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BoU picks interest in Vantage $10m Bitature loan

By
Our Reporter
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Patrick Bitature

Bank of Uganda (BoU) has picked interest in the high-profile debt war between Simba Group, owned by businessman Patrick Bitature, and Vantage Capital, a South-African based money lender.

The central bank took interest in the matter after lawyers acting on behalf of Vantage took out an advert announcing plans to auction three prime properties belonging to the businessman within 30 days.

The Executive Director in-charge of Supervision at Bank of Uganda, Dr Tumubweine Twinemanzi, wrote to Vantage’s lawyers of Kirunda and Wasige Advocates, following the publication of the auction notice. The letter was written on May 18.

“The potential market valuation of the listed properties for sale and their commonality in ownership, together with our own market intelligence, makes it highly probable that the affected debtor is a systemic borrower within the financial sector,” Mr Twinemanzi wrote.

Twinemanzi asked for clarification about the background to the auction notice, as well as “any further but related information, which in your view, Bank of Uganda as a financial sector regulator, should be made aware”.

In December 2014, Bitature’s Simba Properties Investment Company (SPIC) acquired a $10 million loan from Vantage of which he has “not paid back one cent” despite the loan term ending in 2019. The loan has since skyrocketed to $34 million after accrued and compounded interest, and penalties kicked in.

In a public statement from Patrick Bitature last month, he admitted that he legally borrowed the money from Vantage Mezzanine contrary to what his lawyer Fred Muwema had said, that Vantage was a ghost company.

Bitature said he is willing to repay back the loan but found difficulties arising from delays in Uganda’s oil and gas sector which undermined his companies’ ability to repay the loan in time.

A response from Vantage’s lawyers to the Central Bank read; “We believe you would agree that borrowers such as Simba, and more recently Ham Enterprises, who trade in the procurement and avoidance of debt obligations, present a major risk to Uganda’s financial sector. The publicity around such defaults seems to suggest the entrenchment of a culture (and ease) of evasion of loan obligations.”

The reference to Ham Enterprises refers to an on-going legal battle between the company owned by businessman Hamis Kiggundu and Diamond Trust Bank, which has operations in Uganda and Kenya.

Ham claimed that a loan he received from the Kenyan branch of the bank through the Ugandan operation flouted local banking rules and should not be recovered. About Shs120 billion is at stake and the matter remains pending before the courts. 

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Court of Appeal throws out two NRM MPs

By
Our Reporter
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Eddie Kwizera

The Court of Appeal has thrown out two National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs, the Gogonyo County legislator, Derrick Orone, and his Bukimbiri County counterpart, Eddie Kwizera, and declared their seats vacant.

The panel led by Justice Egonda-Ntende, Monica Mugenyi, and Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi delivered the verdicts in their Judgment on Monday afternoon.

The appelant court has directed the Electoral Commission to organize by-elections in the two constituencies within two months as stipulated by the electoral laws.

The justices ruled that the ballot papers used in the elections for Bukimbiri County MP were defective.

“The judgment and orders of the learned judge from which this appeal arose are hereby set aside. The election of Kwizera Eddie the first respondent as MP for Bukimbiri is nullified and accordingly set aside,” they ruled.

Kwizera’s victory was challenged by Forum for Democratic Change’s James Owebeyi over non-compliance with the electoral laws.

Owebeyi noted that although the candidates’ photos and party symbols that appeared on the ballot papers were genuine, the names were not theirs.

Court also unanimously ordered for fresh election in Gogonyo County after finding that there was sufficient evidence against Orone for campaigning on the voting day.

Independent candidate Issa Taligoola accused Orone of having engaged in acts of bribery, sectarianism, and defamation.

Issa told Court heard that Orone moved with armed police officers within various polling stations while asking for votes on the polling day.

The court ruled that this offence alone was enough to warrant a nullification of the election and set aside a High Court decision that upheld Orone’s election.

Orone was also ordered to pay Taligoola the costs of the appeal.

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FM radio legend Alex Ndawula is dead

By
Our Reporter
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DJ Alex Ndawula

Former Capital FM presenter Alex Ndawula has died aged 59. 

He passed on today evening at Nsambya Hospital.

According to Doctor’s Initial prognosis the deceased died of a brain haemorrhage after his blood pressure shot up.

Ndawula was among the pioneer FM radio presenters shortly after liberalization of the industry.

He started his career at Sanyu FM in 1993 together with the late Allan Mugisa popularly known as Allan The Cantakerous and Christine Mawadri.

Ndawula later moved to Capital FM in 1994 where he presented the ‘Overdrive Show’ and ‘The Capital Dance Force’ until when he resigned in 2017.

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Uganda Police to recruit 850 constables

By
Simon Kabayo
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Uganda Police to recruit constables

The Uganda Police Force has announced the recruitment of 850 probationer police constable vacancies for suitably qualified Ugandans between the ages of 18-23.

To join the police force, one is required to be a Ugandan citizen with a valid National Identity card, no criminal record, and an O’level certificate of education obtained not earlier than 2019 with at least four credits including Mathematics and English.

The applicants are urged to be ready to undertake the requisite 12 months training, ready to work for long hours in harsh conditions and also possess good communication skills, ready to work in any part of the country and must not be a former or serving officer in any of the armed forces.

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Jesse Kamunamwire who advertised on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) said that the applications must be delivered at the Police District or Divisional Headquarters not later than June 18, 2022.

“Handwritten applications addressed to the IGP accompanied by the certified copies of academic documents, photocopy of the National Identity Card, identity card of the previous school attended, three recent size passport size photos, and recommendations letters from LC1, LC111 and Resident District Commissioners of the respective districts,” AIGP Kamunamwire stated.

He added that only shortlisted candidates shall be invited for interviews on dates to be communicated. He however urged that any impersonation and presentation of any forged testimonials or any other forged documents shall lead to arrest and prosecution in courts of law.

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Speaker and Deputy Speaker to get Shs2.1 billion for ceremonial cars

By
Our Reporter
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Speaker of Parliament Anita Among (right) and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa

The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa are set to get Shs 2.1 billion (€525,000) for ceremonial cars. The ceremonial cars are the recommended mode of transport for the two heads of Parliament during national functions.

The two Mercedes Benz Model 55000L AMG Line 2022, are scheduled to be delivered this month. According to the quotation, the August House paid €157,500 and a balance of €367,500 awaits to be paid.

According to a letter to the Executive Director Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, the current ceremonial cars are of 10 years old and are mechanically in unsound state and therefore are not fit to transport them.

According to the Parliamentary Commission, the situation is acute given the fact that parliament is to host two state functions; the State of the Nation Address and the National Budget Speech. “The parliamentary commission has twice tried to purchase these ceremonial vehicles but was unsuccessful on both times,” reads in part of the letter.

The commission said the first process was domestic bidding to procure the two ceremonial cars and the advert was placed in the New Vision but to their dismay, only one bid was received.

“Spear Motors was not successful because it quoted a price of Shs 2.9 billion that exceeded the pre-established survey estimates of Shs 2.8 billion as per the provision of section 74 (3) (a) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets,” the commission said.

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Fred Enanga to receive Heroes’ Day medal

By
Our Reporter
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Fred Enanga, Police spokesperson

A total of eighty one (81) Ugandans including the Police spokesperson Fred Enanga will receive medals of honour from President Museveni on this year’s Heroes Day.

This was confirmed by the Minister of State in Charge of Economic Monitoring, Peter Ogwang while addressing the media on the forthcoming Heroes’ Day fete on Thursday June 9, 2022.

Under the theme; “Commemorating our Heroes & Heroines: An opportunity to consolidate our efforts in securing Uganda”,  the event will be used to pay tribute to people who defend the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the wellbeing of Uganda and its citizens.

Of the 81, Ogwang said 34 medalists will receive the 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee Medal; which will be awarded in recognition for their outstanding service and loyalty to the Country.

17 medalists will receive Nalubaale Medals for their contribution to the political development of Uganda.

He said 18 people will receive Luwero triangle medal which is usually awarded to any officer who joined the armed struggle against dictatorship, while 5 will receive Damu Medals; usually given to members of the military who were wounded in action or died in action during liberation struggle.

Four Long Service Gold Police Medalists; to be given to officers with long service of 30 years plus with a clean and uninterrupted service to the Force.

Two Long Service Silver Police Medalists will also be awarded; for their long service of 20 years plus, with a clean & uninterrupted service. And lastly, 2 honorary Medals will be awarded to civilians for showing unwavering support to the police programmes and thus made police operations easier and improved as well as the welfare of officers.

On 9th June every year, Uganda celebrates National Heroes Day. It is designed to honour those who played a major role in creating a better future for the people of the country.

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MTN Foundation puts up classrooms at Buhandagazi Primary School, improves student learning conditions

By
Simon Kabayo
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Structure of the classrooms constructed by MTN Foundation for the students at Buhandagazi Nursery and Primary school

Over 200 students are set to benefit from the completion of the construction and furnishing of classrooms at Buhandagazi Primary School in Rukungiri district by MTN Foundation.

Located in Buyanja sub-county in Rukungiri District, Buhandagazi Primary School is a community institution founded by Buhandagazi Church of Uganda in 2015 to extend access to quality education closer to the children in the area.

Enoth Bijoki, chairman school management, Buhandagazi Primary School narrated that the school was struggling to mobilise resources to complete construction of the classrooms intended to create learning space for the children.

“We did not have sufficient funds to construct the requisite classrooms. Once in a while, we had well-wishers set up classes but the progress was not fast enough. As a result, children had a poor learning environment with makeshift chairs borrowed from the church for them to sit and learn. In cases where the students were more, some would sit on mats or on the floor and study,” he recounts.

In 2021, MTN Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Uganda embarked on a project to improve the school’s infrastructure to create an enabling learning environment for the students.

Through this project, MTN invested Shs60 million in the completion of the construction of 6 classrooms and one office for the staff which involved roofing the classrooms, plastering of the walls, installation of doors and windows as well as painting and furnishing the office and learning spaces.

According to Andrew Tusubira, the MTN Regional Commercial head for Western Uganda, who was representing the MTN Foundation, MTN’s decision to improve Buhandagazi Primary school’s infrastructure was informed by the school’s vision which is synonymous with MTN’s key business pillar of creating shared value to attain sustainable societies.

“With school fees averagely less than Shs20,000, Buhandagazi Community Nursery and Primary school was formed with the vision of extending access to affordable education to children in Buyanja sub-county to enable them forge a future that would guarantee an improved livelihood for their communities. Amid the heightened cost of living today, it is important to support institutions that extend quality social services at affordable prices. At MTN, achieving sustainable societies through shared value is one of the business’ core pillars which resonates with our belief that doing good for society enables us to do well as a company,” he said.

Tusubira added: ”We are supporting Buhandagazi Primary School to enroll even more children and create an enabling learning environment in order to realize our shared goal of ensuring access to quality education for the people of Buyanja sub-county to cultivate a promising future,”

Appreciating MTN Foundation’s support to the school, Canon Mary Zaramba Buhandagazi School Chairperson Management Committee urged people to support MTN for its impact in communities.

“Now the journey has started from 5 students to 201 students from baby class to primary five going to primary six. I wish to call upon everyone to appreciate what MTN Foundation has done for the Buhandagazi community and encourage all of us to use MTN services like mobile money, airtime, and internet bundles. MTN Oye! May the good Lord protect you and give you the vision of helping us even more,” she appreciated.

Bijoki said that they now expect even more children to enroll for studies on account of the improved learning environment and eye-catching physical structures.

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EC sets date for Soroti City East by-election

By
Our Reporter
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EC-Voting-ballot-box

The Electoral Commission (EC) has released the electoral programme for by-election of Member of Parliament for Soroti East Constituency, Soroti City.

The Soroti East Constituency Parliamentary seat fell vacant following a Court nullification of the election of former Member of Parliament, FDC’s Moses Attan.  

The by-election has been set for July 28, 2022.

During the electoral programme, the EC will also fill the vacancy for Municipality Directly-elected Councillor for Acetgwen Ward, Soroti City.

The by-election programme will commence with an update of the National Voters’ Register from 10th to 14th June, 2022 at update stations in each of the thirteen wards (parishes) in Soroti East Constituency.

The Commission has appointed Tuesday 14th June 2022 as the cut-off date for registration of voters in the Constituency.

Registration and transfer of voters from one polling station to another within Soroti East Constituency will not be conducted after this date.

The display of the National Voters’ Register will be conducted from 27th June to 6th July 2022, at all the 63 polling stations in Soroti East Constituency.

The nomination of candidates will be conducted for two days, 18th and 19th July 2022 at the Office of Returning Officer, Soroti City.

Campaign meetings for candidates for Member of Parliament and Municipality Directly-elected Councillor will be held from 21st to 26th July 2022.

Polling for Member of Parliament and Municipality Directly-elected Councillor shall take place on Thursday 28th July 2022 at all polling stations in Soroti East Constituency, and voting shall start at 7:00am and close at 4:00pm.

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High Court reduces Besigye’s cash bail to Shs3m

By
Our Reporter
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Dr. Kizza Besigye

The High Court in Kampala has reduced the Shs30 million cash bail imposed on former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye by Buganda Road Court.

In a ruling on Monday morning, High Court Judge Micheal Elubu reduced the amount for bail set by Grade One Magistrate, Siena Owomugisha to just Shs3 million.

The judge noted that Shs30 million was manifestly high considering the nature of the offence with which Besigye is charged.

Besigye was arrested on May 24 in Arua Park for holding a protest against the high commodity prices in the country.

The Buganda Road Magistrates Court charged Kizza Besigye with inciting violence on May 25th and set his cash bail at Shs30m.

Besigye has been on remand in Luzira Prison since last month after declining to pay bail money imposed on him saying it amounted to injustice. He then instructed his lawyers to appeal the Sh30m cash bail.

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Uganda celebrates World Environment Day under the theme “Our Earth, Conserve for Life”

By
Our Reporter
-
Tree Planting

Uganda joined the global community to celebrate World Environment Day (WED). WED is the United Nations principal avenue to encourage awareness, public outreach, promote progress on environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals and action for the protection of the environment.

The United Nations General Assembly declared the 5th of June as World Environment Day during the United Nations Conference on Human Environment and Development in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972. Over 150 countries participate in the celebrations each year, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the helm.

This year, international celebrations are in Stockholm Sweden under the theme ‘Only One Earth’. The theme and Sweden as the global host, is symbolic of the 1972 Stockholm Conference that formed UNEP. In Uganda, WED is being celebrated in Luweero district under the national theme: ‘Our Earth, Conserve for Life’.

Nationally, there have been both gains and challenges in the environment sector. Wildlife populations have generally increased especially in protected areas. For instance, the number of Uganda Kobs increased from 77,759 in 2011 to 175,590 in 2020, African Elephants from 5,739 to 7,975 and Rhinos from 17 to 35 within the same time frame. Unfortunately, the number of lions reduced from 493 individuals in 2011 to 373 in 2020. A decline that is attributed to human-wildlife conflict with communities neighboring protected areas.

Concerning forest and wetland cover, for the first time since 1990 the country registered a net forest cover gain from 9% in 2017 to 13 % in 2020. The main challenge facing the sector is pressure arising from the demand for agricultural land and demand for charcoal, firewood and building materials. On the other hand, wetland cover has experienced a downward trend – reducing from 15.5% in 1994 to 13% in 2020. However, of the 13 % wetlands about 8% are intact while the rest is degraded.

Air pollution is another area of concern. Over the last five years, urban areas in Uganda have consistently registered readings that are ten times above the World Health Organization recommended levels of 2021. The key sources of air pollution in the country include the transport sector (automobiles), unpaved roads, domestic burning of biomass fuels and industrial activities.

To address the challenges facing the environment and in line with the national theme for this years WED, the Government has developed a ten year Environment Restoration Plan. The country declared the next ten years as a war decade for environment restoration with a focus on further reversing forest, wetland and biodiversity loss. The target is to halt degradation in all sectors of the environment and increase forest cover to 15% by 2030.

To achieve these ambitious but attainable targets NEMA calls upon all citizens to stop encroachment on fragile ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, lake shores and river banks. We urge everyone to plant trees at every opportunity, restore degraded ecosystems, and avoid settling or cultivating on steep slopes. Seek guidance from respective authorities before undertaking potentially harmful activities; adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management options.

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