Uganda-Law-Society-led-by-AG-President-Pheona-Wall-meeting-with-Museveni-at-State House -3RD-Sept-2021
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has told President Museveni that his new directive on land evictions undermines Judiciary Independence.
The president banned all land evictions in the country without the consent of the respective District Security Committees. He also didn’t in any way put into consideration the ruling of the court in the matter which has threatened the independence of the judiciary as ULS states.
Pheona Nabasa Wall, the president ULS noted that this practice will amount to vesting the right to hear, resolve and execute disputes in the hands of the security organs. Therefore, this according to her usurps the power of the judiciary.
“The police are currently involved in the execution of a land eviction. To provide security and ensure the enforcement of court orders. They may inform the district security organs of a pending eviction as a matter of courtesy, beefing up security and restoring the faith of the justice system in the eyes of the community,” said Wall.
She emphasized, however, that as ULS, they remain very committed to assisting the government in all matters affecting legislation.
“The Uganda Law Society remains committed to assisting the government in all matters affecting legislation and the administration and practice of law in the country in accordance with its mandate enshrined in Uganda Law Society Act, Cap 276 Laws of Uganda,” she said.
The president is probably going to give feedback to this before it becomes an issue. Land eviction is too sensitive a topic in this country.
The flooding of Lake Albert, in Africa’s Great Lakes Region, has caused huge economic losses on the shores of Uganda, where people were already struggling to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Buliisa district alone, situated on the north-eastern edge of Lake Albert, the flooding is thought to have resulted in more than $250,000 worth of economic losses.
The cancellation of the ferry from Wanseko to Panyimur, the region’s biggest fish market, hit trade hard, whilst the loss of electricity, which was cut off when power lines were submerged, worsened the economic impact.
“Our people were used to electricity. One could easily rent a house connected with electricity and start up a business”, says Robert Mugume, a local councillor. “But when power was disconnected, it became very difficult, because one needed to buy solar power equipment, which is quite expensive, and many people were rendered jobless,” he says.
Some people were killed when the waters rose, whilst others were made homeless and had to migrate elsewhere.
Many of Buliisa’s poverty alleviation projects, based along the shores of Lake Albert, were severely disrupted, whilst unemployed young people attempting to earn money in spite of the flooding, faced a further obstacle, in the face of the Ugandan Government’s operation to combat illegal fishing on the lake.
In a bid to help local youth earn money in Buliisa, Mr. Mugube has proposed that the central government consider providing them with fishing nets and other equipment that meet legal standards, but are currently too expensive for many.
Businesses lost
The floods have also affected people who were previously making a healthy income in the region.
Olwinyi Mugusa, for example, had two rental homes and a successful fishing business based around the Kyabarangwa landing site, in Hoima district.
He has since lost everything. Like an estimated 30,000 others from Kyabarangwa and neighbouring landing sites, he and his family members are now Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), temporarily hosted on Bakibiro community land, on humanitarian grounds.
More floods to come
Those who have remained on the shores of Lake Albert, are striving to get back on their feet, as they adjust and wait for the flood waters of Lake Albert to recede.
Unfortunately, their prospects are bleak: this year’s rainy season, in March and April, could see the waters rise to the levels seen at the start of the current floods, according to Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment.
First son and Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has arrived in Kigali ahead of his second meeting with the President of Rwanda Gen. Paul Kagame.
Muhoozi’s visit follows the first meeting which culminated in the reopening Uganda- Rwanda border. In January, Rwanda re-opened the Gatuna border three years after the closure in 2019. The closure aimed at paving way for reconstruction of roads on the Rwandan side.
“After a long discussion with President Kagame, we have agreed that I return to Kigali in the coming days to sort out all outstanding issues between Uganda and Rwanda,” Muhoozi said in February.
Since the closure of Rwandan border, there has been a raging border row between the two countries where Kagame posed travel restrictions stopping its nationals from traveling to Uganda and blocking goods from entering into the country, a move that contradicts with the intentions that led to the formation of the East African community (EAC).
Kagame’s government has always accused Museveni of facilitating the dissident group, Rwanda National Congress (RNC) led by Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa dissidents.
Last year, rebel groups of Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked Uganda killing at least seven people. In tandem rebel outfit M23 seized at least two villages in the eastern DRC near the border with Uganda and Rwanda.
Kagame’s Army Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has since blamed Eastern DRC attacks on Uganda saying that the Ex-M23 group didn’t seek refuge in Rwanda during their retreat from DRC in 2013, it has been based in Uganda where the attack originated where the armed group retreated.
The outgoing Spokesperson of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Jacob Siminyu, has handed over office after serving for nine years.
Siminyu will be replaced by the former head of Inspections and Investigations in the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control Mr Simon Peter Mundeyi.
Speaking at the handover at Police Headquarters Naguru, Siminyu apologized to anybody he annoyed during his tenure. “I apologise, you can call me, and we’ll talk about it.”.
Siminyu said the ministry is stopping the use of the old passports on 4th April 2022.
“You should come and get the new passports (the light blue one). Those who want services at the Ministry of Internal Affairs should come on appointments. If you delay, you will be locked out,” he said.
Pan-African Inclusive Finance entity, Letshego Holdings Limited has announced positive Full Year Results for the year ended 31 December 2021. The Group’s consolidated performance for 2021 has been strong with double digit growth in profits: PBT (Profit Before Tax) was up 11% year-on-year to USD97.7m, and PAT (Profit After Tax) climbed 16% for the same comparative period, to USD62.1 million.
Asset quality remains strong with the Group’s Loan Loss Ratio (LLR) at -0.1% for the year, or 0.5% excluding once-off deductions. The Group’s Non-performing loans ratio increased marginally to 5.9% for the year (FY2020: 5.3%), reiterating stability in the Group’s credit and risk management framework. Performance for the year was largely driven by 17% growth in net customer advances.
Other financial performance highlights include:
NET INTEREST INCOME up 6% to USD161m (FY 2020: USD158m)
TOTAL ASSETS increased by 30% year-on-year to USD1.3m (FY 2020: USD1.038m)
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS increased by 77% year-on-year to USD102m (FY 2020: USD56.5m)
COST TO INCOME RATIO of 52% (FY 2020: 50%), in line with expectation due to heightened digital investment and insurance costs in Namibia
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE (ETR) improved to 36% (FY 2020: 39%)
EARNINGS PER SHARE improved by 16% at 31.5 thebe (FY 2020: 27.1 thebe)
RETURN ON EQUITY (ROE) increased to 14% (FY 2021: 13%) and return on assets was maintained at 5% (FY 2020: 5%).
CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO remains well capitalised at 35% (FY 2020: 39%) alongside strong asset growth
DEBT TO EQUITY increased to 145% in line with gearing ratio guidelines (FY 2020: 118%)
NON-FUNDED INCOME increased by 30% year-on-year to USD31m and grew to constitute 16% of Operating Income (FY2020: USD24 million, 13% of Operating Income)
Letshego’s double digit growth in profit was supported by the Group’s progress in its Transformation Strategy, underpinned by digitalisation. Letshego’s 5year vision is on track to deliver world-class retail financial services, with a focus on platform customer experience, product eco-systems and multi-tier partnerships within its regional digital hubs.
Andrew F. Okai, Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “Letshego’s 2021 performance was sound with our regional team delivering double digit growth in both Profit Before and after Tax, despite navigating our way through an ongoing global pandemic. We are making strong progress in transforming our organisation into an entity that leverages digital and end-to-end automation to unlock significant enterprise value, not only for our customers, but also for our investors and shareholders. People remain our strongest asset as we continue to acquire and empower individuals with specialist skills to power a future-fit organisation.”
2021 saw the commencement of Letshego’s second phase (the customer phase) of its 6-2-5 strategic execution roadmap, ‘Plan 2’. The second phase will run for two years and is characterised by focused investment into deepening investment and differentiating digital and tech enhancements. This is with a view towards spurring momentum in end-to-end automation of processes, systems and platforms, while securing strategic milestone in platforms and products that enable a step change in tangible value for new and potential customers.
Within the Group’s lending value stream, Letshego achieved double digit growth in its Deduction at Source (DAS) portfolio of 14% (FY2021: USD89m). Profitability in Deduction at Source remains positive, buoyed by digital and system enhancements. The year saw slower growth in the Micro & Small Entrepreneur portfolio increasing in value by 7% to USD73m (FY 2020: USD68,5m), while the Mass Mobile Loans portfolio enjoyed stronger performance, with growth more than doubling in value to USD48.3m (FY 2020: USD19,6m).
Since launching the LetsGo Digital Mall, Letshego’s regional subsidiaries are focusing their local campaigns to register both existing and potential customers. At the end of 2021, just over 93,000 Enterprise Active Customers (EAC) had registered on the Mall and loan applications submitted via digital channels increased to 78% by the end of the reporting period (End Dec 2020: 69%). At the time of going to press, the Group has already tripled this figure to registering more than 300,000 Enterprise Active Customers as at 3 March 2022.
Letshego is on track to achieve 1 million EAC’s by end of 2022. Enterprise Value is also expected to gain momentum with the ongoing addition of new products to the Mall, as well as the launch of flagship programmatic social impact solutions (including Affordable Housing, Agriculture, Education and Health). Letshego’s most vulnerable product segment in pandemic conditions remains its marginal portfolio of Micro and Small Entrepreneurs (MSE), comprising 8% of the Group’s total portfolio.
2021 was a milestone year for Letshego’s Savings and Deposit segment, crossing the P1 billion mark in portfolio value, and increasing 77% year-on-year to USD102m (FY2020: USD56.5m). Operational efficiencies over the period saw the segment reduce its costs by 100 basis points, with final quarter on quarter growth measuring the highest trajectory at 14% growth.
Employee costs increased by 11% year-on-year supporting the acquisition of specialist and digital skills needed to support digitalisation, risk management and the overall Transformation Strategy. Letshego remains passionate about upskilling and empowering employees, customers and members of the community with future-fit, digital skills that support sustainable financial inclusion and digital-savvy economies for Africa’s long-term benefit.
“In Uganda, performance trends were characterised by growth in Profitability, Loan book and Customer Numbers. Challenges were experienced as a result of Covid-19 pandemic (lockdowns and curfew), but these have been mitigated by maximizing digital platforms. Going forward, Letshego Uganda has exciting products and solutions up for launch, these include Digital Mall, USSD, Non-Government and considerable investment in five (5) distinct ‘Value Streams’ now leading Letshego’s Product delivery and customer focus namely; Lending, Savings & Deposits, Insurance, Payments and Lifestyle,” Giles Aijukwe, the CEO Letshego Uganda remarked.
Aijukwe added, “Our people-first initiative remains a priority as we upskill our employees to support our digital transformation and seize our potential for sustainable growth. Over 100% of our staff have been training in Agile Ways of Working, and over 100% are actively participating in globally accredited Coursera courses available on our digital learning platform.”
All roads led to the Uganda Museum as the Jamaican Reggae Maestro Turbulence entertained fans in Uganda on Saturday March 12,2022.
The show of all time attracted hundreds of Reggae music lovers from all walks of life, Ugandans and other nationals who had gathered witness yet another great man’s show as the Jah is Near hit maker made it to themselves, he surely nailed it.
There were incredible performances from the Band, Allan Hendrick Ssali and Vampino who all pulled out their A’games before Buchaman, Presidential advisor on Ghetto officially welcomed Turbulence, 42.
Turbulence made sure he left no one behind as they were all seen dancing and singing along to the lyrics of every song he performed.
From ‘Criminal,’ ‘For me,’ ‘My People Rise,’ ‘Ganja Head,’ ‘Stay Away,’ ‘X-Girlfriend’ all the way to ‘Real Ganjaman,’ Partiers had a great time with the Raggae legendary and what a classic show it was!
The band, theguitar, thedrums, all were on point as Turbulence delivered his Lion story.
In an interview with media EdgarKihumuro,Brand Manager Pilsner Lager revealed why Turbulence was the best choice for the show.
“We wanted the best person to headline this show and there was no better person to trust when it comes to Raggea, Turbulenceis a legend in the Raggae scene.”
He assured Pilsner customers and Reggae fans of the best concerts all throughout the year.
“As a brand that has always been big on Reggae, culture, sports and fun, Pilsner Lager will continue bringing you the best music concerts of all time,” said Kihumuro.
Turbulence is indeed such a legend,the energy he pulled throughout the show is unmatched and it was a very sad moment to the fans when the band finally disbanded shortly after midnight.
Attacking midfielder Farouk Miya who plays for Ukrainian club Lviv has been included in the 26-man Uganda Cranes squad for a trip to the Buganda Region at the Ssaza Grounds in Mityana.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named the squad for the trip with the match to be played on Sunday 20th March 2022.
Miya, Lukwago Charles and Chris Akena are the only three foreign based players and will make the short journey for the tour sponsored by Airtel and Nile Special. The three players are in the country but undergoing privately organised training sessions.
Micho also included Bunyaga Bruno of Impala Hills FC who scored the winning goal for Buddu in the 2022 Masaza Cup Final.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Lukwago Charles (St George FC, Ethiopia), Alionzi Nafian (URA FC), Komakech Jack (Vipers SC)
Defenders: Begisa James (UPDF FC), Jurua Hassan (KCCA FC), Kayondo Azizi (Vipers Sc), Juma Ibrahim (KCCA FC), Najib Fesali (URA FC), Satulo Edward (Wakiso Giants FC), Olouch Bob (Vipers SC), Mukundane Hillary (Vipers SC), Kizito Gavin (Sc Villa), Semakula Keneth (Sc Villa)
Midfielders: Kasonko George (BUL FC), Youngman Marvin (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Yiga Najib (Vipers SC), Akena Chris (Unattached), Mutyaba Travis (Sc Villa), Bunyaga Bruno (Impala Hills FC, Buddu Masaza Team), Ssematimba Titus (Wakiso Giants FC), Mawa Oscar (Sc Villa), Kizza Martin (Express FC)
Strikers: Miya Faruku (Lviv, Ukraine), Basangwa Richard (Gaddafi FC), Leku Alfred (Arua Hills SC), Shaban Mohammed (Onduparaka FC)
Police in Kawempe is investigating a case of murder case against Gideon Nabasa, 31, a private security guard with Afrisafe Guard Company.
On March 13th at about 0430hrs while officers were on motorised patrols in Kazo Lugoba Zone Kaazo Ward, Nabweru Division Wakiso District, they found Nabasa carrying a sack on a motorcycle registration number UFG 635P.
“The officers were suspicious of what he was carrying and on asking for a search. They found a dead body of a male adult suspected to be in his early 20s in the sack and immediately arrested him,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy PRO Kampala Metropolitan Area.
“A team of investigators was called in at the scene and the body was later conveyed to city mortuary Mulago for a post mortem.”
The body also had two wounds suspected to be a result of a stabbing.
“Nabasa hasn’t yet cooperated well with the police to help us identify the deceased and where he got the body from,” Owoyesigyire said.
“Our investigations to identify the deceased are ongoing. The suspect has been detained at Kawempe Police Station on allegations of murder. More details will be availed to you as soon as possible.”
ly driver Rajiv Ruparelia is in the lead for day one of the 2022 edition of the Kaliro Sugar Rally.
The two days action of the rally has been split between Iganga District and Kaliro District covering a total distance of 276 kilometres, 124 of which are competitive with another 151 kilometres to be covered between the stages.
The day one action included two competitive stages and it ended with a super special stage at the Nakalama truck parking yard.
Provisional Results for day 1:
1. Rajiv; 22:23:83
2.Alwi; 22:51:47
3. Ponsiano; 23:01:12
4. Sebuguzi; 23:35:07
5. Kabega; 23:46:02
6. Mark; 24:29:32
7. Arthur; 24:35:53
8. Mukula; 24:49:93
9. Kepher; 25:33:56
10. Jonas; 26:10:09
According to the organizers, the second day has two stages running back-to-back starting with the 13 kilometres MJ Safaris test which is proceeded by the Kaliro Sugar test that runs for 18.80 kilometres.
Crews will then proceed to the service park and tackle the 19-kilometre Daudi Migereko section before returning to the service park for one last time before they attempt the final loop which shall see another pass through the MJ Safaris and Kaliro Sugar sections.
The Minister for Lands Judith Nabakooba has issued guidelines to the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) on implementing of President Museveni’s directive on land evictions.
In his directive, the President commanded that no eviction should be allowed to take place in a district without the District Security Committee, chaired by the RDCs, meeting, looking and consulting directly the Minister of Lands.
The President added that if this is not done and evictions take place, he will take action on all the Members of the District Security Committee, except the UPDF representative because he/she may not know the substance of the issues involved.
The President requested His Lordship the Chief Justice to prevail on the Magistrates and Judges from violating the Constitution by illegally evicting people in collusion with land grabbers.
The President also directed the Minister of Lands to inform the Attorney General about abuses by Judicial officers so that legal action can be taken on them.
In her address on March 11, Nabakooba said: “I therefore want to call upon the District Security Committees to take note of the President’s directive. I will be issuing a circular to all RDCs and CAOs on implementing this directive. I have already addressed all RDCs on this matter.”
“The District Security Committees must now adjust their Terms of Reference to include implementing the Presidential Directive.”
She said that the District Security Committee must ensure no land eviction takes place especially on unregistered or land with tenants on it.
“For those paying Busuulu, the rent shall remain basic or nominal because the occupants cannot afford economic rent. This rent was gazetted under Statutory Instrument 2011 No 55,” Nabakooba said.
Below are some of the responsibilities that RDCs must fulfill.
To advise the Minister responsible for lands on all eviction related matters reported in their respective districts; To comply with implementing the Presidental ban on land evictions;
To monitor, inspect and report on a monthly basis the land acquired by large scale land investors in order to ensure that land being taken over is not occupied by tenants or customary land owners;
To carry out the function of District Mediation as provided for in the National Land Policy, 2013 as a means of curbing all evictions.
To draw the attention to the Ministry of Lands on any divergence from or noncompliance with Government policies, laws and Presidential directives on land evictions.
Evictions from critical ecological systems, forest reserves and wetlands shall be handled as per cabinet directives. The law provides for a period of 6 months and so measures should be put in place not to cause distress, but move out gradually under proper supervision.
“I call upon the RDCs to be vigilant and give me evidence based information on all eviction related matters,” Nabakooba said.
“I call upon everyone who feels they are being violated or threatened to reach out to your local leaders for protection against destroying your livelihoods and causing landlessness in this country.”
She encouraged the public to find their RDCs and tell them about those threatening them with eviction so that necessary action is taken.
