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Uganda Red Cross responds to over 11,000 DRC refugees

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Refugees

Uganda Red Cross is responding to over 11,000 refugees from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following heavy fighting in the villages of Binja, Kinyarugwe and Chanzu.

On 7th November 2021, heavy fighting between armed forces began in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the areas of Runyonyi and Tshanzu around the Virunga Mountains a few miles away from Uganda. The fighting caused a huge population movement from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda.

Egbeble Mohamed moved from DR-Congo with his family and shares with us; “It was midnight, many people were sleeping but I was still awake. I heard gunshots and in a short time, people were running. I too feared and joined the group running. Our family is not far from the Uganda border Bunagana. We found ourselves here,” Mohamed narrates.

By morning on 8th November, thousands of Refugees had gathered at Bunagana Primary School in Bunagana town council and Kibaya market. Uganda Red Cross Kisoro branch deployed volunteers to work alongside the district officials to support and offer lifeline support to the new arrivals.

“We worked with the district officials. We had heard news of the fighting early in the morning, and already many people had camped at Bunagana primary school. Many were tired and needed rest so the Kisoro District Disaster Management Committee resolved that they should be taken to Nyakabamde Transit Center to acquire basic needs like medication and food,” Prim Rose Natukunda, Uganda Red Cross Kisoro branch said.

“As Uganda Red Cross we supported in the registering of those coming in as well as helping in tracing those that could not see their relatives through the restoring family links program, gave first aid to the injured, helped children to cross busy roads and gave families psychosocial support,” Natukunda said.

Rukundo Manasseh, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Committee noted that the numbers were overwhelming but they tried to support with help from partners such as Red Cross. “We didn’t want to get other risks such as disease outbreaks like Cholera, Ebola or Covid 19. By morning, teams from Uganda Red Cross were on ground registering and offering support to the refugees,” Rukundo added.

According to the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) report of 8th November, an estimated number of 5000 people had fled to Uganda due to the fighting. However, on 9th November, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo had calmed down which made some of the refugees go back home.

Currently about 1100 refugees are still at Nyakabande Transit Center and are receiving aid from the Partners on ground and the Government of Uganda.

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Kampala twin bombs: Death toll increases after businessman dies in theatre

By
Our Reporter
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George Katana

The death toll of Tuesday twin bombings in Kampala has increased from six to seven after a Kampala businessman George Katana who had been admitted at Mulago with injuries died on Tuesday evening.

The deceased who was doing printing business along Parliament Avenue was hit by shrapnel after two suicide bombers blew themselves up out Jubilee building near parliament.

The late Katana was rushed to Mulago hospital but didn’t make it out of the theatre. “It’s a dark day for the family. He couldn’t make it out of the theatre,” a friend told Eagle Online.

He will be buried on Thursday at his home in Nyabitanga, Ssembabule district. Three people died on spot while 33 were injured in the twin bombings that the Central Police Station and Jubilee building which houses the office of the Inspector General of Government.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and said their fighters set out with bags loaded with explosives had hit their targets.

This is the third attack by the ISIS- affiliated terrorist group on Uganda within three weeks. Using its telegram account, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on a pork restaurant in Kampala on October 24, 2021 which killed a waitress and injured three.

A day after, another bomb was detonated in a bus that was travelling from Kampala to Bushenyi in the western part of the country.

The police said on Tuesday that the terrorist group was assembling the bombs locally. “These kinds of threats remain significant because IEDs[ Improvised Explosive Devices] and suicide bomb jackets can easily be built from common household items found in local markets, retail shops and supermarkets”.

The ADF also known as Madina at Tauheed Wau Mujahedeen, is also responsible for many attacks across North Kivu and Ituri Provinces in eastern DRC.

Under the leadership of Seka Musa Baluku, the ADF has been notorious in this region for its brutal violence against Congolese citizens and regional military forces, with attacks killing over 849 civilians in 2020 alone, according to a United Nations report.

The ADF was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the United Nations under the UN Security Council’s DRC sanctions regime in 2014 for its violence and atrocities.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury also sanctioned six ADF members, including leader Seka Musa Baluku, in 2019 under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program for their roles in serious human rights abuse, with a subsequent United Nations sanctions listing for Baluku in early 2020 under the DRC sanctions program.

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Emirates expands cargo capacity with US$ 1 billion investment in new freighter aircraft and aircraft conversions

By
Our Reporter
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Emirates Skycargo

Emirates SkyCargo, has announced that it will induct two new Boeing 777Fs into its fleet in 2022 and also convert four of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters between 2023 and 2024.

His Highness (HH) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “The last two years have put the spotlight on the importance of supply chain connectivity and the availability of air cargo capacity to global communities and economies.

“Emirates plays a key role in making essential goods available to customers and consumers globally through the capacity available on our wide-body fleet, the reach of our global network, and the advanced infrastructure at our Dubai hub. Today, we are delighted to announce an investment of AED 3.6 billion (US$ 1 billion) to further expand our freighter capacity. This underscores our commitment to supporting our customers’ requirements and reflects our confidence in our future growth and status as one of the largest airline cargo carriers in the world.”

New Boeing 777-Fs

Emirates SkyCargo has signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for two new Boeing 777-F aircraft, which will be delivered in April and June 2022 respectively. Emirates SkyCargo was the launch customer for the Boeing 777-F and the aircraft has been at the heart of the carrier’s operations since 2009. The addition of two new freighter aircraft will strengthen Emirates SkyCargo’s customer offering allowing for increased agility and flexibility in its operations.

Over the years, the Boeing 777 freighter has been a critical pillar of Emirates SkyCargo operations, with the aircraft operating scheduled and charter flights to destinations across six continents. The Boeing 777-F also played an important part of the carrier’s pandemic response, helping deliver vital commodities across the globe. The aircraft’s remarkable range and payload capabilities allow for time and temperature sensitive shipments to be transported rapidly and efficiently from origin to destination.

“We are honored that Emirates has once again placed its confidence in the 777 Freighter as the backbone of its global network,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “As the largest operator of 777 passenger and freighter models worldwide, Emirates’ success is a testament to the 777’s market-leading efficiency, improved sustainability and incredible range.”

Boeing 777-300ER conversions

Emirates SkyCargo has signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the conversion of four Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into full freighters. The agreement also includes an option for further Boeing 777-300ER conversions at a later stage. The conversion programme for the four aircraft will commence in early 2023 and is expected to conclude in 2024 with each aircraft taking up to an estimated five months for the process.

The converted freighters will provide up to 10 additional pallet positions over the Boeing 777-F production freighter allowing for transport of more low-density cargo including e-commerce goods. They will boost the maindeck cargo capacity that Emirates SkyCargo can deploy on its global routes, with a particular focus on trade lanes where volumetric cargo loads tend to be high. The converted aircraft’s payload capabilities are very close to those of the Boeing 777-F production freighters and the twin-engine aircraft will be more efficient per tonne of cargo carried than the industry standard freighters.

“IAI is proud to partner with the brightest minds in the region to create solutions to the global demand for cargo aircraft,” said IAI CEO & President, Boaz Levy. “IAI’s Aviation Group, the world’s leader in cargo conversions, is currently converting the first B777-300ER aircraft, together with GECAS, in order to provide the most optimal solution for the rise in e-commerce. Emirates’ decision to select IAI for the conversion of its passenger aircraft to cargo configuration is a testament to IAI’s professional capabilities and IAI’s longstanding international recognition in the field.”

In addition to its freighter aircraft, Emirates offers cargo capacity in the bellyhold of its passenger aircraft. During the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to the surging demand from the industry for the transportation of vital goods such as PPE, medical supplies and food in light of the overall reduction in global cargo capacity due to reduced passenger flight operations, Emirates SkyCargo introduced new measures including operating cargo-only flights on its passenger aircraft (passenger freighters) and modifying Boeing 777-300ER aircraft by removing seats from Economy Class to make additional room for cargo (mini-freighters). Emirates SkyCargo currently has a fleet of 16 mini-freighters.

Emirates SkyCargo operated more than 27,800 flights on its passenger freighters and mini-freighters in the one year period from March 2020, transporting more than 100,000 tonnes of essential cargo including medical supplies and food on these flights. With demand for air cargo capacity remaining high, Emirates SkyCargo continues to provide customers the option of transporting cargo on passenger freighters and/ or mini freighters.

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BOU-SUDHIR CASE: It is Supreme Court to determine costs as withdrawal isn’t dismissal

By
Our Reporter
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Mr. Sudhir Ruparelia

It is the Supreme Court that will determine the costs to be paid to city businessman Sudhir Ruparelia by Bank of Uganda (BOU) in the long-running legal battle between the tycoon and his Meera Investments Ltd and the central bank, resulting from the closure of Crane Bank Ltd.

Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal ordered that the Bank of Uganda must pay costs because they has been handling this matter from the beginning and not its shadow (Crane bank in receivership).

This was a contention of whether BOU or Crane Bank (in receivership) should pay costs after the central bank lost a case in which it had sought to recover Shs397 billion from Sudhir. Both the High Court and Court of Appeal ruled that there was no reason to deny costs to be paid to Sudhir by BOU.

Sudhir’s Lawyers of the Kampala Associated Advocates opposed the move by BOU to have the matter withdrawn on grounds that the appellants (Crane Bank in receivership) are trying to reverse the decision of the lower courts in regard to payment of costs.

On June 30, 2017, the appellant filed a suit in the High court in Kampala, which Sudhir and Meera investment opposed.

The High Court subsequently dismissed the case, prompting the respondents (Sudhir and Meera investment) to ask for costs to be awarded against BOU because it was BOU that was on record as the entity behind filing the suit which court said was incompetent. The High Court agreed with the respondents and awarded them costs.

“Since section 96 of Financial Institution Act insulated Crane Bank Ltd under receivership from court proceedings, execution or other legal processes, the person that should pay costs should be the person who instituted the suit and that is Bank of Uganda. This is so because Crane Bank in receivership had no capacity to foot the costs,” the response to the withdrawal notice stated.

The Supreme Court in August this year, dismissed with costs, an application by lawyers representing the Bank of Uganda in which they sought to substitute the court record from Crane Bank Ltd (in receivership) to Crane Bank Ltd (in Liquidation), with the court rejecting the move, as in bad faith and intended to circumvent facts.

BoU later withdrew the suit, after suffering successive defeats to Sudhir’s lawyers.

A panel of the Supreme Court Justices including Ruby Opio-Aweri, Faith Mwondha, Lillian Tibatemwa, Ezekiel Muhanguzi and Night Tuhaise, in a ruling issued on August 12 rejected arguments by BoU lawyers led by veteran attorney the late Dr. Joseph Byamugisha, reasoning that Crane Bank Ltd (in Receivership), Crane Bank Ltd (in Liquidation), and Crane Bank Ltd are three distinct entities with different rights, powers and obligations.

Earlier in the High Court, Justice David Wangutusi noted in his ruling that at the time BoU and Crane Bank (in receivership) filed the suit against Mr Ruparelia and his Meera Investments in January 2017, Crane Bank Ltd was a non-existing entity, having been terminated when the Central Bank sold its assets to dfcu Bank in October 2016.

On October 4, 2021, Supreme Court quashed attempts by the BOU to hold on to the jurisdiction of the defunct Crane Bank Ltd, arguing that once the commercial bank was closed, it was no longer a financial institution and therefore outside the legal care of the central bank.

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FIFA World Cup 2022: The 10 African teams in the play-offs

By
Our Reporter
-
The FIFA World Cup Trophy

After completion of the group stage in the ten groups of African qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the winners of each group earned a spot in the last round.

The continent will be represented by five teams – which will be decided in March 2022 in a two-legged play-off.

Those progressing to the final round are: Algeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia.

Cameroon beat Ivory Coast 1-0 in a contest of two continental heavyweights to join Algeria, Nigeria and Tunisia in securing the last four places in March’s African World Cup playoffs as the group phase came to a dramatic conclusion on Tuesday.

Karl Toko Ekambi scored for Cameroon as they snatched a narrow home win over the Ivory Coast in a clash full of tension but without many clear chances.

Cameroon had been one point behind in the Group D standings but took top spot to advance to the playoffs.

African champion Algeria and Nigeria scraped through to the playoffs after both were held to home draws but clinched the point they needed to progress on the final day of the group stage.

Ivory Coast will miss their second straight World Cup after also failing to make it to 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The draw for the play-off will be held on December 18, 2021.

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MUSEVENI SPEECH: The real pigs are people like Nsubuga, the so-called Sheikh that confused young people at Lweza

By
Editorial
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President Yoweri Museveni

To the Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu. Today at 10:00hours, some pigs (in reality manipulated and confused Bazzukulu), apparently, blew themselves up, one near the IGG office and the other near CPS.

At about 10:30hours, the CMI/Police squads injured and captured the third terrorist in the area of Katooke, Bwaise with his bomb. He, later, died but gave us very good information before dying. His name is Musa Mudasiri.

The bomber of CPS was by the names of Mansoor Uthman and the one of the IGG office is by the names of Wanjusi Abdallah. All these are part of the ADF group that attacked Gen. Katumba in June.

As I told the country before, by attacking Gen. Katumba, these terrorists, exposed themselves at a time when our security (anti-crime) infrastructure has improved, compared to what it was in 2018 when I made the speech to Parliament.

Since the attack on Gen. Katumba, the following has been achieved: – Seven (7) have been killed while resisting arrest; – Eighty-one (81) have been arrested; and – 3 have been killed by the bombs they were carrying. The 2 of today were, therefore, running away from being arrested

We have been hunting for them since the Katumba incident. Those killed since the Katumba incident are: 1. Nsubuga Mohammed; 2. Manihaji; 3. Moses Mudasiri (the one of today); 4. Master Lubwama; 5. Juma Saidi; 6. Serwadda Juma; and 7. Amin Kawawa Mustapha.

The one who blew himself in the bus was Matovu Muzafari. Unfortunately, 3 people died in today’s incident apart from the 3 suicide bombers. The injured are 36. Apart from hunting the terrorists, the country’s strategy of vigilance (alertness), is helping to minimize damage.

The suicide bombers at both CPS and IGG office were forced to detonate their bombs at the checkpoint of Police outside and also outside of the IGG office. Therefore, the public should maintain vigilance of checking people at entry points to parks, churches, mosques, markets, etc

The Police will issue guidelines regarding securing the check-points because the check-points are protecting the buildings and the occupants. We are working with the neighbours to deal with those operating from outside.

They have exposed themselves when we are more ready for urban terrorism. They will perish. Rural terrorism was defeated in 2007 in the Semliki National Park. I am referring to the dead terrorists as manipulated victims of confusion.

The real pigs are people like Nsubuga, the so-called Sheikh that confused young people at Lweza. If blowing oneself up will send one to Jaanaa, let him blow himself up as an example instead of manipulating young children. Three (3) IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) have been recovered including the one of today. The terrorists invited us and we are coming for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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At least three killed in Kampala twin suicide bombings

By
Our Reporter
-
Fred Enanga, Police spokesperson

Three people have so far been confirmed dead in the two explosions that happened on Tuesday morning in Kampala.

At least 33 people in total have been admitted at Mulago Hospital, while five are in critical condition, the police spokesperson Fred Enanga told reporters.

Three suicide bombers also died in the blasts, Enanga said.

The twin explosions occurred within three minutes of each other. Both were carried out by attackers carrying explosives.

One suicide bomber carried out the first blast near the Central Police Station (CPS), which killed two people, Enanga said. Then two suicide bombers on motorbikes detonated near Parliament, killing one other person.

“Two suicide bombers were clearly captured on CCTV cameras, on motorcycles, disguising as boda boda riders. They detonated the bombs they were carrying on themselves, that killed them instantly,” he added.

Enanga said the fourth suicide bomber was arrested in Bwaise after he was shot and disabled by counter terrorism operatives.

“Although three suicide bombers died in the double bomb attacks, our CT response teams managed to pursue a fourth suicide bomb attacker and intercepted him at Bwaise,” Enanga said.

“They shot and injured him, and immediately after, recovered an unexploded improvised explosive device at Nansana-Katooke, at his home, which the bomb squad, were going to neutralize.  We are now pursuing other members of the terror groups,” he added.

The attacks come 22 days after the last suicide bomb attack on a Swift Safaris Bus which took place on October 25, 2021.

According to police, the explosions carried out by suspected domestic terrorists are linked to Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

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Harriet Nakweede named NUP flag bearer in Kayunga District Chairman LCV by-election

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Harriet Nakwedde

Mrs. Harriet Nakweede has been named the flag bearer of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kayunga District Chairman LCV by-election.

Kayunga LCV seat fell vacant after the death of Ffefeeka Serubogo Muhammad. The former member of National Unity Platform (NUP) was found hanging on a tree.

According to Mercy Walukamba, the NUP Chairperson Election Management Committee, they conducted vetting and consulted the people of Kayunga through field visits and surveys and Nakwedde emerged the winner of the flag.

“I accordingly announce that after the elaborate process Harriet Nakwedde has emerged the winner and will carry the NUP flag in the coming by-election,” Walukamba said in a statement.

Alluding to the program which was released by Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the electoral body, Kayunga District LC V by-election will be held on the 17th December 2021.

The election process kicked off with the updating of the Voters register on the 22nd to 26th October, registration of Voters and transfer of Voters location in the affected areas, recruiting of individuals to display voters register, training of polling Assistants and other activities.

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Parliament calls off plenary sitting over Kampala twin explosions

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Parliament of Uganda

Parliament has suspended its sittings following suspected bomb explosions at Parliamentary Avenue and Kampala Central Police Station (CPS). The explosives left scores injured and two are alleged to have died in the Parliamentary Avenue blast.

“I have directed by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Anita Among to inform you that there will be no sitting of August house today,” Clerk to parliament Adolf Mwesigye said.

“You are directed not to proceed to the precincts of parliament as security forces are working hard to restore  order around parliament and those in the precincts of parliament are urged to stay calm until they are guided out of the place,” reads in part of the memo.

“Today’s plenary sitting is off and MPs and staff who are not yet here are advised to stay away due to the incidents which just happened on Parliament Avenue and other parts of Kampala,” Parliament tweeted.

Earlier, the Director Police Counter Terrorism AIGP Abas Byakagaba directed people around City square and other places to go home and they work around the clock to avert the situation.

This is third suspected terror attack claiming three people. According to police the first explosive occurred at Digida Pork joint in Komamboga, Lungala along Kampala Masaka Highway.

President Museveni later said that the person who died in the Ishaka bound bus along Kampala Masaka Highway was a terrorist by the names of Muzafala, but instead called himself Isaac Matovu.

According to Reuters, the Islamic state (IS) claimed it had masterminded the attack that left one dead and three others injured as some of its members detonated an explosive device in a bar where ‘members and spies of the Crusader Ugandan government were gathering’ in Kampala. Police have however disregarded all claims.

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Museveni to address nation about terror attacks and #Covid-19 related issues

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
President Yoweri Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni is this Friday expected to address the nation about the terror attacks and the current COVID-19 situation and related matters in the country. The address was confirmed by the President’s Senior Press Secretary Nabusayi Lindah Wamboka.

“H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will address the nation on Friday 19, 2021 on the current COVID-19 situation in the country and related matters. This address will be live at 8pm,” Lindah said.

In the last two months, the country has witnessed six suspected bombs exploding in various areas in the country. According to police the first explosive occurred at Digida Pork joint in Komamboga, Lungala along Kampala Masaka Highway, Luweero, and the recent incident at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) and Parliamentary Avenue. The six terror attacks claimed five people.

Commenting about the explosion, Museveni said: “I have been briefed on the bomb incident in Kwata zone, Komamboga. The Information I have is that three people came and left a package in kaveera which later on exploded, killing one person and injuring five others. It seems to be a terrorist act but we shall get the perpetrators”.

The president is expected to extend curfew time, issue fresh orders pertaining to enforcing of #Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

According to Reuters, the Islamic state (IS) claimed it had masterminded the attack that left one dead and three others injured as some of its members detonated an explosive device in a bar where ‘members and spies of the Crusader Ugandan government were gathering’ in Kampala. Police have however disregarded all claims.

“At this stage, there is no evidence to prove or deny the claims but said investigations will inform them of the group behind the attack,” the Director Police Counter Terrorism AIGP Abas Byakagaba said.

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