High Court Judge Lady Margret Oumo Oguli has set this  Friday November 4^th to deliver her ruling on whether Makerere University should be added as a respondent  in the matter where Habib Buwembo challenges the academic qualifications of Lubaga South Member of Parliament Kato Lubwama.

Before setting the ruling, Justice Oguli cautioned Lubwama to take charge of his supporters who were making
noise while in court premises.

In the hearing today, Habib Buwembo the petitioner through his lawyer Isaac Semakadde of the Centre for Legal Aid asked court to summon the Academic Registrar of Makerere University to explain to court the Diploma in Music Dance and Drama, awarded to the MP by the university..

Buwembo based this request on the institution’s earlier refusal to furnish him with the necessary information pertaining Lubwama’s documents.

Semakadde described the inclusion of Makerere University as a respondent, as very influential since
it’s the ‘spinal cord’ his evidence is based on.

However Kato Lubwama’s Lawyers led by Asuman Basalirwa and Luyimbaazi Nalukoola objected to this application saying that the applicant abused court processes when he lodged his complaints to High Court without seeking assistance from the chief magistrate’s court to order the university avail the said information to the applicant, as the law stipulates.

Basalirwa also informed court that all the required information from Makerere University was offered through its letter it wrote to the applicant that certified Kato Lubwama to have got a Diploma at the
University in the year 1992.

Basalirwa further asked court to dismiss this matter with costs because Buwembo has not exhausted all the required avenues provided for in the law while accessing information.

In the main application Buwembo Habib, a voter of Rubaga south and an Activist contends that the Lubaga MP does not fit to represent them since he lacks the minimum education qualifications required to be an MP, pointing out that he failed his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination.

Buwembo adds that there is no evidence that Lubwama proceeded to A-level or undertook any course that is equivalent to it.

Police in Jinja are investigating the circumstances under which Shs20 million, which is part of the Shs110 million that President Yoweri Museveni donated to a Jinja-based journalist Ms Brenda Gimbo to go for neurosurgery in India was swindled by mafias.

The investigation was launched at a time when Jinja district NRM executive committee is also seeking the resignation of their vice chairman Majid Dhikusooka for his involvement in the said scum.

Ms Gimbo, a veteran journalist in Jinja suffers from a brain tumor which prompted her to seek public support in order to have an operation in India. She travelled to Yashoda Hospital in India on Saturday last week.

Deputy Kiira Regional Police spokesperson, Onesmus Mwesigwa says investigations have started adding that they have recorded statements from Ms Gimbo and her husband before departure to india.

“We have intervened in this case after a public outcry and we have opened a file to investigate how much money was swindled,’’ Mr Mwesigwa said.

He said a team of police experts from the Economic Crimes Unit is interested in the CCTV footage at the Bank of Africa branch in Jinja and the account’s print out to ascertain how much was withdrawn and prove if surely part of the money was swindled.

Ms Gimbo was promised Shs110 million from the President Museveni after a request by Busoga Journalists Association, led by a one Journalist Trevor Solomon Baleke through the speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga.

The letter was handed by Baleke to Dhikusooka who also in turn asked the Member of Parliament for Jinja west Municipality Moses Grace Balyeku to pass it over to the president through Kadaga during the 54th independence anniversary at Kiyunga Saza ground, the district
headquarters for Luuka.

Upon reading it, Mr Museveni accepted to foot the bill and directed the State House comptroller Ms Ruth Nakyobe, to release the money to Ms Gimbo the following week.

But a campaign taskforce for this mobilization had been constituted chaired by Busoga Kingdom justice and constitutional affairs minister, Alex Luganda and Dr Timothy Batuwa Lusala the treasurer among others.

The money was on 18th October wired to the Save Brenda Bukenya Account whose signatories are her husband and next of kin, Mr Stanley Bukenya, her sister-in- law Ms Aidah Naigaga Dr Timothy Butuwa Lusala until it was withdrawn on Wednesday last week.

Revelations

Before her departure, Ms Gimbo said that at first she was forced to give a kickback of Shs40 million but negotiated with the State House ‘lobbyists’ and intermediaries who later accepted to take Shs20 million.

She added that the people who demanded for the inducement had even threatened to revenge on her four children she failed to respond to their quest positively.

“I thank the President and all other people who contributed towards my cry because I received 110 Million as I had requested. But the bad thing is that Shs20 million has been taken and the balance is not enough to cater for the budget,” Ms Gimbo said adding she gave them money due to much pressure and threats.

According to Mr Stanley Bukenya, Gimbo’s next of kin, they received President Museveni’s pledge of Shs110 million “with conditions that the total must be chopped off but in secrecy”.

He added that the part chopped off was handed to Jinja District NRM vice chairperson Mr Majidu Dhikusooka immediately after withdrawing it from Bank of Africa.

Mr Solomon Baleke, the Wankole Sub- county NRM chairperson in Kamuli district who is also a journalist attached to Radio Simba and The Observer was nearby and witnessing as 20M was given to Mr Dhikusooka.

Mr Baleke is also the chairman of Busoga Journalists Association, the group that wrote to President Museveni to highlight Ms Gimbo’s plight during the independence celebrations in Luuka early October.

Ms Aidah Naigaga, Gimbo’s sister in law says she wrote a Shs20 million cheque that was cashed to Mr Stanley Bukenya after Mr Dhikusooka advised them not to write it in his name.

“Mr Bukenya and I signed the cheque which was cashed but Mr Dhikusooka. He immediately  walked out of the bank and we had to follow him and handed him an envelope that contained Shs20 million outside the bank,” she said.

Ms Naigaga added that Mr Dhikusooka told them that the money was a kickback for a one Kembabazi, a State House official and was going to deliver it.

Dr Batuwa another signatory said the proposal of taking a kickback to State House was raised during a meeting at 2 Friends Hotel in Jinja on Tuesday last week but was met with resistance from members.

“I opposed the proposal of chopping off the Shs20 million before the patient received treatment. I also refused to sign for any amount that had to be deducted from that account but I hear Bukenya and Naigaga were convinced and signed for that money and handed it over to Mr
Dhikusooka,” he said.

However, Mr Dhikusooka who acknowledges swindling some money hurriedly said they had refunded the Shs20 million and handed it to Ms Gimbo’s husband on Friday at about 5:00pm at Jinja Regional Police headquarters.

“We handed over this money before the Deputy Kiira Regional Police Commander Onesmus Jerome Mwesigwa, and we asked to be forgiven” he said.

But this is another allegation according to Kiira regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Samson Lubega that is being investigated by police.

Lubega denied knowledge of handing over the 20M before the deputy regional police commander.

When contacted, Jinja Resident District Commissioner John Rex Aachilla said he has learnt that a group of politicians in Jinja and a State House official were behind the scam and being investigated.

“I have got information that the money was shared by political leaders in Jinja and a State House official as a kickback because they worked hard to lobby for the money but that is impunity we shall not tolerate” Mr Aachilla said.

A number of NGOs led by the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA) have asked government to come out and regulate the horticulture sector in a way that suits the working conditions of all Ugandans.

The call follows recent complaints by workers at the Royal Van Zanten, a Dutch owned flower farm in Wakiso district about life threatening working conditions.

Royal Van Zanten, which has two branches in Wakiso and  Mukono, first came in bad light in December when it reportedly released dogs to chase its workers who were protesting poor pay.

Last month, two of its Greenhouses 6 and 7 were allegedly fumigated with Metam Sodium chemical which left 82 women experiencing health complications like vomiting, headache, difficulty in breathing, skin irritation and others.

While addressing the media on Monday, the Executive Director FIDA Irene Ovonji Odida said it was time for the Ministry of Gender and Police to intervene in the matter.

Odida revealed that she and her group tried to go and inspect the farm but they were locked outside where they waited for the workers to come out and talk to them.

One of the affected workers Resty Nantume told press yesterday at the FIDA Conference, “We told the manager that the greenhouse had just been fumigated and he insisted that we go in and work. Coming out, everyone was in pain; we were given Panadols and also told to get rests, that we were just hungry”

The Ministry of Gender last year investigated this particular farm about workers’ complaints but their findings were not publicized.

“The Ministry should come out and share with the public its findings. Police too should always be there to protect its people when such incidences occur,” the FIDA boss said.

Ovunji further asked government to commence fresh investigations into the company in respect to human rights and that the Dutch Embassy in Uganda should monitor the practices of its operations.

KCCA FC and SC Villa currently brag the rights to be called the country’s biggest football giants. The two share 27 league titles between them with the Jogoos holding the record with 16 in their cabinet. In fact it would be 46 local trophies if the Uganda cup is considered.

The two lock horns on Tuesday evening in a gargantuan derby that could have a bearing in the eventual title race. The Kasasiros cling on top of the table with 25 points, four more than their day’s visitor who still have one game at hand.

A win will see the leaders stretch gap to seven points while the other way round will cut the gap to one. KCCA FC have won three of the last four titles while SC Villa have nothing to show in the last twelve years.

Sulaimon Akinyemi’s 85th minute strike on May 6th at Nakivubo against the Jogoos moved the Kasasiros to one point behind their LA Undecima. They eventually grabbed it with a draw at Express.

The city lords are unbeaten against the Jogoos in eight straight league matches since May 2012 winning four and standoffs in the other four. Infact Villa has no win at Lugogo in over seven solid years.

Mutebi’s boys are on a five game winning streak at Lugogo. In that period, they have conceded only twice with JMC (2-1), Soana (2-0), The Saints (3-0), Express (3-1) and Police (3-0) all falling

Villa’s away form has been hot and cold with only two wins against struggling Jinja sides Sadolin and Bul FC, two barren draws at Lweza and Police then a loss in Arua.

Coach Shafiq Bisaso has picked maximum points in the three he has been in charge including a thrilling 3-2 result over Express in a controversial derby on Saturday.

Coach Mutebi and a host of KCCA FC players including Captain Dennis Okot, Kirabira, Muleme, Ssentongo and Musana have all featured for Villa at one time while Yasin Mugabi returns to haunt his immediate former club.

Mutebi waters down the perceived pecking order in his attackline that has Ssentongo, Nsibambi and Sserunkuma especially in the case of the former who has had relatively less time.

“The tactical acumen of my players has improved, so whoever is given a role to play on the field will execute to the best of their knowledge,” he said.

“Its not about who starts and who sits out but we field according to the demands of the game. Ssentongo is very important to us.”

Timothy Awany is returning from an injury and will start on Tuesday but the game comes too early for Hakim Senkumba.

SC Villa will not have Vitalis Tabu after suspending him for indiscipline but the rest of the squad is fit for selection.

“We have no pressure because it’s just like any other game we’ve been playing. So we going for the best result,” Bisaso said.

Possible lineups.
KCCA: B. Ochan, D.Okot, T. Awany, H. Kavuma, J. Ochaya, G. Sserunkuma, P. Mucuurezi, m. Mutyaba, I. Kirabira, D. Nsibambi

SC Villa: Y. Mugabi, A. Kisalita, Y. Waibi, I. Kiyemba, P. Mbowa, Tadeo Lwanga, G. Lwesibawa, A. Kirya, A. Kitata, U. Kasumba, M. Sserumaga.

The American International Group (AIG), an insurance trading company has announced its withdraw from the Ugandan insurance market.

According to a statement released by the Group’s officials, AIG has already started on a phased withdraw process to close shop in Uganda.

“AIG is creating a simplified organisation that positions us to achieve our global strategy based on capabilities and market opportunities. After careful consideration and an in-depth review, AIG will stop offering insurance products in the general market in Uganda,” the statement reads in part.

This comes in the wake of Uchumi supermarket’s exit from Ugandan market due to a struggling economy. Nakumatt is equally on the edge as household incomes dwindle.

AIG has been operating in Uganda since 1962, offering insurance products but has failed to adapt its business model to competition, probably one of the reasons that forcing its exit.

The group has however clarified that the existing clients will continue to receive full policy administration and claims support for the remaining period of their policies.

“We will remind our clients of this change at the expiration of their policy,” the statement further reads.

“We will ensure smooth transition through this change and we are working with our stakeholders to avoid any customer or market disruption.”

The Democratic Party has expressed “intense concern” about the outbreak of famine in the Countryside of Isingiro District that has left many dead.

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

The farmers are being forced to cross their herds into Tanzania to look for pastures and water.

The area residents are starving to death as their gardens did not survive the scorching sun.

DP President Norbert Mao revealed that in Rusasha Sub-county of Kinami Village in Isingiro District a one Florence instead of looking on as her two children starving to death opted to eliminate them.

“Today we have received another report that Mr James Rwamwozo hailing in Mbale Sub-county, Bukanga County in Isingiro District has passed on as result of hunger. And many others are on the verge of death due to hunger,” he added.

The Democratic Party called upon the government “with whom the social contract was made to reign in to the rescue of these people.”

Mao said the fully fledged ministry of Disaster Preparedness shouldn’t look on any longer when the citizens are starving yet such calamities are the very reason of its establishment.

“Their food crops have dried off and cattle died due to prolonged drought. It is also important to note that this region was put into a quarantine to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease outbreak for over 10 years now,” added Mao.

“Consequently, markets were closed; hence farmers are unable to market their cattle. Markets are now a reserve of the rich who have the capacity to access them by transporting cattle to far distant market places. The calamity thus hit the livelihoods of people in Isingiro and they are in dire conditions worth the intervention of all of us.”

Government is yet to be seen doing enough to arrest the situation.

DP said it had launched an appeal to its membership and the general public to gather relief items particularly food items like maize floor, beans among others and bring them to the Party Headquarters to be taken to the people in the disaster-hit region.

“This is not the first time; DP has done it before to the people of Bududa and Kasese when they suffered landslides and floods respectively.”

Hearing of the case where 14 people said to have masterminded the murder of two Muslim clerics; Shiekh Mustafa Bahiga and Hassan  Kirya before three justices of the international crimes Division of the High court has been stood over for a period of three weeks due to financial constraints.

On appearing before these three justices Ezekiel Muhanguzi, Percey Tuhaise  and Jane Kiggundu one of the state Attorneys in the matter Linno Anguzu informed court that they need ample time to solve the financial matter that has barred most of their witnesses from turning up in court as earlier requested.

“My lord we pray that court help us to get facilitation from the Registrar of court because we had talked to the registrar about this matter and we were promised to be helped but we have not received the
funds”

Justice Ezekiel Muhanguzi assured the prosecution that he has already talked to the registrar and this facilitation will be availed to them in a period of three weeks.

Before this submission two prosecution witnesses who include a police surgeon based Uganda Police Medical headquarters in Nsambya and a mosque guard at Bwebajja had already testified in court making the number of prosecution witnesses to increase to eight.

The police surgeon whose names are withheld informed court that he carried out medical examination on seven accused persons and found out that they were in a normal health condition.

“Between 18th January and 1st March 2015 I received requests from Kajjansi Police station and Kampala Metroploitan South to examine the mental status of 7 suspects which I did” says the Doctor.

He noted that the seven were Ssekayanja Abdulsalam, Ssematimba Adul Hamid Mubiru, Rashid Jjingo, Twaha Sekitto, Yusuf Kakande, Musa Isa Mubiru and Sheikh Siraje Kawooya; a brother to key suspect and leader of tabliq Muslim section Sheikh Yunus Kamoga.

The doctor told court that upon a thorough examination of the accused at Kireka police  health centre11, he found out that they were all of a normal mental  status with no physical injuries  except for Sheikh Siraje Kawooya who was emotionally distressed and agitated.

The medical reports containing the medical checkup findings have been admitted to court as exhibits since none of the defense counsels has objected to it.

Another witness who was a guard near the mosque where Sheikh Mustafah Bahiga was shot to death also told court that he witnessed two men who were on the bodaboda that stopped and fired twice at the car in which sheikh Bahiga was and claimed his life.

However when askedby defense lawyers led by Mac Dusman Kabega and Fred Muwema whether he knew the culprits or to have noticed the number plate of the motorcycle, he replied that he couldn’t recognize them.

The further hearing of the matter has been adjourned up to 21st November 2016.

Prosecution contends that the leader of tabliq sect, Sheikh Mohammed Yunusu Kamoga with 13 others and others still at large between December 2013 and June 2014 at various places in Kampala with malice
aforethought unlawfully caused the death of two sheikhs, Sheikh Mustafah Bahiga who was shot to death at Bwebajja

Uganda Premier League
KCCA 3-1 SC Villa

Defending champions, KCCA football club showed their intent to retain the league after outclassing rivals SC Villa in the top of the table clash played at Phillip Omondi stadium on Tuesday.

The Kasasiro boys dominated the play right from start coming better of their rivals and it did not take long for midfielder Paul Mucureezi to give the home side.

Mucureezi received a well laid pass from Muzamir Mutyaba before calmly curling on the far end. His effort first hit the post before finding way to the back of the net in the 11th minute.

Derrick Nsibambi had a goal disallowed four minutes when assistant referee Samuel Kayondo ruled him for offside as the hosts continued to dominate proceedings.

Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago watched his boys torment Misaga’s (R) Sc Villa boys

The home side returned to the tunnel for the mandatory interval with a goal cushion at the fully packed Phillip Omondi stadium.

Upon return from recess, Shafik Bisaso brought on Abel Eturude for Paul Mbowa while Sina Jerome replaced Alex Kitata who looked off colour on the day to push for the equaliser.

Vitalis Tabu levelled matters a minute to the hour mark converting from the spot kick after defender Habib Kavuma handled the ball in the forbidden area.

However SC Villa’s joy was short lived as Derrick Nsibambi helped KCCA regain the lead in the 65th minute heading home Ronald Musana’s well weighed cross to send the crowd into a frenzy.

Geoffrey Sserunkuma was replaced by Robert Ssentongo while goalscorers Derrick Nsibambi and Paul Mucureezi came off for Brian Majwega and Isaac Muleme respectively.

SC Villa’s Tabu Vitalis tries to go past Ronald Musana

Defender Joseph Ochaya put the icing on the cake for the Kasasiro boys powering in a header off Muzamir Mutyaba’s corner in the first minute of added time.

Mike Mutebi, the KCCA head coach said he was was impressed with the team performance .

“I must say the performance today was excellent but above all both teams played beautiful football and I think the fans were satisfied,” he said.

Derrick Nsibambi celebrates his goal

The result means KCCA FC cement the lead at the top of the table on 28 points while SC Villa remain in second spot on 21 points, seven adrift the leaders.

KCCA starting XI
Benjamin Ochan, Dennis Okot, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awany, Habib Kavuma, Isaac Kirabira, Muzamir Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi

SC Villa starting XI
Yasin Mugabi, Ayub Kisalita, Yesseri Waibi, Henry Katongole, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Tadeo Lwanga, Paul Mbowa, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Alex Kitata, Umar Kasumba, Vitalis Tabu

President Yoweri Museveni has Tuesday afternoon ordered an indefinite closure of Makerere University.

The president, evoking constitutional powers under Section 26 (2) of the Universities and Tertiary Institutions Act (2001) made the unprecedented directive on Thursday evening.

In the short directive publicized through his social media avenues and State House, The President said this was to guarantee the safety of people and property.

“I…decided to close Makerere University with immediate effect until further notice, in order to guarantee safety of persons and property,” the directive read in part.

This came only hours after the university council agreed to some concessions with the striking university staff, urging them to return to work.

The teachers under their association MUASA, who are protesting nonpayment of their incentive arrears, yesterday resolved to keep their foot on the ground.

In an emergency meeting today, the University Council discussed the resolutions of the MUASA General Assembly and agreed to respond to some of their demands.

According to the Council Chairman Prof. Charles Wana Etiem, they among others agreed to pay the teachers a one month incentive allowance  “immediately”.

This they hoped would encourage the staff members to resume work as their concerns are addressed in the long run.

Student Woes

Students this morning were involved in a violent strike that spilled over to neighboring communities as they demanded commencement of business at the country’s largest education institution.

The unprecedented news from State House will come as a shocking disappointment to the students, who through the previous meetings, were hoping that the closure of the University is not considered an option.

The student guild through its speaker revealed today that they demanded for the university to fulfill its part of the contract with the student community.

“Most of the students have paid the dues according to the stipulated time in the fees policy and demand that they should access the services they paid for,” said the Guild Speaker in a Statement.

The Commander of the UPDF Special Forces, Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is in Seoul South Korea pushing for further defense cooperation between the Asian giant and Uganda.

Chimpreports understands Gen Muhoozi held discussions on military cooperation and training in special operations with senior Republic of Korea military officials in Seoul.

According to Chris Magezi, the SFC publicist, Muhoozi was invited by the South Korean military.

The General led a delegation from the Special Forces Command (based in Entebbe) for the visit.

“The visit is the latest sign of the rapprochement between Kampala and Seoul following the groundbreaking visits of both Presidents Museveni and Park Geun Hye to each other’s countries in 2013 and 2016 respectively,” said Magezi.

In early October, the Chief of Defence Forces (General Katumba Wamala) visited South Korea and attended ceremonies to commemorate their Army Day.

General Kainerugaba and his counterparts discussed issues to do with strengthening relations between the two armies and global efforts against transnational threats e.g. international terrorism. He met and held discussions with the Commander of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Special Warfare Command, Lt.General Chang Kyeong Seok at his headquarters at Incheon outside of Seoul.

General Kainerugaba was later conducted on a tour of the ROK Special Warfare Training School by the Commandant of the school, Brig. Gen. Kim Yong Duk were airborne operations, sniper skills, swimming by the ROK navy seals, and taekwondo hand-to-hand combat were demonstrated.

“I’m very happy to be here. I’m also impressed by the high levels of professional competence and training by the ROK special operations forces,” said General Kainerugaba. “Although the two countries are located far apart, I notice that the general organization and structure of some of the courses are similar to ours and I’m sure we will be able to have a fruitful engagement going forward,” observed General Kainerugaba.

Lt. Gen. Chang observed that South Korea and Uganda have similar backgrounds because both suffered from colonization and civil wars; he expressed deep optimism for increased military cooperation between the two countries.

Outgoing Electoral Commission Chairman, Eng Badru Kiggundu has praised the media for standing the test of time in the recently-concluded elections.

The media was in the spotlight during the heated polls that saw President Museveni’s grip on power significantly shaken by opposition strongman Dr Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi.

Kiggundu said each election is unique and raises peculiar issues.

“This tests the skills and tenacity of the election management body as well as the whole spectrum of stakeholders in order to fulfil the mandate through their respective roles,” said Kiggundu.

“We are glad to observe that the media has been up to the task and on each occasion, has played the role of informing the public about the electoral processes,” he added.

Kiggundu spoke today Wednesday during the post-election media review at Royal Suites in Bugolobi, Kampala.

Kiggundu said the media has tirelessly supported voter education function by promoting awareness on voter rights, duties and responsibilities which has ensured an informed electorate.

Several speakers called for more investment in the media to increase voter education.

NBS boss, Kin Kariisa called for a ten percent of Electoral Commission’s election budget to be channelled to the media.

New Vision‘s Robert Kabushenga urged cost sharing among media houses to minimise costs of covering general elections. He further proposed that printing of ballot papers should be done in Uganda.

Kabushenga said Vision Group has a state-of-art equipment capable of printing voter materials including ballot papers, cracking ribs in the audience.

He also acknowledged a revolution in the media, hailing ChimpReports as a force to reckon with in the new digital media industry.

NTV‘s Maurice Mugisha admitted that this was the most expensive election as the television spent heavily in deployment of journalists and lost equipment worth millions of shillings.

A case in which two former employees of the defunct National Bank of Commerce (NBC) — representing 52 others — sued Bank of Uganda demanding to be paid Shs 1.9Billion, has been adjourned till November 15.

The former NBC workers demand to be paid the money as the salaries they missed, special and general damages when the bank was closed by the central bank in 2012.

High Court Judge in Kabale, Justice Moses KazibweKawumi presided over the hearing of the case on Tuesday where Kampala lawyer Semakula Mukiibi represented Bank of Uganda while Paulsen Niwasasira represented the complainants.

The former NBC Branch Manager for Kabale Fred Twinobusingye and another former employee Frank Mutaremwa, who are representing other 52 former employees, filed the case in Kabale High Court on July 12, and July 13 the court registrar Samuel Emokor issued summons against Bank of Uganda to file its defense.

In today’s hearing, BoU’s counsel Mukiibi raised preliminary objections to the suit, saying that the plaintiffs claim is one on infringement of rights under the Employment Act of 2006, for which the jurisdiction is vested in the Labour Office and not High Court.

In response however, Counsel Niwasasira said that High Court has unlimited jurisdiction and asked court to dismiss the preliminary objections with costs.

In September 2012 Bank of Uganda liquidated National Bank of Commerce on grounds that its continued operations were detrimental to the interests of its depositors.

On 10th October 2012   Bank of Uganda issued letters terminating services of all the employees of National Bank of Commerce and in the determination Bank of Uganda under took to pay the accrued salaries of the former employees of National Bank of Commerce.

President Museveni has laughed at critics of his ‘jerrican and bottle’ irrigation methods exhibited early this week.

Pictures of Museveni fetching water using a jerrican which he carried on a bicycle attracted mixed reactions from the public.

The educated class said Museveni should have instead promoted modern irrigation methods as the country moves to realise a middle-income status.

But conservatives say the president’s ideas are applicable to poor farmers who cannot afford expensive irrigation schemes.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday evening, Museveni said those who criticized him are only ranting in Kampala but are ignorant of what takes place deep in the villages where farmers suffer with water for irrigation.

“Those people don’t know how to move steadily – that you first start simple .The idea behind this was irrigation as opposed to rain agriculture which may not be reliable,” said Museveni.

“The relevance of my gesture was to see that the people learn to do irrigation manually as they wait for mechanical irrigation.”

He said ‘those people in Kampala’ are speaking out of ignorance, adding, that at his farms, he uses all methods of irrigation and have been successful.

“If those people in Kampala don’t know about pumps, they should come and I teach them. If they don’t know I am expert in that. I am sorry for them.”

Explains Luweero Tour

Museveni defended his tour of Luwero which he said was meant to act as a follow up of the Operation Wealth Creation program he had initiated in 2013 and handed over to soldiers to spearhead after the failure of Entandikwa and NAADS.

He said the Entandikwa program which commenced in 1996 targeted 68 percent of the homesteads outside the money economy.

“The problem is that most of you including journalists don’t want to talk about such programs but only want Besigye putting up his legs and girls exposing their buttocks,” said Museveni.

“I am here to see homesteads year by year join commercial farming. We shall continue to sensitize and gradually the numbers will increase. I am happy the officers have done something on the ground.”

He however said, he could not go to every area in the country but rather Luweero where he started his bush war to work as a sample to be followed by people in other areas.

Museveni urged his ministers to emulate him, be humble and go back to the people.

“Like Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to show he was a servant, they (ministers) should do the same,” he urged.

The continued occupation by armed police officers, of Col Dr Kizza Besigye’s home in Kasangati, has put to test his “non violent” struggle for regime change.

The four-time opposition presidential candidate is distraught that his “national struggle to free the country, has been brought down by state machinery to a personal level,” and he now has to fight to break free from his own house first.

Dr Besigye who is facing treason charges in court was this week involved in a physical fight at his gate with police officers, who stopped his guests from proceeding to his house.

He says he doesn’t consider what happened on Monday an assault on law enforcement officers, and that if it is, he wouldn’t mind defending himself in court.

“My struggle is a non violent one,” Besigye told police NBS Television yesterday. “But a time comes when one has to defend themselves.”

The opposition strongman, who in the televised interview described himself as a “cool person,” said if he had a temperament as that of President Yoweri Museveni, he would have killed one or two of the police officers camped at his house.

“As a matter of fact you have heard Mr Museveni say that if anybody went to disturb his farm, that he would spear him. He has been repeating that. I think if I were Mr. Museveni, there would be some dead bodies on my farm… because they are resident there,” he said.

“They are not only disturbing my activities that relate to our survival, but they are disturbing all the other people that come to visit me.

“There is no reason they (visitors) are given why they cannot come to my home. It is just an unbelievable state of impunity by public officers; people that I am working hard to pay.”

Upon his return from abroad last week, police resumed a clampdown on the opposition figure, restraining him from leaving his house, and moving with him when he’s headed to court as per his bail terms.

The Police fear that if let loose, Dr Besigye is likely to disrupt stability especially in the busy city center.

Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has Wednesday presented before Parliament more contractors that have been illegally receiving payments from the Authority.

The list presented to the Committee of Commissions on Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) revealed that five other companies have been illegally receiving payments from the authority without doing any work.

This follows earlier revelations that UNRA had paid over Sh.22bn to a ghost company, which prompted the committee to order for due diligence in all running contracts.

The list comprising of five companies that were presented to legislators by the UNRA Executive Director Allen Kagina revealed that some Chinese Contractors that were awarded contracts were not the ones that have been receiving payment.

Shengi Engineering Construction (Group) Co. Ltd of Shengi Oilfield signed a contract for works on Kyenjojo-Kabwoya Road but UNRA has been paying Shengi Engineering Construction (Group) Company Uganda Limited.

The Authority signed a contract with China Harzone Industry Corp Ltd- China to work on bridges across the country but payments were being made to China Harzone Industry Corp (Uganda).

Another China Railway Seventh Group Company Ltd was awarded contract to carry out construction on Kamwenge Fort Portal Road but UNRA has been paying China Railway Seventh Group Company Uganda Ltd.

Even when High Court is making investigations to solve the mess at the famous Mukono-Katosi-Kyetume Road, the efforts seem to be far from over.

Chongqing International Construction Corporation was contracted to carry out works on Acholibur-Musingo Road but UNRA has been paying China Chongqing International Construction Corporation Uganda.

SBI International Holding AG which replaced Eutaw construction company for Katosi road it payments were rather made to SBI International Holding AG (Uganda).

When asked if the companies mentioned are the same, UNRA Legal Officer, Titus Kamya revealed that most of them had received powers of attorney from their parent companies.

This was opposed by COSASE Vice chairperson Anita Among, that reminding him that in earlier investigations it was revealed that the powers of attorney were forged.

Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin “Micho” Sredejovic has come out to justify the choice of playing a friendly game against Zambia ahead of the FIFA 2018 World cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.

Micho explained that he wanted Uganda cranes to have a test against a team that plays a similar style like Congo Brazzaville.

“We had about three options but we zeroed on Zambia because they were in place to come to Kampala before heading to play against Cameroon,” he said.

“Secondly, Zambia have many players within the cooper belt region playing in TP Mazembe and therefore have an idea about the style that Congo Brazzaville play,” added Micho.

The Serbian tactian also indicated that Zambia are a good team with talented players and believes the Chipolopolo will give Uganda cranes the best test ahead of the game against Congo Brazzaville.

“They have a good team, players like Rainford Kalaba, Sunzu and Isaac Chansa have played at the highest competitive levels on the continent so I believe it will be a good test,” Micho stressed.

On Wednesday, Micho summoned over 40 players for the upcoming Uganda Cranes games starting with the Cranes regional tour in Kampala this Saturday, then a friendly game against Zambia on 8th November and thereafter a world cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville on 11th November at Mandela national stadium.

The team commenced training on Wednesday and had a buildup game against KCCA FC winning 1-0 courtesy of Erisa Ssekisambu.

The government of Kenya has decided to withdraw its troops from the United Nations peace keeping mission in the war torn neighboring South Sudan.

The decision for the withdrawal was made on Wednesday evening in a strongly worded statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that condemned the sacking of Kenyan military general, Johnson Magoa Kimeni Ondieki as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan Force Commander.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday fired Lt. Gen. Ondieki after the release of report from experts commissioned by the world body to investigate the July events when the South Sudan army SPLA raided the UNMISS civilian protection site in the capital Juba.

Women were reportedly raped inside the UN camp when the war resumed on 10th July. The report by the experts largely blamed the leadership of the UN Mission force for not protecting the unarmed and vulnerable civilians at the camp including women and children.

In Nairobi, the development was greeted with condemnation and treated as undermining of the Kenyan government since there was no consultations made before Lt. Gen. Oindieki.

“The process leading to this unfortunate decision not only lack transparency but did not involve Kenya in the formal consultation. This demonstrate complete disregard of Kenya’s key role in South Sudan,” part of the statement read.

Kenya stressed that the move was also disrespectful and consequently affected the continuous deployment of her forces in South Sudan.

“The manner in which the information was conveyed to the government of Kenya revealed a high degree of disrespect for our country and continued deployment.”

The Secretary General had asked Kenya to nominate another army officer to replace Lt. Gen. Ondieki but Nairobi has rejected this offer.

“We reject the dismissal of Lt. Gen. Ondieki as well as the offer for his replacement.” The statement concluded announcing the decision to withdraw troops currently in South Sudan, cancel the preparation of contributing troops towards the impending regional force and disengage from the whole South Sudan peace process.

Kenya has slightly over 1000 of the 11,350 UN Mission troops in South Sudan.

A dark cloud hovered over St John’s Church Kamwokya, Kampala as friends and relatives gathered to pay their last respects to Shamira Nyangoma.

At the age of 25, Nyangoma succumbed to a brain tumour at Nsambya Hospital on Wednesday morning.

Two caskets – one for Shamira and her unborn child, lay before a tearful gathering as speaker after speaker praised the deceased’s special attributes.

Shamira’s mother, Grace, said this was her saddest life.

“She never gave me hard time. Her studies were smooth. She was an obedient person. Her death has torn me apart,” said Grace as the audience sobbed.

“I asked myself why God chose to take her life. Our family believed in the Muslim faith. We all took the Christian life including Shamira. It’s because of God’s power that I can stand here to address you,” she added.

Commonly known among her peers as Whammy, Shamira was expecting her second child with hubby Ambrose Nampwera when she was admitted at Nsambya Hospital.

“When Ambrose called me, I went to be by her side. I was hoping that God would save her life. All my trust lay in God. We thought she was struggling with pregnancy-related illness,” recalled Grace.

“However, one part of her body would be paralysed. She vomited a lot. I was suspicious,” wept the deceased’s mom.

Shamira Nyangoma

The deceased was so optimistic to see her unborn child. The decead’s twin brother was speechless; breaking down during his eulogy.

“She was so special to me and my family,” cried Shamira’s broher.

The deceased’s sister recounted fasting and praying for Shamira in vain.

Friends described Shamira as jolly, trustworthy, friendly and a woman with a “Wonderful personality.”

Hubby speaks

Nampwera recalled waking up at 5:00am today. “It was an empty bed; an empty house,” mourned the widower.

He described her as “my spirit, my inspiration.” He said Shamira died of an incurable brain tumour.

“Doctors said they could not operate her. She called me saying take care of Emmy (daughter). “I am dying'”, recalled Nampwera.

He further revealed that Shamira was in coma for seven days. She later recovered for sometime before being taken back to ICU where she was pronounced dead.

“She was my rock. When I wasn’t sure of what to do; she would help me find it,” mourned Nampwera.

The deceased will be laid to rest in Bumbaire, Bushenyi on Friday.

The Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) has dismissed as “misguiding and malicious” an internal memo leaked on social media yesterday, calling upon workers to lay down their tools on Friday this week in protest of delayed salaries.

The strong worded memo also attacked the leadership of the national broadcaster and suggested that some of the top officers there had resigned and others were planning to, among them the managing director David Agaba.

The writers of the memo threatened to attack fellow employees who do not join in the sit down strike, and destroy their vehicles.

READ ALSO: UBC Management In Trouble for Squandering Remittances to NSSF

“If we do not act now, these thieves are going to throw us out this time,” the workers were urged.

The National broadcaster’s MD Mr Agaba however, has come out to clarify on the said impending strike, advising the workers to ignore the call. He also dismissed as lies, reports that he too was planning to resign from his office.

“The so called impending strike cannot be mooted by a well wisher who knows where we have come from and the positive strides being made to improve our revenue generation,” he said in a statement.

“I call upon everyone to continue performing their tasks and to remain calm, talk to those who might be the cause of the negative rumour mill to give progressive initiatives a chance.”

Mr Agaba said the UBC management is aware that the workers have been paid their October and part of September salaries, but promised that this was being rectified “in the due course.”

“Much obliged for your understanding and patience, we are looking at various avenues of raising finances to make good on the outstanding balances.”

Recently, members of parliament suggested closure of UBC, after it emerged that the company had not been paying its workers benefits to the National Social Security Fund as required by law.

Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kuteesa has defended Uganda’s human rights record which he on Thursday said has undergone several structural and institutional adjustments.

While addressing the UN Human Rights Council during the UN Periodic Review in Geneva Switzerland, Kuteesa noted that no country has a perfect human rights record adding that Uganda’s resolve to adhere to their observance isn’t resultant of foreign pressures but rather the country’s dark history of dictatorship.

“Uganda supports the peer review process out of the commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights drawing from our bad experience and lessons from our past history of dictatorship. We, therefore, do so not because of any undue pressure or wishes from outside, but because we firmly believe that it is important for our country and people,” Kuteesa said.

Kuteesa cited the National Action Plan (NAP) among other legal frameworks which once approved said will provide abroad policy for the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

“The Police, Army and the Prisons Service each has established a Directorate of Human Rights to handle human rights issues, including complaints from the public against any of their respective serving officers,” Kuteesa added.

More often, Uganda has come under pressure from the Opposition, civil society and international watchdogs for violating human rights. Local reports have placed the Uganda Police Force in lead of government institutions that violate these rights the most.

Despite the Opposition accusing government of using the Public Order Management Act (POMA) to suppress their liberties to hold assemblies, Kuteesa said; “Our Constitution guarantees rights of freedom of assembly, association and expression. Government has continued to advocate for a strong, vibrant and responsible free press; for freedom of speech; and broad participation.”

“Our people are continuously being sensitized to understand and appreciate that in enjoying their rights, every person is under obligation to act in accordance with the law.”

Key among recommendations put to Uganda by other states on Thursday was the controversial ‘criminalization’ of same sex relationships and marriages with France, Spain, Slovakia, Netherlands, Austria, Chile and Czech Republic asking that Uganda decriminalize such marriages in which two adults consent.

In his response, Kuteesa said; “We have evidence of prosecution of cases of violence against LGBT persons and others investigated. We do not accept to tolerate any discrimination because of sexual orientation. We will however not equally tolerate promotion of homosexuality.”

He clarified that the Anti Homosexuality Act was challenged in court shortly after its enactment and consequently repealed.

Other recommendations put to Uganda from a range of participating countries included; increasing access to education and health services for women and children and abolition of the death penalty.

Regarding the February general elections, Kuteesa said they were ‘free and fair’ but admitted to ‘some few administrative challenges’ in the process.

“Government is committed to ensuring that the relevant recommendations made by the Supreme Court, together with other proposals to be made by our people on constitutional reforms, will be handled by a constitutional review commission, that will be established,” the Minister said.

“It is important to underscore that it will be up to our people to decide what reforms they want to have. This is in line with our Constitution that explicitly provides for their sovereignty.”