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@observer Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:05:05
Aflatoxin in maize kills hundreds of dogs in Malawi
Malawi has recently recorded the sudden deaths of dogs that consumed meals prepared from maize husks contaminated with aflatoxins. Veterinary experts say the country has recorded 450 dog deaths since April, when the first cases were identified in Malawi’s commercial city, Blantyre.Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi that grow on pet food ingredients like peanuts, corn and other grains. Experts warn that the accumulation of those toxins in an animal’s body can lead to liver damage, blood clotting and, in severe cases, death.Timothy Banda is the veterinary clinic manager at the Blantyre Society for the Protection and Care of Animals, which has been testing the dogs. He told VOA that symptoms include a yellowish tint on the dog‘s skin, hemorrhagic diarrhoea or bloody diarrhoea, and sometimes vomiting."For the past two, three weeks, we haven’t received any death from the problem," he said. "But from the time it started somewhere around April up to somewhere around early August, the estimations could be somewhere around 450 dogs so far have died.”He said the aflatoxin contamination was suspected after it was observed that the dogs were not responding to treatment.“Under normal circumstances, once we started the right treatment, we could get good results, but in this scenario, they were all dying despite whatever treatment was given. Nothing could work out,” Banda said.Banda said the affected dogs were those fed with nsima, a thick porridge prepared from maize or maize husks. Alfred Manda, a resident of Chirimba township, said that he lost three dogs in August.“The kind of food I mostly give out to my dogs is nsima flour made from leftover maize called madeya," he said. "To me, I thought it was a healthy diet. I wish I knew earlier. I could have done things better to save my dogs, but unfortunately, this is the sad reality that I have faced.”Health experts warn that aflatoxins can also cause tumours in the livers of animals and humans. But health officials in Malawi, where maize is the staple food, have not reported any human deaths resulting from consuming contaminated maize.In Zambia, media reports indicate over 400 dogs died in July after consuming maize meal contaminated with aflatoxins. Malawi authorities are advising dog owners to switch to alternative foods, such as rice, until the problem is contained. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:35:06
Homeowners expose deeper scandals involving real estate developers
After running several businesses in Kampala and now enjoying retirement, 69-year-old Charles Sabune decided to invest part of his savings in a two-bedroom condominium unit at Waves Modern Homes and Apartments, located in Kungu, a suburb of Kampala. The unit was priced at Shs 115 million, with an initial payment of 30 per cent and monthly installments ranging from Shs 3 million to Shs 5 million until the total amount is paid off. Sabune explained that he opted for the condominium housing arrangement due to the shared amenities, which reduce the cost of maintaining individual properties. The Waves condominium complex comprises five blocks with a total of 72 units: two blocks with three-bedroom units and three blocks with two-bedroom units. However, since moving in in 2020, Sabune has noticed several defects in the condominium complex, including water leakage through the roof whenever it rains, along with substandard plumbing and sewerage systems installed by the developer. “When it rains, water goes through the roof onto the stairs, damaging our walls. The roof was not constructed well, and residents in the top units report that rainwater seeps through it,” he said. He added that, initially, the soak pit for the complex building was small, which affected the sewerage system. As a result, the unit owners had to contribute Shs 500,000 each to enlarge it and redo all the sewerage piping. According to Sabune, when developers open a construction site, they advertise using architectural plans and impressive designs, showcasing how the project will appear when complete. However, the outcome often does not match the initial promises. They begin advertising and buyers start depositing money so that, by the time they finish paying, the building is complete and ready for occupation. ALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS THE SAME “From the IGG’s report, it seems that all these real estate developers are in the same situation, haphazardly erecting structures that we, as buyers, unknowingly purchase. I keep telling myself that if Uganda were to experience a significant earthquake, we would quickly discern real buildings from the substandard ones,” he said. Another Ugandan in the diaspora, who spoke to The Observer anonymously, purchased a three-bedroom unit for Shs 220 million at one of the condominium buildings in Naalya. However, she expressed disappointment with the quality of the house she received. After making the initial deposit, she was given 24 months to complete the full payment. During this period, the developer promised that the construction would be completed and the units handed over to each buyer. However, she revealed that despite finishing her payment in June 2022, it took the developer an additional year to hand over her condominium unit, and when they finally did, the result was disheartening. “When they finally handed me my unit earlier this year, you would expect that after taking an extra year to complete the work, they would deliver a high-quality product. But the apartment I received was very poor. There was no kitchen, the toilets were unfinished, tiles were coming loose, the doors were poorly installed, and the plumbing system was leaking, causing the walls to remain wet,” she said. She added that when she contacted the developer to address some of these defects, they informed her that since they had already handed over the property, it was now her responsibility. As a result, she had to hire other construction workers to make the necessary repairs. During the process of redoing the floor, the workers discovered that the developer had used sand instead of adhesive to secure the tiles, which explained why they were coming loose. “To date, I am still renovating and have spent over Shs 50 million to try and make the house livable. It is supposed to be a three-bedroom condominium, but the rooms and bathrooms are very small, not in line with the sizes indicated in the original plans we were shown before purchasing,” she explained. She also noted that her attempts to reach out to the developer have been fruitless. Each time she contacts them, she is directed to the sales staff, who never allow her to speak with management. Moreover, they keep assigning her to different representatives, likely to prevent her from forming a lasting relationship with any one person. This situation has been further complicated by her living abroad. THE DIASPORA AS A TARGET MARKET FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS The diaspora has become a significant target market for real estate developers, as many Ugandans living abroad have been frustrated by the misuse of funds they send to relatives and friends to purchase land or build houses. In response, real estate companies have started appealing to these individuals by offering condominiums as a reliable means of owning property back home. These developers frequently advertise their properties on diaspora-focused platforms and at events, often sending representatives to countries like the UK, Canada and the USA. They particularly capitalize on diaspora conferences, such as the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) convention, to market their properties to Ugandans living abroad. “They come to diaspora meetings and sweet-talk us with impressive designs and plans, making us believe they will deliver on their promises. But the reality is often the opposite. When they handed me my condominium unit, I almost cried. We endure many hardships to make money here, and for someone to squander it like that is really painful,” she said. She further explained that the sales agreement contains a clause allowing a refund if the buyer changes their mind after purchasing the property. However, the refund is only 70 per cent of the original purchase price, and there is no specified time frame for when the refund will be made. These concerns are shared by other condominium owners, some of whom petitioned Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya in October last year. They called for investigations into the poor-quality houses, particularly condominiums, being sold to Ugandans. FINDINGS FROM IGG’S INVESTIGATION INTO CONDOMINIUMS Last month, Inspector General of Government Beti Kamya, revealed the findings from an investigation into condominiums. According to the report, the sampled units showed several defects, including cracked ceilings and floors, sub-standard swimming pools, poorly connected and leaking sewerage systems, inadequate plumbing installations, and flat roofs prone to water retention and flooding. Additionally, low-quality materials were often used in construction, leading homeowners to replace fittings and fixtures shortly after moving in. Other issues included poor electrical wiring, lack of fire escapes, dampness in both the interior and exterior walls, and insufficient soak pits. Furthermore, many of these condominiums lacked occupation permits, raising concerns about how they were allowed to be sold in the first place. According to the Condominium Property Act of 2001, unit owners are required to form a corporation consisting of all unit owners. This corporation is responsible for creating by-laws for managing the units and common property. It must also elect a management board from among the owners. This board is responsible for addressing the grievances of unit owners as they arise, functioning similarly to a company with perpetual succession and the capacity to sue or be sued. However, Jackline Mukatta, vice chairperson of the board managing Waves Modern Homes and Apartments, told The Observer that despite raising their complaints with their developer, Fakhruddin Properties Uganda, they have received no response. Mukatta added that they are now awaiting a report from the state minister for Housing, Persis Namuganza, who inspected the property last month and confirmed the defects. The homeowners plan to use this report, along with the findings from the IGG, to sue the developer for selling them substandard property. “Following no response from the developer about our grievances, we took action, which led to the minister and IGG coming on site for inspection. We believe with these government reports, we will have a strong case, and the developer will no longer be able to ignore us,” Mukatta said. jjingoernest@gmail.com {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:13:45
Govt starts camel breeding project in Pader
The ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has launched a camel breeding initiative at Aswa Ranch in Pader district, northern Uganda. It is part of a project managed by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). The ranch, covering 32 square miles, has now dedicated 5 square miles to the independent breeding of camels. The camel breeding project began in May with the introduction of 55 pregnant camels sourced from breeders in Kenya and Uganda. Gadson Tushabomwe, manager of Aswa Ranch under NAGRC&DB, confirmed the project’s objective to increase camel numbers over the next year and a half, with a focus on milk production. Camel milk, known for being highly nutritious and lactose-free, has a strong market demand in East Africa and Arab countries, he said. While camels are capable of coexisting with other livestock, the decision to introduce camel breeding has sparked concerns among local leaders. Dickson Ojok, LC V councillor for Angagura, questioned why the community had not been informed about the project, given that the ranch was initially established to improve cattle breeds for local farmers. Ojok expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on how the community would benefit from the new initiative. Tushabomwe addressed these concerns by explaining that the project aims to generate revenue for the government, not only through camel breeding but also by introducing improved cattle, pig, and goat breeds. “We are not only looking at the locals benefiting from each activity that happens there [Aswa Ranch]. The locals who will not benefit from camels will benefit from cattle breeding, from buying bulls and doing oxen ploughing because even when we say cattle breeding, not all people want to breed animals,” Tushabomwe noted. Meanwhile, the introduction of camel breeding coincides with ongoing disputes between local leaders and the government over the allocation of land within Aswa Ranch to private companies. Following a 2016 presidential directive, three private companies, Banuti Ranchers Ltd, ARPE Ltd, and Gravity Investment Ltd were granted large portions of the ranch under long-term leases, sparking concerns about land ownership and the exclusion of local private ranchers from these deals. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the Bardege-Layibi Division legislator and chairperson of the Public Service Committee, emphasized that if the government intends to promote ranching in the region, it should ensure that local ranchers are not left out. He also urged the government to address lingering concerns about the ranch’s boundaries and the overall impact of its operations. Aswa Ranch, which spans 105,400 acres across both Pader and Lamwo districts, was once known for beef production and veterinary training but saw a decline in operations during the 1980s. The government began revitalizing the ranch in 2012 under NAGRC&DB, which now manages over 4,000 improved cattle breeds. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:50:17
Govt sues 80 landowners over rejecting land compensation for oil project
The government has sued 80 people from Lwengo, Kyotera, and Rakai districts for rejecting compensation payments for their land, which lies along the demarcated route of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. The government, through the Attorney General, has sued the project-affected persons (PAPs), accusing them of refusing to accept the compensation amounts allocated to them during the property evaluation process. This rejection, government says this is a threat to the progress of the pipeline project. Senior state attorney Imelda Adong, representing the government, filed the application at the Masaka High court seeking to compulsorily acquire the disputed land to allow the project to proceed, while the disputes with the PAPs are resolved. According to Adong, the 80 PAPs, who are registered administrators of 41 estates, were collectively offered Shs 701 million in compensation. However, they rejected the amount, arguing it was insufficient. Adong noted that despite repeated negotiations, the PAPs have refused to vacate the land, hindering the pipeline project. The government is now seeking court orders to gain vacant possession of the land for the EACOP project, permission to deposit the compensation in court, and eviction and demolition orders against the affected persons. Additionally, the government has requested that the landowners bear the litigation costs and that the government be absolved of any liability arising from claims related to the court orders. However, the PAPs, represented by lawyer Peter Alinaitwe, argue that the government is attempting to forcibly strip them of their land rights. They contend that the compensation offered is inadequate and does not reflect the true value of the properties that will be lost to the project. Alinaitwe claims that the contractor hired to assess the compensation made several errors, leaving unresolved grievances that have persisted for over three years. In addition to filing a defense, Alinaitwe has urged the government to seek a harmonious settlement with the affected persons rather than resorting to litigation, which he says will further burden the PAPs. Masaka High court registrar Roy Kalungi has scheduled the hearing for September 16. One of the PAPs, Cosma Yiga, criticized the government for prioritizing the interests of the oil company over those of local residents. Yiga, who is set to lose 2.7 acres of land with coffee, banana, mango, and jackfruit trees, was offered Shs 43.6 million in compensation - a figure he claims is far below the value of his property. Yiga further alleges that while some PAPs signed consent forms to give up their land, the majority are dissatisfied with the compensation and are struggling to rebuild their livelihoods. The government and its partners are constructing a 30-meter-wide, 1,443-kilometer-long pipeline that will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Hoima to the Chongoleani Peninsula in Tanzania for export to international markets. {loadposition inarticle}
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@theguardian Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:43:22
Thousands attend funeral of runner Rebecca Cheptegei who was set on fire by partner
Mourners in Uganda pay respects to Olympic athlete whose death prompted renewed calls for more protection for women in sportThousands of mourners in Uganda paid their respects on Saturday to Rebecca Cheptegei, the Olympic athlete who died last week in Kenya after her partner set her on fire. The military funeral took place in a remote town near the Kenyan border.Military officers played a prominent role in the funeral because Cheptegei held the rank of sergeant in Uganda’s army, said military spokesperson Brig Felix Kulayigye, adding that she deserved a “gun salute that befits her rank”. Continue reading...
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@matookerepublic Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:22:47
A Don Julio and Amapiano takeover at the Mas Musiq night at Guvnor
Last night, Guvnor, typically a hotspot for Kampala’s more seasoned partygoers, opened its doors to a younger crowd of fun lovers and thrill seekers. East Africa’s premier nightclub was alive with Amapiano beats all night, thanks to DJ Kamali and Mas Musiq, the headlining act at the I&M Bank and Don Julio sponsored event. The […] The post A Don Julio and Amapiano takeover at the Mas Musiq night at Guvnor first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:31:51
Mas Musiq delivers energy at I&M Bank Bank powered Amapiano takeover at Guvnor
On Friday, September 13, South African star Mas Musiq, known for his energetic Amapiano performance, made his East African debut with a memorable performance at Club Guvnor. The event, sponsored by I&M Bank Uganda and new tequila brand- Don Julio, turned out to be an electrifying night of music and fun for Amapiano lovers, at […] The post Mas Musiq delivers energy at I&M Bank Bank powered Amapiano takeover at Guvnor first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Sat, 14 Sep 2024 14:02:25
Chaapa League Season 9 grand finale promises a spectacular showdown
The 9th season of the prestigious Chaapa League, proudly sponsored by Guinness, is set to climax on Saturday, 21st September 2024, with a grand finale at the NEC playground (Coffee Grounds) in Bugolobi, Kampala. The Chaapa League, an annual alumni football event for Mbarara High School Old Boys, brings together over 30 teams competing for […] The post Chaapa League Season 9 grand finale promises a spectacular showdown first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@sqoop Sat, 14 Sep 2024 10:33:25
Gravity eyes Namboole
For more than five consecutive years, Gravity Omutujju has been holding his concerts at Lugogo Cricket Oval but with last weekend’s events, he has since given up Cricket Oval which had become his area of comfort. Despite the low turn up, Gravity insisted on holding another concert next year, only that it will not be […] The post Gravity eyes Namboole first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Sat, 14 Sep 2024 08:22:08
Bebe Cool calls on govt to inject more money in tourism
Musician Bebe Cool has been chosen as the headlining act at this year’s World Tourism Day that will be happening in Kasese this month. During a press conference recently, the artiste called upon the government to invest more money in the tourism sector because of its potential in creating patriotism. “I ask the government to […] The post Bebe Cool calls on govt to inject more money in tourism first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Sat, 14 Sep 2024 07:15:49
Mickie Wine’s pact with son on concert
Singer Mickie Wine had a successful concert at Jahazi Pier Munyonyo, despite a busy weekend and a lot of criticism from fellow artiste Gravity Omutujju. Mickie Wine, who is the young brother to Bobi Wine was thankful to God for the outcome of the concert but also hinted on the person who pushed him to […] The post Mickie Wine’s pact with son on concert first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Sat, 14 Sep 2024 06:02:18
THE VIDEO: Omezze – B2C ft Rema
I now suspect that a Rema cult exists, something beyond a fanbase but people incessantly obsessed about anything Rema. And this cult finds an outpouring when Rema joins in with B2C. With those facts stated, this must be that video where almost nothing happens. Nothing that could have warranted all the views. Rema is in […] The post THE VIDEO: Omezze – B2C ft Rema first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:56:49
Only a Shimoni OB or OG can save Kampala
But some freshers! What is taking you to the library in these first weeks? There was a time things worked well in Kampala. As a school child, you could get away with everything. And we surely did. From calling 999 at the Post Office, and pulling pranks on Fire brigade, the world was our oyster. […] The post Only a Shimoni OB or OG can save Kampala first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:25:11
Pearl Rhythm Festival returns for another edition
With a growing number of Ugandan festivals, it’s rare to find one that remains focused on its original purpose. The Pearl Rhythm Festival, however, has consistently stayed true to its core beliefs for nine editions, focusing on fostering and promoting authentic Ugandan sounds while discovering and guiding new voices in the industry. Over the years, […] The post Pearl Rhythm Festival returns for another edition first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:45:42
Brunch: The new plot to earn you aura points in Kampala
SUNDAYS HAVE CHANGED: It is Paris in Kampala and the nouveau bourgeoisie are under formation. Restaurants are competing on who organises the best brunch concept. It is now a contest of brunches and the quality of crowds they pull. As you buy the next attire, keep in mind that it must pass the brunch test. […] The post Brunch: The new plot to earn you aura points in Kampala first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:53:30
Minister Mugarra explains choice of Kasese for Tourism Day celebrations
Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, has shared the rationale behind selecting Kasese as the host for this year’s Tourism Day celebrations, scheduled for September 27 at Nyakasanga Grounds. Speaking at the launch of Tourism Day activities at Fairway Hotel on Tuesday, Minister Mugarra explained that Kasese was chosen because […] The post Minister Mugarra explains choice of Kasese for Tourism Day celebrations first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:26:06
Daniella Atim shows off engagement ring, embraces new chapter
Daniella Atim, the ex-wife of celebrated musician Chameleone, appears to have embraced a new chapter in her life. On Sunday, September 8, Daniella set social media alight with a subtle yet significant reveal: an engagement ring showcased in her Instagram story. This revelation has ignited curiosity and speculation about the identity of her new partner. […] The post Daniella Atim shows off engagement ring, embraces new chapter first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:14:21
Precious Remmie vows to fight back against bloggers breaching family privacy
Precious Remmie is at her wit’s end with bloggers who continue to target her family, despite her repeated warnings to respect their privacy. The TV personality, known for her outspoken nature, has had enough of the constant public intrusion, particularly when it comes to her children and mother. In a recent outburst, she made her […] The post Precious Remmie vows to fight back against bloggers breaching family privacy first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@sqoop Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:28:23
Gravity Omutujju remains optimistic despite low concert turnout
Renowned Ugandan rapper Gravity Omutujju is maintaining an optimistic stance despite the disappointing turnout at his recent concert, which failed to draw the large crowds he’s accustomed to. The show, held last weekend, fell short of expectations in terms of audience numbers, but the artist remains unshaken in his belief that this setback is just […] The post Gravity Omutujju remains optimistic despite low concert turnout first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@kfm Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:18:36
Uganda’s economic status, plans for FY 2025/26
In this episode of KFM Hotseat, Patrick Kamara hosts Mr Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance to discuss government’s plans for the next Financial Year, 2025/2026. Listen to the show below; The post Uganda’s economic status, plans for FY 2025/26 first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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