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Makerere University launches Shs1.6 billion research facility

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Our Reporter
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Makerere University launches Shs1.6 billion research facility

Makerere University with support from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) commissioned a Research Private Cloud Computing facility Worth Shs1.6 billion.

The facility is situated in the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) offices, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

Presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Eng. Irene Sewankambo, the ceremony was also graced by Senior Research Advisor, Embassy of Sweden in Uganda-Dr. Gity Behravan and the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Vincent Ssembatya.

Mr. Samuel Mugabi lauded Sida for being a long-term supporter of developing the ICT function and capacity at Makerere University, right from establishing the optic fibre backbone network at the Main, Mulago, MUBS and MUARIK Campuses to offering training for DICTS staff.

“We are now moving into the Web 3.0 era where the state-of-the-art Research Private Cloud Computing facility will enable us to do high performance computing, serve as a data repository for all 17 Mak-Sida projects and prepare Makerere University for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).”

Prof. Oyana, Principal Investigator (PI) of the Mak-Sida Project 381: Integrating ICT-based support in Research, Teaching and Innovations, expressed deep appreciation to Sida for the continued good will and support to infrastructure development at Makerere University.

“We strongly believe that now an opportunity exists for capacity building in DICTS to develop relevant IT knowledge and skills to grow cloud-based computing and storage applications to support Makerere University’s research,” remarked Prof. Oyana.

Project Co-PI, Prof. Uno Fors in his virtual address congratulated Makerere University upon the impressive installation, noting that Stockholm University (SU) had only recently received its cloud computing facility and as such, was not far ahead of its partner. He pledged that SU would support technology-based training of trainers so as to facilitate skills transfer over the internet. “When the pandemic allows, I will come over,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya noted that Sida’s cooperation with Makerere University goes back more than 20 years and was glad that the state-of-the-art facility was being commissioned in the period leading up to Makerere’s celebration of 100 years of existence.

He shared that the University had embarked on implementation of its new 10 year strategic plan, which seeks to consolidate Makerere’s position as the global knowledge hub at the heart of Africa, representing a major paradigm shift. “We have in the past been engaged in a number of activities and we now want to see how best to support other universities and the country through initiatives like cloud computing.”

Dr. Ssembatya sincerely thanked the Swedish Embassy and Royal Government for the generosity and support that took into consideration Makerere’s present and future ICT needs. He pledged the University’s commitment to fully utilize the facility.

In her remarks, Dr. Behravan reiterated that institution-building, postgraduate training, and the existence of an environment that is conducive for research and research training are all part of the holistic effort supported by Swedish research funding to Uganda since the year 2000.

She expressed the Swedish Embassy’s gratitude to Makerere’s Institutional approach to addressing developments in the ICT environment, as shown by establishment of the new facility. “Today we are witnessing the fruit of a cost-sharing partnership between Sweden and Makerere whereby the University has shown a strong ownership in implementation of its ICT Policy and Master Plan and securing the sustainability of the ICT system and services in line with its strategic direction.”

Eng. Sewankambo thanked the project team for inviting her to not only grace but also witness the historic moment. The Makerere University alumna of Electrical Engineering paid tribute to her alma mater for always being a model research and innovation institution. “I applaud Makerere University for being out there and recognizing that we as a nation are growing.”

She shared that Uganda was already implementing her National 4IR strategy and the NDPIII has a specific programme on digital transformation. One of the programme’s objectives is to promote ICT research, innovation and commercialisation of indigenous knowledge products.

“I am happy to note that the National Conference on Communications is going be hosted by Makerere University next month. The Conference will bring together players from Government and Academia to ensure that research developed is relevant to the country” she said.

Ag. Executive Director UCC applauded the Swedish Embassy and Government for the specific support to ICT infrastructure development and urged all stakeholders to ensure that they harness the immense brain power to carry Uganda forward.

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Two arrested for stealing motor vehicles

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Our Reporter
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Suspects

The Uganda police is holding two people suspected to have been behind car theft in Kampala and neighboring areas.

The suspects are Nsereko Farouk Alias kasasa Hassan and Wambi Joseph Alias Kato Daniel.

According to Twiine Charles, the spokesperson of Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), findings indicate that they hire vehicles from people and later on sell them to unsuspecting members of the public who are later arrested for stealing them.

The suspects have been involved in several motor vehicle theft and are being investigated in several cases around KMP.

“We appeal to the general public especially persons who had bought vehicles from such unscrupulous people, and later impounded by police to come to CID headquarters and lodge a complaint before we dispose them (suspects) to the Courts of Law,” Twiine Charles said.

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Commercial Court dismisses Simbamanyo Estate case against Equity bank

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Our Reporter
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Simbamanyo house which was acquired by tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.

Commercial Court has dismissed the case in which owners of Simbamanyo Estates Limited had sought to halt the auctioning of its prime properties by Equity bank.

The  bank to auctioned the properties in order to recover a loan amounting to$10.8 million (Shs40 billion).

Commercial Court Deputy Registrar Lillian Bucyana ruled on Wednesday  February 17 dismissing the matter. She said the suit abates for failure to take out summons for directions in time.

“The application for withdrawal was not conceded to unconditionally but was on condition of payment of costs. In the circumstances therefore, the applicant (Simbamanyo Estates) application stands dismissed upon withdrawal and the only issue for consideration is whether should be payable,” Justice Madrama  stated in his ruling.

He further added “The respondent  upon being served, instructed lawyers and the lawyers took action to oppose the application by filing the appropriate affidavits in reply as well as written submissions”.

Simbamanyo Estates Limited lost property, Afrique Suites Hotel and Simbamanyo House  over a $10.8 million loan acquired from Equity Bank.

Last year, the  Estate lost Simbamanyo House located on plot 2 Lumumba Avenue after it failed to service the loan. The building had been mortgaged by its owners with Equity Bank but after failing to pay, the exercise was conducted through public bidding on October 8 by Equity Bank Limited.

According to documents seen by Eagle Online, the hotel was sold the same day as Simbamanyo House was sold.

According to court documents filed in the Commercial Division of the High Court, on August 20, 2012, Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Bank Uganda entered into a loan agreement in which the two banks agreed to advance Simbamanyo with $6m.

The loans, which would make up a consolidate sum of $8.10m (Shs29.83b) including interest and operational fees, among others, sought to finance the construction of Afrique Suites Hotel in Mutungo, Luzira north east of Kampala and facilitate the takeover of a prior facility advanced to Simbamanyo by Shelter Afrique.

History of the loans

The two banks, details indicate, pooled money together with at least $3.5m drawn from Equity Bank Kenya and $2.5m from Equity Bank Uganda. However, Simbamanyo Estates challenged the outstanding sum, saying it is only aware of $7.19m (Shs26.48b).

In its defense, Equity indicates that Sambamanyo benefited and was aware of every financial transaction that was advanced to it. Equity also argued that Bank One, based in Mauritius, was drafted into the transaction on the request of Simbamanyo, which had sought to obtain bridge financing of up to $10m.

In the same spirit, Simbamanyo Estates Limited withdrew their application in which they were seeking to stop the takeover of its property on Lumumba Avenue. They had petitioned the Court of Appeal seeking orders to maintain the status quo stopping the sale of their property by Equity Bank which is seeking to recover loans worth $10.8 million (Shs40 billion).

Court documents indicate that upon issuance of the High Court order on September 7 last year, the bank advertised their property, and were meant to and finally sold on October 8.

 

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We didn’t invite you to Supreme Court – Chief Justice tells off Bobi Wine

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo

The Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo has defended himself in the matter where the former Presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert aka Bobi Wine wants him off the bench of nine judges handling his electoral petition.

Earlier this month, through his lawyers led by Medard Seggona, Bobi wine petitioned the Supreme Court challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s victory in the just concluded January general elections saying that the election was not free and fair.

He contended that throughout the campaign period the People of Uganda generally, and more particularly his supporters endured untold suffering, torture, degrading and inhuman treatment on the orders of Gen Museveni. He cited the dark days of 18th and 19th November 2020 which saw over 50 innocent, unarmed citizens murdered in cold blood by the police and military.

On Monday, the MP asked Justice Owiny Dollo, Mike Chibita to back off from hearing the matter because of a clear conflict of interest. He said Chief Justice represented Museveni as his lawyer in the presidential petition filed by Dr. Besigye in 2001 and the former DPP Chibita is Museveni’s former private secretary for 7 years.

Speaking during court session earlier today, Chief Justice told Bobi off that; “We did not invite anyone to this court if you have Plan B, go ahead with it but do not bring undeserved chaos in court.”

“If anybody thinks he can induce the Chief Justice with favours or intimidate him, be ready for a crash. Nobody should have the fear that we will favour any person in this petition; we took an oath to defend,” he said.

“All matters that arise outside court we don’t have time for. If anyone thinks they can intimidate, blackmail the chief justice Of Uganda, he is going to crash.” he added.

He said last time they spoke on how they will conduct themselves in the matter before them. “The lordships as it is provided for in the constitution took an oath to protect it without fear favor affection or ill will.”

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We don’t see you as enemies rather concentrate on the shared goals – Museveni hits at EU Ambassadors

By
Our Reporter
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Museveni meets EU Ambassadors

President Yoweri Museveni has urged European Union to focus on strengthening their shared goals with Uganda asserting that Uganda and the European Union are not adversaries.

“For us we don’t see you as enemies, remove all the diversions and concentrate on the shared goals and help one another for the prosperity of our people,” said President Museveni.

The President said while meeting European Union envoys at State House Entebbe. The envoys were led by their head of delegation, Attilio Pacifici.

Others were Per Lindgarde of Sweden, William Carlos (Ireland), Rudi Veestraeten (Belgium), Jules Armand Ania Mbossou (France), Nicolaj Itejberg Peterson (Denmark), Massimiliano Mazzanti (Italy), Mathias Schauer (Germany), Karin Boven  (Netherlands) and Dr. Roswitha Kremser of Austria.

President Museveni, who reminded the envoys of the political history of Africa in general and Uganda in particular, also discussed a wide range of issues with his guests covering political, social and economic sectors.

The President however cautioned the envoys against involvement in matters that they are not conversant with, something that could have “serious consequences”.

“By involving yourselves in matters that you don’t understand, even if you do understand, you should not get involved because this kind of misconduct can lead to many serious consequences and suffering of the people like it happened in some African countries,” he said.

President Museveni further advised the envoys to always consult with government officials in case they want clarification on any issues.

He promised to share with the envoys a report on the investigations being carried out by security agencies following the November 2020 riots in Kampala and other urban areas where lives were lost.

The envoys appreciated the cordial and friendly relationship existing between the European Union and Uganda.

Ambassador Per Lindgarde of Sweden expressed their readiness to continue supporting development programmes in Uganda.

The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa and other senior government officials.

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Shock as Makerere University Professor is found dead in his house

By
Ronard Shabomwe
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A courtsey Photo of Professor Kerali.

An Associate Professor at Makerere University has been found dead in his house. Anthony Geoffrey Kerali, was found dead at his Kololo based home at Plot 1 Prince Charles Drive on Thursday evening.

Kerali, whose cause of death was not established, was a lecturer at Makerere University in the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology-CEDAT.

Relatives account that the Professor didn’t wake up as he usually does. They also said that when it reached at around 3pm, the house maids knocked his door to find out, all they got was no response which tempted them to force the door to find him dead.

According to the existing literature, Professor Kerali was born in 1962 in the village of Erusi, Otanyi Sub County in Nebbi district. His parents are Laudio Mamba and Zebia Kerali.

He attended Makerere University where he graduated with bachelor’s degree in Science in Civil Engineering and later joined Loughborough University of United Kingdom where he studied his Masters’ degree in Construction Economics. He then got his PhD from Warwick University of Material Science. He leaves only two sons and a wife. His body is currently at Mulago Hospital for further treatment.

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Who is Lt Col Namanya, the officer who commanded the beating of journalists and Bobi Wine’s supporters in Kalangala and Busega

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Lt Col Namanya

On Wednesday, security forces of military police and the army pounced on journalists and beat them as former presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert delivered a petition to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) offices in Kampala.

During the scuffle, scores of journalists were injured and admitted to various health facilities for medical care. The assaulted journalists include; Irene Abalo (Daily Monitor), John Cliff Wamala (NTV), Timothy Murungi (New Vision) and Josephine Namakumbi (NBS).

And yesterday, the Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen David Muhoozi apologized for the inhuman actions of his soldiers. Moments later, seven Uganda people defence forces (UPDF) soldiers were arraigned before General court martial chaired by Lt. Col. Gai Mpadwa.

They were sentenced as follows; Capt Odwenyi was sentenced to 90 days of detention in Makindye military barracks, L/CPL Zirimenya Kassim was also charged with 60 days while Captain Nimusiima Justine was sentenced to severe reprimand and caution while Pte Kisakye Victoria and Pte Opiyo Isaac were sentenced to 62 and 60 days in the military prison respectively.

However their commander Lt Col Namanya Napoleone Kyabihende, Director Operations Military Police, was neither arrested, charged nor reprimanded. He previously served under the Special Forces Command (SFC), a force mandated to protect the president.

He was named in the shooting at Kasubi tombs on 16th March 2010 which saw several people dead and injured.

He commanded the military interception on Bobi Wine and his supporters in Busega on 27th December 2020 as they rushed Ashraf Kasirye to Rubaga hospital after he was shot on the head during their campaign in Masaka.

In Busega, as they pleaded to be allowed to rush Ashraf to hospital, Napoleon and his men, driving a military police truck, ran over Frank Senteza and killed him and some of their supporters were brutally beaten and are still nursing wounds.

He also commanded a raid on Bobi Wine’s campaign team in Kalangala Island on 30th December 2020, an ambush which saw over 100 of his members arrested. Most of them are still languishing in Kitarya prison. He personally beat up NTV journalist John Cliff Wamala.

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Continental body FAJ condemns violent attacks against journalists

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Continental body FAJ condemns violent attacks against journalists

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the pan-African organisation of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), notes with serious concern and condemns in the strongest terms, the continuing attacks on journalists and media freedom in Uganda by the security forces.

Several journalists suffered grave bodily injuries and psychological trauma on February 17, when the military police pounced on them as they covered the handing over of a petition against the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, to the United Nations Human Rights Office in Kampala, by the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine.

Broadcast journalists John Cliff Wamala – NTV, Josephine Namakumbi – NBS TV, Joseph Sabiti -NBS and their print colleagues Irene Abalo – Daily Monitor and Timothy Murungi – New Vision among others, were left bleeding and with sprained limbs after they were chased and beaten by military police.

FAJ takes note of the deteriorating environment for safety of journalists in Uganda and calls on President Museveni as Commander in Chief to be accountable and restrain his troops from engaging in unprovoked attacks against journalists and other citizens.

“We note with concern that attacks against journalists which started during the campaigns for presidential elections continue to date and appear to have become an operational norm for Ugandan security personnel. The public has a right to know and this is only possible when journalists can operate in an environment that is secure and free of threats from any quarters. We wish to remind Ugandan authorities that they have a duty to protect journalists and other citizens from the arbitrary actions of the uniformed services,” said FAJ President Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed

The journalists were clearly identifiable and this attack represents a dangerous trend of targeted attacks against the media that is gaining ground in Uganda. The Federation wishes to remind the Ugandan government that journalism is not a crime.

FAJ also censures the continued human rights violations, including abductions, killings and detention in ungazetted places, of people perceived to be opposition supporters.

FAJ calls on the African Union and the wider international community to stand by journalists and the people of Uganda, to condemn and take action against the growing impunity and disregard for the rule of law by the Ugandan state.

“We stand by our colleagues at the Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) who have taken a firm stance against these attacks which are a violation of Article 29 of the Uganda Constitution which guarantees press freedom and other liberties as well as Article 41 which guarantees the right to access to information,” added FAJ president.

The Uganda Journalist Union (UJU) President, Lucy Anyango Ekadu, ,said there is no way journalists will continue working under such conditions when they are beaten and their equipment damaged. She also called on all journalists who have been beaten and their equipment destroyed to open up cases against perpetrators of crimes against the media.

“UJU is calling on partner organisations and journalists to consider imposing a complete blackout on all government events if their safety is not guaranteed”, she stated.

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: “We are deeply concerned about the continuous attacks against press freedom in Uganda. Journalists shouldn’t be suffering physical and psychological attacks just for doing their job. The government must stop this outrageous harassment.”

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Workers to access savings after Parliament passing NSSF Bill

By
Our Reporter
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NSSF building

Parliament has passed the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Bill, which will see contributors aged 45 and above have mid-term access to their savings.

The Bill was stood over in September 2020, over a contentious Clause after lawmakers failed to agree on the categories of people to have mid-term access.

The report proposed that mid-term access provides for additional benefits and relief to members of the Fund before they reach the age prescribed by the law.

“A person with a disability who lacks gainful employment or fails to generate income and unable to make contributions to the Fund for a period of not less than one year should access up to 75 per cent of their contributions upon application,” the report reads in part.

However, in his minority report, Bulamogi County MP, Hon. Kenneth Lubogo said that members who lose their employment and remain unemployed for a period of not less than three years should, upon application, be entitled to 40 per cent of the balance on the member’s account.

While presenting the amendments by the committee on Gender during plenary sitting on Wednesday, 17 February 2021, Committee Vice Chairperson, Hon. Agnes Kunihira suggested that members who has made voluntary contributions should be allowed mid-term access to their benefits accrued from the voluntary savings.

“A member who is employed and is 45 years and above or has contributed to the fund for at least 10 years is eligible to mid-term access of a sum not exceeding 20 per cent of his or her accrued benefits,” she added.

The clause was further amended to allow members with disabilities who cease to be employed for a period not less than one year to withdraw 75 per cent of their accrued benefits.

“The Minister shall in consultation with the Board describe statutory instruments, terms and conditions and procedure for accessing the accrued benefits,” stated Kunihira.

The State Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mwesigwa Rukutana, however, said that government maintains its position on the main objective of social security, saying that it is to ensure that persons getting secure retirement and therefore mid-term access should only be maintained on voluntary contributions.

“To open up mid-term access on standing contributions under article 24 (a) undermines the cardinal principal of social security of ensuring secure retirement.”

He added that allowing persons with disabilities (PWDs) who ceased to be employed for over one year is worse because PWDs are disproportionally affected by old age.

He proposed that instead of allowing mid-term access of the voluntary contributions, the Board may in consultation with the Minister by statutory instrument prescribe additional benefits including mid-term access of standing contributions.

The House, however, voted to adopt the amendments made by the gender committee.

The committee also maintained a position on the deletion of Clause 12 that proposed direct lending by NSSF to government.

In practice, NSSF already lends to government through government securities, treasury bills and bonds, or other instructions sold in open markers.

Hon. Kunihira said that lending through the open markets ensures that members’ funds are protected from transactions below market interest rates, high costs are not imposed on savers and the financial market is not distorted since NSSF is a key player in the Uganda market.

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Journalists react on brutality against them by security agencies

By
Ronard Shabomwe
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One of the journalists after being injured in Kololo on Wednesday. (Photo by Nicholas Bamulanzeki)

Following the brutal violence by military police on Wednesday in Kololo Kampala, a number of media personalities have condemned the acts of brutality that have continuously unleashed on them, saying that journalism is not crime.

Journalists, after covering the presser by the National Unity Platform-NUP officials which took place in Kamwokya at NUP’s Secretariat, they followed Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu to cover the handover of the petition to United Nations Human Rights-UN offices, located at Prince Charles Drive, Kololo, on alleged human rights violations that marred the electoral process, however, this did not go well with whoever was trailing the NUP delegation.

A number of journalists sustained serious injuries after the scuffle between military and journalists who were covering the event. These include; Irene Abalo Otto of daily monitor, John Cliff Wamala of NTV, Timothy Murungi and Henrely Ssekanjako of New Vision, Josephine Namakumbi, Joseph Sabiti and Thomas Kitimbo of NBS, Amina Nalule of Galaxy among other journalists.

Moses Mulondo, the President of Uganda Parliamentary Press Association-UPPA, in a statement said the continued acts of brutality against journalists on duty by security forces are in violation of press freedom guaranteed in article 29 of the Uganda constitution.

Mulondo said that in the past, there have been so many other nasty incidents of police and military officers assaulting journalists with impunity.

He called upon the media owners, managers and editors to cooperate with their reporters in undertaking tough measures against the impunity of security forces like boycotting the coverage of their activities until commitment to end the barbaric acts is made.

Uganda Journalist Association-UJA issued a statement condemning the act and said that, this act is a continuation of unprecedented illegal assaults and brutality against journalists performing their constitutionally mandated duty of keeping the public informed.

“While we have engaged the security agencies on the issue of guaranteeing, the Safety of journalists, our efforts have been shamelessly and rudely ignored.” The statement reads in part.

Halima Athumani took it to her social media platforms and wrote that whenever journalists are out covering especially potentially risky stories, they always gather and tell each other that the most dangerous security officer in the field is a military police officer, the ones with red berets.

“We have always agreed that if a military police officer confronts you, you either try to charm them as you move away from the risk or just give them your equipment if they ask for it. We know how lethal they are and never want to get in their way,” she writes.

Damali Mukhaye of daily monitor noted that “someone cries telling you that I am a journalist but you continue beating them. Some journalists never learn a lesson. Every journalist should know that the Police/military don’t have friends when it comes to beating, so colleagues always watch out.”

Some journalists called upon fellow journalists to stop covering activities of government until they start respecting the works of media personnel. Joseph Balikuddembe of CBS said that “I argue with fellow scribes to stop covering the NRM government until it exits power because it does not value the work of journalists”.

Andrew Mwenda, the CEO of Independent news paper and magazine wrote on his social media platforms that NRM government, in characteristic style, used military police to unleash violence against a group of activists escorting Bobi Wine to the UN Human Rights office to deliver a petition.

Mwenda says it was the same old style, with added level of brutality this time mercilessly employed against journalists.

“I am even more shocked some Ugandan elites think this is new. The use of violence has been a characteristic feature of NRM from its inception” Mwenda noted.

Robert Ssempala of Human Rights Network of Journalist of Uganda called this a misfortune, adding that the fact that it has been repeated several times and the security agencies are not showing any changes in their brutal acts, it should be handled on a serious note.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango in a press statement, said that it was done due to overcrowding of people yet they had warned people to avoid converging, as one way of preventing the spread of Covid-19 virus.

“Due to the acts of overcrowding at the security perimeters near UN offices, there was a great potential of breaching the security perimeter, which led to additional reinforcement that helped disperse the uncontrolled crowds. Unfortunately, a few people sustained injuries including journalists,” Onyango adds.

On several occasions, security agencies have battled journalists without any reason given. Security accuses the media of failing to be neutral when it comes to reporting on security issues.

In one of the security press briefings at Naguru Police Headquarters, the IGP Martin Okoth Ochola said police batting journalists intended to stop them from being harmed and he dared never to apologize for police’s acts of brutality towards journalists.

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