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#Covid-19: CSO calls for strengthening of child protection in Uganda

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Stella Ayo-Odongo

The Coordinator of African Partnership to End Violence Against Children Stella Ayo-Odongo has called for strengthening of child protection during and after the unprecedented nature of Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the months the world witnessed the pandemic evolve rapidly, initially with governments instituting total lockdowns and travel restrictions, to partial easing of the restrictions and a slow return to normalcy in many countries. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of thousands of people in Africa have been affected and the livelihoods of billions have been disrupted.

Speaking during the learning event organised by the Ministry of Labour Gender and Social Development (MGLSD), Stella said over 1.5 billion children are out of school causing unprecedented global learning crises; this resulted into the introduction of online learning for children that has potentially to increase the risk of exposure to online abuse (cyberbullying, risky online behavior and sexual exploitation). For some children this resulted in their exclusion because they lack access to internet services or the schools were not able to facilitate online learning.

She said during this period, there have been heightened reports of violence against children (VAC), increase in teenage pregnancies, child marriage, sexual violence, inability to access child protection services and the list goes on.

“Covid-19 is likely to increase in number of children dropping out of the education system, heightened risk of online abuse,” She said adding that there is fear that many children may be deprived of care or be forced to play the role of caregivers to younger siblings when parents or caregivers become infected or die.

COVID-19 has not only severely affected health, education and other services in Africa, but it is also pushing millions into extreme poverty. According to UNECA estimates, up to 29 million Africans are expected to be pushed below the extreme poverty line of $1.90 per day owing to the impact of COVID-19. An estimated 42-66 million children could fall into extreme poverty as a result of the crisis this year.

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WHO urges African countries to ramp up readiness for #Covid-19 vaccination drive

By
Geoffery Serugo
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WHO

As the race to find a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is showing increasing promise, a new World Health Organization (WHO) analysis finds that Africa is far from ready for what will be the continent’s largest ever immunisation drive.

All 47 countries in the WHO African Region have received WHO’s Vaccine Readiness Assessment Tool which is intended to be used by Ministries of Health, with support from WHO and UNICEF. It provides a roadmap for countries to plan for COVID-19 vaccine introduction and covers 10 key areas: planning and coordination, resources and funding, vaccine regulations, service delivery, training and supervision, monitoring and evaluation, vaccine logistics, vaccine safety and surveillance and communications and community engagement.

Forty countries have updated the tool and provided data to WHO. An analysis finds that based on the self-reports by the countries, the African region has an average score of 33% readiness for a COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, which is well below the desired benchmark of 80%.

“The largest immunization drive in Africa’s history is right around the corner, and African governments must urgently ramp up readiness. Planning and preparation will make or break this unprecedented endeavour, and we need active leadership and engagement from the highest levels of government with solid, comprehensive national coordination plans and systems put in place,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

WHO together with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation and other partners is working to ensure equitable access to vaccines in Africa through the COVAX facility, the vaccines pillar of the WHO Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator. When vaccines are licensed and approved, COVAX will work to secure enough doses to provide protection to an initial 20% of the African population.

However, the WHO analysis of the country readiness data finds only 49% have identified the priority populations for vaccination and have plans in place to reach them, and 44% have coordination structures in place. Only 24% have adequate plans for resources and funding, 17% have data collection and monitoring tools ready and just 12% have plans to communicate with communities to build trust and drive demand for immunization.

“Developing a safe and effective vaccine is just the first step in a successful rollout,” said Dr Moeti. “If communities are not onboard and convinced that a vaccine will protect their health, we will make little headway. It’s critical that countries reach out to communities and hear their concerns and give them a voice in the process.”

WHO estimates the cost of rolling out a COVID-19 vaccine on the African continent to priority populations will be around US$ 5.7 billion. This does not include an additional 15% – 20% cost for injection materials and the delivery of vaccines, which require trained health workers, supply chain and logistics and community mobilization. This cost is based on COVAX facility estimates of the average vaccine price at US$ 10.55 per dose and that a two-dose regimen will be needed.

WHO and partners recently released guidance on COVID-19 vaccination planning and deployment for national governments, aiming to help them design strategies for the deployment, implementation and monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines and better integrate their strategies and financing to boost efficiency.

Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, Chairperson, African Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) and Chairperson of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. Other speakers were Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, Director Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and MRC/UVRI and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit; and Professor Fredrick N Were, Perinatal & Neonatal Medicine, University of Nairobi and Chief Research Scientist, Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium.

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Tighten #Covid-19 safety measures – Kampala Industrial & Business Park Taskforce Chairman cautions operators

By
Geoffery Serugo
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COVID-19 Structure

Kampala Industrial & Business Park COVID-19 task force has cautioned residents and operators in the area to continue observing safety precautions and Standard Operating Procedures in the continued fight against COVID-19. This comes after a reported increase in COVID-19 cases registered in Mukono District with majority originating from Kampala Industrial and Business Park in Namanve.

The increasing infections within the area have been traced to the factories, business premises, the residential areas and marketplaces frequented by the employees of organizations within the park.

Due to the alarming numbers and the risk posed by business activity in the area, a COVID-19 Taskforce was set up in October that constitutes representatives of the different factories and businesses within the Park and various representatives of the Government offices as a platform for the residents and operators within the Park to implement all measures aimed at controlling and stopping the spread of COVID-19 within their premises and surrounding areas.

According to Simon Kaheru, Communication and Public Affairs Director, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, and the current chairperson of the Kampala Industrial & Business Park COVID-19 Task Force, the statistics of infection within Mukono District raise serious concerns as more than 200 COVID-19 cases have been registered in Mukono district and, so far, one death has been attributed to the disease. More worryingly, each case could easily be linked to 25 contacts, meaning that 5,000 people more could be potential cases if certain measures were not followed strictly.

The Task force has passed out a communication stipulating what is expected of all operators in the affected areas:

Protecting employees and other residents is of utmost importance. People safety should be at the center of all business operations. From employees, their families, visitors to factory premises, and all other residents and operators as well as surrounding community.

In addition to implementing the COVID-19 SOPs, all factories in the area are strongly encouraged to invest in Occupational Health and Safety at your business premises. The Task Force will readily provide guidance in coming weeks benchmarking against companies and factories that have successfully established Occupational Health and Safety best practices.

Every factory and business operation within the Kampala Industrial & Business Park is advised to establish a COVID-19 Committee. This Committee will work together with the COVID-19 Task Force and the Government of Uganda to coordinate efforts to fight this disease. The members of the COVID-19 Committees will be the key contact persons on matters to do with COVID-19 within your premises.

Communication is the number one tool in the fight against COVID-19. You are therefore required to support the sensitization and awareness efforts with authentic COVID-19 prevention messaging within your operations and premises and amongst your employees. The Task Force will periodically share information which you can disseminate to your employees, their families and all persons who encounter your businesses through any means. Knowledge is Power

Utilize Liberty ICD Testing Centre: All residents and operators are strongly encouraged to make use of the COVID-19 Testing Centre that has been set up by the Ministry of Health at the facility generously provided by Liberty ICD.

“The presence of a testing center within the Kampala Industrial & Business Park provides a major advantage for all residents and operators because it shortens the time suspected cases within the Park can be identified and isolated for treatment – a key step in saving lives and limiting the spread of the infection. Ensuring that your employees and other residents of the Park make use of the Liberty ICD Testing Centre also limits the spread of infection through travel to testing centers in the center of Kampala or further away,” remarked Simon Kaheru, the chairperson of the Kampala Industrial & Business Park COVID-19 Task Force.

“We cannot handle a second lockdown, after this recent one that shock our economy to the bone. So as a business community, it’s important that we adhere to these guidelines and minimize the increase of cases in our specific premises. I believe, if we work together, we can beat this setback and grow stronger,” he concluded.

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Caf Champions League: Vipers SC open up campaign against Al Hilal

By
Our Reporter
-
Al hilal arrived in Uganda on Tuesday

Vipers Sports Club will open up their 2020/21 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League campaign when they engage Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan in the first leg preliminary round on November 28th at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Coach Fred Kajoba’s troops will be under no illusions of the challenges that lie ahead if Vipers want to make it to the group stages of Africa’s elite club competition next year.

The Venoms have faced a couple of teams from different parts of the continent in the past and will for the second time make a trip to Sudan having been there in 2018 to play El Merriekh and will be eager to dump out another Sudanese side.

The Kitende side lost 2-1 away in Khartoum before winning 1-0 at home and progressed on the away goals’ rule after a 2-all aggregate score.

The Venoms went on to face CS Constantine at the qualifying round losing 1-0 away and 2-0 at home. The Algerian outfit knocked them out to the Confederation Cup where we played Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Their pursuit for group qualification has been elusive but each appearance has been a learning curve of sorts and they hope to make it count this time round.

The Sudanese side arrived in Uganda on Tuesday and held various training sessions at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo and at St. Mary’s Stadium.

AI Hilal is the home of Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola.

Hassan Mohamed Hagi will be the centre referee and will be assisted by fellow countrymen in Hamza Hagi Abdi and Suleiman Bashir as the first and second assistant referees respectively.

Omar Abdukadir Artan also from Somalia will be the fourth official while David Gikonyo Mwangi is the Match Commissioner.

Hagi is not new in Uganda having officiated the game between KCCA and Rivers United of Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2017.

The winner between Vipers and Al Hilal over the two legs will face either Mauritania’s Nouadhibour or Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko in the first round of the qualifiers before they progress to the group stages.

A minimum of $550,000 (sh2bn) cash prize awaits Vipers should they make it to the group stages.

If Vipers progress to the first round and they are eliminated by either Mauritania’s Nouadhibour or Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko, then they will be subjected to a CAF Confederations Cup play-off round.

No fans will be allowed in the stadium.

CAF Champions League

Preliminary Round

First leg

Saturday, 28th November

Vipers SC Vs Al Hilal Omdurman

St Mary’s stadium, 4 pm

Second leg

December 6th

Al Hilal Omdurman Vs Vipers SC

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Burkina Faso incumbent Kabore wins presidential election

By
Agencies
-
Roch Marc Christian Kabore

Roch Marc Christian Kabore will serve another 5-year term as president of the West African nation of Burkina Faso, according to the election results.

President Kabore won 58% of the vote to remain as president of Burkina Faso, the National Independent Electoral Commission announced on Thursday.

Kabore, who became president of the west African nation in 2015, beat out 12 opponents in the first round, receiving 1.6 million out of 3 million votes cast.

The landslide victory removes the need for a runoff ballot, which his opponent were hoping for.

Many opposition figures decried the election as marred by bribery and irregularities, but independent commentators say the election was the most open for years. Because of unrest caused largely by jihadi insurgents from neighboring Mali, polling stations were unable to open in at least one fifth of the country.

The election took place on Sunday. Pro-Kabore candidates say that issues with polling stations affected all candidates equally.

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Local sugar companies seek protection from importers

By
Our Reporter
-
Local sugar companies seek protection from importersLocal sugar companies seek protection from importers

Sugar companies in the Busoga region are seeking Parliament’s intervention in what they call unfair competition from sugar bonds which they accuse of unfair competition.

In a meeting with Speaker Rebecca Kadaga on Wednesday, 24 November 2020, the managing directors of sugar companies revealed that sugar bonds which were earlier banned by President Museveni are still operating. They says that sugar bonds stock pile imported sugar which they sell at cheaper prices since they are not taxed.

The executive director Madhvani Group Ltd, Mwine Jim Kabeho said traders from neighboring countries are now buying sugar from the said bonds which he says has lled to their sugar getting spoilt in storage.

“Currently, the markets of Sudan and DR-Congo no longer buy our sugar. They buy from sugar bonds yet our sugar is rotting,” said Kabeho adding that, “we now have stocks of sugar worth US$30 million in various companies.”

Kadaga said she was not aware of the illegal sugar trade. She revealed that Parliament has had debate on the poor trade relations with neighboring countries. She added that the Minister for East African Community Affairs was tasked to address them at regional level.

“We had a motion on the floor of Parliament for Government to demand Kenya to implement East African trade protocols; they have blocked our milk, sugar and chicken. They have blocked everything,” Kadaga said.

She observed that Tanzania and Rwanda were also becoming unreliable, prompting her to advise the Minister of Trade to explore other markets in  COMESA.

Kadaga also urged the sugar companies to give back to the community by constructing some roads in the regions which she said were impassable.

“Some roads such as the ones in Kaliro are now impassable; when the locals see me, they tell me they can’t reach the markets and hospitals,” Kadaga said.

The Managing Director of GM Sugar Ltd, Milan Dobaria said that since most companies have construction equipment, they will support the cause.

“We need to identify the road which is affected the most that we can start with then sit down and come out with the budget,” Dobaria said.

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EU calls for ‘full and Independent investigations’ into riots 

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Amb. Attilio Pacifici head of the European Union to Uganda.

 

 

The European Union delegation to Uganda together with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea have called government carry out an investigation into riots that claimed over 50 people dead.

In a short statement emailed to newsrooms,  says that Uganda witnessed rioting, chaos as well as disproportionate use of force by security services. The statement further says the government of Uganda and its institutions have the responsibility to ensure the safety, security and dignified treatment of all citizens including electoral candidates and their supporters in line with national laws and Uganda’s international human rights commitments.

“The deaths of dozens of people amidst widespread violence marred the electoral campaigns on November 18 and 19. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, who reportedly include innocent bystanders. A full and independent investigation should be launched into the events of November 18 and 19 to ensure justice for victims and avoid impunity for perpetrators who must be held accountable for their action”

They further asked political players in the electoral process to refrain  from violence, inflammatory language and take firm action to end any provocation or incitement to violence or any unlawful action.

“All political parties, candidates and their supporters should ensure the full implementation of the #Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures and relevant regulations designed to curb the spread of the virus”.

Violence and riots erupted in some parts of Uganda last week when police arrested one of the presidential candidates Robert Kyagulanyi popularly know as Bobi Wine at political rally in Eastern Uganda on allegations that he had not observed the #Covid-19 SOPs. He was subsequently detained and later on after two days produced in court. He is out on bail.

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How Mutebile was reportedly ‘duped’ on confirmed #Covid-19 cases at BoU

By
Our Reporter
-

An insider in the Bank of Uganda (BoU) has revealed that Deputy Governor and a group of ‘influential’ individuals in the Central Bank duped the Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile that there is a confirmed #Covid-19 cases.

According to sources, the reported cases never existed but it was a creation of some individuals together with Deputy Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego who informed Mr Mutebile that the central bank had been hit by #Covid-19 and therefore, there was need for most of the workers that weren’t essential to work from home.

However, this was later never to be true but the scare on Governor Mutebile who is already sick managed to keep home as he could not come to office given his health status.

Sources further revealed that it is at this very time that matters  of Crane Bank resurrected and so is the issue liquidation. Sources within the central bank say there is no central cohesion anymore in the bank due to the absence of the governor most of the time given that he works from home and secondly the issue of Coronavirus.

Deputy Governor, Dr Michael Atingo-Ego

Some heads and deputy heads of department were required into office to perform some duties of among others signing documents and later leave. It was revealed that there was no #Covid-19 case in the BoU but some individuals were colluding to take over the bank which was put under receivership.

“Thieves are utilizing the absence of the governor to execute selfish motives at the BoU. As you are aware, the governor is frail and spends most of the time at home. He only comes in when there are urgent issues so they are taking that chance,” the source said.

This comes in awake of property mogul Sudhir Ruparelia’s motives to repossess his former Crane Bank. Sudhir claims that the receivership ended in January 2018 noting that the board is ready to run the bank. Source further reveal that Atingi-Ego is a close buddy of his predecessor Louis Kasekende and has since followed his advice and instruction in conducting business. Kasekende is rumoured to have saved him when he was  sent Luzira prison some years back.

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Mukhisa Kituyi declares his candidature for Kenyan presidency

By
Agencies
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The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi

He is considered one of Kenya’s finest brains and has held several high positions both locally and internationally.

Currently serving as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr Mukhisa Kituyi’s decorated CV is impeccable.

In an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, Kituyi spoke of his desire to occupy Kenya’s top seat, saying rising from adversity during his childhood days is a huge motivation.

“As I have gone to 119 countries around the world, I am constantly asking myself what they are doing better than us that makes them shine.

“I feel my body still has the energy…my head still has the intellectual capacity to make that contribution in a practical way…” he said.

Adding: “I have a sense of shared empathy with the vulnerable, not only a desire to give hope to the hopeless but a burning ambition that through enterprise Kenya, I can be part of the solutions to build Kenya for the next generation.”

Kituyi said once he leaves his position at the UN he will share his ideas with Kenyans and he strongly believes he will be the right person for the job.

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Wealth and job creation programmes a priority for government in Greater Nebbi districts

By
Our Reporter
-
The NRM National Chairman Yoweri Museveni Tuesday travelled to Nebbi district to drum up last-minute support for the party flag-bearer, Emmanuel Urombi ahead of the polls on Thursday. Photo credit, New Vision.

 

In the Financial Year 2020/2021, government provided a capitalization to Uganda Development Cooperation worth Shs130 billion to be invested in agro processing factories in every sub-region in Uganda to process locally produced material in line with the government’s plan to empower farmers to earn more from their sweat.

Prior to this government through UDC had completed a Shs20 billion mango fruit factory at Londonga in Yumbe District. Shs9 billion was put aside for working capital and processing at the factory is expected to start the next mango season in 2021. It is projected that the factory will process 48 tons of fruits daily.

Besides the one in Yumbe, government has also set up another fruit factory in Arua which is yet to be operationalized with funding from UDC. Still through UDC, government s carrying out a feasibility study for the construction of a Tea Processing Factory in Zombo district. It is expected that the above factories will process fruits and tea in the West Nile region.

The factories are part of a bigger NRM government plan to extend resource to the Greater Nebbi that  is comprised of 01 Municipality and four districts, namely; Nebbi, Zombo, Pakwach and Madi-Okollo.

Government has over the last five years invested in development programmes that are targeting at empowering the people of Nebbi and Uganda at large to fight poverty. Among the programmes initiated are the capitalization through the Uganda Development Bank, where Shs1 trillion was invested in this Financial Year (2020/21). Before this, UDB had been capitalized by close to Shs400 billion. This fund is supposed to address the high cost of money the commercial banks charge. This fund will be accessed by those investing in value addition, agriculture production, tourism and education infrastructure at an interest not more than 12 per cent. In Northern Uganda after Nusaf 1, II and III and PRDP I, II and III which focused mainly of social infrastructure, we are going to introduce PRDP 4 which will be focusing on household incomes on top of Operation Wealth Creation.

Across the country, Shs160 billion has been disbursed to various Youth Groups in the country under the Youth Livelihood Project (YLP). The four districts of greater Nebbi have received Shs3,975267,329 for the YLP for a total 556 projects. Shs699 million has been given out to 1,166 (645 male and 521 female) under 91 YLP projects in Madi Okollo. In Nebbi, Shs994 million has been disbursed to 2,020 youth (1,207 male and 813 female) under 148 YLP projects. In Nebbi MC, 32 YLP projects with  389 youth (233 male and 156 female) have received Shs254 million. In Obongi Shs330 million has been disbursed to 437 youth (250 male and 187 female) under 37 YLP programmes. While in Pakwach 97 projects have received Shs753 million for 1,276 youth (712 male and 564 female). In Zombo 151 YLP projects with 1,899 youth (1,103 male and 796 female) have received Shs972 million.

Government under State House is setting Youth Industrial Hubs in every sub region in Uganda. These will train the youth in various skills like carpentry, welding, mechanics, shoe making, tailoring, knitting, weaving etc.

This is in addition to the countrywide Emyooga Fund where 18 different activities are already being organized in every parish. Each myooga will get Shs30 million at constituency level while the one of the elected leaders will get Shs50 million. In total, each constituency will get Shs560 million.

Since inception of the Women Fund in Uganda, a total of 268 Projects worth Shs 1,619,411,941 billion have been financed in the four districts of Greater Nebbi. This is benefiting 3,609 women.

In the past four years, 83 projects have received Shs437 million for 1,197 women in Nebbi. In Nebbi Municipality Shs248 million was given out to 40 projects with a total 481 women. In Pakwach, 58 women projects with 787 beneficiaries have got Shs404 million and in Zombo Shs529 million was given out to 87 groups wit1,144 women.

Under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (Sage) fund Nebbi and Pakwach Districts have so far paid 11,340 elderly totalling up to Shs32,424,580,590, while Zombo District has so far paid 8,881 elderly totalling up to Shs23,409,971,435.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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