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Museveni urges Wakiso NUP and DP councilors to serve with diligence and patriotism

By
Our Reporter
-

President Yoweri Museveni has urged Wakiso district councilors to serve with diligence and patriotism for development of Uganda.

The 77 councilors from the National Unity Platform (NUP), seven from the Democratic Party and one independent were beneficiaries of a five week training on Patriotism and leadership which took place at Heritage Site Entebbe.

“I implored them to engage in result-oriented leadership, specifically supporting or introducing programs that will bring our people out of poverty,” Museveni said.

The NUP Party councilors had been told not to attend however defied the directives and attended the training.

According to the Minister for Presidency Milly Babirya Babalanda, the five weeks training was coordinated by the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).

The training aimed at equipping leaders with knowledge in how the government operates and in their role in building a strong Nation.

In a letter to Wakiso District LC5 Chairman, Matia Lwanga Bwanika the minister invited all the district councilors however NUP Party warned its members who intended to attend the training.

“President Yoweri Museveni has in the past initiated programs in Kampala metropolitan aimed at transforming the lives of people; however, the efforts have had dismal impact due to lack of will to drive them,” the minister said.

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House of DJs clarifies on Uncle Waffles’ involvement in the upcoming Blankets and Wine

By
Our Reporter
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House of DJs, the official organisers of Blankets and Wine, Uganda refers to a tweet posted on the official account of the South African DJ, Uncle Waffles, on Thursday 3rd March 2022 in response to communications from the official HoD Twitter account unveiling the lineup for the upcoming Blankets and Wine, slated for Sunday 27th March 2022.

HoD has strong and cordial relationships with several reputable promoters and booking agents both in Uganda and internationally, with whom we have delivered acts such as Jidenna, Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, Sauti Sol and many more.

“We have been in contact with a booking agent over Uncle Waffles’ performance at the upcoming Blankets & Wine and, as is the common practice, a deposit was made to confirm the artist’s attendance before any official announcement was released,” House of DJs said.

They said that was the procedure followed, but to our dismay, it has been revealed that the booking agent was not in touch with Uncle Waffles or her management.

HoD would like to apologise to Uncle Waffles, her management and the general public for the miscommunication. Steps to rectify the situation and agree on a new arrangement are ongoing.

“We would also like to clarify that Blankets and Wine is still taking place on Sunday 27th March 2022 with all the other acts confirmed and will announce a replacement artist in due course. House of DJs regrets this unfortunate incident and apologises for any inconvenience caused,” HoD said.

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We have no powers to summon Gen. Muhoozi over torture claims – UHRC boss

By
Simon Kabayo
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Ms Mariam Wangadya

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Wangadya has said that that the commission lacks the jurisdiction to punish the perpetuators of torture in Uganda and therefore there isn’t more it can do in the face of recent cases of Human Rights violations.

Wangadya said while appearing to Parliament’s Human Rights Committee to respond to concerns raised by citizens about the rampant cases of torture and missing persons all attributed to security forces. The latest case which was widely publicized involved of the novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija who claims he was tortured by the army in dungeons managed by the Special Forces Command (SFC) and under the instructions of Gen. Muhoozi.

“The commission has no powers to summon the First Son, also the Commander of Land Forces Gen. Kainerugaba Muhoozi over accusations that he masterminded the torture of novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija,” she said.

“We don’t have jurisdiction in this case; other than looking for Kakwenza when he went missing for some days and visiting him in Kitalya Prison, we can’t summon anyone since he filed his case in the East African Court of Justice. The constitution is very clear, the commission can’t inquire into any matter that is in court,” said Wangadya.

The commission’s response was in relation to a question posed by Koga County MP Moses Okot Bitk who asked why the commission which has the mandate to investigate torture casers has not summoned Gen. Muhoozi.

Recently the media was awash with reports relating to gross human Rights violations involving Kakwenza Rukirabashija and one Samuel Masereka. In Kakwenza’s case, the name of Gen. Muhoozi, also the first son, was mentioned.

“Have you ever summoned Gen. Muhoozi before the commission, do you have plans to summon him before the commission?” Okot questioned.

However, his question sent murmurs within the committee prompting one of the members to ask Okot the motive behind his question.

“Do you think that it is a very unfair question? Your question presupposes that they have any complaints against the person you just mentioned, the first son,” asked the member.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was established under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda to promote and protect human rights and freedom in the country in recognition of Uganda’s violent and turbulent history that had been characterized by arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, torture and brutal repression with impunity on the part of security organs during the pre and post-independence era.

Article 52(1) of the 1995 constitution spells out the functions of the commission as to investigate, at its own initiative or on a complaint made by any person or group of persons against the violation of any human right, to visit jails, prisons, and places of detention or related facilities with a view of assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates and make recommendations.

According to Ms Wagandya, both Kakwenza and Masereka did not present any complaint to the commission on the alleged cases, the commission is constrained to do much to help the victim(s).

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NSSF to spend Shs50 billion weekly on beneficiaries of midterm access

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Betty Amongi

The Minister for Gender Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, has said that National Social Security Fund (NSSF) savers eligible for mid-term benefits will lodge in their applications starting from Monday March 7, 2022.

The NSSF Amendment Act was published in the Gazette on January 7, 2022, at which point it became a law. The Minister later signed the instrument or regulations for NSSF midterm access.

“The applications will be online and if you have difficulties, NSSF has branches across the country, walk there and be supported to make your application,” she said  .

Among the regulations, the minister said applicants must have National Identity Cards, asylum seekers card for refugees and NSSF membership card. She said People with disabilities will be required to present a medical report to NSSF while applying for midterm access of their savings.

“Since they expect high numbers of applicants in the first five months, NSSF is adequately prepared to spend Shs 50 Billion weekly on beneficiaries of the midterm access,” she said.

In 2019, the government tabled the NSSF Amendment Bill seeking to expand social security coverage, enhance the spectrum of benefits available to workers and improve governance of the Fund. The Bill was passed by parliament in February 2021.

On 2nd January, 2022 President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assented to the NSSF (Amendment) Bill 2021 and the same accordingly became the NSSF (Amendment) Act, 2021. The Act allows members aged 45 and above who have saved for at least 10 years to access 20% of their savings.  

According to the Act, a Member who is a person with disability, is forty years of age and above and has made contributions to the fund for at least 10 years is eligible to mid-term access, of a sum of 50% of his or her accrued benefits.

Every month, institutions deduct 5 per cent of employees’ salaries as contribution to NSSF, the employers tops it up with 10 per cent while NSSF earns them 12 per cent. The fund collects Shs 125 billion a month, Shs 1.5 trillion per year and pays up to Shs 900 billion for members qualifying in other benefits.

The law provides for mandatory contributions of all workers regardless of the size of the enterprise or number of employees; and to provide for voluntary contributions to the Fund; proposes a tax on members’ retirement benefits.

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Fred Mudoola appointed Rugby Cranes head coach

By
Our Reporter
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Fred Mudoola

Fred Mudoola has been appointed as the new Rugby Cranes head coach, the Uganda Rugby Union confirmed.

The former Rugby Cranes and Kobs player replaces the late Robert Seguya aka Soggy who passed on in December last year after a long illness. Brian Makalama and Robert Musinguzi have been in charge of the team during the interim.

The two took the Rugby Cranes through the Africa Rugby Cup group stage hosted at Kyadondo last year where they propelled Uganda to the quarterfinals, and this is where Mudoola will start from.

“It is a huge honour to be coach of the national team. I expect a challenge or work to be very hard to meet the targets set and to make sure Ugandans are happy again,” Mudoola said in his welcome video.

“What I bring to the table is some experience and I’ll change a little of how the team plays and build on what other coaches have been doing and hope to bring some greed and discipline to the players, some love to the game, I hope I can add on to that.”

“I will make sure Uganda rugby goes back to where it used to be,” he promised. 

He will start his new journey against Kenya in the quarterfinal of the Africa Rugby Cup due in France in July.

Mudoola has worked before with the Cranes as an assistant to Peter Magona in 2013, he briefly held the same position under South African tactician Joe Beukes in 2015.

Rugby Africa Cup 2022 quarterfinals in Marseille, France;

Uganda vs Kenya

Namibia vs Burkina Faso

Zimbabwe vs Côte d’Ivoire

Senegal vs Algeria

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AMISOM comes to an end, to be replaced by ATMIS

By
Simon Kabayo
-

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is set to come to an end on March 31, 2022, and will be replaced by African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

In a tweet on Thursday, March 3, 2022, AMISOM announced that the next 30 days are about winding up their mission in the country.

“The AU Mission in Somalia, authorised by the AU Peace & Security Council & mandated by the UN Security Council in 2007, will end on 31 March 2022. For the next 30 days, join us as we reflect on AMISOM’s unrelenting efforts to create a stable & secure Somalia,” AMISOM announced on Twitter.

AMISOM which has been operating in Somalia since 2007 is supposed to gradually reduce the number of troops before handing the responsibility of national security to the Somali National Army.

Out of five African countries with troops in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia, Uganda has the highest number of troops with 6,000 soldiers deployed in the Benadir region whose headquarter is Mogadishu.

The other countries with troops serving in Somalia under AMISOM are Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

While meeting Somali leaders on Monday, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, said the new AU mission will focus on stabilization and state building processes but with a clear end goal in sight.

“ATMIS is 100 percent aligned with the Somalia Transition Plan. This implies that the strategy of the Government of Somalia and (objective of) ATMIS will be aligned. This is the number one factor that will make a difference,” Ambassador Adeoye stated.

The AU and the Federal Government of Somalia have adopted a roadmap to replace the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with a new mission to be called the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), subject to authorisation by both the AU Peace and Security Council as well as the UN Security Council.

“This time around, Somalia’s plan is actually front and centre of ATMIS, with the full support of the European Union and the whole gamut of the United Nations,” the AU Commissioner added.

He explained that the new mission will be multi-dimensional, with clear timelines focusing on stabilization and state building processes but with a clear end goal in sight.

“ATMIS will have a mobile and agile force that can rapidly degrade, eliminate and decimate terrorists or armed groups that are making life difficult for the good people of Somalia,” he said.

“ATMIS will have a character of a mission with an end goal, and that end goal is to transfer the full responsibilities of security to the federal Government of Somalia.”

On Sunday, Ambassador Adeoye held meetings with the President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmaajo’; the Prime Minister, Mohamed Hussein Roble; the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisaid Muse Ali and Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur.

The top AU official said that the adoption of the Concept of Operations (CONOPs) and the joint proposal in early February for the establishment of a new mission in Somalia by the AU and the Federal Government of Somalia and other key stakeholders was a consultative and exhaustive process guided by a set of principles that included the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, national ownership and leadership by the Federal Government of Somalia and adherence to the spirit of political dialogue, inclusivity and reconciliation.

“What I am taking away from here is that the African Union and the Government of Somalia remain within the vision and mission of the African Union to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent,” Ambassador Adeoye said.

During his visit, he also met with representatives of Troop and Police Contributing Countries, to whom he paid tribute for AMISOM’s key achievements in the last 15 years, including the recovery of vast territory from the control of Al-Shabaab and the creation of favourable conditions for state- building and the re-establishment of governance structures through the federal system.

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Residents in fear after gunmen raid Gulu district

By
Our Reporter
-

The Layibi-Bardege Division Member of Parliament, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, is worried about the safety of his constituents in Gulu City after unknown gunmen murdered residents.

Mapenduzi, without giving details of the murdered, raised the matter as a matter of national importance during the plenary sitting on Thursday, 03 March 2022 chaired by Deputy Speaker Anita Among.

The legislator said the gunmen have ravaged the city and neighbouring districts with motorcycle riders being the most affected people, adding that there is fear and panic in the city which has greatly affected economic activities especially at night.

“There are increasing cases of attacks by robbers especially in the night and the most affected category of people by these armed robbers are the motorcycle cyclists,” said Mapenduzi.

He expressed concern that the area Police and the Resident City Commissioner have failed to apprehend the gunmen because they are short of facilities like cars among others.

“As I speak now, the four District Police Commanders for Gulu City, Gulu district, Layibi-Bardege Division and Laroo-Pece Division are all sharing one vehicle that has been in use for over 10 years and in a bad state. This renders the Police ineffective to ensure the safety and se security of the citizens,” Mapenduzi said.

He prayed that the Minister of Internal Affairs urgently responds to the insecurity in the city and provides adequate vehicles to assist Police to ensure safety.

The Government Chief Whip, Thomas Tayebwa, proposed that MPs should let line ministers handle issues of that nature from districts and constituencies – a call MPs roundly rejected.  

“These are the issues they should handle with their ministers. Let districts or other government officials stop indirectly lobbying for services through MPs and instead lobby through their superiors,” said Tayebwa.

Kalungu West MP, Joseph Ssewungu, opposed Tayebwa’s proposal saying that their constituents run to Parliament when all other options have failed.

”If a member comes on the Floor of Parliament and says Police in his or her district is lacking vehicles, they are giving a position of what is happening in the district when other options have failed,” said Ssewungu.

Among directed the Minister for Security and Minister of Internal Affairs to respond to the reported insecurity in Gulu City and neighbouring districts.

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Standard Chartered Bank, VSO launch Shs1 billion Youth Empowerment programme

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

Standard Chartered Bank and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) have launched Shs 1,056,000,000 Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Decent Employment programme.

The initiative of Future makers Foundation and VSO Uganda is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the youth and marginalized persons in Kampala and Wakiso.

Youth in Uganda are the youngest population in the world, with 77 per cent of its population being under 25 years of age. There are 7,310,386 youth from the ages of 15–24 years of age living in Uganda. The unemployment rate for young people in Uganda ages 15–24 is 83 per cent. The unemployment rate is alluded to the skills needed for the jobs that are in demand for workers.

Speaking at the launch, Albert Salston, CEO Standard Chartered Bank said the purpose of this programme is to empower the youth, women and disabled persons to level up and improve their standards of living.

“Giving back is at the core of who we are and that is why we donated more than 1.6 billion shillings to organisations that were at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 and we pledge to always step up,” he said.

“The Shs 1,056,000,000 Billion program will bring a significant impact to the youths in Kampala and Wakiso districts. We shall strategically empower youth through education, employable and entrepreneurial skills,” he said.

Sarah Mateke, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs said: “We are honoured to witness the launch of this noble endeavour and we appreciate all the contributions that private institutions and organisations towards the empowerment of youth in Uganda.”

She said the demand for funds to uplift youths’ livelihood continues to rise amidst the COVID-19 pandemic where resources are scarce.

“The Youths need to be supported to exploit their potential. We have a key role to play for the improvement of their livelihood,” the minister said.

Mr. William Mugerwa the program manager VSO Uganda said the one year project targets 500 youths in Kampala and Wakiso districts. Of the 500 youth, VSO will re-equip 100 graduates with skills required on the job market.

He said the youth will be trained for five months at the various designated Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) training centers, their workplaces and later be given startup capital in the form of machinery and sundry.  

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Uganda, South Sudan abstain from UN Vote to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

By
Simon Kabayo
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Russia-Ukraine war

Uganda, South Sudan and 17 other African countries on Wednesday, 2nd March abstained from voting as the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In the vote, 141 UN members’ states out of the 193 passed a resolution to condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in an emergency session signaling further international pressure on Moscow.

The resolution demands that Moscow stops fighting and withdraw its military forces, an action that aims to diplomatically isolate Russia at the world body.

Kenya, Ghana, Gabon, Rwanda, Djibouti, Congo, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Nigeria, Egypt, and Zambia voted in support of the decision, which is mostly politically symbolic but lacks legal strength.

Uganda abstained from the vote, alongside 35 other countries including China, Sudan, Burundi, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Mali, Mozambique, Algeria, the Central African Republic, and Namibia.

“Uganda Abstained on the UN General Assembly vote on the Ukraine Crisis. As incoming Chair of the Non- aligned Movement (NAM), neutrality is key. Uganda will continue to play a constructive role in the maintenance of peace and security both regionally and globally,” Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations said.

Eritrea was the only African country that voted against the resolution and four other countries including Belarus, North Korea, Syria, and Russia.

The resolution affirms the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, with UN member states expressing their concern over civilians being targeted in Ukraine.

 “The message of the General Assembly is loud and clear. End hostilities in Ukraine now. Silence the guns now. Open the door to dialogue and diplomacy now,” the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said.

 He called on the world to act quickly, adding that the situation in Ukraine threatens to get much worse and that “the ticking clock is a time bomb.”

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Mulago boss Dr Byarugaba interdicted over misappropriation of funds

By
Our Reporter
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Dr Byarugaba Baterana

The Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital Dr. Byarugaba Baterana has been interdicted over fraud and misappropriation of funds and been barred from leaving the country without official permission.

Dr. Byarugaba was arrested on 28th of February by the Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) Criminal Investigation Department on allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds totaling to Shs28.8 billion for the past four financial years.

In a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, Dr. Byarugaba has been notified of his interdiction from duty.

“You are well aware that there are ongoing criminal investigations instituted by the Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) against yourself involving acts of financial impropriety and abuse of office allegedly committed by virtue of your office in the Financial Years 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21,” reads part of the letter.

“It has been brought to my attention that you have been charged by Police with the following offences vide CID HQTRS E/363/2021; Abuse of office contrary to section 11 of the Anti-Corruptions Act (2009), Embezzlement contrary to section 19 of the Anti-Corruption Act (2009), Causing financial loss contrary to section 20 of the Anti-Corruption Act (2009) and Fraudulent false accounting contrary to section 23 of the Anti-Corruption Act (2009).

Dr Byarugaba has been ordered to keep away from the duty station and handover office to his Deputy Director. He will also receive half pay until charges against him have been cleared.

“Pursuant to section F-s and F-r of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021 you are hereby interdicted from duty to pave way for investigations and you will receive half pay with immediate effect until charges against you have been cleared,” Atwine said

“You are therefore required to handover your work and office to the Deputy Director Dr. Rosemary Byanyima in accordance with Section F-d (4) of the Public Service Standing Orders and keep away from your duty station until you are advised otherwise. During the period of interdiction, you shall not leave the country without my written permission.”

The monitoring unit avers that in 2016, the hospital contracted two companies MS Setramco International Limited and MS Convention World Ltd to provide a range of services that is to say laundry machines, Central Sterile supply department steam boilers and sundry. Investigations indicate that based on forged work Identity Card, and work completion certificates, the companies were paid Shs 20.5 billion.

HMU also accused the hospital management of entering into an illegal agreement with the private pharmacies. In February 2018, the management entered into a 10 year memorandum of understanding and tenancy agreement with private pharmacies; Ecopharm and First pharmacy to operate within the hospital premises.

They said that the poorly executed MOUs and tenancy by both Ecopharm and First pharmacy, defaulted rent of up to a tune of Shs135 million and Shs67.5 million respectively by 4th November 2021.

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