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Police applauds Coca-Cola for its people centered agenda

By
Our Reporter
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Handover of items

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Emillian Kayima has praised Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda for being a responsible corporate citizen, following the company’s donation of 71 beds and 67 mattresses to Uganda Police Force regional offices in Mukono.

As a kind gesture, the Uganda Police also donated 30 beds and 30 mattresses from their donation to a Child Care Centre in Nakisunga-Mukono District known as Heart of a Child.

“The Uganda Police Force fraternity is impressed and very grateful to Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda for this gesture of love and compassion. Thanks to the donation received today, we are also able to share with Heart of a Child, who are playing a major role in our community and taking care of children who would otherwise be helpless. The compassionate act of supporting those in need promotes peace and is a vivid expression of community involvement and awareness. This touches hearts and souls beyond the direct beneficiaries.  It speaks volumes about Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, and the entire management team at the company,” he noted.

Kayima also applauded the company for being an active development partnerin driving community centered values and delivered the Uganda Police’s pledge to continue to serve Uganda with a sense of duty and responsibility.

“May the spirit of dedicated service, love and respect continue to shine over a wider spectrum of citizens, who in turn will gaze in admiration at the service of their sons and daughters in uniform,” he concluded.

Kirunda Magoola, the Public Affairs and Communication Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa reiterated the company’s commitment to “embedding our company’s ethos to refreshing Uganda every day, making our country a better place by helping to care for the people and communities we depend on to succeed.”

“We are in the business of people. Therefore when ‘our people’; employees, partners, suppliers, and community thrive, we also prosper as a business. We are always looking for ways to add value and promote inclusive development,” he noted, adding that “……One way we support communities is by empowering women and youth. Across local communities in our territories, we give back every year to help make them sustainable and more prosperous,” he concluded.

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda has a long history of championing inclusive development across the communities in which it operates and across the country. Last month, the company donated 60 mattresses and 60 beds to St Charles Lwanga, a day care and rehabilitation center for children with severe cerebral palsy in Mukono.

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Uganda Police dominates National Track & Field Championships

By
Our Reporter
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Athletes at National Track & Field Championships at Namboole

Uganda Police was dominant in the short races of the 2022 National Track and Field Championships which occured at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole this Saturday evening.

Uganda Police, through AIP Shida Leni and Jacenet Nyamahunge dictated proceedings in the 400m, 100m and 200m as each settled for gold on an eventful ceremony organized by the Uganda Athletics Federation.

In the 400m race, AIP Shida Leni clocked 52 seconds to win the category while Maureen Banura (Police) and Emily Nanziri (Police) came second and third with 52.9seconds and 55.7seconds respectively.

Triumph for Leni was a step in the right direction as she intensifies preparations for the 2022 Commonwealth Games due in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

“I’m now focusing on Commonwealth games and by the time we reach there, I know the time will be good for me. I had a challenging period with injuries but I’m catching up.” Leni echoed in the aftermath of her victory.

Leni is hopeful that by the time she gets to the games proper, she will be fit and ready for a great display.

Elsewhere, Jacenet Nyamahunge (Police) grabbed headlines in the 100m and 200m clocking 11.4 seconds and 23.7 seconds respectively and she is currently the fastest woman in Uganda.

Nyamahunge expounded on her main target which is improving on her time and represent Uganda in the upcoming 2022 games in Birmingham.

Furthermore, the Cops dominated the 4×4m men relay and emerged winners.

Ali Ngaimoko, the manager Police Athletics Club appreciated the management for the support rendered to athletes and felt optimistic that the team will be in pole position to represent the force in the upcoming track especially Commonwealth and Interforce Games.

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How To Spend A Weekend in Kampala’s Wilderness

By
Our Reporter
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Kampala’s iconic red tiled roofs look beautiful against the blue water

There are so many beautiful places to explore in Uganda that it’s a wonder any of us bother going on vacation abroad. Much of Uganda’s tourism is focused on the natural landscape, our wealth of wild animals and getting away from it all. However, Kampala, the national and commercial capital, has an unrivalled mixture of that wonderful wilderness and refined urban delights too. That’s why for this guide, we’re going to take you to the red tiled villas of Kampala, to enjoy a little bit of city and a little bit of wildlife.

Experience Wildlife Up Close

A moment with a gorilla is one you’ll never forget

Despite being a sprawling city, Kampala is remarkably close to lots of unspoilt wilderness. Lake Victoria borders it to one side, whilst to the other is the endless jungle. This makes Kampala the perfect pick-up point for those wanting to take a tour of the jungle and hopefully catch a glimpse of some of its inhabitants. Most people choose to spend a considerable amount of time on a gorilla safari, often up to two whole weeks. However, if you’re pressed for time, as we are in this weekend guide, then it is absolutely possible to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures in as little as a day.

Arrive at the pick-up point in central Kampala bright and early and your own personal guide will drive you into the mountains. Here you’ll be expected to hike for some miles, so physical fitness is a must. Much as the hike is hard work and the terrain can be challenging, you will be mightily rewarded if you catch sight of some of the most elusive creatures in the country. Prices vary from operator to operator and, naturally, they also fluctuate enormously depending on the amount of time you decide to devote to tracking gorillas. Escaping to the jungle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and without a doubt the very best way to start your long weekend in Kampala.

Head Home to Humura Resorts

On the walk back to your hotel there is plenty to see in central Kampala, including the famous Kampala Casino, that’s renowned throughout Uganda for being one of the biggest and best in the whole country. There you’ll find lots of table games, as well as slot machines that even beginners can play. Of course, if you’re a little worn out from your gorilla tracking and don’t quite feel up to exploring Kampala’s most famous casino, then you can always enjoy some of the fun from your bedroom. The hotel is happy for you to use their complimentary WiFi to play on your choice of online casino, meaning that you can enjoy the same games from the comfort of your bedroom. Before logging on to your casino of choice, it’s a good idea to check out some of the latest casino bonuses that are available in your country. Vegas Slots Online provides lots of information on not just Vegas casinos, but casinos that are available to play all over the world. They include information on bonuses, as well as the variety of games that are available to play, as well as the different methods and currencies that you can make your deposits and withdrawals.

Once inside the Humura Resorts hotel, you’ll immediately notice how everything luxurious all of the fixtures and amenities are. This luxury hotel only opened in March of 2021 and has already cemented its position within Kampala’s competitive luxury hotel market. As well as being conveniently located in the heart of Kampala, the hotel also boasts many of its own conveniences on-site, including free private parking, a stunning swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym and a well-reviewed restaurant.  

Visit Ssezibwa falls

For your final day in Kampala, it’s time to travel just thirty kilometres from the centre to enjoy one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda, Ssezibwa falls. This particular waterfall is believed to have been made by just one woman centuries ago who was on her way to Kavuma Bukunja and needed a river to speed her progress. This tale has been passed down from generation to generation and as such, Ssezibwa Falls is an important spiritual monument for many Ugandans. Once you’re at the falls you’ll likely find a spiritual healer nearby, these healers can perform elaborate ceremonies for you and your loved ones, helping you to let go of grief, achieve new levels of personal success, conceive children and many other life goals. Such is the magic of the Ssezibwa water that these kinds of rituals can become possible.

After your ceremony, you can take part in many activities, indeed, if you’d like to see gorillas again then this is possible locally, but so too are many other activities. The falls are an attraction for wading birds who fish in the depths, so bird watchers can be amused for hours. Also hiking and canoeing around the rivers is a relaxing way to get a whole new view of the landscape.

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Who is behind ‘powerful’ businessman Eria Mubiru?

By
Our Reporter
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Eriya Mubiru

Of late, self proclaimed businessman Eria Mubiru alias Kabenge Eriya Mubiru has been at the centre of controversy following his numerous involvement in dubious deals that have left a number of ordinary Ugandans blubbering due to the financial losses and emotional pains he has inflicted on them. 

On Tuesday 22nd June, 2022, residents of Bukompe village, Kyakatebe parish in Kassanda district petitioned the area Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and State House Anti-Corruption Unit to reign over Mubiru who is threatening to illegally evict them from their land.

Mubiru is a renowned private military contractor for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

The land in question was investigated by former Anti Corruption Unit head Col Edith Nakalema who opened boundaries of the land and found that the land was fraudulently sold to the government by city lawyer Sam Bitangaro who was arrested and remanded for the same.

Bitangaro conspired with three others and sold non-existent land to government as it moved to resettle the persons who had been evicted from Luwunga Forest Reserve in Kiboga District. The failed exercise cost the government at least Shs3 billion which was donated by President Yoweri Museveni.

Col Nakalema however guaranteed residents to stay on it, until the government gets them another land where they could fully be resettled.

Mr Bitangaro allegedly fraudulently sold 780 hectares at Shs1.3 billion at Bukompe, Nalutuntu Sub-county in Kasanda District. The Prosecution alleged that on May 21, 2014 at M/s Onyango and Company Advocates’ offices in Bunga, Makindye Division, Mr Bitangaro obtained Shs1.32 billion from Kiboga Twegatte Cooperative Society Ltd by falsely pretending that he had good and marketable title to land measuring 492 hectares at Bukompe, Nalutuntu Sub-county in Kassanda District.The state further alleges that on November 5, 2014 at Mityana District, they fraudulently procured land title to Singo Block 308 plot 146, which he fraudulently acquired by causing an irregular sub-division of plot 122 that he had already sold to Kiboga Twegatte Cooperative Society Ltd.

The Ministry of Lands upon instructions of the State House Anti Corruption Unit surveyed the land and it was revealed that the property belonged to Lake Wamala Farm Ltd and all overlapping titles were issued with a notice of cancellation, including that of Bitangaros.

However, the residents were shocked to learn in 2020, that Mubiru claimed to have purchased the same land and he is now evicting over 200 residents who have been peacefully coexisting with Lake Wamala Farm Ltd.

Despite an ‘stay on land’ order from the State House Anti Corruption Unit, Mubiru who claims to be close to some yet to be identified big people in government, through using security operatives has started to block residents from accessing the contested land, destroyed their crops through grazing, starvation as well as forcefully evicting them to neighbouring lands where there are ongoing disputes.

This comes as a shock given the recent presidential guidelines on evictions which were expected to bring an end to such illegal evictions.

One of the affected members of Kiboga Twegatte stated, “upon the intervention of Col. Nakalema there has been relative peace on the land, however in 2020, a one Eria Mubiru came in claiming to be from State House saying that he has bought the land and we should leave the land immediately. We have been living in fear ever since and request the government to intervene”.

Mubiru has also been cited in other dubious land deals such as his involvement in the grabbing of Kajjansi Forest Reserve, a scandal that caught the attention of State Minister for Lands Hon Sam Mayanja who directed the State House Anti Corruption Unit to investigate the incident.

The businessman known for obtaining mega contracts from the Ministry of Defense, was in 2017 put on spot over shoddy works and inflating the Kaweweta Recruit Training School (KRTS) procurement deal to a tune of Shs76 Billion. The same was investigated by a committee instituted by President Yoweri Museveni which cited fraudulent procurement methods and tax evasion by Mr. Mubiru’s companies – J2E Investment Corporation and Roester Construction Corporation.

In 2020,the Ministry of Defence’s administrative review committee was set up to look into the findings by an earlier investigation against Mubiru’s and his companies, led by the then Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Charles Angina.

Gen Angina had found that Mubiru’s companies had been awarded five contracts for construction works of the Kaweweta Recruit Training School through either fraudulent bidding processes or without any procurement procedure at all, and had presented fake profiles of employees to win the contracts.

The report also reaffirmed that Mr Mubiru himself had claimed he was a qualified engineer whereas not.

This was further confirmed by the leadership of Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers which confirmed that Mubiru was not a member of the institution.

“This is to inform you that Mr. Mubiru alias Kabenge Eriya Mubiru is not a Member of Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) and therefore not known to us as a registered engineer,”  said Eng. Ben Kayemba, the UIPE Hononary Secretary.

In 2016, Ndejje University, an institution for higher learning where Mubiru claimed to have obtained his engineering degree from, also disowned him.

“Kabenge Eriya Mubiru presented a ‘manufactured’ transcript and certificate with a second class Honours: Upper Division purportedly from Ndejje University… We would like to state with certainty that the aforementioned person has never been our student….The signature on the purported document is not mine, the Academic Registrar; neither is the second one on the certificate that of the former Vice Chancellor Prof Bishop Michael Senyimba,” said B.M Sekabembe, the Ndejje University Academic Registrar in a letter copied to the Dean, Faculty of Engineering.

“All our Engineering Transcripts are on a landscape form of paper. Our logo in the transcript is well centered and is transparent and proportional, even on photocopy.”

Gen Angina also found that Mr Mubiru’s companies had forged books of accounts, evaded taxes and had failed to execute the works paid for. Phases I, II and III of the works at the training school had not been completed, several years after the contracts had been awarded yet Mubiru had been paid most of the contract money.

Gen Angina wondered how the same company would be awarded another phase of the works before completing the previous one, and pointed out that much of the work that had been done was shoddy.

Early this month, Mubiru was arrested and shortly detained in Dubai for allegedly extorting Shs2 billion from a UAE businessman.

Defence Ministry/UPDF speaks out

Last week, the UPDF Spokesperson  clarified that Mubiru, their private contractor is currently in the country and has never been arrested as alleged and  also the matters pertaining to the contracts (including that of Kaweweta Recruit Training School scandal) were resolved fully and the construction works are ongoing.

“Therefore, there exists no problems between MODVA & the contractor, Mubiru Eria of J2E investments,”  UPDF Spokesperson Felix Kulayigye tweeted on 17th June, 2022.

Another businessman cries foul after being defrauded of Shs250m by Mubiru:

Still in this month, another unsuspecting Ugandan identified as Ibrahim Kaweesi also came out to accuse Mubiru of defrauding him of cash amounting to Shs250m million in a fake Japan deal. 

“By that time (2008) I was a businessman dealing in rice and also had transportation vehicles (two elfs and a fuso) which used to transport my rice consignments from Busoga… .In 2008, I met a man called Eriya Kabenge who calls himself Eria Mubiru, we met at one of the car bonds in the Industrial Area. He was purchasing a black BMW 325 whereas I was buying a Pajero Short V8. When I saw him, I got inspired because he was a young man like me who looked to be well off financially. I asked him what he does. He told me he was a businessman who stays in Japan with his Japanese wife. I picked interest in his engagement because I had always wanted to work from Japan. He assured me that I could join him in Japan as long as I invested in money,” Kaweesi recalled.

“I told him I had a residential house in Kanyanya which I was willing to sell and that I was also ready to sell my cars. After getting the cash from the assets, I would approach my family and ask them to top up the remaining balance so that I can go and work. I had a plan that after making it big in Japan, I would ensure that I replace my sold properties in Uganda.When I told him to look for a buyer for my house, he brought his sister called Catherine who bought the house. I handed him the money from there so that he can work on my travel process. I sold all my assets and gave him money. Even one time he gave me his newly bought BMW to use in the meantime because I was left with nothing to use in my movements.”

Kaweesi revealed that his mother also had a commercial house in Manyangwa Gayaza which she sold so that they could raise all the required money (Shs250m).

“He had told me that while in Japan, we shall be dealing in car importation,” the businessman who now works and lives in Dar es Saalam, Tanzania added.

“After a while, he started tossing me around without giving me any feedback regarding our plans and this is where he decided to bring in his brother Kabenge Jordan (usually calls himself Sheikh) who went to Nasser Road, forged South Korea visas (for me and Jordan) without me knowing that they were fake…. We managed to pass through Entebbe International Airport with our fake visas and fake US dollars.”

When they landed at Seoul Airport in South Korea aboard Emirates Airlines, Kaweesi noted that they were suddenly arrested with their fake visas and detained for weeks before being deported to Entebbe.

“When we returned, Mubiru cut off the communication and when I managed to get in contact with him, he decided to threaten me saying he has big people in government who can deal with me.”

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Coca-Cola Beverages partners with three Plastic Waste management companies to boost environmental sustainability

By
Our Reporter
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Kirunda Magoola, Public Affairs & Communication Director at CCBA handing over the MOU to Rogers Kibule, Marketing Manager, Yo-Waste Limited at Plastic Recycling Industries

As part of its commitment to improving plastic waste management in the country, Plastic Recycling Industries Uganda Limited (PRI)an initiative of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Uganda, has today signed a partnership deal with three community-based plastic collection, management, and recycling companiesnamely Yo-Waste, Ecoplastile and Asante Waste Management.

The newly signed partnership will see the three companies collaborate with CCBA to set-up more collection centers in the community and supply PRI with plastic collected.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Samuel Kangave called upon the public to change their mindset toward plastic usage and management of the disposal process.

“The use of plastics is deeply embedded in our daily lives, but its mismanagement is a growing menace. We need to re-examine our behavior when it comes to the handling of plastic, at individual, household and even commercial levels. This is a problem that cannot be left just to the government and private sector.We all have a part to play,” Samuel cautioned.

“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with the public and other private sector players to realign priorities, rethink approaches and change mindsets towards viewing plastic as a valuable resource and business if managed well,” he said.

Rodney Makula, Founder and CEO Asante Waste Management said the company was founded in 2013 to manage and reduce waste while recovering valuable resources and reducing carbon imprint.

“We are happy to share the same values with a reputable and trusted entity such as Coca-Cola. As part of this partnership, we commit ourselves to have this initiative enforced and emphasized in the community and advocate for mindset change,” he said.

“This partnership will enable us to expand our recycling capacity from 30 to approximately 150 metric tonnes of plastic per month by working with at least 1,050 informal plastic waste collectors including youth and women in our communities.Our partnership with PRI involves us becoming one of the off-takers thereby consuming the plastic that PRI is unable to take on and we use this plastic to make roofing tiles. We also supply PRI with PET bottles so it’s a win-win sort of partnership,” said Frank Kamugyisha, the Founder and CEO Eoplastile.

Yo-Waste Limited is a tech company that helps connect businesses and retail customers at home to reliable garbage collection and recyclers. The company was incorporated as a startup by five Makerere university Computer science undergrad students in 2019 to implement their research projects in the community.

According toKirunda Magoola, Public Affairs & Communication Director at CCBA, under the ‘World without Waste’ campaign, Uganda has continued to register commendable progress collecting at least 78% of the plastic produced.

“Sustainability and promoting inclusivity are at the core of what we do. We are inspired daily by our purpose ‘Refresh the world. Make a difference,’ by doing business in a sustainable way thereby building a circular economy. We take responsibility as members of the community and seek to work with our people; employees, partners, suppliers, and the community to find solutions that benefit all while refreshing our community. We value inclusivity and are happy to note that many women and youth are benefiting from the plastic recycling chain from the grassroots,” he concluded.

In 2021, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa made progress in its waste collection and recycling efforts achieving a 58% recycling rate for FY2021 despite the COVID-19 imposed challenges. The recyclability of the packaging is at more than 95%, tracking ahead of the global target of 100% by 2025 under the campaign ‘World without Waste’.

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Uganda pursues South African investors

By
Ronard Shabomwe
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Immaculate Blessing Owomugisha, Acting Secretary-General of UNCCI,

Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry-UNCCI is to strengthen trade relationships with South Africa through in and outward trade missions in-order to enhance export earnings between the two countries.    

The three-day business summit is focusing on setting up a business that can make profits across different sectors of the economy. 

Immaculate Blessing Owomugisha, Acting Secretary-General of UNCCI, emphasized that Uganda is suitable for business because of the enhanced business conducive environment that has been enabled by the right policies through the government and private sector engagement. 

These are incentivized exports based business, free zones, industrial parts, incentives that include tax and duty exemptions, profit repatriation, and a ready market for the goods. 

“Uganda is not landlocked, but land-linked. Carrying out Business in Uganda opens many opportunities in the terms of the market both within the local population which is one of the youngest and largest in Africa and the other surrounding countries,” said Immaculate. 

However, she encouraged the Business delegation to invest in Uganda through partnerships, Ventures, Re-registration, creation of subsidiaries, and local registration to enjoy the incentives of carrying out Business in Uganda. 

This development comes during the South African business-to-business engagements with the private sector, on Tuesday 21st, June 2022 at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala that was organized by Wesgro, a South African organization in charge of Tourism trade and investment.

Stanbic Bank’s Enterprise Manager, James Junguru, applauded the South African Delegates on their choice for business-to-business engagements providing opportunities, friendship, and money to the country, translating into employment and change in lives.

Speaking about the agriculture sector, Junguru highlighted that investing in this sector has had a positive impact despite the challenges faced like lack of fertilizers, machinery, and limited access to funding from financial institutions. 

He advocated for joint ventures with Uganda businesses and advised the delegates to fully revise the taxation and laws in the country as well.

Solly Sebola, a representative from the South African High Commission, acknowledged the bilateral trade agreement between South Africa and Uganda that allows both countries to have structured engagement to resolve market issues and share the latest development on trade and investment.

Uganda is one of South Africa’s direct recipients of the largest foreign direct investment. 

In this connection continues to be the destination of South Africa’s direct investment,” said Sebola.Hennie Van Der Merwe, another SA Delegate, tipped entrepreneurs on how to expand the agribusiness sector and employ modern farming in Uganda. 

The mission is to move from substantial agriculture commercial farming to agribusiness.“In 10 years, you will make more money in the agribusiness sector than you will make in Canada or US,” said Merwe.The Business Forum was attended by 50 people from sub-sectors like Agriculture, Hotels, and Wineries.

The South African delegates from different Companies showcased their products from companies like Ukhamba Beerworx, DeLaval, Arie Dekel-Good Hope International Beverages, Keagan Stretch Egli Precision Engineering, The others were SBS Solutions East Africa Limited, among others.

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EC postpones Women Councils elections

By
Our Reporter
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EC chairman Justice Simon Byabakama.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has postponed the elections of Women Councils and Committees from the Village to National Level until further notice due to lack of adequate funding.

EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama in a statement dated Friday June 24, said the Finance Ministry informed them that the funds for the elections are not available.

“The Ministry of Finance has informed the Commission that the funds required for conducting the subsequent activities under the electoral Roadmap are not yet available,” Byabakama said in a statement.

“Accordingly, the Commission informs the general public, political party leaders and women in particular, that the remaining programme for the elections of Village Women Councils and Committees, shall not be implemented as earlier scheduled.”

Consequently all the remaining activities under the approved programme for conduct of the Women Councils and Committees Elections, starting with the nominations of candidates, which were earlier scheduled for Monday 27th June – 1st July 2022, have been suspended.

The commission will issue a new programme for the above electoral activites when the required additional funds are availed.

“The commission appeals to political parties and organisations, aspiring candidates and their supporters, and all other stakeholders in these elections, to remain calm as the matter of the additional funding requirements is being handled by the relevant organs of Government,” Byabakama said.

To-date the Electoral Commission had finalised the compilation of the Village Women Residents’ Register and was currently conducting the Display of the said Registers at each Village/Cell across the country in preparation for subsequent activities, namely, nomination of candidates and polling at the Village level.

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Court of Appeal declares NUP’s Joyce Bagala duly elected Woman MP of Mityana District

By
Simon Kabayo
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Joyce Bagala

Joyce Bagala of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been declared as the validly elected Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District on this Friday morning by the Court of Appeal in Kampala.

The Mubende High Court decision, which declared Bagala’s victory null and void due to noncompliance with electoral laws, was overturned by three appellate court Justices led by Geofrey Kiryabwire.

Minister Judith Nabakooba, a lands minister running on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, accused Bagala of electoral malpractices such as voter bribery and the use of soldiers to intimidate voters.

Bagala defeated the Lands Minister, Hon Nabakooba, by a margin of 16,000 votes. However, in March 2021, Hon. Nabakooba filed a petition to challenge the election results, alleging that Ms Bagala was not validly elected to represent Mityana district because the Electoral Commission failed to secure the necessary conditions.

However, the Court of Appeal ruled that Ms Nabakooba failed to adduce evidence to prove the said allegations, noting that even if there was noncompliance with the electoral laws, it was not sufficient enough to affect the election results in a substantive manner.

During the hearing of the case, MP Bagala had maintained that she would reclaim her seat because the election was conducted in compliance with the electoral laws.

She further disputed allegations by the minister of voter bribery, stating that even if there were any aspects of noncompliance with the electoral laws, they were not sufficient enough to warrant a nullification of her victory.

Ms Bagala contended that the said election was free and fair, and that if there was any non-compliance it didn’t warrant cancellation of the result, especially when there’s no evidence that the people who allegedly bribed voters were her agents. She then asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the lower court’s decision and uphold her victory. She then asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the lower court’s decision and uphold her victory.

The court of Appeal however ordered both parties to bear costs for the suit.

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Petros Koukouras sacked by SC Villa

By
Our Reporter
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Petros Koukouras

SC Villa Jogoo have sacked their Greek head coach Petros Koukouras.

The Club President Hajji Omar Ahmed Mandela confirmed in statement saying “Sports Club Villa has today amicably parted ways with its Head Coach, Petros Koukouras”.

“Petro leaves with our sincerest appreciation for steering the club through a very tough season and the club wishes him well in his next endeavours.”

Mandela revealed that Jackson Magera will temporarily take up the role of head coach before announcing a permanent manager ahead of the 2022/23 season.

“Sports Club Villa confirms Petro’s Assistant Jackson Magera will temporarily take up the role of the Head Coach. Further announcements will be communicated in due course.”

Koukouras joined SC Villa last September, and endured a tough season with the Jogoos finising 12th on the 16-table log in the Uganda Premier League last season with 33 points.

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COSASE exposes city law firm in fake Shs2.3bn land compensation

By
Our Reporter
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Joel Ssenyonyi, the COSASE chairperson

A city law firm has come under the spotlight on allegations of fraud and forgery in the Shs2.3 billion land compensation scam where money was paid to a ‘ghost’ claimant.

Lawyers Kyle Lubega and Richard Buzibira of Lubega & Buzibira Co. Advocates are said to have represented one Natalia Namuli, a 79-year-old woman in Kagadi district, to claim for land compensation from the Uganda Land Commission (ULC).

The money that was deposited into the law firm’s account to pay Namuli is part of the controversial Shs10.6 billion Supplementary Budget that the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development requested for the Financial Year 2020/2021 to pay land claimants in Buganda and Bunyoro sub-regions.

The compensation scheme that is laced with fraud and irregularities is being probed by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).

In their earlier submissions, the lawyers affirmed to the committee that they were approached by Namuli for their legal service to process her payment from ULC. The lawyers were armed with documents such as Letters of Administration and Certificate of Titles that legalised Namuli as the legitimate administrator of the estate belonging to the late Atwana Kalette.
 
However, it has turned out that the purported letters of administration were fraudulently forged and that Namuli is neither an administrator of the said estate nor a beneficiary of the compensation and that she was in a syndicated scheme coerced to sign documents that she could hardly comprehend considering her illiteracy levels.
 
This was revealed by Bani Twesigye, a detective Assistant Inspector of Police attached to COSASE during the Thursday, 23 June 2022 meeting.

AIP Twesigye was on 21 June 2022 sent by the Committee to investigate the whereabouts of the said beneficiary [Namuli] and to establish and verify her legitimacy as an administrator of the late Kalette’s estate.
 
“I met Namuli and interviewed her, but she categorically denied being an administrator of the estate of the late Kalette. She further confirmed that she is not related to the family of the late Kalette and also declined knowledge about it,” Twesigye said.

Asked whether she has ever processed any letters of administration for the purported estate or received any compensation from ULC, Namuli told Twesigye that she has never received any compensation money, but recalled how in late 2020, her son-in-law a one Peter Amara, also former Kibaale LCV Chairperson transported her to Kampala and made her sign several documents with no explanation.
 
“Natalia Namuli stated that she has never got any money from Uganda Land Commission neither does she know that her in-law Peter Amara received any money on her behalf. Apparently, it is Amara who approached ULC purporting to help in compensation of land of his mother-in-law,” Twesigye added.
 
When COSASE chairperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, sought to know from the Police detective if Namuli knew about Lubega & Buzibira Co. Advocates based at the Social Security House on Jinja Road, he said: “Natalia Namuli does not know about Lubega & Buzibira Co. Advocates, but in our interaction, when she was brought to Kampala by Amara, she was taken to a certain storied house where she was made to sign several documents until late.”
 
According to the Police detective, the purported letters of administration were forged to legitimise the payment.
 
Apparently, the letters of administration were signed by Justice Ralph Ochan in 2015 yet he had resigned as Masindi Resident Judge in 2013 to take up his new position as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission.

“It is clear that Uganda Land Commission paid fraudsters who duped the old woman Natalia Namuli to sign on their documents without any knowledge of what their intentions were. This seems to have been a syndicate orchestrated by Peter Amara together with some ULC officials and lawyers whose account these compensation monies passed,” Detective Twesigye said.
 
Ssenyonyi said that his interaction with Ochan indeed confirmed that the purported letters of administration were forged.

Whereas Lubega who is also a signatory to the law firm’s bank account confirmed that the indeed ULC paid all the monies meant for Namuli to their account, he could not explain or adduce evidence that the old woman was actually paid over Shs2 billion, saying it was his partner, Buzibira who was in touch with the client.

“When the money entered the account, my colleague who has been handling the file asked me to sign [the cheque] in order to pay the client. I signed and he went ahead and withdrew the money and I believe he paid the client,” Lubega said.    

His unsatisfactory response prompted Ssenyonyi to hand him over to CIID detectives for further interrogation. Ssenyonyi also ordered that Buzibira who has twice snubbed the committee summons, presents himself to Police on Friday, 24 June 2022 before a warrant of arrest is issued against him.

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