President Museveni has once again described the International Criminal Court (ICC) as “useless”, praising South Africa’s decision to end its membership to the Hague-based judicial institution.

Museveni made the remarks on arrival Sunday in the Zambian Capital City Lusaka.

Museveni is on a two-day state visit during which he will also be the chief guest at Zambia’s 52nd Independence anniversary celebrations due today Monday at the Freedom Square.

“It is a very good decision that South Africa has done that. In fact, it is (the ICC) that is very useless,” said Museveni in a joint press conference with his host President Edgar Chagwa Lungu at he airport.

Museveni has in recent years openly expressed his opposition to the ICC, saying the institution was being used as a tool for western imperialism.

Museveni has further called on African countries to review their membership of the ICC treaty.

“The ICC is turning out not be the value addition product that we had expected it to be. It is instead a biased instrument of post-colonial hegemony,” said Museveni during the 2014 independence celebrations in Uganda.

South Africa’s Foreign Ministry last week wrote to the United Nations, notifying the international body of its intentions to close ties with ICC.

This was after Burundi’s president Pierre Nkurunziza also signed an instrument that marked the beginning of the country’s pullout from the court.

The unfolding developments point to a quiet move by African countries to independently cease their membership with ICC after plans to withdraw as a continental body were sabotaged at the recent African Union Summit in Kigali.

But such a move will most likely come with consequences including aid cuts by western powers to African countries.

African leaders have previously accused ICC of targeting Africa and being used as a tool by the West to serve its own ends.

Only Africans are facing trial at ICC, a situation that has left many wondering whether crimes are not committed in other countries.

But liberals argue that African leaders take the lead in abuse of human rights and that there is no other strong judicial framework to hold them to account.

Museveni visit

Meanwhile, State House said the President was received at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by his host President Edgar Chagwa Lungu together with the First Lady Esther Lungu and the courtesy Minister Hon. Given Lubinda, Minister of Justice.

On arrival, President Museveni was presented with a bouquet and a 21 gun salute.

He was treated to arrival ceremonies witnessed by Zambia service chiefs, the Patriotic Front secretary General Mr. Davies Mwila and the Mayor of the City of Lusaka His Worship Kalumba Wilson.

Museveni later inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the Zambia Armed Forces and was entertained by various cultural troupes.

The President will later hold a tete a tete meeting with his host President Lungu at the Zambia State House and will also be hosted to a State Banquet in his honour.

The President will lay a wreath at the Freedom Statue before paying a courtesy call on Zambia’s founding father Mzee Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the First President of Zambia.

On October 24, 1964, Zambia became independent of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister then, Kenneth Kaunda became the inaugural President.

The President is accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem, Members of Parliament; for Tororo County North Hon. Annet Nyakecho, Hon. Peter Ogwang of Usuk County and Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia based in Dar es Salaam Dorothy Hyuha.

The eulogies during the requiem mass held at the Namirembe Cathedral on Monday morning depicted the life that fallen veteran sports journalist Andrew Patrick Luwandagga lived.

The cathedral was filled to capacity as hundreds turned up to pay their final tributes to Luwandagga who passed away on Saturday morning.

Among the several people that made speeches during the church service included the FUFA president, Moses Magogo who said the deceased served the country with all his might and above all he was transparent.

“I remember, a few years back, we were returning with him from Angola where we lost and failed to qualify, everyone’s morale was down but Luwandagga was bold enough to tell us, we are going to qualify soon,” Magogo reminisced.

“He was an honest man and kept advising me. I have been getting calls from him whenever we have been going for the FUFA general assembly in the previous years, always telling me not to disappoint the football fraternity,” he added.

Ben Misagga, the SC Villa president praised the late as one of the best orators.

“One thing I loved about him is the fact that he was eloquent and had a good command on speech. In fact him, the late Bbale Francis and former Zambia President Kiluba were my best orators,” Misagga said.

“He has been advising me on quite a number of issues for the fact that he is a life member of SC Villa. I remember he told I was not ready to take on the capacity of being a SC Villa president in 2004. I disagreed with him but later I understood he was right,” he explained.

The FUFA honorary president, Lawrance Mulindwa who also attended the requiem mass said Luwandagga was a point of reference and a person who was efficient in whatever he did.

Others included Fred Ssekito, the founder of Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) and Sabbiti Muwanga the current USPA President among others.

Luwandagga, born 21st September 1955 died on Saturday morning at his home in Namasuba, a Kampala surburb with postmortem reports indicating natural death (High blood pressure). He lived with one wife (Sarah Luwandagga) and seven children.

He started working with UBC in 1976 as a radio presenter but also took on the Television broadcasting four year later at UTV. At the time of his death he served as the sports and current affairs editor at the station where he worked for 30years.

Luwandagga has also been serving as the stadium announcer for the Uganda cranes games at Mandela national stadium.

The late veteran sports journalist will be laid to rest on Monday at 4:00pm at his ancestral home in Wamala-Katooke, Wakiso District.

Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has made an appeal to scientists to make their innovations more valuable and improve the quality of livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans.

He said that African countries continue to grapple with development challenges like land degradation, high urbanization, climate change and avoidable disasters which could be prevented using scientific satellite systems.

The Premier was Monday morning speaking at the opening of the International Conference of the African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment hosted by Makerere University at Hotel Africana which is themed ‘Our Earth, Our Heritage: Harnessing geospatial technologies for achieving sustainable development goals in Africa’.

“The recent adopted SDGs give specific focus to transformation of the world by increasing human prosperity and inclusive development. If well harnessed, Geospatial technology presents possibilities to address some of the existing contemporary challenges.”

“Rwanda recently launched a system where drones will deliver blood to patients. I call on innovators to come up with such practical solutions that are relevant to our people. We should create our own Silicon Valley that reduces environmental pressures such as the disasters that Uganda is prone to,” Rugunda added.

Government, he revealed has already set up a National Emergency Coordination Center for real time data assessment and is planning to establish a National Remote Sensing Centre.

The AARSE President Jide Kufoniyi too in his remarks pointed out the vital role of Geo data in achieving the global development agenda (SDGs) through space technology, research, education and training.

“The objective of this biennal conference is to increase awareness on empowering and enhancing benefits of applying and utilizing the products of geo technological solutions,” Kufoniyi noted.

Prof. Ddumba Sentamu the Vice Chancellor Makerere University in his remarks said; “A knowledge based economy is a key driver of a transformed society. We as academic institutions are committed to adapting our training to address issues relating to sustainability.

The weeklong conference brings together international constituents including; policy makers, scientists, developers, users, service providers and students.

It will feature technical plenary, special sessions, parallel sessions consisting of oral and interactive paper presentations, pre- and post-conference workshops, scientific and commercial exhibitions of services and the AARSE General Assembly.

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)’s enforcement team in Kabale District has been accused of harassment and assaulting workers on the Uganda-Rwanda border town of   Katuna.

Money Changers in the border town, under their umbrella body, Katuna Money Changers Association claim that they are harassed and caned by URA law enforcement officers whenever they are operating their business of money changing.

William Asiimwe, the chairperson for the association says that money changers are planning to hold a peaceful demonstration demanding for the transfer of all URA officials at Katuna Boarder post, who he says inhumanly treat them.

Asiimwe wonders why URA law enforcement officers harass money changers yet they   pay taxes like other business people.

He adds that when they complain to their bosses at the border offices they always keep deaf ear.

The group pinned one of the notorious law enforcement officers only identified as Bashir, who canes them.

Nelson Nshangabasheija, the Katuna Town Council Chairperson when contacted, confirmed that his office has received several complaints about URA law enforcement officers harassing and beating money changers.

Nshangabasheija condemned the practice saying that it must stop and be substituted with another alternative punishment like a fine in case of any problem.

David Kirambaire, the head of Uganda Revenue Authority at Katuna Customs apologized to the affected money changers but said that his office has not received any complaint from money changers about harassment.

He promised to investigate the matter for an immediate solution, adding that some money changers have a habit of operating in places that are not gazzatted for them.

Log leaders KCCA FC hit the road to Matugga to face Bright stars FC in one of the four match day eleven fixtures lined for Tuesday.

A win for KCCA FC will widen the gap with second team to about six points especially that Vipers and SC Villa are off duty until Friday.

KCCA FC have emerged on top in five of their last six league meetings with Bright stars with only one draw on the way dating back to March last year.

Bright Stars have won four and lost only one of their fixtures at home.

Form Guide
Bright Stars: WDDDW
KCCA FC: WDLWW

The hosts welcome back Seif Battle from suspension but will miss the services of key left back Ivan Sserunkuma who picked up a knock against his former club Express last time out. However coach Kajoba is not shaken with the miss.

“We shall miss his presence at the back but we have other good players to do his job. Sserunkuma has been a very key figure for the club this season,” said Kajoba.

KCCA are still without key defenders Lawrence Kasadha, Timothy Awany and second choice goalie Douglas Kisembo. KCCA FC have raked only seven points out of fifteen in their last five away fixtures and this has been a cause for concern for the technical bench.

“We have addressed the away problems we have encountered this season and we are confident we’ll put up a good show in Mwererwe. Bright Stars play a confident, suffocating and solid game but we shall break them down like we did against Police FC in our last match,” assistant manager Byekwaso told club media.

The game kicks off at 4:30 pm.

Officials in the western Isingiro district have expressed fear that the currently raging drought in the area could exacerbate the recently declared Foot and Mouth Disease.

The District Veterinary Officer Dr. Bruhan Kasozi says the district is currently experiencing what could be its worst dry spell in a decade.

Government through the Minister of Agriculture last month declared 10 year quarantine extension on cattle in and out of Isingiro district.

The DVO however, notes now that farmers because of the dry spell, are being forced to cross their herds into Tanzania to look for pastures and water, yet this is where the epidemic is believed to have come from.

The situation he says has worsened that some animals have started dropping dead.

Farmers are being advised to purchase water harvesting equipment and excavate small valley tanks in their farms for the moment.

DHO Isingiro Dr. Bruhan Kasozi speaks to Chimpreports on the drought in the district.

One of the residents in Isingiro Emmy Mucunguzi told Chimpreports it’s not just the animals that have been affected by the drought, but also residents who are facing starvation.

Commenting on the farmers’ stress, the Isingiro RDC Herbert Muhangi confirmed that 8 government dams have so far dried up and that his office is aware of the challenge.

Recently the minister for Animal Husbandry Joy Kabatsi visited Isingiro district and extended the quarantine in Isingiro to another 10 years after she failed to reach an agreement with the district LC V chairman Kamurari Jeremaya.

RDC Herbert confirmed that the FMD is still in the area but an extension of the quarantine would not be a solution, but rather the immunization and treatment.

Government has Tuesday reiterated its position that it will not cap lending rates for commercial banks despite recent opposing proposals from sections of the public and civil society.

The debate was triggered months ago following Kenya’s decision to enact a law that limits commercial banks to lend not beyond a 10% threshold.

During a breakfast meeting by the Uganda Bankers Association at Kampala Serena Hotel, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija said; “In line with the cost of credit, government is of the view that interest rates be determined by the market. I and the Governor Bank of Uganda have received a lot of pressure during the course bailout debate saying money is expensive and that we should put a cap.”

“Money is a tradable commodity. If you tell me to put a cap on interest rates, it’s the same thing as telling me to put a cap on the price of sugar. It will be unfair to the traders who incur costs in bringing the sugar here.”

Bank of Uganda which is the regulator of all commercial banks recently gave similar position, opposing the idea of capping.

Deputy Governor Louis Kasekende noted at a press conference last week that; “I don’t think we should carbon copy everything that Kenya does. Our objective for monetary policy is clear; to increase the depth and intermediation in the financial sector by reaching small borrowers and to increase long term savings.”

“Capping of interest rates doesn’t guarantee that our objective will be attained,” Kasekende added.

The Finance Minister argues that even Kenya which chose to cap, it hasn’t been a smooth sail citing a recent discussion he had with the Kenyan Finance Minister.

“I know I am being criticized in the Cabinet but I have put my foot down because in a modern economy, the price should be determined by the forces of demand and supply,” Kasaija said.

He however gave assurance that government will implement fiscal and monetary policies that prevent a significant rise in interest rates. This includes; curbing inflation, living within our budget, compliance in revenue collection, limiting government borrowing in the financial market.

The Minister also stressed that government will strengthen consumer protection measures to avoid misconduct by some of the commercial banks.

Makerere University Academic Registrar, Alfred Masikye is coming under fire for clearing Rubaga South Member of Parliament, Paul Kato Lubwama’s ‘wanting’ academic documents ahead of election nominations.

A group of people led by Council Isaac Ssemakadde of Centre for Legal Aid and Habib Buwembe the chief petitioner, has petitioned the management of Makerere University demanding immediate investigation into the award of a Diploma to Kato Lubwama and Masikye’s actions.

Lubwama was admitted by the then Ag. Academic Registrar Gashom. J. Oyeku on October 3rd 1992 after application for the same in March.

Ssemakade told the media on Tuesday that Masikye has fraudulently concealed vital information from Ugandans regarding Lubwama’s academic qualification, and that he wrote letters without bothering to cross check the truthfulness of what he was telling the nation.

“He wrote letters titled To Whom It May Concern, directing them to the Electoral Commission claiming that Kato Lubwama was validly admitted into Makerere University in accordance with Special University Examination Entrance Policy at the time,” Ssemakade said.

“But Masikye has refused to release the policies; he is also covering up his predecessors who looked at Kato Lubwama’s documents before admission but went ahead to admit him into the university.

Ssemakade noted that Masikye wrote letters on October 5 of last year and March this year owning up to what Gashom did but he didn’t verify as he was supposed to do.

“In Gashom’s admission letter, he puts a disclaimer that: ‘Mr. Kato Lubwama, the offer of admission that I am giving you is provisional, it’s subject to satisfactory verification by this office at the time of registration of the qualification stated in the application, cases of impersonation, falsification of documents or giving false or incomplete information whenever is discovered either at registration or afterwards will lead to automatic cancellation of admission’ and the documents of course.”

Masikye is accused of hiding the Diploma certificate for Lubwama, knowing very well that doing so under his signature will be committing a crime of issuing a false document and the policy under which he was admitted.

We want him to release the documents in case he fails, we have petitioned the University to interdict him, put him on investigation and examine whether he wasn’t neglecting or in abuse of office when he wrote letters ‘to whom it may concern’ to EC.

We also want the University to recall the Diploma awarded to Kato Lubwama.

Mr Masikye did not pick our repeated calls when reached out for a comment.

Government is in negotiations with three foreign ‘suitors’ to capitalize troubled Crane Bank whose management was last week taken over by Bank of Uganda, the Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has disclosed.

He however remained tight limped on the details saying the talks were still premature.

On Tuesday, Minister Kasaija told journalists that; “Many people are speculating about Crane Bank closing but we are going to run it and it will survive. Clients should be assured that no branch will be closed and transactions will remain normal. There’s no need to panic. We have already started to get people who want to invest money in Crane Bank.”

“The bank posted a Shs 48Bn profit in 2014 but the following year, it accrued losses which affected the capital base of the bank. The law requires that if any bank goes below the credit to deposit ratio, Bank of Uganda takes over to safeguard clients’ money.”

He explained that despite Bank of Uganda cautioning Crane Bank proprietor Sudhir Ruparelia and other stakeholders to inject more capital in the bank or give in collateral due to mounting pressures, they still couldn’t manage to raise it.

“We so far have three suitors who are talking with us to invest in the bank. I won’t reveal the details because we want to keep it on low key for now. But if they manage to capitalize it, Bank of Uganda will then withdraw from the management with its new ownership.”

However, former Crane Bank Directors have accused Bank of Uganda for “impatience”, saying the institution was still on the search for a reputable investor to consolidate its expanded networks across the country.

They further alleged that the Central Bank lacked capacity and customer confidence to run such a big commercial bank.

The Minister denied claims that there are other distressed banks, saying the banking sector is performing well.

“The sector is still firm, most banks are meeting their criteria as set by BOU. I haven’t heard any other reports from the regulator of banks that have problems. Some commercial banks like Stanbic are making very good profits for their stakeholders,” he noted.

Crane Bank is the third largest bank in the country with 46 branches. It had as well expanded its operations to Rwanda where government assured of its capital strength and efficiency.

Police on Tuesday afternoon had to fire rounds of bullets in the air in a bid to save KCCA enforcement officers who came under attack by angry vendors in the city center.

The fight started as the enforcement officers tried to send the vendors off the street near the old taxi park but the latter were adamant to remove their merchandise.

A KCCA officer confiscating vendors merchandise

The enforcement officers started confiscating the merchandise as they bundled it on the waiting KCCA pickup trucks to it to City Hall.

This angered the vendors who in retaliation beat up the enforcement officers, leaving some of them blooded, which forced police to intervene.

Some of the officers were destructive

The Kampala South Regional Police Commander Geoffrey Kaheebwa butted in which his force and arrested some of the rowdy vendors.

Second Phase

Meanwhile, the KCCA enforcement officers who looked angered by traders returned and resumed their work of evicting the traders, mostly those dealing in food in the old taxi park.

The officers, who were now not listening to advice from RPC Kaheebwa on how to handle the situation, were seen mercilessly destroying property including cooked food as the vendors looked on helplessly.

Most of them (vendors) were seen crying after losing their property.

One of the vendors was undressed by the KCCA enforcement team (Photos by Kenneth Kazibwe)

“We were trying to move our property but they didn’t let us complete and our property was destroyed. This is not the Kampala that President Museveni wishes for his voters,” cried one Masitula Nambooze.

“We ask him (President Museveni) to intervene because this state of affairs can’t go on as he watches.”

Officers dragging the vendors of the streets 

The food vendors eventually back, throwing stones at the KCCA enforcement officers prompting police to fire more bullets in the air to disperse the crowds.

In an interview with Chimpreports, Kaheebwa said, “We had to come in to save the situation,” he said.

Over 20 vendors were in the end arrested as well as their property confiscated by KCCA enforcement officers.

Government a few weeks ago ordered vendors off the streets following complaints from Kampala City Traders Association.

Police in Bushenyi has in detention 2 police officers accused of killing two brick makers.

The arrested are Constables Prossy Kyomugisha and Patrick Nuwamanya attached to Nyeihanga Police Station; who were arrested during the weekend.

The Rwizi region spokesperson Ibin Senkumbi says the two officers chased 2 brick makers for an arrest after they fleeced a customer of some money.

The deceased were identified as Manisur Tayebwa a Rwandese national and Denis Ainemani 22, a resident of Rukoni in Ntungamo district.

The police mouthpiece says Manisul and Denis double-sold their bricks at a brick quarry found in Kashuku Sheema district.

However one of the buyers reported the matter to police after failing to return his money.

The said police officers took over the matter and hunted the two suspects without success until Friday when they chased them and they hid in a cave in the brick quarry.

The officers used tear gas and smoke to force them out of the cave but unfortunately they suffocated to death.

Senkumbi says the officers left the scene and never informed anybody about the matter until one of the crime preventers found out and reported to police.

On Monday, residents, some of whom had seen police officers on the quarry, stormed Nyeihanga and Sheema police stations.

Senkumbi adds that the two officers were arrested and handed over to Bushenyi Police Special Unit (PSU) to take over the matter.

He said the officers applied a lot of unprofessionalism in carrying out the arrest and that if proved that the deceased died of suffocation, they will be charged with man slaughter.

Uganda Premier League
Bright stars 1-2 KCCA

KCCA maintained their stay on top of the league after a hard fought win over Bright stars in a game played at the champions stadium in Mwererwe on Tuesday.

The defending champions began impressively taking an early lead in the opening minute of the game with Geoffrey Sserunkuma heading home.

Ssserunkuma jumped high to power in Ronald Musana’s cross that hit at the bottom of the post before crossing the line.

Derrick Nsibambi doubled the lead 10 minutes later after a mistake from midfielder Victor Aweko.

Aweko’s back pass to goalkeeper Nicholas Ssebwato was picked by Derrick Nsibambi to slot past the onrushing goalkeeper.

After 25 minutes a heavy downpour disrupted the play but referee Ali Ssabila insisted on play continuing until halftime.

The interval period extended for about 20minutes until the match officials decided for play to restart despite the pitch being soggy.

The home side returned recharged creating several chances with second half substitute Ashraf Kawadwa causing trouble to the KCCA defence.

Kokas Opejo got the consolation for Bright stars striking from a free kick with eleven minutes to time.

The result means KCCA cement their lead on top of the table moving to 25 points while Bright stars remain 6th on the table.

Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu has set November 8 for the ruling on a prima facie case where former Old Kampala DPC SP Jorum Mwesigye is accused of assaulting Andrew Lwanga, a former WBS TV Journalist in January 2015.

Before setting the ruling date, the magistrate declined to accept a medical report which was conducted on Lwanga by Dr Vaal Prarad in his absence as the state prosecutor Patricia Kintho had requested.

The magistrate declined the report on grounds that prosecution failed to prove that Dr. Vaal could not be brought to court to testify.

She then set the 4th November as the date for final submissions by the defense; and November 11 for State to reply; warning that she will proceed with the ruling if either side fail to keep the dates.

Immediately after court session, Andrew Lwanga told fellow journalists that he is in fear as there is a group of people trailing his movements, with unknown intentions.

“Wherever I am coming to court there are people trailing me but don’t come in court. As soon as I move out of court premises they follows me which has made my life so uncomfortable.”

Lwanga added that he has reported this matter to various authorities to ensure that they help him out of this problem.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof, Ddumba Ssentamu has annulled the suspension of 15 students who were involved in a demonstration against ‘poor meals’ in halls of residence.

The development comes after hours of strife at the university as students protested against the decision taken by the university management which they branded unfair.

The University on Tuesday suspended 15 students indefinitely for invading Mary Stuart, a girls’ hall of residence, destroying property including chairs, cups, plates, dining tables, doors, a fridge and causing loss of over 200 forks from the serving centre.

The university also noted that the students carried food from the serving centre and poured it at the entrance to Mary Stuart Hall, an act they described as contrary to the University Students Regulations 2015 and hence the decision to suspend them.

Students, through the guild leaders would later seek attention of the management concerning the issue which had already caused dissention at the institution.

In a letter dated October 26^th, addressed to the Guild President, Prof. Ddumba said that the suspensions had been withdrawn to allow the university conduct further investigations into the matter.

“Following our meeting this morning between students and members of the University Management, it has been agreed that the Vice chancellor institutes a committee to investigate the situation for a comprehensive report which will inform further action,” Prof Ddumba wrote in a statement.

“In the meantime, all suspensions are withdrawn as further investigations take place,” the statement further reads.

High Court in Kampala has summoned the Attorney General and the National Medical Stores to respond to claims that the latter has continuously withdrawn money from the Consolidated Fund to purchase imported Anti-retroviral and Anti -malarial drugs from a local manufacturer, disguised as locally made.

The documents before Court show that during the period of December 2005 and April 2012, Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited (now CIPLA) to manufacture ARVs and Anti-malarial drugs, which government would buy at a 15% benefit to the company.

The petitioner Godfrey Magezi –a procurement practitioner — holds that investigations by the IGG revealed that the company, whose contract is still valid up to 2019 only manufactures 16% of the required drugs and imports the remaining 84%; which it fraudulently packages as locally made in order to selfishly enrich itself from the government deal.

Magezi is seeking a court order directing Government and the National Medical Stores to recover over Shs. 61billion from CIPLA Quality Chemicals Industries.

Deputy Court registrar Alex Ajiiji has given National Medical stores 15 days to file in their defense

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised government to consider better fiscal policy and improve monitoring of government’s spending arrears if Uganda is to attain its 5% projected growth in the 2016/17 financial year.

In its seventh review of the country’s economic program under the Policy Support Instrument, IMF also challenges government to adhere to raising its revenue base and proper project management.

The review undertaken by a team from IMF was conducted during a visit to Kampala from October 12 to 26 this year.

Axel Schimmelpfennig the IMF Chief of Mission for Uganda at a press conference held on Wednesday said; “Government strengthened its public financial management framework with poverty alleviating expenditures however key fiscal targets for 2015/16 FY were missed.”

“The Mission notes the difficult environment for fiscal policy in 2015/16 FY. While revenue collection increased as a share of GDP, it fell short of program expectations, reflecting lower than projected nominal GDP growth. Current spending was higher than anticipated,” Schimmelpfennig added.

IMF recommends that Uganda improves its spending efficiency in order to ensure value for money.

“Over the medium term, the government needs to ensure that scaled up infrastructure investment yields the targeted increase in GDP growth to improve the lives of all citizens and maintain the country’s low risk of debt distress.”

Bank of Uganda was applauded for further reduction of the lending rate to 13% and keeping core inflation in the target band.

According to IMF, Uganda’s financial sector remains ‘well capitalized’ but notes that non performing loans have edged up resulting in commercial banks rigidity to ease on their lending rates.

During the same press conference, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija pleaded with the IMF to supplement government’s efforts to have the suspension of World Bank funding on the two road projects (in the North and Albertine regions) worth over USD 400 million lifted.

“We hope that IMF will add a voice so that the suspended funding is eased. It is too costly for our small economy,” Kasaija noted.

Regarding the current state of the economy, Kasaija stressed; “We are in struggling situation but we are not desperate. People are confusing slowness in certain sectors of the economy with recession.”

As the tenure of the current Electoral Commission (EC) comes to an end, Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) party President Jimmy Akena has advised government to allow representation of all major political parties while constituting a new commission.

Addressing the media on Wednesday at Uganda House, the UPC President Jimmy Michael Akena noted that in line of building democracy and trust in the country’s electoral process, government should consider bringing on board all political players to participate in the formation of a credible EC.

“If we can have a system where by all political players and contenders fill comfortable with the electoral process it will help build democracy in the country,” Akena said.

Akena added, “If we can form EC across political lines and people of caliber, which has respect across party lines, it will enhance democracy but to reach there we must have some levels of engagement and IPOD gives us such a platform.”

Akena observed that political parties should be allowed to put up names to be considered by giving them a fair opportunity to compete for the jobs as well as being scrutinized.

“Specifically UPC does have members who would love to sit on the Electoral Commission and if we can sit down and forward the names they would be considered because we have people of caliber, good track record and can operate in the manner whereby their conduct would be above board.”

While appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs recently, the EC Chairperson Badru Kiggundu told journalists that once such a proposal is approved it will create a lot of problems in decision making at the country’s EC.

“If you bring representative of each political parties to manage elections, you are bringing down a mini-parliament because there will be discussion on every decision to be taken just like you see the debating for Parliament,” Kiggundu said.

“Decision making by consensus will be fault up because the members have duo masters on taking a decision, he or she has to first go and consult; here I can only consult my boss.”

Police Football Club chairman AIGP Asan Kasingye has revealed that former coach Sam Timbe did not actually resign from the club but was axed due to poor performance.

Timbe released a letter on Saturday claiming that he handed in his resignation after discovering that the club players’ undeserving low morale and continued poor results on the pitch was attached to his presence and particularly a contract he renewed recently at the club. But Kasingye confirms otherwise.

“He (Timbe) didn’t resign but I actually sacked him,” Kasingye revealed to ChimpSport. “I had given him three games in which he had to win two and draw the other.”

Sam Timbe was supposed to get seven points from three games against giants URA FC, Express FC and table leaders KCCA FC.

The soft spoken coach managed a three all draw which meant he had to get outright victories over KCCA FC and URA. He lost 2-0 to the former and therefore no way he could meet the set ultimatum.

“When you put in resignation and your boss doesn’t say anything, it means it was good riddance,” Kasingye added.

Police picked a barren outcome from Lugazi on Tuesday against URA FC and they host Kirinya Jinja SSS FC on Saturday in their next game.

The Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura has dismissed as rumors the talk that the senior police commanders who were accused of brutalizing Dr Kizza Besigye’s supporters were punished when they were taken for refresher courses.

Several senior police commanders in the Kampala Metropolitan area were in July sent for refresher courses whereas others were charged by the police court in Naguru following the brutal manner in which they beat Besigye supporters, an act.

Speculation started emerging later on that the refresher courses were another form of reprimand for the errant officers.

However, speaking during the official opening of their course at the police command and staff college in Bwebajja, Kayihura assured them that they were not on punishment, stressing that this was only a routine refresher course.

“There were also rumours that the whole team had been dismissed from the force as a punishment but that is not true,” Gen.Kayihura said. “We brought you here because we recognize your contribution and we wanted to deepen your knowledge.”

The police boss noted that these are some of the efforts by the leadership to ensure its officers get more skills and tactics; adding that training is the lifeline of any force.

Some of the senior commanders undergoing the course at Bwebajja

Quoting, Napoleon Bonaparte , Gen.Kayihura said there  are no bad soldiers of  police officers but rather the commanders.

“The problem is leadership and not these juniors. We therefore need to put in place training courses for you in a bid to polish you.”

He said he admires the prisons in terms of managing inmates; a system he said ought to be copied by policemen.

“When you go to prisons, they will salute you and then tell you the number of inmates they have. This is not the case with police stations who can’t tell  you the number of people they have in cells. I want prisons to teach police in this field.”

Over 100 police officers are undergoing senior officers and intermediate   courses at Bwebajja in Wakiso district.

These also include officers from Somalia and South  Sudan police forces.

The Uganda Prisons Service administration has listed 85 officers for retirement from duty before the end of current financial year.

The office of the Commissioner General, Johnson Byabashaija issued a letter on Wednesday afternoon all regional and district prison commanders detailing the process and the list of 85 personnel.

The letter seen by ChimpReports asked the named officers to fulfill all requirements for retirement in 3 months.

The requirements include submitting copies of declaration form, Appointment, Confirmation and Promotion Letters, Pension Form NS7, copy of National Identity Card, last payslip or copy of the payslip at the time of submission, provisional Bank Statement and other relevant documents as may be applicable.

List
The list contains the Sn F/No, name, rank, date of birth, date of enlistment, date of retirement and duty station/district

3828 Okodan Stephen Ch/Wdr III 05-Jul-56 15-Dec-81 05/Jul/16 Mbale (M) Mbale
4761 Oriada John Michael Ch/Wdr II 12-Jul-56 15-Jul-88 12/Jul/16 Kaliro Kaliro
10066 Otyeka Betty Wdrss 14-Jul-56 01-May-95 14/Jul/16 Paidha Zombo
P/O/652 Opio Terence P.O.1 24-Jul-56 28-Oct-80 24/Jul/16 Arocha – O/C Apac
P/N/390 Ngwen George P.O.11 25-Jul-56 08-Aug-81 25/Jul/16 Lira (M) Lira
2577 Ikoona Patrick John Ch/Wdr II 27-Jul-56 01-Jul-77 27/Jul/16 Bufulubi Mayuge
2080 Kaliba Fatuma Ch/Wdrss III 31-Jul-56 12-Aug-74 31/Jul/16 Fort-Portal (W) Kabarole
P/B/188 Bagonza Aloysius ASP 01-Aug-56 30-Oct-80 01/Aug/16 Kibiito – O/C Kabarole
P/M/359 Mugoya Janepher Nursing Officer/Nursing 02-Aug-56 06-Jun-76 02/Aug/16 Murchison Bay Hosp Kampala
P/M/436 Mugisha Charles P.O.1 03-Aug-56 17-Dec-81 03/Aug/16 Ndorwa Kabale
P/B/284 Busulwa John P.O.11 14-Aug-56 10-Jan-97 14/Aug/16 Ntenjeru – D/OC Kayunga
P/O/793 Owani Yunus Moses P.O.11 14-Aug-56 15-Aug-74 14/Aug/16 Loro Oyam
11469 Angou  Gregory Sgt/Wdr 15-Aug-56 25-Nov-80 15/Aug/16 Nakatunya Soroti 10074 Namusoke Victoria Matron 21-Aug-56 01-Jul-77 21/Aug/16 Kabasanda Butambala
11513 Owere Franklyn Cpl/Wdr 26-Aug-56 01-Nov-88 26/Aug/16 Kasangati Wakiso
P/N/278 Namujehe Florence (on Contract) P.O.11 28-Aug-56 30-Aug-74 28/Aug/16 Kapchorwa – O/C Kapchorwa
P/N/382 Nyongesa Imelda P.O.11 28-Aug-56 30-Aug-74 28/Aug/16 PTS Kampala
P/S/161 Sakwa Micheal P.O.1 02-Sep-56 01-May-86 02/Sep/16 Mbale (M) Mbale
2674 Mwambu Alex Ch/Wdr I 05-Sep-56 01-Jul-77 05/Sep/16 Bufulubi Mayuge
P/O/412 Ocen Christopher Aguma (Dr) ACP 07-Sep-56 01-Sep-83 07/Sep/16 K.E.R – Leave Kampala
P/A/212 Alule Peter Bana Sen. Med. Lab. Technologist 09-Sep-56 01-May-75 09/Sep/16 Murchison Bay Hosp Kampala
P/O/608 Okello Evangelista Nursing Assistant 12-Sep-56 01-Apr-82 12/Sep/16 Apac Apac
3131 Elwor Teddy Ch/Wdrss II 28-Sep-56 23-Jan-81 28/Sep/16 Oyam Oyam
3764 Echengu Charles Ch/Wdr III 01-Oct-56 11-Dec-81 01/Oct/16 Soroti (M) Soroti
4090 Ajok Florence Ch/Wdrss III 03-Oct-56 18-Dec-81 03/Oct/16 Mbale (M) Mbale
2672 Namaganda Rose Mary Ch/Wdrss III 08-Oct-56 01-Jul-77 08/Oct/16 Mukuju Tororo
P/O/729 Okwonga  Ronald P.O.11 21-Oct-56 21-Oct-80 21/Oct/16 Kumi Kumi
4286 Arukori Honert Vincent Ch/Wdr III 25-Oct-56 30-Aug-74 25/Oct/16 Serere Serere
P/A/463 Adiye Etongu Rose Senior Accounts Assistant 26-Oct-56 31-May-78 26/Oct/16 PHQs Kampala
P/O/460 Obunak Christine Aaca SWA 28-Oct-56 10-Jan-87 28/Oct/16 Kauga Mukono
4951 Okiror  James Edison Sgt/Wdr 30-Oct-56 24-Jul-88 30/Oct/16 Mbale (M) Mbale
434 Langol Simon Ch/Wdr III 01-Nov-56 01-Sep-83 01/Nov/16 Gulu (M) Gulu
P/O/666 Ogwang John ASP 02-Nov-56 26-Jul-74 02/Nov/16 Kibaale (M) – O/C Kibaale
4483 Wamimbi Samuel Maenah Ch/Wdr I 03-Nov-56 01-Sep-83 03/Nov/16 Soroti (M) Soroti
3602 Okwera Geoffrey Ch/Wdr II 07-Nov-56 19-Nov-81 07/Nov/16 Kitgum Kitgum
1942 Omara Mohamed Sgt/Wdr 13-Nov-56 15-Aug-74 13/Nov/16 Lira (M) Lira
10147 Lwanga Faith Wdrss 21-Nov-56 26-Nov-01 21/Nov/16 Mpigi Mpigi
P/E/54 Emokol Oliver SWRO 22-Nov-56 11-Jul-80 22/Nov/16 Tororo (M) Tororo
3125 Amajo Pauline Ch/Wdrss III 25-Nov-56 01-Nov-79 25/Nov/16 Kaberamaido Kaberamaido
P/N/239 Najjuma Teddy Nursing Assistant 29-Nov-56 19-Sep-11 29/Nov/16 Jinja (M) Jinja
P/K/517 Kissa Henry P.O.11 01-Dec-56 29-Jul-74 01/Dec/16 Ngenge kween
10082 Opolot John Wdr 03-Dec-56 01-Mar-84 03/Dec/16 Ngora Ngora
1790 Tumuhairwe Robina Ch/Wdrss III 08-Dec-56 08-Jul-74 08/Dec/16 Ndorwa Kabale
3855 Okwera Ben Santo Ch/Wdr III 10-Dec-56 16-Dec-81 10/Dec/16 Pader Pader
2715 Amoding Diana Okumama Matron 11-Dec-56 01-Jul-77 11/Dec/16 Jinja (W) Jinja
P/B/275 Bbosa Daniel P.O.11 12-Dec-56 05-Apr-76 12/Dec/16 M/Bay Kampala
11670 Ocen Peter Sgt/Wdr 13-Dec-56 29-Oct-80 13/Dec/16 Nakatunya Soroti
P/N/378 Nakiwala Anne Justine P.O.11 14-Dec-56 01-Sep-74 14/Dec/16 Nyimbwa Luweero
P/L/87 Lutaaya Everist Instructor 16-Dec-56 01-Mar-78 16/Dec/16 PHQs Kampala
P/O/649 Outeke Joseph SP 20-Dec-56 11-Jan-82 20/Dec/16 Soroti (M) O/C Soroti
10084 Bavekuno Robert Wdr 24-Dec-56 01-Nov-87 24/Dec/16 Ivukula Mayuge
1636 Opiro Wilson Sgt/Wdr 25-Dec-56 24-Jul-74 25/Dec/16 Loro Oyam
4113 Akumu Teresina Ch/Wdrss III 28-Dec-56 18-Dec-81 28/Dec/16 Paidha Zombo
10085 Nandera Betty Ch/Wdrss II 28-Dec-56 01-Oct-74 28/Dec/16 Kaweeri Mubende
2836 Oballa Edward Nixon Ch/Wdr III 01-Jan-57 01-Jul-77 01/Jan/17 Erute Lira
3890 Okiror Daniel Ch/Wdr III 01-Jan-57 17-Dec-81 01/Jan/17 Kaiti Namutimba
3978 Eyangu Vence Ch/Wdr II 12-Jan-57 21-Dec-81 12/Jan/17 Mbale (M) Mbale

P/K/486 Kimono Simon Nakhosi US/F&A 14-Jan-57   14/Jan/17 PHQs – Fin & Admin Kampala
2003 Agono Mark Sgt/Wdr 25-Jan-57 20-Aug-74 25/Jan/17 Adjumani Adjumani
P/K/419 Kyomugisha Naomi Poultry Attendant 02-Feb-57 07-Feb-83 02/Feb/17 PHQs – Farms Kampala
4362 Opere George Ch/Wdr III 04-Feb-57 01-Sep-83 04/Feb/17 Tororo (M) Tororo
P/K/408 Kasumba Ernest Artisan – Mechanic 28-Feb-57 30-Nov-94 28/Feb/17 Ibuga Kasese
10255 Kakooza Annet Ch/Wdrss II 09-Mar-57 01-Oct-90 09/Mar/17 Kalungu Kalungu
5738 Okot James Okello Rom Sgt/Wdr 26-Mar-57 26-Mar-91 26/Mar/17 Jinja (R) Jinja

P/O/624 Okalany Joseph Water Pump Attendant 01-Apr-57 01-Jul-93 01/Apr/17 Tororo (M) Tororo
4838 Otiya Micheal Sgt/Wdr 04-Apr-57 19-Jul-88 04/Apr/17 Mukuju Tororo
2431 Bulyaba Alice Ch/Wdrss III 05-Apr-57 01-Jul-77 05/Apr/17 Masaka (M) Masaka
P/O/220 Ourum George William Principal Asst. Supplies Officer 08-Apr-57 11-Dec-76 08/Apr/17 PHQs Kampala
P/Z/6 Ziraba Albert ASP 09-Apr-57 01-Oct-81 09/Apr/17 RPC’s, M/Centr- Staff Officer Mubende
P/E/125 Eepu Adolphus P.O.11 11-Apr-57 21-Dec-81 11/Apr/17 Nakatunya  –  Leave Soroti
2155 Chandia Juliet Ch/Wdrss I 15-Apr-57 30-Aug-74 15/Apr/17 Kigo (W) Wakiso
10494 Nandagi Molly Matron 17-Apr-57 24-Jul-84 17/Apr/17 Kakuuto Rakai
P/O/473 Okello Eliot SP 05-May-57 17-Sep-87 05/May/17 Soroti – DPC Soroti
3325 Ogang Francis Ch/Wdr III 09-May-57 30-Oct-80 09/May/17 Lugore Gulu

P/K/452 Obeti Grace Kipwoola (Mrs) Ophthalmic Clinical Officer 12-May-57 05-May-80 12/May/17 Jinja (M) Jinja
P/N/245 Nyapendi Florence Poultry Attendant 15-May-57 06-Jun-78 15/May/17 Tororo (M) Tororo
3683 Chandiga Joseph Ch/Wdr I 17-May-57 07-Dec-81 17/May/17 Adjumani Adjumani

P/A/211 Ayoo J. Patrick Clerical Officer 18-May-57 10-May-78 18/May/17 Loro Oyam
10087 Kapio James Wdr 20-May-57 17-Nov-97 20/May/17 Ntenjeru Kayunga
3238 Olupot Alex Mackey Ch/Wdr I 23-May-57 29-Oct-80 23/May/17 Imanyiro Mayuge
5180 Ochora .C. Justine Sgt/Wdr 25-May-57 01-Dec-89 25/May/17 Pader Pader
1617 Ogwaria Charles Sgt/Wdr 25-May-57 22-Jul-74 25/May/17 Amita Abim
5058 Atimnedi  Benson Oronya Sgt/Wdr 01-Jun-57 19-Aug-88 01/Jun/17 Giligili Arua
P/O/796 Okello James Henry P.O.11 13-Jun-57 30-Oct-80 13/Jun/17 Ruimi Kabarole
10088 Mugerwa John Sgt/Wdr 15-Jun-57 12-Aug-74 15/Jun/17 Bubukwanga Bundibugyo