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Taddeo Lwanga joins Simba SC in Tanzania

Taddeo Lwanga

Uganda Cranes defensive midfielder Taddeo Lwanga has completed a move to Tanzanian Premier League champions Simba Sports Club.

Lwanga parted ways with Egyptian side Tanta FC in July this year after he filed for a termination of his contract due to salary issues.

The 26-year-old started his professional career with Express Football Club in 2014. He has also played for Sports Club Villa Jogoo and Vipers SC in Uganda.

He was part of the Cranes team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Tournament in Egypt featuring in two of the four games that Uganda Cranes played.

Lwanga joins Emmanuel Okwi, Murushid Jjuuko and Hamis Diego Kiiza among the Ugandan players who have played for the Msimbazi before.

The club’s home games are usually played at the Benjamin William Mkapa Stadium. Simba Sports Club is one of the two biggest football clubs in Tanzania, their arch-rivals being the Young Africans FC.

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Police actions will hinder the delivery of a free and fair election – IRCU

Police actions will hinder the delivery of a free and fair election - IRCU

Religious leaders under their joint organization, Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have expressed concern over poor treatment of opposition presidential candidates.

Earlier today, IRCU led by the Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu met police leaders questioning the manner in which the police are upholding their constitutional mandate during the heated presidential campaigns.

The IRCU voice comes at a time when there is continuous harassment of various presidential candidates with the last victim being the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert whose security guard accorded to him by the Electoral Commission being tear gassed and hurt during campaign trails in Kayunga.

“The ongoing electoral environment has particularly tested the professional ethics and conduct of the police force as well as the personal values of those involved in the operations.” The Most Rev. Stephen Kazimba said

He suggested that the police should explore more humane ways to quell riots, arrests and investigations.

The council revealed that police actions are making it impossible for the Electoral Commission to deliver a free and fair election to the country.

Msgr Charles Kasibante said With regard to the forthcoming elections, the police need to appreciate that the manner in which they seek to fulfill their constitutional role will have a direct impact on the electoral process. It is therefore critical that the police are impartial as they uphold their mandate

“What’s happening is very distressing and unbearable to watch. I am wondering whether police can’t come up with another method of policing to avoid this violence,” he said.

The political chief commissar of police Asan Kasingye said; “I can categorically state that police has not held any meeting where a decision has been taken to intentionally block NUP candidate Robert Kyagulanyi from campaigning.”

Director Edward Ochom said; “Some presidential candidates have failed to comply with the campaign programs that they submitted to the Electoral Commission. This can’t be accepted.”

Police Director Jackson Bakasumba said; “We have received your message and we shall take your message to our leaders.”

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NSSF wins most compliant entity award in public procurement

NSSF Head of Procurement, Gerald Mugabi and Procurement Manager, Rhonah Kyomuhendo receive the award from Benson Turamya, the PPDA Executive Director

The National Social Security Fund has been recognized as the Most Compliant Entity in public disclosure of information in Procurement and adherence to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA)’s Reporting Requirements.

The recognition was from PPDA in partnership with Infrastructure Transparency Initiative Uganda at the 12th Annual Public Procurement Performance Review Forum that took place at Mestil Hotel last week.

Patrick Ayota NSSF Deputy Managing Director, attributed the win to the Fund’s continuous effort in refining its procurement process to ensure that they get value for money in all procurements made, in a transparent manner.

“We automated our procurement process in 2018 and are since working on enhancements with a dedicated in-house procurement unit to further improve the process in line with the law. This recognition is therefore testament to the Fund’s deliberate effort to be transparent in its operations and compliant with the regulatory environment.”

The recognition follows an impressive public procurement rating obtained by the Fund last month where it was ranked as one of the best performing public entities with a rating of 89.3%, higher than last year’s score of 88%, by the Public Procurement & Disposal Authority (PPDA)

Gerald Mugabi, NSSF Head of Procurement said that the above achievements affirmed that the Fund’s procurement strategy is on the right path. “A decade ago the Fund’s Procurement processes were among the worst performing areas characterized by stalled projects on account of either incomplete procurement process or administrative appeals to PPDA based on allegations of unfairness or outright failure of the Fund to follow regulations. With our new strategy, the story has now changed.”  He added, “Since 2015, PPDA has consistently ranked the Fund among the best performing public entities.”

These achievements are further evidenced by the successful execution of major real estate projects of the Fund that include Lubowa Housing project, Pension Towers, Jinja City House, Mbarara City House among others. The massive investment in real estate enhanced by timely procurements will increase return on member’s savings.

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Erias Lukwago registering tremendous improvement – Deputy Lord Mayor

Erias Lukwago

The Deputy Lord Mayor Nyanjura Doreen has revealed that the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is registering tremendous improvement following an intensive and comprehensive medical management at Aga Khan Hospital.

She said that the tremendous improvement follows a collaboration of efforts between Aga Khan Hospital and Nairobi hospital where he is currently admitted.

erias lukwago in hospital

“Professor Godfrey Lule, a Ugandan consultant physician and Gastroenterologist who is highly sought after in Kenya and Professor Muhindi Wanjugu a consultant Physician and chest expert are leading the medical team that is working on the Lord Mayor,” she said.

She applauded the team in Nairobi, saying that the people of Kampala and Uganda in general thank them for their efforts, send sympathies and prayers as they hope for, and look forward to Lord Mayor’s quick recovery and return to Kampala.

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Supreme Court welcomes new CJ, bids farewell to Justice Katureebe

Supreme Court welcomes new CJ, bids farewell to Justice Katureebe

Sky’s Protea Hotel was the venue of a memorable event as Supreme Court Justices formally welcomed the new Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo and also bid farewell to CJ Emeritus, Bart M. Katureebe.

The Justices also used the dinner to commend retired Justices of the Court, thanking them for a job well done.

Justice Stella Arach Amoko pointed out that the dinner had been planned earlier but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant problems.

The Chief Justice thanked the Justices for the kind gesture to bid farewell to the now retired CJ. He said, “we shall remember you for the many things you have done including fighting for us to have a home for us the appellate courts, the passing of the Administration of the Judiciary Act…”

Justice Owiny-Dollo went on to thank the Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera (who was in attendance for his exemplary leadership skills. “I have no doubt that the current DCJ will do a better job than I did as DCJ. I will appreciate his guidance because he has spent longer in the Supreme Court than I have and has more experience (at the Court).”

He also thanked God for his position which he described as “the pinnacle of a legal career”.

The Chief Justice Emeritus shared how his time in as the head of the Judiciary was an enriching and learning experience.

He added, “We do a lot as Justices and sometimes we are not appreciated. However, when you look at the work and the appreciation and the consultancies Justices get after retirement, then you realise that indeed you are appreciated.”

He added, “The Judiciary of Uganda is very strong even though there are challenges, our judges are second to none…stay strong and we shall be able to continue flying high.”

The retired CJ also applauded the role of the administrative staff for ensuring that he enjoyed a seamless tenure in office.

Justice Esther Kisaakye who spoke on behalf of the Supreme Court Justices, equally thanked the retired justices for serving their country in different capacities. She appreciated the fact that in spite of their differences in opinion, they maintained a cordial working relationship.

On behalf of the retired justices, Justice Jotham Tumwesigye said the Bench was “one of the best places that he had served”. He urged the Judiciary administration to consider creating offices for retired Justices to read, work and continue interacting with their colleagues.

The climax of the evening’s merrymaking was when the the Chief Justice cut cake together. This was followed by a plaque which was handed to Justice Katureebe in appreciation of his service as Chief Justice. The other retired Justices were each given tokens of appreciation for a job well-done.

Justice Mike Chibita and retired Justices; Augustine Nshimye and Eldad Mwangusya took part in the celebration. Also present was the Court’s Registrar; Harriet Ssali-Abrahams.

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Housing Finance Bank partners with NSSF to enable social security contributions through Agency Banking

Housing Finance Bank partners with NSSF to enable social security contributions through Agency Banking

Housing Finance Bank, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and ABC (Agent Banking Company) have announced a partnership that enables social security collections through agency banking.

The partnership means that NSSF members will now be able to submit their social security contributions through Housing Finance Bank agents in their neighborhood.

Speaking during the launch, Michael Mugabi, the Housing Finance Bank Managing Director explained that the service will bring convenience to the Fund’s members whilst giving the bank an opportunity to expand the financial services offered through its agency banking platform.

“Given the prevailing circumstance, just like any other business, we have had to be fluid and deliberate in the way we innovate our service offerings. We are cognizant of the fact that customers are now more than ever keen on convenience – they want to make transactions right at the comfort of their homes or offices,” commented Mugabi.

He added, “Our agent banking platform gives our customers the convenience of making various financial transactions in the comfort of their neighborhoods. The partnership launched today means that our customers will now also be able to conveniently save for their retirement through any of our 335 Agent Banking locations countrywide.”

Patrick Ayota, the NSSF Deputy Managing Director said that the partnership offers NSSF members more options to remit their social security obligations. “This partnership means that the agent network facilitating NSSF transactions has now expanded to more than 600 bank agents countrywide,” he said.

In addition, the service is expected to reduce the Fund’s operation and administrative costs especially in establishment of temporary service centers where it doesn’t have footprint. “We have in the past, set up temporary outreach centers at shs30m per month. With the agency network, the cost to serve members reduces by 25%, thereby unlocking more value to our members.” Ayota added.

Under the partnership, the Agent Banking Company (ABC) Limited, will provide the technology that links all bank agents countrywide. Richard Yego, the ABC Chief Executive Officer said that the service ultimately supports bank agents to earn more from their businesses. He also assured NSSF members of the safety of their data while using the service at any bank agent location.

In addition to the NSSF contributions collection service, the Housing Finance Bank Agent Banking platform enables customers to make cash withdrawals, deposits, inquiries for balances/mini statements, bill payments  and card-less cash out, funds transfer, school fees and tuition payments, among others.

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Mulago explains how #Covid-19 patients are dying in ICU

Dr. Baterana Byarugaba addressing Media at Mulago National Referal Hospital. Photo by Ronard Shabomwe.

Mulago National Referral hospital has explained the circumstances under which COVID-19 patients die in Intensive Care Unit-ICU.

Few days ago, Sunday monitor reported that two patients died from a faulty oxygen plant at Mulago and that health workers use fake medical masks for doctors and unfounded doubt on the country’s capacity to respond to the pandemic.

Dr Baterana Byarugaba, the executive director Mulago explains that there were three patients who died, not two as the Sunday monitor reported.

According to him, the patients include a 70 year old referral from Rubaga hospital ICU, a 27 year old from Hoima regional referral hospital and a 46 year old case, all died of severe COVID-19 with multi-organ dysfunction.

Commenting on oxygen supplied to patients dropped from 90 percent to 20 percent as per monitor story, Baterana revealed that oxygen is delivered to user wards through pipes when its purity is ranging between 93 percent and 100 percent.

Baterana added that, the currently installed plants are automatic and cannot generate oxygen when its purity levels go below 90 percent.

All patients in need of oxygen are connected to supply of medical grade oxygen which is always above 90 percent, which is contrary to what authors reported that patients are supplied with hot air.

Dr Baterana further explains that all medical masks used by health workers country wide meet both local and international standards and that no health worker in ICU at Mulago has contracted COVID-19. According to him, this is attributed to the training and strict adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use which is highly protective, including the alleged fake masks.

By 30th November, Mulago national referral hospital had a cumulative admission of 2,456 patients, with a total discharge of 2,137 and the current admission stands at 160.

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Museveni commissions Mbale-Lwakhakha border road

President Museveni at the commissioning of Mbale-Lwakhakha road.
President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni has commissioned Bumbobi-Lwakhakha road  constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
The 46 kilometers stretch that starts at Bumbobi trading centre just on the outskirts of Mbale City on the Tororo highway runs through Nabumali trading centre to Manafwa Town Council passing through Bugobero to Lwakhakha border with kenya.
Museveni while at the launch, asked the communities that live and use the road to use it to empower themselves.
“Cruising on the Mbale—Bumbobi—Lwakhakha road shortly after commissioning it. The road proceeds through Bubulo-Busumbu up to Lwakhakha linking to Kenya and passing through 12 Trading Centers. People should use this road to transform their lives”.
The road was constructed with funds from both government of Uganda and  funding from African development Bank. Government requested for funding in order to upgrade the road from gravel surface to class two bitumen surface.

The contract was awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) at Shs 153.105 billion (US$42 million) in September 2017. The engineering consultant was SGI Joint Venture. The road was expected to be complete by August  last year.

Meanwhile in the same spirit, Museveni has opened  Busia main market constructed by government with a loan from World Bank.

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Kivejinja is still alive – Mulago

Dr. Baterana Byarugaba addressing Media at Mulago National Referal Hospital. Photo by Ronard Shabomwe.

Mulago Hospital Executive Director Dr. Byarugaba Baterana has denounced the false information that has been circulating that 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Ali Kirunda Kivejinja succumbed to #Covid-19.

According to Dr. Baterana, such information is barbaric, outdated and archaic and is being spread by people with selfish interests therefore, Ugandans should disregard this information.

Kivejinja was admitted last week and rumour has been circulating on social media platforms that he died of #Covid-19. However, Dr Baterana refuted this pronouncement saying that the situation is not worrying and that he is improving.

Dr Baterana said he first checked on Kivejinja before addressing journalists and they hoped to discharge him in a few days.

When asked to explain what exactly the 2nd PM is suffering from, he said, he is not allowed to disclose information about their patients because it is part of their professional ethics to keep secrets concerning patients.

Earlier alone, National Resistance Movement-NRM also refuted the information saying that Ugandans should ignore those rumors and that it is being circulated by bad hearted people.

NRM confirmed that it is true that Kivejinja is admitted in Mulago referral hospital but in a manageable state.

Dr Baterana furthermore appealed to all Ugandans to take personal responsibilities to adhere to #Covid-19 Standard operating procedures-SOPs. He said if people continue flouting SOPs, Uganda is likely to register more death and patients.

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World AIDS Day 2020 message from UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima

UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima

World AIDS Day 2020 will be like no other.

COVID-19 is threatening the progress that the world has made in health and development over the past 20 years, including the gains we have made against HIV.

Like all epidemics, it is widening the inequalities that already existed.

Gender inequality, racial inequality, social and economic inequalities. We are becoming a more unequal world. I am proud that over the past year the HIV movement has mobilized to defend our progress, to protect people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups and to push the coronavirus back.

Whether campaigning for multimonth dispensing of HIV treatment, organizing home deliveries of medicines or providing financial assistance, food and shelter to at-risk groups, HIV activists and affected communities have again shown they are the mainstay of the HIV response. I salute you!

It is the strength within communities, inspired by a shared responsibility to each other, which has contributed in great part to our victories over HIV. Today, we need that strength more than ever to beat the colliding epidemics of HIV and COVID-19.

Friends, in responding to COVID-19, the world cannot make the same mistakes it made in the fight against HIV, when millions in developing countries died waiting for treatment.Even today, more than 12 million people are still waiting to get on HIV treatment and 1.7 million people became infected with HIV in 2019 because they could not access essential services.

That is why UNAIDS has been a leading advocate for a People’s Vaccine against the coronavirus.

Global problems need global solidarity.

As the first COVID-19 vaccine candidates have proven effective and safe, there is hope that more will follow, but there are serious threats to ensuring equitable access. We are calling on companies to openly share their technology and know-how and to wave their intellectual property rights so that the world can produce the successful vaccines at the huge scale and speed required to protect everyone and so that we can get the global economy back on track.

Our goal of ending the AIDS epidemic was already off track before COVID-19. We must put people first to get the AIDS response back on track. We must end the social injustices that put people at risk of contracting HIV. And we must fight for the right to health. There is no excuse for governments to not invest fully for universal access to health. Barriers such as up-front user fees that lock people out of health must come down.

Women and girls must have their human rights fully respected, and the criminalization and marginalization of gay men, transgender people, sex workers and people who use drugs must stop.

As we approach the end of 2020, the world is in a dangerous place and the months ahead will not be easy.

Only global solidarity and shared responsibility will help us beat the coronavirus, end the AIDS epidemic and guarantee the right to health for all.

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