πππππ 684
π π π £π π ‘π π π π π π π π £π π π
JUNE 13, 2024
πΊπ¬πΊπ¬πΊπ¬
πΊπ¬ President Museveni chairs UPDF high command meeting on national security, regional stability
πThe Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) High Command met under the direction of President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at State House Entebbe, to discuss issues pertaining national security and safety. The UPDF leadership provided comprehensive updates on the status of national security and Uganda’s dedication to regional stability and its function in fostering peace and security across borders are emphasized by these missions. President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aiding the UPDF in its efforts to uphold peace both locally and regionally at the meeting and stressed the significance of these discussions in guaranteeing the safety and security of Ugandan civilians.
πΊπ¬ President Museveni calls for land registration to ensure security of tenure, drive economic transformation
πPresident Yoweri Museveni has called for developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, to prioritize land registration and ensure security of tenure and drive economic transformation. In his message delivered on Wednesday June 12, 2024, by Vice President Jessica Alupo at the Land Learning Week at Speke Resort Munyonyo, President Points out that at least 70% of Uganda’s land remains unregistered, hindering development and leading to land disputes. He calls for governments to protect citizens from land evictions, particularly vulnerable landowners, and advocates for transparent land governance processes to promote social cohesion. President highlights the need for industrialization over agriculture, considering the projected population growth of 100 million by 2050.
πΊπ¬Β Positive assessment for Uganda’s economy as Budget day arrives
πFinance Minister Matia Kasaija told journalists on Thursday, June 13, 2024, that the nation has been given a favorable assessment of its prospects for the upcoming fiscal year, even as the nation waits to hear the reading of the 2024β2025 budget. He said Rwanda is predicted to grow at the fastest rate in 2024, growing at 7.6%, while Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are predicted to grow at the second-fastest rates in the East African Community in 2024, growing at 6.0%. Other growth rates in the region include Tanzania at 5.4%, Kenya at 5.0%, Burundi at 3.8%, Somalia at 3.7%, and South Sudan at 2.0%. According to Minister Kasaija, the region’s positive economic development is projected to result in more commerce and higher living standards for individuals.
πΊπ¬ OPM boosts Bunyoro agriculture with 10,000 farm items donation
πThe Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) through the state Minister for Bunyoro affairs, Jennifer Namuyangu Kacha, has donated over 10,000 farm items and building materials to farmers in eight districts of Bunyoro: including Kibaale, Kakumiro, Kagadi, Hoima, Kikuube, Buliisa and Masindi. Among the contributions were iron sheets and farm equipment for the local government schools including St. Edward’s SS Bukumi was given 400 iron sheets, since has graduated notable government figures such as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya, Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija, and Minister of Lands Baguma Isoke.
πΊπ¬ Archbishop Kazimba calls on men to prioritize family, avoid vices
πDr. Stephen Kazimba, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, has advised men to put their families first and abstain from drinking and promiscuity. Men ought to be industrious, self-starting, devout, and free from vices like drinking and promiscuity. Kazimba underlined how detrimental these actions may be to the country, the Church, and families. Under the subject “Christ-centered families led by model Christian men,” Kazimba made the remarks during the commencement of the inaugural Provincial Fathers’ Union annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Namirembe Guest House in Kampala. Kazimba attacked males who rely on women and shirk their duties. Men’s leaders from 39 dioceses throughout the nation attended the summit. Kazimba emphasized the significance of the assembly in creating the church.
πΊπ¬ Police arrest 80 suspected thugs terrorizing Kampala Metropolitan area
πKampala Metropolitan Police have arrested 80 suspected criminals moving on motorcycles, using pavers, users and buyers of stolen items such as mobile phones, in an operation to crackdown on crime. The operations were conducted in the areas of Kabalagala, Kisugu, Namuwongo and Kibuli where 48 people were arrested. Patrick Onyango, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, said on wednesday, June 12, 2024, the Flying Squad police also confiscated three motorcycles used in crimes especially during the night including; Bodaboda motorcycles registration numbers; UGC 761Q, UFY 376M and UDM 807F. The second operation was conducted in the Matugga area at Mabanda, whereΒ eight notorious thugs and other 23 were arrested smoking marijuana and chewing mira.
πΊπ¬ Two men charged in URA car auction scam
πTwo men, Ali Kauma Mugungu (42) and Sam Kasaija (49), have been charged with fraud over an alleged car auction scam at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) parking yard in Nakawa, Kampala. The incident is reported to have occurred on May 23, 2024. Prosecutors Hildah Atusimiire and Patricia Ndagire, representing the URA, allege that Mugungu and Kasaija auctioned a Subaru Forester vehicle to Lauben Kafeero for 9 million Ugandan shillings. The prosecution is currently investigating the case. Both Mugungu and Kasaija pleaded not guilty to the charges. Unable to secure sureties for bail, they were remanded to Luzira prison until their next court appearance on June 24, 2024.
πΊπ¬ MAYUGE: Hippo attack on fishermen sparks call for evacuation
πWilliam Atube, a resident of Bukatube Sub County, Mayuge district, has asked Uganda Wildlife Authority to evacuate the hippos that have started killing fishermen. This follows an incident where a hippo struck a small boat carrying two fishermen at Waluube Landing Site on Lake Victoria in Bukatube Sub County on Wednesday morning, June 12, 2024 killing one and seriously injuring another. The deceased was identified as Mustafa Okot, 38, while the survivor, John Kasule, 26, escaped unhurt to the shores. Atube said the fishermen had been fishing on Lake Victoria in the wee hours of Wednesday.
πΊπ¬ LUWERO: Mayor seeks Town Clerk removal over alleged Council disruption
πEdward Ssenyonjo, the mayor of Kamira Town Council in Luwero District, has called for the transfer of the town clerk, Henry Dungu. Mayor Ssenyonjo accuses Dungu of undermining council sessions, specifically hindering the approval of the town’s 2024-2025 financial budget. A scheduled council meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, intended to finalize the budget, reportedly failed to proceed. Mayor Ssenyonjo alleges collusion between the town clerk and the council secretary, accusing them of obstructing the delivery of essential services in Kamira.
Frustrated by the situation, Mayor Ssenyonjo has threatened to lead a protest to the district headquarters, demanding Dungu’s removal. He intends to rally his council colleagues in support of his action.
πΊπ¬ BUIKWE: Govt donates 26,000 doses of FMD vaccines
πThe government has given Buikwe district 26,000 complimentary doses of the foot and mouth vaccine so that animals can be immunized throughout the district. Jimmy Kanaabi, the chairperson of the Buikwe District, said to the media on Wednesday June 12, 2024, that vaccinations had already been sent to all Sub County offices to begin the exercise. Given that farmers have lately been afflicted with foot and mouth disease, he advised farmers to bring their animals in for immunization and expressed gratitude to the government for developing the vaccine.
πΊπ¬ IBANDA: Ex-agent Banking handler faces theft charges
πMadinah Kansiime, a former agent banking handler in Ibanda town, appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, accused of stealing UGX120 million over a three-month period in 2023. The prosecution alleges that the theft occurred between July and October 2023 and was only discovered in October. Kansiime pleaded not guilty. She claimed that two unidentified men stole UGX 95 million. However, Detective Akol Christine, representing the prosecution, challenged Kansiime’s story. The detective pointed out that Kansiime failed to report the alleged robbery to her employer or the police at the time. Police investigations reportedly revealed that Kansiime may have used some of the missing funds to construct a four-room house at her family’s residence in Kitagwenda district.
ACROSS BORDERS
πππ
π RWANDA: Kagame names Nduhungirehe as Foreign Minister, transfers spy chief Nzabamwita
πIn a major cabinet reshuffle, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has appointed several new ministers, including Olivier Nduhungirehe as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Nduhungirehe replaces Vincent Biruta, who has been appointed Minister of Interior, replacing Alfred Gasana. Kagame also transferred the powerful Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita from his position as Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). Nzabamwita has been appointed as Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President. He has been replaced by Aimable Havugiyaremye, Rwanda’s Prosecutor General. At the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Yussuf Murangwa has been appointed as the new Minister, replacing Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana.
π ZIMBABWE: Govt suspends selling of Urban State land to ensure sustainable growth
πIn a move aimed at better managing and administering the country’s finite urban state land resources, the Zimbabwean government has suspended the sale of urban state land. This decision was announced on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which is currently reviewing existing policies to ensure they align with the country’s national development goals outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030.
π KENYA: Proposed finance bill threatens job security, warns bankers
πKenyan bankers have warned of job loss due to reduced investments if the proposed Finance Bill, which includes introducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on foreign exchange, passes. Financial managers fear a mass exodus of investors, negatively impacting the employment sector. Kenya Bankers Association Ag. Chief Executive Officer Raimond Molenje criticized the bill as limiting the country’s foreign exchange earnings and called for a rethinking of the decision.
