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@matookerepublic Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:03:21
Johnnie Walker Uganda takes over Strictly Soul
If you missed the second edition of Strictly Soul at Golden Hill in Muyenga, you missed a truly unforgettable night. The event stands out on Kampala’s social calendar for exactly the right reason; a fusion of soulful music, nostalgia, and pure luxury. Strictly Soul recently got a new headline sponsor in Johnnie Walker Uganda, who […] The post Johnnie Walker Uganda takes over Strictly Soul first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:09:46
Stanbic Bank Appoints Mumba Kalifungwa As New CEO
[Independent (Kampala)] Kampala -- Stanbic Bank Uganda has named Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2025, following regulatory approvals. Mumba, who succeeds Anne Juuko, brings nearly 30 years of professional experience, including over 20 years in senior roles across the banking sector in Botswana, Zambia, and Uganda.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:31:43
Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth Donates Yellow Tents to His Constituents
[Nile Post] West Budama Central Constituency turned a vibrant shade of yellow as Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, donated 100-seater yellow tents to each of the 23 parishes within his constituency.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:32:13
Dr. Magoola Wins Prestigious Molecular Biologist Award for His Cutting Edge Vaccines Research
[Nile Post] Dr. Matthias Magoola, the founder and Managing Director of Dei Biopharma Ltd, has been recognised at the prestigious International Molecular Biologist Awards for his contributions to vaccines research.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:37:20
Eacop Equips Youth From Project Affected Households With Vocational Skills
[Nile Post] The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd has facilitated the skilling of youth from project-affected households as part of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:27:34
Floods Leave Hundreds Stranded On Adjumani-Sinyanya Road
[Nile Post] Hundreds of passengers were left stranded on Tuesday evening along the flooded Adjumani-Sinyanya road after vehicles failed to access the Sinyanya ferry landing site due to two trucks stuck in a submerged section of the road.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:27:35
Residents of Busaba Sub-County At Risk of Waterborne Diseases
[Nile Post] Residents of Busaba Sub-County in Butaleja District are at an increased risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases following the contamination of several water sources in the area.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:36:31
Uganda Signs Agreement to Host Unesco Antenna Office
[Nile Post] The Minister of Foreign Affairs Odongo Jeje Abubakhar has together with the Director UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ms. Haxthausen Louise signed a Host Country Agreement upgrading the UNESCO Office in Uganda, from its current status as a project office to an Antennae office.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:38:06
Museveni Asks Leaders to Document PDM Beneficiaries
[Nile Post] President Museveni has challenged leaders, especially chairpersons at different levels and sub county chiefs, to document the beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in order to help government track the effectiveness in implementing the program.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:38:11
GBV Survivors in Rural Areas Can Only Dream About Access to Justice
[Observer] Imagine a young girl on Sigulu island in Namayingo district, her body bruised, her spirit broken, walking miles to a health facility only to be turned away; not for lack of compassion, but because the law prevents the available enrolled nurse from documenting the evidence she needs to access justice.
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@kfm Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:46:26
ULS to launch online platform for reporting judicial misconduct
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is set to launch an online complaint form for whistleblowers to report judicial misconduct. ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde on Wednesday emphasized the society’s commitment to investigating and addressing all complaints. The ULS has directed the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to expedite investigations into complaints against Judge Ssekaana, which have been pending since 2018, and to publish the findings by January 15, 2025. Ssemakadde warned that this deadline is non-negotiable and that the ULS expects immediate action from the JSC. “We have to fight for a Justice system that serves the people. We must be prepared to take bold action in the new year,” Ssemakadde said. Several lawyers, including Zaina Nabukenya, have come forward with complaints […] The post ULS to launch online platform for reporting judicial misconduct first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@matookerepublic Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:55:43
A Culinary Masterclass: Chef Raphael Delights Foodies at Meet and Greet
Yesterday (Tuesday, December 17), celebrated Kenyan Chef- Raphael King’ori aka Chef Raphael, hosted prominent media personalities and Kampala’s influential food enthusiasts to an enticing Meet-and-Greet event, where he took them through a fascinating live cooking session. The meet and greet with Chef Raphael was held at Emin Pasha Hotel, and the evening’s host used the […] The post A Culinary Masterclass: Chef Raphael Delights Foodies at Meet and Greet first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:52:59
Businesswoman gang-raped in her shop before being robbed of Shs10 million
A 38-year-old businesswoman was gang-raped and robbed of Shs 10 million by a group of unknown assailants at her shop in Bumwalya Cell, Bumbo Town Council, Namisindwa District. The victim, whose name has been withheld for her safety, shared that six men forcibly entered her shop around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, where she had been […] The post Businesswoman gang-raped in her shop before being robbed of Shs10 million first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@allafrica Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:07:12
Museveni Directs Leaders to Document PDM Beneficiaries
[Nile Post] The PDM is a government strategy aimed at eradicating poverty and fostering socio-economic transformation in Uganda by focusing on the parish as the lowest administrative and operational hub for planning and development. It is designed to deliver inclusive and sustainable development by addressing issues of production, financial inclusion, and service delivery at the grassroots level.
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@kfm Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:32:38
DNA tests boost non-tax revenue – Lab director
The director of the Government Analytical Laboratory, Kepher Kuchana, revealed on Tuesday that the government generated half a billion shillings from DNA testing during a recent surge in demand for these services. He made the revelation while appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs, chaired by Nyabushozi County MP Wilson Kajwengye, to defend the Forensic Evidence Bill 2024. When questioned by MPs about the generation of non-tax revenue by his entity, Kuchana confirmed that they indeed earn income from services provided to both government agencies and private citizens. He cited DNA testing as an example, disclosing that over half a billion shillings was generated within a three-month period. “We had a spike in the requests for DNA. […] The post DNA tests boost non-tax revenue – Lab director first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@matookerepublic Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:15:10
UCC introduces mandatory permits for all concerts
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced stricter regulations for the entertainment industry, requiring artistes to obtain official permits before hosting concerts. This move, aimed at ensuring compliance with broadcasting and performance standards, was confirmed by UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo. In a statement shared by Ibrahim Bbossa, UCC’s Head of Public and International Relations, […] The post UCC introduces mandatory permits for all concerts first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:34:30
Denis Omedi’s Rabona goal finishes third in 2024 FIFA Best Goals rankings
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has won the prestigious 2024 FIFA Puskás Award for his breathtaking bicycle kick against Everton. The Argentine’s sensational strike, scored in November 2023 at Goodison Park, was recognized as the best goal in world football for the year. Garnacho claimed the award with 26 points, beating Yassine Benzia’s impressive goal […] The post Denis Omedi’s Rabona goal finishes third in 2024 FIFA Best Goals rankings first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@observer Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:19:41
From crisis to conservation: The campaign saving Uganda’s vital River Rwizi
Since 2019, Nile Breweries and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have collaborated on an ambitious campaign to restore River Rwizi, a crucial water source and landmark in Mbarara city, Uganda. The river, which had suffered severe environmental degradation due to human activity, is now on a path to recovery thanks to comprehensive restoration efforts. THE IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITY ON RIVER RWIZI River Rwizi’s challenges stemmed largely from human interference, including the clearing of vegetation along its banks and the conversion of buffer zones into farmland. This left the river vulnerable to soil erosion, run-off, and garbage deposits, resulting in rising water levels, the breakdown of riverbanks, and intermittent flooding. The effects not only threatened the ecosystem but also disrupted the livelihoods of local communities dependent on the river. RESTORATION EFFORTS AND PROGRESS WWF’s restoration strategy has focused on tree planting and sustainable land management practices. Indigenous and exotic tree species like bamboo, mahogany, musambya, grevillea robusta, and muvule have been planted to stabilize the riverbanks and mitigate run-off. Immaculate Kobugabe, WWF’s Rwizi River project manager, explained that these efforts include digging trenches and planting grass strips to reinforce the banks and reduce erosion. In Kakigaani, Rwampara district, nine water-harvesting tanks with a 10,000-litre capacity each have been installed, providing clean water access to households that previously had to trek up to three kilometers for water. This intervention not only benefits over 1,000 residents but also minimizes human pressure on the river and reduces run-off into its waters. EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES To further ease the strain on River Rwizi, WWF and Nile Breweries have introduced a revolving fund to support local communities in adopting alternative livelihood activities. Farmers previously reliant on wetland farming have transitioned to practices such as sheep and goat rearing, beekeeping, and weaving. These initiatives have significantly reduced encroachment on wetlands, which are critical to the river’s ecosystem. ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES The restoration of River Rwizi has addressed pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. In 2022, flooding caused by excessive run off submerged the National Water and Sewerage Corporation pump house in Ruharo, rendering water unusable for both domestic and industrial purposes. Nile Breweries, which relies on the river for its operations, was similarly affected, forcing the company to source water from alternative and costly suppliers.However, with the restoration efforts in full swing, the river’s water quality and quantity have markedly improved. Nile Breweries managing director, Adu Rando, emphasized the progress made during the 2024 World Environment day commemoration. “We have restored the environment around River Rwizi by planting trees along 27 kilometers. This restoration will lead to significant improvements in water security and quality,” Rando said. THE ROLE OF TREE PLANTING Tree planting, particularly the emphasis on bamboo, has proven to be a cornerstone of the restoration strategy. Bamboo’s deep root systems stabilize soil and prevent erosion, ensuring less sediment is deposited into the river. The increased tree coverage, now at 18 hectares, is a testament to the program’s effectiveness. A BROADER VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY River Rwizi spans 13 districts in southwestern Uganda, covering 8,000 square kilometers along its 270-kilometer length. By 2025, WWF and Nile Breweries aim to invest over Shs 2 billion in its restoration. Their comprehensive approach— combining environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable development—has not only revived the river but also enhanced the quality of life for those who depend on it. A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The collaboration between WWF and Nile Breweries demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. By restoring River Rwizi, they are safeguarding a vital resource for future generations while setting a precedent for sustainable practices in environmental conservation and community development. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:44:25
Plight of Abavandimwe tops Nabbanja’s priorities for 2025
Maria Sekaziga is a proud old girl of Gayaza High School and Makerere University. Throughout her life, the 54-year-old has worked in different civil service roles but as she contemplates retirement, she is deeply bothered that her efforts and contribution to the country’s development have not been appreciated. A few months ago, she went to renew her passport at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) and she was shocked to have her documents rejected. “I was told to prove my Ugandan citizenship by providing certified documents about my parents and grandparents. I thought it was a joke but the officials rejected my application and up to this day I have no valid passport,” she says. Sekaziga’s ‘crime’ is being a daughter of Banyarwanda parents who emigrated to Uganda in the 1950s and since then took on Uganda citizenship. According to her testimony, DCIC officials declined her application on grounds that she could not prove her Ugandan lineage. “My lack of identification and passport has significantly affected my livelihood and I find it very difficult to do bank and mobile money transactions,” she says. Sekaziga’s plight is just one of the hundreds that Banyarwanda descendants, popularly known as Abavandimwe, face daily at DCIC as well as at the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). “It is outright discrimination that humiliates and embarrasses us as second-class citizens,” says Frank Gashumba, the interim head of the Council of Bavandimwe in Uganda. The plight of Abavandimwe discrimination has been greatly discussed in various national platforms, especially parliament. In April this year, the Abavandimwe council petitioned parliament decrying discrimination and violation of their citizenship rights. They even met President Museveni on October 23 and he promised to address their concerns. On October 28, 2024, the president guided cabinet to make sure this is solved. Nonetheless, little was done and the issue reached a head on November 28 when Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured Ugandans to give government two months to address the plight of Abavandimwe. This followed the findings of the Committee on Defence and Veteran Affairs that had punched holes in the Abavandimwe plight. The committee’s report, which has since been binned, claimed that a total of 4,554 Abavandimwe applicants were red-flagged for having fraudulently acquired IDs. Gashumba argued that the report disregarded the testimonies of the victims such as Sekaziga and failed to suggest any meaningful actions to rectify the situation as it cleared DCIC and NIRA of any wrongdoing, further serving to cover up the abuses that the Banyarwanda community continue to endure. On her part, Nabbanja assured all stakeholders that government will come up with a policy that will protect the Abavandimwe from discrimination within two months. It remains to be seen whether Nabbanja’s assertion will bear fruit but it goes without saying that the Abavandimwe badly need government’s intervention to help them enjoy the benefits of Ugandan citizenship like other tribes. WHO ARE THE ABAVANDIMWE? Abavandimwe refers to people with distant roots in neighbouring Rwanda and are recognized as citizens of Uganda by the 1995 Constitution. Regardless the decades they have lived here, Abavandimwe have never been fully embraced and many Ugandans don’t understand the difference between them and the nationals of Rwanda. In many areas, a Munyarwanda attracts stigma, which has led to many Abavandimwe adopting Kiganda and other Bantu names and cultures, just to live in peace. But something has happened lately, causing the Banyarwanda community to stand tall and proud and embrace their tribe and heritage. The Council of Banyarwanda, an independent, not-for-profit organization with a mission of protecting the rights of Banyarwanda born and raised in Uganda, has proposed that the Banyarwanda tribe in Uganda change their name to Abavandimwe. It cites, among other reasons, segregation by Ugandan authorities that do not differentiate between Banyarwanda and Rwandan nationals. Banyarwanda have been part of Uganda since 1900 when their ancestors first migrated. Banyarwanda in Uganda are in three categories; Banyarwanda of Kisoro, commonly known as Bafumbira. Kisoro was once part of Rwanda and was only separated by the British in 1884. Then there was the group of economic migrants that left Rwanda in 1922 for Uganda to work, and lastly another group that came in 1959. Those Banyarwanda fled political wars between the Hutu and Tutsi. Among them is current Rwanda president Paul Kagame, former NRA/RPF strongman, Fred Rwigema and others. That group and their descendants went back between 1990 and 1994 and were part of the liberation struggle. GENESIS OF ABAVANDIMWE Abavandimwe, born from Ubuvandimwe or ubuntu – a bond among brethren - started as a movement in May 2021 and, reportedly, majority of Banyarwanda born in Uganda are happy to be called Abavandimwe. Gashumba says there are more than 11 million Banyarwanda living in Uganda and seven million have so far subscribed and proudly call themselves Bavandimwe. “The fraction that is disturbing us is of the senior citizens, who are old. But with time, they will appreciate it,” Gashumba says.“We have 107 members of parliament as we speak and they are very ready to embrace it. Those who have been hiding have started revealing themselves, for example, Joseph Ssewungu, Sylvia Nayebare from Gomba, Diana Mutasingwa are all Banyarwanda, and the number is big. There are those who don’t want to reveal, but we know them,” Gashumba says. “We started in 2017 out of pain, hate and frustrations, which our people go through every day. The council for Abavandimwe has 21 people on official leadership, but we have regional leaders in Buganda, which we have concentrated on first.” WHY REBRAND Speaking to The Observer, Gashumba says despite being recognized as Ugandans, members of his tribe are being denied access to national identity cards and passports, which are some of the most important documents every Ugandan should and must have. “Our tribe is being systemically locked out of the economy and public service of this country. Some of us cannot get phone sim cards, open bank accounts, acquire loans or even exercise our patriotic duty to join the police or armed forces. Our research shows that 80 per cent of our young people who have at one point applied for passports to be able to travel and seek jobs abroad, go for treatment or for business, have been denied access, despite being citizens of Uganda,” Gashumba says. And lately, with the tensions between Uganda and Rwanda, the Banyarwanda in Uganda are taking an undeserved beating, simply because of their DNA. Governments on both sides of Gatuna/Katuna border treat Ugandan Banyarwanda with suspicion, as each thinks their (Banyarwanda) loyalty lies with the other. Like a heavy york, the title Banyarwanda is one Gashumba and his tribesmen and women seek to discard and embrace being Bavandimwe. “Much as we are in the constitution of Uganda as Banyarwanda, 93 per cent of Ugandans – according to the study we have done – don’t believe we are Ugandans. {loadposition inarticle}
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