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Over 350 SMEs graduate in business enterprise development from Stanbic Business Incubator

By
Our Reporter
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Ms Anne Juuko, CEO Stanbic bank.

 

The Stanbic Business Incubator has awarded 352 SME’s with certificates in enterprise development program after a three-month completion of the training session in business management, capacity building and upskilling programmes.

Uganda ranked as a top entrepreneurial country in the world with over 160,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that account for 90 per cent of the entire private sector. This sector also employs over 2.5 million people and contributes 20 per cent of GDP and yet 80 per cent of the SMEs do not make it to their second or third birthday.

In 2018, Stanbic Bank took on the responsibility to address this challenge by setting up the Stanbic Business Incubator in Kampala. The training is intended to support SMEs to become more sustainable and help scale up their operations in a professional manner. By the close of 2020, the Incubator had trained a total of 1,216 SMEs and 2,392 individuals to date.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Kololo, Emma Mugisha Executive Director & Head, Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank said, “We are pleased to be hosting the fifth graduation ceremony for our Business Incubator. For close to three years now, it has been instrumental in enhancing the capacity for thousands of SMEs.  Our recent research shows improvements in productivity and revenue gains for the SMEs that have completed this training. This positive change is contributing towards the growth and improved performance of SMEs across the country and as Stanbic we are proud to lead this journey.”

The 2020 training was mainly done through a Learning Management System and Zoom. The sessions were blended with self-study for enhanced and more effective learning through content shared on a customized learning platform.

Tony Otoa, Chief Executive of Stanbic Business Incubator said, “We are committed to supporting the SMEs by imparting skills ranging from compliance, corporate governance and business planning and analysis to financial literacy and business ethics among other things. To support continued learning during the #Covid-19 pandemic, we decided to take the training online. This enabled us to deliver at the district level as well.

At the regional level we were able to train in 10 districts across the three major regions of the country. A total of 216 micro small and medium enterprises benefited from the Business Development Services and coaching support.”

He added, “For continued support of the programme, we partnered with the bank and CCX to develop a #Covid-19 information hub where SMEs can access information on how to steer their business through the pandemic, training and funding opportunities.”

Michael R. Senteza of DrimO Investments, a graduate of the program, said the training has not only enlightened him but also redirected his management skills, opened up new opportunities and ventures for his business to expand and reach great heights.

“With the new outlook and refreshed perspective, we see our business developing strategic partnerships and establishment of a strong and sustainable brand that can weather the storms of economic uncertainty through professional structures, planning and compliance” Senteza explained.

Lorna Nsiima of Capital Law Partners and Advocates, another Incubate added; “The Incubator provides an environment where business owners get to learn vital and practical requirements for a business to survive and thrive, not only in Uganda, but in the wider regional and global economies. As a manager, I now have more clarity in regard to our company structure and goals.”

The graduates of the Stanbic Business Incubator entailed a wide range of SMEs in various sectors like construction, transport, logistics, renewable energy, hospitality, agribusiness and manufacturing and consumer goods and services.

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Ugandan women owned SMEs to benefit from $2bn AfDB financing

By
Geoffery Serugo
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The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program has partnered with African Guarantee Fund (AGF) to unlock $1.3 to 2 billion in loans to women-owned Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda by working with financial institutions to enhance their ability to lend to women.

The move signals the launch of AFAWA’s Guarantee for Growth (G4G) program, which aims to make available up to $3 billion in financing for women entrepreneurs through de-risking and technical assistance measures. Already, financial institutions in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are signing on to the program.

“As the implementing partner of AFAWA’s Guarantee for Growth program, we are already observing an increased appetite from banks for this innovative product that seeks to support women entrepreneurs. We have recently signed agreements with leading banks on the continent who are keen to increase their women SMEs portfolio,” said Jules Ngankam, African Guarantee Fund’s Group CEO.

“AGF has always been cognizant of the importance of supporting women SMEs to enable them fully play their role as drivers of economic growth. We are glad the momentum is increasing and that banks are now willing to take on this particular business segment,” Ngankam added.

Guarantee for Growth, which receives support from the Group of Seven (G7) countries as well as the Netherlands and Sweden, has three pillars: boosting access to finance, providing technical assistance to financial institutions and women business owners; and improving the enabling environment for women’s SMEs.

“The signing of the AFAWA Guarantee for Growth program with the African Guarantee Fund is a critical milestone for the Bank to successfully deploy on-the-ground financing instruments better suited to addressing the financing and training needs of women-owned small and medium enterprises in Africa for the growth of their businesses,” said Stefan Nalletamby, the Bank’s Director of Financial Sector Development.

“There is an urgent need to improve the enabling environment with the right regulations in place, to sustainably de-risk the segment,” said Esther Dassanou, AFAWA’s Coordinator. “The Bank will work with regulators to reform the legal and regulatory frameworks affecting women businesses’ access to finance,” she added.

The Guarantee for Growth is also expected to reach an average of 18,000 women small and medium enterprises and create 80,000 direct jobs, Dassanou said.

African women face a $42 billion financing gap, which AFAWA aims to bridge. This is tied to a lack of access to collateral in the form of land and property as well as to knowledge, mentorship, and networks to grow their businesses, which are typically in the informal sector.

“Donor and private sector-support for the overall AFAWA initiative is helping the Bank set ambitious targets for AFAWA Guarantee for Growth program,” said Vanessa Moungar, the Bank’s Director for Gender, Women and Civil Society. “The entire Bank ecosystem will be at play – inviting more financial institutions to sign into the program – ensuring engagement, implementation, and ownership at the market and policy levels,” she added.

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Brig Christopher Bbosa passes out 164 military police officers

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief of Training and Recruitment Brig  Christopher Bbosa has presided over the passout of 164 graduates of military police at Military Police Training School(MPTS) Masindi.

The training that started on 5,2020 was aimed at equipping the trainees with knowledge on how to implement, supervise, enforce lawful orders and maintain general Military discipline by emphasizing Military drills, Military ceremonies within regiments, Units and squadron, re-emphasizing the pro-people stance of the UPDF, among others.

Brig Bbosa congratulated the graduates and told them that the course they had just completed bridges their previous and future career progression.

He noted that Uganda has attained peace and stability, thanking the tireless efforts of the UPDF supported by other security agencies and the peace-loving Ugandans.

However, the country and Africa at large continues to face new challenges in the ever changing current operational environment.

He urged the graduands to venture in research, continuous reading and further training so as to develop individual and collective diverse competences to handle unique encounters.

“The skill demonstrations are a testimony that the trainees have been given a good foundation on which they can build on and such training speaks loudly to the continued professionalization drive in the UPDF”,he added.

He said a lot has gone on in the UPDF in terms of force generation and skills plus proficiencies development, and cautioned the Militants to remain healthy so that they are capable of undergoing further training to match technological advancements. “Hardware and software are key in force generation but we also need smart people,” he said.

The Commandant Military Police Training School Lt. Col. Amon B Kagina congratulated the graduands and advised them to enforce discipline within UPDF Units, Regiments/Squadrons. He appealed to the graduands to go out to their Units, Regiments and Squadrons unlock and put into use what they have been imparted into while undergoing the short but intensive course, and the rest will be history. “Never underestimate your potential while executing assigned tasks, however, be confident but humble while you serve your country Uganda,” said the Commandant.

The commitment and accomplishment of every assigned task is derived from training and self-willingness to achieve the positive results which you were ably given in full dose. To accomplish this, good health, consciousness about any negative behavior like drunkenness, avoidable diseases such as #Covid-19, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and drug addiction should be desisted from, as these shall form the integrated platform upon which good performance and promotion shall be based.

He wished them the best in the course of their duties and urged them to maintain the discipline exhibited while at MPTS and remain focused.

Lt Col Amon B Kagina expressed his appreciation to the UPDF Leadership for the support rendered during the Course of training and that the knowledge imparted to the troops measure up to the expectations of the UPDF Leadership in general.

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Supreme Court blocks release of Geoffrey Kazinda from prison

By
Our Reporter
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Former Principal Accountant in the OPM Geoffrey Kazinda

The Supreme Court has stayed the execution of the Constitutional Court ruling which directed for the release of former principal accountant in the Office of the Prime Minister Godfrey Kazinda.

This comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the Constitutional Court ruling issued on August 7 last year which permanently stayed all corruption proceedings against Kazinda.

Kazinda was arrested in 2012 and charged at the anti-corruption court with corruption related charges which included embezzlement, causing financial loss, forgery and abuse of office.

In November last year, Justice Margret Tibulya found Kazinda of the Anti-Corruption court found him guilty of three counts of forgery, accumulating abnormal wealth and financial loss instituted against him by the Inspectorate of Government back in 2016 and handed him 15 years in jail.

In 2014 he filed a constitutional petition alleging that section 29, 30 and 59 of the trial on indictment articles 89, 90, and 91 of the magistrates courts act contravenes articles 28(9) of the constitution and prayed for declaration to that effect.

In the judgement, Justice Kenneth Kakuru and Ezekiel Muhanguzi delivered in August last year, the court ordered for permanent stay of all proceedings in all criminal cases brought against him in 2013 and 2014. Court also nullified 29, 30 and 59 of the trial on indictment articles 89, 90, and 91 of the magistrates courts act contrary to articles 28(9) of the constitution. He also got another win from the same court when it quashed his conviction on embezzlement and conspiracy to defraud government charges.

In his ruling Justice Stephen Musota said; “a person cannot be prosecuted for the same offenses for which he has previously been acquitted or convicted. Similarly, a person cannot be convicted twice on two different charges arising from the same conduct unless they are significantly different,”

Justice Musota then proceeded to grant all the declarations sought by Kazinda, ordering the Anti-Corruption Court to immediately discharge Kazinda on the charges contained in Criminal Case No. 105 of 2012 and Criminal Case No. 47 of 2013.

Justice Musota, however, noted that Kazinda would still have to battle charges of illicit wealth which were slapped on the former OPM official in 2016. Justices Cheborion Barishaki and Geoffery Kiryabwire also agreed with Justice Musota.

Upon judgement, he petitioned the Supreme Court noting that he was not satisfied with the lower court’s ruling.

The ruling panel of Supreme Court judges was led by Chief Justice Alfonso Owiny-Dollo. The other judges who presided over this ruling are; Justice Arach Amako, Apio Aweri, Faith Mwondha, Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, Paul Mugamba and Percy Tuhaise.

“In the result, we accordingly grant the application as prayed and order that:  (a) The execution of the majority judgment and orders of the Constitutional Court (Kiryabwire, Cheborion and Musota, JJA/JCC) dated 7th August 2020 in Constitutional Petition No. 30 of 2014 be and is hereby stayed pending the hearing and determination of the intended appeal by the applicant,” Supreme Court ruled on February 12.

“The applicant shall institute the intended appeal without delay.  As this matter is of great public importance, each party shall bear its/ his costs of the application,” the rulings adds.

Full Judgement 

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

By
Our Reporter
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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
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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
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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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