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Wobulenzi Mayor to be charged with incitement to Violence

By
Our Reporter
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Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga

Police in Greater Savannah and Wobulenzi, is tracking down the Mayor of Wobulenzi Town Council and several others for incitement to violence, obstruction of police officers on lawful duty and for violation of the curfew restrictions.

According to the Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, the facts gathered indicate that on 30th October 2021, at around 7:30pm, the OC station, Wobulenzi Police Station, ASP Masette Kenneth and 4 others, went out on routine enforcement of the curfew and security patrols within Wobulenzi Town Council.

When the patrollers reached modern cell, at around 8pm, they were obstructed by the Mayor, Hon. Ssebalamu Moses, who started insulting the officers and inciting the youths and other members of the public against them, claiming curfew no longer existed in Uganda.

They started throwing stones, and injured the officers. The officers out of self-defense discharged 13 bullets, which injured two victims namely; Seguya Ivan, a 35-year-old businessman of Wobulenzi Town Council, who was injured on the right leg and Nakitende Beatrice, a 15-year-old, female juvenile of Wabamba Cell in Wobulenzi Town Council, who was injured to the left leg. The two victims were rushed to Bombo Military Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.

It was established that the Mayor purposely mobilized against the team of patrollers, to prevent them from reaching his bar, which operates stealthily behind closed doors. “This is the second incident of incitement to violence, after him actively participating in the famous November riots where they allegedly burnt the Chief Magistrates Court in Wobulenzi. He was charged to court,” Enanga said.

“As the Joint Security Agencies, we are committed the rule of law and the protection of all law-abiding citizens. Such lawless acts of attacks on security personnel is an attack against our country. We are going to ensure that all those responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts, are traced and held accountable for the criminal acts,” Enanga said.

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Tuition fees: FDC calls for detailed plan to help students from poor families

By
Our Reporter
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Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has urged the government to release a detailed plan of helping students from poor families with tuition.

Today, Universities and other Tertiary Institutions opened their doors to students after President Yoweri Museveni imposed a second lockdown. In June 2021 Museveni imposed a total lockdown on all major sectors of the economy. The lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

Usually universities demand full payment before exams. According to Semujju Nganda, the FDC party spokesperson said that rigid policy cannot work under this Covid-19 situation and the Minister for Education Janet Kataha Museveni should use the budget that has been allocated to her ministry in the last two years of lockdowns to help parents.

“Parents who pay fees must fully be briefed. We expect Museveni’s wife to be moving from radio to radio explaining her plan. Short of that, the country might be plunged in the chaos that engulfed the Entebbe International Airport at the introduction of mandatory Covid-19 testing for all arriving passengers,” he said.

“We demand for a similar plan for the reopening of the rest of the schools in January. Mr Museveni and his wife must prepare the country adequately and early enough. There are many schools that have been sold. Many teachers have abandoned teaching and some are in the Middle East working as domestic workers. Some school buildings have collapsed. Parents were laid off from their workplaces because of Covid-19 and have no money to pay fees and need help. These issues must be addressed.”

He said the Minister for Education and her team must be in the field identifying problems and providing solutions. It is clear that there is no plan and what Mr. Museveni and his wife are doing is just announcing dates.

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Groups call for end to impunity against journalists in South Sudan

By
Our Reporter
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South Sudanese authorities, including security personnel, must end impunity against journalists in the country, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) said in a joint statement on Monday.

The joint statement comes ahead of the ‘International Day to End Impunity against Journalists’, due on November 2.

The joint statement expressed concerns about the persistent increase in the assaults, threats, intimidations, arrests and detentions of journalists as well as closure of media houses.

“The 2021 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists highlights the instrumental role of prosecutorial services, investigating and prosecuting not only killings, but also threats of violence against journalists,” the statement, also extended to Sudan Tribune, reads in part.

It added, “However, as we approach the day, we call for an end to all crimes and threats against journalists and urge all relevant stakeholders in the country, including members of the security personnel to respect the work of journalists”.

Meanwhile, there were also calls for authorities in South Sudan to investigate cases involving journalists before acting.

“The issue if impunity against journalists in South Sudan is real and clear evidence that freedom of expression and the rights to information is still problematic in the country,” said Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO.

The role of journalists in this country remains crucial especially during this time of the peace agreement implementation, constitution making process and elections slated for 2023.

UJOSS and CEPO urge the Media Authority of South Sudan, Information Commission and the Communication Authority to take the lead towards ending impunity against journalists.

“The development of the code of conduct for journalists by the Media Authority of South Sudan is a great step towards correcting the situation of impunity against journalists. CEPO and UJOSS will partner with the Media Authority to disseminate the journalist’ code of conduct,” stressed Yakani.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2, 2013.

South Sudan is ranked 139th out of 180 countries in Reporters without Borders (RSF’s) 2021 World Press Freedom Index.

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Police holds 48 suspects over the recent bomb blasts

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Fred Enanga, Police spokesperson

Police are holding 48 suspects implicated in the bomb blasts which claimed lives at Digida Pork joint, Lungala, along the Kampala-Masaka highway and Segalye LC1 village, Semuto Sub County, Nakaseke District.

According to police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the suspects were arrested by a joint security force of Police, Uganda People’s defence Forces (UPDF) Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). He said the group will soon be charged in the courts of law.

“I urge Ugandans to be vigilant, especially when in congested public spaces and report any suspected objects to avoid the repeat of the blasts,” he said.

Enanga confirmed that an abandoned ordinance which children were playing with exploded and hit three of them. The explosion claimed Pius Kiwuwa (11 years), Michael Kiyingi, (14 years), and Shield Odongo, (10 months) lives.

Enanga warned the public of remnants of war that are very explosive and dangerous. He warned children that collect scrap.

Last week, President Yoweri Museveni said the person who died in the Ishaka bound bus along the Kampala-Masaka highway was a terrorist by the names of Muzafala, but instead called himself Isaac Matovu.

Museveni said Muzafala was part of the Pader group that had been sent by ADF to blow up the mourners during the funeral of late Maj. Gen Lokech’s funeral.

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CMA cautions on offering of securities to public without approval

By
Our Reporter
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Keith Kalyegira CEO of CMA

The role of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in approving prospectuses for the offer of securities to the public is enshrined in Section 5 (A) of the Capital Markets Authority Act. All locally listed companies on Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) should be approved by CMA.

“It is an offense to offer securities to the public or any section of the public in Uganda without approval from the CMA. The purpose of this approval is to ensure prospectuses disclose all the key information that investors or their advisors need to rely on in making an investment decision,” CMA says in a statement.

The approval does not assess the merits of the investment, and should therefore not be interpreted as an endorsement, by the Authority, in undertaking this investment. An approval is in fact a fulfilment of CMA’s key mandate of protecting investors as enshrined in the CMA Act. Investors must make their own informed decision before undertaking any investment in the capital markets.

A prospectus ought to be prepared by an advisor authorized by CMA because of the experience and skill they have in this task. The law specifically makes this obligatory for someone ‘carrying on the business of organizing the promotion and floatation of securities to the public on behalf of the issuer’ to have been authorized by the Authority.

Considering that their professional obligation and reputation is at stake, and for the practical reason that an issuer may not have the ability and time to undertake this task properly, such advisor must take this responsibility seriously.

CMA says the information to be contained in a prospectus and the fees to be paid upon lodgment of a prospectus are detailed in the Capital Markets Authority (Prospectus Requirements) Regulations, which are also to ensure clarity and consistency in the review of prospectuses.

The payment of fees to the regulator and the exchange on which the securities will be listed, is a normal practice the world over, and is enshrined in law.

Companies issue prospectuses to raise money to refinance debt, payout majority shareholders, or to finance growth. The review by the Authority does not include a discussion on the merits of the offer. The prospectus regulations do not in any way prescribe the manner in which the proceeds are applied, other than as stated in the prospectus issued to the public. The key point is that there should be a full disclosure of use of proceeds, against which an issuer can be held to account if the need arises.

When making investment decisions, investors (individual or institutional) should invariably consider the following factors: the long term growth prospects of the company, its ability to service debt as well as pay dividends, the return on investment and interest in the case of debt offers.

These variables should be compared with other competing investment opportunities like the return on investment from residential or commercial real estate, strategically located undeveloped land, government securities, trade, agriculture, and other available securities listed on a securities exchange.

It is therefore important that a medium to long term financial analysis is carried out, with the guidance of a finance professional (preferably one licensed or approved by CMA) knowledgeable on the different investment analysis models.

“We would once again encourage the public to take a medium to long term view when investing their savings in financial assets, to desist from investing with or through anyone who is not licensed or approved by the CMA or any securities market regulator, and to inform the CMA in case one becomes aware of an unlicensed person offering securities without requisite approval,” CMA said.

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Saviour Chibiya named Absa Group Executive

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Saviour Chibiya

Absa Group has announced the appointment of Saviour Chibiya as Group Executive, Absa Regional Operations (ARO).

Saviour will be responsible, together with RBB and CIB for the Group’s ARO businesses and for the Group’s strategy, collaboration and relationships with its key stakeholders across those businesses.

Saviour will be a member of the Group Executive Committee and will thus provide input in terms of the Group’s strategy overall and in particular the strategic choices for Absa’s growth in the ARO banks and will support and enable the Managing Directors in the countries in their strategic delivery. He will report directly to the Group Chief Executive.

Saviour joined the Group in 2010 as Managing Director and CEO of Barclays Bank Zambia Plc, after nearly two decades at Citibank. In 2017, he joined the ARO leadership team as Regional Managing Director, assuming increasingly pan-African regional responsibilities.

“Saviour is a seasoned banker with deep institutional knowledge of the Group, as well extensive and diversified banking experience, at both country and regional level across the continent,” said Jason Quinn, interim Chief Executive for Absa Group.

“We are proud that this appointment is drawn from within our leadership structures. Saviour’s experience will contribute immensely to the strength and diversity of our executive leadership team and we are excited about the perspectives that he will bring,” Jason added.

Saviour is a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services and holds an Economics degree from the University of Zambia.

“Our strong franchise across ARO is critical to the future growth of Absa Group. In most of the countries in which we operate, we are among the top financial services providers and we have strengthened this position through innovative product and service offerings catering to both our local customers and global clients,” said Saviour.

“I am excited to be embarking on this journey, and look forward to collaborating with colleagues, customers, regulators and the communities in which we operate to bring Africa’s possibilities to life,” he added.

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Airtel Customers to be rewarded free minutes for every Airtel Money transaction

By
Simon Kabayo
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Airtel

Airtel Uganda has launched a campaign dubbed to reward customers who transact using Airtel Money. Customers will be gifted with Free Minutes upon conducting a transaction via Airtel Money.

The 30 day inactive Airtel Money customers are to receive Free 10 Minutes once they deposit Ushs. 1,000 or more on their Airtel Money account, 5 minutes will be rewarded for any other Airtel Money transaction done, while utility payments above Shs 5,000 for services like Umeme, Water, TV, Solar, URA, will be gifted 10 minutes, this is applicable to for customers who have been inactive for 30 days.

Speaking about the offer, Henry Njoroge, Marketing Director at Airtel Uganda mentioned, “We are excited to roll out this campaign, which is aimed at encouraging our customers to reactivate their Airtel Money accounts, as well as reward them with free minutes to make Airtel to Airtel calls upon conducting a transaction.”

“Mobile Financial services continue to offer convenience and secure mean of transacting anytime and anywhere, hence it is pertinent that we not only reward, but encourage our customers to use these services for their day to day transaction needs,” Njoroge added.

According the Uganda Communications Commission Second Quarter Market Performance report, the number of registered mobile money accounts by the end of June 2021 had risen to 31.3 million from 30.5 million at the end of March 2021. This is a net addition of almost 800,000 new registered mobile money accounts in the 3 months April to June 2021.

“The UCC report indicates a positive uptake of the service, and as Airtel, we will continue to innovate and introduce products plus services that align with what the market needs. However, as our customers participate in this promo, I urge them to be vigilant as they conduct transactions via Airtel Money, so that they don’t fall prey of any fraud or related incidents.” Njoroge concluded.

The offer is valid for a maximum of 5 Airtel Money transactions per month, and the campaign will run until January 2022.

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First Female MP Florence Alice Lubega is dead

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Florence Alice

Uganda’s First Female Member of Parliament Florence Alice Lubega has passed on. Her death was confirmed by Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa.

“Rest in Peace Uganda’s First Female Member of Parliament Hon Florence Alice Lubega. Born on 5 November 1917 – Died 28 October 2021, she joined parliament in 1962. You opened the gates for female legislators not only in Uganda but across the continent,” Tayebwa said.

She was one of the first female legislators of Uganda, being a member of the Legislative Council (LEGCO). She was also a member of the first Ugandan Parliament, and Deputy Minister for Community Development and Labour.

Florence Lubega was the daughter of Buganda Premier Samuel Wamala and Erina Nantongo. She went to Gayaza Girls’ School before joining Buloba Teachers’ College. She was the first female to be admitted to Makerere College School before joining Oxford University. Upon completion of her university studies in 1946, she returned to teach English at Makerere University.

Florence Lubega was married to Saulo Lubega, a teacher at Mityana secondary school. Florence Lubega had three brothers; Wamala Steven Ssempasa, who lives in the United Kingdom, Paul Musoke Wamala, a former tourism operator who now lives in Luzira, a Kampala suburb and the late Wamala Herbert Dagirira.

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NSSF gets more shares in Kenyan companies

By
Simon Kabayo
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NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has increased its shareholding in top companies in Kenya that are listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

According to NSSF’s audited financial statement for June 2020/2021, they have purchased more shares in top banks in Kenya such as Absa Bank Kenya, Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited, I & M Holdings Limited, CFC Stanbic (Kenya) Holdings and Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited.

For instance, NSSF got Shs 8.2b dividend payment from Stanbic Uganda Kenya, Shs7b from Dfcu limited Kenya and Shs8.4b from Vodacom. Others include National Microfinance Bank (Shs4.9b) and Kenya Commercial Bank (Shs 4.2b), among other dividend income sources.

Kenya’s Safaricom fetched Shs 16.7b for NSSF, CRDB Tanzania Limited (Shs6.6b) and Twiga Limited (Shs5.6b). The equity securities, externally managed by the fund, grew from Shs87.6b to Shs104b, representing a 19% growth.

“We have seen a recovery especially in the Nairobi Securities Exchange, which saw a growth of about 26%, Uganda was a margin of 1.9% and the Tanzania stock exchange delivered a growth of 4.8%,” Mr Richard Byarugaba, the NSSF managing director, said during the annual members’ meeting recently.

Recently, NSSF announced that its income for the 2020/21 Financial Year increased by 25 per cent from Shs1.4 trillion to Shs1.8 trillion, despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund declared an impressive return to members of 12.15% in the FY 2020/2021, resulting in Shs1,516b compared to 10.75% in FY 2019/2020, which resulted in sh1,154b.

NSSF commands one of the largest investment portfolios in Uganda with 78 percent invested in fixed income while 15 per cent is invested in equities and 7 per cent in real estate.

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JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS: Head of Youth at Mugisha Muntu’s ANT party appointed Magistrate

By
Our Reporter
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Matanda Abubaker

The Head of Youth at Mugisha Muntu’s Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) political party, Matanda Abubaker has been appointed a Grade one Magistrate.

Matanda is among the 47 people that have been appointed to the Office of the Magistrate Grade One by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

He first served as a youth leader in NRM before he moved on to support former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi.

After falling with Mbabazi, Matanda tried FDC but was short-lived and he opted for Mugisha Muntu where he was elected as Head of the youth until he was appointed Magistrate. His father, Hussein Matanda is a former RDC.

Hon. Justice Benjamin I Kabiito, the Chairperson JSC communicated that the appointments were the largest number of judicial officers ever appointed by the Commission in one go. They include 17 Males and 30 Female.

The recruitment is in fulfillment of the expanded Judiciary structure whose goal is to have Magistrate Grade Ones deployed at every county. This is to improve access to justice for People in a county and reduce litigation.

The appointments were an outcome of a JSC Meeting which was held on the 28th of October 2021, at the Commission’s headquarters in Kampala. The new appointees have undergone a series of competence tests as well as oral interviews by the Commission.

The appointed Grade one Magistrates are; Matanda Abubaker, Wemesa Caroline, Obol Conrad Oroya, Twongyeire Joshua, Olupot Pascal, Ariokot Esther Joyce, Tabaruka Rachael, Namankati Annet, Nassuna Sharon, Acidri Bridget, Agelun Winfred, Nangobi Jackie, Avako Specioza, Nalubowa Mary Goret, Tusasirwe Jonard, Nasasiira Bridget, Bamukunda Caroline Clinah, Ayola Angela, Okiror Edmund Okwi.

Others are; Muwonge William, Namwanje Rehmur, Nakazzi Mary Gorreti Nakazzi, Murungi Esther, Nyakato Moreen, Nyero Patrick, Magara Robert, Akello Rebecca, Wamimbi Jonathan, Kebirungi Natukunda Joy, Namudiba Sandra Agnes, Nakibuuka Fiona, Mayanja Philip Mukasa, Nanyanzi Pamela, Amongine Eva Oteu, Akoko Patrick, Kemigisha Millicent, Naluyima Victoria, Namayanja Victoria, Ochieng Yafesi, Wakayemba Martin, Kyoshabire Caroline, Afoyorwoth Winny Epiphany, Babu Waiswa, Opio Francis, Busulwa Ivan, Agumaasiimwe Damalie, Mazimwe Lilian.

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