allafrica.com
@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:39:48
Serve With Integrity - Col Nakalema Tips Young Lawyers
[Nile Post] The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has implored young lawyers to serve with integrity in order to make Uganda a better country.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:39:50
Thugs Steal Property Worth Shs9m From Hoima Church
[Nile Post] Police in Hoima city have started the hunt for unidentified thugs who raided Bujumbura Catholic diocese and broke into several offices walking away with seven laptops and money.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:39:51
Bunyoro Kingdom Rallies Subjects to Embrace MTN Amasaza Bicycle Race, Clan Football Tourney
[Nile Post] Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom has rallied its subjects to turn up in big numbers for the launch of MTN sponsored Amasaza bicycle race and clan football tournament that be will launched on November,15, 2024 in Masindi.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:39:49
Prof Nawangwe Pardons Students Suspended Over Hunger Strike
[Nile Post] The vice chancellor of Makerere University, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has lifted the suspension of three students who were reportedly involved in a hunger strike last week.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:39:49
Security Rescues Egyptian Diplomat Kidnapped in Uganda
[Nile Post] Joint security forces have successfully rescued a diplomat at the Egyptian Embassy in Uganda who had been kidnapped by unknown individuals who later asked for a ransom of over shs146 million.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:57:25
Back on Africa’s Biggest Stage: Uganda Cranes confirmed for AFCON 2025
Uganda Cranes has secured their place in the 35th edition of the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, set to take place in Morocco. The Cranes clinched their qualification with two games still remaining, including an upcoming home fixture against South Africa tomorrow, Friday at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Uganda’s qualification was […] The post Back on Africa’s Biggest Stage: Uganda Cranes confirmed for AFCON 2025 first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:22:08
NUP Elects New Leadership in Jinja City to Drive Party Forward
[Nile Post] The National Unity Platform (NUP) has elected new local leadership in Jinja City, marking a significant step toward strengthening its organisational structure and influence in the region.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:21:37
Journalists Trained to Combat Mpox Misinformation
[Nile Post] Mbarara City -- Journalists from South-western region have received critical training on Mpox disease reporting, aiming to empower the media to effectively inform the public, combat misinformation, and contribute to the national health response.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:25:14
Equity Group and Deg Launch German Desk to Boost Trade and Investment in East Africa
[Nile Post] Equity Group Holdings Plc and DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, the German Development Finance Institution, have announced the launch of the German Desk for the East African market. This initiative aims to facilitate trade, investment, and business partnerships between Germany and East Africa.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:26:30
Nudipu Urges Inclusive Food Security for Persons With Disabilities
[Nile Post] The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) celebrated its 37th anniversary with a powerful call for urgent reforms to address food insecurity among persons with disabilities.
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@allafrica Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:35:14
Foundation Bodies On the Spot Over Illegal Fees in Upe Schools
[Observer] The government prohibited the imposition of school fees in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, and enforcement of fees payment, such as expelling learners for non-payment, was criminalized.
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@theguardian Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:00:19
Fears for spread of malaria in Africa as study finds resistance to frontline drug
Signs of resistance to artemisinin in tenth of children with severe malaria similar to situation in Asia, say researchersResearchers have found “troubling” evidence for the first time that a lifesaving malaria drug is becoming less effective in young African children with serious infections.A study of children being treated in hospital for malaria in Uganda, presented at a major conference on Thursday, found signs of resistance to artemisinin in one patient in 10. Continue reading...
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@kfm Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:40:43
Kisoro by-election: Police hunt Bufumbira North MP over alleged electoral malpractice
By Robert Muhereza, Obed Kankiroho & Julius Hafasha The voting exercise in the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election was largely peaceful on Thursday, though voter turnout was low during the morning hours. This caused some polling stations to start the exercise at 8 a.m. instead of the stipulated 7 a.m. as per electoral commission guidelines. However, some cases of electoral malpractice were reported. Kigezi region police spokesperson, Mr. Elly Maate, stated on Thursday that they were searching for Bufumbira North Member of Parliament Mr. John Kamara, who is accused of being involved in ballot stuffing at Busanani polling station in Busanza Sub-county. Around eight individuals were arrested on allegations of inciting violence and disrupting the voting process. “The […] The post Kisoro by-election: Police hunt Bufumbira North MP over alleged electoral malpractice first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@observer Wed, 13 Nov 2024 04:20:39
Katanga courtroom tension: Defense rejects prosecution’s forensic report
The high-profile murder case of Uganda vs. Molly Katanga and four others resumed on November 5, 2024, follow- ing a two-week recess, with expectations that the prosecution would present its 10th witness. This witness was anticipated to be a potential turning point for the prosecution, which had already introduced nine witnesses in efforts to implicate Molly Katanga in the death of her husband. However, Katanga’s defense team has consistently highlighted perceived flaws in the testimonies thus far, including accusations of dishonesty in the recent testimony of witness Naome Nyangweso, which has raised doubts about the credibility of the prosecution’s case. On Tuesday, with a full courtroom in attendance, the anticipated witness did not appear, leading presiding Judge Isaac Muwata to adjourn proceedings early. Prosecution attorney Jonathan Muwaganya explained that the witness could not attend due to underestimating travel time from an upcountry location to Kampala. “The witness spent the weekend upcountry and underestimated the entry into Kampala,” Muwaganya stated, adding that there were additional logistical challenges they wished not to detail, and requested an adjournment until the following day. The prosecution faced further delays as, even after the witness arrived in Kampala, the individual responsible for accessing the exhibit storage was unavailable, prompting a second adjournment to Wednesday. On Wednesday, the prosecution introduced its 10th witness, Enock Kanene, a certified digital forensic examiner with the Uganda Police Force. Kanene testified that he was assigned to analyze electronic data found on the accused’s mobile devices and those recovered from the crime scene following the death of Henry Katanga, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound. He also examined CCTV footage, and a network video recorder located at the Katanga residence. Kanene informed the court that he received these exhibits, accompanied by Police Form 17A, from the Jinja Road police station for specific dates (November 3, 6, and 9, 2023), along with two court orders dated November 10 and November 22, 2023. His assignment included extracting data and assessing whether any relevant information, such as messages, call logs, or activity on social media platforms, could be linked to the alleged murder by shooting. “I was requested to image and extract various communications made between all the exhibits submitted,” Kanene stated. Upon completing his analysis, Kanene prepared a report, dated April 30, 2024, detailing his findings and providing an expert opinion. However, the report’s admissibility became a contentious issue in court. Defense counsel Elison Karuhanga argued that the report had been conducted unlawfully, sparking debate between the defense and prosecution teams. Karuhanga objected to prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya’s attempt to display the report’s findings on courtroom screens. Karuhanga argued that the evidence forming the report was obtained unlawfully, violating constitutional and procedural guidelines. He based his objection on Section 31 of the Computer Misuse Act, which requires a magistrate to issue a search warrant authorizing police to enter and search premises when reasonable grounds suggest an offense has been or is about to be committed. In this case, Karuhanga contended, no search warrant was ever issued. Karuhanga further noted that the forensic examiner, Enock Kanene, only identified two documents authorizing his analysis: Police Form 17A and two court orders permitting data extraction from the devices. “There is no search warrant which was used to obtain the exhibits that were used to make the report,” Karuhanga argued. He pointed out that even these court orders were dated after the police had already seized the devices, which he argued was improper. “Every phone and computer system obtained from the Katanga residence and presented to his laboratory was collected between November 3 and 9, 2023, while the court orders were issued on November 10 and November 22,” he stated. Karuhanga emphasized that court orders do not equate to search warrants, and receiving them post-seizure was legally insufficient. “My lord, Section 31, subsection 3 of the Computer Misuse Act specifies that a computer system may be seized, or samples taken, only under search warrants. We cannot allow evidence when it is unclear to us how these phones were recovered,” he argued, insisting that evidence gathered without the proper warrant should be excluded. He asserted that because the devices were taken without consent from the accused, and without an adequate warrant, any findings from them were constitutionally flawed. Karuhanga also criticized the prosecution for failing to disclose key evidence to the defense. Despite repeated requests, he claimed, the prosecution did not provide full access to the original CCTV footage and raw data extracted from the accused’s phones. He argued that withholding this material was both unconstitutional and prejudicial, remarking, “The prosecution cannot now rely on image reports or CCTV recordings that they failed to give us.” Citing the Evidence Act, Karuhanga asserted that when a party refuses to produce requested documents, they cannot later use those documents as evidence without the other party’s consent or a court order. “It is our submission that the consent of the other party or the order of the court has not even been sought. The prosecution has just continued as if we all have the CCTV recordings and phone recordings,” he stated. Karuhanga condemned the prosecution’s actions as unconstitutional and unfair, arguing that selective disclosure of evidence, such as only a brief segment of a 48-hour CCTV recording, compromised the defense’s right to a fair hearing. “We must be accorded all the opportunities and means so that the prosecution does not gain an undeserved and unfair advantage over the accused,” he stated. He concluded by asserting that the provisions in the Computer Misuse Act and Evidence Act are mandatory, not optional. Because the prosecution had not adhered to these guidelines, Karuhanga argued, the report was illegal, and the witness should be dismissed. “We pray that this witness be discharged and goes with the report he was ready to tell us about, and the prosecution calls their next witness,” he concluded. THURSDAY On Thursday, defense counsel Macdosman Kabega raised further objections regarding the admissibility of the prosecution’s 10th forensic report, citing additional procedural violations during its preparation. Kabega stated that he had informed the prosecution of these concerns before the court session, a claim disputed by Prosecutor Samali Wakooli, who asserted that no prior notice of additional objections had been provided. Nevertheless, the presiding judge allowed the defense to present the additional points. Kabega informed the court that the forensic examiner had based his analysis on two court orders issued by the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court—one dated November 10, 2023, and the other dated November 22, 2023. Kabega argued that the first procedural flaw related to a letter dated November 2, 2023, under reference CID 13/1016:137/2023. This letter purportedly forwarded a court order to the director of Forensic Services at the police headquarters in Kampala, requesting the appointment of a cybercrime officer to examine, extract, and analyze CCTV footage from the residence of the late Henry Katanga at Plot 50, Chwa road, Mbuya. Kabega pointed out that this letter referenced an attached court order, yet no orders were actually issued until November 10 and November 22. “My lord, unless there was another order, the only orders attached to this report are dated November 10 and 22, 2023. So, where is the court order being referenced here? Unless it was withheld from us, or this letter is misleading,” Kabega argued. Kabega also challenged the validity of two affidavits sworn by Detective Sergeant David Beteise. He noted that these affidavits were commissioned by Magistrate Charles Opio of the Grade Two court in Makindye, who, after commissioning the affidavits, proceeded to hear and grant the application in the same matter. “My lord, we submit that what his worship Opio did was illegal, null and void,” Kabega stated firmly. He argued that Section 3 of the Oaths Act prohibits a magistrate from adjudicating a matter in which they have personally commissioned an affidavit. Kabega further referenced Section 4 of the same Act, which explicitly prohibits a commissioner for oaths from presiding over a case in which they have exercised their commissioning powers. “His worship Opio, having commissioned the affidavit in support of the application, cannot then sit to adjudicate and authorize orders on the same matter. In fact, he becomes a potential witness himself in the matter,” Kabega argued. To support his assertion, Kabega cited the precedent set in Mpanga Farouk vs. Ssenkubuge Isaac and Another, where the court deliberated on whether a commissioner for oaths could exercise such powers in a matter involving parties they are directly associated with. Kabega argued that Magistrate Opio’s involvement compromised the legality of the court orders dated November 10 and November 22, rendering them unenforceable. “Whatever he did, my lord, cannot even be remedied under Article 126(2)(c) of the Constitution,” Kabega stated. Kabega then raised a third objection regarding the scope of the court orders, which purportedly allowed the extraction of information from mobile phones in accordance with the Computer Misuse Act. He argued that the accused could only be charged under offenses specific to that Act, which was not the case here. A lawyer makes his submission Kabega further contended that the magistrate issuing these orders had acted beyond his jurisdiction, stating, “My lord, the jurisdiction for matters under this Act lies either with a Chief Magistrate or a Grade One Magistrate.” In conclusion, Kabega made a final appeal to the court, stating, “In light of this, my lord, our humble prayer is that, once an illegality has been brought to the attention of the court, it should not condone it, as it overrides everything, including any admissions.” After defense counsel Kabega’s objections, Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya addressed the court to respond to concerns raised the previous day by defense counsel Elison Karuhanga, who had objected to the testimony of the prosecution’s 10th witness regarding his forensic report. Regarding the defense’s complaint about the non-disclosure of the raw data used in the forensic report, Muwaganya defended the prosecution’s position, stating, “Our position has been, and still is, that the raw data is not the prosecution evidence that we intend to rely on.” He explained that this was why the raw data was not provided to the defense. He added, “My lord, it is inconceivable that the prosecution would extract all electronic content from the accused’s phones simply for disclosure.” Muwaganya clarified that only specific, relevant information was included in the report. “My lord, whatever was found relevant was specifically lifted and incorporated into the report, which was disclosed and is in possession of the defense,” he stated. Addressing accusations that the prosecution was withholding information, Muwaganya argued that disclosing the report provided the accused with full insight into the nature and scope of the evidence against them. To further support the prosecution’s stance on non-disclosure, Muwaganya asserted that lawful access to electronic evidence requires either the consent of the device’s owner or a court order. “If it is by court order, as in this case, then the extent of handling such evidence is confined within the bounds of that specific court order,” he explained. He noted, “My lord, the court order here was clear; it authorized inspection, extraction, analysis, and report preparation concerning the exhibits. All relevant content was included in the report disclosed to the defense.” Muwaganya argued that the defense’s demand for full access to the raw data would intrude excessively into their clients’ privacy. He emphasized that raw data could be misused if mismanaged, and suggested that each accused person formally consent to its release if they wished to access it. “My lord, we propose this as a way to settle this issue; should the defense persist in seeking access to the raw data on their clients’ devices,” he added, noting that the expert could provide the data in soft copy with the owners’ consent. On the issue of returning the physical devices to their owners, Muwaganya explained that such an action would break the chain of custody and compromise the integrity of the evidence before it was presented in court. “This is why disclosure is managed through reports or exhibit slips rather than by physical access or transfer,” he clarified. He reminded the court that prior guidance had allowed for additional review if needed, stating, “My lord, we find this court’s guidance on maintaining the chain of evidence the most appropriate, and we pray that we continue to follow it.” Addressing the defense’s citation of the Computer Misuse Act, Muwaganya argued that this was taken out of context, as it does not govern the handling of exhibits in criminal investigations under the Penal Code Act, such as in a murder case. Muwaganya cited relevant laws, including Section 69 of the Magistrate’s Act and Section 27 of the Police Act, which authorize police officers to search premises, recover exhibits of evidentiary value, and seize and retain such property for investigation. To counter the defense’s claim of an illegal search of the accused’s devices, Muwaganya stated, “Police have the power to seize, recover and preserve such devices. However, access to the content therein may require a court order, which was indeed obtained in this case, as evidenced by the witness’s testimony.” Muwaganya further referenced the case Christopher Lubaale vs. Uganda, where the court held that, following an arrest, police have the right to search an arrested person’s premises if they reasonably believe it may contain material evidence. He argued that this precedent supported the prosecution’s actions in obtaining and examining the devices and urged the court to dismiss the defense’s objections and allow the witness to complete his testimony. Muwaganya assured the court that if the defense required additional time to review the exhibits, the prosecution would support such a request. On the defense’s argument regarding multiple court orders, Muwaganya explained that the documents referenced by the defense had not yet been presented in court, and the defense’s assumptions about their contents were premature. He noted that the letter in question did not reference a specific court order and clarified that the forensic expert had awaited the court order before conducting the analysis. “The issues raised with these documents are mere technicalities, as none of the documents referenced by the defense have been tendered in court yet. We, as prosecutors, will provide evidence to address these concerns when appropriate,” Muwaganya concluded. REJOINDER In his rejoinder, defense counsel Elison Karuhanga challenged the prosecution’s assertion that the forensic witness had selectively extracted only relevant data for his report. Karuhanga argued that potentially relevant information for the defense might have been disregarded. He questioned the witness’s authority to independently determine what information was relevant, given his access to all dataon the accused’s devices. “My lord, the witness went through numerous phones, examined social media, and reviewed messages to identify content relevant to the case, yet he is only disclosing what he deemed relevant,” Karuhanga stated. Karuhanga also objected to the prosecution’s refusal to disclose the full 48 hours of CCTV footage from the Katanga residence, criticizing their justification of protecting the accused’s privacy. “My learned friend suggested, almost shockingly, that he was protecting our clients’ privacy from their own lawyers, and he would only disclose this footage if ordered by the court and with the accused’s consent,” Karuhanga argued, adding that this approach was a barrier to a fair trial. He emphasized that in similar cases, defense teams are typically provided with complete video evidence relied upon by the prosecution. He further argued that the prosecution’s claim of protecting the chain of custody was unfounded, as no law allows the prosecution access to evidence that the defense cannot review. “Pretrial disclosure is a legal right of the accused, not a privilege subject to the prosecution’s discretion,” he contended. Supporting Karuhanga’s position, defense lawyer Macdosman Kabega asserted that the court orders used to authorize examination of the exhibits should be nullified, as they were based on a misapplication of the Computer Misuse Act. “If these court orders are invalid, then the report itself collapses, as it relies entirely on those orders for authorization to inspect the evidence,” he argued. Prosecutor Muwaganya disputed Kabega’s claims, noting that once a court order is issued, it cannot be retroactively challenged. Kabega, however, maintained that the court has an obligation to reject evidence obtained illegally. “My lord, we cannot overlook an illegality once it comes to the court’s attention. We are not asking to overturn the magistrate’s order but merely to protect the integrity of these proceedings by excluding evidence obtained in violation of the constitution,” he stated, arguing that allowing this evidence would unfairly benefit the prosecution from procedural misconduct. In response, Muwaganya argued that the oath commission restrictions apply only to advocates with conflicts of interest in a case and that there was no conflict here. “My lord, it would have been different if this trial were held before the Grade Two magistrate who commissioned the orders, which is not the case,” he stated. The presiding judge announced that he would issue his ruling, determining whether the prosecution’s 10th witness may continue testifying in this case. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 13 Nov 2024 04:50:00
World Bank warns: Anti-corruption protests will spread
In recent months, anti-government protests have gripped parts of Africa, fueled by rising public anger over high-level corruption and economic mismanagement. The World Bank, in its October 2024 Africa’s Pulse report, has sounded an alarm over the potential for these protests to spread, warning of a ripple effect driven by deep-rooted socio-economic issues. The report highlights increasing economic challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, where a combination of rising living costs, corruption, and governance failures has contributed to a volatile environment. Young people, particularly disillusioned by lack of economic opportunities and rising inequality, have taken to the streets in countries like Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. In Kenya, protests recently pressured the government to enact significant changes, including the dismissal of almost the entire cabinet in response to public outcry over new tax proposals. Similarly, in Uganda, demonstrations targeting alleged corruption by senior officials, including the parliamentary speaker, shined a bright light on the growing frustration with entrenched power structures resistant to accountability. “The high cost of living, corruption and, more broadly, weak governance have triggered protests and palpable anger among the youth in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda—unrest that could spread throughout the region,” the World Bank report warns. This unrest reflects a deeper frustration with ineffective public systems and economic stagnation, with many citizens viewing government institutions as unable or unwilling to foster sustained growth and reduce long-standing inequalities. According to the report, “The discontent and lack of trust in the government reflect the population’s perception that state institutions are unable to foster inclusive and sustained growth and narrow structural inequalities. In this context, the region needs more reforms for a working economy.” The World Bank emphasizes that without meaningful reforms targeting economic inclusion and inequality, this discontent may spread across the region, posing further risks to stability and growth. Drivers of Social Unrest: Corruption, Cost of Living and Governance Issues In Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda, recent protests have been marked by growing public frustration over escalating living costs, and governance issues. A major contributor to these tensions is corruption, which has eroded trust in public institutions and stifled efforts to address economic disparities. The World Bank warns that as the cost of basic goods rises, many Sub-Saharan African citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to meet daily expenses, making social inequality more evident and amplifying discontent, especially among the young and unemployed. The World Bank notes that this dissatisfaction if left unaddressed, could have regional implications. High levels of youth unemployment, combined with a perceived lack of opportunity, create fertile ground for further unrest across the continent. In nations like Uganda, where over 75 per cent of the population is under 30, economic exclusion could result in prolonged instability, underscoring the urgency for government-led reforms. In July 2024, Ugandan security forces arrested dozens of demonstrators attempting to march to the parliament building in Kampala to protest high-level corruption. Authorities had deemed the protests illegal, prompting a heavy deployment of police and military personnel throughout the city, particularly in areas where small groups of protesters had assembled. Some demonstrators faced rough treatment, with police forcibly loading campaigners into trucks. Ugandan authorities have frequently used force to disperse demonstrations, especially those organized by opposition leaders and civic groups. The protests were inspired by recent events in neighboring Kenya, where public pressure and mass demonstrations led Kenyan President William Ruto to dismiss nearlyhis entire cabinet following opposition to proposed new taxes. Ugandan demonstrators similarly sought to bring attention to corruption, particularly involving parliamentary Speaker Anita Among, who has faced calls for resignation after allegations surfaced of irregular expenditures by her office and associates. Among has denied these allegations and resisted calls to step down. Reform Imperatives: Fiscal Policy Changes to Address Structural Inequality In response to these challenges, the World Bank recommends comprehensive fiscal policy reforms that emphasize both efficiency and equity. Current fiscal policies are perceived as favouring the elite, which has fueled a sense of economic marginalization among lower-income and disadvantaged populations. A “fiscal compact” that prioritizes equitable public spending could help ensure that essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure reach a broader demographic. “Fiscal policies that tackle inequality are critical—particularly for defining a fiscal compact that emphasizes both spending efficiency and equity. Leveling the playing field for the disadvantaged will also involve policies that enhance their productive capacity and provide an environment that nurtures the creation and growth of (formal) firms,” the report says. The World Bank also stresses the need to create an environment conducive to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in formal employment sectors. Empowering disadvantaged communities to become productive participants in the economy would not only stimulate economic growth but also mitigate the widespread inequality that currently characterizes much of Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic landscape. Through such structural adjustments, Sub-Saharan Africa could shift toward a more inclusive economic framework, potentially easing social tensions. Impact of Regional Conflicts on Economic Stability and Food Security Conflicts within the region, such as the war in Sudan, are intensifying existing challenges, notably in food security and healthcare. The United Nations estimates that around 8.5 million Sudanese are facing severe malnutrition, with approximately 755,000 in famine conditions. With conflict-driven disruptions limiting access to essential goods and services, Sudan’s crisis serves as a stark reminder of how regional instability can destabilise Sub-Saharan Africa’s broader economy. Rising levels of violence and the ongoing suppression of social and political dissent, the World Bank notes, are also deterring investment. For instance, uncertainty around business contracts and long-term commitments to hiring and procurement has weakened private sector confidence across the region, with firms wary of expanding operations in such an unpredictable climate. These dynamics underscore the need for improved security and stability to restore investor confidence and sustain long-term economic growth. Economic Growth and Inflation: Projections and Challenges The World Bank’s latest projections indicate a fragile recovery, with Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth expected to reach three per cent in 2024, up from 2.4 per cent in 2023. This growth is largely driven by increased private consumption and investment, alongside tighter monetary and fiscal policies designed to curb inflation. Inflation rates are expected to drop from 7.1 per cent in 2023 to 4.9 per cent in 2024 and continue to decline to 4.6 per cent by 2026. However, high debt service costs remain a considerable obstacle, particularly in countries with significant foreign debt, such as Zambia and Ghana. Growth Disparities and Sectoral Contributions According to the report, among the 27 Sub-Saharan African nations experiencing growth acceleration, Niger and Angola have emerged as notable outliers. Niger’s economy is anticipated to grow by 3.6 percentage points, driven by stable agricultural output and a revitalized oil sector. Angola is also expecting growth of 2.2 percentage points, supported by a rebound in oil production following major maintenance shutdowns. However, both countries are heavily reliant on resource-based industries, underscoring their vulnerability to fluctuations in global commodity markets. In contrast, larger economies such as Nigeria and South Africa face slower growth recoveries. Nigeria’s 2024 growth projection of 3.3 per cent remains hampered by inflationary pressures, which reached a peak of 34.2 per cent in mid-2024, according to the report. Though inflation has recently declined, continued currency devaluation and the removal of gasoline subsidies have kept costs high, challenging the efficacy of recent reforms. South Africa’s growth outlook is similarly diminished, with projected growth rates of 1.1 per cent in 2024, despite improvements in electricity provision and planned transportation reforms. Outlook: Pathways to Sustainable Growth and Social Stability Looking forward, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of fostering economic resilience through targeted policy measures and sustainable investments. To address both short-term economic recovery and long-term growth, Sub-Saharan African governments may need to prioritize investment in sectors that promote productivity and self-sufficiency. Agriculture, digital technology, and infrastructure are all sectors with the potential to drive employment, improve income distribution, and build resilience. Moreover, expanding access to social safety nets and improving governance frameworks would help reduce the inequality that fuels unrest. Strengthening institutional transparency and accountability could reduce corruption, restoring trust in government bodies and addressing the root causes of much of the current discontent. Sector-Specific Recovery and Structural Drivers The report points to some light at the end of the tunnel. The World Bank notes that sectoral drivers of economic rebound are illuminating recovery pathways for Sub-Saharan African countries. Agriculture has been a particularly resilient sector, according to the bank, bolstering growth in countries like Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda. In Kenya, a combination of favourable weather patterns and strategic agricultural investments has revitalized the sector, while macroeconomic stability, evidenced by lower inflation and a stable shilling, has boosted private consumption. Uganda’s growth, expected at six per cent in 2024, is similarly supported by agricultural output, with additional gains from infrastructure projects and improving regional trade dynamics. Côte d’Ivoire, achieving a 6.5 per cent growth rate, exemplifies how infrastructure investments, particularly in the digital and transportation sectors, can enhance productivity and investor confidence. The integration of digital infrastructure is not only expanding access to services but also creating new economic opportunities, thereby diversifying growth and reducing vulnerability to sector-specific shocks. Inflation Control and Currency Stability Inflation control efforts vary widely, with some countries managing to keep inflation within target ranges, which in turn supports consumer confidence and domestic demand. In South Africa, headline inflation remains within the Reserve Bank’s target band, allowing for potential policy rate reductions that could stimulate household consumption and investment growth in the medium term. Angola’s inflationary pressures, although peaking in 2024, are anticipated to moderate as a result of tightened monetary policy and fiscal adjustments. Effective inflation management in these countries not only stabilizes domestic markets but also enhances their appeal to investors seeking predictable economic environments. Investments in Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity Structural reforms and public investment, according to the bank, have been pivotal in fostering resilience in certain economies while exposing vulnerabilities in others. In countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, investments in infrastructure and digital connectivity are driving more sustainable growth patterns. These nations are leading the East African Community (EAC) with growth rates of 4.7 per cent in 2024, projected to rise to 5.7 per cent by 2025–26. Structural reforms in these regions, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure, are creating a more conducive environment for private sector growth and attracting foreign investment, which could serve as a model for other Sub-Saharan nations. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 13 Nov 2024 04:00:34
IGG probes Education ministry’s Mulindwa over age falsification
Ismael Mulindwa, the long-serving director of Basic and Secondary Education in the ministry of Education and Sports, continues to hold office after allegedly passing the retirement age of 60, writes Geoffrey Serugo. The Inspectorate of Government is investigating Mulindwa for abuse of office after Abdallah Kimeze, a retired teacher, petitioned it on grounds that he falsified his age to evade the mandatory retirement age. In a September 9, 2024 petition also copied to the Education minister, its permanent secretary as well as that of the ministry of Public Service, Kimeze claims Mulindwa is of advanced age but influenced his extension of service individually beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 years without following proper legal procedures or justifications. “He is involved in a pattern of decisions that are contrary to the Public Service Standing Orders regarding the mandatory age retirement policy for public servants. Specifically, Mulindwa was born in 1962, completed his A-level at Masaka SS in 1985, obtained a diploma in Education from Nkozi National Teachers’ College in 1987. He started working with the ministry of Education and Sports in 1987,” says Kimeze. “When one looks at his documents on file, instead of giving his right date of birth, he says that he was born in 1969, meaning that by the time he joined public service in 1987 he was just 17 years of age! which is not possible,” reads part of Kimeze’s petition. “The selective and arbitrary extension of service for himself as a public servant creates inequality, fosters favouritism, and is a violation of the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability. It further undermines the public’s trust in the ministry of Education and Sports as well as the civil service as a whole.” In an interview with The Observer, Mulindwa said the allegations are baseless and false. Reached out for a comment, Munira Ali, the inspectorate spokesperson, confirmed receipt of the petition and noted that they are still doing investigations. “The IGG has not completed the investigations; so, I won’t preempt my discussion with the IGG,” he said. To prove his point, Kimeze implores the ministry to crosscheck with the school records where Mulindwa studied, such as Masaka SS, Nkozi National Teachers’ College and Makerere University. “I am particularly concerned that these actions set a dangerous precedent and compromise the integrity of the ministry’s human resource policies. Public servants who have served their time and are due for retirement should be treated fairly and equally under the law. There should be no exceptions made for individuals based on favouritism or personal connections,” he says. For instance, Kimeze cites people such as Dr Charles Kahigiriza, the recently-retired former headteacher of Ndejje SS, who was a class below Mulindwa during their time at Masaka SS. He also cites retired Edward Sebukyu, the former commissioner Private Schools at the Education ministry, who was two classes below Mulindwa in high school. “Mulindwa’s behaviour deprives eligible public servants of their right to career progression and sets a negative precedent, where established laws can be circumvented for personal gain. I fear that, if left unchecked, this conduct will continue to damage the ministry’s credibility and erode public trust in the enforcement of mandatory retirement regulations,” reasons Kimeze. “I respectfully urge your [IGG] office to conduct an investigation into these claims and take steps to hold him accountable. This will ensure the integrity of public service and help maintain public trust in our institutions. This issue requires immediate investigation due to its implications for the integrity of public service administration. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt and thorough investigation,” he says. geofreyserugo1992@gmail.com {loadposition inarticle}
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