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BREAKING NEWS:Minister Rukutana charged with attempted murder

Rukutana

 

Rushenyi County MP and State Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Mwesigwa Rukutana will be charged with attempted murder.

A Charge Sheet on CRB 1050/2020 recorded at Ntungamo Police Station indicates that Mwesigwa Rukutana and others still at large on the 5th day of September 2020 at Kagugu village in Ntungamo District unlawfully attempted to cause the death of Rwebirungi Daniel alias Dan contrary to section 236 of the Penal Code Act.

Charge sheet

Mwesigwa Rukutana M/A aged 61 years, Muyankole, is a resident of Kagugu Parish, Rubaare Sub County, according to the Charge Sheet.

Rukutana’s charges stem from an incident on Friday in which he was captured on video grabbing a gun from his escorts and attempting to shoot into a fire that was carrying supporters of his rival Naome Kabasharira.

President Museveni today reiterated that Rukutana will be prosecuted over the violence that marred the NRM primary elections in Rushenyi County.

 

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Court of Appeal dismisses Akena’s petition, orders for election of new UPC president

UPC's Jimmy Akena hails from the Lango-Northern Region.

The Court of Appeal has dismissed James Michael Akena’s petition seeking to stay as the president of Uganda People’s congress (UPC). Akena was in 2015 declared the Party president following a contested election conducted by the Party Electoral Commission (PEC).

Upon declaring him in July 2015, through their lawyers led by Julius Galisonga of Galisonga and Company Advocates, party members led by Prof. Edward Kakonge, Otto Isaah Amizza and Joseph Bbossa ( deceased) petitioned the High Court seeking for nullification of his election.

In December 2016, the former Deputy Chief Justice, Stephen Kavuma issued an order stopping any party member from challenging the election of Akena. It was later disposed of in July this year and the matter was fixed for hearing.

In December 2015, the High court judge Yasin Nyanzi, quashed the election of James Michael Akena as the president of Uganda People’s Congress. In his ruling, the judge said the election was illegal, null and void because it violated the constitution of the Party. The declaration of Akena by the delegates conference was illegal and void and of no legal consequence because it violated the party constitution.

Akena and his group however, petitioned appellant court to stay his election on grounds that the trial judge erred in the law and fact premised himself on wrong findings and allowed the respondent’s claims among others grounds.

In their ruling, a panel of judges led by Justice Elizabeth Musoke, Christopher Madrama and Irene Mulyagonja dismissed his application and ordered that the party should conduct nominations and elect a new President in conformity with the constitution of UPC.

They ordered that each party should bear its costs.

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I have not clashed with Museveni over Rukutana – Otafiire

Rukutana during the incident

East African Affairs Minister, Maj.Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has denied social media reports that he had clashed with his boss President Yoweri Museveni over the cancellation of bond he and his colleagues had allegedly secured for Minister of State for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana who is in police cells over election violence.

In a telephone interview with Eagle Online from Mitoona where he is after bouncing back in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, the outspoken minister denied clashing with Mr.Museveni terming it fake news.

“It is good they have written it and it is good for him (president) to read and see how they are concocting things because I haven’t spoken with him over two weeks. It is true I went to Mbarara to visit Rukutana and we joked and he narrated to me how the whole saga unfolded and he even denies that he ever shot at any person. I even never asked for police to grant him bond because I know investigations were ongoing. So just treat whatever is on social media as fake” Gen. Otafiire said.

Earlier on, there were reports on social media that Otafiire had clashed with Gen. Museveni over the cancellation of police bond and that Rukutana had spent a night at a home of another Minister, Bright Rwamirama. Accordingly the reports allergy that  after getting this intelligence, Museveni called police to cancel bond and have Rukutana back in the cells as he awaits

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Mutebile announces seven banks to handle competitive bidding in primary market for Gov’t securities

Late Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile

The Governor of Bank of Uganda Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile has announced seven banks that will handle competitive bidding in the primary market for government securities.

This was part of the reforms done by the Bank of Uganda in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to increase efficiency and enhance liquidity in the financial market. The primary dealer banks have been appointed for a period of three years.

The appointed banks include; ABSA Bank, Bank of Baroda, Centenary Bank, DFCU Bank, Housing Finance Bank, Stanbic Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank.

The reforms have in part included automation of the auction processes to enhance efficiency and price transparency, which has increased the global visibility of Uganda’s financial markets.

“In order to enhance liquidity in the secondary market, effective October 01, 2020, competitive bidding in the primary market for government securities shall be limited to only Primary Dealer Banks,” he said.

According to Mutebile, the reforms have been successful in promoting a vibrant primary market, challenges nonetheless remain in the secondary market, as the trades have remained persistently low. In FY 2019/20, the turnover in the secondary market was recorded at 41 per cent of the total outstanding stock of government securities.

“This means that 59 per cent of the total outstanding stock of government securities was not traded at all, and was simply held till maturity. This is quite low compared to say, South Africa, where secondary market turnover amounts to 1,200 percent of the total outstanding stock of government securities. This means that in South Africa, the total outstanding stock of government securities changes hands 12 times in a year, which substantially increases liquidity in the market,” he said.

He said the increased liquidity of the government securities market enhances the attractiveness of the securities as it facilitates the ease of entry and exit into the financial market. It also strengthens a country’s ability to withstand exogenous shocks to the economy, as offshore investors would be more assured of stability in prices as opposed to the expectation of heightened volatility in liquid markets.

He said Investors should continue submitting their bids to their respective commercial banks as usual, where they will be well served.

All commercial banks will continue to access the primary market for non- competitive bids (below Shs200 million). However, for competitive bids (those above Shs200 million), Non-Primary Dealer Banks will access government securities from the Primary Dealer Banks in the secondary market.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new Primary Dealer Banks and to say that the Bank of Uganda looks forward to a more vibrant secondary market for Government securities in Uganda.”

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Online media publishers, TV and radio stations given one month to register with UCC

UCC

The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has given one month ultimatum to 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.

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.

UCC was established under section 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 (the Act) as the regulator in the development of a modern communications sector that includes telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications, postal communications, data communication and infrastructure.

In accordance with sections 2, 5 and 27 of the Act and Regulation 5 of the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations 2019, UCC is mandated to license, regulate and set standards for the provision of all communication services in Uganda, including radio communication and online broadcasting. Regulation of communication services is intended to promote and safeguard the interest of consumers, operators, viewers and listeners.

“All persons engaged in the provision of the above services are accordingly advised to regularize their operations by obtaining the necessary authorisation from UCC by 5th of October 2020.” Reads in part of the statement released by UCC.

According to UCC, the Authorized Entity undertakes to abide at all times to the provisions of the Uganda Communications Act 2013 and all other laws in Uganda, make all its content available to the Commission immediately on demand, the Commission may cancel this Authorisation by notice in writing for breach of any of the above provisions in which case the Authorized Entity thereupon will immediately cease offering its online publishing services and others restrictions.

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AU awards Ugandan troops in Somalia

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

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

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

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

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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