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July 18, 2024
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πΊπ¬ President Museveni calls on police to champion Uganda’s socio-economic transformation
πPresident Yoweri Museveni delivered a lecture of opportunity on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to senior police who were undergoing a training course at the Police Senior Command and Staff College in Bwebajja. During the lecture, the President emphasized the police’s critical role in Uganda’s social and economic transformation. He urged the officers to focus on protecting wealth creators, actively participating in productive activities through their savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs), stamping out corruption, and upholding the values of patriotism and pan-Africanism. He congratulated the police leadership for establishing institutions that enhance the knowledge and skills of officers.
πΊπ¬ PPDA tightens grip on public procurement in Govβt Agencies
πThe government is ramping up efforts to ensure responsible spending with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) taking the lead. On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the PPDA held a crucial meeting with heads of Procurement and Disposal Units (PDUs) from government agencies known for high spending. During the meeting, the PPDA emphasized the importance of timely reporting for public procurement activities. The PDUs presented updates on their respective entities’ procurement plans for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2024/2025). Benson Turamye, the PPDA Executive Director said that through direct engagement with PDU leaders, the PPDA aims to solidify adherence to public procurement regulations.
πΊπ¬ Govt to recognize builders who comply with building guidelines
πThe National Building Review Board (NBRB) has launched an awards program to recognize construction companies and professionals complying with building guidelines. This followed concern that only 22% of buildings meet the required building standards. Speaking during the launch of the awards on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, acting NBRB Executive Secretary Eng. Anthony Rucukye explained that the awards will have categories like Class A, B, and C builders, Building Committee Award, Building Control Officer Award, Building Contractors Award, and Building Materials Manufacturers Award.
πΊπ¬ Govt implements strict regulations on hazardous chemicals in mining, industry
πThe government has introduced new regulations to limit the use of dangerous substances like mercury in a variety of industries. Akankwasah Barirega, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), told journalists on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, that the regulations carry severe penalties and jail time for infractions. He said concerns are raised about heavy metals like lead in mining, as well as chemicals like plastics, herbicides, and pesticides that pose health risks. The regulations prohibit the use of mercury in gold mining and related operations. Procedures for chemical registration, transportation, emergency response, and transboundary movement are outlined in the regulations.
πΊπ¬ DOKOLO: Senior State Attorney charged with theft of Govβt property
πAmalo Zerald Peter Opio, a Senior Resident State Attorney (RSA) in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has been charged with embezzlement of government property valued at UGX10 million. According to the charge sheet, between 2021 and 2022, Opio, who was stationed at the RSA’s office in Dokolo, allegedly stole 4 office fans, 2 filing cabinets, 1 water dispenser, and a presidential portrait – all belonging to his employer, the ODPP. The charges were presented before the High Court’s Anti-Corruption Division on July 15, 2024. According to Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions, who consented to the charges, Opio has been accused of stealing the items by his position as a senior state attorney.
πΊπ¬ ADJUMANI: Residents decry ongoing Illegal charcoal trade despite Presidential Order
πThe residents of Adjumani district have expressed their frustration with local authorities for failing to effectively implement a presidential executive order that banned the production and sale of charcoal in Northern Uganda. The ban, issued by President Museveni in May 2023, was intended to curb the rampant deforestation caused by the charcoal trade in the region. However, residents say the illegal activity continues unabated in Adjumani, with trucks and motorcycles constantly transporting charcoal from the Zoka Forest to be shipped to other parts of the country. “The Zoka Forest is being destroyed before our eyes,” lamented environmental activist William Amanzuru.
πΊπ¬ WAKISO: Kira Municipality gets UGX 59bn boost for road development
πThe government has announced a major road infrastructure project in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, with an initial investment of UGX 59 billion. Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, stated that the project’s first phase will focus on constructing 11.5 km of roads to enhance road infrastructure in the Greater Kampala metropolitan area. The key roads to be constructed in this initial phase include Kungu-Kyanja road, Bishop Cyprian (Bulindo) Road, and Mbogo (Najjera) Road. The project is funded by the African Development Bank and aims to construct over 69 kilometers of roads in Kampala. Minister Kabanda stated that works on Kira Division roads projects are expected to last 18 months once the President flags off the project on July 24, 2024.
πΊπ¬ KABALE: Police arrest two for motorcycle theft, recovered bike smuggled to Tanzania
πPolice in Kabale District have arrested two men on charges of stealing a motorcycle and attempting to smuggle it into Tanzania. The suspects, 28-year-old Tumwesigye Laban, resident of Byanamira parish, and 32-year-old Arinaitwe Brian, resident of Buhara parish, were allegedly apprehended upon repatriation from Tanzania. The pair were caught with a stolen Bajaj motorcycle, bearing Reg. No. UEE 279H was reported stolen from Kabale municipality on July 13, 2024. According to police reports, the suspects claim they were misled by an individual named Amon, who convinced them there was a ready market for motorcycles in Tanzania. The two men are reported to have crossed the border into Tanzania on July 15, 2024.
πΊπ¬ TESO: NRM Youth Cadres to launch regional office, plant trees in Kumi
πThe National Resistance Movement (NRM) Youth Cadres Association – Uganda (NRM-YCA-UG) is organizing a tree planting campaign and the opening of their regional office in Kumi on July 26, 2024. This program aims to empower young people and promote environmental conservation as part of a larger effort to address climate change and achieve sustainable development. The event will be held at the Kumi Booma grounds and is open to all Ugandans. NRM-YCA-UG plans to recruit young volunteers to plant thousands of trees in Kumi and the surrounding areas.
ACROSS BORDERS
π KENYA: Police ban protests in Nairobi amid security concerns
πKenyan authorities have banned protests in the central business district of the capital city Nairobi, citing security concerns and a lack of designated leadership to ensure peaceful demonstrations. The ban comes after a month of anti-government protests that have turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 protesters. The decision was announced late on Wednesday by the acting inspector general of police, Douglas Kanja, who stated that “no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety”. Kanja cited “credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests” as a key factor behind the ban.
π NAIROBI: Raila warns against calls for Ruto’s resignation, cites potential consequences
πKenyaβs opposition leader, Raila Odinga opposes the push for President William Ruto’s resignation. Speaking during the ODM Party Parliamentary Group Meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Raila warned that the ‘Ruto must go’ push might have dire consequences. He cautions that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua might continue implementing “bad policies” if Ruto is ousted. He warns that Ruto’s stepping down could lead to military intervention, drawing parallels to Egypt. Raila supports dialogue to resolve the crisis, emphasizing the need for consultative talks. He stressed the importance of saving Kenya through dialogue rather than focusing on removing Ruto.
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π ETHIOPIA: Irish Foreign Affairs Minister in Addis Ababa to discuss peace and security
πIrish Foreign Affairs Minister MicheΓ‘l Martin is embarking on a two-day visit to Ethiopia, commencing today, July 18, 2024. During his stay, Minister Martin is scheduled to hold meetings with key Ethiopian leaders, including President Sahlework Zewde, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The primary focus of the visit is Irelandβs commitment to promoting peace and security in Ethiopia. Discussions will center on the ongoing civil conflict within Ethiopia and the need to address violations of human rights. Additionally, the utilization of Irish aid in East Africa will be considered.
