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IOM extends over 7,800 #Covid-19 test kits to Uganda

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Our Reporter
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IOM extends over 7,800 Covid-19 test kits to Uganda

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has extended over 7,800 #Covid-19 test kits worth USD 150,000 to the Ministry of Health.

The test kits were received by the Director of Health services in the ministry of Health Dr. Henry Mwebesa. The kits are aimed at further detect embryonic #Covid-19 cases in the country.

Globally, there 89,416,559 confirmed cases of #Covid-19, including 1,935,028 deaths, reported to the World health organisation (WHO). In Uganda there 37,742 confirmed cases and 301 deaths.

The Chief of IOM Sanusi Tejan Savage said; “One of the ammunitions for fighting COVID-19 is testing. This is because you cannot effectively fight an enemy that you can’t see or identify.”

Dr. Mwebesa said; “Testing is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.”

Last month IOM supported the #Covid-19 response with; 5,000 #Covid-19 test kits to Uganda Virus research Institute (UVRI) and Central Public Health Laboratories, GeneXpert machine for #Covid-19 testing and other accessories and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other IPC supplies.

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Health and Education are the building blocks of investing in Uganda’s youth

By
Guest Writer
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Antony Thompson

By Antony Thompson

The Covid-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have had huge impacts on the education and health sectors In Uganda. Schools were closed for seven months and access to online learning was limited, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities among students.

According to mathematical models, mobility restrictions and precautions taken to avoid potential exposure to the virus have high potential to compromise access and uptake of routine basic health services, such as children’s vaccinations and births in a facility. These impacts are particularly relevant given the swelling young population and the growing demands on basic education and health services. As such, recovering from the COVID-19 shock requires even greater attention to and investment in the fundamental skills and health needed for Uganda’s young population to realize their potential.

The population of Uganda is currently estimated at 46 million and is most likely going to rise to around 104 million by 2060. Close to 70% of that population will be of working age. This presents both an enormous opportunity and a challenge since the soon-to-be working age population needs to have the skills and health necessary to be fully productive and access better job opportunities.

However, the current status quo in terms of quality and access to education and health services is limiting the human capital accumulation of young Ugandans, constraining their income-generating ability and curbing their future productivity.

Currently, a child born in Uganda will only be 38% as productive when she grows up as she could be if she enjoyed complete education and full health according to the Human Capital Index —one of the lowest levels in the world. If education and health investments per capita do not keep up with population growth, the situation will become even direr. Expanding access and improving the quality of basic education and health services will be crucial if Uganda wants to move to a development path that ensures higher shared prosperity.

Our latest Uganda Economic Update, Investing in Uganda’s Youth, informs policymakers, stakeholders and the broad public about Uganda’s demographic trends and the implications for the education and health sectors. In particular, the analysis shows the sizeable effort that will be needed to improve the quality of services and get Uganda on track to meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for education and health, such as universal secondary school enrolment and near universal health coverage.

Taking stock of the large resource requirements  more than 10,000 additional secondary school teachers per year for the next five years, a doubling of the number of secondary school classrooms over the next five years, and 20 additional general hospitals between now and 2025, among others is important for the government and other stakeholders to consider as they formulate medium term investment plans and policy actions to provide Uganda’s youth with the skills and health they need to reach their potential.

While the fiscal effort necessary to achieve these goals is considerable doubling the average annual education and health budgets in the 2020-25 period not doing so or just maintaining the current access rates and quality of services will be insufficient for Uganda to really achieve the benefits of the demographic dividend, where more young people will have quality jobs and contribute to economic growth.

These projections highlight the importance of increasing the efficiency of education and health sector spending, while also bringing in more private investment. Doing so is essential for Uganda to capture this unique moment in its demographic transition, stimulate faster recovery from the COVID-19 shock, and therefore put education and health at the forefront of the agenda for the country’s youth.

Antony Thompson

World Bank Country Manager for Uganda

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Army raids Bobi Wine’s home as police denies doing so

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Army raids Bobi Wine's home

The army has raided the home of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine. The raid happened barely two days to the general elections slated to take place on Thursday January 14, 2021.

According to the MP, he was in a zoom interview with Kenyan radio, Hot 96 Radio. The interview was aired live and was conducted by popular show host Jeff Koinange.

“We are being raided by the military. I have to end the interview because I can see soldiers beating my security guards,” Bobi Wine said.

“The army has raided my home, arrested all my security guards and anyone they could see around my premises. No reason for the arrest was given. Such acts of impunity are all kicks of a dying horse,” he said on social media.

He said; “The incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni, needs to tell the world what he intends to do in this election that he should arrest my entire campaign team, my assistants and supporters.”

It is reported that Last night, the military arrested a number of Bobi Wine’s friends who were intending to render a hand in guarding his vote.

Currently there are over 100 known NUP supporters who are facing the law over violence and acts likely to spread #Covid-19. The detainees include Bobi’s singing Partners Buken Ali aka Nubian Li, and Edward Sebuufu aka Eddie Mutwe who headed the MP’s private security team.

Meanwhile police has come out with a statement denying the raid on Mr. Kyagulanyi’s home but acknowledged there was deployment around his area.

“We have seen baseless information being circulated by Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi on social media that his home was this morning raided and his bodyguards arrested.
We would like to state that there was no raid and arrests made at his residence.
Hon. Kyagulanyi does not allow police bodyguards to enter his compound whether during day or night. The territorial police had to find means of securing and providing security to Hon. Kyagulanyi by erecting checkpoints on the routes leading to his home.
Today morning, these checkpoints were removed as we are rearranging our security system in that area” reads the police statement.
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Social media users in Uganda fail to access Facebook

By
Our Reporter
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facebook

Social media users in Uganda have today failed to access the Facebook site with just hours left to 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections on January 14th.

However, access to the social media site can only be accessed by users on Virtual Private Network (VPN).

This comes a day after the giant tech company confirmed it had shut down several pro-Government accounts.

According to France24 news, Facebook’s head of communication for sub-Saharan Africa, Kezia Anim-Addo, said; “We removed a network of accounts and pages in Uganda that engaged in CIB (Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour) to target public debate ahead of the election.”

Several of the affected accounts defected from People Power, a political pressure group headed by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, to the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Museveni.

Anim-Addo said the network was linked to the government ministry of information and communications technology. “Given the impending election in Uganda, we moved quickly to investigate and take down this network.”

“They used fake and duplicate accounts to manage pages, comment on other people’s content, impersonate users, re-share posts in groups to make them appear more popular than they were.”

During the 2016 elections, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp were blocked by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) saying the shutdown was a “security matter”.

Last week Eagle Online published contents of a letter that was written by government ordering them to shut down internet, mobile money services, calls among others as the country heads to polling day on Thursday.

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Eastern Africa Standby Force deploys Election Observer Mission

By
Our Reporter
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Eastern Africa Standby Force deploys election observer mission

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has deployed a contingent of election observers that will observe the election process in Uganda.

Addressing the media at Silver Springs hotel, Ambassador Ahamada Hamadi the diplomatic advisor to the President of Comoros, who is also the Head of mission, said that the contingent consists of 20 members that were drawn from 7 of the member States that make up the Eastern Africa Standby Force.

Ambassador Ahamada noted that the overall objective of the mission will be to observe the entire election process and offer a balanced and informed assessment of the elections adding that their legal mandate is guided by the constitution and the electoral laws of the Republic of Uganda.

The information manager, Mr. Jules Hoareau said that the 20 observers will be deployed on regional basis that will cover as many polling stations with concentration on hotspot areas adding that the wider part of the observer mission will be done by local observer groups that they have trained.

Ugandans go to the polls on January 14, 2021 to elect their next President and Members of Parliament.

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Facebook clarifies why it deleted various Ugandan accounts ahead of elections

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Facebook

Facebook has clarified why it erased various pages and accounts of President Yoweri Museveni’s social media enthusiasts.

The erasing of Facebook and Instagram accounts happened a few days to general elections which are scheduled to take place on Thursday January 14, 2020.

According to France24 news, Facebook’s head of communication for sub-Saharan Africa, Kezia Anim-Addo, said; “We removed a network of accounts and pages in Uganda that engaged in CIB (Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour) to target public debate ahead of the election.”

Some of the deleted accounts include that of; Ashburg Katto, Bajjo Events, Full Figure, Ismah Olaxess, Sebunya Shafique, and Lyvine Julius among others.

Several of the affected accounts defected from People Power, a political pressure group headed by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, to the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Museveni.

Anim-Addo said the network was linked to the government ministry of information and communications technology. “Given the impending election in Uganda, we moved quickly to investigate and take down this network.”

“They used fake and duplicate accounts to manage pages, comment on other people’s content, impersonate users, re-share posts in groups to make them appear more popular than they were.”

Last year, several social pages belonging to the People power were hacked and deleted by unknown individuals prompting them to open up new ones.

The government of Uganda through Uganda Communication Commission (UCC), petitioned Google and Facebook demanding the deletion of the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’s campaign supporting platforms.

According to the a letter written by the UCC, government claimed that Bobi Wine’s campaign supporting platforms; Map Media, Kyoto, Olujjuliro, Lumbuye, KK TV, JB Muwonge, Trending channel, Uganda yaffe, Uganda Empya, Ghetto TV were used to mobilise riots which resulted into the reckless death of over 50 Ugandans.

Prior in September 2020, UCC directed all persons offering or planning to commence the provision of online data communication and broadcasting services to obtain authorization before offering services to the public however bloggers declined to heed to the directives noting that it infringes on their rights to communication.

The service providers include but not limited to blogs, online televisions, online radios, and online newspapers, audio over IP (AoIP), Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), Video on Demand (VoD), Digital Audio radios and televisions, internet/web radio and internet/web television.

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LDU commander shoots four dead, killed in retaliation

By
Geoffery Serugo
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LDU commander shoots four dead, killed in retaliation

Local Defence Unity (LDU) commander L/CPL Denis Omara has shot and killed four people in Ganda Nansana, Wakiso district.

The incident occurred few months after all LDU officers undertook refresher courses about human rights, political education, civil policing, Law and the role of media in military operations among others.

According to Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, the LDU officer attached to Ganda detach shot at four and injured three other civilians. He said in retaliation the Amara was also shot dead.

“Today, we registered an unfortunate incident in Ganda Nansana in Wakiso where five people lost their lives and three were injured in a shooting incident. L/CPL Denis Omara, an LDU Commander, attached to Ganda detach, shot dead four people and he was also shot,” he said.

The LDU personnel have been under public scrutiny over shooting and killing of civilians. In the first 95 days after the outbreak of Covid-19 and the implementation of the Covid-19 Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) last year, over eight people lost their lives at the hands of security agencies including LDU and a number of them were charged and sentenced for crimes they committed.

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Presidential advisor Mutyabule urges Ugandans to keep peace before and after elections

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Florence Mutyabule

The senior presidential advisor on Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in Busoga sub-region Florence Mutyabule has urged Ugandans to keep and embrace peace ahead of this week’s general elections.

Uganda goes to polls on the 14th January 2021 where electorates will choose their respective and desired president and members of Parliament (MPs) who will steer them through the next five years.

“Thank you for keeping peace during the two months campaign period. I urge you to do the same during and after the elections. This peace has its origin and we still need to enjoy it for thriving health, human rights, security and education.  I therefore ask you to vote for experienced leader and that is President Yoweri Museveni,” she said.

She said since there is some peace in the country and Ugandans can move from border to border without any interference, then the peace they are enjoying needs to be maintained by voting for a peace keeper who is Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Recently, President Museveni and the heads of various security agencies assured Ugandans that no one will destabilize the country.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP) Maj Gen Paul Loketch said; “We shall not accept any disorder or chaos in the country. Nobody will shake our resolve. We are a very resilient force with an agile team that can adjust and adapt to any threats.”

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ChildFund Uganda impacts over 27,000 children’s lives – 2020 Annual report

By
Geoffery Serugo
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childfund

ChildFund Uganda has helped over 27,000 children and their families with cash transfers to buy food and other immediate needs during and before the outbreak of Covid-19.

Last year, ChildFund Uganda reached 204,567 people, including 123,152 children and 81,415 caregivers through various program interventions.  A total of 27,500 pupils from 23 schools and 2000 members from 253 households in the 29 districts accessed improved water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

The newly released annual report indicates that the organisation supported 23,790 children were supported to continue learning amidst school closure through provision of government approved self-study materials.

On April 9, 2020, ChildFund Uganda disbursed funds worth Shs 1.4 billion to nine local partners to implement cash transfers to 29,000 enrolled households.

According to the country director of ChildFund, Moses Otai, the transfers were made through mobile money, banking and other appropriate platforms available to families to access the cash. Rural households received Shs 50,000 (13USD) and Shs 100,000 (27 USD).

“We have continued delivering on our promise to children. We remain committed to our mission to help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children have the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities.” he said

“We are motivated and encouraged by the stories of impact and significant change in children’s lives, their families, and communities. For this, we are entirely grateful to our donors and partners including ChildFund Alliance members who continuously supported us through the year. We are also thankful for the support we get from the Ugandan Government, the district leadership, communities and private sector partners.”

ChildFund Uganda applauded its donors for their continued and dedicated support. Through their support, Childfund has directly implemented child protection, youth livelihood and nutrition projects in the north, ECD and MNCH projects in Busia District and in Child Protection in Palorinya Refugee Settlement and host communities.

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TV show host Tinah Teise named Uganda Waragi brand ambassador

By
Our Reporter
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Tinah Teise named Uganda Waragi brand ambassador

NTV login show host and all-round socialite, Christine Kyomujuni, aka Tinah Teise, culminated her birth week in style by being named the brand ambassador of Uganda’s premium gin – Uganda Waragi.

The development was revealed at an exclusive birthday picnic thrown for Tinah by Uganda Waragi at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel gardens last Saturday.

At the picnic, Tinah and her closest friends and family enjoyed a fully catered afternoon, complete with a Uganda Waragi bar serving the finest cocktails made by a professional mixologist.

Agaba Tumusiime, the Uganda Waragi brand manager, said, “Uganda Waragi is all about celebrating the spirit of Uganda boldly and vibrantly, and Tinah Teise personifies all the qualities needed to represent the brand. She brings style, class, glamour and excitement to the table and we look forward to a productive relationship that will see our customers get to enjoy the very best experiences with Uganda Waragi.”

As a brand ambassador, Tinah will be the face of Uganda Waragi, responsible for promoting the drink through physical appearances, word of mouth recommendations and her large social media following on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen to represent a brand I love and I ask you all to walk this journey with me. Uganda Waragi 100%,” Tinah Teise said to her guests after the unveiling.

The evening was crowned by a cosy outdoor movie screening of the romantic movie, ‘Let’s Meet Again after Christmas Eve’.

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