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@observer Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:20:02
Several killed in Kenya anti-tax hike protests
Several people were killed outside Kenya’s parliament on Tuesday as police clashed with demonstrators protesting the passage of tax increases. Police fired live ammunition after volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets failed to disperse thousands of demonstrators who demanded that lawmakers vote against the proposed tax hikes. Reporters for The Associated Press and Reuters said they saw several bodies lying on the ground outside parliament. Dozens more were reported injured. Fires broke out in the parliament buildings, sending pillars of smoke over the area after hundreds of protesters stormed past police barricades and entered the complex. The fires were later put out. A joint statement from 13 Western ambassadors expressed regret at the injuries and loss of life in the protests and called for restraint on all sides. A US official told VOA, “We’re closely monitoring the situation in Nairobi.” The official added the United States urges calm and condemns violence. Lawmakers passed the bill containing the tax increases on a 195-106 vote before fleeing the premises. It now goes to President William Ruto to sign into law. Demonstrations against the finance bill also took place Tuesday in the cities of Mombasa, Kisumu and Naivasha. Kenya has seen a growing youth-led movement in recent days against the tax increases, which the government says are necessary to continue to pay the interest on its high sovereign debt. The protests have largely been peaceful, but domestic and international human rights groups say two people were killed during demonstrations last week, while accusing police of illegally detaining protesters. Lawmakers scrapped some proposed increases from the measure, including new taxes on bread, car ownership and financial transactions. However, that didn’t appear to satisfy protesters who say the cost of living in Kenya is already too high. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:27:54
Extend corruption fight to local governments, Museveni told
Sunday Rogers Bwanga, the speaker of Nakasongola district, has petitioned President Yoweri Museveni to extend his anti-corruption campaign to local governments, particularly in the former’s district. Bwanga highlights the rampant corruption in various departments, especially within the District Service Commission and procurement sectors. In an interview, Bwanga expressed his concerns about the rising levels of corruption that are hindering the district’s development efforts. “People and local leaders have filed several reports and concerns about wide-spread corruption that is harming the district’s development efforts,” Bwanga said. He emphasized that failure to address these challenges jeopardizes the district’s prosperity and the well-being of its citizens. Bwanga’s call for action comes at a time when Ugandan media is rife with stories about corruption involving members of parliament (MPs). Recently, three MPs were remanded to Luzira prison on charges of corrupt conduct. President Museveni has repeatedly promised this month to crack down on corrupt individuals within government departments, including the State House. Demonstrating his determination, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit led to the arrest of five MPs who are currently remanded at Luzira prison. The Anti-Corruption court in Kampala remanded Michael Maranga Mawanda (Igara East), Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi (Elgon county), and Paul Akamba (Busiki county) on allegations of diverting public resources. Between 2019 and 2023, the trio, along with city lawyer Julius Kirya of Kirya Company Advocates and others who remain at large, reportedly planned to embezzle more than Shs 7.3 billion for their benefit. The funds were intended to compensate the Buyaka Growers’ Cooperative Society in Bulambuli district for wartime losses. Joan Aciro, the chief magistrate, remanded them until July 9. Additionally, the MPs are charged along with Leonard Kavundira, the ministry of Trade’s principal cooperative officer. However, Kavundira was not included on the remand list as he was not present when the charges were read. This development comes just a week after two other MPs, Cissy Namujju (Lwengo Woman) and Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East), were remanded to Luzira on various corruption accusations. In another significant move, the State House Health Monitoring Unit arrested the former Mulago national referral hospital executive director, Dr Bonaventura. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:32:38
Say goodbye to passwords: Mastercard unveils biometric payment solution
Online payment fraud is a growing concern, with losses projected to exceed $91 billion by 2028, totaling over $362 billion globally in the next five years, according to a study by market research firm Juniper Research. Addressing this issue is imperative before these estimates become a reality. One promising solution is the adoption of tokenization technology by companies like Mastercard. Mastercard reports that its technology adoption rate has been growing at 50% annually, now securing approximately 25% of all e-commerce transactions globally.The landscape of online payments is poised for a significant transformation. Starting in 2030, Mastercard plans to eliminate the need for Europeans to manually enter their card numbers during online transactions, regardless of the platform or device, according to lagradaonline.com.In an announcement on June 11, 2024, Mastercard revealed that all cards issued on its European network by 2030 will be tokenized. Tokenization technology means that the familiar 16-digit card number will be replaced with a randomly generated “token.” Mastercard has been working with banks, fintech companies, retailers, and other partners to transition to this new system. The goal is to implement a one click payment button across all online platforms by 2030. This change aims to enhance the security of consumers’ cards against fraudulent activities, addressing critical needs in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Mastercard’s initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering online payment security. The shift to tokenization not only simplifies the user experience but also significantly reduces the risk of fraud by replacing sensitive card information with secure tokens. As cyber threats continue to evolve, such advancements in payment technology are crucial for protecting consumers and maintaining trust in digital transactions.Additionally, Mastercard is set to revolutionize the online payment experience by eliminating the need for users to repeatedly input passwords. The introduction of passkeys will replace traditional passwords, and biometric authentication, such as thumbprint recognition, will enable one-click payments at checkout. This advancement in tokenization technology ensures that when cards are stored on retailers’ websites or in digital wallets, they can be automatically updated if replaced or renewed. Mastercard is confident that this will significantly reduce fraud rates across e-commerce sites, particularly if implemented worldwide.Studies by market research firm Juniper Research estimate that losses from online payment fraud could exceed $91 billion by 2028, totaling over $362 billion globally in the next five years. Addressing this issue urgently is crucial to prevent these projections from becoming a reality. Mastercard’s adoption of tokenization, which has been growing at a rate of 50% annually, currently secures approximately 25% of all e-commerce transactions globally on its network.Europe has been chosen for this rollout due to its strong history of payment innovations, such as contactless payments and online banking, which have facilitated the sharing of bank data to access new financial products. Valerie Nowak, Executive Vice President of Product and Innovation at Mastercard Europe, stated, “In Europe, we have seen tokenization gaining momentum across the ecosystem; the convenience and reduced rates of fraud sell themselves. We are confident that reaching this vision by 2030 is a win-win-win for shoppers, retailers, and card issuers alike.”THE FUTURE OF CARDS?The evolution of payment methods has seen significant changes over the decades. From the introduction of credit cards in the 1950s and 1960s to the widespread adoption of online payment systems with the internet in the early 2000s, the process has continually advanced. Initially, credit card payments involved bank clerks checking card numbers against lists of invalid numbers or contacting issuing banks to verify the payer’s identity. This evolved to using “zip-zap” machines that imprinted card numbers on carbon paper packets.In the 1970s and 1980s, magnetic stripes and electronic payment terminals became prevalent, followed by the introduction of microchips in cards, which stored data on the cardholder, card number, and expiry date.Mastercard anticipates that the transition to this new “embedded” payment system will be as significant as the shift to chip-and-PIN technology or the widespread adoption of contactless payments, now common in developed economies worldwide. Mastercard’s technology aims to make the online payment experience as seamless as in-store contactless payments. Consumers will be able to make one-click payments across various devices, including smartwatches, home assistants, and even cars. This upcoming transformation reflects Mastercard’s commitment to improving the security and convenience of online transactions, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of digital payments.By implementing these advancements, Mastercard is not only enhancing the security of online transactions but also setting a new standard for the future of digital payments. As the landscape of online payments continues to evolve, the integration of tokenization and biometric authentication promises to deliver a safer and more efficient payment experience for consumers worldwide. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:57:15
‘No compensation for Lubigi evictees’
Addressing the public fallout from the forceful evictions, DR BARIREGA AKANKWASAH, the executive director of Nema, emphasized the critical importance of wetland conservation. He noted that globally, the loss of wetlands is occurring at a rate three times higher than the loss of forest cover, despite the vital role wetlands play in supporting both human life and the planet’s health.“In Uganda, the wetland cover has significantly decreased, from 15.6 per cent in 1994 to just 8.9 per cent in 2019. Recent assessments show a slight recovery to 9.3 per cent,” Dr Akankwasah stated. He highlighted the necessity of these conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of wetlands and their numerous benefits, including water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse species. Dr Akankwasah’s remarks come in the wake of Nema’s controversial eviction operations in the Lubigi wetland area, which have drawn public criticism and concern over the displacement of long-term residents. The executive director’s statement aims to shed light on the broader environmental imperative driving these actions. Below is a slightly edited and shortened verbatim statement delivered at the Uganda Media Centre on June 24, 2024: “We must not be tempted to follow the trends of the developed world because they led us to where we are now. To prevent further loss of wetlands in Uganda, a decision was made to suspend approvals of developments in wetlands effective September 2, 2021, until further notice, except for critical public infrastructure like roads, pipelines, railways, and telecommunication infrastructure, provided they are effectively guided by the Environment and Social Impact Assessment Processes.Operations to halt further degradation have been conducted in Lwera, Lurindo in Rukungiri, Akadot in Kumi, Kanyabukanja in Buhweju, Kole, Rwizi in Mbarara, Kitagata in Bushenyi, Pece in Gulu, Nakaiba in Masaka, and Kyabwato and Rwengwe wetlands in Ntungamo, as well as the ongoing Lubigi wetland.Before removing a person from wetlands, they are issued a Restoration Order in line with Section 133 of the Nema Act, 2019. It is an offense under Section 55 to encroach on wetlands, and it attracts a maximum sentence of 12 years in jail or a Shs 600 million fine, or both.The Order gives an encroacher 21 days to restore and leave or appeal to the court. Thereafter, the government can forcibly remove the person and restore the place at the cost of the degrader. Restoration can be natural or assisted, where water channels are blocked and wetland flora is planted to expedite recovery.This process was followed for the Lubigi operation. Restoration Orders were issued, and people were warned to leave as early as February- April 2016 for Nansana, 2018 for Nabweru area, 2019 for Nabisasiro, August 2022 for Nansana, Sentema, Busega, and Nabisasiro, December 2023 for Busega, and April 2024 for Lubigi in general.Earlier in 2012, major evictions in Lubigi resulted in the successful removal of Bemba Musota (the witchdoctor) and the taxi park. Satellite images and our monitoring indicate that the majority of the encroachments occurred from 2011 to 2015, with evictions and re-entry continuing to date. The peak of encroachment was as recent as 2022. Currently, 214 households have been removed, and 101 more households are due for removal, making a total of 315 mapped and served households. This is a countrywide exercise, and we call upon everyone in wetlands to vacate peacefully to avoid the inconvenience that may come with enforcement operations.Ordinarily, the evicted encroachers are supposed to compensate the government for the cost of restoration in line with Section 133 of theAct. The government cannot compensate encroachers as this would not only invite more encroachments but also be a tacit approval of illegality.Some infrastructure in wetlands was established with due process of government approval, and removing them would result in liability to the government. For instance, the fuel station in Lubigi obtained approvals in 2017. There are other establishments with past approvals, including some factories. These have been left until the government decides on such cases.The public should not see this as selective enforcement but, rather, as prudence to avoid the loss of public funds in avoidable compensations.WHERE WAS NEMA?The management of wetlands in Uganda is primarily the responsibility of local governments, urban authorities, and the Department of Wetlands Management within the Ministry of Water and Environment. Nema (National Environment Management Authority) serves in a regulatory, monitoring, supervision, and coordination role.However, these mandated institutions often lack sufficient personnel, equipment, and operational funds to effectively oversee every inch of Uganda’s wetlands. Nema itself has historically been understaffed, with its workforce ranging from 65 to 132 staff members until 2023, when this number increased to 217. Even if Nema were to assign one staff member per district, it would still fall short of the ideal staffing level, which is estimated at 2,570 personnel, including 2,000 enforcement officers. Currently, most districts have no more than three environmental personnel.Moreover, even with all necessary resources, it would be impractical to oversee every part of Uganda’s wetlands. This level of surveillance does not occur anywhere in the world. Encroachers often degrade wetlands at night and during weekends, taking advantage of the cover of darkness.Section 3 of the National Environment Act, 2019, places the duty on every person to create, maintain, and enhance the environment, including the responsibility to prevent pollution. Therefore, it is essential for all citizens to take responsibility for protecting the environment rather than waiting to be stopped from committing environmental crimes.” {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:00:52
Most Kampala roads are past their design life – KCCA
In April last year, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) received over Shs 11 billion to address the pothole crisis in Kampala city. This funding was prompted by a public outcry on social media, particularly on X, regarding the deplorable condition of the city’s roads. The online campaign revealed that most roads in Kampala were in disrepair, leading President Museveni to direct the ministry of Finance to release Shs 6 billion specifically for pothole repair in the city. An additional Shs 5.5 billion was subsequently obtained from the Uganda Road Fund.In an interview discussing how the Shs 11 billion was utilized and the ongoing road construction efforts around Kampala, Justus Akankwasa, the director of Engineering and Technical Services at KCCA, provided insights. He explained that many roads in Kampala have exceeded their designed lifespan and require complete reconstruction rather than simple pothole patching. “Roads have to be rehabilitated after 10 to 20 years, but the roads we are talking about were constructed during colonial times,” Akankwasa stated. “You patch a very old road, and what you have patched is stronger than what is around it; clearly, a pothole will develop somewhere else.” Akankwasa’s remarks highlight the broader issue of aging infrastructure in Kampala. The temporary fixes funded by the Shs 11 billion allocations are insufficient for roads that have long surpassed their intended durability. The ongoing deterioration points to a need for comprehensive reconstruction efforts to ensure long-term road quality and safety for Kampala’s residents. Kampala city boasts a total road network of 2,100km, of which only 646km (30%) are paved. The road network is distributed among Kampala’s divisions as follows: Central has 178km, Nakawa 539km, Lubaga 464km, Makindye 502km, and Kawempe 428km. However, many of these paved roads have outlived their intended lifespan, resulting in numerous potholes that pose significant hazards to the city’s residents.Eng. Akankwasa, detailed how the Shs 11 billion allocated for pothole repairs was utilized. The funds were distributed to rehabilitate roads across Kampala’s five divisions. Specifically, Shs 2 billion was allocated to UPDF engineers for patching roads in the city center, while the remainder was given to KCCA division engineers to address roads in other divisions.MORE FUNDS NEEDEDAkankwasa emphasized the need for the government to allocate more funds for road maintenance to ensure they are rehabilitated within their intended lifespan, thereby extending their durability. “The government should allocate more money to the Uganda Road Fund to maintain roads early. When you start maintaining early, you’re easily prolonging their life,” he explained.Regarding current road projects, Akankwasa highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving Kampala’s road network. These projects are funded through various sources, including the government’s regular budget, the Uganda Road Fund, and a grant from the Japanese Inter- national Cooperation Agency (JICA). “We have projects funded by the government under the normal budget, others under the Uganda Road Fund, and a grant we got from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA),” he said.Akankwasa explained that KCCA received a grant of Shs 67 billion from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). With this funding, KCCA is phasing out roundabouts and plans to signalize about 27 junctions to improve traffic flow in the city. “All the signalized junctions will be linked to the KCCA headquarters, and traffic will be managed automatically, especially during peak hours, to avoid congestion as it is always,” he said.Some of the completed junctions include the Nakawa Spear Motors junction, Katalema road junction, New Vision junction, All Saints junction, Kubili, and Mulago roundabouts, which are yet to be finished, as well as others along the way.In addition to the JICA grant, KCCA has also benefited from funding by the African Development Bank for several road construction projects. Under Lot 1, they have completed roads such as Wamala road (approximately four kilometers long), Luwafu, Kabega, Mutesa 1, Kigara, Old Mwende road, and Kiyemba road, which is yet to be completed.Under Lot 2, Port Bell road and Spring road are currently under construction. Lot 3 includes 8th Street, 7th Street, 6th Street, 5th Muzito, and Suna Road. Lot 4, which began in December, covers Queen’s Way, Kasubi Northern Bypass, Salama road, Kyebando Ring road and Kisaasi road. Lot 5 includes Mugema, Masiro and Sentema roads. Akankwasa further stated that KCCA plans to embark on more projects in this financial year with additional funds from the World Bank.WHY CHINESE FIRMS FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION?Concerns have often been raised by Ugandans about the government’s preference for foreign companies, particularly from China, over local firms for government projects. Akankwasa clarified that according to the PPDA regulations for procurement, if contracts exceed $4.5 million, an international bid is required. This stipulation means local companies must compete with international firms. “At the international level, everyone is given a chance to bid, both local and international companies. In most cases, local companies are outcompeted due to a number of reasons,” he said. Akankwasa explained that local companies are frequently outpriced and disadvantaged by the bank interest rates they face. “The cost of financing is different. For example, when a local company borrows money from a Ugandan commercial bank, they will be charged an interest rate of 19%, whereas a Chinese company is charged 3% by a bank in China,” he said.Additionally, foreign companies often reduce their prices to levels that local companies cannot match, leading to their continued struggle to compete with international firms. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:09:26
Homeless and hopeless: Families ravaged by NEMA’s harsh evictions
As the scorching sun rose over the Lubigi wetland, families in the Nansana West II zone grappled with the loss of their homes. In a controversial move aimed at restoring the Lubigi wetland, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) evicted hundreds of families who have resided in the area for years. The harsh reality of the eviction has sunk in, leaving many in the cold and causing children to miss school as families prioritize survival over education.This is the fourth week since Nema embarked on evictions in Ganda-Nasere, Nansana West II, and Masanafu in Wakiso district. More houses on the verge of eviction are located in Nabweru South I & II, Kawaala, and parts of Bwaise and Namungoona.“I had never imagined being homeless and thrown out of my land in such a cruel manner. I saved a handful of my property while the rest was destroyed by the bulldozers,” said Baker Nambuya, a 30-year-old single mother of eight. Her eyes started tearing up as her four-year-old daughter returned from a nearby private school in tattered oversized sports shoes and stockings.“We picked up those [oversized shoes] after hers got lost during the eviction process. She goes to school on an empty stomach and dirty uniforms because I have no basins to wash for her daily,” Nambuya explained, as her two-year-old baby with a cannula cried endlessly. With the biting cold and mosquitoes, the child has been suffering from recurrent malaria. It took a good Samaritan to get the baby proper treatment, although Nambuya was cautioned to ensure her child slept under a net and avoided the cold. “My neighbour has allowed me to lay my children in a room [about 4ftx2ft] meant for his dogs at night. I will keep around the bonfire at night with other evictees till morning because the corridor is too small to accommodate us,” she said.The Lubigi restoration exercise is being undertaken jointly by several government agencies, including the police, Nema, KCCA, UPDF, Wakiso district local government, the Office of the President, the ministry of Works, and Unra.SELECTIVE EVICTIONSFifty-year-old Teddy Nabasenya, a single mother of five, lost a three-roomed house and twelve rentals that fetched her at least Shs 1.2 million monthly. The structures were products of her seven-year stay in Saudi Arabia, where she worked as a housemaid following the death of her husband. “I had set goals; build a house and rentals that would sustain me and my children, including their school fees. I was also dealing in matooke which I sold on my verandah,” Nabasenya said.“Nema demolished everything without any notice to me or our area chairman. I knelt before one of the officials guiding the evictions to allow me to collect my property, but he just shouted, ‘Tonkuba bisiraani byo.’” Nabasenya said officials barred people from taking photos or videos, and those who insisted were beaten up.Margaret Kyobula, a mother of three, questioned the criteria followed while demolishing their houses. When she approached one of the Nema officials for answers, she was allegedly informed that: “Treat this eviction like a map. It never moves straight, and if your house was demolished and your neighbour’s [also a residential] stayed, just deal with it.” She was also informed that any person found erecting another structure would be imprisoned for six years.STRUGGLING TO ADAPTAtwiine Zobiyo, whose house was maintained while her rentals were demolished, was equally disturbed by the selection criteria. “I have lived here for almost 25 years. When do ordinary people win battles with authorities? I used my land agreement to get piped water and electricity for my rentals. So, according to Nema, this is a wetland. Is that fair?” Amidst the chaos, many families have found themselves homeless and destitute. A well-wisher donated five tents, each accommodating only two adults. Makeshift tents hastily erected with tarpaulins have since worn out, leaving the displaced without adequate shelter. Nabasenya described the area as now devoid of basic amenities like sanitation, as toilets were damaged and left open. “They are not only a danger to the many children wandering around but also attract houseflies,” she said. Adults intending to shower do so only once at night when darkness sets in to maintain some semblance of privacy.“We have no beddings and mosquitoes are many. We had secured some mattresses, but they were eventually stolen by several young boys who were guarded by security and cutting people’s crops,” Nabasenya added. Parents who ran businesses from home are also struggling to find work elsewhere, as they must watch over their children who are now out of school and homeless. During the daytime, the place looks abandoned, but starting at 7 pm., it transforms as the evictees form several camps in the area. They light piles of rubber bands and wood to keep themselves warm and awake throughout the night, a desperate attempt to adapt to their harsh new reality.NEMA, BLB SPEAKNema claims it issued restoration orders upon establishing encroachment and degradation of the Lubigi wetland. The environmental body had remained silent since the evictions began last month until the leader of opposition in parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, and other MPs attempted to visit the evictees recently.“Lubigi wetland serves as a critical water catchment area for the central region. Nema issued restoration orders from as far back as 2021 to all encroachers, failure of which, it would enforce the orders at the degrader’s cost and prosecution where necessary. The orders gave 21 days to either challenge the order or implement it,” reads the June 17, 2024 statement.Nema insisted that the cabinet, under minute 114 (CT 2014), approved the cancellation of land titles issued in wetlands on public land acquired unlawfully after 1995 as one of the measures to address the degradation of wetlands.While the evictees expressed concern about continually paying nominal ground rent (busuulu) of Shs 40,000 annually, Buganda Land Board (BLB) spokesperson Denis Bugaya explained this as a legal obligation for every kibanja owner.In an interview, Bugaya said, “The Kabaka is the registered proprietor of the Lubigi wetland, but his ownership is also restricted on howto utilize the land. If the mailo owner has no absolute rights to use it, then other people with lesser interest [bibanja owners] cannot have the same.”One can own a kibanja or leasehold in a wetland, but under section 43 of the Land Act, the land must be used according to regulations as per the forest, mining, and Nema Acts. He insisted that the Buganda Kingdom and Nema have not taken away the ownership of people’s rightfully acquired land in Lubigi.“People have politicized the evictions and emotions are still running high. Some people are just stubborn and buy land in wetlands because the prices there tend to be cheaper. Ugandans need to ask themselves: is it factually true that these people have been in wetlands? Did they get sufficient notice, according to the law? Has the eviction been humane? Even when you are implementing the law, you must put a human face to it,” Bugaya said.MUSEVENI BACKS EVICTIONSLast week, President Museveni gave Nema a nod of approval for their actions. “Even if NEMA is lazy and they don’t do their work or did it badly, should we die? As an individual [criticizing Nema], if you are a madman, they should take you to Butabika. How did you come to stay in a wetland? Why should it be Nema to stop you as if you are an idiot?” Museveni asked.He, however, cautioned security officers not to be overly harsh during the evictions. He urged NEMA to hold parish chiefs and Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) accountable for allowing people to encroach on the wetlands. Enock Mulinda, a grandson of Captain (rtd) George Willian Ssempebwa, whose house was demolished, is seeking justice for the affected people. “The houses of my paternal and maternal grandparents were all demolished, yet they settled in Lubigi in 1957,” Mulinda said. His grandmother, in her 80s, who lived in the area for at least 40 years, now stays in a tent, while Ssempebwa retreated to Kiboga, where he had a second home, for medical attention due to his advanced age. Mulinda shared copies of letters written to the Buganda Land Board (BLB), NEMA, and the Office of the President seeking an audience to address the matter, but these efforts were in vain. In one of the letters, with a BLB stamp dated May 16, 2024, he noted: “The land on Block 203 is occupied by more than 300 people who are at risk of being evicted by NEMA on grounds that it is a wetland. The bibanja owners confirm that this was dry land. However, during the construction of the northern bypass, there was a redirection of water from the Lubigi water stream to their land. This has caused flooding in the area, making it look like a wetland. We request your office to avail us with a report confirming the original state of this land.”BLB did not respond to his queries until NEMA demolished all the houses three weeks ago. In 2022, Mulinda said NEMA staff slashed the garden of his grandparents, but efforts to write to the authority seeking justice were futile.UNCERTAIN FUTUREWith the current change in weather, the urgency to find solutions keeps growing. The area’s local leaders kept visiting the demolished sites amidst ridicule from a section of angry people for ignoring them during evictions.Last week, a real estate dealer, Hassan Bulwadda, donated five acres of land to the affected people in Kikandwa along Hoima Road. He pledged to come up with one joint title for all, but beneficiaries will also get land agreements at no cost.One of the evicted people who visited the land told The Observer that it’s unlikely that most people will take up the offer given the topography of the area. “The place has no water, electricity, schools, health centers and neighbours. If you want to move to the nearest towns of Matte or Kikandwa, you need a boda boda of about Shs 5,000. You can’t stay in the area in our current state unless you have sufficient funds to sustain you.”Another evictee added, “For those who want to start a life there, you need to buy solar. I doubt whether people will settle in the land because you can hardly plant food or vegetables to feed children in the shortest period. The place is a bit hilly with stones and the elderly can’t walk there.”By press time, Mulinda was still collecting signatures of evictees. Their hope lies with parliament where they intend to present a petition with copies of legally acquired land documents.nangonzi@observer.ug {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:28:33
Corruption now gets official endorsement
For the past three years, Uganda’s parliament has emerged as a hotbed of corruption, with MPs taking inducements to legislate and soliciting bribes to enhance budgets. This pervasive vice has not spared the office of the speaker. On May 30, 2024, the USA government sanctioned the speaker of parliament, Anita Among, for her involvement in significant corruption, including the misuse of public resources and diversion of materials from Uganda’s neediest communities. The USA also sanctioned Among’s spouse, Moses Magogo Hassim.These USA sanctions followed similar actions by the UK approximately a month earlier. The sanctions underscore the international community’s growing impatience with the rampant corruption undermining Uganda’s governance. In the immediate aftermath of the massive corruption scandals and arrests of errant MPs that have rocked parliament, on June 22, 2024, speaker Anita Among pledged her support for the five detained MPs arrested on suspicion of involvement in corruption deals. Among made this declaration during the launch of the Ssentayi Development Foundation in Katovu Town council, Bukoto West constituency in Lwengo district. This move by the speaker has raised eyebrows, given the context of the sanctions and the ongoing corruption investigations.The five MPs arrested on suspicion of corruption include Lwengo district Woman MP Cissy Namujju, Busiki county MP Paul Akamba, Bunyole East MP Yusuf Mutembuli, Igara East MP Mawanda Michael Maranga, and Elgon county legislator Wamakuyu Ignatius Mudimi.Among stated, “I went and met Cissy Namujju; she is in good spirits, and she is going to be with you. She is going to be your woman MP forever. The president has heard your cries, where you said that when your child misbehaves, you beat and say go back and do something good. And you are better off having a child even if she goes and eats something as long as she brings back home [sic].”The speaker also donated money to the foundation.“What has been sent is from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Open it and tell them the amount. It is Shs 50 million. Let me kneel for you. I am requesting that you bring Muhamad Ssentayi back to parliament. I am requesting that you bring Namujju back to parliament and bring Ibrahim Kitatta back as the LCV chairman,” she said.Kasambya county MP David Kabanda added, “What is happening in Kampala should not threaten you; it is a wave that will soon go down. We shall soon return to Lwengo to thank God for Honourable Cissy Namujju’s release from prison. Stay calm and strong.”Rakai district Woman MP Juliet Kinyamatama commented, “If she took something, as we heard, she has eaten with the people of Lwengo; is that a lie?”NOTABLE CASES OF CORRUPTION BY SOLICITING BRIBESOn June 12, 2024, the Anti-Corruption Court remanded Namujju, Akamba and Mutembuli to Luzira prison on corruption charges. The three MPs are accused of soliciting a 20 per cent kickback from the projected budget increase for the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.The prosecution alleges that on May 13, 2024, the trio met with UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya at a hotel in Kampala. During this meeting, they purportedly offered to use their influence over parliament’s Budget committee to secure additional funding for the UHRC in exchange for the illicit payment. This case underscores the pervasive issue of corruption within Uganda’s political system and raises questions about the integrity of public officials.CONSPIRING TO DEFRAUD BUYAKA GROWERS COOPERATIVE SOCIETYLast week, the Anti-Corruption court remanded Igara East MP Mawanda Michael Maranga, Elgon county legislator Wamakuyu Ignatius Mudimi, Busiki county MP Akamba Paul, lawyer Kirya Julius Taitankoko, and Kavundira Leonard, the principal cooperative officer in the ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. The quintet is accused of misappropriating funds intended for war loss compensation to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited for their personal use. According to the charge sheet, Mawanda allegedly converted public funds amounting to Shs 1 billion, Wamakuyu Shs 2.3 billion, Akamba Shs 200 million, and Taitankoko Shs 2.2 billion. Kavundira is alleged to have conspired to defraud the government of Shs 3.4 billion intended for war loss compensation to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited. This case highlights significant concerns about the misuse of public funds and the integrity of elected officials and government officers in Uganda.SHS 40 MILLION BRIBEIn their first three months in office, parliament rewarded each MP with Shs 40 million for passing a supplementary budget. Media reports claimed that independent and opposition MPs received their share at the speaker’s residence, while National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs received their money at parliament. Shockingly, Bukoto South MP, Dr Twaha Kagabo, one of the bold MPs who received the money, was threatened following his attempt to return the said money. The National Unity Platform (NUP) MP attempted to return the money through the office of the former leader of opposition (LoP), Mathias Mpuuga, but to no avail. Mpuuga directed him to return the money where he picked it. Following NUP’s decision ordering all the recipients of the bribe to return it, Kagabo is preparing to join the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). In another scandal, the former LoP Mathias Mpuuga and other commissioners were named in the Shs 1.7 billion alleged corruption scandal. Leaked resolutions from the Parliamentary Commission meeting held in May 2022 revealed that it was decided to award the leader of the opposition, Mpuuga, a one-off service award of Shs 500 million, with Shs 400 million allocated to each of the three commissioners from the National Resistance Movement. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, the president of NUP, highlighted Mpuuga’s involvement in the scandal. He said, “It was an allegation that Mpuuga, together with speaker Anita Among and other commissioners, awarded himself Shs 500 million. It was disturbing. But after finding what I thought was credible evidence, I summoned the meeting that involved all my deputy presidents, the party leadership, including the Secretary-General, deputy secretary general, and other respectable leaders.”In a meeting with NUP’s top leadership, Mpuuga admitted his participation in the wrongdoing. Kyagulanyi stated, “Mpuuga admitted that he wrongfully awarded himself Shs 500 million, and to make it even worse, this was supposed to be passed to the holder, not those who came before him or those who are coming after him.” The party resolved that Mpuuga should apologize, resign his position as the commissioner at parliament, and return the money before undergoing a rehabilitation process. Mpuuga has since declined to resign, noting that the decision was made by the law. He said, “The money has not been credited to my account, but I am eagerly waiting for it.”REACTION TO THE SPEAKER’S UTTERANCESMarlon Agaba, the executive director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda, expressed skepticism about Speaker Among’s statements. He noted, “Among’s statements are not new; ministers have been arrested and arraigned before court for the cameras, and eventually get released. It is part of the game. When you look at all the allegations that have been at parliament, you need to ask yourself how many MPs have been convicted of corruption. They are just a handful.”Agaba continued, “It is the same script. Arrest them, cause public excitement, take them to court, they get bailed, kill the evidence, and it is business as usual. We know that when politicians are arrested, there is a lot of background negotiation that goes on from their constituencies, religious, and cultural leaders, and this happened before for Capt Mike Mukula and Gen Jim Muhwezi. What the speaker said is exactly what has been happening; unfortunately, it is part of the normalization of corruption in this country.”Former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also criticized Among’s comments. He said, “Anita Among is basically suggesting that the MPs are indeed guilty of the crimes they’re accused of and that they are always justified in stealing public funds if they invest their loot here in Uganda. More worryingly, she is also suggesting that dictator Museveni will rein in the judiciary to let the MPs off the hook. It’s a pity!”Human rights lawyer George Musisi echoed these concerns, highlighting the superficial nature of the fight against corruption. “Many of us have always argued that the fight against corruption is cosmetic. When the president purports to be fighting corruption, it is cosmetic; it is meant to portray an image, but there is no will or anything from the government to seriously fight it because you will find that his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), uses corruption to sustain power.”Musisi further explained, “Museveni has forgiven people he knows because of political expedience, and that is the context of the speaker’s remarks. During the mabaati scandal, the former minister Mary Kitutu wrote to the president, saying we can solve this matter politically knowing that the director of Public Prosecutions was charging her. These suspects sometimes fear being sacrificed because they know that some people are being forgiven while others are charged. The speaker knows that some people are charged with the consent of the president, and those forgiven, it is usually his nod.”He added, “The president has distinguished what he calls political corruption mistakes, yet under the law, they would be offenses.”Godber Tumushabe, a lawyer and policy analyst, has offered a scathing critique of the NRM, labelling it a “corruption enterprise.” Tumushabe argues that the NRM’s nearly 40-year tenure in power is marked by unprecedented levels of pillage and plunder. “If you look at its record of close to 40 years in power, you will realize that anybody who tells you he/she is an NRM is a certified thief, is planning to steal, or is just a beneficiary of the stealing,” he stated.According to Tumushabe, the NRM has evolved into a cult-like movement with President Museveni as its chief priest. He describes the hierarchy within the NRM, with priests and priestesses, and lower-ranking members such as MPs and resident district Commissioners (RDCs), serving as altar boys and altar girls. “NRM has progressively evolved into a cult movement with Museveni as its chief priest,” Tumushabe noted. “Then you have people you would characterize as its priests and priestesses. And then you have the small people running around it like MPs, resident district commissioners (RDC), etc., as its altar boys and altar girls.” He criticized speaker Anita Among, suggesting that her actions align with the NRM’s corruption-driven agenda. “Anita Among is just doing what she is supposed to do under the NRM corruption enterprise. In any case, the broad scheme of NRM, Anita Among, is a non-disposable entity. Her utterances are designed to show the chief priests that she is loyal to him. As long as she is head of that legislative arm of government, the chief priest has it under his control.”“At this moment in his life presidency, Museveni has no capacity to fight corruption. Because corruption is the system that he runs—the NRM system. Today, Museveni sits in cabinet with almost all of his ministers accused of corruption, influence peddling, or some petty theft of sorts,” he said. According to Tumushabe, Museveni’s anti-corruption efforts are largely performative, designed to create a narrative for his donors rather than effecting real change. Ronald Leonard, a political analyst, echoed Tumushabe’s sentiments, describing the speaker’s remarks as indicative of a reckless politician in need of better handlers. “The speaker is a reckless politician who needs more sophisticated and seasoned handlers to prepare her for public appearances,” Egesa commented. {loadposition inarticle}
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@allafrica Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:55:57
Lions Club Commended for Its Social Contributions
[Nile Post] The Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, has lauded corporate social organizations for their impactful contributions towards societal welfare, particularly for the less privileged.
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:34:27
Clerics blame parliament for Kenya protests.
Religious leaders in Kenya have blamed the violent demonstrations that rocked the country yesterday on Members of Parliament. This was after police reportedly opened fire on protesters after a group of them breached and ransacked the parliament building in the capital Nairobi over the passing of the Finance Bill, 2024, whichthey say imposes unaffordable tax rises on ordinary citizens. The violence that ensued left atleast 10 people dead and over 120 others injured. Addressing the media in the Kenyan capital Nairobi earlier today, the clerics led by Bishop Abraham Gitu, the coordinator of the High Council of Bishops, emphasized the importance of upholding independence of the legislature as stated in the constitution. He also urged young people not to express […]
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:57:38
Uganda Airlines boss tips suppliers on quality improvement.
Uganda Airlines Executive Director Jennifer Bamuturaki has implored Ugandan companies they partner with to improve their quality of production, design and packaging in addition to consistence among others. Speaking at the ongoing suppliers’ forum 2024 in Kampala, Bamuturaki said Uganda airlines supplier data base has grown to 200 suppliers in the 5 years of existence. She adds, over shs120 billion has cumulatively been injected into the macro economy for local contracts “In consistency in supply, we have questionable quality and test procedural challenges among others, so we have come together and brought you into this room so that we can discuss and understand how we can support each there,” she said. “We remain committed to supporting Ugandan products, as you […]
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:02:31
Kenya Protests: Truck drivers advised to halt operation inside Kenya.
Truck drivers under their umbrella, Regional Lorry Drivers and Transporters Association, have been advised to halt all operations and wait for the situation in neighboring Kenya to normalize. This, according to the association chairperson Bylon Kinene, will protect their lives, vehicles and merchandise. Kinene tells KFM that being on the road will expose them to risks of damage and looting which may lead to unexpected losses. “Appealing to people who are planning to go to Kenya, please park where you are so long as you are in Uganda, for those who are still in Kenya we have no solution you can assess the situation as weather you are moving or not, you have life and track which you cannot replace […]
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:19:09
Uganda speaks out on Kenya protests.
Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned actions of violence in Kenya that led to destruction of property and loss of lives. Yesterday, in the wake of protests in neighboring Kenya, the protestors took the path of destruction of the newly refurbished Uganda House – a Commercial Building located on Kenyatta Avenue in the Nairobi Central Business District which they later vandalized and set ablaze. The 6-floor Uganda House building which was slated for reopening this Friday 28th June, 2024 has been undergoing renovations and was only occupied by commercial tenants on the ground floor. According to the Ministry of Foreign affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire, despite the extensive damage to the property, no reported fatalities or serious […]
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@allafrica Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:37:47
Uganda Needs to Use Education to Prevent Corruption
[Observer] Let us face it. We are losing the fight against corruption. In 2023, during the ceremony to honour the late Charles Okello Engola at Kololo Ceremonial grounds, President Yoweri Museveni conceded as much.
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:12:42
KACITA issues advisory to traders amid raging Kenya protests.
Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has issued an advisory asking Ugandan traders in Kenya to halt their operations in the meantime as violent protests rage on across the country. Violent demonstrations yesterday rocked 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties, during which protesters breached and ransacked the parliament building in the capital Nairobi over the passing of the Finance Bill, 2024. This prompted police to open fire on the protestors, leading to the deaths of atleast 10 people and injuring over 120 others. Kenyan President William Ruto last night said legitimate protests against his policies had been hijacked by a group of organized criminals before warning that his government would use all means at its disposal to prevent a repeat of the […]
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:36:51
DP set to review cooperation agreement with NRM.
The opposition Democratic Party (DP) leadership has revealed that it will convene a meeting in July for internal discussion on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement they signed with the ruling National Resistance Movement party. In July 2022, President Museveni also the NRM National Chairman signed on behalf of the Party, while DP president Norbert Mao signed on behalf of DP. The memorandum resulted into the appointment of Nobert Moa as Minister of Justice and Constitutional affairs. Speaking to KFM, Mao said after the meeting, a report card will be made public as regard the next course of action. “We are calling a meeting of the party next week on Monday to have internal discussion on electoral commission implementation, after […]
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:30:21
Government asked to free up spaces for citizens to avoid Kenya-like situation.
Activists have asked government to open up spaces that allow people to express themselves in a way the constitution permits. The call comes after violent demonstrators yesterday rocked 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties as protesters breached and ransacked the parliament building in the capital Nairobi over the passing of the Finance Bill, 2024. Police fired live rounds at protesters yesterday, leading to the deaths of atleast 10 people and hundreds of injuries. The protesters say the bill imposes unaffordable tax rises on ordinary citizens and businesses already grappling with the high cost of living. Speaking to KFM, the Executive Director for Earth and Rights Initiative, Hussein Kato Muyinda says it is a constitutional right of the citizens to demand accountability […]
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@kfm Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:48:58
Uganda commemorates UN Day in support of Torture victims
Uganda today joins in global commemoration of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The national commemorative event is being held at the Railway Grounds in Kampala under the theme; “Torture Free Communities for All’’, with Minister for Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire as Chief Guest. Earlier on, Crispin Kaheru a member Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), said that this year’s theme emphasizes the commission’s goal of creating a safe and humane environment free from torture for all Ugandans. He adds that it highlights the necessity of collaborative efforts towards eradicating torture and building communities where all persons in their diversity are safe from inhuman treatment. Kaheru, further tells KFM that the celebrations help in […]
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@allafrica Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:19:28
ULS Asks Among, Kinyamatama to Withdraw Statements On Corruption
[Nile Post] The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called upon the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, and Rakai Woman Member of Parliament, Juliet Kinyamatama, to retract their statements that seemingly glorify corruption.
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