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Bubulo Girls parents petition Church of Uganda over illegal lease of school land

By
Francisco Adongo
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Part of the contested school land that is fenced off.

 

Parents of Bubulo Girls in Manafwa district have petitioned the leadership of Church of Uganda over the continued leasing of land by school board members and officials of Mbale Diocese.

In a letter to the Archbishop of Church of  Uganda, the parents protest what they call illegal by a section of board members and church officials to lease seven acres to private investors at the expense of the school.

Bubulo Girls High School is one of the Church of Uganda traditional founded school in Manafwa which was formerly part of the greater Mbale district. The land under contestion was a donation from the community to the church.

“Having been successful with the first transaction of land lease which is said to have been blessed by the diocesan council, board devised another resolution to have about seven acres of land leased out and a notice was published and is hereby attached. We find this incoherent, hilarious and intriguing”.Ms Annette Webombesa an old student of the school wrote.

 

Below is the letter in full

 

To: Archbishop Church of Uganda, Through: Provincial Chancellor , Canon Barnard Tumusinguzi.
Dated: 18th October 2021.
Dear Sir.Ref: Fraudulent lease out of Church of Uganda land.

The above refers. We have been saddened with the manner to which Bubulo Girls High School (BGHS) land has been leased out. BGHS is a traditional church owned school in Manafwa district, Manafwa town council that has produced people of stature and status to the nation and internationally. With the construction of Lwakhakha road, the school was compensated by UNRA with Shs150 million which was taken by Mbale Diocese in lump sum to which we have no complaint.

It is important to also bring to your attention that the school enrollment is at its record lowest ever as the board is full of land brokers and investors than people with heart for school growth.
In the process of road construction, about three quarter acre of the school land was separated from the main school land. In the school board resolution to which we are not privy to, this part was leased out for 49 yrs at Shs90 million without advert, bidding or notice to the public under pretext that it was private land. This did not only ogre well but also cost the church money that would have resulted from the open and competitive bidding but also lack of transparency from an institution with a name to protect like Church of Uganda casts doubt and leaves room for criticism . One asks why the PPDA act processes and procedures were not borrowed and followed.

Having been successful with the first transaction of land lease which is said to have been blessed by the diocesan council, board devised another resolution to have about seven acres of land leased out and a notice was published and is hereby attached. We find this incoherent, hilarious and intriguing.
The speed at which board is leasing out school land has shocked, annoyed and caused public outcry. It is like there is no tomorrow. Successful bidders are not restricted on the type of business buildings to be put up. We therefore expect bars, lodges, betting houses, night clubs on church land. How do this activities bond with school activities? This is happening when local government has over 150 acres of land not yet distributed for development in the town council but rather it is the BGHS board much more interested in seeing development in the town council which has not yet attracted investors due to low return on investments. It is possible that the plots are going to be leased out or divided amongst some people picked by the board and shall take years to be developed hence incomplete structures acting as hideout for criminals who shall cause havoc and mayhem to our children on the school. The trajectory of things is not pleasing at all.

Let it be known to you that the chairman board is a synod member and head of finance at the diocese. The neutrality of the process at the diocesan council is not only questionable but highly doubted if it was without influence. Be as it may, the chairman board is a senior civil servant with Manafwa district local government audit department. The audit department at district level do audit government aided schools not only for proper use of funds but also ensuring that the set internal controls are adhered to and also check compliance and governance issues. Now how can one rule out conflict of interest in all these matters.
People who have rushed to take up the plots are those who have never had a child on the school or have denied their children from joining BGHS and are hence being rewarded for that. It is highly possible that formalisation of the already illegally leased out land may be undergoing to preempt this noble complaint.
On the basis of the above, we humbly demand as here under;
1. That the leasing process be halted till your respected office looks into this matter comprehensively.
2. That the church interests itself in monies so far received and how it was utilised.
3. Clarification is sought from your respected office as to how church land is leased and or sold to third parties. What is the role of House of Bishops in this?
4. That Church of Uganda protects it’s image and shows public that trustees of church property do hold it so for the Christians of Church of Uganda.
5. That the chairman board roles be assessed, investigated and where conflict of interest is presumed, he relinquishes board chair position .
6. That heinous acts executed in the leasing out of land to third parties if breached the norms, laws and canons of Church of Uganda, board be held responsible for the mess in its entirety.
7. That Church of Uganda pronounces it’s position on this matter to stop unnecessary anxiety, quarrels, conflicts and or fights. There is a lot of uncertainty and the community is in a precarious state.
We trust you will stand with the community to ensure that the images of the school and of Church of Uganda are protected by nullifying the sham transactions as above stated. Projects that mushroom during evening hours of term of office have in most cases proved suspect. Find attached photos of the leased out land.

God bless you
Annette Webombesa
Old student BGHS
Cc Provincial Secretary.

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Illicit alcohol consumption has increased mental illness – Report says

By
Simon Kabayo
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People enjoying local brew known as Ajono/Malwa.

The Uganda Alcohol Industry Association released a report recently showing that consumption of illicit alcohol is the leading cause of mental illness among many Ugandans.

The report was titled “Understanding and Sizing Illicit Alcohol Consumption in Uganda”. They released it from research done in 2021 by Euromonitor International.

According to this report, mental illness has rapidly increased in the previous one year.

“In the light of weak law enforcement, tracking and control, consumption of illicit alcoholic drinks is forecast to continue rising over the short to medium-term with spirits (high ABV %) being readily consumed, the most harmful. This could potentially lead to increasing number of deaths, associated disabilities and mental health problems among the population,” the report says.

According to this report, the volume of alcoholic drinks on the market increased by 65 per cent. Not only that but also consumption grew by 9 per cent in the last three years.

The report indicates that since there is no control over production of alcohol, consumption is hard to limit. This is because people can get it anywhere at their convenience.

The report, however, advises consumers to distinguish between illicit and legal alcohol.

“Consumers should be taught how to distinguish legal alcohol from the illicit one. As well as highlight risks associated with the consumption of illicit beverages. Encourage consumer reporting illicit alcohol production locations and points of sales; however, strictly on an anonymous basis,” the report says.

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Lumbuye finally set free, says NUP

By
Our Reporter
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Fred Lumbuye

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has said that their ardent supporter and blogger Fred Kajjubi Lumbuye has finally been set free from detention in Turkey after almost three months.

Lumbuye, who is a strong critic of the Ugandan government, was in August arrested at the embassy in Istanbul, Turkey where he had gone to renew his passport. Since then, controversy surrounded his mysterious disappearance and where he could be.

However, it was later revealed in September by the Kyadondo East MP Nkunyingi Muwada that Lumbuye was being held at Kocaeli Valiligi Foreigners Detention Centre in Turkey.

“I have this morning personally held a telephone conversation with FRED KAJUBI LUMBUYE. He is fine and well. He is out of Prison and thanked you all for the prayers and efforts. We shall keep you posted,” MP Nkunyingi Muwada said today.

NUP said; “We are glad to learn that after several months of being held under detention, comrade Lumbuye Fred has been finally set free. We are very grateful to the legal team, the diaspora team and all people of good will who did everything to ensure that Mr. Lumbuye regains his freedom.”

Upon his arrest in August, Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem confirmed that Lumbuye was to be deported to Uganda. However, he later backtracked when Lumbuye was not presented.

Later reports indicated that Lumbuye was detained at Gulu Air base barracks and later Nakasongola. Eagle Online could independently not verify the information by then since the army spokesperson Brig. Gen Flavia Byekwaso dismissed the reports.

According to the Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, he said Lumbuye will be leveled with 15 charges of spreading harmful information, inciting violence and protests plus other cyber-crimes.

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Former Press Secretary to Museveni, Hope Kivengere dead

By
Simon Kabayo
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RIP Hope Kivengere
Ms Hope Kivengere, former Press Secretary to President Yoweri Museveni has died.
She died at Nakasero Hospital
She served between 1986-2001 before she was replaced by Ms Mary Karooro Okurut, she is a daughter to Bishop Festo Kivengere a respected Anglican evangelist who helped build church through christian revival movement in South Western and in Uganda in general.
Senior Presidential Press Secretary, Linda Nabusayi announced her passing on describing her as a great civil servant.
“@KagutaMuseveni longest serving Press Secretary (1986-2001) Ms. Hope Kivengere has passed on from Nakasero Hospital. She always checked in on the Press whenever she was back home. We have lost a great civil servant. RIP Hope Kivengere” Ms Nabusayi said.

 

 

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Stay calm, we’re ready to protect you – Enanga responds to UK terror alert

By
Simon Kabayo
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CP Enanga

Following terror alerts from UK and French embassies, Uganda police force has called for calmness among the Ugandans.

The UK and the French Embassy, respectively issued travel advisories and terror alerts to their citizens intending to travel to Uganda and those in Uganda.

“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack,” part of UK statement read.

They further called upon them to be extra alert and vigilant as they go about their daily activities. Fred Enanga the Uganda Police spokesperson says as that the Joint Security Agencies, they do appreciate and take cognizance of the advisories to their respective citizens.

“Our Joint Counter Terror teams have subjected the respective alerts to a process of validation for specifics, to help determine whether these threats are imminent or not. These specifics are still not readily available,” Enanga said in a statement.

“In this very respect, they continue to review our security posture across the country which continues to be maintained as normal,” Enanga added.

He says the public should be rest assured that the threat levels and counter terror responses, are constantly under review.

“They should therefore, remain calm but vigilant. We wish to add that, in case they come across any suspicious behaviour or anything of public concern, they should alert the nearest security agency,” Enanga states.

Police adds that if they feel it necessary to heighten the threat level, during this period, they shall definitely do so.

“Our task teams do take the security and safety of all Ugandans and visitors in the country, as top priority. We have previously thwarted several plots, both foreign and domestic, since the double attack of 2010 in Kampala and will continue to jealously guard our country, from all forms of threats,” Enanga said.

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Jinja celebrates Mwiru’s court defeat by Nabeta

By
Our Reporter
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Paul Mwiru

The High Court in Jinja has ruled that National Resistance Movement’s Nathan Igeme Nabeta is the duly elected Member of Parliament for Jinja East.

Nabeta won the court case against his closest rival Paul Mwiru of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).

Residents in Jinja celebrated Mwiru’s court defeat accusing him of doing nothing for them during his time in Parliament.

Mwiru lost to Nabeta in the January 14th, 2021 polls. He petitioned Jinja High Court to overturn the victory of his rival, Nabeta who was declared the winner with a difference of 237 votes.

Mwiru obtained 5,580 votes against Nabeta’s 5,817 votes.

Mwiru claimed that the polls were marred with vote-rigging. Through his lawyer Edward Kyeyago, Mwiru said that Nabeta who doubles as the Jinja city NRM party chairperson connived with security operatives to frustrate his polling agents on Election Day.

He also faulted the Electoral Commission officials for conspiring with Nabeta to rob him of his victory even when the declaration of result forms showed that he actually won the polls.

Mwiru’s lawyer Kyeyago claimed they had all the necessary evidence implicating Nabeta and EC for conniving to overturn his client’s victory.

High Court Judge Issa Sserunkuma dismissed the petition with costs on grounds that Mwiru failed to adduce substantial evidence to support his claims.

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Shs14b lost as hackers cause damage across Ugandan banks

By
Simon Kabayo
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Hackers use computers to access banks' money systems

In the recently compiled figures by Interpol-Uganda, hackers have become more lethal during the current #Covid-19 pandemic era. Statistics on cyber-crimes contained in a report by Interpol director Charles Birungi indicates Shs14b were lost to fraudsters.

Interpol suggested that they have lost this money in more than 200 cases of hi-tech, international, and economic crimes. Of these, bank fraud, issuance of fake visas, and online business fraud topped the list.

A Police IT expert said hackers access bank systems every month. However, banks decide to stay silent so as not to cause panic among their clients. The policeman who preferred anonymity based on the fact that in the last twelve months, banks have lost over $3 million (about Shs10.9 billion).

“Of the $4 million (total) you are seeing, $3 million was recorded in just 10 cases of bank fraud. These banks were bold enough to come out and seek intervention in tracing for hackers based here and outside countries. But they don’t report a majority of the cases. They know if they keep reporting, people will feel insecure when their money is kept in the bank that is often hacked,’’ he said.

Paul Senoga, an IT expert agrees with the police that banks conceal a lot of information about their illegally accessed systems. He said the hackers keep on checking on the bank systems until eventually, they are able to access using malware.

As a solution, Senoga urges companies to always hire permanent and competent people who keep testing their own systems. He said this will purposefully help to spot loopholes early enough.

Once someone gains access to your bank account, they can transfer the money to anybody or any account they want. The banks have come with Apps to simplify banking but they are suffering. Money is being wiped off accounts. Banks are not just revealing what is happening but it’s huge,” Senoga said.

Citing an example of recent unauthorized access to Kyambogo University’s system where data for more than 2,500 students was deleted, CID spokesperson Charles Twiine, advises companies to avoid hiring outsiders to run their systems. He argues that a person who is not a permanent staff would disrupt the system once a disagreement erupts.

Apart from bank fraud that took a lion’s share of money lost to cyber kingpins, the issuance of fake visa came second with $542,500 (Shs1.9 billion). Online business fraud caused loss of $112,441 (over Shs 393 million), internet fraud caused losses of Shs300 million while email hacking caused a loss of Shs124 million.

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Bolt joins VAG Motors to ensure riders safety

By
Our Reporter
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Bolt

Bolt has entered a partnership with VAG Motors Limited to ensure safety of customers and riders.

Kampala-based VAG Motors is a licensed Bosch franchisee. The company is authorised to resell Bosch original parts and operate the Express Bosch Car Service and Bosch Module concept. Bosch is a German brand with a long history of high quality and reliable products.

Bolt is constantly evaluating their operations to make travel more affordable, convenient and safe.

According to Moses Mugerwa, the Operations Manager Bolt Uganda, the majority of the drivers drive vehicles daily. However, not everyone understands the significance of regular car checks and maintenance. Whether you have a brand new vehicle or one of the best models, it is critical to properly check and maintain it to ensure the safety of both the customer and the driver. For this reason, we’ve partnered with BOSCH service stations to run routine car checks (inspection) as a way of promoting safety.

VAG Motors has been supplying Bosch products for three years now. They offer car service and perform minor repairs and replacements of brakes, shocks, and plugs whenever necessary. With this partnership, Bolt drivers’ credibility will be enhanced, knowing their vehicles meet the safety and comfort standards required to provide a good service.

“We strive to be a one-stop-shop for vehicle convenience, as we will not only purchase genuine spare parts and oversee the supervision of workmanship to ensure that customers get their money’s worth. We are grateful that Bolt Uganda has chosen to partner with us in the move to improve safe road usage,” added Joana Zalwango, the Chief Operations Officer VAG Motors.

Since the start of the year, Bolt has continued to improve its safety initiatives, such as the share ride button, which allows you to share your ride, the SOS button for emergencies, and driver details confirmation upon request. Bolt is committed to doing its part to promote driver-partner and rider safety, awareness, and prevention.

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Shell launches lubricants educational campaign for motorists

By
Our Reporter
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Vivo Energy Uganda has launched a campaign to educate and empower motorists to make informed decisions about the best motor engine oils, championed by Shell’s high quality motor engine oils, Shell Helix and Shell Rimula.

“Many motorists don’t have any idea what the best oil for their vehicle is. More often than not, motor engine oil decisions are left to mechanics or are made on the basis of price. Unfortunately, this has long term implications for vehicles and can result in under performance or even damage that may be extremely costly to fix or irreparable. Through this campaign, we intend to empower customers to make decisions from a value based perspective. By understanding motor engine oils and understanding their benefits, you are then able to know which oil is best for your car,” said Moses Kebba, Marketing Manager, Vivo Energy Uganda.

The campaign will entail a series of countrywide auto clinics offering professional car diagnostics, attractive customer rewards and expert tips on car maintenance from credible and reputable authorities.

“For 14 years in a row, Shell has been ranked the world’s leading global lubricants supplier for offering top notch motor engine oils. Innovation, product application and technical collaboration are at the heart of Shell lubricants. Customer benefits include lower maintenance costs, longer equipment life and reduced energy consumption. Unfortunately, many of our motorists are not armed with the knowledge and understanding to make the right decisions regarding engine oils. Now is the time to change that,” Kebba said.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, race car rally driver Arthur Blick commended Shell for the initiative.

“As a motor sport professional, performance is of high importance and I am able to trust Shell due to technical alliances with top motor racing teams like Scuderia Ferrari and BMW Motorsport. These technical partnerships ensure the high quality of Shell product available on the racetrack.” he said

Shell has a history of innovation, investing significantly in research and development and using technical partnerships with the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Seven of the world’s 10 largest car manufacturers choose Shell as their main lubricants supplier. Shell has built successful commercial relationships with key global OEMs including BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Foton, Mahindra, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Wartsila, Geely, Hyundai, Komatsu, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Group, and others.

In addition to the planned engagements under the campaign, Lubes Specialists and Customer Champions are available at all Shell stations around the country to provide the relevant customer support.

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Former US secretary of state Colin Powell dies of #Covid-19 complications

By
Agencies
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Colin Powell

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell has died aged 84 of Covid-19 complications, his family has announced.

The Republican was a former top military officer who rose to become the first African-American secretary of state in 2000 under George W Bush.

Powell passed away Monday morning after receiving treatment at the Walter Reed National Medical Center in Maryland.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” a statement said.

“We want to thank the medical staff… for their caring treatment,” it said.

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