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Defence Minister Ssempijja commends UPDF for stabilizing Karamoja sub-region

By
Simon Kabayo
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Hon_Ssempijja

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Vincent Ssempijja Bamulangaki on Wednesday commended Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces for restoring Peace and Security in Karamoja sub region. This was during the meeting held at Ministry of Defence and Veteran’s Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, intended to create solutions for sustainable security and development in Karamoja region.

Hon Sempijja hailed UPDF for the role played in enhancing security, stability and social economic transformation of Karamoja region. “I salute UPDF for recovering guns from warriors and bringing back stolen cattle to rightful owners,” the minister added.

He said that the launch of disarmament operation code named “Usalama Kwa Wote” has helped government recover many illegal guns which has improved the security and stability in

Minister Ssempijja also stressed the need to transform the region into one of the economic booming regions in Uganda by improving livelihood of people through Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), disarmament, Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government programs.

He encouraged leaders to support Parish development model for the benefit of Ugandans and work as coordinated team to pacify the region.

The Minister for Karamoja Affairs Dr Maria Goretti Kimono Kitutu, in her presentation said there is need to strengthen regional integration and cooperation as a means of addressing cross-border raids, conflict and illicit Arms trafficking and facilitate cross-border trade.

She noted that there is a need to review and make efficient the current service delivery mechanisms to ensure they are fast and relevant like priotizing Karamoja region for infrastructure development programs under Health, Education, Works, Water and Agriculture sectors among others.

Dr. Kitutu also revealed that Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) should be strengthened. Adding that this will improve relations with elders, religious leaders, youth and women organisations, peace committees, and other relevant stake holders.

In her concluding remarks, she said peace and development are two sides of the same coin adding that there can be no peace without development and there can be no development without peace.

“It is our historical mission to transform Uganda from a subsistence economy to a modern, peaceful, industrial and transformed society by unlocking Karamoja’s vast potential in order to beacon a new era in its history as we move towards Vision 2040.

The Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi said there’s heightened security in the region and this has led to peace and stability. He called upon other stakeholders to work with UPDF effort in order to establish peace for social economic transformation in the region.

Gen Mbadi urged for mindset change because of the Karimajong’s cultural, traditional and geographical location. He also thanked leaders of Operation Wealth Creation for the role played in transforming the Karamoja region and the whole country at large.

The Chairperson for Karamoja Parliamentary Committee Remigio Achia thanked government of Uganda and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces for the deployment in the region which has stablised the region.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Defence in charge of General Duties Jacob Marksons Oboth, Minister of State for Defence incharge of Veteran Affairs, State Minister for Ethics and Integrity Rose Akello, Chief Coordinator Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Abel Akandwanaho alias Gen Salim Saleh, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Mrs Rosette Byengoma, Chairperson National Planning Authority Mrs Pamera, UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Chief Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Matsiko, Members of Parliament from Karamoja region, officials from Operation Wealth Creation, Senior officers of UPDF, among others.

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WHO approves malaria vaccine for children in sub-Saharan Africa

By
Geoffery Serugo
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World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended widespread use of malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa.

The recommendation is based on results from an ongoing pilot programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that has reached more than 800 000 children since 2019.

“This is a historic moment. The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Using this vaccine on top of existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year.”

Malaria remains a primary cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 260,000 African children under the age of five die from malaria annually.

In recent years, WHO and its partners have been reporting stagnation in progress against the deadly disease.

“For centuries, malaria has stalked sub-Saharan Africa, causing immense personal suffering,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We have long hoped for an effective malaria vaccine and now for the first time ever, we have such a vaccine recommended for widespread use. Today’s recommendation offers a glimmer of hope for the continent which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease and we expect many more African children to be protected from malaria and grow into healthy adults.”

WHO recommends that in the context of comprehensive malaria vaccine is used for the prevention of P. falciparum malaria in children living in regions with moderate to high transmission as defined by WHO.  Malaria vaccine should be provided in a schedule of 4 doses in children from 5 months of age for the reduction of malaria disease and burden.

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Museveni applauds MTN’s decision to float 20% of its shares on Uganda Securities Exchange

By
Simon Kabayo
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President Museveni MTN Group at State House.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded MTN Uganda for its decision to float 20 per cent of its shares on Uganda Securities Exchange (USE).

“Localisation is very important. It removes nationalism in business where all people become partners,” he said adding “I announce MTN’s intention to float 20 per cent of its issued shares through an Initial Public Offer (IPO) of existing ordinary shares, a process which has already been approved by Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Uganda,” MTN Chairman Charles Mbire said on Wednesday.

“I met leaders of the MTN Group led by their chairman Mcebisi Jonas. The meeting comes just days after MTN Uganda arrived at an internal decision to float their shares.  Now, these people have also told me of their plan to invest US$300m in network expansion in the next three years,” Museveni said.

Museveni said: “I am very happy with the localization strategy of giving shares to Ugandans. It is very important. Ugandans will now be partners in all the activities of MTN.”

MTN Uganda recently announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offer (IPO) and subsequently list on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE).

According to the telecom, this follows the requisite approval by the Capital Markets Authority and Uganda Securities Exchange for MTN Group to sell 20% of its shareholding in MTN Uganda to the public. MTN Group owns 96% of MTN Uganda.

The listing is in line with the Group’s strategic priority to create shared value, partly through ensuring broad-based ownership in its operating subsidiaries. It is also in line with the provisions of MTN Uganda’s NTO licence, which require its listing by end-June 2022.

The Chairperson of MTN Mr. Mcebisi informed President Yoweri Museveni that they have made tremendous progress in the localization strategy that will see Ugandans acquire shares as the company aims at ensuring that MTN is owned by the people of Uganda.

“The localization process has started to ensure that MTN is owned by Ugandans. The overall new strategy is that as a company, it is owned by Africans,” he said.

He further announced that key positions are currently manned by Ugandans including that of CEO MTN in South Sudan.

He also said that MTN is committed to stay in Uganda and is set to invest US$ 300 million in the next three years.

The Chairperson also promised to contribute vaccines against #Covid-19 pandemic as well as roll out services to the people in rural areas.

In 2019 President Museveni urged MTN Uganda to list on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) so that some of the revenue stays in the country as opposed to all moving out. At that time National Social Security Fund (NSSF) had acquired 4 percent of the shares and the Fund remains a potential purchase of the extra stake.

Last year June, 2020, the Government of Uganda through Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) renewed the National Telecommunication Operator Licence of MTN Uganda and thus extended its stay in Uganda on condition that they would sell 20 percent of its shares to the public of Uganda.

MTN Uganda was first granted a Second National Operator License for the provision of telecommunications services on October 20, 1998 for a period of 20 years. The telecommunication giant paid $100 million for renewal of the license for 12 years.

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Dfcu Bank to waiver interest on loans extended to its long-standing customers

By
Our Reporter
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Phillipa Nanyondo Byamah

Dfcu Bank has announced an initiative to support its customers with repayment of loans during Covid-19 pandemic.

Phillipa Nanyondo Byamah, Senior Manager -Special Asset Management, Credit at dfcu said the bank is offering waivers on interest to our long-standing customers to help ease the process of repayment and enable them to clear their outstanding debts.

“As a Bank, we recognize the challenges that our customers have faced, starting with the outbreak of the pandemic last year. Our role is to be an enabler to recovery for our clients whether that be individuals or businesses.” she said

dfcu Online Q & A for settlement proposal with Phillipa Nanyondo Byamah

1.dfcu Bank is offering waivers on interest to ease loan repayment for customers – please expound on this.

With this initiative, we are offering waivers on interest to our long-standing customers who have loans with us, to help ease the process of repayment and enable them to clear their outstanding debts.

2.What is the reason for this offer/ why is dfcu Bank taking this step for its customers?

As a Bank, we recognize the challenges that our customers have faced, starting with the outbreak of the pandemic last year. Our role is to be an enabler to recovery for our clients whether that be individuals or businesses.

The concessions we are offering specifically cut down on loan interest amounts, allowing our borrowers to get out of debt faster and in a less strenuous manner.

Additionally, clearing these payments will allow customers to acquire full clearance from dfcu Bank which also aids in clearing of their Credit Reference Bureau records (CRB).

  1. How long will this offer last?

This offer will run for three (3) months starting in October up to the end of the year.

  1. Is this offer open to all customers who currently have loans with dfcu Bank?

Currently, we are reaching customers whose debts extend beyond 455 days past their due dates. We’re also targeting offering this to customers who have Unsecured Loans with us.

  1. In what ways does a dfcu Bank customer, who has an unpaid loan, benefit from taking up this initiative?

Any customer who takes up this initiative will be enabled to clear up their debts faster than they would have. With a waiver from the bank, repayment becomes easier, and the pressure is taken off the customers. We believe that at a time when a number of people are struggling financially, being able to spend less even in loan repayment is a welcome intervention.

  1. What happens after a customer expresses interest in this offering?

Firstly, customers can express interest in writing, via email or even by visiting any of our branches countrywide.

Our teams will then work out the outstanding debt and importantly, be able to show the customer how much will be waived off by the Bank and the amount that will be subject to repayment. Customers who will be making lump sum payments will consequently receive a better/higher waiver than customers who choose to make multiple payments over a longer period of time.

  1. How is dfcu Bank supporting other customers who have loans with the Bank but are not eligible for this repayment initiative?

In line with the guidelines issued by the Bank of Uganda (BoU), we have assisted customers in getting moratoriums on their loans – a process that we started last year. Many customers who were eligible for this took on restructures and received significant relief for their loans’ repayment.

We also restructured the loan facilities of many clients, giving them room to make phased payments that matched their new financial positions.

Customers who may not be in the above category but would want to make one-off payments including those that might be having secured loans with us, will be reviewed, and addressed on a case-by-case basis.

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EC set to conduct Kayunga LCV by-election and Special Interest Groups elections

By
Geoffery Serugo
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EC chairperson Byabakama

The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) is set to hold Kayunga District LCV by-election and elections of Special Interests Groups (SIGs).

According to Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the electoral body, the Special Interests Groups elections will be held on 16th December 2021 while the Kayunga District LC V by-election will be held on the 17th December 2021.

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. His death happened at a time when he was battling to have people compensated for investments on forest land in Galiraya.

“The election process will kick 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,” reads in part of the statement released by Justice Byabakama.

According to the statement released by Justice Byabakama, candidates will be nominated on the 29th and 30th of November 2021. The campaigns will kick off on December 4th to 14th.

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Design Hackathon to drive innovation among youth

By
Our Reporter
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Hackathon to drive innovation among youth

Garage48 in partnership with The Innovation Village, with support from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Development Cooperation, has organized a 2-round series of design hackathons happening this year and October 2022, next year.

The two design hackathons are a part of the EU: Africa They Journey 2021 and 2022 editions, an African-European online hackathon program with the goal to empower local talent in digital design and prototyping skills in preparation to enter the technology and startup sector.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt industries across the globe, it has created opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs to produce as well as serve customers in novel ways. However, these new ways require building a culture of innovation as well as empowering youthful people with the skills key in transforming the sectors that drive the Uganda’s soci0-economic transformation.

The five-day program will provide talented youth with the right skills in digital design, user experience fundamentals, branding and prototyping to empower and prepare them with the right skillset to secure jobs in the technology sector.

Speaking during the media briefing at The Innovation Village, Kadri Aguraijuja, the Chief Operating Officer at Garage48 said hackathons are very crucial to the technology ecosystem because they enable programmers to develop solutions to the urgent socio-economic challenges affecting communities.

A report by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on culture and sustainable development in 2020 found that creative industries which include design, stimulate innovation and are critical to attaining the sustainable development agenda. They are the most dynamic sectors in the world economy and generate approximately $2.25 billion in revenue and 29.5 million jobs annually.

In Uganda, the skills gap is one of the major challenges faced by young people. With over 700,000 youth entering the job market annually and competing for only 9,000 jobs, it’s imperative that the skills that the youth get in this training improve their thought process as well as enable them to adapt to the changing context of work and entrepreneurship.

“Uganda is a very entrepreneurial country and the youth have huge potential to make a positive impact in shaping the future of the start-up ecosystem towards the desired direction for development and growth. They are knowledge-driven and essential change-makers in enriching the startup ecosystem with new ideas, contributing to new businesses, and creating jobs. Digital skills and design thinking are the key elements required to make an entry into the startup world.” Kadri added.

Samantha Niyonsaba Karama, Lead Future Lab at The Innovation Village said the hackathon speaks to the need for innovators to have knowledge and relevant platforms that enable them to ideate and develop solutions to societal problems.

“The role of The Innovation Village is to identify and bring together the local ecosystem comprising of entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporations, government, and individuals to collaborate with the aim of bringing about meaningful change and fostering innovation among players. We partnered with Garage48 to leverage their expertise and mentorship skills to educate and guide the participants during the hackathon,” she said.

The participating teams will be mentored and given the opportunity to develop solutions and pitch their ideas to design experts. These solutions will be judged based on consistency, originality, socio-economic value, design and commercialization opportunity according to Niyonsaba.

“Winners from the hackathon will join other participants in the EU: Africa the Journey hackathon program, an African-European online hackathon program aimed at bringing together digital enthusiasts from both continents. These will compete for a 100 000€ prize fund and a chance to undergo a 2-month long digital acceleration program,” Niyonsaba said.

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Fans to return to stadiums for 2021/22 UPL season

By
Our Reporter
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UPL logo

Football fans are set return to the stadiums when the 2021/22 StarTimes Uganda Premier League kicks off.

The campaign gets underway on October 15th with champions Express against newcomers Arua Hills headlining the three games on the day.

However, only 200 fans will be allowed to access stadiums and clubs must seek written permission from the federation.

FUFA deputy CEO in charge of Football Decolas Kiiza said: “As Fufa, we are happy with StarTimes for ensuring league is up and running even during the Covid times,” he stated.

“For now, we shall have 200 spectators in stadiums. However they are restricted on movement in the stadium. We are still discussing internally and with government whether vaccinated people are just allowed to watch games but as of now, PCR test is a must for zones 1 and 2.”

“We hope government should help increase numbers in stands from 200 fans. For example, a stadium with a capacity of 10,000 fans can’t have same numbers like a church or mosque whose capacity is sometimes less than even 200,” Kiiza added.

Nevertheless, clubs must have clearance from FUFA if they want to have fans and must follow all guidelines and protocols as per Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation.

Fufa Super League Board Member Peter Kibazo said there are five clubs that are yet to confirm their host stadiums and he hopes all is sorted.

The target is to have 120 games on TV in the league and a good number in the Fufa Big League.

The 2021/22 season launch happened at Kati Kati Resturant in Kampala was attended by league official broadcast partners StarTimes Marketing and Brand Manager Hassan Lule, Fufa Super League Board Member, Peter Kibazo and UPL CEO Bernard Bainamani.

Busoga United are not on the fixtures yet but UPL remain hopeful they will fill their obligations and be part of the forthcoming campaign.

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UNICEF develops innovative Oxygen Plant-in-a Box package

By
Our Reporter
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UNICEF develops innovative Oxygen Plant-in-a Box package

UNICEF has developed an innovative Oxygen Plant-in-a Box package in response to help countries rapidly increase their oxygen producing capacity at hospitals and health clinic during the outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic

Dubbed Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box package, plant package includes everything needed to produce large volumes of medical grade oxygen for patients, including accessories supplied in the right quantities, installation of equipment, and pre-planned maintenance services.

Each plant has the capacity to produce up to 720,000 litres of oxygen per day, capable of supplying the oxygen needs of about 50-60 COVID-19 patients round the clock or more than 100 children with severe pneumonia.

“Oxygen plants are complex goods that can take six months or longer to design and order,” said Kristoffer Gandrup-Marino, Chief of Product Innovation at UNICEF Supply Division.

“That is why we developed this off-the-shelf package. Pre-designed plants make these products cheaper, and able to arrive in country much, much faster, ultimately meaning we can save more lives at this critical time.”

“The Oxygen Plant-in-a-box will play a crucial role in increasing access to medical oxygen, for COVID-19 patients as well as young children with severe pneumonia  a disease which still kills a child every 39 seconds, despite being preventable and treatable,” said Kristoffer Gandrup-Marino, Chief of Product Innovation at UNICEF Supply Division.

The first four Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box packages have been ordered by UNICEF Uganda and will soon be on their way to health facilities across the country, including in the cities of Masaka, Kabale and Jinja.

Like much of the world, the overwhelming number of COVID-19 patients in need of oxygen therapy has far outstripped existing capacity at many facilities in Uganda.

“COVID-19 has put enormous pressure on health care facilities across Uganda, particularly in terms of oxygen production capacity. Without available oxygen we know COVID-19 patients are not surviving who otherwise could be saved,” said Laura Siegrist Fouché, Deputy Representative, Operations, UNICEF Uganda.

“Even major hospitals in the country have not been able to provide enough oxygen in recent months. There have been reports of many patients needing to be taken off oxygen so the scarce supplies could be given to patients in more critical conditions.”

“These plants will be crucial to help the Government meet oxygen needs for COVID-19, with the country needing an estimated 8,000 cylinders of oxygen daily. Long term, we know they will also be able to be integrated into the health system to provide medical care for children with pneumonia, premature newborns, or patients undergoing surgery, saving thousands of lives.”

Many more plants are expected to be ordered by other countries globally within the coming months, with the ACT-A SFF continuing to support equitable access to COVID-19 supplies, including life-saving oxygen

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Judiciary transfers, deploys 13 High Court Judges

By
Simon Kabayo
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Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija

A total of 13 judges of the High Court have been moved in the latest transfers and new developments by the Judiciary.

According to the transfers by the Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija, Justice Duncan Gaswaga who has been at the Commercial Court has been sent to Lira High Court as the Resident Judge whereas Lady Justice Elizabeth Kabanda has been transferred from Mukono to the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala.

The changes have also seen Lady Justice Elizabeth Jane Alivdiza who has been the Senior Resident Judge for Fort Portal has been moved to the Internal Crimes Division whereas Lady Justice Dr. Winfred Nabisinde has been moved as the Jinja High Court Resident Judge to head the Jinja High Court circuit.

Lady Justice Cornelia Kakooza Sabiiti who has been at the Land Division has been moved to the Commercial Division of the High Court whereas Justice Isaac Muwata has been moved from the Lira High Court to the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala.

Also in the changes, Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo has been moved to head the High Court circuit in Fort Portal whereas Justice Victoria N.N.Katamba is now the head of Masaka High Court Circuit.

The latest changes have also seen the newly appointed judges deployed by the Judiciary.

Among those deployed is Justice Tom Chemutai who has been sent to Jinja as the Resident Judge for the High Court, Lady Justice Florence Nakacwa is now the Resident Judge for Mukono High Court, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze is now the Resident Judge for the Masaka High Court, Justice Vincent Wagona to Fort Portal as the High Court Resident Judge and Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi deployed to the Family Division of the High Court.

“The deployment of the newly appointed judges takes immediate effect while the transfers are effective November, 8, 2021,” Zeija said.

He however, asked judges on transfer to complete matters in advanced stages at their current stations before relocation to new stations and that they should not take on new matters.

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EAC forces are key players in integration process – Gen. Kyanda

By
Simon Kabayo
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Gen. Kyanda

The Joint Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda has called upon the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces troops to demonstrate Uganda’s firm belief in integration as a strategy for strategic security in the region and to be cognizant of the direction of our strategic leaders.

Maj Gen Kyanda was speaking at the Defence Ministry Headquarters, Mbuya at the flagging off ceremony of the Ugandan Contingent traveling to Kenya for the East Africa Community Armed Forces Civil-Military Activities.

These activities are scheduled to run from the 8-14 Oct 2021 and are a precursor to the Kenya Defence Forces day commonly known as “Madaraka” Day.

Maj Gen Kyanda said that CIMIC activities are a testimony of further strengthening the cause of the East African Community Unity, Common Defence Security, Peace and Development emphasizing that the East African people look up to the Armed Forces as frontline partners in the struggle for prosperity of our region for a common good.

The Chief of Chieftaincy of Civil Military Co-operation and the contingent Commander of Uganda, Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande said that the purpose of Uganda’s participation is to show the East African people that the partner states Forces are pace setters towards achieving integration and added that the CIMIC activities will cover areas of medical outreaches and minor engineering works.

This is the 3rd EAC CIMIC Defence Forces week in accordance with the EAC Defence sector calendar of activities.

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