πππππ 649
π π π £π π ‘π π π π π π π π £π π π
*MAY 8, 2024*
*President Museveni engages traders on tax policy, EFRIS discussions*
πPresident Yoweri Museveni engaged in discussions with traders on Tuesday May 7, 2024 at Kololo grounds regarding the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) issue. He said the NRM government is dedicated to implementing a deliberate and strategic tax policy to promote an independent, integrated, and self-sufficient economy. He added Tax exemptions are available for specific categories such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, and raw materials essential for manufacturing and development projects. Essential items have no import taxes, while exports are either untaxed or subject to minimal levies to boost key sectors driving economic growth. Importation of consumer goods not falling under exempt categories is taxed to encourage local production, protect domestic industries, and ensure fair competition for businesses.
Β *Uganda wins gold award for best investment destination in Africa*
πUganda Β won Β the Β award Β for Β the Β “Best Β Investment Β Destination in Β Africa” Β at the Β Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi. This was revealed by State Minister for Investment Evelyne Anite, who attended the Meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. She said Uganda was recognized as the best investment destination in the East Africa region, beating six other nations and the event aimed to promote economic and commercial diplomacy, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and boost exports and tourism. She added that Uganda attracted over
$1 billion in FDI from the UAE in the past 18 months and had exports to the UAE exceeding $2 billion.
Β *Gov’t warns of flooding risks as Lake Victoria reaches record high levels*
πThe National Forest Authority (NFA) and the Ministry of Water and Environment have warned people living in lowland areas near river banks and lakes to evacuate as a precaution against
drowning, as water levels are steadily rising due to ongoing heavy rains. This was revealed by the assistant commissioner of Planning at the Ministry of Water and Environment, Issa Katwesigye today Wednesday, May 8, 2024, stated that as of last week, Lake Victoria had reached its highest-ever recorded water levels due to heavy rains in neighboring countries like Kenya that flow into the lake. Katwesigye explained that Uganda is disadvantaged as it is located downstream of the Lake Victoria basin, so all the rainfall from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya flows into the lake. The law requires a 200-meter buffer zone from the lake’s shores.
Β *Uganda, Japan vow to deepen ties in tech, infrastructure*
πThe Β Speaker of Β Parliament Β Hon. Β Anita Β Among met with the Β Japanese Β Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Sasayama Takuya, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, and concentrated on strengthening the two countries’ collaboration in infrastructure and technology development. Speaking about initiatives like the Nile Bridge and road projects, Speaker Among commended Japan for 62 years of development partnership. Increase collaboration between nations in areas such as trade, technological transfer, and youth education. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was recognized by Parliament for its contributions to Uganda’s infrastructure, education, and health sectors. Japan’s resolve to improve bilateral relations and establish a link between the Japanese and Ugandan parliaments.
Β *UIA offers incentives to boost local investment in manufacturing sector*
πUganda Β Investment Β Authority Β (UIA) Β is Β providing Β incentives Β and Β tax Β benefits Β to Β encourage local investors to engage in the manufacturing sector. According to the State Minister in charge of Privatisation, Evelyne Anite, tax incentives and non-tax incentives are available to both foreign and domestic investors, who can access tax incentives and non-tax incentives, with domestic investors having advantages like lower minimum capital requirements. She added that key incentives include tax exemptions on imported machinery, raw materials, and pharmaceuticals necessary for manufacturing and development projects. And UIA’s efforts aim to attract local investors to the manufacturing sector to drive economic growth, enhance industrialization, and decrease reliance on imports. Anite added the initiative aligns with Uganda’s goal of establishing a more independent, integrated, and self-sufficient economy, as highlighted by President Museveni.
Β *Court restrains Sheikh Mubaje from masquerading as Mufti of Uganda*
πThe Β High Β Court in Β Jinja on Β Tuesday, May Β 7, Β 2024, restrained Sheikh Shabban Ramadhan Mubaje from further masquerading as the Mufti of Uganda. Sheikh Mubaje had already been retired in the public interest by the General Assembly in December 2023, and Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo was sworn in as the Acting Mufti of Uganda. Lady Justice Faridah Shamirah Bukirwa Ntambi cautioned Mubaje to refrain from further contempt of court. Mubaje’s lawyers were disqualified from the case, and he requested two more months to recruit new lawyers, which was objected to by other counsels. The Lady Justice emphasized the importance of justice being seen to be done and adjourned the court to May 15, 2024.
Β *JEEMA President Basalirwa has stepped down, Blames party leadership for shortcomings*
πPresident Β of Β the Β Justice Β Forum Β (JEEMA) Β and Β Bugiri Β Municipality Β Member Β of Β Parliament, Asuman Basalirwa, expressed during a media interview on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Kampala, that he has no intention of continuing as the president of JEEMA, and has stepped down. Basalirwa attributed the party’s shortcomings to group leadership and dismissed claims by party spokesperson Kyamundu Ssentongo that he had overstayed his term and failed to achieve significant milestones for the party. Ssentongo criticized Basalirwa for not securing a parliamentary majority or producing a presidential candidate during his three terms as president, insisting that it was time for Basalirwa to step down from the party.
Β *Uganda celebrates International Museum Day, emphasizing cultural preservation, and sustainable development*
πInternational Museum Day is being observed in Uganda today, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Hotel Africana. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the importance of museums in preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and changing society. The primary objective of the conference is to emphasize how museums support education, raise public awareness, and safeguard cultural legacies for future generations. Policymakers, enthusiasts, scholars, and stakeholders will come together to discuss how museums could help Uganda achieve sustainable development. The intrinsic significance of museums in safeguarding cultural heritage and influencing public opinion will be emphasized by them.
Β *MASINDI: Elderly man Lawrence Onen beaten to death amid poisoning allegations*
πThe territorial police of Β Masindi district Β are investigating Β a Β case Β of Β murder Β by Β mob Β and poisoning of an elderly man named Lawrence Onen was beaten to death by a mob in Masindi district on May 4, 2024, after being accused of poisoning another man named Geoffrey Vitha. The incident took place in Nyakyanika village, Labongo parish, Labongo Sub County. The mob confronted Onen, chased him, and beat him to death in front of his children at the home of the local LC1 chairman Onen’s house was also burned down during the incident. The police spokesperson, Julius Allan Hakiza, mentioned that no suspects have been arrested yet as they all fled the scene.
Β *GULU: RDC Alice hands over new school structures to Tegot Primary School*
πMs. Alice Akello Opiyo, the Gulu District Resident District Commissioner, handed over keys for newly commissioned school structures to Tegot Primary School. The event took place today Wednesday, May 8, 2024, marking a milestone in enhancing educational infrastructure in the region. Alice highlighted that the government is dedicated to advancing education in Gulu District. She added that the handover of keys signifies a collaborative effort between the local administration, school leadership, and the community to invest in education and the initiative is expected to positively impact the quality of education and the well-being of students at Tegot Primary School, reflecting a shared vision for educational excellence in Gulu District.
Β *OYAM: Collaboration brings transformation to Akucawitim Primary School*
πThe Ministry of Local Government, USAID, and MOFPED have commissioned new school buildings and facilities at Akucawitim Primary School in Okomo Parish, Ngai Subcounty – Oyam District. This initiative, under the NUDEIL program, aims to enhance educational infrastructure
and opportunities in the region. The buildings will provide a conducive space for academic excellence and holistic development, demonstrating the shared dedication of the Ministry, USAID, and MOFPED to advancing education and investing in the future of young learners.
*ACROSS BORDERS*
π π π
π *TANZANIA: Nominates Minister Ndugulile as candidate for WHO Africa boss*
πTanzania Β has Β selected Β Dr. Β Faustine Β Ndugulile, Β a Β former Β Deputy Β Minister of Β Health, Β as its candidate for the position of World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. An official announcement of Ndugulile’s candidacy will be made today Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at an event attended by senior officials from the Ministries of Health, Foreign Affairs, and East African Cooperation. Ndugulile will replace the current Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana, whose tenure expires in August 2024 after serving since 2015.
π *KENYA: Tragedy on Lake Victoria: Fishermen drown in dispute over breeding zone*
πTwo Β fishermen Β in Β Suba Β North Β constituency, Β Homa Β Bay Β County, Β drowned Β in Β Lake Β Victoria during a physical confrontation over a fish breeding zone. Enock Opiyo, 25, and Dancan Okoth, 40, from Uwi Beach, lost their lives in an altercation with fishermen from Koginga Beach. The incident occurred Tuesday May 7, 2024 when the Uwi Beach fishermen tried to stop their colleagues from casting nets in the designated breeding area, leading to a confrontation that resulted in their boat overturning. While three fishermen were rescued, Opiyo and Okoth tragically lost their lives. The search operation to recover their bodies resumed the following day.
π *KENYA: Govt boosts health efforts in IDP camps to fight malaria during floods*
πThe Kenyan Ministry of Health is working with national and county governments to address health concerns in IDP camps during prolonged rains. Mary Muthoni, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, today Wednesday, May 8, 2024, visited Masinde Muliro grounds in Mathare to assess the situation with the urgency of proactive measures to curb the spread of malaria, especially in flood-affected areas. She pledged to enhance surveillance and humanitarian aid distribution in affected areas to reduce disease prevalence.
π *RWANDA: US accuses Rwanda of involvement in DRC attack, demands accountability*
πThe United States has urged Rwanda to take action against forces involved in an attack in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The State Department accused Rwandan forces of joining M23 rebels in an attack on a camp for internally displaced people near Goma, resulting in casualties. Rwanda denied the accusations, calling them “ridiculous.” The US reiterated its stance and called for Rwanda to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and accusations of interference between Rwanda and the DRC.
π *ZIMBABWE: Unveils gold-backed currency to tackle inflation*
πZimbabwe introduced a new gold-backed currency called the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) on April 8, 2024, to replace the Zimbabwean dollar due to rapid depreciation and hyperinflation. Zimbabwe’s treasury said on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, that the newly introduced gold-backed currency is the official unit of exchange for transactions and that it would soon introduce regulations to ensure businesses stick to the official rate. He added that ZiG is backed by $575 million worth of hard assets, including foreign currencies, gold, and other precious metals and the initial exchange rate for the ZiG was set at 13.56 ZiG per US dollar.
