Uganda rugby 7s team are champions of the Rugby 7s Africa cup after defeating Namibia in the finals played on Saturday at Safaricom stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi.

Uganda defeated Namibia 38-19 to be crowned champions and also book the final slot at the HSBC 7s series in Dubai.

Tries from Pius Ogena, Phillip Wokorach, skipper Eric Ssebuliba, Marvin Odong, Okias and Lawrance Ssebuliba ensured Uganda sailed past the Namibians. Wokorach stepped to make Uganda’s conversions

Earlier on, Uganda defeated bitter rivals Kenya who were the defending champions to reach the semifinals while Namibia overcame Madagascar.

The rugby cranes drew first blood take an early lead and went ahead to lead 26-12 at halftime before completing the job in the second period.

Pastor Wilson Bugembe has cautioned university students against wasting their lives before they achieve God’s intended purpose for them.

While speaking to a crowd of hundreds of students from various universities on Saturday, the renowned singer and preacher said “your future shall not die”, proclaiming an end to all sorts addiction that hold young people in bondage today.

Over 30 coaches ferried students from over 15 universities to Bugembe’s Light the World Church in Nansana for the 6th Campus Move, an annual event that brings university students together in church.

This year’s edition attracted students from Makerere University, Kyambogo, Ndejje, Busitema, KIU, YMCA, Mutesa I Royal, Multi-tech Institute, Uganda Martyrs University among others.

“I uproot any seed of addiction that the devil might have planted in you. Young people today prefer watching pornography over reading the Bible and going to the bars over church,” Bugembe said to a crowd that stood with arms in the air chatting ‘Amen’.

“Jesus turned water into wine not vice versa, therefore you should turn into something better not worse. I forbid you from dying before becoming what you were meant to become,” he added.

Pastor Wilson Bugembe (holding mic) speaking to a crowd of university students at his Light the World Church in Nansana on Saturday

He recounted driving past one university years ago and seeing a bus parked near a hostel waiting to carry students to a night club for free. This is still done with many campus themed nights cropping out at night clubs with female students as the biggest targets.

“They will take you for free but that’s how the devil sows a seed of prostitution, drunkardness and corruption. And he will wait until you are in positions of authority to unveil these habits,” Bugembe went on.

Earlier on, Pr. Ben Kibuka from the same church had led a session on how students can develop themselves economically. He advised them to stop spending too much money on cell phones and rather invest in small businesses.

Gospel singer Coopy Bly entertaining the crowd

As always, this year’s Campus Move was graced by celebrated gospel musicians including Jackie Senyonjo, Coopy Bly, Levixone and Robinsan who put up performances amid a cheering audience.

Asked about his intention of starting this annual event, Bugembe told ChimpReports; “I wanted to plant a Godly seed among university students since they hold the future. Everybody else (including their lecturers) seems to be telling them about everything else but the Gospel.”

Jackie Senyonjo a popular gospel artiste also performed.

Uganda Cranes undisputed number one goalkeeper, Dennis Onyango will play in the finals of the 2016 CAF Champions League following his club Mamelodi Sundowns emphatic 2-0 victory over Zambian giants Zesco United on Saturday night at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Sundowns entered the second leg of the semifinals requiring to overturn a 2-1 loss in Zambia a week before and they just did that.

Liberian attacker Anthony Laffor put the two sides on aggregate level five minutes from the kick off with a powerful shot that nestled at the back of the net.

The Zambians went wild in search of the precious away goal and were nearly on point four minutes later but Onyango kept off a thunderous stinger

The Ugandan keeper was saved twice by the woodwork from Mwanza’s attacks. The first attempt came in the 17th minute when Mwanza looped Onyango but his ball hit the crossbar and the other in first half saw a fierce shot hit the bar again.

Percy Tau made the aggregate 2-0 four minutes after the interval with a well banged header.

Sundowns will now meet their group stage opponents who they overcame twice, Zamalek from Egypt in the two way finals.

Zamalek went through with a 6-5 aggregate win despite a 5-2 loss away to Wydad Casablanca.

Over 20 tea nursery bed operators in Kabale district on Saturday staged a peaceful demonstration on Kabale streets accusing the State Minister of   Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi of sabotaging their payments.

The tea  nursery bed operators from the districts  of  Kabale and Rubanda accuse the minister of writing to the Inspector  general  of government (IGG), Irene Muryagonja  asking her investigate Kinkiizi Development Company  that was contracted by government  to promote tea growing in the districts  of Kanungu, Kabale and Rubanda  .

They hit the streets on Saturday after a meeting at the Kabale district Lukiiko hall on makanga hill where they resolved  to hold a peaceful demonstration  showing  their discontent  with the Minister’s move.

Dr. Baryomunsi who is also the Member of Parliament for Kinkiizi County East  in Kanungu district alleges that the company was carrying out fraudulent activities which he wants investigated by the IGG.

Philip Zikampereza the chairperson of Kabale tea nursery bed operators says that recently they met the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda as government had agreed to pay them the money owed to the association, amounting to 7.2 billion shillings.

He adds that “it was then that minister Baryomunsi turned around and wrote to the IGG calling for the investigations thus government halting the pay.”

Zikampereza asked government to intervene and save the situation saying that “this being the ‘Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo’, president Museveni needs to discipline Baryomunsi for sabotaging government programs of eradicating poverty.”

A one Henry Musekura says that President Museveni should investigate Dr. Baryomunsi as he is fighting the government that he is serving, saying blocking the payment of the nursery bed operators is one way of sabotaging government program of fighting poverty.

“Let the clergy pray for him so that the Satan that is in him should go,” Masekura added.

Johnson Kangwamu one of the tea nursery operators the President needs to reign on this minister since the minister a government saboteur as he is fighting the government program of tea growing which is one of the projects that government is funding in eradicating poverty in the people  of Kigezi.

He accuses the minister of using   tea project to fight his own political wars.

“Baryomunsi should stop his funny politics and separate us from misunderstandings with Garuga. President Museveni should come to our rescue,” said Kangwamu.

ChimpReports’ efforts to reach Dr. Baryomunsi for a comment turned futile as all his known phones were off.

Commenting on recent public criticism of Members of Parliament for exhibiting ‘self satisfaction’ over service delivery, Pastor Wilson Bugembe has asked Ugandans not to be quick to point fingers.

Bugembe told ChimpReports on Saturday that; “It’s very easy to judge when you are not on the pitch.”

“I used to judge pastors until I became one and realized that it is a different story when you are an insider,” he added.

The preacher who is also a popular gospel artiste was however quick to add that some MPs are not purposed to be leaders which in turn could lead them to pursue personal interests.

“Serving is a calling. If somebody went to Parliament to make money, they won’t change no matter how much noise you make about their behavior,” Bugembe said in an interview.

“I pray that God will take them (MPs) out and replace them with those who are passionate. Leaders that don’t think about the next election but rather the next generation.”

MPs in the 10th parliament came under pressure from Opposition, civil society and majority of the public following their proposal to buy cars worth Ugshs 150 million.

Further discontent was triggered by media reports about plans by Parliament to fund each legislator’s funeral with a staggering Ugshs 68 million.

The money will cover; a state-of-the-art casket, preparation of the grave, police to provide security as well as eats for mourners.

For a country whose population living in poverty stands at 19.7% according to a recently released World Bank report, with 34% of households in extreme poverty (below USD 1.9 a day), these proposals come out as outlandish.

Pastor Bugembe wants Parliament to give priority to quality health care and road infrastructure.

“In Africa, people die from road accidents more than any other continent,” he said.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Uganda has won the prestigious Balanced Scorecard Institute’s 2016 Award for Excellence, an award that recognizes outstanding organizational performance in strategy management and execution as a result of commitment to strategic planning, strong leadership, and performance measurement.

NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba said that with this award, the Fund is firm on its journey to becoming a benchmark for the social security industry both in and outside the East Africa region.

“This is further affirmation, by an independent internationally renowned institute, of the turnaround and transformation the Fund has undergone over the last six years. We are also the first organization in Uganda to win this award out of many that are using the Balanced Scorecard,” Byarugaba said.

“Well done to all of staff for the support provided in implementing the Balanced Score Card for performance management. This is a demonstration that when we apply ourselves to do the right thing, we shall be recognized. This is just the start; more awards will come if we continue to do the right thing,” he added.

The Award for Excellence is conferred to organizations that demonstrate breakthrough results based on performance management excellence criteria, including executive leadership, strategy development and communication clarity, according to Juliette Bastian, Senior Associate at the Balanced Scorecard Institute.

“The Award for Excellence Selection Committee found that NSSF Uganda has demonstrated significant results using the balanced scorecard approach,” Ms. Bastian said.

She also said that the institute will promote the Fund’s usage of the BSC in a case study, use excerpts in exercises and training materials.

The Fund has also been added to a repertoire of case studies using the Award for Excellence organization examples of how they achieved results and moved through the Nine Steps to Success™ balanced scorecard framework.

The Fund adopted use of the Balanced Scorecard in 2011, becoming one of the first corporate organisations in Uganda to do so.

Since then, the Fund has undergone a turnaround and transformation, from about Ugx 1.7 trillion in assets to over Ugx 6.5 trillion as at May 30, 2016.

It has also grown to be the largest financial institution in Uganda and the largest Pension Fund in East Africa by value.

Over the last 5 years, the Fund has won several awards, including the prestigious Africa Pension Fund Initiative of the Year 2005, East Africa Super Brands 2014 award for excellence in branding, International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award, and the Uganda Communications Commission ACIA 2013 Business Excellence Award.

Other awards include the Environmental Sustainability Award for Lubowa Housing Estate master plan, Digital Impact Awards Africa award for e-service channels and several Financial Reporting accolades.

The European Union has finally released Shs 670bn for the UPDF-led AMISOM operations in Somalia, Chimp Corps report.

This was revealed in a statement by African Union on Sunday evening.

The Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui represented the African Union in signing the 15th contract for financial support to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on September 21.

“The latest contract covers the period from 1st January to 30th September 2016 and provides funds amounting to 178 million Euro (one hundred seventy eighth million Euro),” reads part of the statement.

“The EU fund will be used to cover allowances for AMISOM troops and police, international and local civilian staff salaries, as well as operational costs of the Mission.”

The development is a big relief to the UPDF which had vowed to end the operation due to delayed funds.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Katumba Wamala recently said the mission is Somalia was no longer sustainable.

It will be recalled that the UPDF High Command early this year resolved to pull troops from Somalia and Central African Republic due to what many officers saw as betrayal by the international community.

The EU’s decision to fulfill its earlier commitment could breathe new life into AMISOM operations.

The African Union welcomed what it described as an “encouraging development” which it said was “the result of the continuous and fruitful consultations between AU and EU on the enhancement of the logistical and financial support to AMISOM.”

AU said this renewed financial support to AMISOM “comes at a critical moment when AMISOM is engaged in major offensive operations and the preparation of the elections in Somalia.”

During last year’s meeting with the head of the Peace Support Operations Department of the African Union Commission, Mr. Bam Sivuyile, Uganda’s top military brass requested for more logistical support.

On compensations, the Ugandan team suggested to the AU official that there is need to increase the death compensations from the current US $ 50,000 because the troops who unfortunately pass on from Somalia usually leave young families that require extra support.

Ugandan army officers further noted delayed reimbursement for country owned equipments and compensations, including military assets in the event of loss, which impacts on force’s capabilities.

The police force have warned they will not allow anyone organise any procession meant to welcome FDC leader Dr. Kizza Besigye from abroad.

The Forum for Democratic Change officials have organised to have warm reception for Besigye who returns on Thursday at Entebbe Airport.

However, addressing a news conference on Monday at Naguru, police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi told journalists that they got information that some people are organising groups to engage in illegal processions along Entebbe road but said this will not be allowed to go on.

“We can’t allow anybody assemble along Entebbe highway to disrupt peace. Whoever continues with the alleged procession will not be allowed to see the light of the day,” Kaweesi warned on Monday.

He said that according to the law, no procession is allowed along major highways as it can disrupt traffic flow adding the opposition party ought to seek guidance from police on how to do their activities.

“They should have requested for permission from police. But even then, we will not allow them hold a procession along the way considering what transpired some time back. ”

Kaweesi said they have no issue with any activity but highlighted that any form of demonstration or procession ought to be done within the confines of the law.

“Anybody who organises it should follow the law or else it is illegal and we shall stop it before it matures and prosecute whoever is involved.”

Addressing journalists during the Monday weekly press briefing at the party headquarters, FDC Eastern region deputy chairperson Wafula Oguttu said they had written to police on September 23 adding they have however not got any response since then.

“We only needed security and traffic guidelines on the day but nothing else,” Oguttu told a weekly news conference.

He explained that Besigye’s homecoming party is special because they will be welcoming him from the Diaspora where he was able to spread the gospel of change to Ugandans abroad.

Parallel Independence Celebration
The police mouthpiece also warned the opposition party against organising parallel independence celebrations which he said are illegal.

Oguttu told journalists they have organised a number of activities that will climax with a mega rally at Katwe.

However, Kaweesi warned that unless the FDC functions will fall under district or other regional celebrations, they will not allow them go on with the said independence celebrations.

“If they are to organise functions to disrupt the national function, we shall not allow them to do so,” Kaweesi added.

The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have denied knowledge of the reportedly renewed commitment by the European Union to support the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Government’s New Vision Newspaper reported yesterday that the EU, which had in February this year unplugged 20% of its support of mission to pacify Somalia, had rekindled the support, injecting over 60Billion Shillings to that effect.

The February budget cut had come with major ramifications, with soldiers salaries dropping to $828 down from $1028 per month.

In a Monday statement, the Ugandan army says they weren’t aware of the new commitment by the EU to resume full support of the Somali mission, terming the news story as “not entirely correct.”

“While the story seemed to quote the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, one Ambassador Smail Chergui, who confirmed that the, the UPDF has not been formally notified of these developments,” read part of the statement.

The statement further revealed that the UPDF soldiers serving under the AMISOM have not been paid for nine months and not three as was published in the story. This covers the period from January 2016 to date.

The EU while announcing the budget drop said this had been forced by realities.

In response, the UPDF, which was charging $200 from each soldier’s monthly take home, reduced this fee to $100. The fee is purportedly to handle all administrative arrangements accruing from these transactions.

The UPDF which is the largest single contributor to the AMISOM mission since 2007 says that will nonetheless continue to work with all partners to restore lasting peace and stability in Somalia.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is looking to slash the earned interest to its savers accounts this year, to a yet to be announced rate.

The unpleasant decision is in reaction to a myriad of setbacks, both national and regional that shocked the Funds’ performance through the previous (2015/16) Financial Year.

NSSF’s Managing Director Mr. Richard Byarugaba made the announcement today while speaking the press at the Workers House in Kampala.

The MD named some of the reason to the impending cut on the savers interest, as the country’s poor economic growth last year, the volatility of the Uganda Shillings, the coming of regional stock markets and the uncertainty caused by the 2016 general elections.

Last year, NSSF announced a remarkable increase in the interest rate payable to savers of 13%, up from 11.5% in the previous year.

This translated into Shs 514 billion which was credited on the members’ accounts compared to Shs 366 billion paid in 2014.

“The return paid to members every year depends on the financial performance of the Fund,” explained the MD Byarugaba today.

“The tough investment environment, modest growth of the economy, the effects of the stock market across East Africa, the effects of the depreciation of the shilling, have affected the Fund’s financial performance, and in effect, may affect the return the Fund will pay to members.”

Although he couldn’t readily divulge the lowered interest rate for this year, Byarugaba said it will still be a “reasonable return,” as the Fund keeps its promise to pay a return that is 2 percentage points above the 10 year inflation (now at 7.7%).”

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, is expected to announce this year’s rate interest rate in accordance with the NSSF Act on Friday this week.

Poor Growth

Uganda’s economy grew by just 4.6% for the financial year 2015/2016, lower than the projected growth of 5.8% at the beginning of the year. Indeed in December, it was downgraded to 5% by the Bank of Uganda citing slower growth of major markets and declining global commodity prices (Monetary Policy Statement, December 2015).

In November 2015, the global ratings agency Moody’s downgraded Uganda’s credit rating outlook to negative, citing slowing economic growth, rising inflation and a weak shilling, later upgrading to stable, after the markets showed signs of recovery.

Weak Shilling

The Uganda shilling was volatile for most of the last financial year, depreciating at a much faster rate than other currencies in the East African region, negatively affecting Ugandan businesses and the economy. This Mr Byarugaba says had a strong effect on the Funds investments. Since then, the shilling has somewhat stabilized.

The 2016 elections and post elections uncertainty according to the MD also compounded the situation. This had a knock on effect on the business environment

Hope

Amidst the huddles, Mr Byarugaba expressed pleasure that the Fund still performed relatively well, citing its total assets which grew but 18% to Ushs6.58 trillion from 5.55 trillion last year, mainly driven by continued rise in both member’s contributions and investment volumes.

The Realized revenue also went up by 21% from Ushs 583 billion to Ushs 708 billion, mainly due to the improved interest rate regime and higher dividend income obtained from equity investments. Treasury yields improved across all maturities, rising above the 17% mark compared to last year at 16.7%.

The Fund has also managed to make proficts of up to Shs 491 billion, (after tax) in the previous year while member contributions in the year increased by 14%, from Ushs 688 billion to Ushs 785 billion.

The assessment of NSSF customers also indicated a growth in satisfaction from 83% to 88%.

The Fufa Super League Limited, the company that owns Uganda Premier League, held their 3rd annual general meeting on Friday 23rd September at Namboole boardroom. The AGM was characterised by robust debates, change of term limits for board members, audit report and climaxed with reelection of board members.

ChimpSport goes deep to analyze the chronology of events that dominated the floor.

Azam TV Sponsorship
The league sponsors came under fire for paucity in advertising the games to the fans, less content produced and few matches covered.
“What we need is the league coverage to reach more fans out there. Clubs like KCCA FC have been forced to do publicity on their own which initially is the responsibility of Azam,” KCCA FC’s Kabugo said.

Kabugo’s voice was echoed by Fufa 1st Vice President Mr. Dennis Mbidde who proposed “Azam to partner with local Free to Air stations to increase the league viewer ship.”

Mbidde also wondered why Azam hasn’t increased the number of live matches aired. “We started with 52 live games and two years on the number is not going up, that needs to be addressed.”

The broadcaster had scheduled to air only 15 matches in the first round translating to about 11 percent.

The chairmen proposed to deduct some money from their portion to fund a drive to promote the teams though that position was left pending further discussions.

Mbidde survives again

Clubs efforts to throw out FUFA Vice President, Denis Mbidde as their representative on the federation executive failed yet again on the second try. Mbidde renounced his post at SC Villa Ex-co.

The third Fufa VP’s position is reserved for the premier league clubs who appoint their own choice. A four-man committee led by Bul FC’s Silver Alias was constituted during the 2nd AGM to assess the performance of Mbidde but could not present any report by Friday to the surprise of the members.

The committee also had Mohammed Nsereko (relegated SCVU), Asan Kasingye (Police) and Lweza’s Ahmed Ddamulira. The matter was also pushed forward.

Initially Mbidde was supposed to occupy the post in a four year time ending next season.

“The 3rd VP comes from this constituency but most times his voice defends the FA and therefore clubs lose out,” Mr. Mujib Kasule noted

Fufa pinned on league breaks.

Fufa also had a share of their own blames where the clubs raised one voice to condemn a lot of unnecessary league breaks.

The FA drafts an annual activity calendar which aligns with the CAF and Fifa ones. The UPL also has to draw their calendar in line with the former.

To be precise, Fufa competitions department sets the UPL match days and the secretariat just fixes matches in the reserved dates.

Recently, the league had a ten day break to ‘give time for fans to grace the CECAFA women championship in Njeru.’

“I was surprised to learn that the league was going into a recess because of the women’s tournament. So how are the two connected?” Faisal rhetorically queried.

There was also a general sense of feeling that the FA was prioritising national team promotions at the expense of the league especially with the Cranes Namutiima campaigns.

“The problem is that Fufa isn’t prioritizing the league. They have no problem postponing the league for Namutiima,” Proline’s Kasule noted.

He stressed that fixture management is paramount because it affects the teams technically and financially. The members, under the guidance of FSLL chairman Rugyendo resolved that secretariat should review the fixture before the second round starts.

KCCA FC’s Julius Kabugo also proposed the league to adopt a ‘one match a week’ format to reduce fatigue.

ChimpSport will continue to analyze the financial statements and Rugyendo’s reelection in our next part.

Most opposition key figures that have served the country as legislators have Monday snubbed the first ever Award of Golden Jubilee Medals organized by the 10th Parliament.

With no clear reasons, most opposition members left the occasion to only the NRM lawmakers and members of the earlier parliaments.

The opposition figures that didn’t turn up for the awards despite having been invited include; the DP President and former Gulu Municipality MP, Norbert Mao and the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Winnie Kizza.

FDC party President, Gen. Mugish Muntu, whip in Parliament, Ibrahim Semuju Nganda, former Mbarara woman MP, Miria Matembe and former Kampala Central MP, Erias Lukwago all didn’t turn up for the occasion.

The 2016 FDC Presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye and the wife Winnie Byanyima didn’t make it back to the country after a flight disruption. Former Mbarara Municipality representative and DP Chairperson, Boniface Byanyima also didn’t turn up for the function.

Besigye has been on a tour to United States and Europe to galvanize his support in the Diaspora after losing the 2016 general elections.

Other opposition figures who didn’t show up include; Mike Mabike, Medard Segona, Lulume Bayega, Brenda Nabukenya and the DP, Whip Joseph Sewungu most of whom were members of the 9th Parliament.

This has continued to be the order of the day by the opposition in the country which has shied out of all national events under President Museveni’s regime.

However, some opposition strong men didn’t see any meaning of snubbing such an event that is aimed at appreciating their service to their nationals.

These included; the former Rubaga South MP, Ken Lukyamuzi, who told Chimpreports that it was meaningless for the opposition to neglect the award.

Others include; Kawempe South MP, Latiff Seabagala, Ssebuliba Mutumba Muddu, Reagan Okumu, Mathias Mpuga and UPC’s Edward Kakonge.

Opposition political activists under their umbrella organisation Jobless Brotherhood have warned the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga to tread carefully or else she stands high chances of testing their wrath.

Led by their national coordinator Norman Tumuhimbise, the activists who stormed Jinja CPS on Monday accused Kadaga of orchestrating the arrest of their colleagues Augustine Ojobile and Robert, Mayanja over the weekend after a radio talk show on one the local radios in Jinja (NBS FM).

He says Police in Jinja acted on Kadaga’s orders to arrest their colleagues, which, according to them, was irregular.

According to the youthful Tumuhimbise, they are not relenting on their style of demonstration towards their discontent with the greed for money by Members of Parliament.

Parliament spokesperson Chris Obore maintains the legislative arm of government runs on a budget just like the executive and judiciary.

While addressing reporters at Jinja CPS, DPC Felix Mugizi said they were doing their routine work as Police and that activists would be charged with inciting violence.

Police on Saturday commanded by Mugizi and instruction of Jinja Deputy RDC Erick Sakwa arrested the activists as they emerged from NBS studios following a radio talk show hosted by Simon Muyanga Lutaaya.

They are accused of attacking the personality of the speaker of parliament.

According to FDC youth activist Fred Mutibwa Wamange, the duo was arraigned before Jinja Magistrates Court at 6:00Pm but their files had not been sanctioned by the DPP.

“They were later driven by police to a yet unknown destination. We are here at police demanding to know where they have taken them but no one is paying attention,” said Mutibwa.

The Jobless Brotherhood has since taken responsibility for throwing piglets at Parliament.

Coporal Titus Epidu, a Special Forces Command (SFC) soldier who was sentenced to six months detention by SFC Division court has appealed to the General Court Martial (GCM) challenging the severe sentence awarded to him by the trial court as well as his detention in unlawful custody.

Epidu was convicted of conduct to prejudicial order where the state accused him of developing illegitimate relationship with Akello veronica, a wife to his fellow soldier, Sgt. Okiriya James in
December 2015 while at Jinja State Lodge

In his appeal submitted to the Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti chaired GCM, filed by his lawyer, Achiles  Lubega, Epidu says that a six months imprisonment is harsh to a first offender like him who didn’t waste court’s time during the trial by pleading guilty

“On sentencing the appellant, the divison court erred in law and fact because the offence which my client was convicted of is among the minor offences highlighted in the UPDF ACT. On sentencing him, the two months period he had spent on remand were not considered” Lubega submitted.

Lubega based the submissions on the Criminal procedures 3rd Version as laid out by the former Chief justice Benjamin Odoki where he clearly stated that first offenders shouldn’t be awarded imprisonment
sentences except on grave offences or when the offences are prevalent in an area.

Epidu further challenged his detention in Kasenyi saying that “the UPDF ACT sec. 222 clearly states that all UPDF soldiers serving their sentences should serve from Civil government prisons or Military detention”, noting that in Uganda, Makindye Miltary barracks is the only military prison not Kasenyi where he is being held at the moment.

Counsel Lubega further brought it to the attention of court that Epidu’s detention in Kasenyi is an illegality which has been evidenced following the failure of the concerned officers to produce the
appellant for four consecutive times despite of the various production warrants issued out by the General court martial.

In his reply, the state prosecutor Maj. Samuel Masereka described the offence against which the appellant was convicted as one of the most serious service offences in the UPDF Act because it has a maximum sentence on conviction of dismissal from the army with disgrace which the second is among the top punishments provided for to any convict in the UPDF Act .

Masereka added that many soldiers have killed fellow soldiers and civilians after suspecting their wives to be cheating on them, pointing out the Rwakihembo incident and many others which have remained on the minds of very many Ugandans.

Court martial chairman has set October 3rd as the date to deliver the ruling for this appeal.

Uganda Premier League secretariat has rescheduled five fixtures that involve clubs from Jinja due to their request.

Kirinya Jinja SS FC was promoted to the top division after winning the 2015-16 Fufa big league season therefore taking the number of clubs at the lakeside town to four.

The four teams share only two stadiums, Kakindu which hosts BUL FC and JMC Hippos while Sadolin Paints and kirinya share Bugembe.

“The UPL Secretariat is in receipt of requests from the Jinja clubs asking us to adjust the fixture to enable them give one fixture in Jinja than the current two,” a statement read in part.

Currently, two games are hosted in the town in each match day while two are away, a fact that made fans raise their concern through the club’s administration.

“We have considered their request and accordingly made these adjustments.”

The rescheduled fixtures
Match day 8
M #62 Sadolin Paints vs JMC Hippos has been moved from Saturday 1st October to Friday 30th September.

Match day 12
M #89  BUL FC vs JMC Hippos has been moved from Tuesday 1st to Wednesday 2nd November

Match day 13
M #101 Kirinya Jinja SS FC vs Lweza FC has been moved from Saturday 3rd to Friday 2nd December

Match day 14
M #109 Sadolin Paints vs KCCA FC has been moved from Tuesday 6th to Wednesday 7th December

Match day 15
M #115 JMC Hippos vs Express FC has been moved from Saturday 10th to Friday 9th December.

Telecommunication players have called for intensified regulation on the industry and partnerships to investment in infrastructure.

They argue that instead of issuing more licenses, government should encourage consolidation and reduce the new players.

This was revealed during the ongoing Capacity Africa ICT conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday.

“The market is growing which is evident from the penetration rate but without regulation, there can be unfair competition,” said Susan Kitariko from Google Uganda.

Participants also underscored the critical need to invest more in expanding the infrastructure if internet costs are to come down.

UTL’s Mark Shoebridge said  getting the fibre from the coast to the inland through a safe route remains a big barrier to bringing internet costs down.

However, the Minister of ICT Frank Tumwebaze urged the industry players to share the already existing infrastructure development.

“Our objective as government is to ensure that internet is not only affordable but accessible to all. Telecom actors need to explain to us (government) what our role should be in terms of infrastructure development.”

“Tell us if you need government to pull out because government has invested in the internet backbone and telecos are doing the same. Why is it difficult for the different telecom companies to share the existing infrastructure instead of undertaking separate investments?” said Tumwebaze.

Tumwebaze noted that the introduction of LTE will facilitate the expansion of internet access as well as scale up quality.

UCC Executive Director Godfrey Mutabazi asked stakeholders to partner in rolling out Broadband connectivity which will foster innovation and drive internet growth. He however mentioned that spectrum allocation remains a big problem.

“We were generous with giving out spectrum to most of the telecoms in the past but we have agreed to refund them and save this spectrum for future use instead,” Mutabazi said.

Police on Tuesday arrested the most wanted five ivory trafficking suspects with 29 kilograms of ivory in Kampala city centre while transacting illegal wildlife business.

The suspects were tracked down by police officers who worked hand in hand with special investigators from Natural Resource Conservation Network (NRCN).

The tracking took one week with one of the NRCN’s investigators in the city centre.

According to NRCN Executive Officer Vincent Opyene, the suspects said they had ivory and were searching for its market in town.

Opyene who talked to the press in Kampala identified the suspects as; Thomas Athera, Moses Kigenyi, Jab Walter Jabedo, Mark Julius Achelamo and Isaack Isooba.

However, he said, “It is now a common practice for these animal traffickers to use many identities” as the two previous suspects who were recently rrested with 250 kilograms of ivory had many national identifications from seven countries in Africa.

The Police unit that led the operation was headed by Mr Herbert Muhangi, commandant of Uganda Police Flying Squad.

Muhangi said the suspects will be charged with being in possession of animal trophies and face court accordingly.

Threat

Uganda is East Africa’s epicenter for ivory trafficking, leaving the country with a paltry 5,000 elephants conserved in national game parks.

The number of elephants is steadily growing but there is a fear if illegal ivory trade goes unchecked by the relevant authorities, the situation could get out of hand.

This arrest comes a few weeks after recovery of 250 kilograms of ivory from residential houses in the upscale Kololo suburb.

These two close arrests are by far seen as a major breakthrough by Uganda’s police, Natural Resource conservation Network and other sister agencies such as Uganda Wildlife Authority – a key indicator in curbing illegal wildlife poaching and trafficking.

The crackdown on illegal ivory trade also brings hope to the rapid population growth of African elephants, rhinoceros and pangolins and other species at the brink of extinction in the country.

Opyene said the aim of the network is to name and shame those engaged in illegal animal trade.

“Our aim is to track down the big boys who have the money. There are big people in high positions in government who have taken ivory trafficking as they major business and a source of getting dirty money. They do not want to listen to the wildlife conservation message that is being preached,” he cautioned.

The Uganda Wildlife Act Section 30 and 75 (b), prohibits people from dealing in illegal wildlife trade and anyone found in the illicit trade is charged with utilization of wildlife without wildlife use right.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and King Abdullah II today said Kenya and Jordan will forge stronger military ties to combat emerging security threats.

The two leaders made the commitment in Nairobi where King Abdullah joined the Kenyan leader to witness joint exercises conducted by elite units from the Kenya Defence Forces and the Royal Jordanian Armed Forces. King Abdullah is on his first official visit to Kenya since he became King.

The Exercise Swift Eagle, conducted at the Embakasi Garrison, simulated threats posed by terrorism and how to destroy them.

Two elite units from KDF – Special Forces and Ranger Regiment – were joined by the Quick Reaction Force from the Jordanian military in displaying tactics to deal with conventional and asymmetric war threats.

President Kenyatta said the joint exercises were aimed at creating and improving interoperability between Kenyan and Jordanian forces.

“I am convinced that now our forces are ready for real problems in either of our countries, or elsewhere, should the need arise to tackle either conventional or asymmetric threats,” said President Kenyatta.

The Head of State thanked Jordan for its military cooperation with Kenya that has seen more than 60 Kenya Air Force officers trained by the Jordanian military. Another 38 will have trained by February next year.

The trainings are part of a Mutual Defence Cooperation agreement between Kenya and the Jordanian Kingdom.

“I would also like to register our appreciation of the assistance the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has extended to our Defence Forces, enhancing our Air Force and Air Crew capacity through a training program covering diverse skills,” said the President while speaking at the end of the exercise which has been running for the last eight days.

On his part, King Abdullah said Jordan stands shoulder to shoulder with Kenya in confronting the threats of terrorism.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with you against the threats of today. It is a threat we did not ask for but are willing to fight,” said the King.

Uhuru and his guest monitor the operation using binoculars

He said the aim of the joint military exercise was to achieve greater coordination between Kenyan and Jordanian forces, an aim that has been achieved.

“We have started a new chapter in our partnership of friendship. It is a new beginning for Kenya and Jordan,” said King Abdullah.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omama said partnership was essential for maintaining global peace.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe said the set goal of the joint military exercise has been successfully achieve.

Later at State House, President Kenyatta and the King held talks focusing on wider bilateral issues including ways to expand trade between Kenya and Jordan.

Uganda Premier League

JMC Hippos 1-2 Proline

Proline finally got their maiden win this season after defeating Jinja Municipal Council Hippos 2-1 in a game played at Kakindu stadium on Tuesday.

On a soggy ground after a heavy downpour, Daniel Isiagi opened the scores as early as the 7th minute but the hippos leveled matters nine minutes later through Moses Batali.

However, it was sensational goal scorer Edrisa “Torres” who ensured Proline earned maximum points when he scored in the 65th minute – his first goal of the season.

Proline started the better side and took an early lead when Isiagi met a well-curled cross from Gift Ali to fire past goalkeeper Tadeo Mwase.

The hosts pushed for the equaliser and Batali headed home Isa Magumba’s cross for the leveler in the 16th minute.

Proline missed the chance to regain the lead when skipper Simon Mbaziira failed to convert from the spot kick after Isa Magumba had fouled Lubega in the forbidden area in the 26th minute.

The score remained square as both teams headed for the mandatory recess.

After the interval, the visitors launched attack after attack and their efforts yielded fruits five minutes after the hour mark when Lubega rebounded Gift Ali’s shot that JMC Hippos’ custodian failed to clear for Proline to regain their lead.

Proline Head Coach, Mujib Kasule applauded the team for the spirited performance.

“It was a hard-fought win given the status of the pitch but we played as a team and the players put up a spirited performance even when they (JMC ) leveled,” said Mujibu after the game.

The result means Proline picked their first win this season and now have eight points in seven games while JMC Hippos continue to sit rock bottom of the table with just two points in seven games.

he high level sector review meeting brought together government technocrats, development partners and heads of government agencies in the water sector

Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has sounded a warning against the rampant environmental degradation which he said poses a major challenge amid a global climate change threat.

He criticized people who encroach on natural resources like forests, wetlands in addition to those who damage vegetation along river banks.

The remarks were made on Tuesday during a high level sector review meeting involving stakeholders in the water and environment sector which was convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The engagement was aimed at reflecting on the achievements and challenges in the sector.

“Uganda’s economy is dependent on its stock environment and natural resources. Climate change is already affecting most of the major drivers of the economy including water availability,” said the Prime Minister.

Continuous depletion of the forests which is largely attributed to the charcoal trade as a source of energy has reduced Uganda’s forest cover to 10 percent.

“The rampant degradation of these resources by encroaching must stop and where ecology demands it; the encroachers be made to vacate these eco systems. We must increase forest cover in the country through planting more trees in the central forest reserves as well as on private basis.”

In the same nerve, Rugunda cautioned district and urban local governments against degazetting urban forests saying it hasn’t been approved yet.

Tuesday’s discussion also centered on ways through which government can increase access to clean and safe water to the populace mostly those in rural areas.

The sector among other challenges also grapples with underfunding with only 3 percent of budgetary allocation.

Currently, 67 percent of the population has access to clean and safe water in the rural areas while in urban areas, it stands at 71 percent.