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Airtel Uganda bows to pressure, gets Shs272 billion national telecom operator licence

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Airtel Uganda

The telecom service provider, Airtel Uganda has been granted a Shs272 billion National Telecom Operator Licence to continue operating in Uganda.

The new licence is with effect from 1 July 2020 and is for a period of 20 years. Airtel Uganda applauded the Government of Uganda and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for its cooperation on this important process.

Airtel Uganda had failed to secure an operational license after it expired in 2017. Upon expiry of their licence, Airtel applied for renewal of its public Service Provider (PSP) and Public Infrastructure Provider (PIP) License and paid the requisite $100,000 in November 2018.  Its application for renewal has however been under scrutiny since it covered 50per cent of the geographical boundary.

This aimed at avoiding paying for the National Telecom Operator (NTO) license which they qualify for since they cover 50 per cent of the geographical boundary of the country.

The company has been operating on PSP and PIP License and this can explain why they were paying little amount of money compared to competitors MTN-Uganda.

“Airtel Uganda will retain its entire current spectrum subject to the law and terms of assignment. The scope of services will be the provision of basic telecommunication services, infrastructure services, and value-added telecommunication services. In addition, Airtel Uganda commits to achieving coverage of 90% of the geographical boundary of Uganda within five years of the effective date of the licence – with a minimum obligation of providing voice and data services,” reads in part of the statement released by Airtel.

Recently, UCC introduced new changes and currently there Six new license categories have been introduced: National Telecom Operator (NTO) license; National Public Service Provider (NPSP) License, Regional Public Service Provider (RPSP), National Public Infrastructure Provider (NPIP) License, Regional Public Infrastructure Provider (RPIP) License and License to provide Communal Access.

According to the new changes, if an operator covers over 65 per cent of the geographical boundary of Uganda, or operating in three regions they shall be eligible for a national license in the NTO or National PIP or PSP category. This can apply to MTN, Airtel, UTL and Africell.

Operators currently covering less than 65 per cent or operating in less than three regions will be eligible for a regional license. Any operator who currently only holds NTO licenses will continue operating as such in the new licensing framework.

For years, Airtel’s competitors have complained that its cheap licence has given it the advantage to drive aggressive pricing which has put pressure on yields across the sector.

Airtel has enjoyed a market advantage over rivals because, while its operating licences are valued in millions of dollars, the telco has been paying just $100,000 for its public service provider licence every five years.

That translates into an annual licence cost of just $20,000, compared with $5.8 million for its nearest competitor. Airtel Uganda made Shs229.8 million profits in 2017, the same Telecom Company that has been paying just Shs370 million for its public service provider license every five years.

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Russia banned from Tokyo Olympics and 2022 World Cup

By
Agencies
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Russia banned from Tokyo Olympics and 2022 World Cup

Russia’s ban from all major sporting events after a doping scandal has been cut to two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The ban still prevents Russia from competing in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, set to be held next year, and football’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Russia was initially given a four-year ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Cas said the reduction of the ban should not be seen “as any validation” of Russia’s conduct.

The ban will now run until 16 December 2022, meaning Russia is also banned from competing at the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February.

World Athletics said it will decide in March 2021 whether to allow Russian athletes who can prove they are clean to compete as neutral athletes in international athletics competitions.

The governing body has previously said a maximum of 10 Russian track and field athletes will be allowed to compete under a neutral flag at the Tokyo Games, which were postponed to July 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia will be allowed to play at next year’s delayed Euro 2020 tournament because European football’s governing body Uefa is not defined as a “major event organisation” with regards to rulings on anti-doping breaches.

Wada declared Russia’s Anti-Doping Agency (Rusada) non-compliant for manipulating laboratory data handed over to investigators in January 2019.

Russia had been told to hand over data to Wada as a condition of its controversial reinstatement in 2018 after a three-year suspension for its vast state-sponsored doping scandal.

“The panel has imposed consequences to reflect the nature and seriousness of the non-compliance and to ensure that the integrity of sport against the scourge of doping is maintained,” said Cas, which announced the ruling on Thursday.

“It has considered matters of proportionality and, in particular, the need to effect cultural change and encourage the next generation of Russian athletes to participate in clean international sport.”

Russia has also been prevented from hosting international events during the same period.

When Wada announced its sanction last December, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the ban was part of “chronic anti-Russian hysteria”.

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Museveni will not get 51% mandatory vote – Gen Tumukunde

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Gen Tumukunde

Independent Presidential Candidate Rtd Gen. Henry Tumukunde has predicted that President Yoweri Museveni will not have the 51 per cent mandatory vote in the 2021 general elections thus requiring a re-run since they are now facing tough elections.

Tumukunde has boasted of being the most likely contender who may even get an outright win from the incumbent although the majority regarded him to be weak including some members of the opposition.

“I have every belief beyond reasonable doubt That we are going to win this election and am not joking about it at least what I am much sure of is that 51 per cent for President Museveni is not quality available. Am very happy the way our campaign is built up, if it was not the intention of #Covid-19 pandemic I can sure you would be having a very good turn up.”

“Am also excited about the eastern region especially adding it over and above Western region and northern region since am largely accepted candidate and am glad I don’t have limitations even areas which are not necessary associated with me and it’s good we have a great history in this country performed as Ugandans and people seemed to be rewarding us.”

“The way things are, I can assure you that we shall have a re-run or an outright win, for me actually am convinced it will be an outright win on our own part. I have covered every district where I was stopped to. So I have more reason to believe otherwise other than that we stand a chance to have a peaceful change in this country Uganda,” said Tumukunde.

He added that from the reception he has been getting since he began his campaigns is just enough to prove that he is another silent force to reckon with in the near elections.

“Now then what we are talking about, I am now indicating myself, I told my colleague in opposition that we should have worked together. It would have been an easier case. Of course some of them ‘opposition’ they think am weak and that’s not necessary true although it has been easier solution through our own problems of making sure that we move Uganda forward,” he said.

He said that as he was passing through young towns really dependently on market, he thought of the need to structure a system that finances those businesses by building a modern market and on top of it put classrooms and daycare so that children do not mix with market and their parents who are struggling making money for the family.

“They are doing quite a lot both men and women and am convinced that should we help them on tax money and own ‘Emidaala’ as ownership to process money in banks like Post Bank on law rates than chasing money in money renders with huge interest rates.”

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Kyotera Woman MP Robinah Ssentongo succumbs to #Covid-19

By
Geoffery Serugo
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MP Robinah Ssentongo

The Kyotera District Woman MP Robinah Ssentongo Nakasirye has passed on. Her death has been confirmed by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga.

“The Speaker informs the House that Robina Ssentongo, MP for Kyotera District has passed on this morning after contracting and suffering from #COVID-19. The House observes a moment of silence in her honour,” Parliament tweeted.

Details to follow…

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UPDF receives donation from Sadolin Paint as Tarehe Sita celebrations 2021 gear up

By
Our Reporter
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UPDF receives donation from Sadolin Paint as Tarehe Sita celebrations 2021 gear up

The Chief of Civil and Military Co-operation, Brigadier General Emmanuel Rwashande has received a donation of 1,600 litres of paint worth 28 Million Uganda Shillings from Sadolin Paint Uganda.

The donation of Vinyl Silk and Weather Guard type of paint were handed over by the Sadolin Uganda Sales Manager, Mr. Ashish Devani at a function held at their head offices in Namanve, Mukono District.

Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande thanked the management and staff of Sadolin paint for their generous contribution towards supporting the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces while giving back to the people as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility during the 40th Tarehe Sita Anniversary that will be held in greater Masaka and Kampala Metropolitan.

“Your response will strengthen our efforts as UPDF as we pay back our people in form of quick impact projects,” Brig Gen Rwashande said.

He further noted that while the NRA/UPDF has been able to transform from a guerilla force to a regular and professional Army whose role is securing the territorial integrity of Uganda, it is incumbent upon the UPDF as a Peoples’ Army to always give back to the people and thank them for their contribution and roles towards the liberation struggles. This, he added, is built on the strong foundations of Civil-Military relations we have with the people.

In his remarks, Mr. Ashish Devani the Sadolin Uganda Sales Manager said it was a privilege for their company to be part of the noble activities of Tarehe Sita which they have been partners with the UPDF for last three years.

He noted that Sadolin Uganda whose parent company, AkzoNobel has been in Uganda for the last 60 years and thus as part of widening their Corporate Social Responsibility, they found it worthy to be part of the activities as UPDF celebrates the 40th Tarehe Sita Anniversary.

At the function were representatives from the UPDF Chief of Political Commissariete and Chieftaincy of the Engineering Brigade.

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20 year old mother shot in Bobi Wine riots decries medical bills

By
Ronard Shabomwe
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Shakirah Nyemera showing the wound at the back where the bullet came out from.Photo by Ronard Shabomwe.

A 20 year old and single mother of a two-months-old baby has decried lack of finances to buy medicine for her bullet wounds.

Shakirah Nyemera a resident of Banda in Kampala says, she has been in Mulago several times and failed to get medical attention, all they could do is to tell her to go and buy medicine in private clinics.

Nyemera was shot at by security personnel aboard a speeding security double cabin pickup car during the riots sparked off by the arrest of Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, a presidential candidate in the 2021 elections for the National Unity Platform (NUP) party.

She was shot at with a live bullet which entered via her right side rib and came out at the back was taken to hospital, but after having the bullet removed from her  body, she was sent home and her gunshot wounds are still in bad condition as she feels pain all the time.

Nyemera who was formerly a shop attendant in Banda and when she got injuries, her work stopped because she cannot do anything on her own. Her employment involved carrying goods, attending to clients and standing for long hours, which she cannot do anymore because of injuries she sustained.

Shakirah Nyemere, who is still suffering from bullet and the operation wounds, says has suffered a lot with her baby because she no longer works. She appeals to well-wishers to extend a hand of help in order to get medical help and what to eat. She also says, government should fulfill its promise to treat the innocent victims at free cost.

The State Minister for Primary Healthcare, Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, as she visited the Mulago national referral hospital after the protest, promised that victims were to get free medical care, however, Nyemera says when she went to Mulago, she was only operated to remove the bullet and sent back home to take care for herself.

Nyemera has since failed to get any medicine since she has no money to buy medicine from private health facilities. She adds that she once got shillings 10,000 from a well-wisher that she used to buy three tablets and that was the last treatment she received. Each tablet she needs costs shillings 3000.

Enid Kabagambe, a caretaker of Shakira Nyemera, says her daughter is going through hardships because she needs medical attention and she lacks what to eat because the bullet wounds are still paining her. Kabagambe says whenever Nyemera goes to Mulago, she comes back with nothing.

Nyemera was shot at when her baby was two weeks old; she says the father of her baby disappeared immediately when she told him that she was pregnant. She met him in Kampala and she does not know even anyone related to this man. She rents a single room in banda which she says it is hard to raise rent too.

At least 50 people died from bullet wounds during riots that occurred following the arrest of Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, the NUP presidential candidate in the 2021 elections. More than 300 were arrested, detained and arraigned in court while some are still missing and unaccounted for by the government.

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Politicians are not worth dying for, Archbishop Kaziimba warns

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Archbishop stephen-Kaziimba

The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has warned Ugandans that politicians are not worth dying for. His warning comes barely a month to the 2021 general elections which will be held starting from January 14th.

As the political temperatures and campaigns shoot up, the country has witnessed gross violations of human rights, shootings and tear gassing of opposition leaders. In the recent riots which advanced from the arrest and detaining of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate, Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert aka Bobi Wine, over 52 people lost their lives and more sustained injuries.

“We need to also recognize that politicians are not worth dying for. Politicians can’t die for the sins of the world. So don’t put your life on the line for them! Only Jesus died for the sins of the world. Only Jesus is worth following to the point of death,” he said.

He urged Ugandans to decline from being manipulated by the shallow promises of politicians or to get overly excited by campaigns or to expect a human politician to be your personal saviour. “Study the issues and people deeply and seriously, and then vote your conscience. Don’t sell your soul for cheap promises,” he said.

He warned that the fighting and the violence in the presidential campaigns needs to stop and urged Christians to exercise their electoral responsibilities of voting and making their voices heard in the public square.

“I want to remind you that as religious leaders we have already met with the Electoral Commission, the Police, and several political candidates. We have urged all of them to exercise restraint and to promote the values of civility and respect in the way campaigns are handled,” he said.

He urged the Electoral Commission to guard the integrity and objectivity of the electoral process so that it is above reproach and can never be accused of favoring one candidate above another.

The archbishop used the opportunity to send Christmas messages to the people of Uganda and the rest of the world.

“I send warm Christmas greetings to President Yoweri Museveni, Maama Janet and their entire family and all government leaders, candidates contesting in elections, Bishops and their wives, the Clergy, Lay Readers and Christians of the Church of Uganda. I also send my sincere greetings, along with prayers for a blessed Christmas for our Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Pentecostal brethren, and all those who have looked in hope for the coming of the One who is the Saviour of the world, Jesus the Christ.”

He announced the Church of Uganda theme for next year 2021; ‘Life in its Fullness’ derived from Jesus’ words in John 10.10, where he says, “I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.”

He called for a change of mindsets to reduce gender-based violence and value the lives of fellow Ugandans by observing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of #Covid-19.

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Security clears Museveni’s 150,000 vote protectors for 2021 elections

By
Our Reporter
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Some of the 'Vote Protectors attending the briefing by security experts.

The heightened political season has put security on high alert following the detection of large numbers of coordinated groups operating in the field. As a result, security agencies are taking steps to closely monitor the groups to prevent them from being infiltrated by hostile elements.

One such group is the coordinators and Presidential Vote Protectors (PVPs) under President Yoweri Museveni’s NRM office based at Kyambogo.

On Wednesday, during the flagging off of the coordinators and PVPs at Kyambogo, officers from police and Internal Security Organisation (ISO) attended to witness. According to Faruk Kirunda, the administrator of the office, the officers were invited to introduce the coordinators and PVPs to them and to brief them on their roles.

“Security has been concerned about the recruitment of these teams. You can imagine when you are recruiting hundreds of thousands of people, security has to know. So we invited them to come and see that the group is genuine and composed of people known to us,” Kirunda said.

“We explained to them the roles of the coordinators and PVPs. The officers in turn provided guidance on how the teams can operate without causing security problems.”

Also invited was a team from the secretariat of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to connect back with the various districts where the coordinators are selected from and will be operating. Previously, RDCs got briefs to the effect that unknown persons were operating in their districts under unclear circumstances.

The presence of security officers at Kyambogo had sent some tongues wagging because of their impartiality requirements with some media wires reporting that they had joined the coordinators.

According to Kirunda, their involvement was and will be at security strategic level to prevent impersonation and infiltration by criminal elements who may want to use the campaign season to cause insecurity in the country.

“I commend security for being vigilant. It shows that they are working and will protect Ugandans as they go for elections. I urge all groups to notify security of their activities so as to be guided properly and to prevent being disrupted by enforcers who may not be aware of their activities. This will help us have peaceful elections,” Kirunda added.

Security organs will work under the inter agency arrangement for the elections. The coordinators and PVPs number about 150, 000 drawn from all sub-regions of the country. They will serve as polling agents and election observers for Museveni who is the Presidential flag bearer for NRM.

In the past, Museveni did not have such an organised group and it cost him many votes which were allegedly lost in the process of tallying and transmitting especially in areas where opposition is most active. ONC’s plan is to follow up every vote starting from door-to-door and person-to-person mobilisation to urging mass turnout of voters, voting, counting, transmitting and declaring.

The teams which were flagged off on Wednesday will, working as trainers of trainers, in turn brief subordinate teams in their sub-regions, which will then take the same message to teams lower in the hierarchy right up to village level where NRM commands the broadest network countrywide.

Also present at Kyambogo were officers from UPDF who emphasised their role of securing Uganda as Ugandans go to the polls from January 14 onwards.

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Uganda’s newest baby rhinoceros named Rae Ruparelia

By
Our Reporter
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Uganda's newest baby rhinoceros named Rae Ruparelia

Uganda’s newest baby rhinoceros at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district has been named Rae Ruparelia.

The name was decided by Rajiv Ruparelia, a Trustee Ruparelia Foundation and Managing Director Ruparelia Group together with his wife Rae Naiya as one of the conservation strategy during the naming ceremony on Thursday at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

“Rae Ruparelia is the name given to the new born rhino at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. I was joined with my lovely wife, Naiya Ruparelia to witness the naming on behalf of Ruparelia Foundation,” Rajiv said.

The businessman also revealed that the Foundation has been able to pay USD 5000 (Approx.18m) to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to acquire naming rights for the baby rhino.

Rajiv urged the government of Uganda to incorporate a tourism course into the education curriculum right from lower classes if the country is to improve its tourism potential locally.

He said that there is a need for the next generation to learn and value the national parks and other protected national sites for the benefit of the country and the people of Uganda through earning livelihood.

He added that starting next year, Ruparelia Foundation will embark on networking Uganda’s tourism assets to the international community with the view of making the country a hotspot for tourism destination globally.

Angie Genade the Executive Director Rhino Fund Uganda said the fund is grateful for the Ruparelia foundation for partnering and naming the baby rhino.

Genade added that she wants the partnership to grow and Ruparelia Foundation to become the ambassadors of the rhino program.

Located 176km (100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls (branch off at Nakitoma Trading centre) Ziwa is the home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda.

Presently the sanctuary is home to 22 southern white rhinos. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk and Relaxation.

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Equity Bank Uganda rebrands, unveils new logo

By
Our Reporter
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Equity Bank Uganda rebrands, unveils new logo

Equity Bank Uganda has unveiled a new identity in line with Equity Group Holdings’ ongoing transformation journey. The new identity is aimed at creating a sustainable growth path and service delivery in today’s dynamic financial services environment.

Going forward, Equity Uganda will present itself as a unified brand, with one basket of products and services under one roof. From an identity perspective, the new logo now features ‘Equity’ without an entity name such as Bank to signify a one-stop-shop and a consolidated business model for its inclusive range of financial services.

Speaking at the launch of the new identity, Managing Director Equity Uganda, Samuel Kirubi said that the new look is symbolic of Equity’s next phase of transformation to a unified brand offering integrated financial services in line with its vision of championing the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa.

“From tomorrow, you will see the new look signage in our branches, as part of our transformation program. Equity will roll out its refreshed look in all its physical outlets and digital banking platforms, social media assets, websites, mobile applications, mobile banking platform, online banking portals, ATM screens.” he said.

Mr. Kirubi added that the new look signals Equity’s commitment to an enhanced customer experience,  “We are constantly innovating to make the customer journey simpler and easier and to ensure that our offerings are constantly relevant to the evolving needs and aspirations of our customers. These improvements will continue to be progressively rolled out supported by customer education. We have witnessed how Equiduuka, our agency infrastructure has broadened financial access and deepened financial inclusion while at the same time earning them an extra revenue stream and creating jobs in rural and urban centres.”

Equity Group Holdings Plc CEO and Managing Director Dr James Mwangi noted, “The operating environment has changed, with the most dramatic shift being customers changing needs and aspirations in line with changing lifestyles brought about by technological advancements. Additionally, the market demographics are embracing youth-targeted products and services and becoming more mobile and digital. As a result, customers are increasingly showing preference for self-service banking, making banking something you do, and not somewhere you go. As a result, Equity will continue to innovate and disrupt its offerings to meet the current and future needs of customers.”

“The refreshed brand identity reflects the future we envision, one which communicates our global capability, strong heritage, innovative culture and agile business model that will carry and give the brand momentum to scale its strengths across Africa and the world,” Dr Mwangi added.

Equity maintains that the fresh identity matches the new realities, business model, customer segments and preferences and the evolving digital space; enabling it to focus on key areas that will see it remain relevant to the diverse and current consumer needs. This, it adds, will be achieved through spurring economic growth by empowering consumers; businesses and enterprises through innovative solutions, infusing digital capabilities at all touch points, while nurturing existing and building new relationships.

Going forward, Equity will now present itself to the world as one unified brand, with one basket of products and services under one roof ranging from banking, insurance and investment from a service delivery perspective.

The bank will continue investing and working for the great causes in the country such as financial literacy and access, entrepreneurship, agriculture, innovations and environment.

The roll-out of the new identity by Equity Group Holdings started in Kenya. Subsequently, Equity South Sudan and Equity Uganda have rolled out and more subsidiaries are expected to launch soon.

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