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@kfm Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:30:37
Political parties must find resources to fund campaigns – Election expert
Election experts have implored political parties to start mobilizing resources to facilitate activities for the 2025/26 general elections. According to the Political Parties and Organizations (Amendment) Bill 2008, the state is under obligation to facilitate political parties and organizations in their activities. In 2022, at least seven political parties with representation in Parliament received a share of the Shs23 billion from the government for running election-related activities. However, according to Henry Muguzi, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Finance Monitoring, this amount may be insufficient depending on each political party’s needs ‘for the entire election process. Muguzi, says limited resources should not be an excuse for inadequate preparation ahead of the general elections.
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@kfm Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:58:43
Budget corruption case adjourned
The hearing of a budget corruption case against three Members of Parliament; Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East), Cissty Namujju (Lwengo District), and Paul Akamba (Busiki County) has been adjourned. This is after defence lawyers led by Mwesigwa Rukuna asked court for an adjournment to enable them cross- examine the first prosecution witness, Mariam Wangadya, the Uganda Human Rights Commission boss, after perusing her evidence and getting some documents from Parliament. The presiding, Judge Lawrence Gidudu granted the lawyers’ request on Thursday and adjourned the case until August 14, 2024. On August 2, 2024, Wangandya pinned the three legislators for allegedly soliciting a 20% cut from her proposed 2024/2025 budget by promising to have it enhanced through the Parliamentary Budget Committee and […]
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@kfm Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:12:55
Political parties urged to target voters in new polling areas
Civil Society actors have advised political parties to pay attention and target new voters in the ongoing demarcation of new polling areas by the Independent Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission (EC) is conducting this exercise at local governments in cities and districts where new sub-counties, Towns, and parishes/wards were created after the 2020/21 general elections. The exercise, which started on the 6th will end on the 16th of August 2024. According to Charity Ahimbisibwe, Executive Director Electoral Laws and Governance Institute, political parties need to target voters with their messages as they encourage them to participate in the electoral processes. She advised that voter education should start as soon as possible. According to the Commission, the following activities shall be […]
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@kfm Thu, 08 Aug 2024 08:30:49
Bobi Wine graduates from law school
By Erich Mboowa Musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), has long been recognised for his degree in Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) from Makerere University. Now, he adds a law degree to his academic credentials. According to Bobi Wine, he first discussed the idea of attending law school 20 years ago with fellow artiste and lawyer Sylvester Kyagulanyi while they were both in the MDD department at Makerere University. Read more
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@sqoop Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:02:10
Bobi Wine responds to critics as he graduates from Law School
“In August 2016, after much procrastination, I attended my first lecture in Law School at the International University of East Africa. Seven years later, I have graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Cavendish University,” reads part of a long post Bobi Wine shared on his Facebook page this morning, announcing his highly anticipated […]
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@kfm Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:00:50
US to give $414m humanitarian aid to DR Congo
By REUTERS The US said on Wednesday it would provide nearly $414 million in humanitarian assistance for the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 25 million people need such aid, nearly a quarter of the country’s population. US Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Jeffrey Prescott, told Reuters a significant amount of that money would go to United Nations agencies and aid groups providing urgent food assistance, healthcare and nutrition support, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene. “This funding also includes direct support (of) agricultural commodities from American farmers,” said Prescott, who will formally announce the aid in Kinshasa on Wednesday with US Ambassador to the DRC Lucy Tamlyn. It takes total US funding for DRC since October to $838 million, said […]
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@kfm Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:43:10
Budget corruption case: UHRC boss returns to court today
The hearing of a corruption case against three Members of Parliament; Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East), Paul Akamba (Busiki County), and Cissy Namujju (Lwengo District woman MP) is expected to resume today. The hearing is expected to resume before the Anti-Corruption Court Division of the High Court’s Judge Lawrence Gidudu with the first prosecution witness Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC). On August 2, 2024, Wangandya pinned the three legislators for having solicited a 20% cut from her proposed 2024/2025 budget by promising to have it enhanced through the Parliamentary Budget Committee and Finance ministry. Wangadya testified that it was Hon. Mutembuli who first solicited the 5% cut before bringing the other two MPs and also had […]
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@observer Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:52:43
Ggaba lodge attendants on the run after death of client
Police have launched a manhunt for the attendants of Wave Inn Lodge in Ggaba, Kampala over the suspicious death of their client, Livingstone Mugaga. Mugaga reportedly checked into the lodge on Monday evening but was found in a critical condition on Tuesday. He passed on before he could be taken to the hospital. It is alleged that the workers thereafter abandoned the body in the compound and fled the scene.Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire said efforts are underway to apprehend the lodge attendants and the manager to assist in the ongoing investigations. Mugaga’s body was conveyed to the City Mortuary in Mulago for a postmortem examination. In a separate incident, Andrew Musanja also known as Nalwasa is in police custody on allegations of attempting to kill his wife Monica Ajjo. Entebbe police detectives said Ajjo and Musanja are residents of Kifumbiri, Entebbe Municipality in Wakiso district. Musanja allegedly picked up a quarrel with his wife accusing her of infidelity. “Their argument escalated into a physical fight resulting in the destruction of household items. The suspect then allegedly attacked his wife with a panga, causing severe injuries to her legs, hands, and head, leaving her unconscious,” Entebbe police report reads in part.Ajjo was rushed to Kasanje health centre III by neighbours for first aid and treatment. Musanja was traced and arrested. He is currently detained at Entebbe police station. At least 300 people were killed in domestic violence incidents in 2023. {loadposition inarticle}
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@kfm Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:20:19
Orogot, Chemutai miss out
It was a bad night for Uganda’s Olympians as Tarsis Orogot didn’t go through while Leonard Chemutai missed the podium. Orogot failed to progress to the final of 200m after finishing 6th in his heat with a time of 20:64(20 seconds, 64 microseconds). Usual suspect, America’s Kenny Bednarek won the heat with 20:00 while Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando Bautista came second with a time of 20;09 and the two qualified for the final. Uganda had not had a male sprinter at the Olympics since Davis Kamoga at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. Meanwhile, Leonard Chemutai missed out on the podium during the men’s 3000m steeplechase final. Chemutai finished 15th posting a time of 8:20;3 after falling about 500m to the finish. […]
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@observer Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:00:46
Ssemujju: We are forming a new party
IBRAHIM SSEMUJJU NGANDA, the member of parliament for Kira Municipality and a prominent figure in the FDC-Katonga faction, has announced the group’s intention to form a new political party. In an interview with The Observer, Ssemujju stated that there was near-unanimous agreement among FDC members they consulted nationwide to sever ties with the Najjanankumbi faction led by Patrick Oboi Amuriat. He revealed that a delegates’ conference has been scheduled for August 19, where the decision to establish a new party will be formally made.Excerpts: You have called for a delegates’ conference on August 19. What is the purpose of this meeting? August 19 marks a significant moment for us. It represents the culmination of both the challenges we’ve faced with our colleagues who remain at Najjanankumbi and the insights gained from our nationwide tours with Dr Kizza Besigye. The feedback we have gathered from these regions will be used to inform our decisions. I can confidently say that over 80 percent of those we have engaged with support the formation of a new party. However, we cannot proceed with forming the new party while we are still operating as the FDC. The FDC remains an active organization, making formal decisions through its established organs. This could very well be the last time we identify ourselves as FDC and convene as an FDC organ. The delegates’ conference will allow FDC members to formally review and discuss the proposals they have them- selves advocated for.The anticipated decision, which I am confident will be the formation of a new party, will necessitate the formal dissolution of the FDC. Therefore, August 19 is a pivotal day in the political history of the FDC and for those of us involved, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in our political journey.Wouldn’t some interpret this as a defeat for you by the Najjanankumbi group? The delegates’ conference held at Katonga, under significant pressure, made several decisions, including pursuing a legal route to reclaim our party. We encountered a setback in court, particularly with Justice Musa Ssekaana, who seemed to act in a biased manner. The case remains unresolved and may never reach a satisfactory conclusion. However, we take lessons from other parties’ experiences. For instance, UPC’s case reached the Supreme court, which ruled that Jimmy Akena was not the rightful president, yet he remains in power due to the backing of President Museveni and the state. Our resolutions included pursuing legal action, joining existing political parties, or forming a pressure group. These were the options discussed by the delegates, but further consultations were necessary. During our consultations, we presented the challenges and opportunities associated with each option. The response varied: in Teso and, to some extent, Kasese, people expressed strong emotions about the FDC and preferred to fight for its recovery or seek reconciliation. However, the overall conclusion from our consultations is that forming a new party is the most viable path forward. These days, starting a new party seems more challenging. How prepared are you? Starting a new party has never been particularly difficult; the challenge lies in growing and sustaining it. To begin, you need 50 signatures from two-thirds of the districts and then register with the Electoral Commission. However, transforming a new party into a formidable force depends on the circumstances. In Uganda, many people are focused on regime change and tend to support those with the highest chance of achieving it. This focus often leads to conflicts within parties. Our party has been established for some time, and new parties have always emerged in our context. We are not starting from scratch; rather, we are rejuvenating and reloading. People should see us as a continuation rather than a completely new entity. At each stage of the party’s growth, attracting new supporters is crucial. The regime change will eventually end, as seen in countries like Sudan and Libya. When that happens, people will need capable leaders to guide the country. While achieving regime change is a short-term goal, improving governance and building democracy are long-term objectives that should not be overlooked. We must communicate to the public that while regime change is essential, competent leadership will be crucial the day after the change.Thus, we are focusing on building future leaders. As I am 52 years old and may have another decade of active involvement, we are concentrating on preparing the next generation of leaders to ensure the party’s longevity and success beyond my tenure. Today, for instance, I am meeting with university students as part of this effort.We have many other opposition political parties; what new things are you bringing on board?We are not a new party; we are simply rebranding. It’s important to understand that the animosity between DP and UPC towards FDC stemmed from FDC’s emergence and recruitment efforts. Similarly, the formation of a new party will involve recruiting from existing parties. This is why, for instance, NUP faced challenges with various parties, including FDC, as it also recruited from them.In the interim, we aim to play a complementary role within the political landscape. However, it’s natural for individuals to move between parties, and we cannot prevent people from leaving other parties to join us or vice versa.All parties in the political opposition are currently embroiled in problems; isn’t this good news for NRM with less than two years until the next election?President Museveni, initially hostile towards all opposition parties, has shifted his approach as he ages. He now finds it cheaper to compromise with parties rather than to confront them, which avoids accusations of human rights violations and stiflin community. Consequently, he has begun providing financial support to foster cooperation among these parties, leading to issues of credibility and suspicion within the public. Each party faces accusations of betrayal, with questions about who truly serves the public and who serves Museveni’s interests.Additionally, opposition parties have struggled to function as democratic institutions, often operating more like cults that stifle internal debate. This leaves an opportunity for a party that genuinely values internal democracy and institutionalization. To effectively challenge Museveni, opposition parties must work diligently while also learning to be democratic and institutionalized. Regaining public trust is essential.Currently, many politicians join parties primarily as vehicles to secure parliamentary positions, leading to a lack of loyalty to the country and a focus on personal gain. This trend has resulted in a political landscape populated by individuals who are not willing to make sacrifices and frequently shift affiliations. To address these issues, there is a need to recreate political parties and find individuals who prioritize the country over personal interests. Though challenging, this transformation is achievable. Ssemujju Nganda Gen Muntu used to make these same arguments you are making now; has time vindicated him?Mugisha Muntu (ANT president) argued that the primary objective was not merely to remove the government but to assemble a team committed to doing things correctly. He believed that even if his party did not win power, its contribution would be to influence those in power to act properly. My concern with his approach was that it did not align with the public’s immediate demands; it introduced an alternative that seemed out of touch with current issues. A balanced approach is needed: fighting to end Museveni’s regime while also advocating for the principles Muntu promoted. Focusing solely on Muntu’s vision risks being overlooked by the public, which is more concerned with immediate issues rather than long-term ideals. This disconnect has been a significant challenge for Muntu. Some people encouraged Muntu to form a new party, but when he did, they didn’t join him. Don’t you run the same risk?I’ve seen this all throughout my life. I remember when we left The Monitor to start The Observer; despite multiple meetings discussing the departure, most people stayed at Monitor. Fear of uncertainty is a common human reaction, as Augustine Ruzindana once told me. Look at Pafo: Emmanuel Dombo was the chairman, Adolf Mwesige was the secretary general, and Kasule Lumumba was involved, yet when it came time to leave, people began to think about their own survival. Before Besigye stood for election in 2001 he even asked Jabeli Bindandi Ssali to contest, but he refused. Besigye ultimately ran because none of the more formidable candidates stepped forward. If you wait for everyone to agree, you’ll never accomplish anything. I sympathize with Muntu; many who were involved in discussions about forming a new party either didn’t join him or left later. Such outcomes are to be expected when dealing with human beings. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Thu, 08 Aug 2024 02:41:23
Audit report exposes holes in how political parties spend public funds
Several political parties failed to account for Shs 842.1 million advanced to them by the Uganda Electoral Commission, according to the auditor general’s report on the financial statements of the Electoral Commission for the year ended June 2023. The report indicates that at least six political parties did not maintain adequate financial records, as stipulated by the accountant general’s guidelines. Among the parties mentioned, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) failed to remit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes amounting to Shs 2.5 billion to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Shs 173.4 million to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Under Section 14A of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, 2005, the government is mandated to contribute funds or other public resources towards the activities of political parties represented in parliament to support their day-to-day operations. The accountant general has provided guidelines stating that public resources allocated to political parties should be released based on an agreed work plan, and all expenditures must be accounted for. Political parties are expected to maintain financial records, including cash books, asset registers, store registers, and procurement records. They must also prepare periodic financial reports, such as statements of receipts and expenditures, reflecting opening and closing balances, statements comparing budgets with actual expenditures, and statements of any unexpended balances. During the year under review, a total of Shs 44.9 billion was disbursed to seven political parties in Uganda. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) received the largest share, amounting to Shs 34.1 billion, followed by the National Unity Platform (NUP) with Shs 5.7 billion. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) received Shs 3.1 billion, the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) each received Shs 908 million, Justice Forum (JEEMA) was allocated Shs 100.9 million, and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) received Shs 100.8 million. The auditor general’s report reviewed the utilization of these funds and identified significant issues. One key observation was the failure of some political parties to prepare annual work plans. Specifically, Jeema, DP, and FDC did not have annual work plans corresponding to the financial year 2022/2023 against which their funding was allocated. “I was not able to confirm whether the funds advanced were put to the right use and the activities that were implemented. The accounting officer explained that the work plans were part of the strategic plan submitted to the commission by these parties. I took note of the accounting officer’s response; however, this was funding provided for the financial year 2022/2023, and these parties ought to have prepared a specific annual work plan for this financial year against which funds should have been released,” remarked Auditor General John Muwanga. Muwanga emphasized the importance of accountability and urged the accounting officer to ensure that all political parties prepare and submit annual work plans for future financial years, serving as a basis for fund allocation. The report further highlighted that six political parties did not maintain adequate financial records as stipulated by the accountant General’s guidelines. Jeema did not maintain registers for all assets, stores and procurement records as required by the guidelines. Additionally, there was no statement of unexpended balances provided. The reports indicate that the financial statements presented by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) lacked comparatives between budgeted and actual expenditures, contrary to the established guidelines. The statement of receipts and expenditure submitted by PPP was incomplete, missing crucial information related to the budget and its performance. Similarly, the Democratic Party (DP) failed to provide a complete statement of receipts and expenditures, omitting the required details of opening and closing balances and a statement of unexpended balances. While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) submitted a statement of receipts and expenditures with opening and closing balances, it did not include the necessary comparatives between budgeted and actual expenditures. The National Unity Platform (NUP) also presented financial statements that were incomplete, lacking a statement of unexpended balances, as required by the guidelines. The accounting officer at the Electoral Commission acknowledged the difficulties faced by the parties in adhering to the reporting requirements and committed to guiding and educating the parties on the correct format for financial statements. Auditor General John Muwanga emphasized the need for proper guidance and sensitization of party representatives responsible for preparing financial statements, ensuring they adhere to the correct presentation format. UNACCOUNTED-FOR FUNDS The report reveals that Shs 842.1 million remains unaccounted for at the time of writing. The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) did not account for Shs 65.9 million from the previous financial year, while the Democratic Party (DP) failed to account for Shs 79.4 million allocated for party publicity activities. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) could not account for Shs 634 million, which was paid to various creditors, and failed to provide agreements between the party and the lenders. Additionally, FDC did not supply supporting documents for Shs 62.8 million spent on workshops and retreats. The Auditor General stated that he could not confirm the accuracy and authenticity of these payments. The accounting officer noted that the relevant accountabilities had been submitted by the political parties after the audit exercise. UNREMITTED PAY AS YOU EARN According to Section 116 of the Income Tax Act of Uganda 2015, as amended, employers are required to withhold tax on their employees’ income at the prescribed rates, and per Section 123, these taxes must be remitted to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) within 15 days of the month in which the payment was made. However, the report indicates that the political parties did not comply with these regulations. Despite paying out Shs 8.6 billion, they failed to deduct and remit tax amounting to Shs 2.5 billion to the URA. Specifically, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) only paid Shs 324.2 million, leaving Shs 97,262,850 unpaid to the URA. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) paid Shs 8.3 billion but left an outstanding Shs 2.4 billion. Auditor General John Muwanga noted that this non-compliance is irregular and contravenes the Income Tax Act. The accounting officer acknowledged the issue and stated that parties would be guided to comply with this statutory requirement by deducting and remitting PAYE in the future. Muwanga advised that the accounting officer should follow up with the parties to ensure that the outstanding amounts are remitted. UNREMITTED NSSF CONTRIBUTIONS The NSSF Act of 1985, as amended, under Sections 6 and 7, mandates that eligible employees and employers must contribute to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The audit report reveals that, despite not being exempt, some parties have not enrolled their staff with the NSSF nor have they deducted the required 5% of individual salaries and topped up with an additional 10% for remittance. While Shs 8.6 billion has been remitted to the NSSF, Shs 173.4 billion remains unremitted by the NRM and UPC. The UPC remitted Shs 324.2 million, leaving Shs 48.6 million unpaid, while the NRM remitted Shs 8.3 billion, with Shs 124.7 million outstanding. Muwanga stated that failing to deduct and remit NSSF contributions constitutes non-compliance with statutory requirements and deprives staff of their savings. The accounting officer assured that parties would be instructed to comply with these obligations. Muwanga recommended that the accounting officer ensure the outstanding NSSF contributions are remitted. USE OF POLITICAL PARTY FUNDS TO REPAY LOANS The auditor general highlighted that the Democratic Party (DP) utilized a portion of the funds advanced to them to repay a loan obtained for purchasing land on Plots 173 and 174, Block 10, Mengo Kibuga at Namirembe. The loan was taken from a moneylender, Babirye Mary Kabanda, on September 13, 2022. The auditor general expressed concern that obtaining loans from moneylenders, rather than financial institutions, exposes the party to higher interest rates, making it more expensive in the long run. The accounting officer explained that the party initially intended to acquire a loan from a commercial bank or a moneylender to purchase the land. However, all banks, including Centenary bank, declined their request, leading them to secure the loan from Babirye Mary Kabanda. Additionally, the accounting officer stated that the party sought approval from the Finance Committee before borrowing the funds. {loadposition inarticle}
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@sqoop Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:15:02
Reachel Akidi wins Miss Tourism Karamoja crown
Reachel Akidi was crowned Miss Tourism Karamoja over the weekend, triumphing over her fellow contestants in a glamorous event held at Moroto Resort Hotel in Moroto District. The prestigious occasion was graced by Mr Longoli Simon Peter Apalochibakori, the Director of Karamoja Development Forum, who attended as the chief guest. The event kicked off at […]
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@matookerepublic Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:27:48
Equity Bank injects Shs10 million into Watoto Golf Tournament
Equity Bank Uganda Limited has extended its support to the Watoto Golf Tournament, injecting Shs10 million towards the event. The tournament, organized by Watoto Church Uganda, aims to raise resources for Hope Vocational and Technical Institute as part of the church’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. Proceeds will equip the institute’s departments with necessary vocational training tools […] The post Equity Bank injects Shs10 million into Watoto Golf Tournament first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@sqoop Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:04:50
Warafiki talk about the blend of love and money in new song
While some insist on receiving transport money before meeting a man for a date, Warafiki offers a different perspective, acknowledging the role money plays in relationships but exploring it more deeply in their latest track. In their new song, “No Money No Love”, Warafiki delves into the contemporary dynamics of love and financial expectations. The […]
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@kfm Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:23:19
IG orders interdiction of three Soroti University officials
The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has ordered the interdiction of three Soroti University officials for allegedly causing a financial loss of over Shs460 million to the institution. The officials include Robert Magemeso, the bursar, Abdallah Oyare Shaban, the deputy secretary, and Francis Elyebu, the principal estates officer. They were charged together with Richard Twebaze, the Managing Director of Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited. The interdiction order addressed to the Soroti University secretary is signed by Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, the Deputy Inspector General of Government. This follows the arraignment of the accused before the Anti-Corruption Court on 4th June 2024 on charges of causing financial loss, false certificates by public officers and abuse of office contrary to sections 11(1), 20(1), […]
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@sqoop Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:40:55
Court orders late BMK’s son to pay Balaam Shs1.4b
The Commercial Court has ordered the son of the late BMK to pay Youth and Children Affairs Minister Balaam Barugahara Shs1.4 billion which he borrowed but failed to pay. Mr Haruna Muwanga also known as Haruna Kasule Muwanga who doubles as the director of BMK Uganda was also ordered to pay Mr Barugahara damages […]
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