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AU awards Ugandan troops in Somalia

By
Our Reporter
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AU awards Ugandan troops in Somalia.

The African Union has awarded service medals to Battle Group twenty-seven (BG XXVII) troops of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, in recognition of their contribution to execution of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) mandate.

The troops of Battle Group XXVII have completed one year and five months in the Horn of Africa country. The usually one-year tour of duty was extended by five more months, in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic that came along with international flight restrictions.

After take over from Battle Group XXIV in April 2019, the outgoing battle group had been conducting anti-insurgent operations against Al-Shabaab in the Lower Shabelle region that include areas of Arbiska, Albao, Baledogle, Afgooye, Lantabur, Seaport, State house, Parliament, Basecamp and Aljazeera 1,2 and 3.

The group will be replaced by Battle Group XXX (BG XXX), which will assume security responsibility of the same areas.

While presiding over at the scientific function held while observing covid-19 Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs), the AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and logistics Maj Gen George Owinow said that UPDF has been the cornerstone of AMISOM operation, having been the first Troop contributing country in 2007, and appreciated the payment of taxes by the citizens of Uganda, which cater for uniforms, salaries and equipment of the military. “So, it means that every citizen of our troop contributing countries is contributing to the peace process in Somalia and it cannot be taken lightly,” He said.

Gen Owinow further commended the professionalism and focus which the UPDF has exhibited in Somalia, while alluding to the joint effort made with the Somali National Army (SNA) and partners in liberating key towns from Al-Shabaab control. “Col Kutesa and your team, as you go back home, be proud of the contribution that you have made, be proud of the achievements and also the losses because the achievements cannot be made without some losses,” said General Owinow at the medal awards and send off ceremony held at Sector One headquarter in Mogadishu.

The Deputy Sector One Commander Col John Winston Mugarura congratulated Battle Group XXVII on behalf of the Sector One and Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Richard Otto and the entire sector one, for successful completion of their tour of duty. “You have not left Somalia the same, your contribution to the peace process in this country has not only made a positive mark in the hearts and minds of the Somali people, but also impacted positively on the regional peace and security.” Col Mugarura told the soldiers during the medal awards ceremony.

Col Mugarura also expressed gratitude for how fast Battle Group XXVII responded to the covid-19 pandemic, through the mitigation measures put in place, and further revealed that there is no registered case of covid-19 in the rotating out Battle Group.

The Battle Group Commander Col Sam Kosiya Kutesa thanked the entire AMISOM leadership and Sector One headquarter under the stewardships of His Excellency Ambassador Francisco Madeira and Brig Gen Richard Otto, respectively, for the relentless support and guidance that enabled the Battle Group to successfully complete their stint in Somalia.

Col Kutesa further expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for availing him and his entire team of the Battle Group the opportunity to contribute efforts to the quest for peace and stability in Somalia.

“I congratulate and also thank BG XXVII troops for the job well done and for the successful completion of their tour of duty in Somalia. They have learnt from the Somalia experience. Therefore, I urge them to utilize and share the knowledge gained for individual growth and with others back home.” Col Kutesa said at the ceremony.

The BGXVII and former Contingent Armour Asset commander, who was also a medalist, Lt Col Fred Kakaire said he was very happy to see that his service in Somalia has finally been recognized, “I feel great having been recognized internationally by being awarded an African Union medal and certificate” he joyously added in a side interview with the AU/UN media team.

Present at the ceremony was the Deputy BG XXVII commander Col Rogers E Okiror, Sector One Chief Administrative Officer Col Elvis T Byamukama, senior and junior officers at the Sector headquarter, among others.

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Senior medical officer in Lira dies of COVID-19

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Covid-19 testing kits

A Senior Medical Officer of Lira Regional referral hospital has died of COVID-19. The revelation was made by the Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Health Emmanuel Ainebyona.

He said the hospital has been conducting mass testing for COVID-19 among its staff. Four of the health workers were confirmed for COVID-19, of which two of them work in the operating theatre.

The theatre has since been temporarily closed for disinfection and contact tracing and arrangements are being made to handle emergency surgeries.

“The Ministry commiserates with the staff of Lira hospital and the entire medical fraternity on this untimely death,” he said.

All other health services however remain open to the public with strict adherence to standard operation procedures (SOPs) in place to combat the spread of the deadly virus. The procedures include frequent washing of hands or sanitizing, maintaining social distance and wearing of face masks.

Currently, there are 3,667 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 41 deaths in Uganda.

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Bukwo District receives Ultra Sound Scan from Airtel

By
Our Reporter
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Airtel Uganda HR Director Flavia Ntambi joins M-Scan's Menyo Innocent to hand over the Ultrasound device to Ministry of Health P.S Ms. Diana Atwine

Airtel Uganda has today handed over a brand new ultrasound scan to Bukwo District. The donated mobile ultrasound-scan is portable and power efficient making it possible for health workers to access patients wherever they are thus reducing risk and the transport burden on patients.

According to the Airtel Uganda Human Resource Director Mrs. Flavia Ntambi, maternal health is one of the key points of focus under the health pillar of the Airtel Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

“We are happy to contribute to the safe delivery statistics in Bukwo District and Uganda in general by handing over this mobile ultrasound scan today. This donation underscores Airtel’s commitment to the well-being of Ugandans.  We remain committed to the improvement of the lives of Ugandans across the country not only through providing seamless telecommunications solutions but also through initiatives such as this,” she said.

To ensure sustainable usage of the equipment, the Bukwo District health officials went through an intensive training on how to use the scan and as well extend accurate information to the expectant mothers facilitated by experts from M-Scan Uganda and the head of Radiology at Mount Elgon Hospital in Mbale Dr. Elijah Wakamuke.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine applauded Airtel Uganda for the machine and noted that Airtel Uganda has always partnered with the Government of Uganda in the areas of health through their various health camps and other initiatives.

“We are happy to have a partner in Airtel Uganda who has committed themselves to ensuring proper health care provision across Uganda through their different initiatives. I call upon the Bukwo District health officials to use their training and this equipment to selflessly extend maternity health services to the people. Together, we can reduce complications associated with child birth,” she noted.

Since 2014, Airtel Uganda has conducted free medical health outreaches with Safe motherhood as part of its outreaches in areas such as Kamuli, Lamwo, Masindi, Kamuganguzi, Kisoro, Kabale and Kotido among others.

In Uganda today, the inadequate utilization of antenatal care greatly contributes to the avoidable rates of maternal and neonatal mortality seeing that most expectant mothers start antenatal care late at about 5.5 months into the pregnancy with most mothers in the rural areas not even attending the 4th visit.

According to the Annual Health Sector Performance report FY2018/2019, antenatal care (ANC) coverage for the fourth visit though it increased by 11% to 42% (821,104/1,941,155) in 2018/19 from 38% in FY 2017/2018 it was still below the Health Sector Development Plan (HSDP) target of 45% for FY 2018/219.

The objective of the Airtel Safe Motherhood program is to mobilize expectant mothers to access antenatal care (ANC) services at the health centers in their districts.

Using the scan, health workers are able to monitor pregnancies for complications and the pregnant woman will be able to know her baby’s growth and physical development.

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Museveni: Rukutana should face assault, attempted murder and murder charges

By
Geoffery Serugo
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President Yoweri Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has said that the jailed labour Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana will be prosecuted and face assault, attempted murder, murder charges in courts of law.

Museveni said while commenting on the just concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries. According to results declared by various NRM district returning officers, many of the ministers who include; Evelyn Anite, Ephraim Kamuntu among others were defeated.

Rukutana reportedly shot at his rivals in the just concluded party primaries where he lost to Naomi Kabasharira.

According to a video recorded by the victims and polling agents of Naomi Kabasharira, the Minister shot at car Toyota Rav4 registration number UAQ 840X and smashed its windscreens as they sped off for fear of their lives.

And yesterday, the head of Criminal Investigations Director (CID) Grace Akullo took  over the investigation’s role in the matter against Rukutana and visited the scene where the fracas occurred.

Speaking about the concluded party primaries, Museveni who double as the chairperson of NRM said whoever altered results will go to jail on forgery, fraud, subversion and their forgeries will not stand.

“We do not even have to repeat the elections, except where they were not held. We simply need to audit what happened in each village.” He said

“The NRM elections are village-based. They should begin in the village and end in the village. Once the counting is done in the village, the elections are over.”

He said any other shallow schemes like moving voters on Lorries from village to village are easy to unearth. “Those are all crimes for which the perpetrators will be answerable criminally.”

He said the NRM will end rigging in Uganda by the digitalized biometric voter registration and by transparency through lining behind candidates or their photographs within the NRM.

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Juma Balinya joins KCCA FC

By
Our Reporter
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juma balinya

KCCA Football Club have completed the signing of Juma Balinya from Gor Mahia on a three-year contract.

The former Police FC player was officially unveiled by KCCA FC on Sunday evening through the club’s weekly show on Sanyuka TV.

The creative midfielder returns home after a short spell away in Tanzania at Young Africans and Gor Mahia in Kenya falling out with both clubs due to finances.

Balinya was the UPL’s 2018/19 top scorer with Uganda Police FC with nineteen goals before he departed for Young Africans where he lasted only six months at a time the club was experiencing financial turmoil.

In Gor, it is understood that Balinya and his teammates went months without payments and it is one of the reasons that is understood to have forced him to end his association with the K’Ogalo.

“I always look at myself as the best player. If you want to be best, you have to work hard. I want to be top scorer of the league again. I am a creative and goal scoring Juma Balinya,” the player told KCCA FC TV.

Balinya has also previously featured for Vipers SC (by then Bunamwaya FC, A.S port in Djbouti and Lweza FC.

He becomes the eighth signing for KCCA this transfer window joining Ashraf Mugume, Brian Aheebwa, Charles Lwanga, Stefano Mazengo Loro, Denis Iguma, Bright Anukani and Samson Kigozi.

KCCA will play at the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Players like Jamil Malyamungu, Tom Ikara, Erisa Ssekisambu, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Sadam Ibrahim Juma, Mike Mutyaba, Muzamiru Mutyaba and Jackson Nunda have all left the club.

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All You Need To Know About Natural Gas And How It Affects Electricity Rates In New York

By
Our Reporter
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New York is a highly populated state with the third-largest economy. Naturally, energy consumption in the state is relatively high as well. The source of electricity in NYC comes through various means and two-fifths of its net electricity was sourced through natural gas in 2018.

With that being said, natural gas and its connection with electricity have an impact on the electricity rates as well.

Also, natural gas is a nature friendly and remarkable source of electricity for the entire nation. Thus, today we will be discussing natural gas and its role in power generation. Likewise, we will also be talking about electricity rates and how natural gas impacts those rates in the first place.

What is Natural Gas?

Natural Gas or fossil gas is a source of energy that is generated naturally below the surface of the earth. It consists of methane, higher alkanes, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen sulfide.

 

It is a hydrocarbon gas that is generated through the decomposition of both plant and animal matter for millions of years with both heat and pressure.

Natural gas is used for domestic purposes, electricity generation, fertilizers, transport, and many others. A majority of Massachusetts residents prefer natural gas for home heating.

How Does Natural Gas Produce Electricity?

According to EIA, About 38% of electricity in the US is produced through natural gas. While there are numerous methods of generating electricity through natural gas, the steam generation unit is one common method of making the same.

The production process starts by transferring natural gas to power plants via a pipeline. As soon as the natural gas starts burning, the boiler water turns into steam.

The steam then moves the turbine blades. Following that, the generator connected to the turbine blades spins the magnets. After this step, the electricity production initiates to supply energy in diverse places.

Although it may sound like the process involves a lot of work and money, it is certainly not so. The introduction of magnificent technologies has made the process much cheaper, easier, and faster for electric supply. In simple terms, natural gas is an excellent mode of power production efficiently.

Why Is Natural Gas a Preferable Source for Electricity Generation?

Coal is a primary source of electricity generation and has many harmful effects conjugated within it. Not only is this fossil fuel dirty, but it is also a major air pollutant that can result in environmental degradation.

 

In such circumstances, companies are considering an environment-friendly method for power generation. However, natural gas, along with certain reliable technologies, can help in achieving the same.

We can undoubtedly consider natural gas as an efficient method of supplying power while being significantly considerate of environmental damage. Similarly, there are many other ecological benefits of utilizing natural gas for electricity, such as:

  • Reduced pollutant emissions
  • Lesser carbon-dioxide emissions
  • No Smog formation
  • Fewer Acid Rains
  • Better air quality

Besides the advantages cited above, natural gas is undoubtedly an excellent option for an environmentally friendly transport system and domestic requirements.

How Does Natural Gas Affect the Electricity Rate?

As it is already well known, natural gas, along with gas turbines, steam turbines, and cogeneration, can result in the efficient production of electricity. Even though natural gases are not the primary energy source in NYC, a decrease in natural gas prices can undoubtedly have an effect on electricity rates.

It’s noted that a dip in natural gas prices could result in lower electricity production costs as well. Similarly, wholesale energy rates are connected to natural gas rates too.

Thus, any dip in the latter can result in a lower wholesale rate. All this will undoubtedly cause a business loss for different companies. We can say that any dip or surge in natural gas can directly affect electrical rates.

According to the recent New York Electricity Rates, 19.9 cents per kWh New York area residents had to pay more than 49% of the national average (according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)), i.e., 13.4 cents per kWh for electricity in May 2020. Also, the natural gas per therm cost in NYC surpassed the standard of the country by at least 10%.

Why Does Natural Gas Affect the Electricity Rate?

Despite coal being the primary energy source in the city, natural gas has a particular influence on the electricity rate. Natural gas is an excellent option that can help to generate electricity.

Thus, any effect on natural gas is related to electricity and its rate. Here are the factors through which natural gas affects the electricity rate:

Supply and Demand

Numerous factors can affect the cost of gas. However, the significant reasons behind the same remain the supply as well as the demand for the gas. It can depend on various factors, including the economy, similar fuels, and climatic changes.

The diverse supply and demand for natural gas can influence its rates as it needs to be customized for the stability of the market. Moreover, the cost can be affected by the capacity, amount, import as well as export of the natural gas. Limited supply can surely increase the cost of natural gas and vice versa.

Recently it was noted that the Massachusetts Electricity Rates got significantly higher for the past seven years. The reason behind such a case scenario remains the lack of supply and an increase in the demand for Natural gas.

To meet up the demand, companies are storing natural gas beforehand for winters (as the demand increases for heating sources) more, thereby increasing the electricity rates.

Higher Production

A majority of the gas is generated during oil production. The report has helped companies acquire both oil and gas through drilling.

There have been many instances where the gas has been discovered while searching for oil. All this process has caused a higher production as well as an inventory of natural gas.

Conclusion

Make sure to get the complete information regarding the relation of natural gas with the electricity rates of New York. The information given above shows that natural gases can impact electricity rates. Thus any changes in the former can affect the latter.

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#Covid-19: Uganda opens up all National parks

By
Our Reporter
-

 

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially opened up all national parks to both local and international tourists.

The opening up follows the closure of all national parks in March this year after confirming covid-19 cases in the country.

“The Management of Uganda Wildlife Authority wishes to inform the public that after consultations with various stakeholders and putting in place standard operating procedures for the containment of the possible spread of #Covid-19 in our protected areas, all the parks are now open for tourism.” Reads in part of the statement released by UWA.

They revealed that the head office in Kampala is open to the public who require any of their services. All tourism activities within the protected areas shall be undertaken in a manner that ensures all guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and the directives by His Excellency the President are adhered to.

These include but not limited to Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the key tourism gates of the different protected areas, hand washing / sanitizing at the entrances of all UWA premises and protected areas.

Others are; Wearing a face mask while inside the protected area, Observing social distance and alll tourists going for primate tracking activities should carry at least two N95 masks or surgical masks or double layered cloth masks with filters and Government guidelines of carrying half capacity in order observe social distance shall apply to the use of vehicles and boats in the parks. These include concessionaire delivery vehicles.

Saloon car vehicles shall not be permitted to carry out game drives activities in the protected areas and Visitors going to the parks are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer.

“We have trained our staff and provided them with appropriate wear to protect them and the visitors from any possible infection. Staff on duty shall sensitize the visitors on the general government approved #Covid-19 operational guidelines including the ones developed and approved by UWA management” UWA noted

The authority noted that safety of their staff and visitors is important to them and they will continue to operate while exercising a high degree of caution to ensure the safety of persons is not compromised.

“As we welcome our visitors back into the protected areas, we continue to advise visit to take personal precaution to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.”

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#Covid-19: Further national lockdowns can be avoided

By
Our Reporter
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World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

 

 

The Director-General of world health organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has revealed that further national lockdowns imposed in various countries can be avoided.

Ghebreyesus said with the right mix of targeted and tailored measures, further national lockdowns can be avoided and focus on preventing amplifying events, empowering people to protect themselves and public health basics.

“Several countries are using a data-driven approach to drive a targeted response. This is allowing them to open up carefully and safely, while remaining ready to respond rapidly to any new clusters or amplifying events.” He said

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors are increasing vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and the likelihood of worse outcomes, including in younger people.

The odds of developing severe COVID-19 have been found to be as much as seven times higher in patients with obesity.

He said the pandemic has underscored the urgency of addressing NCDs and their risk factors. “Next week is Global Week for Action on NCDs, which aims to increase accountability by governments, policy makers, industries, academia, and civil society to reduce the NCD burden globally and increase health and equality.” He said

“I am pleased to launch a set of publications that have been developed under the UN NCD Inter-Agency Task Force that call for urgent action on NCDs during and beyond the pandemic.”

“We call for the voices of people living with NCDs to be heard in all discussions about policies that directly affect them and global financing instruments to be extended to low-income countries that request support for NCDs.”

Earlier this week, WHO issued new guidance on the use of corticosteroids to treat patients with severe Covid-19. Evidence shows that corticosteroids can be life-saving for patients on oxygen and ventilators.

However, corticosteroids do not help patients with mild or moderate disease, and can be harmful. “WHO therefore recommends the use of corticosteroids only in patients who are severely or critically ill.”

He said in the interconnected world, if people in low- and middle-income countries miss out on vaccines, the virus will continue to kill and the economic recovery globally will be delayed.

“Using vaccines as a global public good is in the national interest of each and every country. Vaccine nationalism will prolong the pandemic, not shorten it.”

The COVAX Facility is the agreed international mechanism for ensuring equitable global access to vaccines. COVAX guarantees access to the world’s largest portfolio of vaccine candidates.

Only 78 high- and upper-middle income countries and economies have now confirmed they will participate in the COVAX Facility, and the number is growing.

 

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

 

 

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Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana arrested

By
Our Reporter
-

The Minister of State for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana has been arrested following yesterday’s shooting in Ntungamo district. His arrest was confirmed by the Deputy Police Spokesperson Polly Namaye.

He reportedly shot at his rivals in the just concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries where he lost to Naomi Kabasharira.

According to a video recorded by the victims and polling agents of Naomi Kabasharira, the Minister shot at car Toyota Rav4 registration number UAQ 840X and smashed its windscreens as they sped off for fear of their lives.

“Police in Ntungamo has this afternoon arrested and detained Rukutana together with his three escorts following a shooting incident in Ruhama, Ntungamo district in which one person was seriously injured and a motor vehicle damaged.” She said in a statement

She said the victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition while the suspects are in detention on charges of inciting violence, attempted murder by shooting and malicious damage.

This not the first time that the minister is misbehaving, February 20, 2019 then Deputy Attorney General insulted Justice Catherine Bamugemereire during Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters at Wandegeya.

He had appeared before the commission to explain the pending government compensation to businessman Muhammed Buwule Kasasa in respect to over 600 acres of prime land on Mutungo Hill, Kampala.

While appearing, Bamugemereire cautioned Rukutana against the manner in which he was addressing the Commission and answering the questions, saying he was showing disrespect, combativeness and hostility which has never been seen before. However, in doing so, Bamugemereire lost cool and went for the Deputy AG, a thing Rukutana never took lightly.

“If I’m not respected, I will not respect anybody. If you disrespect me I disrespect you. You can go and hang” he said.

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Original Africa Cup of Nations trophy goes missing

By
Agencies
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The Africa Cup of Nations trophy retained by Egypt permanently after the Pharaohs won the title three times in a row got lost, with former federation member Magdi Abdelghani explaining that the cup was destroyed in a fire at the association’s Cairo HQ in 2013.

Ex-Egyptian Football Association vice-president Ahmed Shobeir earlier revealed that the trophy was discovered missing during preparations to build a museum to house all of the silverware won by the North African nation.

Former Fifa Board Member and Pharaohs great Abdelghani later confirmed that the cup was one of several items of silverware that had been lost in a fire seven years ago.

“Officials of the committee which meets every five years and currently manages the Football Association were surprised that the trophy was not available, in light of their desire to create a museum at the federation headquarters, which would feature the trophy and the national team’s kits,” Shobeir said on the ‘On Time Sports’ TV show.

“However, [they] were surprised to find that the Afcon trophy was lost, and decided to open an investigation.”

It was initially claimed that former captain Ahmed Hassan – who skippered the team to success at the biennial tournament in 2006, 2008 and 2010 was in possession of the trophy, although he subsequently denied the claim.

“The committee searched for the trophy, but then an employee told them that Ahmed Hassan, the former captain of the Egyptian national team, who won the cup three times in a row, has kept it,” Shobeir added.

Later, ex-Egypt midfielder Abdelghani clarified in a press conference that the trophy had been lost in a fire seven years ago.

“After the burning of the Football Association headquarters, some cups were lost, and the matter was investigated,” the former FA member began, including the Africa Cup of Nations that we retained.

“Some said that the cup had been with Shawky Gharib, the former general coach of the Egypt national team, and some say it had been with Hassan, the former captain of the Pharaohs.”

After learning of the trophy’s disappearance, Hassan took to social media to express his dismay at the loss.

“I wish I had kept the cup in my house instead of it being lost,” he posted on his @AhmedHassan Twitter handle, “and I am surprised that I’m being questioned about the cup after nine years, despite the presence of two FA boards, and the five-year committee for a year and two months…but they’re only now looking for the cup

“One of the members of the five-year committee contacted me and told me that they would put a picture of me with the African Nations Cup on the wall inside the federation,” Hassan continued and he asked me about the cup.

“I told him that I had delivered it back in 2011, and he said to me: ‘I wish you had not handed it over, as the cup is not at the association now.”

Egypt are the most successful country in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having won the trophy seven times since 1957. Their trio of consecutive successes between 2006 and 2010 is an unprecedented feat in the history of the African game.

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