The number of people who died when 5- storied Kyaseka Building along Makerere Hill road collapsed on Monday afternoon has increased.

According to the police director in charge of fire and rescue services, Joseph Mugisa, more bodies were retrieved at night as his team continued with excavation works under floodlights.

“We continued with our search and last night between 1 am and 3 am, we retrieved 3 more bodies and took them to Mulago hospital for postmortem,” Mugisa told journalists adding that the total number of dead people has risen to 4.

This was however, inconsistent with the earlier reports on Monday evening that had indicated that the death toll was at 3 by the end of the day.

Chimpreports has positively identified 3 of the deceased as Rashid Kyobe, Isaac Bukenya and Emmanuel Kirumba.

Efforts are still ongoing to recover more survivors and bodies from the rubble

According to the police fire brigade director, 4 people have so far been rescued alive.

Mugisa said the search and rescue mission is still ongoing, with hope to find more survivors still trapped under the debris.

“What is clear now is that the building didn’t collapse because of natural factors like a storm, earth quake or floods,” Mugisa explained.

He added that they are still unable to pinpoint the number of people who were in the building at the time of the collapse. The owner is said to be on the run.

Negligence

Meanwhile Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago told reporters that the cause of the accident was likely negligence on the side of the building proprietor and engineers.

“It is such a tragedy but in my observation, it is because of negligence by the owner of the building and the engineers,” Lukwago said while touring the site on Tuesday.

“I have always complained that many structures are coming up in unclear circumstances as many proprietors beat the system to build without certification from KCCA.”

The Kampala Lord Mayor said that both KCCA and government engineers have a lot of questions to answer in regard to many buildings in the city that have been erected in road reserves and how their owners get occupational permits.

“This building was an accident in the waiting because of the laxity of the directors of physical planning and civil engineering in KCCA.”

Internal Affairs Minister Rose Akol has asked Rwandan nationals in Uganda who have both Ugandan and Rwandan national identity cards to surrender one, saying that this is against the country’s laws.

Minister Akol was on Sunday speaking to locals at the Mirama Hills border post, who included Rwandan Nationals.

The Minister was in the area to ascertain the readiness of the Mirama-Kagitumba border post in Ntungamo district which is set to be commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame on the 23^rd of this month.

Akol told the residents that her ministry was aware of the fact many Rwandan citizens with Rwanda IDs are in also possession of Ugandan IDs. She added that many of these were not aware of the consequences of this situation.

“Many of them think that they can better go about their business in Uganda when they have our national ID cards,” she said. This, she noted however, complicates security management between the two countries.

The District police commander Ntungamo district Baker Kawonawo revealed during the meeting that fighting cross border crimes especially human trafficking has been greatly hampered by cases of people with multiple IDs.

The Minister appealed to the officials manning the border post to continue sensitizing the people so that those who illegally possess national IDs can surrender them peacefully.

Late last year, in the build up to last February’s general elections, opposition politicians raised the red flag that government was deliberately issuing national identity cards to Rwandans to vote for incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

The NRM however vehemently denied these charges, noting that such a venture was costly and untenable.

Minister Akol on Sunday confirmed that her ministry has in the past months been collecting Ugandans IDs from Rwandan nationals.

She noted however that the number of those surrendering them voluntarily had drastically declined lately.

“In the past we used to collect at least 10 IDs per day from Rwanda Nationals but this figure has gone down, and we know that many of them still have them,”

She attributed this to Rwandans will strong business interest in the country, as well as those who wish to have duo citizenship.

Mr. Stephen Mutambi, an immigration officer at the border revealed that the most of the illegal immigrants from Rwanda come in when the water levels on River Kagera decrease. He noted that several people have drowned in the river.

President Yoweri Museveni has concluded his week-long security assessment tour of the Rwenzori region with a tour of the Queen Elizabeth National Park assuring the people of Rwenzori sub-region and the country of total peace as specialized mountain forces have now been deployed to the area.

The President vowed to crush any trouble causers in the country adding that Uganda under NRM has a robust security system and whoever tries to play around with the prevailing peace will be dealt with decisively and promptly.

“Uganda under NRM is not like a garden without an owner. Uganda under NRM has a very strong security system. If you try to play you will be dealt with promptly,” he said, adding that the army is today capable of handling any criminal elements and that there is no way anybody can cause insecurity.

He said the government would not tolerate people who take the law in their hands because of politics or land issues.

The President’s remarks follow reports by the UPDF 2nd Division commander, Brig Peter Elwelu who said his forces are now in control on the ground and have since the inception of operation code-named “Usalama Rwenzori (Peace in Rwenzori),” five days ago, captured over 100 suspects.

The President urged the people of Rwenzori region to maintain peace and security and to allow tourism to flourish for people to earn incomes. He assured Ugandans and the world that the region is largely peaceful and the security is assured along all the mountain ranges.

As part of the assessment tour, President Museveni took a boat cruise of the entire Kazinga channel where he viewed game park animals that included among others hippos, buffalos and crocodiles. He also viewed different species of birds.

President Museveni with Uganda Wildlife Authority officials

He also made a brief stopover at Kazinga fishing village where a huge crowd suddenly gathered to acknowledge his greetings.

At the end of the tour, one of the game wardens Masereka Joshua who welcomed President Museveni expressed their gratitude for receiving a high profile guest at the park. He said the area is very peaceful and urged tourists to emulate President Museveni by visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The guide Mr. Christopher Naitala also thanked President Museveni for visiting the park and for ensuring peace and security in the region.

The President later held a press briefing at Mweya Safari Lodge in Kasese district during which he shared with the country the situation in the region.

Police in Mbarara has in detention 9 FDC supporters who were arrested last evening allegedly trying to block roads in the municipality.

Yassini Matsiko, the FDC Chairperson for in Nyamitanga Division told Chimpreports that his colleagues were picked from Liverpool House and others from Mbarara Independence Grounds.

He said that Police initially arrested 15 but while taking them to Mbarara Police station, some escaped from the truck and vanished in the bushes.

The 9 who remain in police custody at the regional police station are waiting for trial according to authorities.

Among the arrested was FDC’s publicity secretary for the western region, one Peter Byamukama.

During today’s weekly FDC prayers conducted at the party offices In Mbarara town, the supporters prayed for the release of their colleagues.

According to the Mbarara DPC Jaffar Magyezi, police obtained information that the arrested were moving to close the Masaka-Mbarara, Kabale-Mbarara and Mbarara-Bushenyi roads.

He noted that the arrested will be taken to court as the hunt for those who escaped carries on.

The South Sudan rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar has returned to the war ravaged nation from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa having left since the start of the two year armed conflict.

The rebel leader who is also destined to become the Vice President crossed into the country through the Ethiopian border of Gambella on Tuesday evening.

Machar, according to sources, headed straight to the SPLA- In Opposition headquarters in Pagak where he was received by his General Chief of Staff, Gen. Chayout Manyang Wur who is also the
governor of Upper Nile state.

“The Commander-in-Chief arrived in Pagak this evening,” a source at the headquarters said.

Dr. Machar is expected in Juba on Monday next week and the preparation for the inauguration of Government of National Unity also expected to start after his arrival.

His deputy Alfred Lado Gore landed in Juba on Tuesday afternoon.

Parents in the western district of Mbarara have been urged to provide their school going children with smart phones and other modern gadgets as a way of enhancing adaptation to Information Communication Technology (ITC) in schools.

The call was made on Monday by the Mbarara District Education officer Gabriel Ahimbisibwe at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)’s Annual Communications and Innovations Award (ACIA) competitions for schools in the western region.

The DEO noted with concern that most schools in the country are not moving at the needed pace in regard to use of ICT.

Mbarara District Education Officer Gabriel Ahimbisibwe defended the use of phones in schools

‘And it’s not just the teachers or schools or government, but parents too are to blame for this disheartening trend,” he said. “I know many parents who literally discourage their children from taking ICT related subjects.”

Government recently decreed that IT lessons must be conducted at A-level. But according to recent research, most students are opting for Subsidiary Mathematics.

Mr Ahimbisibwe observed that in this “e-era,” Uganda would find problems trying to transform itself, if it doesn’t invest sufficiently in modern technology.

Pupils from Bushenyi Parental Care school presenting

He thus called upon parents to play their part, first by providing their children with the basic ICT tools including smart phones and other modern gadgets.

In 2013, the Ministry of Education issued a ban on students owning mobile phones in schools.

The Ministry cited a number of issues including an “overwhelming rate of exam malpractices,” where students use phones to receive questions and answers of leaked examinations prior to sitting UNEB Examinations.

A number of schools participated in the competitions

The Ministry also noted that young female students would not be well protected if allowed to use mobile phones and that the phone encourage the use of illegal drug abuse in schools and to promote criminal behavior in various circumstances

At the event, Andrew Otim, a senior strategy in business planning for UCC urged parents to stop scaring their children way from taking up ICT courses.

“Many of them still regard ICT as a foreign and harmful ideology, which is not the case,” he said.

At the event held at Big Fun Entertainment in Mbarara municipality, Mary Hill High School was crowned Champions to represent the western region in the ACIA competitions, at the national level.

Bushenyi Parental Care Nursery and Primary School will represent primary schools in the region.

Mr Otim said that the competitions which are now running for their 6th year will this time focus on financial banking, health, agriculture and legal fields to solve poverty and day today challenges in communities using ICT.

Efforts by Bunyoro Kingdom to push government to designate a day for the remembrance of King Chwa Kabalega II have not yielded results.

King Kabalega who is remembered for standing strongly against British colonial rulers in Bunyoro died on April 6, 1923.

He is also highly regarded in the history of the Kingdom for developing it through trade. He set up the booming salt works at Kibiro in the now Kigorobya Sub
County, along the Lake Albert shoreline in Hoima district.

In 1972, President Idi Amin renamed Murchison Falls, Kabalega Falls. In 2009, President Yoweri Museveni, declared Kabalega a national hero. A number of institutions in Bunyoro have also been named in memory of Kabalega such as Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi Town.

However, Bunyoro Kingdom feels Kabalega hasn’t been recognized sufficiently.

In 2013, Bunyoro Kingdom cabinet passed a resolution to push government to designate a national day in memory of Kabalega. Three years later, the officials say, their interfaces with the central government have produced no fruit.

Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the great grandson of Kabalega and head of the Babito Royal Clan in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, says Kabalega Day shouldn’t be a subject of debate since his contribution is unequaled.

Yolam Nsamba, the former Principal Private Secretary to Bunyoro King, describes Kabalega as a sovereign who deserves befitting national recognition.

FDC’s former presidential candidate Col Dr Kizza Besigye on Wednesday appeared before the Kasangati Grade One Magistrate to answer to charges of unlawful assembly and disobedience of lawful orders against Clause 117 of the Penal Code Act.

Besigye earlier last week after being released from home confinement, was arrested and detained briefly for flouting traffic guidelines.

Besigye reportedly refused to abide by police’s orders to flow an alternative route, thus stopping traffic on the Kasangati road.

The Kasangati Magistrates court had reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Besigye after he skipped the first session.

The Court granted Besigye a non cash bail of Shs 2Million and ordered him reappear on April 27^th for hearing.

Tonny Kiyimba Ssempebwa and FDC’s Ingrid Turiwawe stood surety for the accused.

Ugandan pioneer homegrown automotive project, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has been invited to exhibit at the forthcoming Sustainable Innovation Expo organized by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) this May in Nairobi.

The biennial political meeting brings together global environmental policy makers, Cabinet officials, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, organizations and companies to discuss global environmental trends.

The platform also looks at lobbying of government actors on pertinent environmental policies and issues.

Paul Isaac Musasizi, the CEO Kiira Motors told Chimpreports that KMC’s participation in the Expo is in its recognition as a green transport partner developing eco-friendly transport technologies.

“The work we do at Kiira Motors Corporation is shaping the destiny of Uganda and Africa as an Equal Partner in Value Addition for domestic consumption and export to the rest of the World for sustainable economic development.”

Kiira Motors will showcase its famous ‘Kayoola’ Solar Bus, which is a heritage of African science and technology Innovation and clean energy transport technologies.

Musasizi says that the Expo is also an opportunity for Brand visibility, networking & synergies and representing Uganda as a clean energy automotive hub with manufacturing capabilities.

Why did Kiira Motors find it imperative to develop a solar powered bus? The CEO explained; “We aspire for a green, clean, and noise free transport solution for urban mass mobility. The sustainability of Ugandan made vehicles is based on production of eco-friendly and internationally acceptable technology and products for global competitiveness.”

However, in addition to the Kayoola solar bus, KMC is set to manufacture fuel powered automotives such as Sedans, SUVs and Pickups with an inevitable nature of emission.

In reaction to this, Musasizi told Chimpreports; “Innovation in the automotive industry has seen the birth of advanced low emission ICEs. KMC shall use these to curb the emissions from the very old cars imported in the region.”

He added that the Kiira Vehicle Technology Program will continue exploring green mobility technology for Africa with the hope of having vehicles like the Kayoola solar bus on the road in the 5 -10 years period.

Thousands of Buganda royalists thronged Kings College Buddo in Wakiso district this morning to mark King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s 61^st birthday.

The event as has been the tradition, was graced by many officials from both the Kingdom and the Central Government including ministers, Members of Parliament and heads of various institutions.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director Mrs Jenifer Musisi were present, and were called forward to greet the King.

This year’s event was unique as it was held at the same hill where King Mutebi was enthroned as King of Buganda back in 1993, 27 years after the traditional institution was abolished by the central government.

In his message, Kabaka Mutebi called for betterment of education in the country and to enhance it’s accessibly to all children.

He also urged parents across the kingdom to support government’s efforts to provide free education through the Universal Primary and Secondary Education.

Mutebi further called for the youngsters to be furnished with knowledge about the culture and values of Buganda Kingdom, noting that, “a country without culture can never develop.”

At the event, as has been the norm, Mutebi made special recognition of the works of 67 year old Moses Matovu, the founder of the famous Afrigo Band and the band itself which has entertained the nation and the region since 1975; as well as harnessed young talents in the music industry.

Police have commenced investigations into circumstances under which the ‘Black Mask Squad’ members clobbered Dr Kizza Besigye’s supporters along Kasangati road on Tuesday.

Pictures of the beating have since sparked public outrage with many calling for an in-depth probe. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga today said an inquiry had kicked off.

“The Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander has called for an investigation into its (squad) composition and work methods,” said Enanga.

The law enforcement today denied claims of using masked stick-wielding men to brutalize opposition activists.

The men wearing black t-shirts and hoods were seen beating up bodaboda riders and others following Dr Besigye’s car in Kasangati as he travelled to FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala.

In some cases, the unknown muscular men used teargas spray to disperse the crowds. Police are yet to make any arrests in regard to the incident.

The bearings evoked memories of Kiboko Squad which made a name through clobbering protesters on Kampala streets a few years ago.

Enanga quoted the head of Kampala police as saying the unknown men “were not part of his surveillance team.”

There is speculation that the men could be linked to security, a charge police deny. Opposition groups have since condemned the violence as unwarranted and provocative.

Besigye who has been under house arrest maintains acts of defiance will continue until President Museveni agrees to a plan on political transition.

Government has since ruled out the possibility of sharing power but encourages dialogue with opposition institutions.

A group of people in eastern Uganda, who a few years ago converted into Judaism has gained official recognition from the Jewish Agency for Israel, Chimp Corps report.

The Abayudaya (Luganda for People of Judah) are a small community of a few hundred people in Mbale District who in 2012 were converted to practice Judaism

In a letter to the head of the Conservative movement in Israel Rabbi Andrew Sacks, the Jewish Agency confirmed it now views the Abayudaya in Uganda as a recognized community registered with the Masorti-Olami World Conservative Movement.

Additionally, the letter also stated that the Jewish Agency recognizes the authority of Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, who serves as the spiritual head of the Mbale group.

Rabbi Gershom Sizomu

The recognition according to Israeli media means that the Abayudaya are recognized as Israeli citizens under the Israel’s Law of Return and can freely move there.

The recognition also will allow members of the community to obtain visas from Israel’s Interior Ministry in order to study at yeshivas (Jewish schools) in the Jewish state.

The Abayudaya Jewish community originally splintered off from Christianity in the early 20th century, when its members began observing Jewish laws and customs. Its population however, which was exceeding 3000, dwindled drastically in 1970s due to the persecution of President Iddi Amin.

In 2002, the 1,500-member community was formally converted to Judaism by a Conservative rabbinical court.

Most Abayudaya are of Bagwere origin, except for those from Namutumba, who are Basoga. They speak Luganda, Lusoga or Lugwere, although some have learned Hebrew as well.

Cabinet sitting yesterday Wednesday approved a 9 member committee to work with the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity as per the Anti-Pornography Act, in combating pornography production and consumption in the country.

The Pornography Control Committee chaired by Dr Annette Kezaabu Kasimbazi was announced on Thursday by information Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi while addressing press in Kampala.

Notable on the committee is Dr. Martin Ssempa the senior pastor of the Makerere Community Church, an outspoken adversary of immorality and homosexuality.

The other members are Dalton Opwonya, Sheik Muhammad Ali Wasswa, Joan Komugisha, Gaston Byamugisha, Hasfa Kabagonja, Victoria Sentamu and Dr Fred Nyakori.

Among its many tasks according to Minister Muhwezi, the committee is to work with the Ethics Ministry to ensure early detection and prevention of pornography.

It will also ensure that perpetrators of pornography are apprehended and prosecuted; and also collect and destroy pornographic objects and materials with the assistance of the police.

“As you may be aware, pornography is a major challenge in Uganda society today. Its increasing consumption is fast eroding our cherished decent African moral fabric, particularly among young people,” said Muhwezi.

The development comes after the Ethics and Integrity Minister Fr. Simon Lokodo announced plans to procure a pornography detecting software at a cost of Ugshs 2.6Billion.

The detector is intended to be installed on cell phones, television sets as well as computers.

Fr. Lokodo while tabling the proposal before the Parliamentary Committee last week said that the move is to aid in the enforcement of the 2014 Anti-Pornography Act.

“We want telecom companies to have ‘software filters’ which can track and block public access to ‘pornographic material’. In countries like China, Korea and Rwanda, this software is successful,” the Minister told the Committee.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has Thursday afternoon stormed the Constitutional Court to challenge the Solicitor General Denis Biraije’s counsel, which effectively barred him from accessing his chambers at the City Hall.

The Lord Mayor who was flanked by several of his supporters arrived at the court and was by publication time seeking to meet with the Deputy Chief Justice Stephen Kavuma over the matter.

Earlier in the morning, Lukwago was engaged with police led by the Kampala North DPC Wesley Nganizi, who advised him against causing mayhem in the city.

Police trying to convince Lukwago not to cause chaos at the City Hall.

Lukwago reportedly was trying to force his way into the City Hall.

Yesterday the Solicitor General advised Lukwago against accessing the Office of the Lord Mayor or performing its incidental duties, during the (ending) term, noting that this would be in contempt of a Supreme Court ruling.

“As the Lord Mayor Elect, Mr Lukwago can only access the office of the Lord Mayor upon the expiration of the current term and after being duly sworn in and handed the instruments of power,” he advised.

The High Court’s War Crimes Division in Kampala has set June 14, to start hearing of the case in which 31 people are accused of masterminding the killing of Muslim clerics last year.

The group includes 9 suspects Sheikh Yunus Kamoga, Siraje Kawooya, Abdulsala Ssekayanja, Abdulhamid Ssematimba, Rashid Jjingo, Twaha Ssekitto, Yusuf Kakande, Fahad Kalungi and Murtamudde Bukenya who are accused participating in the murder of Sheikh Mustapha Bahiga early last year.

However, the indictment was amended to include more 22 suspects charged with the murder of Sheikh Hassan Kirya in Bweyogerere (Wakiso) and Sheikh Ductoor  Suudi Bongo Muwaya in Mayuge.

Prosecution told court some of the extra suspects had been brought in from abroad including Dubai in the UAE.

Chimpreports has learnt that a panel of 3 judges is set to be appointed to hear the case that kicks of mid this year.

According to Justice Duncan Gaswaga who was on Thursday afternoon in charge of the pre-trial hearing of the case, the panel is set to be named to take charge of the case.

“I am just preparing the ground so that when it starts there is free flow. I might not even be part of the judges,” Justice Gaswaga said in court on Thursday during the pre-trial session.

Avail Evidence

Justice Gaswaga ordered the prosecution to furnish the defense lawyers led by Ladislas Rwakafuuzi and Fred Muwema with the evidence they intend to use in the case.

The suspects arrives at court from Luzira Prison

This followed a request by the defense lawyers to punish the prosecution side led by Principal State Attorney Charles Kamuli for failure to avail the evidence as had been ordered by the constitutional court last year.

In its defense, the state said the files for the suspects were being handled separately by different police stations and these were still recording statements on top of the voluminous evidence they have.

The prosecutors also cited the various exhibits in form of cars, motor cycles, mobile phones, laptop and other documents that had to be put together.

The judge however ordered them to avail the evidence to the defense lawyers before the trial kicks in off June.

Dr. Kiyingi

The state had earlier said they had lost interest in pushing for charges against Australian Cardiologist Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi.

“I have instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to discontinue charges against Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi,” said the lead prosecutor Kamuli .

The cardiologist had been accused of forming the Federal Alliance rebel movement in a bid to commit atrocities against Ugandans.

Charges

The 31 are accused of terrorism, murder, crime against humanity, supporting ADF rebels and attempted murder committed between December 2014 and June last year in various areas.

Following the breakdown of the country’s sole radiotherapy machine at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Government has selected 400 patients to be taken to Kenya for treatment.

The Ministry of Health this week entered a deal with Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi to offer radiotherapy services to the selected patients.

The development was announced Thursday afternoon by the Junior Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi while appearing before the parliament’s plenary.

The Minister found himself in the eye of the storm as legislators one by one demanded for updates from the Mulago Cancer Institute, where hundreds of patients have been left stranded following the collapse of their main source of relief.

“Two days ago we buried a priest who died because he couldn’t access his round of radiotherapy,” charged Hon Alice Alaso, the Serere District Woman MP.

An angry Hon. Paul Mwiru had a more lurid suggestion, “Government should place an embargo so that the rich are not allowed to go out for Radiotherapy outside the country; that way Government will expedite the process of acquiring a new Radiotherapy machine.”

When summoned on the floor of parliament by the Speaker, Minister Baryomunsi told the House that government had decided to come to the rescue of the stranded patients who urgently need radiotherapy services, by striking a deal with Kenya.

He noted that government will also provide transport and upkeep for the 400 patients through the duration of the treatment.

The Health Minister promised to publish the full list of the  patients selected for this opportunity.

Baryomunsi however, complained that the matter of radiotherapy machine breakdown has been exaggerated by social media. “There is no need for alarm,” he added.

He called for patience as the ministry embarks of erecting a new bunker of the radiotherapy machine which was procured in 2013.

The National Resistance Movement party Central Executive Committee has finally arrived at a resolution on the contentious item of the new Speaker of Parliament and the deputy.

ChimpReports on Tuesday got the details of the ruling party’s highest administrative organ meeting held on Tuesday this week at State House Entebbe, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni himself who is also the NRM Chairman.

Rules Change

The rule for the party Caucus’ election of the Speaker and the deputy has been changed.

Customarily, the NRM Caucus (after swearing in) sits before the first convening of the new Parliament and picks its two candidates for the two positions. The NRM rules say the caucus can only exist after swearing in of the elected Members of Parliament.

The elected MPs of the 10^th Parliament on the ruling party’s ticket are not yet NRM Caucus members even after being gazzetted by the Electoral Commission, since they have not yet been sworn in.

The swearing in of the new MPs is going to take place on the 17^th and 18^th of May 2016 and the next day 19^th will the election of the Speaker and the deputy.

In 2011, immediately after the swearing in in the afternoon NRM members convened at State House and picked candidates for Speaker and the deputy before the election was held the next day.

This order however has been changed, paving way for the new NRM MPs to constitute themselves into an electoral college before swearing in.

The NRM Electoral College shall elect its Speaker and deputy before swearing in. During the formal elections on the 19^ththe ruling party’s majority members will already be in the know of who to vote for as the Speaker and the Deputy.

The NRM has over 300 of the 458 coming new MPs. The party’s decision on the Speaker and the deputy is always the final game.

The NRM Secretary General, Justine Kasule Lumumba confirmed the development to ChimpReports when contacted on phone.

“We have changed the rules to make our (NRM) MPs elect and gazetted members chose the new Speaker and the deputy before the swearing in ceremony,” Mrs. Lumumba said on phone.

Lumumba stressed that time is always limited between swearing in and the election of the new Speaker, making it difficult for the party to exhaustively make its selection.

“The adjustment (in the rule) was inevitable,” she said.

Lumumba also confirmed that she was tasked by the CEC members to quickly handle the issue of some of the elected members not yet gazetted by the EC.

“I was given the responsibility of working with the EC to make sure that our members who got the votes and were declared but are not in the gazette are handled quickly.”

The date for the elected members to sit and constitute an electoral college was not mentioned but ChimpReports understand it will happen after the swearing in of President Museveni scheduledfor 12^th May. The NRM primaries for the Speaker will convene between 13^th and 17^th May 2016.

The NRM CEC members are also expected to convene again next week for a yet to be determined agenda. ChimpReports also understands the same CEC is supposed to receive and vet the names of those going to vie for both Speaker and the deputy.

Last week we reported that 3 ministers reached to the Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa and told her to speak to the President on the question of the Speaker.

The race is tightly between the current Speaker Rebecca Kadaga and her deputy Jacob Oulanyah. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kutesa is also said to be on the race but he has openly denied it several times.

Two cultural leaders of Rwenzori region yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding to re-establish peace, security and stability in the region.

Rwenzururu cultural leader Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere and Lt. Col. Martin  Kamya Omudingiya wa Bwamba appended their signatures on the Royal Communiqué at Mountain of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal on Thursday in the presence of the Inter- Religious council members and Vice chairman NRM for Eastern Uganda Miko Mukula.

The duo agreed to work tirelessly towards re-establishing peace, security and stability in the Rwenzori region through promoting deliberate and strategic conflict resolutions.

They also agreed to promote inter -cultural institutional dialogue and activities as a confidence building mechanism.

According to the communiqué, the two leaders will also conduct joint mobilization rallies in their respective territories with a purposeful message of peace, stability and harmonious co-existence.

The communiqué states that both the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and Obudingiya Bwa Bamba cultural leaders are important in providing positive leadership and guidance to their subjects in the region.

The Rwenzori region has of recent experienced a wave of tragic, traumatizing and regrettable events characterized by insecurity and bloodshed.

The recent tribal clashes between the Bamba and Bakonzo in the districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo left over 45 people killed, scores wounded and about 8,000 displaced.

Before the two leaders signed the Royal Communiqué, they were engaged in closed meetings with  Miko Mukula and Inter- Religious council of Uganda headed by James Ogola.

President Museveni has expressed shock that senior engineers at the Ministry of Energy abdicated their duties during the inspection of construction works at the multi-billion dollar Karuma and Isimba electricity dams; actions that could see the cost rise by over 30 percent and delay commissioning of the much-needed power projects.

ChimpReports this week exclusively broke the news of the firing of Eng Paul Mubiru (Director Energy Resources), Eng. Henry Bidasala Igaga (Project Coordinator Karuma) and Ms. Cecilia Menva (Project Coordinator Isimba Dam) over neglect of duty.

Now, in a new confidential letter dated April 5, Museveni told Energy Minister Irene Muloni that after deep investigations he had managed to verify “disturbing reports about the shoddy works at the two dams,” adding, “to a large extent these reports are actually true.”

On Karuma dam, said Museveni, “defects are visible in the concrete of the dam and intake structures through cracks, honeycombs, cold joints and unsealed holes where protruding formwork supports were being cut from the concrete etc.”

He said on Isimba Dam, “defects on the two draft tubes which are being assembled in position are observed through numerous unnecessary cuts and welds, bends on outer sections of the installed draft tubes etc and defects in concrete as those observed at Karuma.”

He adds: “All these, I am told, if not urgently addressed properly, may have a serious effect on the safety, reliability, stability and durability of the dams in the long run.”

It will be recalled that Infratech was contracted by the Government of Uganda to supervise the EPC Contractor at both Karuma and Isimba dams.

All infrastructure projects are supervised by an external engineering consultancy and go by the title of ‘Owners engineer’.

Major problems

A highly placed source told this website on Friday morning that at Karuma, the grouting into the rock where the tunnel passes – in what a layman would call a porcupine formation, has a problem.

This formation is needed to anchor the tunnel into the surrounding rock structure so that the force of the water does not sweep away the tunnel.

Interestingly, Karuma’s tunnelling design is similar to Ethiopia’s Gibe 11 dam in Ethiopia which was washed away one week after commissioning.

With a price tag of 374 million Euros and a capacity of 420 megawatts, Gilgel Gibe 2 was at the time Ethiopia’s biggest power plant.

After its commissioning by the late Ethiopian premier Meles Zenawi, the project’s core component, a 26-kilometer-long tunnel, collapsed, shutting down operations.

The repair works lasted three years.

Most importantly, the EPC contractor at the collapsed Ethiopian dam is the same at Karuma Dam.

Museveni furious

In his letter, Museveni told Muloni that “the completed two blocks of 12 units each purported to be part of the employers’ camp but lacking ventilation and inadequate space for rooms, no emergency fire escape routes etc. How could this happen? Didn’t we have any supervision from government on these facilities?”

The President, who maintains this fifth term in office will ensure a massive crackdown on impunity, said most of the shortcomings have been raised repeatedly by the consultant (owner’s Engineer) in the numerous communications to the contractor in 2015 and that these communications to the Contractors were always copied to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development “but no decision has been taken by the ministry to address those issues.”

“Similarly, the Uganda Electricity Generation Company (UEGCL) as the implementation agency for the project has continued to raise these issues through their Project Management Consultations (PMCs) and lately the panel of experts (PoEs) but the ministry has continued with her INACTION and yet work on the projects is continuing,” fumed Museveni.

“We cannot allow this to continue on these very important, government flagship projects.”

Orders

Following these revelations, Museveni directed that UECGL which will also be the operator and manager of the completed dams to be given “full contract administration powers over the projects.”

The high level of Project Steering Committee (PCS) should be properly constituted and operationalised to continuously offer strategic guidance to the implementation of projects, Museveni ordered.

Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr Fred Kagambe-Kaliisa had earlier disclosed that construction work was in the range of 27 – 30 percent complete in terms of civil works completion and that significant progress was made in other critical aspects such as excavation of the powerhouse.

He made the assessment in February during an on-spot field inspection of both Karuma and Isimba Hydropower Projects.

“The powerhouse excavation is near completion. That is the most important aspects of the construction of underground power systems and stations like Karuma,” Kabagambe-Kaliisa assessed.

It remains unclear why Museveni spared Kabagambe who is said to be part of the bigger problem at the energy ministry.

Urgency

In a very angry tone, Museveni told Muloni to “instruct immediately” the Owner’s Engineer – Energy Infratech to “withdraw the current project management teams on both sites and deploy very well experienced and committed professionals to properly supervise the projects.”

The head of state further instructed Muloni increase “technical supervision” and enhance deployment of more manpower as site inspectors, quality control specialists and Health, Security, Environment inspectors to properly ensure the quality of works, health and safety of workers and the environment.

Museveni also demanded a proper investigation and analysis of the draft tubes at Isimba which have been installed in position and if found necessary “removed and new ones ordered and pre-assembled before they are installed. The others which are not yet installed in position should be pre-assembled at the workshop before they are installed.”

Museveni also wants a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the visible cracks in the concrete of the dam structure at Karuma and get to their cause and the “effect these cracks will have on the durability of the dam and intake structure so that the necessary corrections are done immediately.”

The contractors, he advised, should be given a “stern warning against doing shoddy work and to properly observe the contract specifications and employer’s requirements.”

Changes from the basic design should not be done without any proper justification and approval by the employer, added Museveni.

“Why is there no concrete cooling plant at Karuma for instance? In any case, these changes should be able to benefit the employer by improving the project quality, reduce project time and or reduce cost without compromising the project quality.”

On top of ordering for the suspension of the three engineers, Museveni concluded his letter with rage: “I demand that these measures be taken expeditiously so that the projects implementation timelines are not significantly affected.”

Significance of dams

Karuma Hydropower Project is located in Kiryadongo district, which is also partly home of Karuma Wildlife Reserve and is planned to produce 600 megawatts of electricity.

Contracted by M/S Sinohydro Corporation, a Chinese corporation, Karuma dam will cost $1.4bn minus interest paid on the staggering loan from a Chinese bank.

The Isimba Power project is undertaken by China International Water and Electric Corporation.

The project will cost USD 567,738,990.96 financed by the government of Uganda and a concessional loan from the Export-import Bank of China.

The 188MW Isimba hydropower project is one of the most important hydropower projects that the Ugandan Government has initiated on the River Nile, to ease the severe power shortages in Uganda, and accelerate the development of local economy.

Considered to be the fourth biggest hydropower project in Uganda, it is expected to generate hydroelectric power at 68 cents per kWh, the lowest in East Africa.

It is expected to generate 1,039GWh of electricity a year and increase the country’s total electric capacity by 23 percent.

President Museveni recently said the two dams being constructed concurrently would contribute to the national grid and that Ugandans will have access to cheap power that will enable them run their small scale industries and boost their incomes.

The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has organized a memorial lecture for its departed senior state Prosecutor Joan Kagezi who was murdered in cold blood in Kiwatule, a Kampala Suburb in March last year.

The 48 year old was gunned down by unknown assailants traveling on a motorcycle, when she pulled over to buy fruits.

Kagezi was the head of the DPP’s War Crimes and Terrorism Department, which was stationed in Kololo near the High Court’s International Crimes Division.

In this capacity, she was charged with handling many cases of terrorism; notable among them the 2010 twin bomb attacks in Kampala by the Alshabaab in which 76 lives were lost.

It was during the prosecution of this case that Kagezi was tragically murdered.

She was also handling several other case involving terrorist killings of Muslim clerics, international human trafficking and war crimes.

Mike Chibita, the Director Public Prosecutions while announcing the oncoming public lecture to the media on Friday, described the late Kagezi as a hardworking and diligent prosecutor who had strong determination to see justice delivered.

The Public lecture on Mrs. Kagezi has been scheduled for Thursday April 28^th at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, where the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe will be the chief guest.

Themed “Fighting Terrorism and Organized Crime,” the lecture according to Chibita intends to draw the attention of Ugandans to the nature of the threat posed by terrorism.

“It also intends to highlight the different forms of terrorism cases and to educate people on the different mechanism so far adopted nationally and internationally through coordination and international agencies and states,” he said.

“The lecture is in honor if the late Kagezi and her contribution in the fight against terrorism.”

The event commences in the afternoon at 2pm and is open to the general public.