Sanyu FM has unveiled its latest signing Deedan Muyira who has crossed from Radio City.
Deedan will be making her first official appearance at the station this morning and will be joining other new signings already unveiled this week.
Renown for her powerful voice, Deedan is a Ugandan radio host, popular MC and actress known for playing the role of Tracy Kintu in Nana Kagga’s Beneath The Lies.
She will be joining Yvonne Koreta and Patrick Salvado in the new SANYU BREAKFAST CLUB to be launched next week.
Deedan Muyira born Diana Muyira who started from Nairobi Kenya, has now grown in stature and is now recognized as the official Blankets and Wines emcee.
For about two months, Sanyu FM has been on a hunting spree for the best presenters who will give its listeners fresh and renewed information.
The station management says the reformation of the station will see an addition of more exciting presenters with more exciting personalities and rebranding some of the shows to give fresh experience.
The management is also looking at leading the line-up and waking up listeners to informative discussion, quality news and compelling analysis and getting listeners up-to-speed with the biggest stories of the day and setting up the week with intelligent conversation and features.
Signing ceremony of the summary records of the negotiations (photo credit: German Embassy Kampala)
Uganda and Germany today successfully concluded government negotiations on the framework for development cooperation for the next two years. Germany committed a total of EUR 58.4 million in grants. Another EUR 15.0 million in grants is envisaged for the public finance management reform programme following the approval of the German Parliament. In addition, Germany is a main contributor to multilateral emergency funds aiming to mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Germany extended and up scaled the bilateral cooperation with Uganda concentrating on the two focus areas Renewable Energy and Agriculture and Rural Development as well as the area Good Governance and Human Rights. German cooperation aims at fostering Uganda’s sustainable development by e.g. creating job perspectives for the youth, promoting private sector development, enhancing access to electricity or by promoting civil society as well as fiscal management. German cooperation has also included measures to mitigate the Coronavirus pandemic, also through multilateral actors.
In the field of agriculture, Germany contributes in particular EUR 20.0 million to enhance access to affordable credits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This is essential for agricultural enterprises in their efforts to develop their businesses, increase productivity and to create incomes as well as employment opportunities in rural areas, especially for the youth. In addition, Germany is upscaling its support to local administrations with the aim of enhancing their service delivery function and to farmers with the goal of fostering their market integration. Furthermore programme activities to securing land rights as well as sustainable fisheries management were extended.
Germany allocated the amount of EUR 19.8 Million for support to refugee hosting communities including EUR 16.8 million to improve the provision of water and sanitation services in refugee hosting communities.
Germany will continue the promotion of renewable energy. There will be increased support to SMEs regarding access to renewable and efficient energy technologies as well as deepened promotion of mini-grids to bring electricity to marginalized villages far off from the national grid. The cooperation with vocational training institutes will be enhanced to increase the number of skilled electricians and solar technicians.
Germany intends to increase the support to Uganda’s public financial management reform programme (REAP) by EUR 15.0 million. This measure is still subject to approval of the German Parliament. The allocation is destined for strengthening domestic resource mobilization as well as creating a sound financial system based on efficiency, transparency and accountability, thereby improving Uganda’s capacities to foster sustainable development. An additional EUR 9.0 million will be provided to support the areas of anti-corruption, accountability and transparency in public finance management as well as strengthening human rights and civil society.
Germany’s bilateral programmes are implemented by GIZ and KfW. All initiatives support Uganda in implementing its National Development Plan III, the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
The negotiations – as a result of the Corona pandemic held via videoconference between Kampala and Bonn – paved the way for the Ugandan-German development cooperation in the period from 2021 to 2022. The talks were concluded by the signing of joint summary records on 29 July 2020 by Mr. Patrick Ocailap, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, MoFPED, for the Ugandan side and by the head of East Africa Division of the Federal Ministry of Development Cooperation, Mr. Niels Breyer, as head of the German Delegation.
Dott Service trucks along Tirinyi-Mbale road. The road is at 90 per cent completion stage.
For the millions of Ugandans who live in Eastern Uganda, travelling on the 103Kms stretch Iganga–Tirinyi–Kamonkoli–Mbale Road had always been a nightmare until 2015 when Dott Services commenced works on rehabilitating the critical road.
Before Dott Services entered the fray in 2015, the 103Kms stretch that is popularly known as Mbale-Tirinyi road, was narrow, pot-holed, and bumpy as the tarmac that had last been upgraded to a class II bitumen in the late 90s wore, turning the road into a hot spot for bad accidents.
“Over time, with no major rehabilitation works, the road was overwhelmed by sinkholes, surface erosion and vandalism; leaving it as a shadow of the beautiful road that was, the pride of Eastern Uganda” Eng. James Olonya said. Eng. Olonya has worked with Dott Services for the last 25 years.
However, in 2015, all that changed when the government contracted Dott Services to rehabilitate the road and turn it into the main artery connecting Eastern Uganda to other parts of the country.
Dott Services is a regional road construction giant that was incorporated in 1994.
Dott Services has now completed over 90 per cent of the works on the road, and though completion was initially penciled for April 2020, it was extended by UNRA for a further three months after heavy rains raised the water levels on the many rivers that the road crisscrosses.
When the road that is known as the “Great North Road” is complete, it will boost trade, agriculture and other economic activities in the Eastern Region.
The road links the north-eastern parts of Uganda, which comprise of the sub-regions of Bugisu, Sebei, Karamoja and the south-eastern and central parts of Uganda.
During a media tour of the road, Eng. Olonya, the Dott Services Contracts Manager, lauded Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for diligently playing a supervisory role during the construction processes.
Eng. Olonya and Eng. Andrew Tugume explaining to the media the progress of Tirinyi-Mbale road construction.
“Tirinyi road cost was Shs135 billion and fully funded by the government of Uganda. We can’t do something that will damage our image” said at Tirinyi trading centre while showing the parking lanes that have been carved out for customers who stop at the busy centre to purchase groceries.
Eng. Olonya also urged more local companies to join the road construction industry, saying the 2019 National Local Content Act gives advantage to indigenous players while also allowing healthy competition.
Traders interviewed during the media tour lauded Dott Services, expressing gratitude for the expeditious construction works, revealing that their sales have taken a turn for the better as more travelers have the luxury to stop and buy different foodstuffs.
Jane Nafuna, a fruit vendor at Kamonkoli Market, was happy with Dott Services, saying with the construction of the raod, access to and from markets to transport fruit merchandise will be easier.
“During the rainy season, I would struggle to go to the market. I am happy with the speed at which Dott Services is building this road. Our lives will change forever,”Ms Nafuna said.
Mr. Peter Wafula, a resident of Naboa Trading Centre in Budaka District, hailed Dott Services for the work done, saying that when the road is completed, it will contribute to the socio-economic transformation of communities in Eastern Uganda.
“This road will help in the fight against household poverty in the communities along the road. The small businesses that will be spurred by this road are the source of livelihoods for many communities, “Mr Wafula said.
Dott Services is also confident that the road will withstand the impact of heavy vehicles, which usually damage roads by producing potholes, ruts and cracks
The road is complete with water inundation points from surrounding fields to avoid water undermining the road base.
The road starts at Nakalama, a suburb of Iganga, on the Jinja–Tororo Highway, approximately 44 and proceeds in a north-easterly direction, through Namutumba, Tirinyi and Kamonkoli before ending at Mbale, a total distance of about 101 kilometers.
Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has discharged three of its officers after serving for more than 35 years.
Maj Gen Eric Mukasa (RIP) represented by the family, Brig Gen Tumusiime Nyakaitana and Brig Gen Geoffrey Mujuni, were today honorably discharged at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya.
The Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi officiated the retirement ceremony and congratulated the officers for making it to the end, saying that their journey has been long and remarkable in terms of service, growth and professionalism.
“We value your service, we cherish you and are here to send you off honorably since we have learnt many life changing lessons through your service,” he said adding that they have made a monumental and significant contribution to the growth of UPDF and it was therefore befitting that they being sent off with dignity.
Brig. Mujuni receiving his discharge certificate from Gen. Muhoozi as his family members look on.
He remarked that there is time for everything and therefore urged them to stay in touch with the leadership and keep relevant to both the army and country.
“Don’t switch off. You still carry our image and we expect discipline and leadership from you. Be our ambassadors and remain useful to your families,” He appealed to them.
Speaking on behalf of retirees, Brig Gen (Rtd) Geoffrey Mujuni applauded the almighty God for helping them to serve with dignity, noting that time has now come for them to enjoy the fruits of the peace that they have fought for.
“Time has come for us to go and relax a bit but we shall keep our ears on the ground against anybody who interferes with the peace,” Brig. Mujuni emphasized.
He further lauded their families for the patience they exercised over year while they were busy on military duty.
Finally he asked those remaining in the service to jealously guard the unity of the country.
The Secretary General of the ruling party National Resistance Movement, Justine Kasule Lumumba has revealed that two of their staff have tested positive for #Covid-19.
The revelation comes hours after the President had been nominated as the Presidential flag bear and the National Chairman of the party.
“This morning, two of our staff at the NRM Secretariat tested positive for #Covid-19 and have been admitted to the Hospital for proper care.” She said in a tweet adding that the secretariat is working with the technical people and further guidance to be given in due course.
“I urge everyone to stay alert, healthy and safe” she said.
Yesterday President Museveni revealed that he tested negative of #Covid-19 after experiencing a sore throat a few days ago.
He said he was worried that he could have contracted the virus and was taking a lot of ginger and lemon before testing negative. He urged people to embrace standard operating procedures (SOPs) put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
Absa Group has announced the appointment of Nadine Byarugaba as Board Chair of Absa Bank Uganda.
Nadine, who has served on the Board since January 2016, succeeds Swithin Munyantwali who vacated the position following his appointment to the Board of Absa Group as Non-Executive Director in September 2019.
“I am delighted to confirm Nadine’s appointment as Board Chair of Absa Bank Uganda. Her strategic leadership and seasoned knowledge of the banking sector stands us in good stead as we continue to pursue our ambition and goal to be a leading and trusted African financial services company. I am confident that Nadine’s leadership will strengthen our resolve to deliver continued value to our customers and shareholders” said Peter Matlare, Deputy Group CEO of Absa Group Limited and Chief Executive Absa Regional Operations.
A seasoned banking professional with experience spanning over 25 years, Nadine is also a Board member for New Faces New Voices, a Pan-African Advocacy Group, under the Graca Machel Trust that focuses on expanding the role of women in the financial sector; Non-Executive Director, Uganda Reinsurance co. Ltd, the country’s first reinsurance company.
She has held various senior positions in the banking sector having previously worked at Standard Chartered Bank in various capacities in and outside Uganda, such as Regional Head, eCommerce Sales, Africa, Head of Global Markets, Head of Internal Control and systems administrator.
“I look forward to scaling even greater heights working under the stewardship of Nadine who brings with her a wealth of expertise in the financial services sector and will provide crucial strategic direction and oversight as we work towards delivering continued business growth and success for the bank for both our shareholders and customers,” said Mumba Kalifungwa, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda.
A 27-year old man with #Covid-19 related signs and symptoms has collapsed and died in Namisindwa district.
According to reports, the deceased had gone to seek treatment in a private clinic where he collapsed and died instantly. The incident happened at Bukhaweka Town Council, a few kilometers from where the first death occurred.
The #Covid-19 rapid response team arrived on ground and took samples of the deceased for further analysis.
The first #Covid-19 death occurred at Joy Hospice health facility, in Mbale District where she was isolated in the female ward. She was a 34 year old Ugandan female, resident of Namisindwa District who presented with #Covid-19 like signs and symptoms: fever, dry cough, headache and difficulty in breathing.
She was first admitted to Wasungui HC II before being admitted to Joy Hospice health facility.
Ministry of Health reported that while in isolation, the patient’s condition deteriorated with difficulty in breathing, cough, chills and headache. Unfortunately, she passed on Tuesday July 21, 2020 at 2:00am. She was buried on 2 July 23, 2020 as per Safe Dignified Burial procedures.
The postmortem samples from the deceased were confirmed positive for SARS-COV-2 by 4 laboratories: UVRI, CPHL, Tororo and Makerere. In addition, findings at postmortem showed features of acute pneumonia; findings that are consistent with #Covid-19 infection.
Power distribution company, Umeme Limited has suspended the Electricity Connections Policy (ECP) program due to lack of sufficient funds.
The ECP was launched in 2018. Customers were required to pay only shs 20,000 for inspection and government caters for the remaining connection fees in a move aimed at connecting 300,000 customers annually implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency.
“Unfortunately, due to a realignment of priorities and financial resources by government in part brought by the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic, the ECP program has been put on hold until further notice,” a statement by the Umeme head of communications, Peter Kaujju said.
“The Ministry of Energy, the Electricity Regulatory Authority and REA are fully aware of the current constraints and we are confident a solution will be found to sustain this program.”
Umeme said they will be informing their customers in case of any new developments about the program.
The Uganda Embassy in Brussels has successfully seen off a total of 107 Ugandan Nationals and legal residents who have been stranded in the BENELUX region comprising of Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg and Europe following the closure of Entebbe International Airport to passenger flights on 22nd March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Embassy undertook the registration process of Ugandan Nationals who were stranded in the BENELUX region (Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg) and Europe and coordinated their return aboard KLM Royal Dutch Airlines which arrived at Entebbe International Airport at 23:15 p.m.
Among some of the Ugandans returning on the flight include: Students, Government Officials, Business People, Medical Doctors, and others who had travelled to the BENELUX region and Europe for various reasons.
After fulfilling the standard procedures issued by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health of Uganda, guidelines by the respective Governments, the Ugandans were seen off at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by the Deputy Head of Mission, Uganda Embassy Brussels, Amb. Franklin R. Katungwe and Embassy Officials.
The Deputy Head of Mission applauded the Ugandans and other legal residents for their patience during the difficult times they have endured as a result of the pandemic and wished them a safe journey.
British American Tobacco Uganda Limited (BAT Uganda) has today announced its half year results for the six months ending 30th June 2020; posting gross revenue of Ushs 76 billion, profit before tax of Ushs 9.9 billion and contributions to Government revenue of Ushs 42.9 billion.
Commenting on the results, BAT Uganda Managing Director, Mathu Kiunjuri said: “I am pleased to report that BAT Uganda’s business continues to show resilience despite the difficult operating environment in the country.
“For the first half of 2020, gross revenue reduced by 12% to Ushs 76 billion, mainly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumer purse. With rising unemployment and a significant increase in the cost of various basic consumer goods, the pandemic has left many consumers more cash-stretched than ever. Additionally, the closure of retail outlets led to constrained consumer access to our products. Despite these challenges, our Business continues to be resilient, posting a 2% increase in profit before tax to Ushs 9.9 billion due to prudent cost management measures undertaken to mitigate the decline in revenue.
“As we navigate the particularly challenging business environment occasioned by the COVID19 pandemic, the menace of illicit trade is entrenching itself now more than ever, on the back of heightened consumer affordability challenges. This is partly evidenced by the reduction of our contribution to Government taxes in the form of Excise Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Corporation Tax by Ushs 7.3 billion to Ushs 42.9 billion.
“We are concerned that, despite the enhanced border controls put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, our trade teams continue to report an increased presence of illegal taxevaded cigarettes in the Ugandan market, primarily tax-evaded cigarettes from Kenya. This is consistent with third party research conducted at the end of last year, which indicates that about 44% of illicit cigarettes sold in Uganda have been smuggled across the Kenyan border.
“Evidently, border enforcement alone is not sufficient to curtail the illicit trade in cigarettes, which continues to deny the Government in excess of Ushs 30 billion every year. Whilst we recognise the opportunity presented by URA’s Digital Tracking Solution (DTS), immediate action is required to redouble enforcement of anti-illicit trade regulations. This enhanced action includes cooperation between Uganda and Kenya officials in stemming the flow of illicit cigarettes into Uganda, which requires identification of the source of these illegal products and their supply routes. We also reiterate our call to the Government to ratify the World Health Organisation (WHO’s) Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (ITP).
“As part of our continued effort and commitment to build a sustainable business and contribute to Uganda’s economic development, we will continue to engage transparently with the relevant Government agencies to support the fight against illicit trade in cigarettes.
Also commenting on the results, BAT Uganda Chairman, Hon. Dr. Elly Karuhanga said: “The resilient performance of our business reflects our commitment to build a sustainable business that contributes to Uganda’s economic growth. Currently, amidst the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, our primary focus is to ensure the safety of our employees, maintain business continuity and work with relevant Government agencies to ensure a stable and predictable regulatory environment.
“Looking forward, I am confident that with sustained investment in our business, the exceptional quality of talent within the Company, and our partnerships with over 30,000 business partners and tobacco farmers, we have the right strategy in place to deliver a better tomorrow for consumers, society, employees and shareholders.”
BAT Uganda is a member of the British American Tobacco Group, one of the world’s leading multi-category consumer goods companies, with brands sold in more than 180 markets. The Company has sustained a significant presence in Uganda since 1928 and has been listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange since 2000.
BAT has grown to become one of the country’s largest taxpayers and we have been listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange since 2000. We sell cigarettes chosen by a majority of Uganda’s adult smokers with a variety of high-quality cigarette brands sold in the market and partner with over 30,000 trade and business partners in Uganda.
Through its sister companies within the BAT Group and its partners, BAT Uganda is the largest single buyer of Ugandan tobacco leaf supporting the livelihood of over 13,500 tobacco farmers.
Traders interviewed during the media tour lauded Dott Services, expressing gratitude for the expeditious construction works, revealing that their sales have taken a turn for the better as more travelers have the luxury to stop and buy different foodstuffs.
Dott Services is also confident that the road will withstand the impact of heavy vehicles, which usually damage roads by producing potholes, ruts and cracks
