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JUNE 18 2024
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πΊπ¬ Government seeks public input to Improve PDM program
πThe government has launched a nationwide assessment of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program. Teams from the Office of the President have been dispatched to gather information on the PDM’s effectiveness and identify any challenges faced by the program. Public cooperation is crucial to the assessment’s success. Citizens are encouraged to welcome the teams into their homes and businesses and share their honest experiences with the PDM. This feedback will be used to improve the program’s efficiency and ensure it benefits all Ugandans. “Your cooperation and participation are crucial to achieving the goal of an effective and beneficial PDM,” said Maj. Edmond Turyatunga, the team leader. The assessment aims to identify areas for improvement in the distribution process and make the PDM a more successful tool for development.
πΊπ¬ President Museveni to meet traders this week over taxes
πPresident Yoweri Museveni is set to meet with traders this week for the third time in two months to discuss the implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Invoicing and Receipting Solution (EFRIS), as well as other tax-related issues. The key topics to be covered in the meeting include; EFRIS Implementation, Taxes on Textiles: and VAT Threshold. This meeting comes after two previous engagements between the president and the traders, which led to the reopening of shops after a sit-down strike and the waiving of EFRIS-related penalties by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA. The traders are hoping to find a resolution to the remaining contentious issues during this latest round of discussions.
πΊπ¬ Bank of Uganda shuts down Mercantile Credit Bank Limited
πThe Bank of Uganda (BoU) on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, placed Mercantile Credit Bank Limited under liquidation, revoked its license, and ordered for the winding up of its affairs. The BoU determined that the continuation of Mercantile Credit Bank Limited’s activities is detrimental to the interests of its depositors due to the institution’s failure to resolve its significant undercapitalization, poor corporate governance, and insolvency. The Bank of Uganda and the Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda (DPF) will soon inform all depositors of the arrangements that will be put in place to enable them to access the insured portion of their deposit(s).
πΊπ¬ UPDF releases list of successful recruits for 9,627 infantry positions
πThe Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has released the list of successful applicants for 9,627 positions in the army. Col. Deo Akiiki, the Deputy Spokesperson of the UPDF told the media that out of 243,000 initial applicants, 197,000 met the eligibility criteria, with 140,000 vying for the open spots. The recruitment process was conducted across 10 zones covering all 135 districts and 11 cities. To be eligible, candidates had to be Ugandan citizens between 18-22 years, with a minimum education of S.4 (UCE), and have passed English and Mathematics exams, be medically fit, disciplined, and have no criminal record. The list will be published on district notice boards, informing the shortlisted candidates to appear at the recruitment centers for final interviews.
πΊπ¬ UNEB concludes 2024 exam registration with 1.3 million candidates
πUganda National Examination Board (UNEB) has concluded the registration for the 2024 examination cycle with 1,302,650 candidates registered. The registration covers four main sets of national examinations; PLE, UCE for both new and old curriculum, and UACE. There was a 6% increase in the number of candidates compared to the previous year. 793,489 candidates were registered for PLE, 369,373 for UCE, and 139,788 for UACE. Candidates from newly accredited examination centres have until June 21 to register. This year’s exams will be the first after the introduction of the new competence-based curriculum in 2020. The old curriculum’s examinations will be fully phased out of the system next year.
πΊπ¬ Uganda steps up fight against HIV with Injectable and Oral PrEP options
πThe government announced new measures today, June 18, 2024, to combat rising HIV infection rates. At a stakeholders’ meeting held at Tororo Hospital, the Ministry of Health revealed plans to introduce injectable and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications nationwide by November 2024. “These new PrEP options will bolster our existing efforts to achieve zero new HIV infections by 2030,” declared Harriet Nangobi, a Ministry of Health representative. PrEP is a preventative medication that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. The Tororo District Health Officer (DHO), Okumu Noah, emphasized the importance of clear and accessible communication to ensure the public understands the benefits of these new PrEP methods.
πΊπ¬ Youths urged to shun Election Violence, embrace peaceful participation
πElectoral Commission (EC) boss, Justice Simon Byabakama, has called on young people to reject violence during elections, emphasizing the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process. Speaking at a civic engagement event at Makerere University with over 100 young attendees, Justice Byabakama highlighted the negative consequences of election-related violence. He pointed out that while politicians who incite such violence may not face immediate repercussions, the youth often bear the brunt of the fallout. Sam Ogwal, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) youth envoy, expressed his sadness over the loss of young lives during past electoral unrest.
πΊπ¬ WEST NILE: Adjumani Hospital gets UGX 1.8 billion ICU, boosting critical care services
πAdjumani General Hospital inaugurated a fully-fledged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and medical emergency services, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s development. The ICU is valued at UGX 1.8 billion and was officially handed over to the hospital on Monday, June 17, 2024. The new facility is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide critical care to patients, especially those with life-threatening conditions like respiratory infections and malaria. The ICU is a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services in the country. The facility is anticipated to benefit the local population, patients from neighboring districts, and even those from South Sudan.
πΊπ¬ Govβt to procure delivery beds for Entebbe regional referral hospital
πThe Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwiine, announced plans to procure 5 delivery beds for Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital. The request for the beds came after Mawogola South MP, Gorreth Namugga, highlighted the issue of mothers giving birth on the floor due to the lack of beds. Atwiine mentioned that other health facilities also face similar challenges with the lack of delivery beds. Atwiine urged members to support the Ministry of Health in lobbying for an increased budget to meet the hospital’s requirements as a regional referral centre. The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, where MP Gorreth Namugga emphasized the urgent need for beds at the hospital.
ACROSS BORDERS
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π NAIROBI: Thousands occupy Parliament in protest of Finance Bill 2024 Tax hikes
πKenyans are organizing a protest against the Finance Bill 2024 because it will increase taxes on goods and services affecting their day-to-day lives. 87% of Kenyans are against the bill’s revenue mobilization provisions. Today, Tuesday June 18, 2024, there will be a sit-in outside the Parliament buildings as part of the protest called “Occupy Parliament.” Regarding the law, Kenyans are being urged to participate in the demonstration, which would involve a nonviolent march to Parliament, by activist Boniface Mwangi.
π NAIROBI: Kenya to host second US-African Nuclear Summit
πKenya is set to host the second US-African nuclear forum in August 2024. Justus Wabuyabo, the Chief Executive Officer of Nupea on Monday, June 17, 2024, said that the country prepares to join the ranks of nations generating part of their electricity from nuclear power. The forum will attract top officials from the US nuclear energy sector to offer insights on the technology and pursue possible engagement agreements as more African countries seek to pursue power generation from nuclear plants. Kenya plans to set up a nuclear power plant and has already selected Kilifi as the preferred host of the maiden nuclear power plant.
π JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s unity government now has five parties
πThe African National Congress (ANC) has announced that South Africa’s new government now includes five parties, representing more than two-thirds of the seats in the National Assembly. The parties are; ANC-159 seats, Democratic Alliance (DA)-87 seats, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)-17 seats, Patriotic Alliance (PA)-9 seats, and Good Party (GOOD)-1 seat. The ANC told the media on Monday, June 17, 2024, that the unity government will ensure representation in government for all participating parties and will make decisions by consensus.
