The son of Dr. John Garang the SPLA founder, Mabior Garang de Mabior has denied claims that the  rebels of Dr. Riek Machar have been targeting and abducting Ugandan businessmen and women for ransom.

Mabior Garang, who is the SPLA in Opposition’s Chairperson for Communications described the allegations in a press statement on Thursday as the “counter insurgency” tactics by President Salva Kiir’s administration.

“The SPLM/SPLA(IO) condemns the continued belligerence and negative propaganda by the regime in Juba, which continues to escalate the war in the country in particular the Greater Equatoria Region,” part of the statement read.

According to Mabior who is known for spending part of his time in Uganda, the Juba administration is engineering the situation to spark diplomatic row between Kampala and the rebels.

“The SPLM/SPLA(IO) rejects claims that its forces have taken Ugandans hostage and are demanding ransom, this is part of the counter insurgency tactics of the regime in Greater Equatoria intended to lure the Republic of Uganda into the conflict.”

He stressed that the fact that the government of Kiir has rejected the calls for independent probe means it is hiding something.

“The deception is demonstrated by the refusal of the regime to grant access to independent investigators to access the scene of these alleged crimes.”

The rebel Spokesman challenged the government to adduce evidence implicating the SPLA-IO in abducting Ugandans.

“We challenge the regime in Juba to produce the evidence of the said SPLM/SPLA(IO) Officers intercepted in the alleged ransom calls, if they are not indeed their own agents.”

The statement concluded by appealing to Uganda to persuade Juba to abandon war.

“The SPLM/SPLA(IO) calls on the Government of Uganda to play a positive role in this conflict by persuading the regime in Juba to denounce violence and their futile pursuit of a military victory over the SPLM/SPLA(IO); it is impossible.”

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s self instated bodyguards and members of the infamous Solida Militia Group have been spotted in a meeting with the Kampala Minister, Beti Kamya on Thursday morning at Speke Hotel.

The Militia Group came into existence in August last year, to guard the Lord Mayor and counter the purported NRM leaning militia group that was reportedly being trained by Maj. Roland Kakooza Mutale to fight opponents of the President Yoweri Museveni, ahead of last February’s elections.

The meeting with Minister Kamya, whose agenda Chimpreports is yet to establish comes at a time when the city is faced with a challenge of handling the “chaotic” street vendors.

The Minister recently issued a directive to have all vendors pushed off the streets of Kampala which the Lord Mayor opposed by issuing a counter directive for vendors to stay on the streets.

Lukwago argues that the city can’t be governed on directives but rather through negotiations with all stakeholders including political heads.

The latest information indicates that Lukwago and the other division mayors snubbed a meeting with the President which was meant to take place yesterday.

Kampala Capital City Authority has donated 2 firefighting trucks to the police force to help in the fire and rescue services in the city. This was at a function held at City Hall on Thursday.

Handing over the equipment, KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi said in their efforts to ensure service delivery to the people of Kampala, they thought of partnering with the police in this area.

“We think, the equipment will be useful in case of fire outbreaks and floods. I call upon both the political and technical wings of KCCA to talk less but engage more in working for the people of Kampala,” Musisi said at the function.

She noted that the equipment belongs to KCCA but because they lack man power to operate them, they decided to hand them over to police that would manage them on their behalf.

One of the Fire fighting trucks handed over to police today

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Okoth Ochola praised this gesture as long overdue after Entebbe Municipality and Kayunga town council also purchased similar equipment and handed them over to police.

He however urged KCCA to put in place bylaws to enhance prevention of fire outbreaks in the city on top of sensitizing the population about fire prevention and safety.

Joseph Mugisa, the police Director in charge of fire and rescue services said the trucks are medium sized and each can carry up to a capacity of 20000 liters but with modern pumps and accessories.

“They are a good addition to the existing big size equipment that requires a big capacity to manage. The advantage is that they are small and can maneuver through traffic jam and small inaccessible roads,” Mugisa said.

He highlighted the unplanned settlement especially in the slum areas of Kampala that makes it difficult for fire fighting vehicles to move to areas with disaster, noting that this new equipment are a big boost.

“They are an added advantage because they are fast and can reach areas difficult to reach.”

The equipment according to KCCA officials were a donation to Lubaga mayor Joyce Ssebuggwawo Nnabbosa who handed them over to KCCA.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine has indicated the new sponsorship package that his club has signed with Pay TV company DSTV will help take the club to another level.

The popular musician who also doubles as Express brand ambassador believes the deal brings not only money to the club but also better branding.

“I’m really excited about the new marriage we have entered into with DSTV. It comes as a timely boost for the club especially with a financial benefit that will help in facilitating day to day running of the club,” said Bobi Wine.

“Today has been another milestone. We have seen a new partnership between DSTV and Express, the team I represent which is a big boost,” Bobi wine told ChimpSport.

Asked whether he was contented with what the deal offers at hand, Bobi wine indicated it is not about getting satisfied at the moment but rather using the deal as a foundation for more other sponsors to come on board.

“Contentment is not for revolutionaries like me and a club like Express but I believe it is a deal that will shape the image of the club to create more business ventures and attract more sponsors on board,” he said.

Bobi wine as a brand ambassador also vowed that the issue of stadium violence will be dealt since not all football fans are hooligans.

“I do not think Express fans are rowdy a few that misbehave can be identified and the club has the right channels to handle them,”

“We have taken the initiative of also talking to the fans and sensitize them about the dangers of stadium violence,” said the brand ambassador.

On Thursday morning, Express football club sealed a one year deal with Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) worth UGX 305 million.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern directive to NTV Uganda to cease hosting programs in which the Founder of Sisimuka Uganda, Frank Gashumba airs his “disparaging” views about government and individuals leaders in government.

The directive dated October 10th also warned of revoking the Television’s broadcasting License in case they do not cooperate.

Gashumba, who is a known outspoken critique of the NRM Government, is often times hosted by majorly broadcast media houses, to pitch in on the debates and deliberate on the various news stories   of the day.

The media regulatory body was particularly irked by want they termed as Mr Gashumba’s “profane and abusive language” when appearing on NTV’s evening news (Akawungezi).

UCC’s spokesperson Fred Otunnu in the directive says the Commission had received numerous complaints about Gashumba’s remarks, which he says are in breach of section 2 and Section 32 of the Uganda Communications Act (2013).

“The Commission therefore directs you to stop broadcasting of such programs with immediate effect,” NTV was ordered.

“Please take note that further repeated breach and violation of the law will result into commencement of cancelation or revocation of your License…Stand Warned!”

In response, Mr Gashumba said he was gutted by the directive, and wondered whether or not this wasn’t a direct attack on his fundamental rights. He also hinted on petitioning the constitutional court over the matter.

“The government has people like Ofwono Opondo, Col. Shaban Bantariza, and the Minister for Information (who are always on TVs, Radios and in papers on a daily basis) among other forms of government public relations. Does this make me stronger than the entire government media arms,” he said in a Facebook post.

The debate to have lawmakers exempted from tax on their emoluments has hit Parliament again after orders to have the Bill reconsidered by the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

The Income Tax Amendment Bill 2016 was passed by Legislators despite negative reactions from the public; and sent to the president to sign it into law.

However, President Museveni declined to append his signature and returned the bill to parliament calling on members to reconsider the very clause that raised contentions from the public.

Due to the demands from the house to have the bill re-discussed, the committee chairperson and Rubanda East MP Henry Musasizi called for an urgent meeting in which he summoned Parliamentary Commissioners and the Minister of Finance to agree on how to proceed with the contentious clause.

Appearing before the committee, Parliament commissioners Peter Ogwang and Arinaitwe Rwakajara said that the public is mistaken to think that MPs do not pay taxes, and recommended that Parliament should return to the president the Income Tax Amendment Bill, 2016 to the president to have it assented to without any delay.

“To be specific, each MP pays a monthly tax of Shs3.5m; there is no way you can give me money for fuel and at the same time you want to tax that money which I am to use to do my work in the constituency. That will be double tax to a member of Parliament,” Said Usuk lawmaker Ogwang.

“For us we have come as members of the commission to put it the public that members of Parliament pay taxes every month and those tax returns are with URA, whoever doubts should go to URA and ask,” said Ogwang,

Finance State Minister for Planning David Bahati said that government was still interested in the bill and requested for more time to appear before the committee with a clear position.

Since the MPs approved the tax exemption bill in April this year, Finance and Uganda Revenue Authority officials have insisted that MPs must pay their taxes on the lump sum of salary and allowances.

3 people have been confirmed dead in a fatal accident along Kazo-Ibanda road at around mid night on Friday.

One of the survivors Mr. Nuwagaba Arthur Rwomushana, who is also the deputy principal at Alliance Vocational School Ibanda told Chimpreports  they were driving from Kazo heading to Ibanda with friends when their registration number UAP 922W lost control and fell over a bridge at Mbaba.

The dead have been identified as Robert Nuwampereza Brick-laying and concrete practice tutor from Sheema district, Andy Atukunda who was operating a boutique opposite Ibanda district headquarters from Kakanju in Bushenyi district and Willington Ssozi from Nyakatokye in Ibanda district.

The deceased being loaded on police pick up

According to the DPC Ibanda Mr. Denis Ochama, the accident was caused by reckless driving. He says the driver Robert Nuwampereza was excessively drunk.

The survivor Rwomushana is has been admitted to Mayanja Memorial Hospital in Mbarara while the dead were taken to Ruhoko Mortuary.

The Northern Corridor ICT cluster sitting in Uganda has Friday resolved to have all member States share data of citizens’ National IDs for the security of persons and for enabling easy movement of people.

The meeting involved ICT ministers from the member countries Frank Tumwebaze from Uganda, Joe Mucheru from Kenya, Rosemary Mbabazi from Rwanda and Eng. Akol Paul Kordit.

Tumwebaze told the media later on that today’s meeting was reviewing what the ICT Cluster has done following directives of Heads of State; and came up with key recommendations which shall be taken to principle Heads of States in the next 14^th Summit in Nairobi.

We have resolved that “Partner States should domesticate one network area in their respective national legal and regulated framework.”

Minister Frank Tumwebaze

“We will have to look at our policy frameworks as well as our legal instruments so that if we have telecoms that are not complying then the regulators move in legally.”

“Partner States should involve the Ministries of Interior, Internal Affairs and the Ministries responsible for migration to discuss how data on National ID can be shared for the security of persons and for enabling easy movement of people.”

He revealed that the ministers agreed to report to the 14^th Summit of the Northern Corridor that partner states that have not concluded procurement of the intelligent monitoring system for the telecommunication companies for purposes of fighting great traffic, should do so immediately.

“We have agreed to benchmark with each other in areas of postal services and street addressing. Here in Uganda we pick much interest because we are not yet there, Kenya and Rwanda have already made some strides.”

Sadolin Paints FC and Vipers SC played to a goalless draw on Friday afternoon at Bugembe stadium denying a chance for the visitors to trim the gap with table leaders KCCA FC.

The hosts’ will have to blame their poor blunt attacking force for not picking their maiden win against the two time champions. Nassar Muzamir was the main culprit in the extravagance spree.

First Half Action
The beginning of the match was calm with less action on both sides characterized with some cool inter passing sessions from both ends but with several physical battle in the crowded midfield zone.

Painters made the first real attempt on goal fourteen minutes into the game after Nassar Muzamir disposed Keziron’s attack and paced down the right lane, twisting and turning Bilikwalira then lofted in a cross which Ogik chested and shot a half volley direct to a waiting Watenga.

Vipers retaliated with a quick counter attack from Wadada’s right wing snaking through kayiwa in the middle down to Kakaire and then Odur inside the box but his timing was poor.

Coach Mubiru immediately pulled off Kayiwa for a more pact Musa Esenu.

Hosts regrouped and made another attempt ten minutes later. Basooma picked a loose ball in the left back and transited to the other half dummying Waswa to the ground then set Muzamir into space but the recipient’s slow legs allowed Watenga time to rescue the venoms.

Sadolin bench introduced Fred Kyambadde for Nazil Serwadda in the hour clock. The change sparked new life in the painters front line forcing Vipers on their back heel for most part of the period.

The draw leaves Vipers on the second spot with 20 points same as Soana FC though with a superior goal difference. Sadolin have now accumulated eleven points.

Lineups
Franco Oringa (GK), Ronald Lukungu. Nasser Nsubuga, Desmond Kyobe, Moses Kibirige, Dan Ekoyu, Andrew Basooma (76′  Bruhan Matovu), Nasser Muzamir, Allan Oryek, Norman Ogik, Nazil Serwadda (60′ Fred Kyambadde).

Unused Sub’s:
Hilbert Hatimu, Geoffrey Mbazira, Peter Katumba, Robert Achema.

Vipers SC: Isma Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Dan Bilikwalira, Shafic Bakaki, Halid Lwaliwa, Hassan Waswa, William Wadri (82′  Bashir Mutanda), Keziron Kizito, Tonny Odur, Ibrahim Kayiwa (32′ Musa Esenu), Brian Kakaire (54′ Joseph Ssemujju).

Uganda Premier League
SC Villa vs Express FC
Mandela National Stadium 4:00pm

Derbies across the world come with one thing and that is pride. Each side want to trounce their bitter rivals to have the bragging rights.

That will be the case as SC Villa play host to eternal rivals Express at Mandela national stadium on Saturday in the Uganda premier league.

Much as the fierce competition, hype and anticipation has grossly reduced in reference to what the clash produced in the late 80s and 90s, the raging rivalry still exists in both camps and was the reason why the fixtures during the 2014/15 season ended in violence.

The Kampala derby comes at a time when SC Villa seem the better and composed side but that doesn’t necessarily matter during such games. The team with more passion usually takes the day.

SC Villa sit third on the table with 18 points, seven behind league leaders KCCA FC but the Jogoos have played two games less.

On the other hand, the red Eagles come into today’s clash occupying 7th position on 14 points, four behind their opponents today.

Recent form
Sc villa come into the cross city derby in better shape winning three of their last five league games, losing one and drawing one.

BUL 0-1 SC Villa
SC Villa 2-1 The Saints
Onduparaka 4-3 SC Villa
SC Villa 1-1 Soana
SC Villa 3-0 Proline

On the other hand, Express have had a poor run in their previous five games winning just once, losing one game while the other three have ended in stalemates.

Express 0-0 Bright stars
Police 3-3 Express
Express 1-1 Kirinya Jinja SS
KCCA 3-1 Express
Vipers 0-1 Express

Team news

SC Villa
The Shafik Bisaso coached side have a few injury concerns with defender Ibrahim Kiyemba the major absentee after sustaining an injury in the 1-0 win against BUL last week. Bernard Muwanga who returned to training a fortnight ago will not feature due to lack of match fitness.

Holding midfielder Tadeo Lwanga formerly at Express is suspended for card accumulation and Abel Eturude is expected to take up the role in today’s clash.

Express FC
The red eagles will still miss the services of arguably the best right back this season, Musa Mukasa who is still serving suspension after getting a red card in the game against Police.

Left back Ismael Kazibwe is still sidelined and Yayo Lutimba is expected to keep playing as a makeshift defender.

Propable starting lineups

SC Villa
Yasin Mugabi, Joseph Nsubuga, Yesseri Waibi, Henry Katongole, Paul Mbowa, Abel Eturude, Ayub Kisaalita, Mike Sserumaga, Alex Kitata, Lwesibawa Godfrey, AbduMalik Vitalis Tabu

Express FC
Ali Kiggundu, Richard Kigozi, Yayo Lutimba, Bob Kasozi, Farouk Matovu, Tekkwo Derrick, Stephen Luswata, Saddam Ibrahim Juma, Herman Wasswa, John Ssemazi, Mike Mutyaba.

Rubaga South Member of Parliament (MP), Paul Kato Lubwama has attacked the Shadow Minister of Defense, Muwanga Kivumbi for condemning and snubbing a meeting of the Parliament Defense committee with the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Kato Lubwama who is also a committee member said time had come for Kivumbi to become positive and think of serving the country other than personal interests.

The frustrated shadow minister told the media on Friday morning that it was embarrassing that after a decision was taken by the committee not to handle police matters anymore until Kayihura appears before it in person, the General instead turned around to summon the committee for a meeting at Serena Hotel.

Kayihura reportedly invited MPs through the Committee Chairperson, Judith Nabakoba to meet him at Serena Hotel, an action that contravenes the operations of the house.

However Kato Lubwama who attended the meeting defended Kayihura and accused Muwanga of playing double standards.

“I think Muwanga Kivumbi isn’t positive and impartial at all; we sat in a similar retreat with the UPDF in same venue and he didn’t raise any complaint,” Lubwama said.

“I dont see anything wrong with meeting police for the purpose of improving our country’s security; the retreat is about the capacity building, I don’t want to say that the IGP called us, it is Police and there is a difference between IGP and Uganda Police. The invitation we have is from Police not the IGP.”

The Horyal Investment Holding Company Limited, owned by Oasis Mall’s entrepreneur Amina Moghe Hersi has finally been given green light to continue with the $50m sugar project in Atiak, Amuru district.

ChimpReports has exclusively learnt of a closed door meeting on Friday night between President Yoweri Museveni, Democratic Party President, Norbert Mao, the Somali decent investor Amina and the people of Amuru at State House Entebbe.

The project known as the Atiak Sugar Factory had stalled over a controversy surrounding the 5,000 hectares of land it is currently occupying.

This website understands that the Rwot (clan head) of Atiak, Mr. Santo Apire had disagreed with the continuation of the project and mobilized his subjects including mainly the family of Mzee Omeya that owns the vast land to negotiate new terms with Amina and her company.

According to sources who attended the State House meeting that ended late last night, Rwot Apire wanted the contentious 5,000 acres to first be put under the trust of Acholi traditional leadership like the case of Buganda’s Mailo land and investors like Amina should then be made to contact the cultural administration but not the locals.

Mao, who also hails from Atiak however disagreed with the Rwot’s position, saying that the indigenous owners of the land can make decisions for themselves.

“The land in Atiak like in all other parts of Acholi, is communally or family owned and putting it under the trust of Rwot whould be a new thing,” Mao said in the meeting as Museveni who only kept on guiding the meeting nodded in consent.

The family of Omeya and RwotApire later agreed to Mao’s position allowing Horyal Investment Holding Limited to continue with the Atiak Sugar Factory venture.

We understand Mao took Amina to Atiak and facilitated the negotiation between the latter and the family of Omeya.

Efforts to reach Mao were futile as hedidn’t pick our repeated calls.

When contacted, the Senior Presidential Secretary, Don Wanyama who is already in Eastern Uganda for Museveni’s expected visit this weekend, said he is yet to be briefed on the development.

Atiak Sugar Factory is the only investment that has managed to start among the attempted 3 ventures.

The Madhvani Company has failed to erect a factory and get sugar cane plantation farm over land conflict in Lakang in the same district meanwhile the South African investor known as Bruce also unsuccessfully tried to start a cotton project in Apaa.

The Apaa land conflict turned dramatic in 2015 when elderly women undressed and rolled in front of then ministers Daudi Migereko for Lands and late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima for Internal Affairs.

Police in Ibanda are investigating circumstances under which Police Constable Fred Muchasi, attached to Kicuzi Police Post shot dead Galaciano Mubangizi, aged 32 years.

Muchasi, Constable Number 25377, who is still the run, had gone to arrest of Mubangizi, who was reported to police for threatening violence.

Locals revealed however, that the mission did not go as planned and when the suspect resisted arrest, the officer shot him in the head.

Police and residents at the crime scene

This was in Mahuha cell, Kicuzi Sub County, Ibanda district at about 4:00am Saturday morning.

Speaking to Chimpreports on the incident, the Ibanda District Police Commander Denis Ochama said a serious manhunt was on for the errant officer.

Sgt. Adriano Mweteise who went with Mubangizi for the mission is currently detained at Ibanda Police Station to help in investigations.

Officers at the home of the deceased

The postmortem carried out at Ruhoko Health IV indicated that Mubangizi skull was shuttered by the bullet.

The body of the deceased was handed over to the relatives afterwards for burial.

Uganda Premier League
SC Villa 3-2 Express

The much anticipated Kampala derby lived to the billing as both sides treated the fans to an explosive encounter played on Saturday at Mandela National stadium.

Umar Kasumba’s first half brace and Vitalis Tabu’s penalty in the second half ensured SC Villa picked maximum points despite Saddam Ibrahim Juma and Simon Sserunkuma scoring for Express.

As early as 40 seconds into the game, SC Villa had the first chance of the game with Lwesibawa dribbling past Stephen Luswata but his lay up for Alex Kitata was cleared by Bob Kasozi.

Express had the first attempt at goal with Herman Wasswa’s effort hitting the woodwork after a minute of play.

It was Saddam Juma who gave the visitors an early lead in the 3rd minute after a poor clearance from goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi gifted him with the ball before curling into an empty net.

SC Villa pushed for an instant equaliser and Alex Kitata almost leveled matters off a header from Lwesibawa’s trademark throw in but his effort went beyond the goal area.

Umar Kasumba leveled the score at the 16th minute mark after a poor clearance from Express defender Bob Kasozi landed to Kasumba who slotted on the far right end past goalkeeper Ali Kiggundu.

Umar Kasumba got onto the score sheet again six minutes later heading home Godfrey Lwesibawa’s cross from a corner for the home side to take the lead which sent the SC Villa fans into a frenzy.

The visitors made double substitution after recess with Allan Kyambadde and Simon Sserunkuma replacing John Ssemazi and Richard Kigozi respectively.

Mike Mutyaba also came on for Sam Ssenkomi in the 61st minute and he laid up Simon Sserinkuma to level the score at 2-2 in the 68th minute. However, this lasted just three minutes before Vitalis Tabu restored the lead for the hosts converting from a penalty after Bob Kasozi’s foul on Lwesibawa inside the forbidden area.

Express fans turned rowdy throwing objects onto the field which prompted play to stop for about five minutes before referee Brian Miiro Nsubuga resumed.

Herman Wasswa had a goal disallowed in the 82nd minute for offside and SC Villa held on to the score for the remaining minutes to get maximum points.

The result means SC Villa ascend to second spot on the table with 21 points 4 behind leaders KCCA but with a game in hand while Express remained 7th on 14 points.

SC Villa starting XI
Yasin Mugabi, Joseph Nsubuga, Jether Waibi, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Paul Mbowa, Ayub Kisaalita, Ambrose Kiirya (82′ Abel Eturude), Lwesibawa Godfrey (77′ Faudi Ndayisenga), Alex Kitata, Umar Kasumba, Vitalis Tabu (90+2 Boubi Bi)

Express starting XI
Ali Kiggundu, Sam Ssenkomi (71 Mike Mutyaba),Mohamood Hassan, Bob Kasozi, Farouk Matovu, Richard Kigozi (46′ Ivan Sserunkuma) Stephen Luswata, Saddam Ibrahim Juma, Herman Wasswa, Isaac Sserunkuma, John Ssemazi (46′ Allan Kyambadde)

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura has expressed concern about the rate at which motorists misuse motor vehicle Sirens, Roof Lights and right of way saying it has caused a serious public outcry.

This, is according to a statement released by the Police Public Relations officer, AIGP Felix Kaweesi on Saturday morning.

“The Inspector General of Police has noted with serious concern the degree at which motorists abuse the use of motor vehicle Sirens, Roof Lights and right of way with total disregard of traffic and road safety law and regulations,” the statement read in part.

“The abuse has not only caused public outcry but has also led to heavy traffic jams and accidents on highway leading to Kampala Capital City especially Entebbe Road.”

Kaweesi said that the abuse is done by both civilians and security officials who have illegally installed sirens, roof lights for their convenience reasons rather than responding to emergencies as it should be.

According to Section 123 (3) of Traffic and Road Safety Act, 1998, an emergency motor vehicle is “a motor vehicle, trailer or engineering plant for the purpose of the Police, Ambulances, motor vehicles of armed forces and such other vehicles that may be designated by the Minister by a statutory order.”

Kaweesi noted that under this provision, in 2004, the Minister of Works and Transport designated the Convoy of the President, the convoy of the Vice President, the vehicles of the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, the vehicles of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the vehicles of Prime Minister to have the same right as emergency motor vehicles.

He revealed that the IGP declared the abuse as criminal and directed Traffic Police to form a squad that will monitor, Impound, arrest and prosecute drivers of such vehicles that abuse the regulation.

“The Commandant VIPPU has been directed to formulate standard operating procedures and sensitize all drivers of Lead and Escort cars on rules and regulations that apply when escorting dignitaries,” Kaweesi said, advising private and government officials who have illegally installed sirens to remove them with immediate effect.

“Any person who has been using sirens and roof light for the purposes of gating the right of way and does not fall under the above mentioned categories should seek authorization from the Minister of Works and Transport in accordance with Section 123(5) of the Act.”

President Yoweri Museveni has pitched camp in the Luwero triangle, to rally locals there on how to improve their household incomes through modernized agriculture.

The President will spend four days in the area, which was the most pivotal in the armed struggle that ushered his government to power three decades ago.

Among others, Museveni is expected to interact with farmers there, tour their farms on foot, explaining to them his four-acre prosperity formula, which according to the NRM manifesto is the key to raising Ugandans’ household incomes and lifting the population out of poverty.

Despite Luweero being the cornerstone of the NRM and being named the ruling party’s“Mecca,” the area still lies in poverty with about 30% of the population living below the poverty line.

“Luweero is the home of NRM. It should be an example to the rest of the country as a model of improved household income,” said the President while meeting with local leaders and residents upon arrival in the district today.

Under Museveni’s four-acre programme, which is based on the assumption that every household in Uganda owns at least four acres of land, residents are advised to split up this land and optimize it, with more income generating agricultural ventures.

One acre is to be used for cash crops, say colonal coffee; another acre of land is allocated to fruit production, for example mangoes, the other acre is used for dairy production on which, for example, pasture (elephant grass, legume and others) can be grown and one dairy cow kept; while the last one acre is used for growing of food crops such as maize, beans, ground nuts, cassava and others.

President Yoweri Museveni yesterday kick started his four day tour of the rural areas of the Luwero Triangle in his effort to preach the gospel of modernized agriculture.

The President also used the opportunity to meet and interact with the families of the people who helped in the armed struggle that brought the NRM government to power.

One of these was the family of the late Lule, whose house Museveni and his fighters used to store drugs. He also visited the home of Late Zakayo Kalibala, another veteran, whose son Esau Wasswa is running a big coffee plantation.

Dressed up casually in purple, khaki and army boots, the president visited several households in Kawumu village where he inspected the gardens of locals and assessed progress of UPDF geared Operation Wealth Creation programme.

As he toured the local farmers’ gardens, plantations and homes, Museveni advised them on how to impelement his four-acre prosperity formula, where farmers are advised to split up this land and optimize it, with more income generating agricultural ventures.

In spite of reports that more than half of the coffee seedlings distributed by OWC have dried up accross the country, the president was relieved that Luwero is doing slightly better.

Museveni urged the program coordinators not to stop at distributing seeds but follow up with supervision, and for the agriculture officials should offer technical assistance to these farmers.

Parish chiefs were also tasked to gather information about the number of people involved in OWC and those yet to benefit in each parish.

Deputy Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority Mrs Judith Tumusiime has resigned from the office.

Tumusiime, who served in the position since December 2012, tendered in her resignation before President Yoweri Museveni, the appointing authority late last week.

KCCA’s spokesperson Mr Peter Kauju, confirmed the resignation but said he was not aware whether or not it has been granted yet.

The Authority mouthpiece also denied knowledge of the particular reason for Tumusiime to throw in the towel.

“She handed over her request to resign on (October 28th), to the appointing authority; usually it is the president to decide whether or not to grant it, but I am not aware yet if she has been let go,” Kauju told us this morning.

According to reports, Ms Tumusiime decided to quit her office because of what he termed as political interference in the Authority’s technical work.

Pressed to confirm this, Mr Kauju said it was hard to deduce, since the deputy ED did not indicate the reason for her exit in her resignation letter, but said time had come for her to step aside.

“Everyone has their own challenges at work, I cannot point out what made her to come to this decision,” he said.

Kauju added, “All in all she has been a team leader, she guided the Authority though her tenure. I believe she is going to be missed.

Tumusiime previously worked as a teacher at St Mary’s Kisubi before she joined KCCA as a consultant on solid waste management.

Later, she was appointed acting director public health and environment before the President chose her to deputized Mrs Jenifer Musisi.

A junior police constable in Rubaga Division was treated to a surprise of his life yesterday, when he was handed a brand new, fully furnished house by a Born Again Pentecostal Church in the same area.

Police Constable Denis Waluba was handed the house at a function graced by among others the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Frank Mwesigwa.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Frank Mwesigwa officiated at the house giveaway

PC Waluba, having spent his marriage life in a mud and wattle house, received this gracious gift from Victory City Church Rubaga where he is a member.

Speaking at the event, the KMP Commander Mwesigwa expressed gratitude to the church members for supporting the already ongoing work to improve the Uganda police officers’ living and working conditions through better housing.

KMP Commander hailed the VCC Pastor and church members for the noble cause

A grand housing plan for the Police, which is expected to come to life in about 5 years was recently launched the Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura.

The 45000-strong police force currently has less than 5000 housing habitable units, and the officers arguably endure the worst living conditions in county’s civil service.

Officer Waluba’s old mud house

Pastor Henry Mugisha, the head of the Victory City Church while speaking to Chimpreports Monday morning said, the donation to Constable Waluba climaxed their “40 Days of Love Campaign.”

Other police officers were also rewarded by the church for the work they do for the communities

The 16 year old Church, he said, has mastered a different approach to “showing the love of Christ to the community,” by going practical.

“In most cases, we the Christians can preach and preach and talk, but do nothing; we decided to change this,” he said.

During the campaign he said, they also gave out up to up to 250 reflector jackets to city bodaboda cyclists.

The church has also in the past built up a modern toilet facility for police in Rubaga.

“We also hold regular medical camps, where we pay doctors to come and treat sick people in communities at no cost,” Pastor Mugisha added.

The Online Media Publishers Association-Uganda (OMPA) has elected its leadership.

OMPA is a nonprofit membership organization for digital journalists and publishers— connecting cutting-edge journalism, latest technology tools and innovation.

The organisation’s mission is to inspire innovation, investigative and professional journalism; and excellence among journalists and publishers to better serve the public.

Membership includes journalists, technologists, executives and publishers in Uganda who produce news for and support digital delivery systems.

The association will host an annual Online News Association conference and administer Online Journalism Awards.

ChimpReports’ Managing Editor Giles Muhame was elected President of the Association and will be deputized by Eagle Online publisher Richard Wanambwa.

Muhame has an extensive experience in war reporting and co-founded news-breaking site, ChimpReports while Wanambwa served on Daily Monitor’s Investigation’s Desk.

Wanambwa broke the widely-publicized ‘Temangalo’ scandal and the leaked security paper that marked the beginning of the powerful Intelligence Chief Gen David Sejusa’s exit from the command of Uganda’s military.

Members at their general meeting held this past Friday further elected the youthful Campus Bee editor and founder, Emmy Omongin as the association’s secretary.

Omongin will be deputized by Showbiz co-founder, Denise Nankunda.

Showbiz, Xclusive, Big Eye, Matooke Republic, She Spell and Campus Bee are the top entertainment sites in the country.

Dixon Kagurusi Ampumuza, who possesses strong networks in the international community and co-founder of The Ugandan website, will serve as the association’s treasurer.

Kawowo Sports founder and IT expert, Joseph Owino will serve as the Deputy Treasurer.

Owino has deep links in international social media networks especially Twitter which have benefitted many organisations and high profile individuals.

CEO Magazine boss, Muhereza Kyamutetera was elected Chief Whip. Kyamutetera also owns Corporate Image, an excelling branding house in Kampala.

He worked as a senior business reporter with Daily Monitor before quitting to start the CEO Magazine.

Kyamutetera will be deputized by Uganda’s finest crime reporter Stanley Ndawula.

Ndawula co-founded the Investigator website which has won praise for exclusive crime and political stories.

Trumpet News co-founder and reputable public relations specialist, Steven Douglas Baryevuga will serve the association as Chief Mobiliser.

Baryevuga edited CEO Magazine and took leading roles in branding operations of Heineken and Africell.

He will be deputized by Nicholas Mwesigwa, a seasoned political reporter.

The newly elected association president Giles Muhame was upbeat about the association’s launch.

“I believe an association like this that brings industry players together for a common goal is a game changer. I believe the leadership team headed by myself will steer the team to greater heights,” he said.

Muhame called for an improvement in the integrity of the content on websites; and unity to build an enduring institution.

Earlier, Kyamutetera noted in a presentation that the association’s websites attract 5,292,828 monthly visitors (2,596,412 unique), more than the combined traffic of Uganda’s leading newspapers which have 3,909,700 visitors.

“With a Combined social media reach of 1,414,125– Facebook (1,215,430) and Twitter (198,295), we have the largest reach on social media,” said Kyamutetera.

The association has since called on government to urgently look into a policy that requires government agencies to consider online channels for their communications across board- including statutory notices.

It also urged government to relax and or change of government PPDA-focused media buying protocols as a way of earning government better returns on investment.

The association will spearhead efforts in training and skills enhancement of government and private sector communicators, to allow them appreciate and leverage the power of the internet.

Why Work with us

Internet is the fastest growing media- 25 percent with 2nd biggest reach after radio with 14,564,660 users = 40 percent penetration).

The growing impact of mobile internet-7,461,035 subscriptions, presents an opportunity for real-time communications and engagement.

85 percent of active internet users are between 15-44 years (42 percent of population) and the most economically active.

We offer perhaps the highest reach online- a combined 7,132,278 on social media and website platforms.

We are flexible, non-aligned and offer partnerships that include endorsements, live event activations etc.

The association offers lowest cost per 1,000 with additional support e.g PR Coverage, Social media engagement, crisis management etc.

Unlike other traditional platforms, the internet offers a unique opportunity to promote Uganda locally, regionally and internationally, thus contributing to national goals such as tourism and investment promotion.

Online media publishers association members

Matooke Republic

Eagle Online

Watchdog Uganda

ChimpReports

Investigator

Campus Bee

She Spell

CEO Magazine

PC Tech Magazine

Big Eye

Galaxy FM Site

HowweBiz

Trumpet News

The Insider

Xclusive Uganda

Muwado

The Ugandan

Kawowo Sport

Showbiz Uganda