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@allafrica Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:16:13
The Rot Runs Deep - Why Uganda Needs Federalism Now More Than Ever
[Nile Post] The choice before us is clear: continue with the status quo and watch our nation drift further into the abyss of corruption and misgovernance, or boldly embrace a new dawn of federalism and unlock our true potential as a people. For the sake of present and future generations, let us choose wisely.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:58:13
Every evening is Happy Hour at Forest Cottages
Forest Cottages, the renowned eco-friendly boutique hotel in Bukoto, is the perfect place to kick off “drinking O’clock.” From 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Sunday, it is happy hour … in fact two hours of great offers, making it the perfect time to unwind amidst the tranquil forest setting. Happy Hour Deals But if you want to stay the […] The post Every evening is Happy Hour at Forest Cottages appeared first on Matooke Republic.
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@kfm Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:40:13
Speaker Among urges MPs to shun inducements
The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has asked Members of Parliament to avoid all forms of inducements from Accounting Officers while discharging their oversight and appropriation roles. This was in her communication at the opening of parliamentary session held at the Kololo Independence Grounds this afternoon. Among has urged Accounting Officers as entrusted stewards of public resources, to exercise diligence in safeguarding and ensuring effective use of these limited resources. She has also urged the Accounting Officers to maintain open channels of communication and coordination with parliament leadership for transparency and accountability. “We arge the accounting officer to maintain open channels of communication and coordination with leadership for transparency and accountability, honourable members in the discharge of our over sight […]
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@kfm Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:46:41
Parliament promises to standby arrested MPs until pronounced guilty
By Winfred Watenya Parliament has promised to stand by the three legislators arrested over allegations of corruption until they are pronounced guilty. While officiating at the handover of the leadership of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs at parliament earlier today, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa quickly added though, that this should not be misinterpreted as condoning corruption. He also asked the legislators not to shun the budget presentation session for fear of being arrested, amid reports that police continues to investigate alleged gross corruption among MPs. According to Daily Monitor, several Members of Parliament(MPs) had reportedly planned to skip today’s budget reading, following confirmation of the attendance of dozens of security and intelligence chiefs, including AIG […]
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@sqoop Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:17:43
Kataleya and Kandle rebrand, share their story after six-month hiatus
Following over six months of silence, female musicians Kataleya and Kandle returned two weeks ago. According to rumors, the two had fallen out with Theron Music, a record label they were signed to, over a number of unknown reasons. Earlier this month, Kataleya and Kandle, who have now rebranded themselves as “K & K Music,” […]
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@kfm Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:37:54
Finance Minister Kasaija presents 2024-25 FY National Budget
President Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady Ms. Janet Museveni have graced the reading of the 2024/2025 financial year national budget at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. This is the 5th and final implementation year of National Development Plan III (NDP III). NDP IV will implement the first five years of the strategy for growing the economy 10-fold under the Uganda Vision 2040. As mandated by law, the Speaker of parliament Anita Among has opened the session. “In accordance with the rule 17(1) of the rule of procedure the parliament I hereby proclaim that parlimanet have to sit at kololo ceremonial ground on Thursday 13th June 2024 at 14:00hours to receive the address of his excellence Yoweri Kaguta Museveni […]
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@sqoop Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:03:54
Legends of Sound: Blu*3 reunites to bring back the good old days
It is just days until the highly anticipated Blu *3 re-union concert scheduled to take place at Sheraton Hotel Gardens on June 21. This is the second time in over 10 years that the trio will be stepping on stage together, the first being at Skyz Hotel Naguru last year in an exclusive event. Blu […]
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@sqoop Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:18:25
15 beauties vie for Miss Tourism Ankole crown
The 10th edition of the Miss Tourism Ankole pageant is set to take place on July 20, 2024, at the Western Meridian Hotel in Bushenyi District, with 15 queens vying for the desirable crown. One of the contestants, Desire Ajuna, a student at Kyambogo University, is driven by a passion to celebrate her cultural identity […]
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@observer Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:39:22
KCCA, Absa restore forest cover in Kyanja
As the world came together to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, Absa Bank Uganda and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) jointly planted 3,300 trees at KCCA’s Agricultural Resource Center, Kyanja situated on an expanse of 4.9 acres. This year’s World Environment Day was focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” According to KCCA, with an existing urbanisation rate of 5.5 per cent, it is projected that the urban population in Kampala and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan area combined is likely to increase to 8 million people by 2040. Kampala’s high rate of urbanization has also presented several challenges including loss of wetland biodiversity, destruction of habitats, deterioration of water quality and have largely impeded natural drainage patterns of the landscape leading to frequent floods in most urban centers, including Kampala. Speaking during the tree planting exercise, KCCA’s head of the Landscaping Unit, which is responsible for greening the city in terms of planting trees, flowers and maintaining the green spaces, Isaac Mugumbule said the authority intends to continue improving the quality of life of city residents through efforts under the Greening Kampala initiative. “Kampala City is home to over 40 per cent of the total national urban population and the increased population in the city has triggered excessive demand for infrastructure development directly impacting land and other environment resources inclusive of all ecologically sensitive areas. KCCA is working towards the development of a green and clean environment that befits attributes of a modern city which is climate resilient. We therefore call upon more partners to support this initiative,” he said. Mugumbule added that there are looking at setting up micro forests where they plant trees to form a small forest within an urban area. The trees are going to be looked after by KCCA’s over 250 foresters who after planting are going to map these trees so that they can easily nurture and maintain them. This tree planting activity was held under a five year partnership between KCCA and Absa Bank Uganda through which the bank has dedicated Shs 490 million focused on three areas of intervention namely, supporting environmental sustainability, skilling of women and youth and behavioural change communication. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 12 Jun 2024 01:16:41
African MPs unite in Kampala to tackle illicit arms trade
Some Members of Parliament from across Africa met in Kampala over the weekend to discuss mechanisms for enhancing the prevention and reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) - related violence, a persistent global concern. The meeting, held at Fairway Hotel, included participants from the Parliaments of Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Comoros, Madagascar, and Uganda. They attributed the increasing armed conflicts, human trafficking, civil wars, and domestic violence in many African countries to the uncontrolled trade of SALW. Statistics from the African Union Committee on SALWs survey indicate that almost 80 per cent of illicit small arms and light weapons in Africa are unregistered and unmarked. Additionally, according to the United Nations, more than 40 million firearms are imported. Lawrence Biyika Songa, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on SALWs and MP for Ora, urged his colleagues to address issues such as limited education and opportunities that entice young people to access firearms. “We should not wait for these small arms and light weapons to be in the public and then we talk about their prevention. We must check the root causes like competition for natural resources by external people that want to interfere with the affairs of the region based on their interests or geopolitical issues,” MP Songa said. Songa further highlighted the link between wildlife trafficking and the use of SALW, noting, “People trafficking in wildlife are accompanied by SALW and it goes all the way from East Africa to the Horn of Africa. Therefore, there is no market for wildlife in Africa and we need to address this issue not only as Uganda but at East African, continental, and international levels because people who are making others use firearms to hunt or do poaching of wildlife, the market for this wildlife is in the East, China, and other countries of Asia.” It is understood that factors such as the illegal trade in wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources, geopolitics, poaching, external influence, and low education have paved the way for the illicit trade in firearms in Uganda and Africa as a region. The regional seminar of the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) aims to build the capacity of parliaments and find solutions to managing the illicit arms trade through legislation and appropriation. The forum’s key objective is to silence guns in Africa by 2030. Dr. Raphael Chegeni, an MP from Tanzania and president of the Parliamentary Forum on SALW, emphasized the urgency of addressing the illicit trade in firearms. “Recent research points to the fact that more than 260,000 men, women, and children lost their lives in small arms-related violence in 2021,” Dr. Chegeni said. He warned that without urgent solutions, the region is headed for more trouble due to increased access to small arms and light weapons.Internal Affairs State Minister, Gen. David Muhoozi, in his keynote address, noted that the issue of SALW remains a significant hazard both regionally and globally. He highlighted the regulated and unregulated flow of firearms as a primary concern, requiring innovative measures from parliamentarians, who serve as voices of the people and play crucial roles in legislation, appropriation, and oversight. Uganda, in particular, has implemented several laws and policies to prevent the illicit trade in firearms. These include voluntary disarmament, the destruction of illegal armories, the destruction of over 2,000 redundant firearms, and the fingerprinting of state, civilian, and private company firearms to ease the tracing of criminal activity. “This forum of Parliament is one arm that has been mobilized to support the fight against the spread and illicit use of small arms and light weapons. We have made significant progress in fingerprinting firearms, and soon we will update on our progress,” Muhoozi said. When asked why Uganda continues to experience gun-related killings despite the processes for identifying criminals taking a long time, Gen. Muhoozi told The Observer that fingerprinting is akin to using a padlock. “Do you know something called a padlock? Since the invention of padlocks, have people stopped breaking into houses? What padlocks do is make it a little bit more difficult to break into a house. Likewise, fingerprints ease investigations,” Muhoozi said. Florence Kirabira, the national focal person and head of the office coordinating small arms and light weapons in the country, mentioned that a draft of a new law, code-named Small Arms and Light Weapons Control, is in progress. Uganda’s Firearms Act of 1970 has limitations on the regulation and management of firearms, making full regulation challenging. According to Kirabira, the Firearms Act of 1970 no longer suits the current societal changes and innovations. “We are saying that the Act can no longer suffice, and we need to replace it with an enabling law that can handle all those challenges, gaps, and emerging security threats. We are adhering to regional and international commitments so that we can manage the guns in the hands of civilians, state, and private security companies,” Kirabira said. With the new law in place, it is hoped that practices such as marking and destroying excesses and regulating imports, exports, and manufacturing will be embraced, similar to those seen elsewhere. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 12 Jun 2024 01:29:10
Breakdown of Shs 72 trillion 2024/25 budget
This story was first published by The Observer on May 20, 2024, following Parliament’s annual approval of the budget on May 18 for the financial year 2023/24. Coincidentally, this budget presentation to Parliament highlighted the actual state of Uganda’s economy. As we approach the June 13, 2024, budget presentation, we revisit this story to offer additional information, context, and background to the upcoming budget speech.In May, Parliament approved the budget for the financial year 2024-2025, sanctioning a total expenditure of Shs 72.136 trillion. This figure exceeds the initial budget proposal of Shs 58 trillion by Shs 14.050 trillion. The government is projected to generate Shs 32.3 trillion through revenue collection to fund this budget. Additionally, the government plans to borrow Shs 1.3 trillion from external sources and Shs 8.9 trillion from internal borrowers. The budget also includes Shs 19.8 trillion for domestic debt refinancing (rollover) and Shs 9.5 trillion for project support through grants and loans. The budget estimates allocate the largest portions to external debt repayments, which will require Shs 3.149 trillion, and project support through loans and grants, which will receive Shs 9.583 trillion. Domestic refinancing is allocated Shs 12 trillion, while interest payments amount to Shs 90.94 trillion. Other significant allocations include Shs 603 billion for Bank of Uganda recapitalization, Shs 200 billion for domestic arrears, and Shs 9.1 trillion for domestic debt payments to the Bank of Uganda. According to the committee on Budget report, on allocation per programme, human capital development took the lion’s share of Shs 9.9 trillion, followed by governance and security at Shs 9.1 trillion; agro-industrialization Shs 1.6 trillion; transport infrastructure and Services Shs 5.1 trillion; Energy development Shs 1 trillion; private sector Development Shs 2 trillion; and legislation, oversight, and representation at Shs 978 billion. Development Plan Implementation was allocated Shs 2.3 trillion; regional development Shs 1.5 trillion; mineral development Shs 41.6 billion; sustainable development of petroleum resources Shs 920 billion; tourism development Shs 404 billion; climate change, natural resources, environment, and water management Shs 642 billion. Conversely, Shs 200 billion was allocated to Public Sector Transformation; Development Plan Implementation Shs 2.3 trillion; manufacturing Shs 207 billion; Digital Transformation Shs 230 billion; Sustainable Urbanisation and Housing Shs 237 billion; Innovation, Technology Development and Transfer Shs 346 billion; Community Mobilisation and Mindset Change Shs 70 billion and Shs481 billion to the Administration of Justice. The report indicated that the government will continue to implement 2024/25, its fiscal consolidation strategy in the financial year 2024/25 with the goal of placing the economy on a long-term fiscal sustainability plan, including debt sustainability in line with the Charter for Fiscal Responsibility. Opolot Patrick Isiagi, the chairperosn of the committee on Budget said it will entail enhancing domestic resource mobilisation efforts, reducing wasteful expenditures by repurposing large public administration budgets, improving efficiency across the government, strengthening e-government processes, improving efficiency in the execution of projects, and public investments, among others.Boosting household income In a bid to boost household income through the development of microenterprises, parliament allocated Shs1.077 trillion to the Parish Development Model; Emgooga SACCOs Shs I00 billion, of which Shs 20 billion are for teachers SACCOs; Microfinance Support Centre Limited Shs 50.07 billion, of which Shs 30 billion is purposed for onward lending; Shs 13.056 billion has been allocated to the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) as a revolving fund; and in addition, Shs 342.23 billion has been earmarked for enhancing growth and productivity opportunities for women enterprises (GROW). Parliament also appropriated Shs 3 billion to Jua-kali Enterprises to transition into the formal economy, Shs 5 billion for Enterprise Funds for Older Persons, Shs 121.218 billion towards Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) and Shs 13.2 billion for Special Grants for Persons with Disability, and Shs 8.7 billion towards the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP).Industrialization and private sector development Shs 174.99 billion was allocated for SMEs in the manufacturing and export sectors through the Investment for Industrial Transformation and Employment (INVITE) program; Shs 155.6 billion for infrastructure development of industrial parks; Shs 50 billion for capitalization of the Agriculture Credit facility to support farmers, but mainly agro-processors that focus on value addition; At least Shs 85.92 billion has been appropriated for the capitalization of the Uganda Development Bank. This will support the entire agriculture ecosystem, the private sector players to increase the stock and quality of tourism facilities, and the financing of the local production of essential goods as a precursor to achieving import substitution, among others. Shs 151.27 billion was allocated towards the Resource Enhancement and Accountability Programme (REAP), to increase resource mobilization, improve planning and public investment management, and strengthen accountability for quality, effective, and efficient service delivery.Commercialising agriculture Breeding, production, multiplication, and availing of animal seed and poultry to farmers countrywide (NAGRC&DB) Shs 24.43 billion; animal feed production on government ranches and farms: Shs 13.1 billion; innovations for management and control of livestock diseases, vectors, and parasites Shs 60 billion; research products and services suited for food, feed, market, and industry Shs 24.1 billion; and developing the requisite research infrastructure to support the development of products for food, nutrition, and industry to accelerate the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Shs 11.39 billion. Parliament put aside Shs 24.88 billion to support the production, marketing, and extension of oil palm in Buvuma, Mayuge, and Kalangala districts under the Ministry of Agriculture; Shs 72.6 billion to support oilseed research, multiplication, and agronomy in the oilseed growing districts; Shs 30 billion to support the certification and production of seeds, breeds and fingerlings to ensure seed quality, including the provision of machinery, laboratories, and irrigation equipment for seed testing and evaluation; and Shs 14.1 to establish and/or upgrade seed storage, threshing, and drying facilities to ensure sustainable supply of quality seed. Shs 18.52 billion to purchase assorted animal vaccines, tick acaricides, vaccine cold chain equipment, and assorted laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies for control of animal diseases; Shs 32.4 billion to construct disease diagnostic and analytical infrastructure for quality assurance; Shs 21 billion to revamp the National Animal Quarantine and Evaluation Centre in Entebbe to promote exports and safe guard the national herd in case of animal imports; and Shs 70 billion to construct and equip zonal agricultural mechanisation centres. Shs 23 billion has been allocated to the procurement of tractors, matching implements, walking tractors, and assorted equipment and machinery units; Shs 97.5 billion for the provision of bulk water supply to support irrigation, water for livestock, and aquaculture; Shs 56 billion for the construction of the Acomai irrigation scheme; Shs 30.4 billion for the construction of Atari irrigation to support rice production; and Shs 134 billion for the construction and improvement of zonal aquaculture indoor hatchery and cage culture facilities for massive fingerling production. Transport Infrastructure Development Shs 2.221 trillion to start construction of standard gauge railway (SGR) and continue implementing preparatory activities for SGR; Shs 3 billion for maintenance of 13 aerodromes in Arua, Gulu, Paluba, Mansidi, Lira, Kidepo, Moroto, Soroti, Tororo, Jinja, Mbarara, Kasese and Kisoro. Construction and upgrade of national roads and bridges Shs 1.27 trillion; Shs 142.3 Billion for the rehabilitation of district, urban, and community access roads; and Shs 1 billion to each district, City and municipality for road grading, murram, and compacting. In total, Shs 176 billion has been allocated for this purpose. Equally, Shs 11.8 billion has been allocated for the development and construction of ferries and Shs 592 billion to address flooding, traffic congestion, poor road infrastructure, un-signalised junctions, the provision of street lighting, and stormwater drainage enhancements in Kampala. Tourism Development Shs 11.29 billion for the Mt. Rwenzori Tourism Infrastructure, including improving the existing trails and establishing shorter ones; and Shs 8.24 billion for the development of museums and heritage sites for cultural tourism. Shs 12.77 billion for the development of Nile tourism. Infrastructure that includes the construction of modern piers, docking places for boats, and other amenities.Health Services Shs 702.79 billion for procurement of TB, AIDS, and malaria; Shs 349.68 billion for GAVI vaccines and health sector development; and Shs 57.8 billion for Uganda’s COVID-19 response and emergency preparedness. The MPs rationed Shs 57.4 billion for the construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute; Shs 38.56 billion for infrastructure development at the Uganda Cancer Institute; Shs 20 billion for the rehabilitation and construction of general hospitals; Shs 12.7 billion for the establishment of regional oncology and diagnostic centres in Arua, Mbale, and Mbarara; Shs 569 billion for essential medicines and health supplies for all health centres, general hospitals, regional referral hospitals, and national referral hospitals; and Shs 29.93 billion for specialised medicines, reagents, sundries, servicing, and maintenance of equipment at Mulago National Referral Hospital. At least Shs 10 billion for the completion of the 150 staff housing units; Shs 26.35 billion for local government primary health care services.Education Shs 4 billion was given to the grant aiding 38 primary schools and Shs 11.28 billion for the grant aiding 46 secondary schools; Shs 4.3 billion for the renovation and expansion of facilities in 36 secondary schools; and Shs 27.52 billion towards the Higher Education Students Financing Board for a new cohort of about 1,200 students for financial year 2O24/25 and to support about 3,500 continuing students. More than Shs 20.9 billion towards teacher education and training, inclusive of setting up and operationalizing the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) and the establishment of the National Teacher Council. Shs 16.9 billion was allocated towards physical education and sports for support to primary, secondary, and other education institutions, and Shs 4.9 billion for the procurement of instructional materials for the lower secondary curriculum. Shs 362 billion was geared towards the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP) for the construction of 60 seed schools in sub-counties without secondary schools and the expansion of 61 existing government secondary schools with special consideration of refugee hosting districts; Shs 28.43 billion towards TVET Trainers’ Research and Innovation for Training; and Shs 48 billion for the National Council of Sports.Digital Transformation Shs 113.7 billion has been allocated to the Government Network (GovNet) project towards expanding the digital infrastructure outreach, strengthening digital infrastructure complements, and mainstreaming digital services in priority sectors, among others.Energy, Oil and Gas Development Shs 668.2 billion is towards midstream petroleum infrastructure development; Shs 530 billion is for the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP). The project is intended to increase the proportion of the population with access to electricity from 24% to 44% by 2027. Shs 241.7 billion towards the Karuma Hydroelectricity Power Project; Shs 126 billion for enhancing power supply to industrial parks and power transmission line extensions; and Shs 93.75 billion to enhance rural electrification and connectivity across the country.Water Supply and Sanitation Shs 315 billion for integrated water resources management and development. The funds are intended to enhance water supply and sanitation in small towns and rural areas. Shs 161 billion for the development of solar-powered irrigation and water supply systems; Shs 113.47 billion for providing farmers with access to irrigation water, supporting farmers carrying out on-farm irrigation, accessing production and value-added knowledge and skills; and Shs 1O4 billion to enhance safe water supply in rural areas and improved sanitation facilities across the country.Mineral Beneficiation For Uganda to reap the benefits of its mineral resources, Uganda’s mineral deposits will be quantified to ascertain their value before beneficiation. For the development of minerals, an allocation of Shs 41.5bn has been allocated.{loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 12 Jun 2024 01:38:21
Experts: Diapers are Uganda’s growing environmental crisis
Before arriving at the Kiteezi landfill in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso district, the primary dumping site for all waste from the Kampala Metropolitan Area, one encounters heaps of assorted waste: plastics, mineral water bottles, glass bottles, metallic scrap, paper waste, and polythene bags. This waste is meticulously sorted immediately after collection from its source. Each worker on the garbage trucks, derogatorily referred to as “kalooli” (a term derived from the marabou stork commonly found at garbage pits), specializes in a particular type of waste. As the truck moves from home to home and office to office, valuable waste is sorted and set aside for sale, either at Kiteezi or beforehand. What remains is decomposing material such as banana leaves used for cooking, leftovers, diapers, and other single-use sanitary items. “The only waste that has no market is what ends up at Kiteezi,” said Sulaiman Magemule, the director of Majestic Waste, a waste collection company operating in Kasangati Town Council. “We haven’t found any use for pampers and sanitary pads, yet it’s almost impossible to collect waste from a home without these two items,” Magemule added. Kato James, a rubbish collector at Kiteezi, echoed this sentiment. He noted that in his years working at Kiteezi, many types of rubbish have found markets, but there is still no demand for diapers, which now constitute a significant portion of the waste. “Most of the garbage has found a market. We have people specializing in collecting different forms of waste. I can tell you, without this garbage, I don’t know where many of us would be. Tulya kukasasiro [We make our living from waste],” Kato said. From Kato and Magemule’s perspectives, it is clear that there is an increase in non-biodegradable waste with little effort towards its management. Very few homes or organizations, including large institutions like schools, have incinerators to burn their non-biodegradable waste such as sanitary pads and diapers. When, in May 2023, Members of Parliament approved a tax on diapers, there was an uproar from some opposition MPs questioning the rationale behind the move. They wondered what Uganda was thinking in imposing such a tax when the world is moving away from using cloth diapers. In her report to parliament, the deputy chairperson of the Finance Planning and Economic Development Committee, Jane Pacutho, stated that the government had wanted to exempt only adult diapers from the tax, arguing that they are medical goods. “The committee observed that diapers are not biodegradable, making them an environmental hazard. The proposed change in law is aimed at clarifying that it is adult diapers that are treated as medical goods, not all diapers,” Pacutho said. Female MPs from the opposition argued against the tax, saying it was regressive and worked against the interests of women, who would now need more time for the sanitary needs of their babies, hence limiting their productive time. “While the government proposal to impose a tax increase on diapers is intended to boost revenue, the country stands to lose if the productive time of mothers is wasted in washing reusable diapers,” said Joyce Bagala, the Woman MP for Mityana. Opposing the tax, Muwanga Kivumbi, the MP for Butambala County, questioned the assertion that diapers are non-biodegradable. He claimed that this was based on hearsay rather than facts. Despite pleas, including those from the State Minister for Finance, Amos Lugoloobi, MPs approved the tax on all diapers. The parliamentary debate clearly focused more on economic considerations than on the environmental impact of diapers. Over the past decade, Uganda has seen a proliferation of companies producing non-reusable and non-degradable sanitary ware. These include baby and adult diapers, sanitary pads, daily pant liners, disposable bed sheets, and maternity pads. Most of these products are made from polythene and factory-grade absorbent gels, which are non-biodegradable. The trend now is that nobody wants to wash anything. As these products have become more readily available, their prices have decreased, with a single-use diaper or pad costing just Shs 500. But how much of a problem are these products for the environment? According to research by McGill University in the United States, a child can use between 3,000 to 7,000 diapers until they learn to use a potty. The research also shows that because diapers are made from petroleum products, they can take up to 500 years to decompose. Additionally, the fecal content in diapers can leach into groundwater, especially from older landfills. This contrasts with the waste from cloth diapers, which is washed down the toilet and treated in sewage facilities. Unlike in America, where substantial research is available on the environmental dangers of diapers and other disposable products, little has been done in Uganda. However, the problem is undeniably being felt. Environmentalist Oweyagha Afunaaduula says that until those with the power to safeguard the environment stop paying lip service and, in some cases, participating in its destruction, Uganda will never find a solution to the menace posed by these non-biodegradable products. “The most urgent environmental issue we face in Uganda is the intellectually impoverished and ignorant governors. They are collectively the worst pollutants in Uganda, yet they are the ones we expect to lead us in the struggle to salvage our environment,” said Afunaaduula, who has previously campaigned against the use of non-biodegradable chemicals to combat water hyacinth on Lake Victoria and the rising number of plastics factories. Afunaaduula argues that since most of the materials used in the manufacture of non-biodegradable products come from abroad, fighting them would be easy if the government cared to do so. However, he believes this would be difficult because many government officials own factories that produce these materials. “Many political, military, and bureaucratic actors are involved in various economic activities, and their factories contribute to environmental pollution. We cannot expect them to play a pivotal role against pollution. Besides, President Museveni’s philosophy of development prioritizes infrastructural development over social development,” Afunaaduula explained. His views align with those of Frank Muramuzi, the executive director of the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE). Muramuzi expressed concern over the increased use of diapers and the years they take to decompose. “We are encouraging alternatives to polythene bags, such as paper bags. For diapers, we encourage mothers and caregivers to use reusable materials instead of single-use products to reduce demand and lessen extractivism,” Muramuzi said. He added that although they have supported taxation on plastics to discourage their use, they have found that taxes are ineffective as they are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. Muramuzi also emphasized the need to incorporate gender issues in environmental management. He believes that until women, who are the primary users of single-use plastics, realize the environmental dangers of their actions, the fight will be lost. “While we advocate for the use of diapers to reduce the time women spend on unpaid care work, we must investigate their quality. We must also consider how this waste is disposed of at the household level. That is the only way we can progress without posing a threat to our environment,” Muramuzi concluded. Naome Karekaho, the spokesperson of NEMA, admitted that diapers are indeed an emerging environmental hazard, and there are no specific laws to address them. “Diapers are non-degradable, and the alternatives are not yet attractive to mothers. The best way to handle them would be to separate them from other waste and incinerate them. Currently, waste is not separated at the source. Many waste management issues need to be addressed before focusing specifically on diapers,” Karekaho said. Even with the restriction on buveera (plastic bags), Karekaho noted the challenges in enforcing this ban. “The National Environment Act mandates banning plastic carrier bags of 30 microns, but this is very difficult to enforce since one cannot distinguish between 30 and 35 microns with the naked eye. Manufacturers have also been mislabeling in some cases. The law will need to be revised for proper enforcement,” Karekaho added. Christine Nakimwero Kkaaya, the Woman MP for Kiboga District and the Shadow Minister for Environment, stated that although the government has enacted laws to protect the environment, very little has been done to implement them. “NEMA selectively enforces the rules. Often, the individuals causing the most harm are allowed to do whatever they want,” Nakimwero said. She added that there is limited support for those tasked with monitoring environmental compliance. This situation has given investors the leeway not only to construct in wetlands and other restricted areas but also to manufacture products harmful to the environment. “Somebody might say, ‘Yes, I know what I’m doing is wrong, but you left the other person alone. Why should I comply when everyone else is not complying?’ Therefore, we need to increase the budget for organizations that ensure compliance, crack down on corruption within these organizations, and address the impunity of some government officials who feel they are untouchable and can do whatever they want,” Nakimwero emphasized.mmkakembo@gmail.com ashleymwesigye@gmail.com {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 12 Jun 2024 20:37:57
How two friends conspired to rob another friend of Shs 3m cash
After spending nearly a week in cells, Edrine Bugaya has confessed to knowing Bahati Kisekka who orchestrated an armed mobile money robbery at Bwebajja cell, Kajjansi town council, on Entebbe Road, in Wakiso district. Kisekka, last week attacked Maria Mbadiremu, a 28-year-old mobile money operator at around 11 pm using a pistol at a time when Bugaya was making a transaction. Kisekka pointed a pistol at Mbadiremu and Bugaya until the former succumbed to his demands and surrendered Shs 3 million cash. At the time, Bugaya was also pleading for mercy from Kisekka feigning ignorance of the robbery. However, Mbadiremu later realized that she has ever seen the face of the robber. She also recalled having ever seen Bugaya walking together with the robber.She alerted Bwebajja police suspecting that it was a connivance between Bugaya and Kisekka to rob her. Bwebajja police swung into action and arrested Bugaya who is a friend to Mbadiremu. Bugaya led police to Kisekka’s hideout located at Nadia Excel Recruitment Limited rented by a one Aisha Nanyonga.Bugaya and Kisekka have since confessed that they orchestrated the robbery together and the former’s mobile money transaction was a mere disguise. “We knew that Maria closes her mobile money shop late in the night and we know she usually leaves with money. We agreed that since I am her friend, I would make a late transaction and Kisekka would come to rob us,” Bugaya is quoted by investigators.Kisekka has also confessed but also accused Bugaya of hatching the plan because he knew all Mbadiremu’s movements and the time she closes her mobile money shop. “I didn’t know much about Maria but Bugaya knows her very well. He is the one who brought the idea and also planned how we were going to rob her when there are very few people in the night,” Kisekka reportedly said.Fred Enanga, police spokesperson quoting the investigators’ report, confirmed that Bugaya and Kisekka are known to each other but the former used his closeness to Mbadiremu to disguise as a person who needed to make a transaction but their end goal was to rob her money.“The response team established that Bugaya Edrine, had conspired with Bahati Kisekka, the armed suspect. Exhibits of evidential value, that include; an unmarked pistol without a magazine, Shs 1.5m, a black jumper, hood, face masks, mobile phones with supporting messages, were all recovered, from their known premises,” Enanga said.Enanga said the pistol used in the robbery was smuggled from South Sudan by Kiseka who is aged 27, to facilitate their criminal enterprise. Bugaya and Kisekka have been charged with possession of an illegal firearm, robbery and related conspiracies.
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@observer Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:36:03
Budget 2024-25: vote allocations and proposed tax reforms
To jump-start the financial year beginning in July, the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, will continue the yearly tradition on June 13, 2024, by presenting the budget in front of members of parliament and the cabinet. This budget speech, a practice upheld by his predecessors, will be broadcast on all major media outlets for the public to follow. Put together by technocrats in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development and approved by Parliament, the budget purposes to allocate resources from the consolidated fund (the government’s account) to various public entities known as votes, ensuring the smooth operation of government functions. A vote is an entity that receives payments from the consolidated fund under specific conditions, such as a ministry. In his lengthy speech, the Minister of Finance will provide a detailed breakdown of how the approved budget will be allocated among various entities, outline the government’s obligations and expenses, and present the overall resource envelope for the financial year. This is what to expect in the FY 2024/25 budget speech: The national budget for FY 2024/25 is Shs 72.130 trillion [$18.9 billion] up from Shs 52.74 trillion [$13,998 billion] in FY 2023/24, and Shs 48.13 trillion [$12,774 billion] in FY 2022/23. The budget is going to be financed by domestic revenue which comprises tax, non tax, oil revenue and local government revenue to the tune of Shs 32,384 billion [$8.4 billion]. Budget Support [Grants and loans] Shs 1,393.66 billion [$365.7 million].Domestic borrowing Shs 8,967.96 billion [$2.3 billion].Project Support [Grants, loans] Shs 9,583.46 billion [$2.5 billion].Domestic debt refinancing Shs 19,800.23 billion [$5.1 billion]. The government debt obligations in the next financial year are: Interest payments Shs 9.064 billion [$2.3 billion].External debt repayments Shs 3.149 billion [$826.4 million]. Domestic debt payment including to Bank of Uganda Shs 9.1 trillion [$2.3 billion].Domestic refinancing Shs 12,021 billion [$3.1 billion]. On how the national budget is going to be compartmentalized among different votes this financial year; the critical allotments are: Ministry of Defence – Shs 3.880 trillion [$ 1,029 billion]. Ministry of works and transport – Shs 2.875 trillion [$763.2 million].Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development – Shs. 2.349 trillion [$623.5 million].Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development – Shs 2.092 trillion [$555.4 million].Ministry of Health – Shs 1.056 trillion [$280.4 million]. Uganda National Roads Authority – Shs 1.839 trillion [$488.1 million].State house – Shs 421.922 billion [$111.9 million].Office of the president – Shs 281.233 billion [$74.6 million].Office of the prime minister – Shs 114.184 billion [$30.3 million]. Parliamentary commission [Parliament] – Shs 944.745 billion [$250.7 million].Ministry of Education and Sports – Shs 975.534 billion [$258.9 million].Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries – Shs 801.662 billion [$212.7 million].Uganda Police Force – Shs 827.423 billion [$219.6 million].Uganda Prisons Service – Shs 322.864 billion [$85.6 million]. Uganda Revenue Authority – Shs 619. 790 billion [$164.5 million].Kampala City Council Authority – Shs 796.409 billion [$211.3 million].Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs – Shs 40.175 billion [$10.6 million].Uganda Road Fund – Shs 401.952 billion [$106.6 million]. Mulago National Referral Hospital – Shs 125.436 billion [$33.2 million].Kiruddu National Referral Hospital – Shs 27.435 billion [$7.2 million].Makerere University – Shs 353.986 billion [$ 93.9 million].Internal Security Organisation [ISO] – Shs 195.783 billion [$51.9 million]. External Security Organisation [ESO] – Shs 103.589 billion [$27.4 million].Electoral Commission – Shs 148.890 billion [$39.5 million].Ministry of Tourism, wildlife and Antiquities – Shs 218.119 billion [$57.8 million].Uganda Tourism Board – Shs 27.330 billion [$7.2 million]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Shs 30.559 billion [$8.1 million].Cotton Development Organisation – Shs 5.373 billion [$1.4 million].Ministry of Public service – Shs 36.531 billion [$9.4 million].In government’s pursuit for additional income to fund its serviceability; it has proposed amendments to the income, value added, excise, and stamp duties to deepen the public purse. These amendments are: A 5 per cent tax to be imposed on gains from the disposal of non-business assets like shares of a private company, and land within cities and municipalities. Profits/losses from the transfer of assets between spouses which presently don’t qualify for income tax purposes are likely to be lifted.Profits earned by an enterprise are to be subjected to taxation and other profits of the enterprise’s branch outside of it but closely related to its activities in Uganda may also be taxed. An introduction of a 2 per cent withholding tax on interest payments for debentures [bonds] issued to non-resident taxpayers, foreign banks, and financial institutions. Certain interest will be subject to a 15 per cent withholding tax rate. A 15 per cent withholding tax on annuities paid by a resident person to a non-resident person.A 10 per cent withholding tax charged on commission paid to payment service providers. When an employer makes a supply of goods, services to an employee at no cost, such a supply is to be treated as a supply to be considered for value added tax [VAT] purposes. The threshold for VAT refund claims has been increased from Shs 5 million [$1,327] to Shs 10 million [$2,654]; implying that you can only claim for a VAT refund when you reach the Shs 10 million mark.VAT withholding agents will be personally liable to pay the amount of VAT they haven’t withheld. VAT is to be charged on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and hoes. These were previously exempt from VAT.An increase in tax on gasoline and gas oil by Shs 100 per litre, and Shs 300 per litre for kerosene.Excise tax of Shs 2,500 per kilogram to be levied on powder for reconstitution into beer. Initially, this was tax-free. A 0.5 per cent tax of the value of cash withdrawn through a payment system rather than a financial institution, or, micro-finance deposit taking institution.Shs 550 per litre tax on fermented beverages like cider, perry, mead or near beer produced from locally grown, or produced raw materials. International calls from Burundi, and Tanzania will be subjected to preferential excise duty rates. Adhesives like grout, white cement, or, lime are to be subject to a duty rate of Shs 500 per kilogram. In spite of the adjustments made to the national budget for FY 2024/25 such as the Shs 19.394 trillion [$5.1 billion] corrigenda, and detailed tax proposals; history has shown time and again that government has never worked within its limits. Therefore, supplementary budgets should be expected to be tabled before parliament for additional funding during the course of the approaching financial year.kidambamark3@gmail.com {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:52:02
Kabale couple remanded over murder, aggravated robbery
A couple in Kabale has been remanded to Ndorwa prison over charges of murder and aggravated robbery. Desire Kwizera, 26, and his wife only identified as Uwingabire, 19, allegedly killed Godfrey Twinomujuni Ntegyire, a resident of Karujabura village, Kitumba sub-county, Kabale district on May 31. Twinomujuni was a well-known local porridge (obushera and enturire) seller in Kabale town. According to court records, the suspects killed Twinomujuni and later stole his belongings, including a mattress, an iron box, a radio, a suitcase, a bicycle, three watches, utensils and ATM card. When they reached the Uganda-Rwanda border at Chanika in Kisoro district on June 1, 2024. They were intercepted by Ugandan security officials due to lack of travel documents. Upon investigation, it was established that they were fleeing after killing Twinomujuni. On interrogation, Kwizera allegedly admitted to killing Twinomujuni. Appearing before court on Tuesday, Rachael Nkanzi, Kabale district state attorney said that investigations into the case are still ongoing. Julius Mutabaazi, Kabale grade one magistrate remanded the couple to Ndorwa government prison until June 27. {loadposition inarticle}
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@allafrica Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:54:38
Budget - Ugandans Want Roads, Hospitals Fixed
[Observer] Today, Matia Kasaija, the minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development will present a Shs 72 trillion budget for the financial year 2024-2025. Devon Ssuubi and Timothy Nsubuga went to the streets and asked the public what they would like from the budget.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:02:56
Pope Francis asks Priests to keep sermons short to prevent congregations from falling asleep
Pope Francis has asked Catholic priests to keep their sermons short so that their audience doesn’t fall asleep during Mass. According to the Pope, the sermons should not be longer than eight minutes. “The sermon must be brief: an image, a thought, and a sentiment. It must not go beyond eight minutes because after that […] The post Pope Francis asks Priests to keep sermons short to prevent congregations from falling asleep appeared first on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:27:10
Woman bites off husband’s genitals during fight, claims she acted in self defense
A woman in Buikwe district has bitten off her husband’s genitalia during a fight. The victim has been identified as Kaira Ssentamu, a resident of Tongoro village in Nyenga Division. It is reported that the couple had a misunderstanding that escalated into a fight. During the altercation, the woman bit off the man’s genitalia, claiming […] The post Woman bites off husband’s genitals during fight, claims she acted in self defense appeared first on Matooke Republic.
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