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Liberia President George Weah to attend opening ceremony of Arua Hill Stadium

By
Our Reporter
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Usher Komugisha (L), Joel A’ita Jaffer, Liberian vice-president Jewel Howard Taylor and a Liberian official hold an Arua Hill SC jersey during Jaffer’s visit to Liberia

The President of the Republic of Liberia George Weah and vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor have been invited by Arua Hill SC Chairman Engineer Joel A’ita Jaffer to attend the opening ceremony of Arua Hill Stadium and Business Park.

Eng. Joel who visited Liberia on invitation of Honourable Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor as a guest of the vice president for an investment exploration confirmed the development to the club’s website aruahillsc.ug

“I invited her (Dr. Jewel) and H.E George Weah to come during the unveiling of the stadium and watch Arua Hill play live,” Eng. Joel said and added, ”She gladly accepted.”

Eng. Joel who has been in Liberia since 26th April also confirmed a more exciting success of his visit, with land given for investment.

“They have also given us land in Liberia to build an eco city and stadium,” he said.

Arua-hill-stadium, Artistic impression

H.E George Weah is former professional footballer who played for Monaco, PSG, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City and Marseille. He is the only African player who was named FIFA World Player of the year and won the world’s prestigious footballers accolade the Ballon d’Or in 1995.

Meanwhile Dr. Taylor holds a graduate degree in banking and two bachelors in banking and economics. She also graduated from the Louise Arthur Grimes School of Law of the state-owned University of Liberia.

Arua Hill Stadium is an under construction football stadium being built in Arua by Development Infrastructure, a sister company to Joadah Consult. It is the home of Arua Hill SC. Its construction began in July 2019 and it’s earmarked for completion in December 2021.

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Ruparelia Group commences construction of Paradise Island Resort on L.Victoria

By
Our Reporter
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Ms Sheena Ruparelia

The Ruparelia Group has commenced the construction of Paradise Island Resort on Lake Victoria as a leisure destination.

The project that started on May 1, 2021, will see 24 cottages built in the first phase on the Island. The project is being undertaken by Rajiv and Sheena Ruparelia. The two are son and daughter of city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.

The two last month unveiled Bukoto Living in Ntinda. Bukoto Living is a 9-floor condominium homes project.

Both Rajiv and his elder sister are managers of companies under the Ruparelia Group but that hasn’t deterred them from venturing into their ambitions.

Just last week Ruparelia Group announced that it had commenced plans to construct a 200 roomed  Kingdom Hotel in Kampala next to Kingdom Mall.

“The hotel will be known as Kingdom Kampala and we start work in 2023 and finish in 2026. It will have 200 rooms including suites and penthouses plus 226 very high-end apartment. It will occupy total of 110,000 square meters and it will have 35 conference rooms.”

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URSB trains Judicial officers on how to resolve disputes for insolvent companies

By
Our Reporter
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Principal Judge, Flavian Zeija (C), Registrar General, Mercy Kainobwisho (2nd L) in a group photo with other Judicial Officers during the training at Speke Resort, Munyonyo.

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) under their Insolvency & Receivership mandate today unveiled a week-long training for Judicial Officers. The training was officially opened by the Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija and addressed by the Registrar General, Mercy Kainobwisho.

The training workshop will be held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo from Monday 03rd May, 2021 to Friday, 07th May 2021 and will be facilitated by top members of the judiciary including Hon. Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Hon. Justice Musa Sekaana, Her Ladyship Justice Patricia Basaza-Wasswa, Justice Alastair Norris and Hon. Lady Justice Damalie Lwanga, Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute.

During the brief welcome remarks, Justice Zeija reminded participants that the training was not meant to reinvent the wheel but rather to support the judges in their role as dispensers of the law especially on the insolvency practice in the era of COVID-19 that is seeing a number of businesses and individuals at the edge of being declared insolvent as result of the impact of the pandemic. ‘It is our responsibility as the judiciary to hear all insolvency matters. But, this we can only do with sufficient knowledge on the practice. The training being offered by URSB is timely and I ask that we participate keenly in order for us to be able to make decisions considered fit under the Insolvency law’ Justice Zeija told the participants

The focus of the training will be to improve the quality and accuracy of court documents on insolvency and to achieve this, participants will be heavily engaged in enlightening sessions over the next 5 days. Emphasis will be placed on the salient features of Insolvency Law in Uganda, the roles of Judicial Officers in preservation of value of the Insolvent Estate, countering abuse of Insolvency Processes, open discussions on the challenges facing Judicial Officers in resolving insolvency disputes and communication and cooperation in cross border insolvency, as well as experiences and best practices.

The Registrar General, Mercy Kainobwisho who is also the Official Receiver said the training was timely since the COVID-19 pandemic had threatened the existence of businesses. ‘It is our role to establish a fair insolvency system which strengthens the business sector by offering confidence to investors and the public to make viable decisions that support economic growth. As URSB, our focus is on rescuing insolvent companies and individuals by encouraging them to adopt business rescue mechanisms’ Kainobwisho added.

URSB is mandated among others to register businesses, marriages, Intellectual Property, administer insolvent companies and run the Security Interest in Movable Property Registry System (SIMPO).  The Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu will deliver the closing remarks on Friday as the training comes to a close.

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Uganda Breweries, NARO partner to advance agricultural production for rural farmers

By
Our Reporter
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Dr. Ambrose Agona, DG of NARO (2nd L) & Alvin Mbugua, UBL MD (2nd R) sign the MoU as Dr. Sadik Kasim, Deputy DG of NARO (L) & Juliana Kagwa, UBL Corporate Relations Director look on.

Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish, foster and promote research and development collaboration.

Under UBL’s Local Raw Materials program (LRM), the partnership seeks to source 100% of the materials they use in their production processes. This program has been developed In line with the second objective of the Third National Development Plan (NDP III) of strengthening the private sector to create jobs and the overall theme of Sustainable Industrialization for inclusive growth, employment and wealth creation.

Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) is making significant investments aimed at boosting local production capacity, import substitution, promotion of local content and job creation.

The Managing Director of UBL Alvin Mbugua said “UBL is now making 96% of its brands locally. The brewery works with over 20,000 farmers, directly benefiting over 25,000 households countrywide and invests over 45 billion shillings in farming communities annually”

The Director General of NARO Dr. Ambrose Agona said that partnering with NARO, contributes to the ten year goal of innovating for sustainable Agricultural Transformation through financial support to set up agricultural research infrastructure at NARO’s designated constituent public agricultural research institutes, and offering support to post-doctoral students under their scholarship program.

“We are happy to enter this partnership with Uganda Breweries Limited and pledge to work together to achieve mutual benefits that will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of farming communities who have long been the backbone of our nation,” he said.

Uganda Breweries pledged to support NARO to transfer and disseminate agricultural research and development technologies from NARO to the farming communities and value chains.  In addition, UBL will utilize NARO owned agricultural technologies in UBL’s local sourcing programs to boost productivity, improve household income and promote BUBU at the Agricultural sourcing level.

“Sourcing quality raw materials locally for our products connects us to the communities where we work, allowing us to strengthen local farming and change lives. It makes our supply chain more resilient and creates a healthy economic loop in national economies. We know that the long-term success of programmes like ours rests on mutually respectful and supportive relationships with other organisations: governments, NGOs, suppliers, farming co-operatives and the like. This landmark partnership with NARO therefore seeks to deliver on our fundamental objectives of the LRM program,” Mbugua said.

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MTN reduces Mobile Money withdrawal charges

By
Simon Kabayo
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MTN-Uganda CEO-Wim Vanhelleputte

 

 

MTN Uganda has announced the reduction of its Mobile Money withdrawal fees. The change took effect on Saturday May 1, 2021.

Speaking at Hotel Africana Stephen Mutana, the General Manager of Mobile Financial Services at MTN Uganda said that this move is aimed at bolstering financial inclusion across the country and to further enhance the benefits customers get when they choose MTN MoMo.

“We appreciate that many people rely on MTN MoMo to facilitate various aspects of their lives and therefore believe that this reduction in withdrawal fees increases the benefits that have made mobile money such a transformative service over the years,” Mutana said.

He further noted that the overall agenda of Mobile Money is to promote a cashless economy and advance the numerous benefits that come with a digital life.

“Therefore, by making Mobile Money fees more affordable, we as a country can easily move towards achieving a safe, efficient and affordable way of putting money in the hands of millions of Ugandans,” Mutana said.

In addition to the reduced rates, MTN customers have the unique opportunity of getting MTN Senkyu loyalty points when they deposit, send, and withdraw MTN Mobile Money. For every Shs5,000 deposited on MTN MoMo, a customer gets one Senkyu point and two Senkyu points for every Shs100 a customer is charged when they send or withdraw mobile money. This is a unique benefit available to only MTN customers.

Mutana encouraged all MTN customers to keep transacting using Mobile Money but cautioned them to beware of conmen by keeping their MoMo PINs secret among other precautions

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I&M Holdings PLC finally takes over Orient Bank Limited

By
Our Reporter
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Orient Bank which has been sold to I and M bank.

I&M Holdings PLC have acquired Orient Bank Limited from 8 miles LLP and Morka Holdings Limited. The acquisition process was completed on April 30, 2021 after receiving the necessary approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya, Bank of Uganda, Capital Markets Authority of Kenya and the COMESA Competition Authority.

Last year I&M Holdings Limited announced that they have reached an agreement to buy 90 per cent of Orient Bank Limited Uganda.

I&M Holdings Limited, also I&M Bank Group, is a conglomerate comprising banks, an insurance company and investment advisory businesses. The group’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, with subsidiaries in Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The flagship company of the group is I&M Bank Limited, with headquarters in the I&M Bank Tower on Kenyatta Avenue in the central business district of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city.

Through the acquisition, I&M Group has acquired additional net loan assets value of approximately Shs262 billion, deposits of Shs606 billion, a customer base of 68787, a staff component of 340 employees and a network of 14 branches and 22 ATMs across the country. A clear plan for the integration of OBL into the I&M Group has been developed and the Group expects to gain considerable business and operational synergies.

Orient bank is one of the leading Private sector commercial banks in Uganda since 1993. Its steady growth over the years can be attributed to its professional management and prudent Lending and investment policy.

As of December 2019, the company’s total assets were KES315.3 billion (US $2.95 billion), KES60.9 billion (US $568.1 million). At that time, company maintained subsidiaries in five countries.

Speaking on the acquisition, I&M Holding’s Executive Director, Sarit Raja Shah noted, “I&M Group aspires to be Eastern Africa’s leading financial partner for growth.  The acquisition of OBL will place I&M Bank in an advantageous position to capitalize on the growth in the Eastern African economies and thereby ultimately increasing shareholder value.”

“This acquisition is expected to give the Group greater capacity to grow profitably, through extending our network to our Regional customers. Further it demonstrates our continued leadership role in the industry across East Africa”, Sarit Raja Shah added.

Dr. Ketan Morjaria, a founding member of OBL and continuing shareholder and Director said; “This acquisition marks a great milestone in the history of Orient Bank. We are proud to be integrating into a regional group like I&M Holdings PLC, which synergies will allow our customers to benefit from more seamless and superior banking products whilst continuing a tradition of trust.”

Kumaran Pather, CEO of OBL said “The acquisition of OBL by I&M Holdings PLC, will see the new entity rise to greater heights and allow us to broaden our market reach and penetration. The management of OBL is excited to be part of a large and growing Group and look forward to serving both new and existing customers with better products and digital channels across the region.”

“The management of OBL is excited to be part of a large and growing Group and look forward to serving both new and existing customers with better products and digital channels across the region,” he said.

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World Press Freedom Day: Lukwago calls for observation of journalist’s rights and freedom to execute their work

By
Geoffery Serugo
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BBS-TV journalist William Tamale being roughed up by police officers while on duty.

The Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has called for defending of journalists from all sorts of attacks and insults.  Lukwago said during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day held under the theme; “Information as a public good”.

Currently, there is a souring relationship between the various security agencies and journalists with many being clobbered in line with the execution of their duties. In the last 12 months over 15 journalists from Daily Monitor, New Vision, NBS TV, NTV were roughed up by various security agencies of Police and the army as they covered the for presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat.

Last week, a Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Journalist and former President Uganda Journalist Association (UJA) was shot dead by Local Defence Unit (LDU) personnel who were deployed at brother’s home after he noticed that a group of people were trailing him.

The Lord Mayor said; “this day should help us reflect more about ‘Fake News’ by honoring the various ratifications especially the 1991 UNESCO Windhoek Declaration to promote an independent and pluralistic African Press.”

“We are currently contending with a dire situation. After the shooting of Journalist Robert Kagolo recently, we can’t predict the flashes and impulses of the future! We are scared stiff, innocent Ugandans are being incarcerated in ungazetted detention centres, safe houses and various military installations. Uganda security agencies continue to clobber journalists in broad daylight but also, severely beat them in the pretext of enforcing the Covid-19 regulations.” he said

Lukwago said this is a day to hail the fourth pillar of democracy by awarding them their constitutional degree of freedom but also; defending them from all sorts of attacks and insults in line of duty.

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Labour Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana acquitted of murder and assault charges

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Rukutana during the incident

The Ntungamo Magistrates Court has acquitted the State Minister for Labour, Mwesigwa Rukutana of all charges leveled against him.

The charges stem from an incident in which he was captured on video grabbing a gun from his escorts and attempting to shoot into a car that was carrying supporters of his rival Naome Kabasharira.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with seven counts of attempted murder, assault, malicious damage, and threatening violence and remanded to Kyamugorani Prison in Mbarara district. He was later released on Shs 4 million cash bail.

It is averred that Rukutana and others at large on 5th September 2020 at Kagugu Village in Ntungamo district unlawfully attempted to cause death of Rweburungi Daniel aka Dan, assaulted Nemanya Jutus, unlawfully damaged motor vehicle UAQ 840 Toyota Rav4 and threaten to kill and injure Muhumuza Moses.

While delivering his judgement, His Worship Gordon Muhimbise acquitted Labour Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana of seven counts he has been battling in this court.

“On the whole I find the evidence adduced in all the seven charges here full of concoctions, full of falsehoods and grave inconsistencies.  It is full of nothing but naked lies that no reasonable tribunal or court can convict based on it. It was also greatly discredited during cross examination. I find the defence evidence very consistent and well collaborated and believable,” he ruled.

“In the circumstances, I find that the prosecution has not proved any of these charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. I, therefore, find the accused not guilty of all the charges and I do hereby acquit him on all the seven counts,” He ruled.

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Airtel Africa appoints new CEO

By
Our Reporter
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Olusegun-Ogunsanya

Airtel Africa plc has announced the appointment of Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

He is poised to succeed Raghunath “Raghu” Mandava, following his decision to retire. Segun Ogunsanya will join the Board of Airtel Africa plc with effect from 1 October 2021.

Segun Ogunsanya joined Airtel Africa in 2012 as Managing Director and CEO Nigeria and has been responsible for the overall management of operations in Nigeria. He has more than 25 years’ business management experience in banking, consumer goods and telecoms. Before joining Airtel in 2012.

Segun held leadership roles at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya (as MD and CEO). He has also been the Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (Coca-Cola Hellenic owned) and Group head of retail banking operations at Ecobank Transnational Inc, covering 28 countries in Africa. He is an electronics engineer and also a chartered accountant

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman said: “We are delighted to appoint Segun Ogunsanya as the Group’s next Chief Executive Officer. He has displayed significant drive and energy in turning around the Nigeria business by focusing on network modernisation, distribution, and operational efficiency. It is this commitment, together with his industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus and proven record of delivery that will enable him to continue to deliver our strategic objectives and to lead the Group in the next stages of its development.”

“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Raghu Mandava for being instrumental in successfully leading and transforming Airtel Africa into a powerhouse telecommunications and mobile money company. Throughout that time, Raghu has worked tirelessly first to repair and then to strengthen Airtel Africa’s business and to champion our stakeholders. As we look forward to Segun assuming his new role in October 2021, we do so from a position of great strength as a result of Raghu’s highly effective stewardship. Raghu will retire from the Board with our very best wishes and sincere appreciation for everything he has achieved.”

Segun Ogunsanya said: “Having been part of the Airtel Africa journey for the past nine years, I am looking forward to taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer. On a personal note, as an African, I feel honoured to have the opportunity to lead a Group that continues to make a difference to millions of people, bridge the digital divide and expand financial inclusion. This is an exciting opportunity to position Airtel Africa for further success in a dynamic continent full of potential. I look forward to building on the achievements of the last five years during Raghu’s leadership.”

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UK reduces financial support to UNAIDS

By
Agencies
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UNAIDS

The government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) has informed UNAIDS that funding for UNAIDS for 2021 is confirmed at GBP 2.5 million, compared to the GBP 15 million received by UNAIDS from the UK for 2020.

This cut of GBP 12.5 million (or more than 80%) is significant. It affects the provision of live-saving HIV prevention and treatment services around the world. It affects the empowerment of young women and adolescent girls and their access to sexual and reproductive health and rights across the world, and Africa in particular. It impacts on support to upholding the human rights of some of the most marginalized people, including lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer and intersex people in low- and middle-income countries. It reduces global health security.

UNAIDS recognizes the challenging situation facing many governments, yet deeply regrets this decision of our longstanding partner and advocate. We are assessing the full scope and impact of the cut and are actively formulating mitigation strategies.

The UK government has said the decision does not reflect a diminished commitment to UNAIDS or the HIV response. UNAIDS will continue working with the UK and partners to explore ways to ensure continuity and predictability of funding to sustain the hard-won gains in the fight against HIV and to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The UK has been a leader in the fight against AIDS. It has called for the G7 to be centred on beating pandemics and is rallying the world for girls’ education and empowerment. UNAIDS is determined to deliver breakthroughs on those together with the UK. We hope that the UK, which has rated UNAIDS ‘A’ for delivery, will decide to supplement its current allocation for 2021.

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