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Gov’t moves to stop gossip and rumour mongering against politicians

By
Our Reporter
-
Parliament of Uganda

The government is moving to prevent gossip, rumours and fake news in bid to protect the image of elected representatives, leaders, presidential appointees and their families.

According to gazette Number 29 dated February 10, 2021, it will be criminal to write, share, and publish anything deemed rumour by the state against any elected leader.

“The object of this bill is to provide for the prevention of initiation, sharing, and/or distribution of rumours, anti-government propaganda, and related materials in private and public spaces; the duties and responsibilities of heads of families, religious leaders, academic staff like teachers and lecturers, privates company managers, celebrities, and all other people in positions of leadership and influence in society to avoid speech, writing or electronic correspondence that tarnishes the image of elected representatives, leaders, presidential appointees and their families,” it reads.

 

However, the 1995 Constitution of Uganda permits citizens freedom of speech but also leaders are elected by the people who are free to debate and gossip about them.

Fake news is intentionally fabricated by a person, while rumours are unverified and doubtful information that is passed on.

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Sebalu & Lule Advocates dragged to court over Shs120 million fraud

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
S&L

A local Non-Government Organisation (NGO) has dragged a reputable law firm in Uganda, Sebalu and Lule Advocates to court over fraud and continuous use of names whose founding members ceased to practice under it.

The law firm was sued along with the Law Council mandated to regulate advocates and law firms in Uganda. According to the Community Justice and Anti-Corruption Forum (CJAF), the certificate of inspection and approval of chambers issued to Sebalu and Lule advocates should be revoked and refrain from using the name for a law firm.

The organisation led by Macho Patrick avers that the continued use of the surnames of partners who stopped to practice law with the firm violates and contravenes the advocate’s professional conduct regulations.

“Law Council annually issued a certificate of inspection and approval of chambers under the name ‘Sebalu and Lule advocates’ in violation of the law. There are two firms approved by the Law Council; Sebalu and Lule advocates and Godfrey S. Lule advocates, bearing the name of the same advocate Godfrey S. Lule.”

The applicant said Godfrey S. Lule, one of the advocates whose surname forms part of the Sebalu and Lule advocates, left the law firm and the partnership more than 10 years ago while the other partner Paulo Sebalu passed on more than five years ago.

“It is fair and equitable that the court grants us remedies sought since there are no alternative remedies provided for in law to cure the mischief of this nature. We went to the Law council with a written complaint but declined to receive it,” the applicant said.

According to the affidavit, in February 2020 CJAF received instructions from Ebrahim Alsrakhia to recover Shs120 million which were received and unlawfully retained by Sebalu and Lule advocates as their Counsel in Supreme Court Civil Appeal No. 10 of 2006. On getting instructions, CJAF petitioned Godfrey S. Lule to their dismay, he told them that he left the firm and his partner passed on and the operators of Sebalu and Lule advocates are using the surname without authorization.

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MTN Uganda Foundation, Fenix International partner to light up more 56 schools

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
MTN Uganda Foundation, Fenix International partner to light up more 56 schools

MTN Uganda Foundation in partnership with Fenix International Uganda are set to light up more schools in an ongoing project dubbed ‘Light up a village’. With an extra donation of 190 solar kits, 56 schools from 24 districts will have light and power to facilitate proper learning outcomes by increasing reading time, secure learning environment especially at night as well as supporting teachers’ preparation for lessons.

The Light up A Village project has so far donated over 560 solar kits across several schools in various districts in Uganda. Health centers and settlement camps have also benefited from the same project.

Implemented in partnership with Fenix International Uganda, a next-generation energy and technology company whose mission is to improve the quality of life of customers through inclusive energy, the project is in partial fulfilment of MTN’s vision of brightening lives across all the communities within which it operates.

Speaking at the handover of the kits today, The MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer noted that: “With the availability of solar power, students can now have extended learning times and teachers can put in more preparation time which will at least try to level the ground with learners and teachers in urban areas that have easy access,” Vanhelleputte said.

He further noted that by providing solar lighting, It will provide a safe learning environment for the learners and hopefully this will encourage enrollment.

The project worth 380 million kicked off in late 2019 and has so far seen installations of solar equipment in off-grid regions like Buvuma Island where schools and health centers were lit up to improve education and health care services in the area. Still in 2019, the MTN Foundation donated and installed 100 solar kits in the Bunambutye resettlement camp in Bulambuli district while another batch of solar kits were donated to several schools in Kamuli district.

Other districts that have benefitted from this project include; Apac, Pader, Adjumani, Lira, Nwoya, Yumbe in Northern Uganda, Kanungu, Kabale, Sheema, Rukungiri, Kiruhura, Kamwenge, Kabarole, Kibale, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Kyotera, Rakai, Luwero, Masaka as well as Bududa, Bugweri, Bukwo and Iganga.

As several learners and teachers are looking forward to having schools reopen, the acute power shortages despite being connected to the national grid is still one of the biggest challenges most schools face countrywide. This has affected performance of school children since revision time is hampered each time there is no electricity. Therefore by providing solar lighting, learners can be able to read for longer as they recover the study time they lost in the previous year 2020. Over 45,000 learners will benefit from this project.

The MTN Foundation has undertaken to support a number of government initiatives in the education sector. MTN Foundation has been building and rehabilitating schools in various parts of Uganda in partnership with PEAS. MTN Foundation has also been extending ICT skills to learning institutions through setting up fully functional ICT laboratories. The Telecom has also extended computer literacy to rural schools through MTN ICT bus. The bus is fully equipped with ICT facilities with the children and given basic ICT training.

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Dubai launches Vaccine Logistics Alliance to expedite global distribution of #Covid-19 vaccines in developing countries

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
#Covid-19 vaccine

Dubai today launched the Vaccine Logistics Alliance to speed up distribution of Covid-19 vaccines around the world through the emirate.

With support from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) COVAX initiative and its efforts to equitably distribute two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines in 2021, the Dubai Vaccines Logistics Alliance combines the expertise and global reach of Emirates airline with DP World’s worldwide network of ports and logistics operations, along with the infrastructure of Dubai Airports and International Humanitarian City to distribute vaccines worldwide.

The distribution will particularly focus on emerging markets, where populations have been hard-hit by the pandemic, and pharmaceutical transport and logistics are challenging.

The alliance is working with a broader set of stakeholders including pharmaceutical manufacturers, forwarders, government agencies and other entities for transportation of vaccines.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “We currently stand at the cusp of a historic moment with the rollout of vaccines for countering Covid-19, a pandemic that has disrupted the lives of people around the world. The UAE is leading the world in terms of rolling out the vaccine, and in line with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to facilitate a global solution for the wellbeing of communities, the Dubai Vaccine Logistics Alliance brings together key organisations to expedite the worldwide transport of urgently needed vaccines through Dubai.

Sheikh Ahmed added: “Each alliance partner brings to the table a specific and complementary set of strengths and capabilities in vaccine distribution, allowing us to build a 360-degree solution that harnesses the combined logistical and infrastructural advantages of Dubai as a hub. Together, we are able to store a large volume of vaccine doses at a time and bring in and distribute vaccines to any point around the world within 48 hours.”

International Humanitarian City, the world’s largest hub for humanitarian logistics based in Dubai will be a vital partner in the Dubai Vaccine Logistics Alliance bringing its vast expertise in humanitarian logistics for aid materials such as food and medicine in markets with limited infrastructure. IHC and Emirates SkyCargo have already partnered on many humanitarian cargo flights and earlier in 2020, also signed an MoU for closer collaboration for humanitarian assistance flights.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, the Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Supervision of International Humanitarian City, said: “Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, International Humanitarian City, based in Dubai, has evolved to become the largest humanitarian hub in the world, playing a pivotal role in facilitating first responses to humanitarian crises across the globe. Since the current global crisis began, the IHC has facilitated the distribution of over 80% of the WHO’s global medical response in the fight against Covid-19.”

“Dubai will make sure this fight continues with the Vaccine Logistics Alliance transporting urgently needed vaccines and medical supplies to the most vulnerable communities across the world, when they need it most. We are all responsible for doing what we can to end this pandemic.”

DP World, a leader in global supply chain solutions with ports, terminals and logistics operations on every continent, is joining Dubai’s initiative to transport, store and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. DP World logistics operations will facilitate the collection of vaccines from manufacturing sites in places like Europe, the US and India and deliver them to airports, seaports and dryports for onward transportation. DP World’s global, GDP-compliant, network of warehousing and distribution hubs will be used to store vaccines for time and temperature sensitive distribution to hospitals and clinics. DP World will deploy its track-and-trace technology, such as Cargoes Flow, to give real-time information on the location of shipments, and continual temperature control and monitoring. DP World’s ports and terminals, including Jebel Ali in Dubai which is one the largest in the world, will be used to ship, store and distribute medical devices, such as syringes and wipes.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “Humanity will only defeat coronavirus if vaccines can be distributed everywhere. Dubai’s position as a global hub means we have a responsibility to combine our infrastructure and capabilities for this common goal. DP World has kept trade flowing throughout the pandemic ensuring countries received the vital supplies they need. We are proud to use our ports, terminals and smart logistics operations to distribute vaccines and medical devices to contribute to fighting the pandemic.”

On Wednesday, DP World and UNICEF also announced a wide-ranging partnership to support the global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and related immunisation supplies in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The new partnership – with a multi-million dollar value – is the largest to date to support UNICEF’s lead role in procuring and supplying 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines and auxiliary vaccination supplies on behalf of the COVAX Facility.

Emirates SkyCargo is a global leader in the air transportation of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, including vaccines. The air cargo carrier has over two decades of experience in transporting pharmaceuticals across the world and has developed extensive infrastructure and capabilities for the secure and rapid transportation of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals.

“Emirates SkyCargo has taken a global leadership position during the Covid-19 pandemic for the distribution of medical supplies and PPE. We recently activated the world’s largest airside hub dedicated to the storage and global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines at Dubai South. With our modern wide-body aircraft fleet, our network reaching more than 135 cities across six continents including major pharma hubs, and our expertise in handling pharma shipments, we are well placed to work with our partners in the Dubai Vaccine Logistics Alliance in order to make sure that the Covid-19 vaccines are reaching every corner of the globe, especially cities in emerging markets,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

Emirates SkyCargo has over 15,000 square metres of cool chain space for pharmaceuticals across its terminals in Dubai and has already had a head start for Covid-19 vaccine logistics, having already moved Covid-19 vaccines on its flights during the month of December.

Dubai Airports, operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), will be contributing to the efforts of the newly formed Dubai Vaccine Logistics Alliance by providing additional space at dedicated facilities at Dubai International (DXB). The repurposed cargo facilities will act as storage for COVID-19 vaccines that will be transported through its interlinked operations at DXB and DWC. Working closely with Emirates SkyCargo and Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Airports will ensure that the additional capacity for vaccine storage meets all the stringent regulatory guidelines for transportation of Covid-19 vaccines, and that related processes are streamlined with stakeholders and business partners.

CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, said; “Dubai’s central location means it is easily accessible to almost 80% of the world’s population within just four hours, making the decision to join forces and develop the world’s preeminent distribution hub a very strategic one. Over the coming months, there will undoubtedly be a major surge in demand for the efficient, safe and reliable global distribution of high volumes of Covid-19 vaccines, and we wanted to be ready to respond to and accommodate that demand. This alliance is timed perfectly and will not only support a global need, but also support the future of travel.”

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EU warns Museveni of arbitrary arrest and detention of his opponents

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
EU Parliament

The European Parliament has urged the president of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to end persistent use of force and arbitrary arrests and detention of and attacks against opposition politicians and supporters, protesters, human rights defenders and journalists in the country.

Chaired by President David Sassoli, Parliament was debating Uganda’s 2021 general election report noting that the elections were neither democratic nor transparent. They reiterated that sanctions against individuals and organisations responsible for human rights violations in Uganda must be adopted under the new EU human rights sanction mechanism, the so-called EU Magnitsky Act.

On Thursday 14th January, 2021, the Electoral Commission conducted presidential elections where Ugandans exercised their constitutional rights of choosing a president who will lead them through a five year term. Uganda has a total 18,103,603 registered voters and 34,684 polling stations however only 10,350,819 people turned up to vote.

The presidential election which comprised 11 candidates was won by President Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta who got 6,042,898 (58.38%). His closest opponent Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu got 3,631,437 votes (35.08%).

The report indicates that the election process was marred with massive irregularities including state inspired violence, intimidation and harassment of my supporters and arbitrary arrest and detention of presidential candidates.

“Parliament calls on the Ugandan Government to ensure justice and accountability for all victims by carrying out impartial, thorough and independent investigations into the shootings and violence perpetrated by security forces, and similarly calls on the Ugandan judiciary to objectively and independently apply the existing legislative framework and to take full note of the facts and evidence available,” the report reads in part.

The MPs wants Ugandan authorities to launch an immediate independent investigation into the tragic events of 18 and 19 November 2020, where at least 54 people needlessly lost their lives at the hands of the police following the arrest of Bobi Wine, and where hundreds more were injured, something that President Museveni himself has acknowledged, and to hold those responsible to account.

They Underlined that appeals against and challenges to election results are a fundamental feature of a credible electoral process; expects all election challenges and complaints to be addressed in an independent and transparent manner using the available constitutional and legal remedies.

“We Reminds the Ugandan authorities of their obligation to guarantee, protect and promote fundamental rights including the civil and political rights of the country’s citizens fair representation regardless of ethnic background, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and to affirm the crucial role that the political opposition, civil society actors, journalists and the media play in the country; calls on the authorities to lift any restrictions that may limit people’s right to freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of association.”

They urged the Ugandan authorities to end the arbitrary suspension of civil society activities, and the arrests of civil society activists and the freezing of their financial assets; in this regard, condemns in the strongest terms the attempts to limit civil society funding, in particular by President Museveni’s order to suspend the multi-million euro DGF, a pooled fund coordinated by the EU and national development partners to support groups working to promote human rights, deepen democracy and improve accountability in Uganda.

They recommended for  increased scrutiny of Uganda’s fiscal management and transparency; urges the Commission and the European External Action Service to continue conducting systematic reviews of EU budget support programmes where there is a risk of funds being diverted for use by the Ugandan authorities in activities which may abet human rights abuses and target activists;

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Police unveils #Covid-19 isolation and treatment centre

By
Our Reporter
-
Police unveils #Covid-19 isolation and treatment centre at Nsambya

The Directorate of Police Health Services has unveiled a #Covid-19 isolation and treatment centre at Nsambya Barracks.

The function was presided over by the Chief of Joint Staff AIGP Jack Bakasumba and AIGP Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, the Director Medical Services.

According to Dr Byaruhanga, the facility will cater for the police personnel and their immediate families who test positive to Covid-19

“Despite the Covid-19 cases going down, there are people who are still getting infected and among them are police personnel. You are all aware management protocol changed. When you test positive and you don’t have much complications, you are requested to go and isolate yourself at home. Now, it’s hard to isolate ourselves given the nature of the working environment. So, that’s why the police top management came up with a plan to have this facility,” noted Dr Byaruhanga.

Dr. Byaruhanga added, “We have a dedicated medical team comprising of 30 medical personnel that have been trained by Ministry of Health on how to manage, handle and monitor Covid-19 patients provided they don’t have complications.”

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Tax on cash withdrawals from banks can only be approved by Parliament – Hon Bahati

By
Our Reporter
-
State Minister for Finance Mr David Bahati

The Minister of State for Finance, Hon. David Bahati has assured the country that no taxes can be imposed without the approval of Parliament.

Bahati made this assurance while responding to a matter was raised by the Kassanda North MP, Hon. Patrick Oshabe that there was a plan to impose excise duty on agency banking and ATM withdrawals.

This was at a sitting of Parliament chaired by the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga on Thursday, 11 February 2021.

Oshabe said that a letter from the Ministry of Finance to the Governor, Bank of Uganda seeking guidance on the same has been widely circulated on social media.

“The Minister of Finance should come and clarify the matters that are going on. Why should the government be planning to raise revenue on already taxed money?” Oshabe asked.

Bahati said that the letter was authored by the Deputy Secretary to the Treasurer inviting the Governor of the Central Bank to consult on an internal engagement with the Finance Ministry.

“In line with the Rules of Procedure of this House, I do request that we focus on something that is before the House and is a proposal by Law. If this House is going to be discussing internal memos between government agencies, it will be a tough one,” he said.

He added that the internal memo that leaked was consulting the Central Bank. It was not a proposal by law and it was not to the House and has no bearing to the House.

Kasilo County Member of Parliament, Hon. Elijah Okupa said that it was not an internal memo but a letter written to the Governor, Bank of Uganda.

“It’s unfair that government is thinking of such action especially when the country is recovering from Covid-19. The Minister should be stopped before the taxes take shape,” he said.

The Speaker directed the Finance Minister to present proposals for taxation to the House.

“You should bring the proposals for taxation here. We should have an undertaking that you will not implement this without our authority,” she added.

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Police warns the public against attending Valentine’s day parties

By
Ronard Shabomwe
-
Spokesperson Patrick Onyango

Police have issued a warning statement cautioning the public against attending or hosting Valentine’s day parties.

Police say, they have read, listened and seen several advertisements both online and traditional media advertising parties in different places like hotels, beaches and other open arenas to celebrate valentine’s day on Sunday February 14, 2021.

“We therefore want to warn the organisers of these parties to desist from breaking the law and stop advertising for the events. The statement reads in part.

Patrick Onyango, the KMP Spokesperson, said Ministry of Health guidelines still stand and the COVID19 instruments:

He adds that the Public Health (Control of COVID-19) rules, 2020, that was put in place to fight the spread of Corona virus is still in operation.

He further appeals to members of the public to report to police any party or event that breaches the Coronavirus regulations, adding that any person that will attend such events will be arrested for breaching the laws.

When asked about the President’s directive of only 200 people are allowed to gather, Onyango noted that even this will not be working on this lovers day.

“People gather even beyond this allowed numbers and when we arrest them, because others have to escape, they will start arguing that they were few. This is what we want to avoid this time” Onyango explains.

Every year on 14th February, many people who believe in this day, especially lovers, converge and Merry make. Events organizers often times take the advantage and invite entertainers to entertain lovers.

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UPDF helicopter crashes at Entebbe

By
Our Reporter
-
Helicopter crashes

A UPDF helicopter piloted by two has today afternoon crashed in Entebbe near Lido beach.

The chopper crashed a few metres away from the Air Force base.

“Today afternoon at about 2:15 pm a jet ranger piloted by two cadet trainees on a mutual training flight came down immediately after takeoff near Lido beach,” UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen Flavia Byekwaso tweeted.

The two cadet trainees have been rushed to hospital to ascertain their health as UPDF’s aviation team is on ground to investigate the matter.

“The two were rushed to hospital to ascertain their health. Our aviation team is on ground to investigate the mishap,” Byekwaso said.

 

 

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Ruling in Bobi Wine’s election petition set for March 18

By
Our Reporter
-
Museveni, Bobi Wine

The Supreme Court will deliver its ruling in the petition in which Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine wants the re-election of President Museveni nullified on Thursday March 18, 2021.

This was revealed by the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny- Dollo, the head of the panel of nine justices of the Supreme Court during the pre-hearing conference on Thursday in Kampala. On 1 February, Bobi Wine petitioned the Supreme Court claiming the January 14 presidential election was marred with irregularities and fell short of constitutional requirements.

The Chief Justice also noted that the petitioners (Kyagulanyi) have up to February 14 to file their affidavits in the matter while the respondents have up to February 20 to file their affidavits in response.

The petitioners will also have to file their written submissions by February 23, whereas the respondents will be required to file their written submissions by March 2 and by March 4, the petitioners will be asked to file their rejoinder if any.

Lawyers from both sides will have a chance to cross examine witnesses and also present electronic evidence between February 25 and 26.

Chief Justice Owiny Dollo however cautioned counsels for all parties to strictly adhere to the timelines given since he has accorded them sufficient time to do whatever they want to do. He also told them to desist from issuing disparaging information in the media and respect courts decisions.

Medard Sseggona on behalf of the petitioner and Attoney General William Byaruhanga accepted the directions of the Supreme Court and agreed to abide with the set timelines.

The respondents in the election petition filed by Bobi Wine including the Attorney General, Electoral Commission and the president-elect lawyers have since made their responses to the petition.

A team of 40 lawyers has been set up to represent Museveni while 25 lawyers will represent Bobi Wine.

On Thursday 14th January, 2021, the Electoral Commission conducted presidential elections where Ugandans exercised their constitutional rights of choosing a president who will lead them through a five year term. Uganda has a total 18,103,603 registered voters and 34,684 polling stations however only 10,350,819 people turned up to vote.

The presidential election which comprised 11 candidates was won by President Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta who got 6,042,898 (58.38%). His closest opponent Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu got 3,631,437 votes (35.08%).

Timeline

February 14: Closing date for filing affidavits by Kyagulanyi lawyers

February 20: Closing date for filing of affidavits by Museveni and EC lawyers

February 23: Closing date for filing of affidavits in rejoinder by Kyagulanyi’s lawyers

February 24: Pre-hearing by the Supreme Court

February 23: Filing written submissions by the petitioner

February 25 to 26: Cross-examination for witnesses and presentation of electronic evidence

March 2: Filing written submissions in response by the respondents

March 18: Judgment day

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