ISSUE 669
MONDAY EDITION
*MAY 29, 2024*
🇺🇬 President Museveni welcomes new Envoys, strengthens bilateral relations for economic growth
📌President Yoweri Museveni received credentials from six newly accredited Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Uganda. The Ambassadors presented their credentials at State House, Entebbe, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The distinguished envoys include H.E. Sasayama Takuya (Japan), H.E. Mohammad Khalil E. Faroudah (Saudi Arabia), H.E. Miroslaw Gojdz (Poland), H.E. Jenny Da Rin (Australia), H.E. Mohammed Mutair (Qatar) and H.E. Ruzaimi Mohamad (Malaysia). During discussions with the president Ambassador Sasayama pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation and attract Japanese companies to invest in Uganda, Ambassador Mohammad Khalil expressed commitment to enhancing economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Uganda. President Museveni used the occasion to extend invitations to more foreign companies, emphasizing Uganda’s significant business potential.
🇺🇬 Chief Justice, Katikkiro discuss Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms
📌Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo and the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, meet at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, to discuss Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. During the closed-door meeting, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo highlighted the inefficiencies of the current court system, which was introduced during colonial times. This system has led to a significant backlog of cases, with some remaining unresolved for over a decade. Only 5% of disputes in Uganda make it to court due to various challenges, including distance, cost, and time-consuming processes. Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo proposed integrating informal justice mechanisms. Katikkiro praised Buganda Kingdom’s long-standing judicial system and expressed hope that it would become more effective if formally recognized by the Judiciary.
🇺🇬 Uganda to host African Water and Sanitation Academy for capacity building and sector enhancement
📌The government has approved the decision by the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) to establish the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA) in Uganda. The academy, which is part of AfWASA’s efforts to train and build capacity in the water and sanitation sector, will initially conduct non-academic training. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, revealed on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, that Uganda has gained the confidence of other countries due to the successful work done by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). The main goals of AWASA include promoting education and awareness, decision-making support, enhancing synergies and impacts, youth and women empowerment, regional initiatives and networking, and sustainability.
🇺🇬 Bishop Wokorach to be installed on Pope John Paul II’s Cathedral chair
📌Bishop Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, the recently appointed Archbishop of Gulu, will take the ecclesiastical chair that Pope John Paul II occupied during his 1993 visit to Uganda on July 12, 2024. Bishop Wokorach who was previously the Bishop of Nebbi Diocese has been named the new Archbishop of Gulu, succeeding Archbishop John Baptist Odama after 20 years in office and his installation as the new spiritual head of the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province is a significant and symbolic act, his installation ceremony is expected to be grand, using the ancient cathedral chair that has historical significance, including being used by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Uganda in 1993 which symbolizes the power and presence of the Catholic Church in the nation.
🇺🇬 Uganda reopens Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement to house over 20,000 Sudanese fleeing war
📌The Ugandan government has reopened the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement to accommodate more than 20,000 Sudanese migrants who are fleeing the ongoing war in their home country. The settlement, which is located in mid-western Uganda, has been expanded to provide housing and arable plots to the new arrivals, who are predominantly women, children, and young people. The Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement has been a major hub for refugees from South Sudan, with over 80,000 people, more than 98% of whom are from South Sudan, already being assisted there. The settlement offers a range of services, including access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical care. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Director, Michael Dunford, recently visited the settlement to assess the situation and provide support to the refugees.
🇺🇬 Uganda schools shine at world football championship in China, returns home with medals
📌Uganda’s contingent, consisting of athletes and officials, returned home on Tuesday May 28, 2024, from China in three separate groups after a two-week stint in Dalian city, where they participated in the World Schools Football Championship. Four teams from three schools, including Amus College clinched the silver medal after a tight match in the boys’ football final against the host nation and the girls secured 7th position. Bukedea Comprehensive School secured 3rd position, earning the bronze medal. St. Mary’s College Kisubi finished at 31st position in boys football match. The Bukedea team is expected to arrive today, Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
🇺🇬 NAMAYINGO: Father burns daughter’s hands demanding school fees
📌A father in Namayingo District, Uganda has been arrested for burning his daughter’s hands in a dispute over school fees. Henry Sida, 43, a resident of Dohwe village in Buhemba Sub-county, is being held by police after allegedly burning his daughter Nabwire’s fingers when she asked him to pay her school fees. The Namayingo Deputy Resident District Commissioner Trevor Baleke, said the incident was reported to police by LCI chairman Charles Makhulothe on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Makhulo informed them that Sida had neglected his family after separating from his wife and that Nabwire had dropped out of Primary Four due to her father’s failure to pay her school fees. The victim was taken to Buyinja Health Center IV for treatment after the attack.
🇺🇬 LIRA: Ofwono Opondo urges Lango media to hold Government accountable
📌Ofwono Opondo, the government spokesperson and Director of the Uganda Media Center has called on journalists in the Lango sub-region to help fight corruption by holding government officials accountable. Speaking in Lira City on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Opondo stressed the importance of media professionals in ensuring transparency in governmental affairs. He emphasized that journalists play a key role in holding leaders accountable, which can improve service delivery and reduce corruption levels. Opondo asked the practitioners to always adhere to professional ethics, which dictate truthfulness and timeliness, and guide society on every initiative to eradicate poverty in the area. The Uganda Media Centre is currently conducting a regional engagement with local media practitioners to interact with them in their daily operations
🇺🇬 HOIMA: 7-Year-old girl killed in hit-and-run accident
📌A 7-year-old girl named Catherine Kwikiriza was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Hoima, Uganda on Monday, May 27, 2024. According to Julius Allan Hakiza, the Albertine Regional Police Spokesperson, the incident occurred at the Kyamukunjuki trading center along the Hoima-Buseruka road. Hakiza explained that the young girl was crossing the road when a speeding vehicle with registration number UAZ 517 Z, a Toyota Allex in brown color, struck and killed her on the spot. The police are currently tracing the owner of the vehicle and the driver involved in the fatal accident. Once apprehended, the suspect will be charged with murder, Hakiza emphasized.
ACROSS BORDERS
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🌍 DR CONGO: Govt names new cabinet after months delay
📌The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formed a new government after months of delay. There are 54 ministers in the new cabinet, down from 57 in the previous administration, according to spokesperson Tina Salama, who made the announcement to the media in the early hours of this Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Other notable appointments include Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita as Minister of Defense, Doudou Fwamba Likunde as Minister of Finance, and Kizito Pakabomba as Minister of Mines. Tina said that internal competition for positions within the ruling coalition was the reason behind the delay in forming the cabinet, while Erik Nyindu, the director of media for President Felix Tshisekedi, stressed that the compromise was required to prevent violence in the nation.
🌍 KENYA: President Ruto declares ironclad support for Haiti deployment
📌President William Ruto declared that Kenya has met all legal and constitutional requirements to deploy troops to Haiti to help the Caribbean nation address its political and socio-economic turmoil. Ruto stated in a recent media interview that East Africa “will show up in Haiti” to support peace efforts, just as it has done for over a dozen other nations in the past. He added that all nations that support democracy, self-determination, and peace have a responsibility to deploy police to Haiti and that Kenya has fulfilled all of its legal, constitutional, and international commitments to do so.
🌍 DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania becomes India’s second-largest trading partner in Africa
📌Tanzania is now India’s second-biggest economic partner in Africa after a 22% increase in bilateral trade during the current fiscal year. A statement sent to the media today, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, by the Indian High Commission in Dar es Salaam states that the bilateral commerce volume grew from $6.48 billion in 2022–2023 to $7.9 billion by May 27, 2024. He added that Tanzania’s exports to India surged by 29.5% to $3.29 billion, including products like legumes, avocados, gold, and coal. They also import essential commodities like petroleum products, industrial machinery, and pharmaceutical products from India. The embassy shared prosperity between the two nations, with further growth and diversification expected in the future.