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Museveni to Ochola: I need manual over misuse of guns by police and LDU

By
Geoffery Serugo
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President Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has given one month ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola to come up with a booklet of instructions for using guns by the police and Local Defence Unity (LDU) and private security organisations while guarding homes and properties.

Museveni’s order follows the conclusion of National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party primaries where the police officers and the LDU soldiers shot at people in Katakwi and Bugiri, two in Isingiro among other places.

According to the President, this was uncalled for because the shooters had other options of firing in the air, arresting them. It is believed that a group of people pelted stones at armed police officers and they retaliated by firing at them and hence leaving one person dead.

“The shooting if at all would have been to disperse, which would mean to shoot in the air. You should analyse incident by incident. You should know that the Public Order Management Act (POMA) is well structured and shooting should be by command not by an individual and the standards of riot control should be adhered to” he said.

He cautioned police officers and the LDUs to use diplomacy by telling people to disperse, use hand held microphone to warn them, inform them of your intentions to use force, use of non-lethal means like tear gas, using shield, fire live bullets. The firing should only be aimed at disabling rioters if they are charging forward unstoppably and endangering the lives of security personnel.

“No one should carry a gun anywhere in Uganda and on behalf of the state and engage in dealing with the public that is not aware of these procedures. All police posts and individual police officers and LDUs attached to policing should have a copy of all the procedures,” he said

He said in case Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is going to support police, they should be briefed about the procedures and no one should ever be deployed in the public without being sensitized about these procedures.

The Commander in Chief noted that no private security guard is allowed to engage with the public and are only hired to guard homes and property against thieves and the rules of engagement are clear; that do not allow break-in and they should not be hired as body guards however the IGP should discuss with his colleagues to come up with a harmonized position.

Reports indicate that after the messy NRM party primaries, the blame was put on police and LDUs as they partly took sides. It is alleged that some of the officers were hired by several politicians.

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UPDF soldier sentenced to 90 years for killing  his commander   

By
Francisco Adongo
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Pte Cephas Rubagumya who was sentenced for 90 years.

 

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) general headquarters Division Court Martial (DCM) sitting at Marine Brigade Headquarters in Buliisa District sentenced RA/241764 Pte  Cephas Rubagumya to 90 years in prison.

Cephas was sentenced for shooting and killing his commander RA/205293 lance Corporal Bernard Businge while at Mulima detach in Buliisa District. According to prosecution, Rubagumya’s act is contrary to section 188 and 189 of the panel code act Chapter 120 of the laws of Uganda.

The prosecution led by Maj Gerald Bamwitirsbwe told the DCM chaired by Col Edison Muhanguzi that on May 27, 2020, Pte Rubagumya left Mulima  detach and went to Hoima town to withdraw his salary and on coming back at around 8:40pm he started quarreling  with his commander RA/205293 lance Corporal Bernard Businge and later got his gun from the house and ordered Lance Corporal Businge to sit down, Bernard Businge begged for mercy but all in vain and he was shot and killed in cold blood with malice aforethought.

Prosecution witnesses RA/240969 Pte Joseph Ochero and RA/239190 Pte Farouk Chebet who were also deployed at the same Mulima detach told the DCM that Pte Rubagumya shot their commander RA/205293 lance Corporal Bernard Businge about ten bullets shortly after a heated argument.

While sentencing RA/241764 Pte Rubagumya, Col Edson Muhanguzi said that the sentence should serve as a warning to all officers and men of UPDF.

“This sentence should serve as a warning to all gallant officers and men of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces especially the Marine Brigade unit.” remarked the Chairperson of DCM.

The convict was told to appeal within 14 days if the charge was too harsh to him and the court was adjourned.

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Male Mabirizi to face court for misuse of EAC emblem

By
Simon Kabayo
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Lawyer Male Mabirizi

 

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is set to charge a Kampala lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi for misusing its emblem in a matter before it.

According to East African Community (EAC) Mabirizi is running an advert composed in a derogatory language, its emblem and photographs of the Judges of the community court asking for financial  support in a matter before it.

“The EAC has learnt with dismay the misuse of its emblem by a one Mr. Male Mabirizi, a litigant in a matter before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). Mr. Male Mabirizi is illegally using the community emblem and photographs of the honorable judges of the EACJ to among others, raise funds for personal purposes.” read in part of the statement.

Sections 7 and 8 of the community emblems act, as amended expressly prohibit the unauthorized use of the community emblem. Section 7(1) therefore provides that no person shall without the permission of the Council of Ministers notified in the Gazette, use or display the community emblem.

Section (8) of the said law creates an offence for abuse of the emblem punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $3,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years or both such a fine and imprisonment.

EAC Secretary General Libérat Mfumukeko said as the community set up the EACJ as a neutral arbiter for disputes between parties, it condemns the abuse of its emblem, misuse of the photographs of the Judges and the derogatory language that Mr. Male Mabirizi has used against a sitting Head of State.

“The community, while considering legal action against him, hereby disassociates itself from Mr. Mabirizi’s advert with its derogatory language and illegal use of its emblem and photographs of the Judges.” He said

The community further demanded that Mr. Male Mabirizi writes an apology to the community and withdraws the said advert immediately.

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#Covid-19 pandemic threatens human capital gains of the past decade

By
Our Reporter and Agencies
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David Malpass

#Covid-19 pandemic threatens hard won gains in health and education over the past decade, especially in the poorest countries, a new World Bank Group analysis finds. Investments in human capital, the knowledge, skills, and health that people accumulate over their lives are key to unlocking a child’s potential and to improving economic growth in every country.

The World Bank Group’s 2020 Human Capital Index includes health and education data for 174 countries covering 98 per cent of the world’s population up to March 2020, providing a pre-pandemic baseline on the health and education of children. The analysis shows that pre-pandemic, most countries had made steady progress in building human capital of children, with the biggest strides made in low-income countries. Despite this progress, and even before the effects of the pandemic, a child born in a typical country could expect to achieve just 56 per cent of their potential human capital, relative to a benchmark of complete education and full health.

“The pandemic puts at risk the decade’s progress in building human capital, including the improvements in health, survival rates, school enrollment, and reduced stunting. The economic impact of the pandemic has been particularly deep for women and for the most disadvantaged families, leaving many vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass. “Protecting and investing in people is vital as countries work to lay the foundation for sustainable, inclusive recoveries and future growth.”

Due to the pandemic’s impact, most children more than one billion have been out of school and could lose out, on average, half a year of schooling, adjusted for learning, translating into considerable monetary losses. Data also shows significant disruptions to essential health services for women and children, with many children missing out on crucial vaccinations.

The 2020 Human Capital Index also presents a decade-long view of the evolution of human capital outcomes from 2010 through 2020, finding improvements across all regions, where data are available, and across all income levels. These were largely due to improvements in health, reflected in better child and adult survival rates and reduced stunting, as well as an increase in school enrollment. This progress is now at risk due to the global pandemic.

The analysis finds that human capital outcomes for girls are on average higher than for boys. However, this has not translated into comparable opportunities to use human capital in the labor market: on average, employment rates are 20 percentage points lower for women than for men, with a wider gap in many countries and regions. Moreover, the pandemic is exacerbating risks of gender-based violence, child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, all of which further reduce opportunities for learning and empowerment for women and girls.

Today, hard-won human capital gains in many countries are at risk. But countries can do more than just work to recover the lost progress. To protect and extend earlier human capital gains, countries need to expand health service coverage and quality among marginalized communities, boost learning outcomes together with school enrollments, and support vulnerable families with social protection measures adapted to the scale of the #Covid-19 crisis.

The World Bank Group is working closely with governments to develop long-term solutions to protect and invest in people during and after the pandemic.

Ambitious, evidence driven policy measures in health, education, and social protection can recover lost ground and pave the way for today’s children to surpass the human capital achievements and quality of life of the generations that preceded them. Fully realizing the creative promise embodied in each child has never been more important.

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Judiciary enrolls 133 advocates

By
Geoffery Serugo
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The newly inaugurated advocates of the judiciary.

The Chief Registrar of Court, Sarah Langa Siu has presided over the ceremony where 133 lawyers were enrolled as advocates at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.

The enrolment process, which was split into two shifts so as to observe the #Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures, entailed registering their names in a book of advocates and issuing practicing certificates.

To the new advocates, HW Langa urged them to observe ethical conduct that befits their calling as advocates. “The need for lawyers with integrity cannot be over emphasized,” HW Langa said.

Adding, “Never forget your duty to court, your client, and to the community. Be relevant to your community.”

The CR called for due diligence and preparation during their legal practice.

In regards to the public’s poor perceptions towards the legal profession, the CR advised the advocates to observe principles of patience and self-respect. These principles, according to her, help mitigate irrational desires for quick accumulation of wealth and enable them to observe decorum while in and out of court.

Pheona Nabasa Wall, the new Uganda Law Society president hailed the judiciary for its efforts towards clearing the backlog and asked the advocates to uphold the cause of justice for the indigent.

“Speak up for those without voice, stand up for those that are looking for justice,” Ms Wall said adding that young lawyers ought to join the ULS Legal Aid Clinic, not only to provide probono services to the 80 per cent citizens of Uganda that cannot afford legal services, but also for exposure and experience.

She also advised the new advocates to embrace the career opportunities in the upcountry regions, citing that border districts, mineral discoveries (like oil) and newly created cities present new jobs for lawyers in such areas.

Mr. Aaron Motoka, a representative of the Law Council, briefed them about the code of conduct that they are bound to as Advocates of the High Court.

Among the newly enrolled advocates was Theodore Sekikubo, the Member of Parliament of Lwemiyaga County who offered a vote of thanks to the CR and pledged on behalf of his colleagues to strive to uphold the dignity of the legal profession and the rule of law in Uganda.

After the bar course at the Law Development Centre, law students enrol as advocates in order to address court on behalf of their clients. However, they can only appear in the Chief Magistrates Court for the time being because the law requires them to appear before the High Court nine months after enrolment.

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#Covid-19: US contributes $13.3 million towards refugees and host communities in Uganda

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

 

The United States has announced $4 million contribution to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and $9.3 million to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), UNICEF, and non-governmental organizations to address the impact of the pandemic on refugees and host communities in Uganda.

This is part of the $46 million total US government assistance in support of Uganda’s #Covid-19 response. With these latest contributions, the U S  government in 2020 has provided nearly $162 million in refugee humanitarian assistance in Uganda.

“The United States is a longstanding donor assisting refugees and refugee hosting communities in Uganda. We have boosted our assistance during the #Covid-19 pandemic to address the additional needs of vulnerable refugees and the Ugandan communities that so generously host them,” US Embassy Kampala’s Chargé d’Affaires Christopher Krafft said. “We appreciate the Government of Uganda providing safe haven to those fleeing fighting and persecution in the region, even during these difficult times of the #Covid-19 pandemic.”

This emergency humanitarian assistance responded to the joint United Nations appeal to address #Covid-19 needs in Uganda. It includes nearly $6.6 million in funding from the U S Department of State to UNHCR’s overall multi-sectoral support for refugees and refugee hosting communities during the pandemic; $590,000 to UNICEF for youth and their care providers $1 million to the International Refugee Committee to assist urban refugees in Kampala whose ability to support themselves has been undermined by necessary pandemic-related lock-down measures; and nearly $700,000 to Alight for protection and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assistance related to #Covid-19 in seven refugee settlements in Uganda.

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IUIU launches innovations in response to #Covid-19

By
Ronard Shabomwe
-

 

 

The Islamic University in Uganda –IUIU  has launched five innovations in response to the #Covid-19 pandemic to limit it from being further spread.

The launched innovations include the automatic hands-free dispenser (30 sets), plastic face shields and cloth mask made by the IUIU motion analysis research laboratory(MARL), instant hand sanitizer (1030 liters) by the department of pharmacy of the IUIU Habib medical school and online learning platform made by the IUIU team at the main campus Mbale.

The automatic hands-free dispenser uses solar energy but it can also be connected to electricity and a set of it costs them around Shs1.5 million to have it in place.

This technology of the automatic hands-free dispenser dispenses soap, gives you time of about 10 seconds to rub before it can give you rinsing water. Every time the system gets used, it can be monitored under the two parameters of performance in terms of operations and how many people are using it at a time.

During the launch at the University branch in Kibuli Kampala, the University Rector, Dr. Ahmed Kawesa Ssengendo explains that the realization of how devastating the pandemic can be has motivated a team of students and staff of IUIU to think of creative ways to make sure that they also limit the spread of the virus.

Dr. Ssengendo said they have other Innovations they have made that include automatic greenhouse for growing plants, wearable jackets for the blind and elderly, automatic floor cleaner and pot-hole mapping Robot.

He calls upon all Ugandans to work innovatively to contribute in fighting the virus. Adding that “We cannot just hope that #Covid-19 will go away without contributing to fighting it”

The Innovations has been funded by Islamic World Education, Scientific and cultural organisation (ICESCO). This is one of the organisations of Islamic cooperation (OIC) institutes, based in Rabbat, Morocco.

According to Dr. Ssengendo, they financed the production of the automatic hands free dispenser and sanitizers with a grant of $ 20,000(Shs72m)

He explains how some of these innovations work and that most of them will be donated to some of their Institutions for using.

Elioda Tumwesigye the minister of Science, Technology and Innovations who was the guest of honor says that the pandemic has awakened many Ugandans especially scientists to be innovative.

Minister Elioda notes that no one is sure when the virus will leave this world, therefore, Ugandans have the role to play in fighting the virus. Adding that by coming up with such innovations, there will be hope for the safety of Ugandans.

“I want to thank you for these wonderful innovations that we have launched. We hope they will help and contribute in fighting the virus.” The Minister adds.

The country representative of ICESCO Dr. Mouhammad Mpezamihigo who is also the vice Chancellor Kampala International University applauded the innovators and pledged for more support from ICESCO.

The ceremony was also attended by Rosie Agoi, Secretary General Uganda National Commission for UNESCO/ICESCO who notes that its high time everyone starts thinking about how to fight the virus and keep their lives safe.

Agoi adds that if the government and other stakeholders can help innovators by funding them, there will be hope for a better future full of innovations.

Islamic University in Uganda joins other academic institutions like Makerere University through the Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF), that innovated an automated hand washing kit for public shared spaces.

 

 

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Ministry of Health urges manufacturers to employ strict protocols against the spread of COVID-19

By
Our Reporter
-
UMA Team during the Inspection at the plant

Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) and Ministry of Health have urged manufacturers to establish strict protocols against the spread of COVID-19 at their factories in Uganda.

This call was made during a site visit to factories to assess their work place health and safety standards in regards to Covid -19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). According to the UMA executive Director, Mr. Daniel Birungi, the site visits to factories is an initiative aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.

“As UMA, we have started working with the Ministry of Health having recognized that it is our role as a body that brings together manufacturers to assess their readiness to manage Covid-19.” Birungi said. While conducting a joint inspection of UMA member factories to benchmark COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the UMA and MoH team said factories would soon be given certification based on their compliance with regard to COVID-19 SOPs.

“Covid-19 infection is at community level which means that any time, there will always be a factory employee who gets infected, that being the case we want to ensure that each factory has the right protocols in place to ensure that if this happens, they are able to manage the case properly and mitigate any cases of it infecting others,” he added.

Dr. Aggrey Batesaaki, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Inspection, Standards and Compliance in the Ministry of Health pointed out that some gaps were identified during the site visit. “Their environment is not talking Covid-19 for example there were not many posters and I have told them to put them in place so that anybody walking into the factory can be reminded about the SOPs,” he said.

While addressing fears of closing companies, Dr. Aggrey Batesaaki, noted that Closing off a company because of a confirmed Covid-19 case does not stop the spread of the virus. “Once a company registers a case, Ministry of health is available to work with companies to weigh the options of curbing further spread of the virus within the premises without a total shut down,” he added.

“Government is passionate about moving our economy forward, and the ministry is not happy to close the economy considering the vital role manufacturing plays in keeping our economy moving in such unprecedented times. Currently the ministry is in a process developing Consolidated Standard Operating Procedure for manufacturing, upon which certification would be given to compliant companies,” he revealed.

Prior to these visits, manufactures held a virtual meeting in which they agreed to set up a Covid-19 taskforce for manufacturers which will draft SOPs to guide the Ministry of Health as it sets these guidelines for manufacturing firms.

Among the companies singled out for benchmarking based on their existing COVID-19 SOPs, were Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda, CIPLA Quality Chemicals, and Steel & Tube Industries.

During the tour to Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, in Uganda (CCBA), the team was received by Derrick Mugweri, the Manufacturing Manager, at the plant in Namanve.

In his opening remarks, Daniel applauded Coca-Cola for its cooperation and support rendered to the sector whenever there is need.

“We thank Coca-Cola for the opportunity to visit one of their factories to pick learning on how Covid-19 preventive measures are implemented to keep factories open despite covid-19 pandemic,” he lauded.

Mr. Mugweri, revealed that CCBA has invested resources towards making the SOPs work and has continued to adjust with the evolving situation as the days go by. Innovation and agility is what has kept the company afloat in these unprecedented times.

“We welcome you all to the Coca-Cola site to observe the Covid-19 preventive protocols that you have observed and we are open to feedback for the good observations and areas of improvement noted,” said Mugweri.

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Court summons Kibalama over contradictory affidavits about NUP party

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
bobi wine and kibalama

The High Court Judge Musa Sekaana has summoned the founder of the National Unity Reconciliation and Development Party (NURDP) that has since evolved into the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mzee Nkonge Kibalama for cross examination.

Last month, former NURDP members, Basile Difas and Hassan Twaha dragged Mzee Kibalama and other individuals to court for selling the party to Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and later changing its name and leadership.

The two are needed to pronounce themselves about changing their affidavits in the case brought against them. The two had sworn and signed affidavits that the party leadership and the name were changed after delegates’ conference which occurred in Kakiri.

Appearing before court earlier today, Kyagulanyi’s legal team led by Lubega Medard Sseggona learnt that the two changed their affidavits and instructed another lawyer to represent them.

In the new affidavits, Nkonge said: “I wish to categorically state that the meeting never took place. What happened was that nine people including myself, William Odinga Balikuddembe, , Winston Kigozi,, Robert Kyagulanyi, ,Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu , Flavia Kalule, Benjamin Katana, Joel Ssenyonyi and Nubian Li sat and we approved the new party leaders headed by the second respondent(Kyagulanyi) as the party president.”

This prompted Sseggona to ask for summoning of the Mzee Nkonge for cross examination.

He said Bobi Wine called 41 other people to sign the attendance list without holding a delegates conference and filed the false minutes and resolutions with the Electoral Commission.

In a recorded video, Kibalama threatened to reclaim NUP from Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine for failure to fulfill his pledge of $5million.

Nkonge averred that a section of NURDP met Bobi Wine after he failed to register a political. “We were 41 members who agreed on principle to change NURDP to NUP for villagers or lay men to easily grasp the name and change its leadership but we didn’t sell it to him,” he said.

The case has been adjourned to Friday, 25th September 2020.

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Schools, churches, bars to learn fate ahead of Museveni’s address

By
Our Reporter
-
President Museveni.

President Museveni will on Sunday, 20th September address the nation on the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country.

The President is expected to reconsider his decision to open places of worship, bars and schools among others after he ordered for their closure in March this year. The closure peddled at curbing the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

In the past few days, Covid-19 task has been meeting various religious leaders in the Catholic Church, church of Uganda and born again Pentecostal church leaders to pave way on how they can operate places of worship during the long term visitor, covid-19.

As of yesterday, there were 29,737,453 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 937,391 deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently there 5,266 confirmed covid-19 cases in Uganda and 60 deaths.

According to a source, the churches if they open, they will not allow in more than 100 believers in any given service, observe the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which include; wearing of face masks, social distance and frequent washing of hands or sanitizing.

The church leaders will also be required to disinfect the churches or mosques every after prayers. It is also said that the president has not decided on the issue of re-opening schools for all students despite ordering for reopening for final year medical students who are essential in the current situation of the deadly covid-19 pandemic.

The president is also expected to speak about other sectors which are still under the lockdown. Such sectors include; Sauna and Massage, transport systems in the border districts, among others.

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