President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that traffic officers on duty will be armed or paired with armed colleagues.
Mr Museveni said as measure to deter errant road users that are stopped by men on the road but refuse to adhere to directives.
“Actually they (attackers) met a traffic officer, he stopped them, they refused but he wasn’t armed . Now traffic officers will be armed or paired with armed people” He said.
The president’s revelation is in connection to the incident in which outgoing Works and Transport Minister , Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala survived an assassination attempt early last week when assassins moving on two motorcycles attacked his vehicle on Kisota road-Kisaasi and shot at and and injured him as his driver and daughter were killed instantly.
The president said the assassins had been stopped by the traffic officer but they ignore his orders because he wasn’t armed.
“The general if not allowed he can be attacked and that is it he isn’t well protected. For the case of he didn’t have a lead car”.
Museveni also used the #Covid-19 address to reveal that he had appointed a new leadership led by Maj. Gen. Robert Rusoke and Monica Musenero to leader the #Covid-19 taskforce.
“I had appointed appointed Maj. Gen. Muheesi (Geoffrey Baraba) but i was told he is indisposed I now appoint Maj. Gen.Rusoke (Robert) and Musenero (Dr Monica) are the ones in charge of the taskforce. I had appointed Kyanda (Maj.Gen.Leopard) but those should go back to the barracks”.
Gen Rusoke has previously served as the Uganda’s Ambassador to Juba and Joint Chief of Staff of Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya.
Kyambogo University has lost a staff and a student to #Covid-19.
The two are Doreen Mirembe Juliet a second year student of Bachelor of Teacher Education, who has been in Intensive Care Unit-ICU at Victoria Hospital in Bukoto and Atwine Sharon, a nursery teacher, in the Department of Psychology.
According to the Director Human Resource, Richard Keuber Manano, in his communication to Kyambogo University community, Atwine was buried to day Sunday June 2021 in Kabingo Rwanshetsya Bushenyi District.
The #Covid-19 deaths have come at a time when the University witnessed a shocking spike in #Covid-19 infections amongst the students.
Recently, the University Management, followed advice from a team of health experts led by Dr. Monica Musenero -Senior Presidential Adviser on Epidemics and Pandemic and suspended all the physical classes and other activities for a period of two weeks.
Professor Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, Kyambogo Vice Chancellor while addressing the media last week about the #Covid-19 situation, said that the management was worried because of the overwhelming numbers of cases and that most students had cough and flu.
Prof. Katunguka further said that there was a failure by most Kyambogo community members to adhere to #Covid-19 SOPs, adding that “there is no one who can access Kyambogo premises without a mask and washing hands, however, when they reach inside, they pocket their mask which is dangerous”.
Grace Meregurwa the Director of Health Services at Kyambogo University, last week announced that they had over 50 #Covid-19 positive cases of students and eight- eight #Covid-19 positive cases of staff and no death had been reported.
President Yoweri Museveni has announced a new set of measures aimed at curtailing the spread of #Covid-19 and key among them is the closure of schools, churches and suspension of public transport between up-country districts except Kampala, Wakiso and Entebbe.
Museveni said the most infected age groups are people aged 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49 while 70-790 and 80 plus are less infected in the second wave that has hit the country in just two weeks as compared to four months in the first wave.
“All schools and other tertiary institutions are closed for 42 days effective tomorrow June 7. All teachers are to fully get vaccinated before they are accepted back in school” the president said while adding “Communal prayers in churches and mosques are suspended including open air churches for 42 days but online prayers are encouraged.
The president further banned public gatherings for cultural and any other except for cabinet and legislative arms of government. He also banned travel to countries that are listed in category A by World Health organisation and apparently, it is only India in this category. He however, said for those ugandans returning home, they are allowed.
Agricultural activities such as farming, grazing factory work are allowed but observing SOPs. He disclosed that the #Covid-19 committee had persuaded him to close Malls and Supermarkets but he has allowed malls and supermarkets to operate with a view that they respect and observe SOPs but again warned that he has given the one week if they don’t, he will close them.
Marriage ceremonies and other parties are allowed by strictly with 20 persons and with close observation of SOPs
“House parties aren’t allowed and burial are allowed but with 20 people. Weekly markets are suspended for 42 days”
Museveni also revealed that as opposed to the current method of arresting and charging violators of #Covid-19 , this time the committee resolved that the violators pay through express penalty.
Control Measures
Schools closed for 42 days effective tomorrow
Churches, mosques and open air worship closed for 42 days
All teachers to get vaccinated before returning to school
Public, cultural gatherings and conferences suspended for 42 days
Travel from category A countries remain suspended except for returning Ugandans
Agriculture activities like cultivating and ploughing gardens and fishing to continue
Non agricultural activities like factory, construction, shopping malls and supermarkets to continue while observing SOPs
Factories, hotels, Markets, to operate under strict observance of SOPs
Marriage ceremonies and other social gatherings allowed with a maximum of 20 people under strict observance of SOPs
House parties are strictly banned
No. Of persons at burials and vigils should not exceed 20 people
Weekly non food markets suspended for 42 days
Cattle markets suspended for 42 days
All public transport between and across districts are suspended for 42 days from June 10, 2021
All inter district travel banned except between Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono for 42 days. Only cargo trucks excepted. Registered travel vehicles and service vehicles excepted.
Public transport allowed within districts but with observance to SOPs
Cargo trucks are allowed only two persons
Private vehicles allowed only three persons and not allowed to move across inter-districts
saloons and lodges without bars are allowed to operate
Curfew to remain at 9pm
Boda-bodas to operate up to 7 pm and only allowed to curry one passenger.
Shopping arcades and hardware shops to operate up to 7 pm.
Police in Kampala Metropolitan have arrested 1,100 suspects from bars while drinking alcohol, in an operation conducted on Saturday night.
Suspects arrested were found drinking alcohol during curfew hours in various bars in areas of Kampala central, Wakiso and surrounding areas.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police in a press statement said that the aim of the operation was to enforce #Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures.
“The aim was to raid bars that have been working in total disregard of the Ministry of Health guidelines”. The statement reads in part.
Without mentioning the name of some of those bars, Owoyesigyire said that the suspects were arrested from different bars around Kampala Metropolitan Area.
In the same operation, over fifty 50 motor vehicles which were found moving during curfew hours were impounded by police.
Bars in Uganda were closed together with other public places last year as one way of stopping the spread of #Covid-19. However, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni lifted a ban on other businesses and allowed only 200 people to be part of any gathering to ensure social distancing.
President Museveni said he could not open bars because when people get drunk, it becomes hard for them to ensure social distance.
Most bars have been operating behind bars especially in urban settings. However, there are famous bars that are operating openly and security people fear closing them. Sources say that most of these bars are owned by security personnel who always give their businesses protection.
James Akampurira a resident of Kisenyi 2 Kamwokya parish in Kampala central said that, police have arrested him two times during curfew hours and he witnessed how police treat people they get in bars and those found rushing to their homes.
“All the times I have been arrested by the police and Local Defence Unit soldiers, I have witnessed that people they find in bars are treated like innocent people yet us who were found heading to home, we are treated like criminals.” Says Akampurira.
He said that sometimes, when police find a bar operating, the leader of the group enters the bar and negotiates. “At times, you see the commander in talks with the bar owner and shortly, he comes back without arresting anyone found in the bar” he adds.
Since the pronouncement of the second wave of #Covid-19, the country has been registering a big number of #Covid-19 positive cases daily, a trend that has worried health experts that the health system will be overwhelmed if tough measures are not put in place.
President Museveni is set to address the nation about the surge of #Covid-19 cases in the country on Saturday 6th, and to communicate the resolutions from and measures passed by the National Task Force on #Covid-19.
Owoyesigyire further cautioned saying that bars are not yet opened and police will not hesitate to arrest any suspects found violating stipulated guidelines.
According to Owoyesigyire, all suspects arrested will be produced in courts of law on offenses of doing a negligent act likely to spread an infectious disease, and he further urged members of the public to observe SOPs to avoid contract spread #Covid-19.
President Museveni has directed Police to stop using mobile phones and reinstate the use of radio calls to fight crime in the country. The president said this during the State of the Nation address at Kololo Independence grounds.
Museveni said the use of radio calls was abandoned during the reign of the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen Kale Kayihura.
“Police abandoned the use of radio calls. They are now using mobile phones. Police doesn’t work that way, it works on a network. Attempt on Gen Katumba Wamala’s life showered poor organisation of police,” he said.
Gen Katumba was on Tuesday shot at by unknown gunmen who were riding on motor bikes along Kisota road in Kisaasi. The incident left both his daughter Brenda Nantongo Wamala and his driver Kayondo Haruna dead.
“The swallow actors (assailants) who I called pigs showered poor organisation of Police as you saw. Why didn’t the police chase the killers? Those cameras are not only meant to record pictures for forensic use. They are meant to alert the entire police officers on the network to take swift action,” he said adding that “Why didn’t you send in officers?”
The president blamed the officers who were manning the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) command center saying they saw everything happening but continued to sit in the office. Yesterday, Eagle Online learnt that the officers in question were arrested.
He revealed that the guns used to attack the former Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) were the same guns used in the gruesome gun down of the Muhammad Kiggundu, Muhamad Kirumira, Principal State Attorney Joan Kagezi and other people who lost their lives at the hands of gunmen.
So far there are 14 prominent people who have lost their lives at the hand of gun wielding assailants and these include; Previous cases
Muhammad Kirumira: The former Buyende District Police Commander (DPC) was killed alongside his friend Resty Nalinya at Bulenge Trading Centre, Wakiso District, on September 8, 2018.
Andrew Felix Kaweesi: The former police spokesperson was assassinated in Kulambiro, Kampala alongside his bodyguard Kenneth Erau and driver Geoffrey Wambewo on March 17, 2017.
Joan Kagezi: The former senior state prosecutor was gunned down in Kiwatule, Kampala on March 30, 2015. However, no suspect has ever been arrested to date.
Sheikh Maj Muhammad Kiggundu: He was gunned down together with his bodyguard Sgt Steven Mukasa in Masanafu, Rubage Division, on November 26, 2016.
In February, the Director of Prosecutions (DPP) Justice Frances Abodo withdrew terrorism charges against 11 people who were accused of killing the late Kiggundu.
Ibrahim Abiriga: The former Arua Municipality MP was shot dead alongside his brother Saidi Buga Kongo in Kawanda, Wakiso District on June 8, 2018. No suspects has been arrested or charged to date.
Sheikh Ibrahim Hassan Kirya: The former spokesperson of the Kibuli Muslim faction was gunned down in Bweyogerere, Wakiso District, on June 30, 2015.
Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga: He was gunned down at Bwebajja Mosque on Entebbe Road on December 25, 2014.
Sheikh Muhammad Maganda: He was gunned down in Bugiri Town in August 2012.
Hussein Jjunju: He was gunned down in Ssembabule District in 2012.
Sheikh Abdul Karim: He was gunned down on Willliam Street Kampala on April 20, 2012.
Abubaker Kiweewa: He was gunned down in Kyanja, Kampala, on June 25, 2012.
Sheikh Ismail Ssebugwawo: He was gunned down at Mulago in January 2015.
Abdul Kadiri Muwaya: He was gunned down on Christmas Day in 2014 in Mayuge District.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has said that the planned reporting back to school and breaking off for holidays has been delayed until further notice due to the current situation of the second wave of #Covid-19 in the country.
As per the calendar, it provided the phased reopening for different classes as; P1-P3 classes are expected to report back on 7th June 2021, while P4 and P5 classes are supposed to break off for holidays on 4th June 2021. The semi-candidate classes (P6, S3 and S5) are also expected to report back for a special term on 7th June 2021.
“Pending the expected guidance of H.E, the President, Ministry of Education and Sports informs managers of education institutions and the general public that the planned reporting back to school and breaking off for holidays, as indicated above, should be delayed until further notice,” reads part of the statement from the Education ministry.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Education and Sports is working closely with the Ministry of Health to control the spread of the pandemic in education institutions and ensure early reporting and effective management of any emerging cases.
President Museveni on Wednesday met the national task force on the #Covid-19 response to discuss the new steps to take to curb the new wave in the country and this Sunday he will address the nation.
The cumulative confirmed cases to date are 49,759 with 365 deaths. 1,125,306 tests have been conducted since March 2020 while the cumulative recoveries are 47,760. Those vaccinated are 677,084.
The 2021 General Elections were the fourth to be successfully organised by the Electoral Commission (EC), under a multi-party dispensation in Uganda. The elections are remarkable as they were held amidst peculiar challenges posed by the #Covid-19 pandemic. The peaceful conclusion of these elections, in which voters elected leaders from diverse political backgrounds, at Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Council levels, is testimony to the strong and determined spirit of Ugandans to pursue peaceful and democratic means of determining leaders.
Since 2018, the EC undertook various activities under the Roadmap for 2020-2021 General Elections, leading to the polls conducted on various dates in January and February 2021.
As the Commission, we are grateful to the Almighty God for the smooth conclusion of this important electoral exercise.
We congratulate the Government of Uganda, which facilitated this electoral process through an enabling electoral environment and provision of required funds.
We also wish to congratulate all Ugandans who were able to exercise their constitutional right and elect leaders of their choice through the ballot box.
I applaud all those who participated in the elections as candidates at various levels, and specially salute those who were elected into office.
Lastly, I extend our appreciation to the various Ministries, departments and agencies, as well as private institutions and civil society organisations, security and the media for the support provided to the Electoral Commission during the organisation and conduct of the above electoral activities. Our success, as the Commission, and as the People of Uganda in general, was due, in no small part, to the support provided by you our esteemed stakeholders.
Finally, I congratulate the members, management and staff of the Electoral Commission on the successful completion of this historic electoral process.
Members of the Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda.
The 2021 General Elections Roadmap at a Glance
The successful completion of the Roadmap for 2021 General Elections can be attributed to the Commission’s well-timed adoption of a Strategic Plan in 2018 for the period 2018–2021. Under this Roadmap, we undertook effort to build and strengthen linkages with various stakeholders in the electoral process, to achieve a peaceful and successful exercise.
The Roadmap was implemented in a phased manner during which we undertook administrative and logistical activities to professionally and efficiently organise and conduct the elections.
Some of these activities include the procurement of specialised equipment, materials software and motor vehicles, the re-organisation of polling stations, the general update of the National Voters’ Register using new biometric technology, display of the National Voters’ Register, and printing of the final Register, bearing 18,103,603 registered voters of whom 9,504,391 (52.5%) were female and 8,599,212 (47.5%) were male.
No
Description
Status of 12th January 2021
1.
No. of Districts in Uganda
146
2.
No. of Counties
312
3.
No. of Constituencies
353
4.
No. of Sub Counties/Towns/Municipal Divisions
2,190
5.
Number of Parishes
10,594
6.
Number of Villages
69,970
7.
Number of Polling Stations
34,684
8.
Number of Registered Voters
18,103,603
The Commission also conducted the nomination of candidates to contest for elective positions at Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Council levels, including Special Interest Groups.
The EC harmonized and oversaw the campaign programme for each elective category. Finally, the EC conducted and supervised polling day activities at 34,684 polling stations countrywide, tallied the elections results and declared winning candidates at various levels.
The Commission further convened delegates conferences for election of Representatives of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to Parliament, that is, the Youth, Workers, Persons with Disability (PWDs), Older Persons and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Composition of the 11th Parliament by Political Party
Party
Number
Democratic Party (DP)
9
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
32
Independent
73
JEEMA
1
National Resistance Movement (NRM)
337
National Unity Platform (NUP)
57
Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP)
1
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)
9
UPDF Representatives
10
TOTAL
529
Challenges in the 2021 Electoral Process
The Coronavirus pandemic had an effect on the conduct of electoral activities under the Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections.
On the 23rd day of March, 2020, when Government declared a nationwide lockdown, the Commission was already implementing preliminary activities under the Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections, namely; update and display of the National Voters Register and Registers of Special Interest Groups.
The Commission was particularly carrying out activities for the conduct of elections for the Special Interest Groups (Persons with Disability, Older Persons, Youth) Committees from Village to National Levels. This was to be followed by other preparatory activities for elections of Local Government Councils, Members of Parliament and the President.
The Electoral Commission postponed the above activities under the Roadmap, in response to measures introduced by Government to prevent the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. This was because electoral activities involve public gatherings and hence pose high #Covid-19 risk of person-to-person and object-to-person transmissions.
As a result of the postponement, the Commission lost three months of critical Roadmap activities. The postponement of Roadmap activities also caused inconvenience to various stakeholders in the electoral process. This includes political parties and organisations, which were preparing internal primaries to identify persons to contest as candidates at various elective levels, as well as individuals who were aspiring to contest as independent candidates at various levels. As we all know, the postponement was inevitable.
The Commission recognises the constitutional right of citizens to vote and choose their leaders, as well as our duty to facilitate the exercise of those rights. The Commission was further mindful of the need to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all stakeholders during the electoral process. Accordingly, after consultations with, and expert guidance from the Ministry of Health, the Commission considered, approved and issued a revised Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections on 16th June 2020.
The revisions to the Roadmap were made with consideration of the operational requirements for the electoral activities and the legal framework governing the conduct of elections, however, under reduced timeframes.
The Commission further issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the various election activities (pre–nomination, nomination, campaigns and polling day) to address the unique health and safety challenges posed by the #Covid-19 pandemic.
EC boss Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi
The SOPs incorporated measures and guidelines put in place by the Ministry of Health and the outcome of consultations made by the Commission with various stakeholders in the electoral process to prevent and combat person-to-person, person-to-object and object-to-person spread of the #Covid -19 during the conduct of election activities.
Hence political parties and candidates, and other stakeholders in the electoral process were encouraged to largely use non-contact means of communication, that is, broadcasting, publishing, cell and web-based platforms, to interact with the electorate during the campaign period. Candidates were further guided to hold meetings in a regulated manner, with limited attendance of a maximum of two hundred (200) persons, preferably in open and spacious setting, where there is observation of standard operating procedures (social distancing, washing of hands, use of sanitizers, and wearing of face masks).
Elections are one of the biggest logistical exercises Uganda undertakes every five years. They involve recruiting, training, deploying and supervising a large and complex human resource base, comprising persons of diverse professions and backgrounds, whose expertise is critical to achieving a credible election. They further involve the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment to manage various processes, perform a range of complex tasks and deliver timely results.
The huge volume of work undertaken in this election can best be comprehended if one considers that the Commission organises, conducts and supervises the polling for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government (District, Municipality and Sub County) elections on different dates, but within a period of thirty (30) days.
But perhaps the most complex factor is the management and supervision of a delicate politically-charged environment. Elections are competitive and this means candidates and their agents will enthusiastically mobilize to win majority support. It is no easy task to ensure that the candidates who are in thousands contesting for thousands of elective positions, comply with electoral guidelines.
A combination of a dynamic public and media relations strategy and a vigorous voter education campaign, as well as the relentless support by civil society, media, Police, political parties, candidates, supporters, agents and election observer groups, enabled Uganda to witness peaceful processes and polling.
Mr Leonard Mulekwah, Secretary to the Electoral Commission
2021 General Elections and the Growth of Democracy in Uganda
The EC introduced a number of projects, programmes and systems, aimed at improving the overall management of elections, and ensuring a brighter future for our democratization process.
To enhance transparency during this election, the EC invited and accredited a total of 2,817 observers, of whom 2,540 were national while 277 were international observers, to observe various programmes and activities under the Roadmap. They included individuals, civil society organisations, political parties and organisations, institutions and the media.
During the update of the National Voters’ Register, the EC adopted modern biometric technology to improve voter registration. The text version of the Voter’s Register was uploaded on the EC website (www.ec.or.ug) during the display exercise, to ease access for voters who have access to the internet. An SMS service was also provided to enable registered voters confirm the details of their polling stations from a mobile phone.
The EC enhanced the level of transparency further by issuing a soft copy and hard copy of the photo-bearing National Voters’ Register to the Presidential candidates, to enable them (through their agents) ensure that only eligible persons are allowed to vote during the elections and only at the polling station where they are registered (as voters).
It is important to note that the Commission introduced, for the first time, a full colour photo-bearing Voters’ Register for use on polling day. The use of full colour printing improved the print quality of the Voters’ Register and enhanced the identification of voters on polling day.
Furthermore, in order to improve accuracy, security, efficiency and credibility in the delivery of electoral services, the Electoral Commission embarked on deliberate actions to integrate technology in its operations and systems. Accordingly, the Commission acquired biometric voter verification machines which were used to verify voters who presented themselves at polling stations on polling day. The Biometric Voter Verification (BVV) machines were deployed at all the 34,684 (thirty-four thousand six hundred and eighty-four) polling stations in Uganda during the elections.
The BVV System remains one of the measures aimed at improving the management and conduct of elections in Uganda through authentication of voter identity. The BVVS System enabled the Commission to ensure that only registered persons are allowed to vote during the elections and that such persons (voters) do not vote more than once for the same election. Hence, the BVV System was helpful in improving the identification of voters and also addressing the challenge of voter impersonation during elections.
The Commission designed and installed the Electronic Results Transmission and Dissemination System (ERTDS), at the National Tally Center (Kyambogo University Sports Ground), to enhance transparency and capacity to receive and tally results from all cities and districts and declare final results of the Presidential Elections within 48 hours from closure of polls,
The Commission provided web-based computer terminals at the National Tally Center from which all accredited candidates’ agents, election observers and media, were able to view results as they came in from all levels up to the polling stations. And surely, the EC was able to declare final results ahead of the constitutional deadline!
Our regular consultation with local leaders, civil society, the Police, political parties and candidates, and the media, helped to create a peaceful electoral environment. The EC particularly worked closely with the media, who in turn, updated the public on the progress of the electoral process. Media debates and feedback brought critical issues to the attention of the electorate and candidates, hence promoted citizen participation in elections and helping to raise the level of socio-political maturity among Ugandans.
The Commission accredited civil society organisations to conduct awareness campaigns on citizen rights, duties and responsibilities, before, during and after elections. Religious leaders extended a lot of support to the electoral process; the leadership of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) was always available to counsel the Commission and other stakeholders to pursue harmony and reconciliation, and they also offered to mediate on occasions when discontent broke out among various stakeholders. The Commission remains grateful for this support.
Conclusion
The vision of the EC is “to be a model institution and centre of excellence in election management”. We pledge to remain committed to developing our electoral system through continuous improvement. We will review successes and challenges in previous elections, including the most recent one, conduct research, consult and adopt best practices from sister election management bodies, and pursue any amendments necessary to advance our electoral democracy.
Finally, a successful electoral process is a product of the effort of all stakeholders; the Commission acknowledges and appreciates you for supporting the electoral process. Your invaluable contribution enabled us to successfully organize, conduct and conclude the elections on schedule. Let us continue working together to consolidate what we have achieved, and build an even better electoral system for an even stronger democracy.
Mr. Simon Kaheru has been appointed the Acting Chairperson of the East African Business Council (EABC) Uganda Chapter.
He was appointed by the board of EABC after Madhvani Group’s Jim Kabeho stepped aside to pave way for a transition. Kabeho revealed during the members meeting which took place at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
The East African Business Council (EABC) is the regional apex body of Private Sector associations and corporate in East Africa, with a single purpose of driving the East African Community integration process through trade and investment.
The Public Affairs and Communications Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda has since said that he will take on the mantle for thriving of private sector in the region.
The EABC Board consists of Simon Kaheru (Coca-Cola Beverages), Jim Kabeho (Madhvani Group), Barbra Mulwana (Uganda Manufacturers Association), and Stuart Janson Mwesigwa (Roofings).
Simon Kaheru is an enthusiastic Ugandan Communicator who loves Communication in general, new age media technologies. He is a journalist as well as an entrepreneur with a good public service record.
Simon holds qualifications in Cyber Diplomacy, Prince two Project Management, Business and Economics Reporting, Management Skills, and is a graduate of Mass Communications with Honours from Makerere University, with more than twenty years’ experience at various levels in the mainstream media.
He is particularly passionate about Corporate Governance, New Media technologies and the impact of Globalisation on development in his home country, Uganda.
The Court of Appeal has with costs dismissed Bank of Uganda’s (BoU) appeal in which it had sought to challenge a labour court decision that awarded hundreds of millions to its five former employees.
The five; Joseph Kibuuka, George Tabu, Nelson Kibuuka, Wilson Segane and Abubaker Wasswa were retrenched in 2010 in a job redesign that sent them into early retirement.
In February 2016, the Industrial Court ordered the Central Bank to pay Shs100 million to each of the five former workers, with interest at 21 percent.
In the lead judgement, Court of Appeal Judge, Irene Mulyagonja held that the separation of the five from the bank by early retirement was not only unlawful but also in contravention of the resolution by the board of directors of the bank made in June 2010.
Other judges are Elizabeth Musoke and Christopher Madrama agreed with their colleague.
“Management of the bank acted ultra vires their powers when they unilaterally decided to send the respondents into early retirement. The Industrial Court was correct when they found that termination was not only wrongful but also illegal,” Justice Mulyagonja ruled.
Court ordered BOU to pay to pay Shs100m to each of the five persons as compensation for the pain and suffering as well as losses on pension and earnings.
“The appellant (BOU) shall pay to each of the respondents, severance equivalent to 1.5 months’ salary for each completed year of service. BOU shall pay one half of the respondents’ costs of this appeal and the costs in the court below,” the judge ordered.
She explained that the five persons lost out on salaries that they would have earned Up to their normal retirement age.
“…the respondents lost out on pension benefits that would have accrued, had they continued In their employment until normal retirement age even the earliest retirement age of 55 years,” the court observed.
The judge dismissed the BOU claim that the five persons were terminated in line with their service contracts reasoning that the bank management did not provide any explanation why they went against the policy directions of the board.
“It has been established that the respondents’ employment was not brought to an end under any provision of the law but by involuntary early retirement. I therefore find that the respondents were entitled to reasons for this abrupt decision to bring their employment to an end in a manner that was inconsistent with the board’s resolutions communicated to staff and contrary to their expectations that arose from them,” the court held.
The Central Bank had appealed against the decision of the Industrial Court that awarded them general damages.
The Industrial Court found that the termination of the former staff who had worked for more than 20 years was wrongful, illegal and awarded each of them severance pay as one month’s salary for each completed year, general damages of UGX100 million each with interest at 21 percent.
Kyambogo University has suspended all physical activities on campus for a period of two weeks with effect from 4th to 18th June 2021. The activities include; lectures, workshops, seminars, meetings, group discussions and practicals.
The decision has been taken due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases recorded daily at the institution.
The University administration has also reduced the number of staff working at the university – maintaining 30 percent of staff in offices.
“It is public knowledge now that there are increasing cases of Covid-19 infections at Kyambogo University with many students having flu like symptoms including cough and headache. Some have been tested for covid-19 but many of them have refused to be tested. It is unfortunate that the situation may be worse than is reported,” Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elly Katunguka said in a statement.
Prof. Katunguka said that the medical team advised them to temporarily close the university for at least 10 days, limit human contact and immediately stop physical activities.
“Aware of the negligence of the population and the rapidly increasing cases of Covid-19 at the University, Management has decided to; suspend all physical activities on campus for a period of two weeks with effect from 4th to 18 June, 2021. These include lectures, workshops, seminars, meetings, group discussions and practicals to mention but a few,” the statement reads.
Prof. Katunguka says the team informed management that it had made an impromptu tour around the University and noted that about 70 percent of the population were not properly wearing face masks and observing social distance and that if such negligence continued and the situation is not immediately addressed, the spread of the virus is bound to escalate.
“I wish to encourage all students to stay put i.e those in hostels to remain in their hostels, those who commute from home to remain at home and those in halls of residence to remain in their halls of residence. Continue observing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as outlined by the Ministry of Health,” he noted.
The University organized another round of vaccination for three days at the Medical Centre on 4th, 7th and 8th June 2021.
