Tooro United FC relegation fate could be decided on Tuesday if they fail to beat UPDF at the Military Barracks ground in Bombo.
With only 10 points collected so far, they are at the bottom of the log with only 15 points to fight for and 14 adrift of safety places.
The army side who also beat Tooro United 4-2 at Buhinga in the first round fixture are buoyed by the win over Busoga United in their last game and will be favourites.
In Arua, the Kongolo host Busoga United at Barifa eager to win and complete a double over their day’s visitors.
They won the reverse fixture 1-0 in Njeru but have now gone four successive games without a win drawing all four.
Record league winners SC Villa host fellow strugglers Mbarara City in a highly anticipated relegation six pointer.
Neither is safe from the drop with five games to go and failure to win the Tuesday encounter will leave either with a hard task to do if they are to play in the division next season.
SC Villa lies 12th on the 16-team log with 25 points, just one above relegation zone while the Ankole Lions are second from bottom with four points adrift.
The Ankole Lions edged the reverse fixture 1-0 at Kakyeeka courtesy of an early goal from Solomon Okwalinga but Villa will be confident as they have never dropped points at home on four times they have hosted Mbarara City.
Villa have lost their last two games on the bounce while Mbarara City ended a 14-match game winless streak with a convincing 3-0 win over Police.
Tuesday April 19, 2022
SC Villa vs Mbarara City – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru
Arua Hill vs Busoga United – Barifa stadium, Arua
UPDF vs Tooro United – Military Barracks Grounds, Bombo
The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Wilson Mbadi met his counterpart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Chief of General Staff, Gen Munsense Celestin over the “Implementation of the Status of the Forces Agreement (SOFA)” at the Office Building of the Governor of Ituri Province in Bunia, DRC.
The two Chiefs met to review and evaluate the progress of the UPDF-FARDC Joint Operation “Shujaa” in DRC in the Eastern Province of Ituri and North Kivu province against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) that was launched on 30 Nov 2021, with a view to make improvements during the rest of the operation.
In attendance was the Governor of Ituri Province, Gen Nkashama Jonny, the Ugandan Ambassador to DRC, Eng. Kalisa, Ugandan Commander of Operation Shujaa Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga, UPDF Generals and senior officers of UPDF and FARDC.
The evaluation meeting came after the Status of the Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Uganda and DRC that was signed in regard to Operation Shujaa (Joint UPDF-FARDC operation in DRC) by the Ugandan Defence Minister Hon Vincent Ssempijja and his counterpart His Excellency Dr Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga on the 30th, January 2022 at Protea Hotel-Skyz in Kampala-Uganda.
The objective of the SOFA is to govern the conduct of soldiers of both the sending and the host country and their operational activities in the host country.
The evaluation meeting which was held in an atmosphere of friendliness and frankness, noted the essence of the urgency in resolving the insecurity prevailing in the province of Ituri.
The meeting observed that since the launch of Operation Shujaa phase 1 on November 30, 2021 and phase 2 on February 8, 2022 in Eastern and North Kivu DRC, the following have been achieved but not limited to; Good behavior and military discipline has been exhibited by the two forces, Dismantling and control of all ADF strongholds (Kambi Ya Jua, Mapipa, Belu 1 and 2 and Zunguluka) by the Joint Forces., the return of the Internally Displaced persons(IDPs) to their homes in the liberated areas, the launch of the Haibale- Burasi ferry on river Semuliki, the drilling and establishment of water points in the area of operation and Medical support to the local population.
The meeting stressed that the next phase of operation Shujaa will focus on; neutralizing the enemy’s freedom of action and movement, hindering its recruitment and training drive, disconnecting the enemy’s communication and coordination network with other negative forces in the region, cutting off the enemy’s supply routes, securing more liberated areas thereby protecting civilians and enabling IDPs to return to their homes.
The next phase will also include ensuring the safety of road works on Kasindi-Beni-Butembo and Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma roads among others.
The need to take into account the timelines given to operations in order to avoid prolonging the mission unnecessarily was equally emphasized.
Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez have announced the death of their baby boy, saying it is the “greatest pain that any parents can feel”.
The Portugal international, 37, and Rodriguez, 28, were expecting twins.
Their baby girl survived, and they said her birth “gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness”.
“Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you,” they wrote.
In a statement on social media, they said: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
“We are all devastated at this loss and and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”
The pair had announced the pregnancy in October.
United tweeted: “Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.”
Teammate Marcus Rashford tweeted: “Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother I’m so sorry.”
Ronaldo’s former side Real Madrid said the club, its president and board of directors “are deeply saddened” adding: “Real shares in the family’s pain and wishes to send them all of our warmth.”
Manchester City, Leeds United and the Premier League have also tweeted messages of condolence.
Ronaldo has a son Cristiano Jr, who was born in 2010 and twins Eva and Mateo who were born in 2017. He also has a daughter with Rodriguez – Alana Martina, who was born in 2017.
Having survived the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us are looking for opportunities to de-stress and re-energize ourselves.
One of the perfect ways to do so is by going on a Maasai Mara safari where you not only get to see amazing animals, but also interact with some pretty fascinating indigenous people and learn their culture.
For a family, it is an opportunity to bond with your loved ones all while learning new things.
Here are five reasons why you should consider trying a Kenya vacation to the Mara this year.
Variety of activities
Kenya is a melting pot of different kinds of holidays, each as exciting as the next.
You have the option of indulging in watersports on a beach safari, getting up close with majestic beasts on a wildlife tour, and even learning more about Kenyan culture on a heritage trip.
You could have all these and more as part of your Kenya safari holiday packages.
Speaking of wildlife safaris, one of the most iconic and world-renowned destinations is the Maasai Mara, which plays host to more than 90 species of animals.
These include the big five (leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Other animals you are likely to find in the Mara include hyenas, jackals, warthogs, impalas, gazelles, zebra, wildebeest, and many more.
Lions in the Mara Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/L4-BDd01wmM
The park is also the stage for one of the most remarkable animal events on the planet- the annual wildebeest migration.
It is an event that sees more than two million wild animals migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania for Kenya’s Mara plains in search for food and water.
The Maasai Mara migration comes with plenty of wildlife drama, as large herbivores such as wildebeest and zebra make a mad rush to cross the crocodile infested Mara River.
Besides the ferocious crocodiles, the animals that form part of the Maasai Mara migration also have to contend with top predators such as the African lion, leopard, and cheetah.
Incidentally, the migration also coincides with the calving season, meaning a substantial proportion of the wildebeests are also giving birth.
It is an event where the cycle of life literally plays out before your eyes.
Some of the ways through which visitors can sample the glory of the Mara include game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and camping excursions.
Some of the more popular travel agents curate highly customized travel experiences comprised your preferred holiday activities and destinations.
These custom safaris feature personalized itineraries designed to suit your interests and those of your loved ones.
Unlike the situation decades ago, when the travel industry was dominated by foreigners, the industry now boasts of a substantial number of native travel consultants.
That guarantees you a more thorough introduction to the country’s destinations from natives who know the country intimately.
AjKenyasafaris is one of Kenya’s popular safari partners.
Also, there are safaris for every budget class, from budget safaris, mid-luxury safaris, to luxury safaris.
You can now plan a safari suited to your pocket. How much your Kenya vacation costs varies based on the duration of your trip, the activities involved, and the kinds of amenities you will enjoy.
A Maasai Mara package for instance may be as long as 13 days or as short as 3 days. It all depends on your preferences.
As a budget traveler, you can secure a Maasai Mara package for as little as $150 per person sharing.
Great infrastructure
Kenya has a robust and dependable infrastructure. Getting around the country has never been easier.
Besides, getting an all-inclusive trip to Kenya means all your domestic transport and accommodation logistics are included in the deal. You will not need to worry about such details once you jet into the country, just focus on having a good time.
Domestically, you have the option of choosing to travel via domestic flights to most of the iconic destinations or traveling by road. The roads are excellent and visitors get to enjoy road trips aboard luxurious safari vans and Land Cruisers.
For those who prefer self-guided safaris, there are plenty of car hire options to choose from, with formidable vehicles suited for both tarmac and bush terrain.
There is also wide electricity coverage and the telecommunications network boasts of an extensive 4G internet coverage as well.
Competitively priced Kenya safari holiday packages
Reputable travel agents are at hand to devise for you an all-inclusive trip to Kenya and will readily communicate all it entails.
That way, you are never caught by surprise or left in doubt as to what to expect.
The professionalism of the country’s travel industry is part of what makes Kenya such a preferred safari destination.
To optimize your budget, it is best to go on a guided tour and take advantage of the favorable prices that your travel agent is likely to receive from hotels and other establishments.
In most cases, the 4×4 safari land cruiser is used for game drives. However iif budget is a huge concern, you can take advantage of the pocket pocket friendly safari van, mostly Toyota Hiace or Mazda Bongo with an open roof for game viewing.
5. Cultural trip
Kenya vacations expose you to some of the most interesting cultures and people in Africa.
You get to learn about their foods, heritage, traditions and other practices. Did you know that the Maasai people continue to live in the wild to this very day? This nomadic community enjoys a peaceful co-existence with some of the most ferocious animals known to man-the African lion.
A vast number of Maasai live within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and even inspired the naming of the park.
On a Maasai Mara safari, you get to visit one of their villages and see their way of life first-hand.
255 trainees were passed out at Masindi Military Police Training School on Saturday.
Comprising of 223 males and 32 females, the trainees underwent a 4-months basic Military Police Course level 3 under intake 14 of 2021/2022.
Training commenced on 13th December, 2021 with trainees undergoing different course contents including but not limited to; Public Order Management, VIP protection, Martial Arts and physical training, Military Police duties, Map using, amongst others.
While presiding over the pass out ceremony, the Deputy Commander Land Forces Maj Gen Sam Okiding referred the graduands to the Bible which cautions people against bad thoughts.
“Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts,” the verse from Proverbs read.
Maj Gen Okiding cautioned them to remain firm and be focused as they strive to go to higher heights in the forces.
Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the Commander Military Police Brigade, urged the soldiers to love their job and serve the country well saying many Ugandans would wish to have the same opportunity but all in vain.
He advised them to maintain the core values of discipline and integrity as they serve in the forces while keeping in mind to protect themselves against different diseases.
“Take care of your health. You can only achieve everything if you are healthy,” Maj Gen Nabasa said.
Meanwhile, the school Commandant Col Amon Kagina reechoed the need for the soldiers to practice the skills they have acquired in training applauding them as a vibrant intake full of soldiers who were always ready to learn.
He thanked the leadership for the support and called on them to help them overcome a few challenges they have.
He ended by wishing the Graduates the best of luck in their careers.
Kyaka FC sealed their victory by beating Bunyangabu FC 1-0 in a highly contested final match that brought the first edition of the Tooro Masaza Tournament to an exciting end yesterday.
Kyaka FC’s Richard Mugume scored the only goal of the match in the 20th minute of the game that was held at the Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal City With this win, Kyaka FC has walked away with prize money of Ugx.5million shs as the title winners. Bunyangabu FC, the runners-up took home Ugx.3 million shillings while the 3rd place and 4th teams walked away with 1.5 million and 0.5 million respectively.
The King of Tooro Kingdom, His Majesty, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV along with the Queen Mother of Tooro, Queen Best Kemigisa attended the match that fell on the eve of the King’s 30th birthday.
A birthday bash complete with fireworks and exciting performances by a lineup of top artists marked the end of the feverish football tournament as the King marked his new age, surrounded by his subjects and well-wishers.
According to King Oyo, this championship match is an apt crescendo of the month-long tournament of spirited matches played amongst the 9 counties of Tooro Kingdom.
“This tournament has generated a lot of excitement in our kingdom and has further brought the people of Tooro together. We thank MTN for organizing and funding this first-ever tournament and we look forward to the next season of this thrilling experience,”King Oyo said.
The Tooro Masaza tournament is part of MTN’s sponsorship package to the Kingdom following a partnership between the Telecom and the Kingdom in an endeavor to uplift the people of Tororo through leveraging sports alongside other social-economic engagements in health and education.
Andrew Tusubira MTN Uganda’s head of commercial services in the western region congratulated all the participants of the tournament.
“The real winners of this tournament are the people of this kingdom. Football is not just a game to the people. It sits at the heart of their culture. As MTN we feel very proud to have been part of this tradition together with the people of Tooro. We promise to continue this journey and thank the Kingdom for embracing MTN as a friend and a partner for years to come,” Tusubira said.
The MTN Tooro Masaza Tournament grand finale that doubled as King Oyo’s 30th birthday celebration attracted thousands of people who paid 2,000/=via MTN MoMo and 4,000/= cash. The money was handed over to the kingdom to support development projects in Tooro Kingdom.
Tooro Kingdom has nine counties that include, Ntoroko, Kibale, Bunyangabu, Kitagwenda, Mwenge North, Mwenge South, Kyaka, Fort Portal, and Burahya. All the counties participated in the tournament that has proven to be the hottest sporting activity in the Kingdom thus far.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met and held discussions with Church of Uganda leaders led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Reverend Dr. Samuel Kazimba Mugalu. The meeting took place at State House Entebbe on Wednesday.
The meeting that was attended by the Bishop of Kitgum Diocese discussed the development of Janan Luwum site at Muchwini in Kitgum district.
The Church of Uganda is planning to build St. Janan Luwum Memorial Stadium in memory of the late Janan Luwum, the 3rd Archbishop of Uganda who was killed by the former President of Uganda; Idi Amin Dada.
Speaking to the delegation, President Museveni welcomed the idea of the memorial Stadium saying it will promote religion and tourism in the area.
“It’s a good idea you are proposing and we shall support you. The site is strategically well placed because it is near Southern Sudan, so you can have people as far as South Sudan coming”. President Museveni said.
Mr. Museveni advised the Church to expand the idea and integrate the sports sector so that the site can also make money through events like sports competitions, music concerts, political gatherings etc.
“Let us integrate the idea of sports in your project. I am looking at Namboole as a key study because we use it for big events at a fee. I was thinking that if we could have it even for all kinds of sports, it can generate income for you”, Mr. Museveni said.
Faith-based tourism, the President said; for example, the grave of the late. Janan Luwum, the Statue etc, will capture believers but also it will capture all other events e.g. church gathering, sports, cultural and political gatherings.
“Let us capture the whole spectrum. Fine-tune the concept and then we are good to go. Ministry of Finance will coordinate the finances”. President Museveni assured them.
The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Hon. Matia Kasaija assured the church delegation that government will budget for the Luwum Memorial Stadium in the 2023/2024 Financial Year.
“We shall plan for it in the next Financial Year 2023/24”. Hon. Kasaija said.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Okello Oryem who is coordinating the Committee to realize the Janan Luwum Memorial Stadium revealed that the project will cost a total of 78.69 Billion.
“The project will cost 78.69 billion but we shall spread it over. We are looking forward to your advice towards this project”. Minister Okello Oryem said.
Hon. Okello Oryem revealed that they are aiming to start the project immediately so that by the 50th commemoration it is ready.
“We are here to inform you that the leadership of Kitgum Diocese is ready to start. Land is there. The committee is being formed to kick start the works. We are ready to go. Our aim is to start the project immediately” Hon. Oryem said.
He said that by 16th February 2027 they expect to have completed this project.
Minister Okello Oryem thanked the President for the generosity and support given to the family of the late Speaker Jacob Oulanya.
“Thank you for your generosity and support you gave to Jacob Oulanya, the family, the Acholi community and the country at large. May the Almighty God bless you abundantly”, he said.
The Archbishop of Uganda, the Most Reverend Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu thanked the President for encouraging the church to start the project of Janan Luwum Memorial Stadium which will help promote faith-based tourism.
“We are here as Church of Uganda. We are here for the Janan Luwum Memorial Stadium project. You encouraged us to have a memorial development to remember this man” He said.
The meeting was attended by, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ramathan Goobi, The Bishop of Kitgum Diocese; Rev. Wilson Kitara, among others.
Africa is experiencing its longest-running decline in COVID-19 infections since the onset of the pandemic. Recorded weekly cases have fallen for the past 16 weeks, while deaths have dropped for the last eight.
Infections largely due to the Omicron-driven fourth pandemic wave—have tanked from a peak of over 308 000 cases weekly at the start of the year to less than 20 000 in the week ending on 10 April 2022. Over the past week, around 18 000 cases and 239 deaths were recorded, a decline of 29% and 37% respectively compared with the week before. This low level of infection has not been seen since April 2020 in the early stages of the pandemic in Africa.
Africa’s previous longest decline in COVID-19 infections was between 1 August and 10 October 2021. Currently, no country is witnessing COVID-19 resurgence. World Health Organization (WHO) considers that a country is in resurgence when it records a 20% increase in cases in at least two consecutive weeks and that the recorded week-on-week rise is 30% or higher than the highest weekly infection peak previously reached.
“Despite the decreasing infections, it is crucial that countries remain vigilant and maintain surveillance measures, including genomic surveillance to swiftly detect circulating COVID-19 variants, enhance testing and scale up vaccination,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “With the virus still circulating, the risk of new and potentially more deadly variants emerging remains, and the pandemic control measures are pivotal to effective response to a surge in infections.”
With the cold season approaching in the southern hemisphere in June through August, there is a high risk of another wave of new infections. Africa’s previous pandemic waves have often coincided with lower temperatures when people mostly stay indoors and often in poorly ventilated spaces.
In addition, new variants can impact the evolution of the pandemic. In Botswana and South Africa, researchers are conducting further analysis into new sub-lineages of the Omicron variant recently detected there to determine whether they are more infectious or virulent. The BA.4 and BA.5 identified in the two southern African countries have also been confirmed in Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Currently there is no significant epidemiological difference observed between the new sub-lineages and known sub-lineages of the Omicron variant, which include BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3 sub-lineages.
With the receding infections, several African countries are easing key COVID-19 measures such as surveillance and quarantine as well as public health measures including mask-wearing and band on mass gatherings.
Based on current WHO technical guidelines, the Organization urges countries to weigh the risks and benefits as they relax COVID-19 measures, taking into account the capacity of their health systems, population immunity to COVID-19 and national socioeconomic priorities. Systems should be in place to quickly reinstate the measures if the epidemiological situation worsens.
Godfrey Sebaana Acting CEO Stanchart and the State Minister for Labour - Employment and Industrial Relations - Hon. Charles Engola
Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and Challenges Worldwide have launched a Shs 430 million scale-up of the Youth to Work (Y2W) phase III programme.
“Youth to Work” is the flagship employability project under Futuremakers by Standard Chartered Foundation. It is the Bank’s global initiative to tackle inequality and promote greater economic inclusion for young people in local communities through the pillars of Entrepreneurship, Employability and Education.
The phase III project that’s been launched will support 45 graduates directly transition into employment and training for over 600 youth within the community.
The Youth to Work approach uses a four month work placement-based youth-led initiative to equip young people with employability skills and partner them with local SMEs to provide structured Business Development Services (BDS).
This prepares unemployed youth to become work ready, equips them with skill sets demanded by private sector and helps prepare them for work in business and/or entrepreneurship. Additionally, it is geared towards strengthening Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) ecosystems that lead to greater employment and job creation potential for young people.
The junior associates evaluate key business areas such as sales and marketing, financial management, operations and human resources. They also provide an analysis and create an action plan with recommendations for improvement, thereafter these solutions are implemented together with the SME staff.
Since the inception of the Youth to work project, the Bank and Challenges Worldwide have invested in 160 graduates that have provided business development support to 107 enterprises. Within the larger community, 402 enterprise staff have benefited from business capacity building and youth from employability, entrepreneurship, and wellbeing training as part of ‘Youth to Work’. The project has also bridged the gap between beneficiaries and ecosystem players and has held up its promise to be an inclusive programme by increasing disability participation to 11%.
Margaret Kigozi, the Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank while addressing the participants said; “As a Bank our intention is to fundamentally transform the lives of the youths by enabling them to build their own bright futures and navigate the various challenges they are faced with. This is in line with our brand promise, ‘Here for good’ which demonstrates our commitment to stand by our clients and our local communities. We will therefore continue to work in partnership with several NGOs and Government to strengthen the capacity of young people, especially girls and people with disabilities, through employability skills so we improve their chances of getting jobs and their entrepreneurship skills to empower them to start up their own businesses.”
Mr. Godfrey Sebaana, the Acting CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda said; “We are pleased to invest an additional Ugx 430 million into the Youth to Work – Phase III Programme to support more young professionals to become catalysts for positive change in business and communities across Kampala. This is because we acknowledge that our country and indeed the world over, is reeling from the devastating impact of the pandemic, the severe negative impacts of climate change, socio-economic inequalities, abject poverty and unfair aspects of globalization. As a responsible Bank we cannot sit back and do nothing. So we have decided to take a STAND to Lift Participation by improving the lives of 1 billion people and their communities by unleashing the full potential of women and lifting participation of small businesses in our core markets by providing access to finance, networks, training young people, driving accessible banking at scale and connecting affluent clients to opportunities for making a societal impact.”
“We are also making a STAND to Accelerating Zero by reducing carbon emissions as fast as possible, without slowing development and we aim to reach net zero in our operations by 2025 and in our financed emissions by 2050. Finally, we are making a STAND to Reset Globalization, we aim to support 500,000 companies to improve working and environmental standards and give everyone the chance to participate in the world economy, so growth becomes fairer and more balanced. We also support companies in improving environmental, social and governance standards. These are our long-term ambitions for our role as a responsible corporate citizen on the issues that affect our society the most.” he said
Challenges Worldwide Programme Coordinator, Ms. Peace Amaro while presenting stated that; “The Youth to Work programme supports young people who have struggled to find employment with the skills they need to secure employment or pursue business ventures of their own. The initial pilot phase was launched in 2019 for a 6-month period to benefit 40 youths at a cost of Shs 300m and Phase II was unveiled in 2020 and benefited 120 with an investment of Shs 920 million. So in total, the Youth to Work programme has benefited 160 youth. 58% of who had transitioned into employment or entrepreneurship three months after their programme participation. Youth to Work has also supported 107 Small businesses to achieve sustainable and profitable growth.”
The State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations Charles Okello Engola appreciated the Bank and development partners saying; “On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I would like to extend our appreciation to Standard Chartered Bank for investing an additional Shs 430m in this youth programme that will tackle inequality and promote greater economic inclusion for young people in local communities. I also commend Challenges Worldwide for effectively running this programme and transforming lives. I therefore appeal to SMEs and the young people for whom this programme has been designed to benefit, to immediately participate in the application processes for their betterment.”
Parliament in its report from the Committee on Commissions Statutory Authority and State Enterprises (COSASE) has directed that leases on Uganda Railway Corporation (URC) land be cancelled.
Presenting the report of the committee during the plenary on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, the Chairperson, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi said that over time, different district land boards in Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Nwoya, and Uganda Land Commission have created illegal leases on URC land.
He said that several requests by URC to these land boards to cancel the said illegal leases have been futile and this has made it difficult for URC to recover its land.
Ssenyonyi said that URC has written to the bodies and the letters have not been responded to, while some of them have been added as parties to litigation cases involving URC.
“AII illegal leases on URC land should be canceled by the issuing authorities. The officers in the district land boards involved in issuing the illegal leases should be held responsible and URC should come up with clear mechanisms on how to lease its land so that the appropriate value can be ascertained,” he said.
On the newly procured locomotives, the committee found out that four locomotives were purchased in 2021 at shs48 billion but since they arrived, they had been parked in the workshop with no work.
“The URC workers interfaced with the committee and revealed that the locomotives were imported without knowing that they were too long for the triangles and not able to turn,” Ssenyonyi’s report reads in part.
The committee also found out that there were irregularities in the procurement process of the locomotives with older locomotives purchased at higher costs and yet a lesser amount could have bought new ones.
“After carrying out a market survey, a URC select committee recommended that the company purchases locomotives which are six years old at shs36 billion.
However, locomotives which were eight years old costing shs48 billion were procured,” Ssenyonyi said.
The committee recommended that the Ministry of Works and Transport should take responsibility for failure to follow government policy on the procurement of equipment. They also want the management of URC that was involved in the procurement held responsible for flouting procurement regulations and the unplanned costs incurred on modifications of railway triangles in Jinja and Tororo and the U-turn in Kampala.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite said that shs69.52 billion that is needed to pay Uganda Railways for the sale of Nsambya land has not been allocated in the budget for the next financial year due to competing priorities.
This followed reports from Uganda Railway indicating that since Government gave out the Nsambya land to investors, it was never been paid.
The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among asked Government to plan and budget for the money since the budget process is ongoing.
The MPs gave Government three months to table a treasury memorandum t on the Uganda Railway operations.
A Treasury Memorandum is an action report by the Minister or government detailing actions taken on recommendations of Parliament.
