observer.ug
@observer Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:31:29
Malawi human rights activists march against conflict in Gaza
In Malawi, rights activists and leaders from various religious groups organized a march Wednesday to call for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Some of the hundreds of people who participated in the street march carried placards and banners condemning the conflict in Gaza and appealed for peace to return to the enclave.
This is the first time religious leaders in Malawi have marched against a conflict so far — nearly 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) — from home. Shaibu Abdurrahman Ajasi, chairperson of the Forum for Democracy and Rights Defenders, which organized the march, said Malawi had a duty to join the people in countries around the world who are speaking out against the conflict.
“Enough is enough, and we, too, should stand up and speak against what is happening in Gaza,” Ajasi said.
Their concern, he said, is the killing of innocent people. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that 11,000 people — about 40 per cent of them children — have been killed since Israel launched a major air and ground offensive in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people.
About 240 people were kidnapped and are currently being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military said Wednesday that its troops raided Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, a complex of buildings where thousands of people have sheltered.
Israel has accused Hamas, which controls Gaza, of using the hospital and its patients as human shields for command centers and safe houses. Hamas and hospital officials deny the accusations.
Bishop Joshua Jere, president of the Pastors Peacemakers Fraternal group of Christian religious leaders in Malawi, said, “We see a lot of children are suffering, a lot of women are suffering. I would be happy if soldiers could shoot soldiers rather than kill children or women or innocent people. So, it’s my prayer. I believe in peace.”
Sheikh Muslim Abbas Vinjenje, secretary-general for the Ulama Council of Malawi, a group of Muslim scholars, said that what is happening in Gaza is tantamount to war crimes.
“Our main expectation is a cease-fire in Gaza and that Benjamin Netanyahu, who is the prime minister of Israel, should be taken to International Criminal Court to be investigated for war crimes and genocide, which he and his army commanders have conducted to the people of Gaza,” Vinjenje said.
The top UN human rights official said last week the atrocities that Hamas fighters committed in Israel October 7 also amounted to war crimes. Ajasi said the Forum for Democracy and Rights Defenders will organize another march in the capital, Lilongwe, in two weeks’ time should the conflict continue.
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@observer Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:11:38
UNBS tasks nsenene dealers to observe edible insects standards
The Uganda Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has cautioned nsenene (edible grasshoppers) dealers to abide by the set national standards on edible insects, to protect the health of their consumers.
The Uganda Standard (US 28 EAS 39:2002) for Edible Insects compels handlers to produce, prepare, and handle them in accordance with the code of practice for hygiene in the food and drink manufacturing industry.
The standard requires that the maximum content of aflatoxins in edible insects when determined in accordance with the method described in US ISO 16050, shall not exceed five to 10 micrograms per kilogram depending on the type of the toxic substance. A microgram is equivalent to a millionth of a gram. However, UNBS has reissued warnings about possible health effects that may arise from consuming improperly handled insects, especially if the standards are not observed.
The standard also requires that edible insects comply with the maximum heavy metal limits established by the CODEX Alimentarius Commission for similar commodities. The CODEX Alimentarius Commission is a specialized body implementing food standards set by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation.
The edible insects must be free from adulterants, unnecessary material, and objectionable odour, as well as free from infestation and contamination from pests. While it is nearly impossible for an ordinary consumer to detect the presence of aflatoxins, UNBS says any suspicion of contamination should be reported through their toll-free numbers.
In March, the UNBS launched the Edible Insects Standard, US 2146:2020 Edible Insects Specification, in collaboration with Makerere University School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Systems Engineering (Food Science) with support from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE).
UNBS says the standard is aimed at promoting safe consumption of edible insects which are harvested, processed, and traded for consumption in Uganda. They also came at a time when nsenene was gaining demand in the export market, especially by Ugandans in the diaspora.
In recent times, there have been concerns about adulteration, with some claiming the use of formalin, a preservative for dead bodies. Others reportedly use insecticide spray to keep flies away from highly perishable products.
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@chimpreports Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:58:56
One Killed as Police Disperse Rioters in Kireka
One person has been confirmed dead, after a stray bullet him during a protest at Kireka Barracks. The police say the incident took place yesterday during a demonstration at Kireka Barracks involving residents of the area. The demonstrators, by blocking roads and burning car tires, engaged in unlawful activities. Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Luke …
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kampalasun.co.ug
@kampalasun Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:23:50
UBL’s “wrong side of the road” survey shines spotlight on responsible drinking at Nyege Nyege Festival
By Ranell Dickson Nsereko Amidst the vibrant beats and vibes of energy at the Uganda Waragi Nyege Nyege festival in Jinja City, a responsible…
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@kfm Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:53:25
Kyabazinga wedding: Royal chiefs disagree over conjugal rights
As preparations for the Busoga royal wedding get into high gear, cultural leaders in Busoga Kingdom have disagreed over a traditional practice prohibiting married couples from getting intimate on the night of the royal wedding. Patrick Mudungu, the head of traditional healers in the kingdom has cautioned the people of Busoga against involvement in any sexual acts on the night of the wedding scheduled for November 18. Mudungu says this is highly condemned in the traditional setting and whoever will not heed to the directive risks being attacked by evil spirits. He advises that on this day, all married couples should sleep on the floor and on separate beds to avoid temptations. However, Abdallah Suta, the head of the Twins’ […]
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@kfm Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:45:51
Over 1,000 Congolese refugees flee fresh ADF rebel attacks
By Longino Muhindo & Alex Ashaba More than 1,000 Congolese refugees yesterday fled to Bundibugyo District in western Uganda following reports of fresh attacks by suspected rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The refugees reported an attack on their villages by ADF rebels on Sunday night in the areas of Kichanga, Watalinga County in Beni District in DR Congo. The rebels allegedly killed an unknown number of community members, prompting residents to flee. According to Lt Col Alex Bright, the Bundibugyo resident district commissioner, at least 16 people were killed during the Sunday attack. He said refugees are currently being temporarily accommodated at Butoogho Primary School and Butoogho Saira Church of Uganda in […]
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@kfm Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:25:55
Broker seeks stay of trial in Wakiso land case
Real estate dealer Muhammad Kamonga, who faces charges related to a 200-acre land in Bukaya, Entebbe, has petitioned the High Court seeking orders to stay his trial, alleging a witch-hunt. He also requests the case file to be transferred to the High Court for review. Kamonga is currently embroiled in criminal charges of forging land titles at the Entebbe Chief Magistrates Court, where his next hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2023. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) alleges that on May 7, 2021, at the Wakiso lands office, Kamonga, with the intent to deceive, forged a transfer form for the said land on block 435 plot 8, purporting to have been signed by a one Peter Bibangamba, whereas not. […]
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