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@kfm Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:09:38
Education ministry asked to monitor new curriculum
The opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has asked government through the Ministry of Education and Sports to monitor the new curriculum that is under implementation. Addressing the media in Kampala, the Party’s National Youth Leader, Dan Isimbwa, said the current education system has a lot of gaps, citing inadequate resources at all levels which is responsible for half-baked students in Uganda. He also noted that schools are still struggling to get the necessary equipment to acquire or retain competent teaching staff. “The conditions of service and pay are less effective in the wake of the high cost of living in the country. Uganda deserves a little better and we need to focus our budget on such productive areas like education […]
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@allafrica Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:29:18
Health Ministry Needs Extra Shs18 Billion for Interns
[Independent (Kampala)] Kampala, Uganda -- This revelation was contained in a statement to the House by the Minister of State for Health (General duties), Anifa Kawooya on Tuesday, 06 August 2024.
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@sqoop Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:19:57
Ex-police boss suspends himself after ‘innocent banter’ about Martha Kay
Social media has been buzzing since Tuesday evening after a former senior police officer made what he thought was a simple joke against an X (formerly Twitter) post by online comedienne and social media influencer, Martha Kagimba, popularly known as Martha Kay. In a Tuesday evening post, the comedienne who, in 2019 united […]
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@kfm Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:06:31
More FDC supporters in common nuisance case granted bail
The remaining nine supporters of the opposition Forum For Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction have been granted bail by Buganda Road Magistrates Court. The group includes FDC-Katonga women’s wing leaders; Ingrid Turinawe and Mugume Rolland. They were released by Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi who ordered each to pay Shs1 million (noncash), while their sureties were bonded Shs5 million (noncash) and ordered that they return back to court on September 4, 2024. However, the accused are to be released after providing their original national Identification Cards (IDs), work IDs, passports, and LC1 letters. The demand has, however, been shot down by the accused’s lawyer Erias Lukwago who told court that his clients were unable to find the said documents since they […]
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@observer Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:11:03
Why Uganda’s Gen Z protests are falling short: A closer look at the obstacles
In recent months, Generation Z across Africa has increasingly mobilized to challenge their governments. Youth in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda have led protests against perceived government incompetence and corruption. In Uganda, inspired by their counterparts in neighboring countries, young people organized a peaceful march to parliament to make their voices heard. Their demands focused on combating corruption, addressing youth unemployment, enacting electoral reforms, and safeguarding human rights.One of the key platforms for these youth protests has been Agora Discourse, a digital forum dedicated to human rights, public accountability and social justice. This platform has facilitated communication through conference calls, including one on X Space, which attracted 409 listeners on the eve of July 23.Protesters were organized in various locations, including Nasser road, Kiseka market, and outside Parliament in Kampala. Unified in their message, they chanted “Anita must resign” and carried placards with the names of corrupt officials, calling for their resignation and an end to corruption.The recent Generation Z protests in Uganda faced significant challenges, including police crackdowns and road closures. These protests, which aimed to address various socio-political issues, have been criticized for their limited turnout and perceived lack of success.Under President Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan government responded to the protests with stringent measures. The police arrested activists and protesters and used force to disperse gatherings. Officers targeted individuals holding placards or exhibiting signs of protest, which hindered the momentum and organization of the demonstrations. Agapito Akampulira, a student from Makerere University, explained his decision to stay away from the protests: “I wanted to join, but the police and the army were everywhere prior to the day of the protest, which made me decide not to join.”Asima Namugenyi, a vendor at Kiseka market, shared her perspective: “Uganda police works for one person, and that’s the rich. These policemen are trained to take action in any way necessary, be it shooting at whoever does something they disagree with. I have family and kids waiting for me every day, which is why I didn’t join those protesting at parliament. I support the campaign from afar because Ugandan police are always ordered to arrest and fight us.”Another protester expressed disappointment with the leadership: “I expected to see our ‘jajja,’ the president of Uganda, leading us, his ‘bazzukulu’, to Parliament to ask serious questions of those we elected. The speaker is supposed to be accountable, yet there’s constant chaos.”In response to the protests, President Museveni addressed the nation from Nakasero, stating: “What right do you have to seek to generate chaotic behavior? We are busy producing wealth and providing cheap food. You want to disturb us? You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disrupt our progress.”When The Observer reached out to David Kato (a pseudonym), a Generation Z participant in the anti-corruption march, he remarked, “The march against corruption wasn’t a flop; it was poorly planned. If you plan something and let the adversary know, it often doesn’t yield the expected results.” Kato noted that the protests lacked centralized leadership, organizational structure, and unity. This disorganization made it challenging to maintain momentum, coordinate actions, and effectively communicate their demands to both the government and the public.Josephine Namusoke, a student at Kampala International University, explained her decision to abstain from the protests: “Personally, I did not take part because disorganized protests like these do not make a positive impact but, rather, result in violence and chaos. Most of those who incited the protests were at home with their families, while those who actually protested were arrested and suffered in Luzira prison.”Despite the use of social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook for mobilization, the protests were hampered by Uganda’s digital divide. Many Ugandans, particularly in rural areas, lack reliable access to the internet and social media, which limited the protesters’ ability to garner widespread support. Imran, a student at Nkumba University, observed, “The mobilization was lacking because it was largely on X. Some Gen Z individuals in villages were not aware of the protest.”Economic challenges also diverted attention and resources from the protests. High unemployment rates and economic hardships made it difficult for many citizens to participate. Mercy Grace Kyomuhendo, a student at Makerere University, noted, “They didn’t get the numbers because many people have lost hope. Ugandans are businesspeople who believe that protests won’t bring about significant change; so, it’s better to focus on their businesses than waste time on strikes that they believe won’t make a difference.”Nassali Marsha, a 25-year-old shop owner at Nasser road, shared her perspective: “The timing of the protest was unfortunate for us because this is the week we need to clear landlords and secure funds to avoid padlocks on our shops. When you don’t work, you don’t eat. Although I agree with the cause and support it strongly, I had to stay at work.”The government’s control over legislation and electoral processes has significantly limited the protesters’ ability to effect meaningful change through conventional political channels. This situation has led to reactions such as, “nothing will change,” as the youth are seen being forcibly removed from the streets and packed into police cars like “potatoes being thrown in a sack.”Although the protests garnered some international attention through social media, which amplified the movement’s visibility, the lack of sustained pressure from citizens limited its impact on government policies. Many citizens continued with their daily routines while observing the unfolding events from a distance.A notable shift from previous years, when many supported campaigns like Dr Kizza Besigye’s “Walk to Work,” reflects a decline in solidarity and patriotism. The absence of widespread support and unity has weakened the movement’s legitimacy and diminished its ability to pressure the Ugandan government to uphold democratic principles and respect human rights.Alex Kaweesi, a shop owner in Kiseka, expressed his frustration: “I don’t see why I should close my shop to protest while those who started this campaign are at home sleeping. Some are not even in the country, yet they’re busy shouting at us on social media. Meanwhile, many of s are struggling just to make ends meet. Our leaders in parliament and government officials are supposed to lead by example in fighting corruption, but when it’s time for action, they don’t show up. Instead, the police are arresting people for taking a stand.”Effective protests require strategic planning, including clear objectives, tactics, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The Generation Z protests in Uganda struggled with articulating clear demands and implementing effective strategies, which collectively undermined their potential for substantial and lasting change in the country’s political landscape.In contrast, the Kenyan Generation Z protests have demonstrated enhanced organization and resilience. Protected by legal frameworks, they have successfully voiced their objectives and demanded action, prompting a more responsive reaction from their officials. Otyeno, a Kenyan Gen Z activist, addressed the Ugandan leader in a YouTube protest meeting, urging him to stay out of Kenya’s affairs.His outspoken stance, without police interference, contrasts sharply with the repression faced by Ugandan protesters. Jekins Kabi, a student leader, noted, “People fear arrest or even death in Uganda’s context, which hinders their participation in protests.”To enhance the effectiveness of Uganda’s Generation Z protests, improvements are needed in strategic organization, coalition-building, digital engagement, nonviolent tactics, clear articulation of demands, international advocacy, and long-term planning. By fostering unity and resilience, Uganda’s youth can work towards a more just and equitable future for all citizens. {loadposition inarticle}
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@sqoop Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:58:31
Cissy Karim Hirji celebrates triplets’ 5th birthday in grand style
On Tuesday, August 6, Cissy Karim Hirji marked a significant milestone as she celebrated the 5th birthday of her triplets. The joyous occasion was shared with her husband, Karim Hirji, a renowned businessman, hotel owner, and one of Uganda’s wealthiest individuals. To commemorate the special day, Cissy Hirji took to social media, posting a captivating […]
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@matookerepublic Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:56:57
Why do athletes ring the Bell at the Paris 2024 Olympics? Here’s everything to know about the Bell which has become iconic
At the Stade de France, a majestic bell has become an instant sensation, symbolizing a new Parisian tradition. Athletes who win gold medals have the privilege of ringing the bell, etched with “2024 Paris,” which will remain a part of the city’s history beyond the Games. Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, a gold medalist in the 10,000m, […] The post Why do athletes ring the Bell at the Paris 2024 Olympics? Here’s everything to know about the Bell which has become iconic first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@observer Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:56:41
Aga Khan’s new hospital plans bone marrow transplants and PET scans
On April 27, 2024 Aga Khan University hospital’s specialized outpatient fa- cility opened in Nakawa, quickly attracting patients from across Uganda seeking advanced medical care. Diana Namubiru, senior manager of Country Operations and Business Development, noted the facility’s growing popularity in an exclusive interview with The Observer. Namubiru explained that “as soon as the hospital commenced its operations, many people started coming in from all over the country to access the specialized services that the outpatient facility offers.” This surge in patients underscores a significant development in Uganda’s healthcare sector. Previously, many Ugan- dans have traveled abroad for specialized medical care due to the lack of sufficient expertise within the country. Statistics from 2021 reveal that over 10,000 Ugandans have sought medical treatment in countries like Kenya, India, Italy, and the United States for comprehensive care. During the interview, Namubiru highlighted the large number of patients arriving with extensive medical records, reflecting their desperation for high-quality care. “We really see people coming here with very massive files all the way from regions in the country like Western Uganda and Northern Uganda. We have also seen more of those here in Kampala, especially those who have been going abroad to countries like India to access services that we now offer here,” she said. Some patients are even seeking complex procedures such as bone marrow trans- plants, believing the facility provides these advanced treatments. Namubiru also emphasized that the medical team at the Nakawa facility has received extensive training from Aga Khan hospital Nairobi, enhancing their ability to manage complex medical cases effectively. “So, instead of traveling to Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi for outpatient services, patients are now able to receive the same care locally at our university hospital,” Namubiru stated. She noted that the hospital’s dialysis units were operating at 50% capacity even before the second month of operation, indicating a high demand. Additionally, the chemotherapy unit has been busy with numerous patient bookings for cancer treatment. The hospital offers a wide range of specialized services, including ultrasound, ultrasonography, X-rays, CT scans, mammography, pediatrics, gynecology, cardiopulmonary care, echo-cardiography, endoscopy, otolaryngology, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, chemotherapy, dialysis, nerve conduction studies, and orthopantomography— a panoramic dental X-ray that provides a view of the upper and lower teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. Namubiru emphasized the hospital’s commitment to quality. “We ensure that we offer quality services to our patients, and quality is one area that we know for a fact most people don’t pay attention to. We conduct external quality controls with our samples; so, by the time we give you a test result, we are confident that it accurately reflects your diagnosis, minimizing the chance for errors.” Despite the hospital’s recent opening, it has already had a significant impact, restoring hope for many patients who can now receive treatment locally rather than traveling abroad. However, the facility faces challenges related to the availability of spare parts and the shortage of specialized medical technicians familiar with the new equipment. Namubiru explained, “Due to the newness of some of our equipment, it has been difficult to find the right personnel for operation and maintenance. For instance, we had to contact a software application specialist for our mammogram from Dubai. Although we have a well-equipped team on the ground, certain as- pects of the equipment require expertise that we had to source from outside Uganda.” FUTURE PLANS Regarding future plans, Diana Namubiru, shared that Aga Khan University hospital is preparing to construct a new facility with a capacity of 600 beds. This new hospital is expected to be completed within two to three years and will offer a broader range of services not currently available at the out-patient facility. Among the advanced services planned are bone marrow transplants and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which are used to monitor diseases in the body. Namubiru also emphasized that the new hospital will address some of the challenges faced by the current specialized facility, such as the shortage of experienced staff needed to operate complex medical equipment. The expansion aims to enhance the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive and advanced medical care. {loadposition inarticle}
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@matookerepublic Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:05:25
Wildlife friendly: Speke Resort Munyonyo gets rare guests as four Crested Crane couples check in
Speke Resort Muyonyo has hosted world leaders and big celebrities, but not many are as exciting at least for the resort’s proprietor Dr Sudhir Ruparelia as his latest guests, four Crested Crane couples! The Crested Crane is Uganda’s national bird and it is always exciting when sighted. It is one of Uganda’s most charismatic birds […] The post Wildlife friendly: Speke Resort Munyonyo gets rare guests as four Crested Crane couples check in first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@kfm Wed, 07 Aug 2024 10:41:42
Opposition boycott of regional sittings a stunt – Obore
Parliament spokesperson Mr Chris Obore has described plans by the opposition to boycott the regional Parliamentary sittings as a political stunt. In May this year, Speaker Anita Among announced plans to hold sittings in four different regions in Uganda. According to Among, the move offers an opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges bedeviling the common person across the country Meanwhile, opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) this week distanced themselves from the said regional Parliamentary sittings, describing the Shs20 billion budgeted for this purpose as a waste of taxpayers’ money, given that each sitting is expected to cost around Shs5 billion. “It is also a popularity stunt for members to say that because of Gulu, they are going to boycott allowances. […]
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@kfm Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:46:29
Government moves to prop up digital broadcasting
Government has started the process of developing a regulatory framework for the commercialization of digital broadcasting. In Uganda, broadcasting is mainly done in frequency modulation (FM) with a band ranging from 85.7 to 108 megahertz. In a telephone interview with KFM, UCC Executive Director Mr Nyombi Thembo said to accommodate more radios due to the increasing number of people who apply for frequencies, government has decided to transition to digital broadcasting but this cannot be done with the regulation in place. “We have been piloting for the past six years, I can see the signals are very clear but going there, we need a regulatory framework. because the business model is different compared to FM,” Mr Nyombi Thembo said. According […]
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@kfm Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:39:54
Insurance operators asked to target underserved communities
Insurance operators have been asked to target underserved areas in rural communities as insurance uptake in the country’s urban areas continues to increase, a trend that could signal a new phase of the sector’s growth. The Executive Director for Diamond Trust Bank, Mr Godfrey Ssebana says the insurance operators should ensure that their products are in the upcoming urban areas including communities in rural areas rather than operating in only big towns. He also asked the operators to tap into technology to widen their presence or scope of product offerings, in the battle for a share in the nascent but growing market. “The call-to-action is that let’s get into plans that can really help us to manage risk,” Ssebana said. […]
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@matookerepublic Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:08:18
2024 Paris Olympics: Orogot, Chelimo among the five Ugandan athletes in action today
Five Ugandan athletes are set to take the stage today at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics in France, led by Leonard Chemutai, who is eyeing a medal in the Men’s 3000m Steeplechase. Chemutai secured his spot in the final with an impressive performance on Monday, finishing second in Heat One with a season’s best time […] The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Orogot, Chelimo among the five Ugandan athletes in action today first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@observer Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:18:58
Minister Anite embroiled in diplomatic controversy
Neither the British high commissioner to Kampala nor the UK Export Finance (UKEF) officials have met state minister for Investment Evelyn Anite to discuss any issues related to the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP) infrastructure development project at Namanve. In a diplomatic note dated July 31 and addressed to the Foreign Affairs ministry, the British High Commission expressed concern over Minister Anite’s misrepresentation of the UK envoy. The note, seen by this newspaper, clarified that no meeting had taken place between the British high commissioner, H.E. Kate Airey OBE, and Minister Anite regarding the Namanve project. “The British High Commission has also received press inquiries in relation to reports of a meeting between the British High Commissioner, H.E. Kate Airey OBE, and the Minister of State for Investment Hon. Evelyne Anite, regarding the Namanve project. The British High Commission... wishes to clarify to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that no such meeting has taken place,” the diplomatic note to Foreign Affairs minister Gen Jeje Odongo stated. It added that the high commissioner had requested a face-to-face meeting with the minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss any issues related to the matter. This development presents a major diplomatic challenge for Minister Anite, who is at the center of a dispute with officials at the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and Director General Robert Mukiza. The conflict revolves around honorarium and price variation payments for the KIBP infrastructure development project. During a June 11 meeting between UIA top management and the board, which she chaired, Minister Anite ordered the top officials at the agency to refund honorarium payments totaling Shs 545 million. She claimed during the meeting that she had met with the British high commissioner and UKEF officials, who pressured her to demand the refund of the payments. In a July 3 letter to Mukiza, Minister Anite reiterated that the honorarium payments must be returned. However, in a July 23 reply, the UIA director general accused the minister of manipulating the issue to pro- voke public outrage against the agency for ulterior motives. Mukiza has asserted that state minister for Investment Evelyn Anite fabricated claims regarding a meeting with the British high commissioner and the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) officials. He stated that Anite’s allegations about UKEF’s demand for a refund of honorarium payments and the cessation of price variation payments to the contractor for the Namanve project were unfounded. Mukiza clarified that the issues in question had already been addressed with guidance from President Museveni. He wrote, “I find that your story of meeting the British High Commissioner to discuss the day-to-day is- sues of the Namanve project management not adding up, inaccurate, false, and misleading.” He further accused Anite of lying about the meeting and her interactions with UKEF concerning honoraria and paymentvariations. Mukiza also challenged the minister’s integrity, noting that she often claims she would resign if found lacking. He suggested she should consider following through on that promise. The dispute between Anite and the Uganda Investment Authority management has been ongoing for two months. It began when Anite issued an ultimatum for certain UIA staff to refund up to Shs 545 million received as honorarium payments. This sum was part of the €219,482,727.15 (approximately Shs 871 billion) secured by the Ugandan government from UKEF on December 4, 2019, for the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP) infrastructure development project. Anite interpreted the honorarium as corruption and demanded its return within 24 hours from June 12. However, Mukiza and his team refused to refund the money, arguing that it was legally paid for additional work on the project, as approved by the board. Mr. Kyalimpa, who has since resigned as deputy director general, also insisted that the payment was legal and declined to return the funds. The UIA team emphasized that the honorarium was authorized by their board of directors, and is stipulated in their human resource manual. In a statement addressed to the UIA’s chairman, Morrison Rwakakamba, dated June 14, 2024, Mukiza clarified that after the termination of the owner’s engineer (OE) on August 29, 2022, additional responsibilities were assigned to the Project Management Team (PMT), with assistance from some UIA staff, to fill the supervisory gap in the Kampala Industrial and Business Park infrastructure development. President Museveni later convened a meeting at State House, where he indicated that he would make a final decision on the matter after consulting independent technical experts from the ministry of Finance. However, following the meeting, Minister Evelyn Anite took to X (formerly Twitter), claiming pressure from UKEF and reiterated on X spaces that she was under pressure from development partners to ensure the honorarium was refunded.Anite reportedly attempted to raise the issue at a recent Cabinet retreat but was silenced before leaving Kyankwanzi under a cloud of controversy. She has since announced that she is on leave in Canada. The minister couldn’t readily be reached for comment.CYBERBULLYING UAE SHEIKHInhisletterdatedJuly23, Mukizare-sponded directly to the minister, accusing her of cyberbullying sheikh Mohammed Juma Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai ruling family. The Sheikh’s group has agree- ments with the Ugandan government to construct the Uganda oil refinery and invest in Ugandan Air Cargo, among other projects. Mukiza alleged that the minister made defamatory remarks, claiming Sheikh Mohammed was a “fake prince” and that his government was investigating him.“I humbly request that you apologize to the Sheikh and his family for the defamatory statements you made against them,” Mukiza wrote. He emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership, stating, “A decent leader must not fabricate, falsify, impersonate, manipulate, and lie to the people who appointed them and those they lead. If you misrepresented facts to achieve your personal objectives, it is not only scandalous and fraudulent but also criminal.”Mukiza urged Anite to honor her previous statements about resigning if found to be dishonest. “You have always been quoted swearing that if you ever fell out of God’s glory and the evidence is there, you would resign and even take yourself to Luzira [Prison],” Mukiza reminded her. He con- cluded, “On the other hand, if you produce empirical evidence that challenges my above analysis, then I stand to be penalized.” {loadposition inarticle}
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@kfm Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:06:28
Exploring Uganda’s national symbol, the kob
By Catherine Ageno The Kob appears on the coat of arms of Uganda, supporting the shield, along with the national bird- a grey crowned crane, representing the country’s abundant wildlife. The Ugandan Kob is not protected and is abundant throughout its range. This range is, however, shrinking, which is why the Uganda Wildlife Authority is taking measures to ensure a conducive environment for its safe breeding. Figures from the Wildlife Census of 2018 indicated that the entire Queen Elizabeth National Park ecosystem had 90,000 Kobs at the time. In the following interview, we explore some interesting facts about the Uganda Kob, with focus on breeding.
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@matookerepublic Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:28:36
Landlord on the run after body is retrieved from septic tank in Namungoona
Police are hunting for a landlord, Joseph Sebugenyi, after the dead body of a man was discovered in a septic tank on the premises of his rental building in Namungoona, a Kampala suburb. The corpse was retrieved on Sunday after a tenant in the premises, whose identity police have concealed, informed authorities of the discovery […] The post Landlord on the run after body is retrieved from septic tank in Namungoona first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@allafrica Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:50:48
LOP Ssenyonyi Concerned Over Snub in Regional Parliament Sitting Preps
[Nile Post] The Leader of the opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi has revealed that the Opposition in the House is being excluded from the ongoing preparations for the four regional Parliamentary sittings in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale and Masaka.
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