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@kfm Mon, 24 Jun 2024 07:04:04
Education sector players urged to promote culture & heritage.
In a move meant to promote cultural and heritage rights in Uganda, players in the education sector are urged to be more intentional in incorporating culture in the teaching processes. According to Fredrick Nsibambi, the Deputy Executive Director Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), culture is vital for human development, and is the glue that binds our diverse identities. Speaking to KFM, Nsibambi emphasizes the need for education institutions to promote the appreciation of cultural rights and heritage. He adds that to support this cause, his organization has provided evidence-based knowledge on the relevance of culture in development and is currently working with schools through heritage clubs to promote the same. “As an organization we have invested a lot in terms […]
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@matookerepublic Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:57:14
Irene Ntale: Why I’ll never sign with a music label again
Singer and guitarist Irene Ntale has vowed never to sign with any music label again, claiming she has accomplished more with her own “small team” than she did during her time at Swangz Avenue. Ntale, who left Swangz Avenue in 2017, admits that her music was widely popular during her time at the record label, […] The post Irene Ntale: Why I’ll never sign with a music label again first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@observer Sat, 22 Jun 2024 05:03:36
Student injured in Mbarara school fire
Suleiman Beigana, a student of Shuhadal Islamic secondary school has been admitted in Mbarara hospital after being injured in a fire that gutted the school dormitory. The dormitory houses at least 202 students of senior 2 and 3. Isaq Mugerwa Kafeero, the headteacher, says the fire started at 4:30 am when students were preparing for the morning prayers and preps. Kafeeor says that students lost books, mattresses, clothes, and other personal belongings. Samson Kasasira, Rwizi Region police spokesperson says that the police fire and rescue services with assistance from the Nyamitanga diocese fire brigade put off the fire that had already destroyed property. Kasasira says the cause of the fire has not been established, but investigations into the incident are ongoing.According to the National Building Review Board, 120 private and public schools were inspected last year, but none had a fire hydrant on site for fire emergencies, about 10 per cent had a hydrant in the vicinity while 30 per cent installed fire detection and alarm systems although they did not have adequate coverage. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Sat, 22 Jun 2024 10:56:59
Is Mariam Wangadya a defender or detractor of human rights?
MARIAM WANGADYA is a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, currently serving as the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC). Her career has been marked by significant contributions to human rights advocacy, public service and controversies. The Observer provides a critical analysis of Mariam Wangadya, examining her background, contributions, and the challenges she faces.BACKGROUND Mariam Wangadya was born to two retired teachers in Bulambuli district and has one child. She completed her O-level education at Ngora High School and her A- level education at Kibuli Secondary School. Wangadya then pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree at Makerere University. She also holds a diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and a master’s degree in public administration and management.Wangadya began her career as a lawyer at Dagira and Company Advocates, a private law firm in Mbale, where she eventually became a partner. She also volunteered with FIDA Uganda. In 1996, Wangadya was appointed as one of the founding members of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) at its inception, serving alongside Margaret Sekaggya and Med Kaggwa.In 2013, she left UHRC to assume the role of Inspector General of Government (IGG), a position she held until 2021. In 2021, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni appointed her as the chairperson of the UHRC, a role in which she was vetted and confirmed by Parliament. Wangadya’s extensive experience and expertise, including her tenure as IGG, have positioned her as a capable leader for the commission.CONTRIBUTIONS TO HUMAN RIGHTSWangadya’s tenure at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has been marked by a renewed focus on addressing human rights violations and holding violators accountable. Under her leadership, the commission has conducted investigations into various abuses, including political repression, freedom of expression, and gender-based violence. Her efforts to streamline the commission and raise awareness of human rights issues in Uganda have been crucial.In June of the same year of her appointment, the UHRC reported investigating 69 disappearances and successfully ordering the release of 64 individuals. The commission recommended that the Uganda Police Force investigate all cases of disappearances and ensure that perpetrators are punished. However, the police denied holding any persons without trial, noting that all detainees had either been released or arraigned in court. One of Wangadya’s notable contributions has been her emphasis on the need for independence and impartiality within the UHRC. Her advocacy for the commission to operate free from political interference, alongside her efforts to engage with civil society organizations and international human rights bodies, has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative approach to human rights.CHALLENGES AND CRITICISMSDespite her achievements, Wangadya’s tenure has not been without challenges. Human rights officers play a pivotal role in upholding the dignity and rights of individuals across the nation. The UHRC draws its power from the Human Rights Act of 1997 and Articles 51 to 53 of the Constitution, which stipulate its responsibilities and functions, including monitoring abuses, advocating for victims, visiting jails, prisons, or places of detention to assess conditions of inmates, recommending measures to Parliament to protect human rights, and ensuring the government’s compliance with international human rights standards. In layman’s terms, regardless of who the person is or their history, an advocate should fight for their rights without exemptions. Wangadya has faced criticism from political activists demanding an investigation into the whereabouts of missing members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), reportedly held in ungazetted places by the secret service. On October 10th, 2023, NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya sent a list of 30 names of the alleged missing persons to Wangadya. The commission then reported back, stating, “Notably, among these 30, five individuals were reportedly arrested in Nakaseke between January and February 2023. The UHRC commenced investigations into complaints to establish the facts behind the allegations. The aim was to guide the commission on its next course of action.”In October 2023, the UHRC closed files of inquiry into the now 18 documented missing persons, some missing since 2019. Wangadya stated that the commission was sent on a wild goose chase: “Our entire budget was diverted to looking for, honestly, what I considered non-existent persons or some who actually exist today living in foreign countries. Others were out on bail for serious crimes like terrorism and vandalization of electric wires. When we reached them, they were so surprised that they appeared on the list of missing people.”She concluded, “It will be futile for us to keep these files open when the people provided to us as the next of kin are not interested in these cases. In my conclusion, none of these people are genuinely missing. From the interactions we have done with these people, none of those people provided for us is missing.” But as the Daily Monitor newspaper reported, on June 13th, 2019, John Bosco Kibalama, an accountant and NUP leader, disappeared. His wife, Nabukeera Monica, during a news conference, disclosed, “I have never received any letter, phone call, or message asking me to respond to issues concerning my husband’s disappearance from them.” Another case was Dorothy Najjumba, sister to Vincent Nalumonso, who is still missing. Najjumba, recalling her brother’s disappearance at the age of 27, said, “We brought evidence, his national ID. Can you get an ID of a person who does not exist?” On December 5th, 2023, Parliament postponed the second demand by the opposition to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate what the then Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, called glaring human rights violations. “We propose that the said commission will be endowed with the authority, independence, and resources necessary to uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that justice prevails,” Mpuuga stated in response to allegations of unabated human rights abuses and shrinking civic space.“It is not right and proper for the government to merely dismiss, summarily, without giving due regard to the overwhelming evidence presented,” Mpuuga added. As of Monday, April 8th, 2024, the list of missing persons now holds 18 names. The government denied knowledge of 11 out of the 18 people that NUP allegedly reported missing, as per the headlines of almost all media houses and social media that day. The government responded to the families (with their lawyer George Musisi) of the victims when court, presided by Justice Esther Nambayo, declared that the party did not report their disappearance to the police or any other relevant authorities. The NUP spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, while addressing the press, said going to courts of law was the last option as they have tried UHRC and Parliament but no results were produced. A substantial body of literature suggests that leaders are often blocked from implementing efficient reforms that solve substantial problems due to special interest groups or budget constraints. A politician incapable of delivering a reform has an incentive to implement a policy regardless of its efficiency to avoid being viewed as incompetent by the voter. It is important to note that voters do not have full information on why the politician does not implement a policy. Therefore, voters cannot differentiate between a lack of action due to difficulties in policy making or a lack of competence, as suggested in the model by Dow and Gordon (1997). Taking a leap back in time, a group of five members from the Torture Survivors Movement Uganda attempted to deliver a petition to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), demanding the resignation of its chairperson. They were, however, locked out of the commission. The group accused the chairperson of inaction over human rights violations by officers. In a video by the Daily Monitor, the group is shown outside the gates of UHRC pleading to be heard. As Olivia Nalubwama reported in The Observer, “it was appalling watching the police manhandle the disabled torture survivors, and even more atrocious was the fact that it was right in the premises of the UHRC.”It is evident from the reports presented by the UHRC that the Uganda Police remain the undisputed abusers of human rights under the guise of carrying out their work. The question remains: how many have been held responsible for their actions aside from the former Inspector General of Police, Kayihura? Human Rights Watch, after interviewing 51 people including 34 former detainees and witnesses, documented enforced disappearances, abductions, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture, and ill-treatment by the Uganda Police among other human rights violations in unsanctioned locations. Human Rights Watch reported to Parliament, urging them to open investigations into the safe houses and an island on Lake Victoria which allegedly held more than 400 illegally detained individuals in 2019.The committee released a report in 2022 after its investigation, concluding that authorities, including the Internal Security Organization (ISO), were torturing and abusing detainees in unsanctioned places. The committee called on the government and other agencies to conduct further investigations, but there were no results at the time of the report. The detailed challenges faced by victims and their families before and after release were explained in the report, which implied the existence of safe houses. A look through social media reveals numerous cases where police are seen manhandling and violating human rights. This raises the question: where was the UHRC during the two years it took to carry out these investigations?Article 52(1) of the 1995 Uganda Constitution lays down the functions of the UHRC, one of which is “to create and sustain within society the awareness of the provisions of the constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Uganda.” This begs several questions to the public: Do you know your rights? Are you aware of the provisions of the constitution? Do you own a copy of the laws that govern you?Often, if we are not legally trained or did not study law, we neglect the efforts of understanding what the law stipulates or encompasses, leading to our rights being denied without us ever knowing what they are. Is it not the duty of the UHRC to enforce mechanisms or methods that will make Ugandans aware of their rights?As the UHRC chairperson once said on an NBS TV program, “If the people on the wrong side of the law don’t trust the commission, so be it.” The people are the law, and it is the responsibility of the commission to help these people understand their law.Chris Maina Peter, in a comparative report on national human rights in Africa (2009), emphasized that UHRC has some teeth, unlike other human rights commissions in Africa. Like a court of law, it has the power to summon people and documentation for any investigation, it can question any person in line with an investigation, it can direct any person to disclose relevant information, and it can even commit persons for contempt of its orders. According to the UHRC website, following the closure of Civil-Military Co-operation Centers (CMCCs) established to promote harmony between security forces and the people in conflict areas of northern Uganda, the commission now maintains only seven centers. This raises the question: Is there no conflict in other sub-regions of the nation? The unavailability of funds is undermining the functionality of the UHRC. The chairperson requested additional funding worth Shs 3.75 billion from parliament to improve staff salaries and boost the commission’s operational efficiency. In emphasizing this, she highlighted her own fuel allowance: “As chairperson of a constitutional body, my salary is two-thirds of that of the deputy head of that constitutional body. I am getting fuel of Shs 20,000 per day, which is Shs 600,000 per month,” she told the lawmakers.Beyond improved salaries, the commission seeks Shs 1 billion for five vehicles to support inspections in detention facilities and investigations, plus an extra Shs 1.5 billion for three vans to be used in conducting human rights awareness campaigns across the country.Before Mariam Wangadya’s tenure, the position of UHRC chairperson was held by the late Med Kaggwa, who succeeded Margaret Ssekagya and served from 1982 until 2019. Kaggwa was a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Ugandan Constitution and is highly credited for steering the UHRC to greater heights, gaining official recognition by the UN. His achievements and impartial work are well-documented online, with comments such as, “It is a big blow to the human rights community that we lost Meddie.”Crispin Kaheru, the secretary of the National Initiative for Civic Education at the time, praised Kaggwa, stating that he always wished for citizens to be enlightened about political processes and to be heavily engaged. Kaheru noted, “He always said the truth without mincing words, and this is heavily depicted in the human rights reports he authored. Med Kaggwa didn’t fear to say the truth where it mattered most, but he also had the virtue of interacting with everybody and respecting each and everyone’s opinion. That is why he could comfortably interact with members of the ruling party as well as members of the opposition.”Despite the UHRC’s considerable power, it finds itself in constant contradiction, particularly in light of comments made by its current chairperson, which have left people questioning whether her actions serve the interests of the people or the government. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Mon, 24 Jun 2024 04:01:12
5 killed on spot in Kanungu head-on road accident
At least five people were killed on the spot, and four others were seriously injured following a motor accident along the Rukungiri-Kanungu road in Kanungu district. The accident happened on Saturday evening at around 5 pm at Nyakashure in Nyamirama sub-county. The accident reportedly happened when a trailer with Rwandan registration, RAD 940J/RL 1455 that was heading to Kihihi town from Rukungiri drove from the right side of the road instead of keeping left.In the process, it collided head-on with a Isuzu ELF tipper registration number, UAW 904R that was rightly in its lane heading to Rukungiri from Kihihi.As a result, four people on the truck; Fred Byamukama the driver, Reagan Akandwanaho, Thereza Kyarisima, and Genario Tumuramye all residents of Kinanira village, Rukungiri district died on the spot. A yet-to-be-identified person also breathed his last while at Kihihi health centre IV. {loadposition inarticle}
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@kfm Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:24:44
Schools stuck with 4,000 wrong text books for new curriculum
Several schools across the country are stuck with over 4,000 wrong textbooks for the new lower secondary curriculum that they received from the Ministry of Education in 2022 and are lying idle on their bookshelves. According to the Value for Money Audit Report on the implementation of the new lower secondary curriculum by the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), a total of 3,713 learners’ books and 242 teacher’s guides for various subjects were wrongly delivered and remain unutilized. According to the 2023/24 Audit report, the most affected category was that of elective subjects such as IRE, General Science, Performing Arts, and Technology and Design. As a result, while some schools are burdened with excess incorrect textbooks, others are left without […]
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@kfm Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:31:05
Former Mulago hospital Baterana expected to re-appear in Court today
The former Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital Dr. Byarugaba Baterana is expected to re-appear in court today on charges of abuse of office and causing the government an over Shs7Bn loss in irregular and double payments to suppliers. Dr. Baterana and others are expected to re appear before Anti-Corruption Court Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe for bail hearing. Prosecution says the charges were committed during an eleven year tenure of Dr. Byarugaba’s reign at Mulago Hospital. These are said to have flouted payment procedures amounting to over Shs7Bn when they among other things irregularly processed payment of Sh3Bn to Setramaco International Limited purporting to be payment for the supply of consumables to be used in a routine servicing and repair […]
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@kfm Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:39:58
Three MPs expected before the Anti-Corruption Court today
Three remanded MPs Michael Mawanda (Igara East), Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu (Elgon County), Paul Akamba (Busiki County) and a city Lawyer Julius Kirya Kaintankoko are expected in Court this morning. The four are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro to present their bail applications. They are charged with five offences of Diversion of Public resources and conspiracy to commit a felony. The group is said to have conspired and caused government a loss of Sh7.3bn that was meant for among other things; war loss compensation for the war veterans under Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited, where MP Mawanda is said to have diverted over Shs1.5bn, Mudimi Shs 2.3bn, while MP Akamba is said to have diverted Shs200m between 2019 and […]
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@matookerepublic Fri, 21 Jun 2024 06:12:31
Solid Foundations: HL Construction’s legacy of excellence supported by I&M Bank
In a landscape where businesses often come and go within a short spell, a few construction companies stand the test of time, serving as beacons of stability and endurance amidst the ever-changing tides of the industry. HL Construction Limited stands as a testament to longevity and resilience. Since its establishment in 1986, the company has […] The post Solid Foundations: HL Construction’s legacy of excellence supported by I&M Bank first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:46:22
Guinness Bright House takes over NRG: The FOMO is real
Preparations for the Guinness Bright House are in full swing. If the last night’s soirée at NRG Radio is any indication, the FOMO is real. Guinness teamed up with NRG Radio for a Bright House rave, giving creatives a sneak peek of the upcoming Guinness Bright House Fashion, Music, and Art Edition that is slated […] The post Guinness Bright House takes over NRG: The FOMO is real first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:28:55
Zari tells Shakib she’s allowed to have two husbands
South Africa-based Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan has told her husband, Shakib Cham Lutaaya, to never try cheating on her, warning that she will react by getting another man. Speaking on their YouTube channel, Shakib&ZariTV, Zari claimed that there is a law in South Africa which allows women to take more than one husband, […] The post Zari tells Shakib she’s allowed to have two husbands first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:39:47
The Love Scotch Affair heads to Laventi for a second outing this Sunday
Missed the Love Scotch Affair at Thrones last Friday? Worry not; the ultimate whisky experience is headed to Laventi, in Najjera this Sunday, and the FOMO is real. After a memorable outing at Thrones Lounge in Bugolobi last Friday, that left revelers asking for more, Uganda Breweries Ltd (UBL) is taking the Love Scotch Affair […] The post The Love Scotch Affair heads to Laventi for a second outing this Sunday first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Fri, 21 Jun 2024 11:01:07
The Budget Is a Fresh Opportunity to Grow
By Anthony Kituuka, Managing Director Equity Bank Uganda Ltd The Ugandan national budget for 2024/2025 was approved by Parliament, with a total expenditure of Shs72.136 trillion. The budget consists of recurrent and development expenditure, with the largest portion coming from domestic revenue. Other sources include budget support, domestic financing, project support, and domestic debt refinancing. […] The post The Budget Is a Fresh Opportunity to Grow first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Fri, 21 Jun 2024 11:09:30
Dads deserve more than socks and handkerchiefs: Calabash Spa Lines Up Spa Treats for this Father’s Day
When you talk pampering, spa treats and relaxation, the mind quickly goes to the fairer sex. But men also need the “soft life” once in a while. It is in that spirit that Speke Resort Munyonyo has organised a Father’s Day Spa treat. Yes, a spa treat specially for dads. To celebrate this Father’s Day, […] The post Dads deserve more than socks and handkerchiefs: Calabash Spa Lines Up Spa Treats for this Father’s Day first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:21:45
Kampala Restaurant Week returns after 4-year hiatus
Fine dining is about to get really affordable with the return of the most anticipated dining showcase, the Kampala Restaurant Week starting on the 4th to the 14 of July 2024. Following the unprecedented break due to the pandemic, the Kampala Restaurant Week, a Pearl Guide initiative is making a comeback on the social calendar, […] The post Kampala Restaurant Week returns after 4-year hiatus first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Sat, 22 Jun 2024 08:20:36
MP Ssegirinya speaks out after being discharged from Aga Khan Hospital, where he underwent treatment for six months
Kawempe North Member of Parliament (MP) Mohammad Ssegirinya, who has been undergoing extensive medical treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, has been discharged and given the green light to return home. Ssegirinya had been in the hospital for nearly six months after being diagnosed with cancer and other undisclosed ailments. Before being taken to […] The post MP Ssegirinya speaks out after being discharged from Aga Khan Hospital, where he underwent treatment for six months first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Sat, 22 Jun 2024 09:02:18
MPUUGA: I am capable of being Uganda’s President
Nyendo-Mukungwe Member of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, has said that he has the capability to serve as the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP) or even the President of Uganda. Mpuuga made the revelation during his thanksgiving event in Masaka on Friday. According to the former Leader of Opposition (LoP), after serving three terms […] The post MPUUGA: I am capable of being Uganda’s President first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Sun, 23 Jun 2024 11:50:27
PICTORIAL: Tusker Malt Celebrates the Spectacular Blu 3 Reunion Concert
The anticipation had been building for weeks, and last night, the moment everyone in town had been waiting for finally arrived: the Blu 3 reunion concert. Fans, friends, and music enthusiasts flocked the Kampala Sheraton Gardens by the thousands to support Uganda’s beloved girl group, eager to be taken down memory lane by the trio’s […] The post PICTORIAL: Tusker Malt Celebrates the Spectacular Blu 3 Reunion Concert first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Sun, 23 Jun 2024 11:50:27
PICTORIAL: Blu 3 deliver epic performance at Reunion Concert
The anticipation had been building for weeks, and last night, the moment everyone in town had been waiting for finally arrived: the Blu 3 reunion concert. Fans, friends, and music enthusiasts flocked the Kampala Sheraton Gardens by the thousands to support Uganda’s beloved girl group, eager to be taken down memory lane by the trio’s […] The post PICTORIAL: Blu 3 deliver epic performance at Reunion Concert appeared first on Matooke Republic.
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@sqoop Sun, 23 Jun 2024 09:14:57
Blu*3 proves legacy lives on at electrifying reunion concert
The highly anticipated Blu 3 reunion concert finally took place last night at the Kampala Sheraton Grounds, drawing in a massive crowd of fans, friends, and music enthusiasts from all over. The beloved Ugandan girl group did not disappoint, delivering a thrilling performance that took the audience on a nostalgic journey through their timeless hits. […]
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