF Act 2005, the High Command consists of the President who is the chairperson; Minister r for defence; the original members of the High Command as at the 26th day of January, 1986; the army commander; the deputy army commander; the secretary for defence; the army chief of staff; the chief of combat operations; the chief of personnel and administration; the chief of training and recruitment.

Others are; the chief political commissar; the chief of logistics and engineering; the chief comptroller of finance; the chief of artillery and air defence; the chief signal officer; the chief of medical services; the director of air force; the division commanders; and such other senior officers and heads of departments as the President may appoint.

The Act stipulates that all members of the High Command shall be members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Council. The High Command is mandated to advise the President in emergency situations and in matters relating to national security or deployment of the army, when Uganda is at war and others.

Other original members of High command as of 1986 include; Gen Yoweri Museveni, the late Gen Elly Tumwine, Gen Salim Saleh Akandwanako, Gen David Tinyefunza, the late Brig Eriya Kategaya and Gen Matayo Kyaligonza. High command is the top organ of the Uganda Defence Forces (UDFC).

THE SURVIVING MEMBERS OF THE 27 NRA FIGHTERS 

Of the 27armed  fighters, only eight are still alive. These include; Gen. Yoweri Museveni, Brig. Julius Chihandae, Brig. Fred Mwesigye, Brig. Andrew Lutaaya, Jack Mucunguzi, Paul Kagame, Col. George Mwesigwa, Gen Kahinda Otafiire and Col. Charles Tusiime Rutarago.

The fallen soldiers include; Gen. Elly Tumwine, Fred Rwigyema, Robert Kabura, Arthur Kasasira, Maurice Katungi, Nathan Mweinemuzei, David Ndayondi, Lauben Ikondere, Paul Kagina, Shaban Kashanku, Enock Mondo and Hannington Mugabi. Others are; Akanga Byaruhanga, Aziz Bey, Muley Muwanga, Mwesigwa Black and Frank Kifuba.

Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

Yoweri Museveni is a retired military officer and the brain child of the 1986 war which brought him to power. Museveni retired from military service in 2003. He is the Ninth and the current President of Uganda since January 26, 1986.  He took up arms after losing the 1980 election to President Apollo Milton Obote.

With the help of late General Tito Okello Lutwa who was a serving officer in Obote’s government Museveni toppled Ugandan presidents Milton Obote and Idi Amin before he captured power in 1986.

Museveni trained in Mozambique under the Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO) while Student in the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He studied economics and political science.

He is reported to have recruited all the fighters under the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) which emerged in 1971. Most of its members were reported to be former followers of the late Obote. The rebel group later transformed to the National Resistance Army (NRA).

Gen Paul Kagame

He is a former Rwandan Military Officer and a politician. He is the fourth and current president of Rwanda after assuming office in 2000. He is reported to have commanded the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a Uganda-based rebel force which invaded Rwanda in 1990.

 The armed rebel group is credited for putting to end, a Rwandan genocide which led to loss of over one million lives. Kagame served as the Vice President and Minister of Defence under President Pasteur Bizimungu from 1994 to 2000.

Being born in a Tutsi family, Kagame has prosecuted and imprisoned rig leaders, funders of the genocide.

Despite spending his childhood in Uganda, Kagame In the 1980 took part in the 1980 guerilla war which brought Museveni in power.  He commanded the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) following the death of Fred Rwigyema. Rwigyema who also took part in the NRA war in Uganda died on the second day of the 1990. It is reported the assassination of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana sparked off the Rwandan genocide, in which Hutu tribe members allegedly killed over 800,000.

Brig. Julius Chihandae

Chihandae is one of the instrumental officers who took part in the bush war which brought Museveni’s government in power. He provided 16 of the 27 guns the NRA used to launch the bush war in 1981. He is credited for executing his duty of destroying the Signal Centre when they attacked Kabamba.

During the war, he deputised the late Maj Gen Fred Rwigyema when the rebel NRA attacked Kiboga in June 1983. The success of this operation lifted the spirits of the rebels who had been beaten at Bukalabi and Katiti earlier, and were being pursued by the government army, the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA).

After the rebels formed government in 1986 and the NRA became the national army, Chihandae was deployed to deputise Brig Matayo Kyaligonza as Commanding Officer of the 150 Brigade. When the first commissioning was done, around 1988, Chihandae became a Colonel alongside Lt. Gen Pecos Kutesa and Lieutenant General Joram Mugume.

In the early 1990s, Chihandae was arrested amid suspicion that he wanted to shoot down President Museveni’s helicopter and overthrow his government. The army’s general court martial found him innocent and the charges were withdrawn. However, the colonel fell on hard times and started selling charcoal and tomatoes for a living.

He was later appointed military attaché at Uganda’s embassy in Cairo, Egypt.

Rtd Col. Fred Mwesigye

Mwesigye is a politician. He is a former MP for Nyabushozi county and member of the army. He is currently serving as the High Commissioner of Uganda to the United republic of Tanzania. He was the Member of Parliament for Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura District for (office term 2016 -2021) and former commander of the UPDF. He was among the 27 liberators in the 1981 Ugandan Bush War.

Rtd Brig. Andrew Lutaaya

May have not fired bullets in the Bush war but was instrumental and at times the rebels depended on him. He is credited for the first attack on Kabamba Military Training School on February 6, 1981.

He availed and drove the Mercedes Benz truck that carried the 27 guerrilla fighters to Kabamba for their first attack. The rebels used two vehicles in this attack. Museveni and four others were reportedly in the Second truck.

He offloaded the squad which was tasked to deal with the quarter guard. Gen. Elly Tumwine was in charge of the quarter guard hit squad. He drove and delivered another group which was mandated to distort the Signal at the Centre. He belonged to that group.

Tumwine prematurely shot a guard at the gate and alerted soldiers in the barracks. Chihandae was reportedly shot by a fellow rebel and was driven off by Lutaaya to Kiboga  district hospital where he received first aid.

It is reported that all the 42  original fighters of the NRA came from western Uganda. Andrew Lutaaya, a Muganda, was the only non-westerner involved in the initial planning of the bush war.

Following the bush war, he served as the head of the Defence Department in the State House, Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) and head of the Anti Smuggling Unit.

He is one of the 15 soldiers that are listed in the UPDF Act 2005 second schedule as having been senior officers when the NRA rebels captured power on January 26, 1986. Lutaaya, George Kibirango, Peter Kerim and Amin Izaruk are the only senior officers in this bracket who come from outside western Uganda.

Col. George Mwesigwa

Mwesigwa is one of the of the NRA officers who took a bold step to liberate Uganda from the then dungeons of bad leadership.  He served as second division garrison commander in Mbarara and he is one of the senior military officers who are set to retire this year.

Col. Charles Tusiime Rutarago

He has been Commander Royal Guard, a force that provides security of all cultural institutions in Uganda. He is one of the officers who are set to retire this year.

Col Jack Mucunguzi

He worked at Coffee Marketing Board and as a security officer at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

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Over 700 youth to benefit from Shs970 million Agribusiness Project

By
Our Reporter
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The LC IV Chairman Lira District Mr. Richard Cox Okello Orik launching the project

Atleast 700 youth to benefit from Shs 970 million Agribusiness Project aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs revive, strengthen, and build strong and resilient businesses in Northern Uganda.

A flagship of Youth Business International (YBI), Cordaid and Standard Chartered Foundation, the project aims to address specific needs of 700 youth agribusiness entrepreneurs in Lira, Nebbi and Zombo through specialized business development services, mentorship, access to finance, linkages to markets/inputs and business advisory services among others.

These skills will strategically grow and expand the various youth agribusinesses and contribute to the local economic growth. This project was initially launched in 2021 when Cordaid and Standard Chartered sprung up to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 with an investment of Shs 750 million.

With Uganda’s economy majorly being reliant on Agriculture, and employing 65% of the working population, this project offers an opportunity to create economic prospects for the most vulnerable persons, and support youth running Micro and Small businesses, especially in agriculture and agribusiness.  As we witnessed during COVID-19, Agriculture remained one of the single major providers of livelihood for young adults who were hit hardest by COVID19 through loss of work.

About 63% of Uganda’s population in farming are youths, the new agribusiness project therefore presents an opportunity for young people to change the narrative about agriculture as the driver of economic transformation.

The project therefore fosters a sustainable collaborative framework between youth and stakeholders at various levels to achieve business development and digital marketing skills training and linkages.

The CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Sanjay Rughani while addressing the participants said; “We are privileged to be launching this project in partnership with Cordaid Uganda, an NGO with whom we share several similarities like being a value-based organizations who prioritize partnerships and believe in doing good.

The LC IV Chairman Lira District Mr. Richard Cox Okello Orik while launching the project stated; I appeal to the youth to never undermine and ignore small beginnings and to be focused. The youth are the backbone of our country and are the most capable to uplift the agriculture sector. I therefore appeal to the Bank and Cordaid to continue. The choice of the enterprises is not important as long as they embark on the journey of agripreneurship.

He appealed to farmers to ensure that they use good quality inputs to ensure high productivity and avoid cheap fake products as well as cutting corners that harms beneficiaries or consumers of their products which he equated to murder. He also appealed to youth to also change their mindset so whatever they get they put it to its proper use and not squander it else they will not benefit from this project.

He cautioned the project funder and implementers to ensure there is sustainability and Project impact to ensure it will change the livelihood of the people is the most important in project roll out.”

The Cordaid Cluster Director for Eastern and Southern Africa and Country Director Uganda – Heleen van der Beek said; “We are deeply grateful to the Uganda government at national and district levels for their guidance in identifying the youth entrepreneurs. We continue to rely on your support in following up the businesses through your competent agriculture departments and various structures available.

Cordaid Uganda is also very thankful to the Standard Chartered Bank and the Futuremakers Foundation whose funding support has made this milestone Grant possible, for the second phase of the Youth in Agribusiness.

Eunice Achen of Golden country farm who currently employs four other youth and supplies most of the top hotels in Lira shared the importance of humble beginnings in her testimony, saying; “Through this project I have mastered the art of poultry and advise the youth not to hide their business challenges. I encourage you to seek advice and guidance from mentors because if I had personally hidden my business problems, I wouldn’t have learnt the techniques that I know today which have propelled my business forward.

“I advise each of my fellow entrepreneurs to share their knowledge, remain connected and abreast of the new technologies and the advancements in their field. It’s through the exposure and connections I received as a result of the project profiling and uplifting me that has opened doors for me. The project training, mentorship, valuation and monitoring done has been key in my business progress.”

Eric Bwonyo, a visually impaired youth in agribusiness who does piggery and poultry said; “I embarked on agribusiness after receiving developmental ideas and a grant from Standard Chartered and Cordaid. My personal experience is that businesses start with each of us individually, that is, how we manage our bodies, minds, souls and souls before it extends to the community. I therefore caution my fellow youth against being corrupted as individuals as this eventually permeates society. I want to appreciate the knowledge, financial support and exposure the Bank and Cordaid have extended to me because before their intervention I used to hold a very old, broken phone which I tied with a rubber band but today I hold a decent phone with capabilities that support me as a visually impaired person, for instance, previously I used to look for people to help me read my sms messages for me, which violated my privacy but now that I am earning some money, I can afford a good phone and listen to my own messages, get alerted and able to communicate which has improved how I do my business. I also own a bicycle and managed to marry a wife who takes care of me so I am now so empowered.”

Chairman LC V Nebbi District, Mr. Emmanuel Urombi also appreciated the project stating; “We are very grateful that our partners have extended this project to Nebbi District. Since its launch, this project has achieved several milestones and corrected some of the poor farming practices through skilling the youth. I therefore encourage the young people to be more open to listening, observing, imitating and learning from more experienced and knowledgeable project implementers and even the elders in society.

He also cautioned the youth against laziness and indulging in excessive spending on material things before they make it saying; “Earn first before eating the harvest, don’t eat your capital and delay enjoyment. Avoid the Arrivism syndrome, challenge yourselves and don’t swindle your youth. Be diligent and continue working hard.”

The Resident District Commissioner Mr. Kamada Ismail Quinto said;“On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I take this opportunity to thank Standard Chartered Bank and Cordaid Uganda for this significant investment which aligns to the Government’s Parish Development Model and aims to provide employability as well as improve the standards of the disadvantaged 39% populace who live hand to mouth. During the pandemic, so many people were laid off work and had no means of survival, so the Bank and partners came through to bridge the gap to enhance agriculture production, so we don’t run food security risks as we have witnessed recently with deaths in some parts of the country.”

“The project addresses pillar one of the Parish Development Model which focuses on; production, marketing, storage, processing among others. Agriculture was the only sector which wasn’t disrupted by the pandemic as the need for food remained vital and untampered with. We are very pleased therefore with the support of the government and we commit to promote greater collaboration and partnership to drive stronger synergies by inspecting this project to ensure its success. To the youth, I encourage you to take small realistic steps to realize your dreams through this opportunity, however, ensure you meet today’s needs without harming future prospects and depleting resources. With those remarks it my now my honor to officially launch this project and thank Standard Chartered Bank, Cordaid Uganda and all entrepreneurs for making this launch possible,” he said.

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Gen. Tumwine accorded a 17-gun salute at send-off

By
Our Reporter
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Gen Tumwine's body arrives at airport

General Elly Tumwine has today finally been laid to rest at his ancestral home in Rwemikoma sub-county, Kazo District.

Tumwine was accorded a 17-gun salute amid a somber mood from family, relatives and friends for his final send off.

The former security minister succumbed to lung cancer on August 25th at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. He was aged 68.

The Chief Mourner at the event was Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Other government dignitaries that were present included the Minister of State for Defence, Oboth Oboth, Minister of Security, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi and Minister of Works and Transport General Edward Katumba Wamala among others.

“The peace and stability that Gen. Elly Tumwine with others fought for, which we now have, we need to guard that jealously,” Minister Oboth Oboth said.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire said Tumwine sent him a message before he left for Nairobi. “He said that he was not coming back and also asked me not to divert from what we were fighting for.”

Edna Tumwine, daughter of the late Gen Tumwine said; “Daddy talked about forgiveness during his last moments on earth. I ask for forgiveness from all those my dad wronged and even those who wronged him, he forgave you. May we choose forgiveness and peace from now on.”

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa said: “We have said so many things about Elly Tumwine but he was very passionate about everything he loves, be it the army or painting. He was also a man of his word who had a great love for children.”

Tumwine was born on April 12, 1954. He attended Burunga Primary School, Mbarara High School and St. Henry’s College Kitovu, before joining Makerere University, where he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art in 1977.

He joined the military in 1978 after interrupting his teaching career to join the FRONASA forces led by Museveni.

In 1981, when Museveni went to the bush after the 1980 elections to form the National Resistance Army (NRA), Tumwine went with him and fired the first bullet in the NRA which propelled the NRA and National Resistance Movement into power.

During the fighting between the NRA and the UNLA, Tumwine sustained facial injuries that led to loss of sight in one eye.

In 1984, he was named Commander of the Army, a post he held for three years until 1987, when he was succeeded by General Salim Saleh. In September 2005, he was promoted to the rank of General in the UPDF and chair of the UPDF General Court Martial.

During his career, he held various positions including; Minister of State for Defence in 1989, Director General of the External Security Organization (ESO) from 1994 until 1996, Presidential Adviser from 1996 until 1998, Chairman of the High Command Appeals Committee from 1986 until 1999.

He also represented the UPDF in Parliament.

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Stanbic Bank set flexible terms for accessing loans

By
Our Reporter
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Israel Arinaitwe, the Acting Head, Consumer and High Networth

Stanbic Bank has set flexible terms when accessing loans including increased loan tenure of up to 84 months and zero percent arrangement fees on all salary loans. The promotion is a continuation of the ‘Get It Done’ loan campaign that was launched by the Bank in May 2022 and will run from August 29 to October 21, 2022. 

Other benefits of the promotion include an unsecured loan of up to Shs 250 million accessible within two minutes using Stanbic Mobile Banking service on *290# and a cash-back of Shs 500,000. A total of 100 winners will benefit from the cash-back offer. Cashback winners will be chosen through separate draws conducted via select radio stations across the four regions of the country and announced every two weeks. 

According to Israel Arinaitwe, the Acting Head, Consumer and High Networth, the promotion is building on the success of the ‘Get It Done’ loan campaign to make it possible for Stanbic customers to finance their projects in a convenient and timely manner.

“We are unveiling these opportunities at a time when parents are returning their children back to school for the third term and also addressing those circumstances where our clients and individuals need an urgent financial boost as the year comes to an end,” said Israel Arinaitwe.

“The loan tenure of 84 months means that customers who get salary loans during this period can pay back smaller installments and have more disposable income to attend to their daily needs as the economy improves. The increase in the loan tenure also gives our existing borrowing customers an opportunity to consolidate their loans with us, top up and pay back in affordable loan repayment amounts,” he adds.

Explaining the waiving off arrangement fees and cash back Arinaitwe said, “Zero Percent arrangement fees reduces the cost of borrowing. This has been waived for loan buyoffs, new salary loans and top-ups for existing customers. The cash-back offer is to give clients a boost and support them to attend to their recurrent needs during this challenging interlude.”

The promotion will benefit customers from different sectors including education, agriculture, health, security, manufacturing, Oil and Gas, housing/real estate and tourism   both private and public sector.

Stanbic remains committed to delivering products and solutions that are attuned to the current extraordinary tough economic times, keeping the customer at the center “of all we do and ensuring that with us, it can be, and dreams can be achieved.”

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Museveni renews Ofwono Opondo’s contract 

By
Our Reporter
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Ofwono Opondo

President Yoweri Museveni has reappointed Ofwono Opondo as the Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre following the expiry of his contract.

The appointment was confirmed by Opondo himself who said his contract has been renewed for three years.

“President Museveni has reappointed me as the Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre for three years from July 2022. Am grateful for his continued trust in me and I look forward to working with colleagues in government in serving the public better,” Opondo said.

Opondo, who replaced Fred Opolot in 2013, has been appointed for another three year contract. Opondo’s contract expired in July. He has served as Executive Director for nine years.

Uganda Media Centre provides professional media and communication services to government departments in the country.

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Museveni witnesses graduation of first batch of South Sudan’s unified forces

By
Our Reporter
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Museveni (in white) witnesses graduation of first batch of South Sudan's unified forces

President Yoweri Museveni was in Juba to witness the graduation of the unified forces. The first batch of South Sudan’s unified forces officially graduated today August 30, 2022.

“I am pleased to be back in Juba to witness the graduation of the first batch of unified forces of the Republic of South Sudan. This follows the 2019 Entebbe Tripartite Agreement for the cessation of hostilities and a transition process toward general elections in South Sudan,” Museveni said on twitter.

South Sudan’s rival parties President Salva Kiir and SPLM/A-IO leader Riek Machar reached a breakthrough and signed an agreement on the formation of unified armed forces.

The deal set out terms to integrate opposition commanders into the armed forces. The parties signed a matrix for the creation of a unified armed forces command.

South Sudan is expected to hold general elections in 2023 after the end of the transitional period.

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Kenya’s Supreme Court kicks off proceedings on presidential election petition

By
Our Reporter
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The Supreme Court of Kenya has kicked off proceedings on the presidential poll petition challenging the election of Dr. William Ruto.

On August 16, 2022, Wafula Chebukati, chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared William Samoei Arap Ruto as the winner of a keenly contested election in Kenya.

 “In accordance with the law, I …hereby declare that Ruto William Samoei has been duly elected as the president,” he announced.

Ruto won the election by a narrow margin, garnering 50.49 per cent of the votes to his closest challenger Raila Odinga’s 48.85 per cent.

Chebukati’s announcement came within an hour after his deputy Juliana Cherera led three other commissioners out of the tallying centre to proclaim their dissent elsewhere in Nairobi.

“We are not at Bomas [tallying centre] because we cannot take ownership of the results that are going to be announced,” Cherera said at a press conference before the results were made public.

Raila Odinga contested the election results and later petitioned court claiming that there were just over 140,000 votes that were cast but were not included in the final tally, according to an extract from the legal documents.

Mr Odinga described the result as a “travesty”, adding that the election should be declared “null and void”.

In 2017, the veteran politician successfully challenged the result of that year’s presidential election, which he lost to Uhuru Kenyatta, and the Supreme Court ordered a re-run. The case highlighted logistical issues in the way the results were collated.

This time the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) tried to make the results process as transparent as possible by publishing the polling station tallies as soon as they were available.

An independent Kenyan monitoring group said the IEBC’s final result was in line with its own projection.

According to Anne Amadi, the Supreme Court Registrar there are roughly 20 petitions where petitioners seek various orders. She said the ruling will be delivered electronically to all the petitioners.

“We expect all the seven judges of the supreme court to participate in this matter. Last election cycle we had six judges. We have observers who are also judges from CommonWealth Countries led by Tanzania’s retired chief justice Mohammed Chande Othman,” she said.

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Over 500 Teen Mothers to receive Vocational Skills and Financial Literacy Training

By
Our Reporter
-

Over 500 teenage mothers and women from the Central, West Nile and Albertine regions of the country are set to be trained on financial literacy and other skills necessary for their getting employed or starting businesses.

Under the bank’s Women’s Network Forum (WNF), the staff members of Absa Bank Uganda will hand over 25 laptops that will enable the recipients in the various centres to sign up for and benefit from the bank’s Ready to Work programme, which will help them develop Work, People, Money and Entrepreneurial Skills.

The beneficiaries  who will also receive training in gardening, baking, crocheting and knitting, and financial literacy  are drawn from Wakisa Ministries Uganda in Wakiso, The Association for the Rehabilitation and Re-orientation of Women for Development (TERREWODE) in Soroti and Integrated Efforts for Youth and Women Empowerment Uganda (IEYAWE Uganda) in Kyegegwa, Western Uganda.

Speaking during a ceremony where laptops, foodstuffs and clothing items were handed over to Wakisa Ministries Uganda in Wakiso, Irene Mutyaba – Absa’s Corporate Banking Director and Patron of the WNF – said, “For a majority of teenage mothers, having a baby more often than not leaves few options for self-sufficiency, with many dropping out of school, opting for early marriages or other vices as safety nets. Through this intervention, we will empower these ladies to continue their journey of education and obtain the skills they need to navigate the world of work and build a life for their families.”

According to the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) fact sheet on teenage pregnancy for 2021 , a total of 290,219 teenage pregnancies were recorded in Uganda from January to September 2021, translating to over 32,000 monthly. The body – quoting data from the District Health Information System (DHIS-2) – also says there was a 17 per cent spike in teenage pregnancies between March 2020 and June 2021. 

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2020 National Survey on Violence in Uganda indicated that limited support is given to teenage mothers to stay in or return to school, and due to the stigma attached to teenage pregnancy, some young girls opt for marriage over returning to school .

Mrs Vivian Kityo, the Director of Wakisa Ministries  a charity that offers temporary shelter, educational opportunities and counselling support to pre-teen and teenage girls with unwanted pregnancies, said, “Education and skills development are integral to empowering teenage mothers. I appreciate Absa for this support because by educating these ladies, they will get to be part of a productive community after the stigma they face in society and also get the opportunity to learn skills that will help them develop income-generating activities to help them provide for their families.”

She added that it would take an intentional and concerted effort by multiple stakeholders to help Uganda’s teenage mothers escape the shackles of poverty, illiteracy and misery that follow unwanted pregnancies.

Absa Bank Uganda staff have collectively raised Shs 10 million, which will go towards the purchase of dry foods to supplement the dietary needs of the mothers and their children.

Absa’s Mutyaba added, “We believe that for Uganda and Africa to truly develop, education and skills development will be key to helping our young population get the skills needed to support their employability and self-employability. This is part of our commitment to being a force for good in the communities within which we operate.”

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FUFA throws out Kyetume’s appeal, relegate them to regional league

By
Our Reporter
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UPL logo

The FUFA Appeals Committee has upheld a decision for newly promoted Uganda Premier League side Kyetume FC to play the third division of Buganda Regional League next season.

This comes after the club’s failure to meet the set deadlines for submitting the minimum requirements for the application for a club license to participate in the FUFA organised competitions for the 2022/23 season.

Kyetume were given until Friday August 12, 2022 to make amends but failed, and by August 18 deadline, their readiness for the new season was ‘not satisfactory’ according to FUFA. The Club went on to appeal the decision, which has been rejected on Monday.

“FUFA appreciates your effort to fulfil Club Licensing requirements to participate in the first division 2022/23. Your request has been considered by FUFA Club Licensing Committee,” reads part of the letter by FUFA Deputy CEO Decolas Kizza.

“The Committee noted that your club had no players on the dashboard in the FUFA Connect System as no player was uploaded onto the system by deadline (August 10 2022) as a minimum Club Licensing requirement.

“The decision of the club licensing Committee is therefore upheld.

“FUFA wishes to advise that Kyetume FC undertakes to fulfil requirements for the third division Buganda Region season 2022/23

“It is our sincere hope that the club will understand the sporting intentions of this decision.”

As it stands, next season’s league might be played with 15 teams or Kyetume may be replaced with Kataka FC, a side that came fourth on the table in the FUFA Big League last season, but this awaits official communication.

The Uganda Premier League will kick off on September 30, and fixtures are expected to be released next week.

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