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Dfcu Bank offers recovery loans to support SMEs

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Ronald Kasasa, dfcu Bank’s Head of Business Banking

Dfcu Bank has launched its Small Business Recovery Fund that aims to offer a financial uplift to small businesses that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The dfcu recovery fund is part of the bigger industry action spearheaded by the Government of Uganda through the Bank of Uganda.

A report by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) indicated that micro and small businesses experienced a larger decline in business activity compared to medium and large firms in Uganda since the on-set of COVID-19.

Announcing the commencement of the fund, Ronald Kasasa, dfcu Bank’s Head of Business Banking said the Bank has been at the forefront of transforming businesses in Uganda by providing affordable and flexible financing solutions. Through the fund, dfcu Bank will provide affordable credit facilities to small businesses that have suffered financial distress arising from the knock-on effects of COVID-19 pandemic. This fund provides the much-needed liquidity to resuscitate such businesses.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a heavy impact on Uganda’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) generally had fewer assets, cash reserves and other resources to ride out the storm, making them particularly vulnerable to the crisis. However, it is because of their resilience that we see an opportunity for them to survive. To convert those opportunities to reality, there is a need to continue supporting small businesses so that they can get back on track,” he reiterated.

Borrowers can access up to a maximum loan amount of UGX 100 million and will be expected to provide collateral/security for the loan at a discounted interest rate not exceeding 10% per annum. The interest is charged on a ‘reducing balance’ basis.

The loan repayment period is a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 4 years, which includes a grace period of a maximum of 1 year depending on the nature of the project.

The credit facility is available to small businesses under the following criteria: Small businesses operated by individuals, groups, partnerships, and companies, employing between 5-49 people, Business with an annual turnover of Shs 10 million to Shs 100 million.

A qualifying borrower can only access this financing once and there are no top-ups. This provides an opportunity to other eligible borrowers to access the much-needed financing. Agri-businesses or agricultural activities that are eligible under the Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) and those that have already been financed under ACF are not eligible.

“SMEs are at the core of Uganda’s economy; with this initiative, we are focused on bridging the gap between them and financial support which they urgently require to grow and recover,” Kasasa concluded.

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Ugandan youth set to participate in 2020 ICT innovators Dubai Expo

By
Simon Kabayo
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Ugandan youth

A team of selected (Information Communication Technology) ICT innovators and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) practitioners will represent the ICT sector during the Innovation week at the Dubai Expo 2020, in March 2022. The Expo is intended to promote and grow ICT innovators and BPO practitioners.

Announcing the initiative, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, said, “We are committed to growing the innovators and BPO practitioners and providing growth opportunities for them. The Dubai Expo 2020 is the ‘World Cup’ of innovation & BPO, having our young people present is an opportunity we couldn’t let pass”.

“We are committed to identifying, supporting, and growing those that are plying their trade in ICT. The Dubai Expo is where they can experience breakthrough technologies and learn about disruptive innovations that we are confident, they will bring back home,” she concluded.

 Uganda’s participation in the Dubai Expo 2020 will be an opportunity to illustrate its national aspirations in promoting digitalization, innovation, and its ability to connect people. Additionally, the physical presence of the innovators/BPO practitioners at the Dubai Expo will be an opportunity for marketing Ugandan innovations and positioning them to benefit from export opportunities for the Ugandan enterprises in the global market.

The selection of innovators that will represent Uganda are to be chosen from a pool of those that express interest and respond to the national call that the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance issued on 28th January 2022, in print, digital, and radio media. The call to participate is open until February 5, 2022. The details of how one can participate can be found on the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance website; www.ict.go.ug

The adjudication and award of a place on Team Uganda will be done by the National BPO and Innovation Council, led by Prof. William Bazeyo.

The participation of the Ugandan innovators is a collective effort, with support from the private sector companies that include telecommunication companies, technology companies, banks, fintech, to mention but a few.

An awareness campaign witl be launched by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, profiling and celebrating the brilliance of the Ugandan geniuses that are resident in the ICT sector.

The Ministry of ICT & National Guidance is committed to building technology infrastructure and spurring a digital culture, essential enablers for the inclusive and sustainable development of Uganda.

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KCCA threaten not to honour Onduparaka fixture as UPL returns

By
Our Reporter
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Uganda Premier League logo

After close to a month’s break, the StarTimes Uganda Premier League-UPL returns with four rescheduled fixtures set for this week.

The rescheduled fixtures are for the clubs to complete their first round fixtures before the second round kicks off.

However, KCCA have threatened not to play in the rescheduled fixture against Onduparaka which is set to be replayed on Thursday January 3 at the Bombo Military Barracks playground.

The game was abandoned in Arua after Onduparaka fans stormed the pitch protesting an injury time penalty awarded to KCCA. The game was tied at 2-2 at the time.

In FUFA’s ruling, the Disciplinary Committee decided that the game be replayed at a neutral ground and the federation would facilitate both teams to honour this fixture. Referee Ronald Madanda was banned and Onduparaka was deducted two points.

A letter by KCCA FC CEO Anisah Muhoozi sent to the UPL CEO reads; “Reference is made to your circular on several rescheduled matches circulation various social media channels over the weekend wherein KCCA FC is destined to play the game against Onduparaka on Thursday 3rd February 2022 at Bombo Military Grounds.”

“We hereby guide that we are unable to honour this fixture as we await determination of our appeal presented to the FUFA Appeals body.”

The UPL board is yet to decide on the matter.

In the other rescheduled fixtures, Soltilo Bright Stars who sit in 14th position host URA FC at Kavumba on Tuesday February 1st.

The biggest one will Vipers SC host rivals SC Villa at Kitende on Wednesday 2nd February.

The rescheduled fixtures end on Friday February 4th with Busoga United at home to URA. The game will be hosted at Kakindu stadium after the stadium was passed fit to host league games by FUFA.

On Saturday February 5, the second round of the season officially kicks off with two games – Wakiso Giants hosting Gaddafi and Police visiting Arua Hill in Barifa.

Tuesday February 01, 2022

Soltilo Bright Stars vs URA – Kavumba Recreation Ground

Wednesday February 02, 2022

Vipers SC Vs SC Villa – St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende

Thursday February 03, 2022

Onduparaka vs KCCA – Bombo Military Barracks

Friday February 04, 2022

Busoga United vs URA – Kakindu stadium, Jinja

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Rwanda to host Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in June 2022

By
Simon Kabayo
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Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda

His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, have announced the week of 20 June 2022 as the new date agreed with member countries for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

CHOGM was due to have been held in Kigali in June 2020 but was postponed twice due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHOGM is customarily held every two years and is the Commonwealth’s highest consultative and policy-making gathering. Commonwealth leaders selected Rwanda as host for their next summit when they met in London in 2018.

Speaking on the announcement President Kagame said: “Rwanda is pleased to welcome all delegates and participants to Kigali for a safe and productive CHOGM Rwanda 2022. The last two years have made it clear to us that we are more connected than ever before and we must work together to achieve the tangible and sustainable results we want. The long awaited meeting will be an important occasion to come together to address the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to build on innovative technological and economic opportunities to solve other key problems facing our citizens.”

The Secretary-General Scotland said: “I am delighted that the Commonwealth family can finally be reunited, four years on from our last CHOGM in London. Our meetings in Rwanda will give us a real opportunity to reaffirm the values that bind the Commonwealth together and focus on vital issues, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling climate change and poverty, boosting trade and promoting sustainable development – all issues that can only be dealt with decisively through multilateral cooperation and mutual support.”

“We have adapted throughout the pandemic, holding ministerial meetings online. It is with great joy and anticipation that I look ahead to a face-to-face Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. This will be the first CHOGM to be held in Africa for over a decade and I would like to commend the Government and people of Rwanda for their outstanding commitment and dedication to delivering an exemplary CHOGM in Kigali. I thank all Rwandans for their grace and fortitude in undertaking such detailed preparations to ensure a safe, secure and productive CHOGM that drives the Commonwealth forward in these trying times.”

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Teacher wanted over aggravated defilement in Hoima

By
Our Reporter
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Handcuffs

Police in Hoima is searching for a teacher of Yona Primary School, only identified as Leonard, for the aggravated defilement of a 14-year-old, female juvenile.

According to the Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the suspect found the victim buying school items at Hoima Central Market and asked her to escort him to his home in Kinubi. While at his home, he convinced the 14-year-old girl, to spend the night with him and defiled her the whole night.

The victim upon returning home was tasked by the mother, where she had spent the night and revealed the teacher.

Another teacher of Mother Clandio Primary School in Hoima, was also arrested for the defilement of an 8-year-old girl victim. The facts reveal that Obiga George, a 36-year-old teacher found the door of his neighbour, Mbabazi Stephen, open at 3am, at Bujumbura Cell, Eastern Division, Hoima cell, unlocked.

He took advantage and stealthily gained entrance, up to where the 8-year-old girl victim, was sleeping.  He grabbed her and started defiling her. The victim made an alarm which woke up the father.  The suspect ran from the house but was chased and arrested.

“We want to caution all guardians including teachers, that children look to them for their safety and well-being. It is therefore, disappointing whenever, they break this trust as role models, and instead victimise them,” Enanga said.

“A team of counsellors is talking to and counselling the victims, to help address the emotional and physical injury, they could have suffered due to the sexual abuse.”

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NUP registrar narrates his ordeal, pins CMI for abducting and torturing him

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Mr. Samuel Masereka, the Kasese District National Unity Platform (NUP) Registrar being supported

Mr. Samuel Masereka, the Kasese District National Unity Platform (NUP) Registrar is nursing wounds allegedly inflicted on him by Security personnel attached to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

Narrating his ordeal, Masereka said him, Bisogho Alazarius and Tembo Hamuza were arrested on Saturday 7th January 2022 and detained at Kasese Police station. The captors returned the following day with Toyota Hiace commonly known as a drone for a search at their homes and offices.

“They took my phone, laptop, National Identity Card, flash disks. Saturday at 2:00PM, they drove me to Kampala. When we reached Natete, they blind folded me, and drove me to an unknown place. I asked a colleague who I found in the detention facility, he told me that we are at CMI, Mbuyu. We slept in handcuffs.”

“On Sunday, 9th January, at 9:00AM, they took me for interrogation, they asked me questions, beat and punched me. They beat me till I fell unconscious. I was beaten for five days. On the 26th, their Doctors asked me that; how do you feel if we tell you to go home, and how do you feel? I said that I feel good. I was given all my belongings and I was driven home.”

Masereka said some of his body parts were damaged and he cannot support himself. They were later transferred to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Kireka Kireka, charged with ‘subversive activities’ and released on bond. He said they were on 27th driven in a drone and dumped in Kasese at 6:00pm.

Speaking about the incident, NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi said when you decide to stand up against a regime like this one of Mr. Yoweri Museveni, they will come against you.

“Our crime is pursuing change. We are a registered political Party. We are not going to stop speaking up, we are taking steps. We are challenging all these issues in courts. You know we filed a case against Museveni and his Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Abel Kandiho in ICC. This is further evidence. Ugandans are being killed, tortured because they want a better country,” he said.

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Shs500m needed to repatriate Fr. Simon Lokodo’s body

By
Geoffery Serugo
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The Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Mariam Wangadya has revealed that Shs 500 million is needed for repatriation of Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Fr. Simon Lokodo’s body.

Fr. Lokodo died on Friday at University Hospital in Geneva, Switzerland. He was on official duty leading the UHRC team at the 40th Human Rights Review.

“We need to pay the travel and hospital bills. He went with a return ticket but since he is dead, he is going to be brought back as cargo so we need at least Shs500m,” she said earlier today.

Lokodo was born in Kaabong District on 28 October 1957. Simon Lokodo held the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University. His Master of Arts in Theology was also obtained from the same university of Rome.

He also held the Diploma in Rural Sociology, the Diploma in Social Communication, the Diploma in Philosophy and Social Science and the Certificate in Italian Language. He obtained his Diploma in Theology from Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest university; founded in 1922. Lokodo also held a Certificate in German Language obtained from an institution in Austria and a Certificate in French Language, obtained from an institution in Paris, France.

At the age of 49, Lokodo first entered politics to contest a special election on 29 June 2006, following the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament. He was ex-communicated from the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI when he entered politics. He won the special election and began representing Dodoth County, Kaabong District, in the parliament.

In February 2009, he was appointed to the cabinet as the Minister of State for Industry and Technology. In the cabinet reshuffle of 27 May 2011, he was relocated to the Ethics and Integrity portfolio, replacing Nsaba Buturo. In the cabinet reshuffle of 1 March 2015, he retained his cabinet post.

He was well known for challenging homosexuality in all forms. In 2012, he and the police raided and shut down a gay activist workshop. He was quoted as saying, “I have closed this conference because it’s illegal. We do not accept homosexuality in Uganda.” He also blamed foreigners, saying they should “go back home”. Amnesty International condemned the raid.

In 2014, Stephen Fry interviewed Lokodo in Stephen Fry: Out There, where he was quoted as saying “…men raping girls. Which is natural.” Fry later revealed in 2016 that he had tried to commit suicide in the hours after the interview.

In February 2014, dress code legislation was enacted, aimed primarily at women. Clothes that are considered revealing or sexually provocative were to be outlawed; “If you dress in such a way that you irritate the mind and excite the people then you are badly dressed; if you draw the attention of the other person outside there with a malicious purpose of exciting and stimulating him or her into sex,” Lokodo stated.

He served as the elected Member of Parliament representing Dodoth County, Kaabong District until he lost his Parliamentary seat in January 2021. At the time of his death on 29 January 2022, he was serving as a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

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Pamela Ankunda appointed VP Spokesperson

By
Our Reporter
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Ms Pamela Ankunda.

Ms Pamela Ankunda has been appointed the Spokesperson of the Vice President Eagle Online can reveal.

Ms Ankunda has been in private media consultancy ever since she left Uganda Communication Commission. She is a seasoned media personality who will help Ms Jessica Alupo communicate with the outside world.

Ms Ankunda replaces Mr. Conan Busingye who had a short stint at the job. Reports indicate Busingye quit to pursue further studies.

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Dominic Otuchet re-elected President of Uganda Athletics Federation

By
Our Reporter
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Dominic Otuchet (in suit) with the new UAF executive board

Dominic Otuchet was re-elected unopposed as the President for the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).

This was during the federation’s elective general assembly which elected a new executive at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala over the weekend. The executive will serve for the next four years.

Otuchet who was elected unopposed for the second time will start his fourth term as the federation’s president. He replaced Dan Tamwesigire as President in 2010.

Otuchet promised to maintain harmony and set the bar for the sport very high. “We have set the bar very high, and we want to make it better in these next four years,” he said.

“We have already laid ground work, we have gone out to look for places where we can do this, so we are going to work hard to ensure that this is achieved because we are a big Federation. We are a model Federation in this country,” Otuchet added.

Lawrence Kavuma was elected 1st Vice President, Benjamin Njia as 2nd Vice President, Beatrice Ayikoru as the General Secretary, to be deputized by Namayo Mawerere, Faustino Kiwa as the Treasurer, Paul Okello the Organizing Secretary, Abdallah Mohamed (Publicity), Ogel Aggrey (Coaches Representative).

The assembly approved the 2022-2023 calendar of athletics activities which includes national and international competitions topped by the World Championships, U-20 Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Africa Championships among others.

The athletics federation is one of the most successful federations in Uganda in terms of medals from the various athletes – including two recent Gold medals from Joshua Cheptegei and Peruth Chemutai in last year’s Olympic games in Japan.

Uganda Athletics Federation New Executive:

President – Dominic Otuchet

1st Vice President Administration – Kavuma Lawrence

2nd Vice President Technical – Njia Benjamin

General Secretary – Beatrice Ayikoru

Assistant General Secretary – Mawerere Namayo

Treasurer – Kiwa Faustino

Organising Secretary – Okello Paul

Publicity Secretary – Abdullah Mohammed

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Rwanda denies Ugandans entry despite the reopening of Katuna Border

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Ugandans at the Katuna border after blocking traffic to the Uganda's southern neighbour, Rwanda

The Government of Rwanda has denied Ugandans entry despite the reopening of Katuna Border. Last week, Rwanda announced the re-opening of the border three years after the closure in 2019. The closure aimed at paving way for reconstruction of roads on the Rwandan side.

And, today, President Paul Kagame reopened the border and denied Ugandans entry. A few vehicles were seen crossing from both countries. Ugandan officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and immigration office have crossed to Rwanda to engage their counterparts on this new development.

Rwanda’s decision followed Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) visit on January 22, 2022.

“The government of Rwanda has taken note that there is a process to solve issues raised by Rwanda, as well as commitments made by the government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles,” Rwanda said in a statement.

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.

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