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Gov’t closes Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for inpatients over surging #Covid-19 cases

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Masaka Regional Referral Hospital

Government has closed Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for inpatients. The closure follows the surging cases of Covid-19 pandemic.

Uganda has 55511 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 403 deaths. So for over 600,000 doses of covid-19 have been administered to various categories of Ugandans including teachers, security personnel, Journalists and people with underlying health conditions.

According to a statement released by the Hospital management, the health facility will only receive referrals and critically ill patients.

“In the view of the current Covid-19 pandemic, Hospital management has decided to close Surgical Out Patient Department (OPD), diabetic and hypertension clinic, Paediatric OPD, Dental clinic and Eye clinic,” the hospital said in a statement.

Globally, there 174,061,995 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 3,758,560 deaths, reported to World Health Organisation (WHO). As of 10 June 2021, a total of 2,156,384,616 vaccine doses have been administered.

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FDC dismisses Joyce Ssebugwawo for accepting Museveni’s appointment

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Joyce Nabossa

The Forum for Democratic Party (FDC) Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat has revealed that Owek. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, formerly Deputy President accepted President Yoweri Museveni’s appointment as the Minister of State for Information Communication Technology and National Guidance.

On June 8, 2021 President Museveni named Mrs Ssebugwawo a minister following vast engagements. Recently, Museveni said he infiltrated the FDC party and they have been in close discussions with various party members.

“I can confirm that she has accepted the appointment and as a result has offended Article 12 of the FDC Constitution. She therefore ceases to be a member of FDC and has accordingly voluntarily relinquished her position as Deputy President,” Amuriat said.

Amuriat applauded Mrs Ssebugwawo for hard work, sacrifice and commitment in running the party over the last more than 20 years of her political life. “It is this political investment that she has out of her own volition chosen to abandon especially at this time when the struggle to free this country has reached a critical stage and requires all of us.”

He said that Mrs Ssebugwawo’s decision to leave the party to join Museveni’s government is purely personal and the organs of the FDC were never consulted. She joins former party members who earlier parted ways with FDC.

He appealed to people to desist from unnecessary attacks on the person of Owek. Joyce Naboosa Ssebugwawo as this does not add any value to FDC mission to capture power. The party will in the next two weeks appoint a caretaker Deputy President to replace her.

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Uganda’s first National E-waste Management Centre launched

By
Our Reporter
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National E-waste Management Centre launched

The National Steering Committee on e-Waste Management in Uganda comprising of the various stakeholders in the e-waste management value chain; NEMA, UCC, MoFED, NITA -U, UNBS, UIA, URA, KCCA and NEC launched a National Waste Management Centre on plot 66, 6th Street Industrial Area.

The function was opened by the Deputy Managing Director-National Enterprise Corporation-the commercial arm of Ministry of Defenceand Veteran Affairs/UPDF; Hon Maj Gen Innocent Oula.

The National E-Waste Management Centre shall be the main and pivotal E-waste management facility in the country managed by NEC with oversight, regulation and coordination by NEMA. Initially, the facility shall collect, sort, dismantle and dispose e-waste and shall progress towards a refurbishment and recycling facility. It is expected that regional collection centres shall be established to supplement the National Waste Manage centre.

The advantage with this set up is that it will ride on the expertise of already existing waste treatment and disposal facilities located in Nakasongola managed by the same facility, which also has high regard to security for the waste received.

Present at the function were: Dr. Tom O. Okurut-Executive Director-NEMA, Eng Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo-Ag Executive Director-UCC, Mr. Ebiru David-Executive Director-UNBS, representatives from URA, NITA-U, and senior management officers from different stakeholder organizations.

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RwandAir suspends flights to Uganda over #Covid-19 surge

By
Our Reporter
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RwandAir

RwandAir has announced the suspension of flights to and from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda with immediate effect.

“Due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in Uganda, RwandAir announces the suspension of its flights to Entebbe effective 10 June 2021, until further notice,” Rwanda’s national carrier said in a statement.

“RwandaAir sincerely apologizes for the inconveniences caused,” the statement further read.

The airline said that affected customers can rebook and fly at a later date, once flights resume, at no additional coast – or request a refund.

Uganda is experiencing a second wave of Covid-19 with the new confirmed positive cases and deaths on the rise in recent days, forcing the government to re-impose a partial lockdown for 42 days.

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Parliament approves increase in number of ministers

By
Our Reporter
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Parliament of Uganda

Parliament has approved the increase a motion that will allow the President to increase the number of ministers from 79 to 80 in order to cater for the portfolio of the elderly.

The Constitution under Articles 113 (2) and 114 (3) gives the prerogative to the president to increase the number of ministers with the approval of Parliament.

Whereas the motion was initially opposed by by some MPs on the basis of saving, majority of legislators supported the move by the President to have the elderly represented in cabinet.

West Budama North East MP, Hon Fox Odoi Oyweloyo who moved the motion, said that for effective running of the state, the president needs a minister to champion the issues affecting the elderly.

“The current population is above 45 million people; the view of the president is that there must be per capita increase in the number of ministers to service effectively the growth in our population,” Fox Odoi Oywelowo said.

Kwania County MP, Hon Tonny Ayoo said he has been approached by the elderly on their plight and says this is timely. “I have been meeting the elderly and they told me that when I get to parliament, I think about their plight; they said we pay taxes but when we grow up we are neglected,” he said. Oyam District Woman MP, Hon Santa Alum said the elderly is a unique interest group with unique challenges which she said necessitates representation in cabinet.

“We need a minister who will focus his or her mind on the issues that affect the elders of this country. One way we can do it is to permit the president to add one more position,” said Santa Alum.

Hon Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo District) said that the elderly have been neglected in the legal frameworks since 1995.

“When we were debating the 1995 Constitution, we did not realize the unique needs of the elderly. It is important to have legal frameworks and legislations supporting them,” she said adding that, ‘you know there are many people who have reached the age of 65 and are suffering. There is no legal requirement that takes care of their needs’.

Legislators opposed to the motion said the cost of sustaining ministers puts pressure on the already weak economy. “Most parliaments are discussing how to revert the recession caused by the covid pandemic but here we are discussing how to increase the number of ministers. Experience shows that increasing the cabinet will increase the burden on the tax payer,” said Hon John Baptist Nambeshe (NUP, Manjiya County).

He added Uganda should take the example of the former Tanzania President, John Magufuli who operated with only 19 ministers and was able to elevate Tanzania to a middle income status in one presidential term.

Jinja South MP, Hon Timothy Batuwa said the effect of Covid on the economy is great adding that any other should be deferred to a time when Covid has been dealt with.

“So many things have been affected; the working time has been reduced, the education system and businesses are under performing, I propose that we at the moment permit only 21 cabinet ministers as it is in the constitution,” Batuwa said.

Hon Gilbert Olanya (FDC, Kilak South) said that Parliament should instead focus on how to mitigate the pressure on the economy emanating from the Covid lockdown.

“Given the situation as it is, it is not viable for Parliament increase the number of ministers. Right now the economy is down, in hospitals there are no oxygen cylinders, people are dying,” Olanya said.

Kalungu West MP, Hon Joseph Ssewungu said there is no evidence that an increase in the number of ministers meets the increase in demand of the population.

“I have been in this Parliament, ministers are rarely available; some of them have never laid a statement in Parliament.  80 ministers is an additional cost to government,” Ssewungu said.

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FY 2021/22 Budget: Gov’t to introduce excise duty of 12% on airtime and data

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Minister of State for Finance Planning and Economic and Development Amos Lugolobi

The Minister of State for Finance Planning and Economic and Development Amos Lugolobi has revealed that the government is set to introduce an excise duty rate of 12 percent on airtime and data bundles to widen the tax base in the country.

The Minister said during the presentation of the Financial Year 2021/22 budget at Kololo independence grounds.

In May this year, Parliament approved a Shs44.7 trillion budget for the 2021/2022 financial year. The Budget saw Shs714 billion decrease for the first time compared to the approved resource envelope of 2020/2021. The drop this financial year is largely attributed to the projected decrease of Shs2.4 billion in external financing for project support.

“Rationalize the Excise Duty regime on telecommunication services by  scrapping the excise duty on Over the Top (OTT) and introduce a  harmonized excise duty rate of 12 percent on airtime, value-added services  and internet data excluding data for provision of medical services and  the provision of education services,” the minister said.

“The domestic revenue for next financial year is projected at Shs22.425 trillion compared to a projected outturn of Shs 19.432 trillion in FY 2020/21. The increase in tax collections will be realized from an improvement in the level of economic activity, increased efficiency in tax collection by URA through strengthening compliance and enforcement, as well as new tax measures and administration reforms,” he said.

The increase in tax collections will be realized from an improvement in the level of economic activity, increased efficiency in tax collection by URA through strengthening compliance and enforcement, as well as new tax measures and administration reforms.

He said the government will reform taxation of rental income to remove the incentive for non-individual rental taxpayers to claim unrestricted deductions which significantly reduce their tax contribution.

“Next financial year, government will introduce an export levy of 7 percent on the value of fish maw exports, impose an export levy of 5 percent and 10 percent on processed and unprocessed gold and other minerals respectively,” he said.

The minister urged URA to enhance data analysis through interfaces with other Government information systems to enhance taxpayer compliance and enforce tax compliance using the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) and Digital Tax Stamps.

“URA should enforce enhanced licensing requirements for clearing and tax agents and bond operators and improve detection of smugglers using non-intrusive inspection equipment and close all bonded houses for imported sugar for re-export to avoid declaration and misclassification,” he said.

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Parliament constitutes Appointments Committee to vet Alupo and Nabbanja

By
Our Reporter
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Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah

Parliament has constituted the members of the Appointments Committee that will approve or decline all presidential designations. The committee was constituted during the fourth sitting of the first Meeting of the first session of the 11th Parliament of Uganda.

The 25 committee Members consists majorly National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs and at least two members from each political party which has representatives in the 11th parliament.

The committee will first vet the newly appointed Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja. The two are scheduled to be vetted today.

According to the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) will be represented by the former leader of opposition in parliament Betty Aol Ocan and Isaias Ssasaga.

The Opposition Chief Whip John Baptist Nambeshe, Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu and Nalule Aisha Kabanda will represent the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Lt Gen Peter Elwelu will represent the Uganda People Defence Forces (UPDF), Alum Santa Sandra will be the Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC), Basalirwa Asuman and Santa Okot will represent JEEMA. Peter Okot will represent Democratic Party (DP).

The story will be updated to Include NRM representatives.

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Ministry of Education issues directives on school fees

By
Our Reporter
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Pupils of City Parents at their school.

The Ministry of Education has issued directives that must be followed by schools when collecting school fees from parents when the term reopens.

President Museveni on Sunday closed all institutions of learning for 42 days as one of the measures to help in the control of the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement from the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alex Kakooza, Senior one and Senior two learners will report and complete the remaining part of the term without paying additional fees, in case they had already completed the interrupted term’s fees.

He says that Primary one, Primary two and Primary three will pay the fees for a normal term, when they report for the academic year 2020.

Students who were expected to report on June 7, for a special term P.6, S.3 and S.5 will report and pay fees proportionate to the shorter term.

“For avoidance of doubt, no school should charge more than 60 per cent of the previous terms’ fees for this special term of seven weeks,” Mr Kakooza said.

Universities and other tertiary institutions have been advised to strengthen online studies and work closely with the National Council for Higher Education to ensure successful completion of ongoing semester programs.

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Police raids Levels Lounge, arrests 36

By
Our Reporter
-
Police raids Levels Lounge, arrest 36

Police in Kampala on Wednesday night raided Levels Lounge in Kamwokya for violation the Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures set by the government.

The Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire confirmed that 36 revelers were arrested in the raid.

“The territorial Police at Kampala Metropolitan has conducted an operation and a total of 36 revellers have been arrested from Levels Lounge Located in Kamwokya,” Luke Owoyesigire said.

The suspects include 14 women and 22 men. They are currently detained at Kiira Road Police station on allegations of doing a negligent act likely to spread an infection of disease. “We shall arraign them in court for penalties, as we await the fine structure from the Ministry of Finance,” he added.

Meanwhile, 50 people were last night also arrested from the Garage bar located in Ntinda Kigowa after a tipoff.

They are currently detained at different police stations in the division and will also be arraigned in court today for fines.

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#Covid-19: UAE bans entry of travellers from Uganda

By
Our Reporter
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UAE bans entry of travellers from Uganda

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will bar entry to travelers from Uganda effective June 11, 2021, a foreign ministry statement said on Wednesday.

Uganda is currently facing a second wave of the pandemic, which is more deadly and devastating. Health experts say the wave is worse than the first one since it is more transmissible and affecting young people.

The government recently reinstated some of the lockdown measures to contain the second wave of the pandemic.

Other affected countries banned from entry into UAE are Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and the General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the suspension of entry for travelers from Zambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda on all flights on national and foreign carriers, as well as for transit passengers coming from these countries, starting 11/06/2021,” UAE said in a statement.

“Flights between the three countries will continue to allow the transport of passengers from the UAE to Zambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda and the transfer of exempted groups from these countries to the UAE who have applied for exemption.”

“The General Authority of Civil Aviation called upon all travelers affected by the decision to contact the relevant airlines to reschedule their flights and ensure their safe return to their final destinations without delay.”

The measure applies to transit passengers, in addition to passengers who have traveled through these countries in the last 14 days prior to their arrival into the UAE.

Emirates citizens, diplomatic passport holders, and official delegations are exempt from the measures.

Transit flights from the UAE to the affected countries, in addition to cargo flights, will continue to operate.

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