The National Resistance Movement party has planned to strategically support a candidate or two from the opposition Uganda People’s Congress party in the coming East African Legislative Assembly election.

The move is to edge out candidates from the biggest and the official opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change, who are equally eyeing the same positions.

ChimpReports on Sunday published an exclusive story of UPC’s Chris Opoka`s name being sent to the security for vetting to gauge if he can become the Electoral Commission’s Commissioner.

We have also learnt that the vetting, looking into his local popularity will determine two things.

According to sources close to the development, if Opoka is to be found a political darling in his community and meets other qualities, he will take the Electoral Commission job. If the agents on the ground realize that his popularity is not what is expected, he will be supported to retain his seat at EALA.

EALA GAME 2017

Uganda has 9 seats in the EALA headquartered in the Tanzanian city of Arusha. The election takes place at Parliament and the unwritten custom is that NRM as the biggest party has 6 seats, the entire Opposition 2 and the Independents one seat.

The last election in 2012 was dramatic when FDC boycotted protesting the lion’s share always going to NRM. The UPC and DP immediately grabbed the chance and subsequently Chris Opoka and Fred Mukasa Mbidde ended up in Arusha.

The FDC felt betrayed by the two parties and the then Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Nandala Mafabi reacted by sacking all the UPC and DP MPs from the Shadow Cabinet.

ChimpReports understands FDC is not ready to continue with the boycott and has already within the party circles, lined up a number of candidates including former MPs, Kasiano Wadri, Alice Alaso and Geoffrey Ekanya to be candidates in the coming EALA election.

On the other side, NRM that is cocksure of its 6 slots thanks to its numerical strength at Parliament is also looking at securing for UPC a slot from the 2 seats for the entire opposition.

UPC has only 6 members at Parliament and literally cannot face FDC with 36 members unless NRM butts in.

“FDC has continued to be hostile to us and we now have a friend called UPC. Courtesy demands that we support UPC and that’s the case for EALA,” a source in NRM who asked not to be named told our reporter.

According to the plan, the NRM MPs are going to be briefed before the event and on the Election Day they will all know what to do.

“Our (NRM) members understand the party values and vision. They won’t let us down,” the same source added.

When contacted on phone, the Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa who is currently in Morocco, told ChimpReports that the development has not yet reached her desk and she would not want to speculate.

“I cannot say anything for now. The party is yet to sit and decide on what to do,” Ms. Nankabirwa said.

Meanwhile the UPC Whip at Parliament, Santa Alum told us on phone that the importance of NRM members in the EALA elections cannot be ignored by anyone or any party.

“I am hearing it as news from you but we all know what it means when it comes to EALA elections. All MPs are important during that time and NRM has the biggest number,” Ms. Alum said.

ChimpReports also understands that the NRM is comfortable with Opoka, Mbidde and Susan Nakawuki from the Independent who is also in EALA.

Airtel Uganda has announced a reduction in the person to person money transfer rates for the first five bands.

According to officials from the telecom, the move is in a bid to improve financial inclusion for the unbanked, mitigate churn as a result of subscribers looking at their competitors as the only options and remain an affordable service in front of customers.

The Person to person money transfer is a transaction type where one mobile phone subscriber sends e-value to another person directly using their mobile device.

Subscribers have also been advised to download the Airtel money mobile app to get a superior experience of the services.

New transaction rates

An unidentified man has been electrocuted at Kalambi House opposite the head offices of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change.

The building in Najjanankumbi used to house the offices of the former Rubaga South legislator John Kenny Lukyamuzi.

The victim who has been rushed to the hospital was severely burnt and his clothes ripped by the electricity.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim was trying to paint the iron sheets of the behind building  and he brushed the power cables.

Uganda Cranes coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic could be on his way out of the country in search of greener pastures.

Micho led Uganda to a 1-0 win over Congo Brazzaville on Saturday in the second match day of the 2018 Russia World cup qualifiers.

Respected South African writer, Neil Greig alluded in a post on Tuesday that the Serbian has been linked with a move down South.

Just spoken to my contact in #Uganda – he is a trusted veteran & says Micho for #Bafana is on. #MilutinSredojevic everybody, that’s right!

— Neil Greig (@NeilGreigSoccer) November 15, 2016

Micho cast further doubts on his continued stay in the country with a ‘well wish’ messages for the Cranes in their forth coming World cup qualifiers.

Wishing UGANDA all the best in WC QUALIFIERS.Our statistics since iam Cranes coach 7matches played 5wins,1draw,1loss 8scored,2conceded goals

— MICHOcoach (@michocoach) November 14, 2016

Proudly heard UG anathem 45 times in competitive matches won27 drawn9 lost9.Winning ratio of 60%not bad for country away 39years from AFCON

— MICHOcoach (@michocoach) November 15, 2016

ChimpSport got to him for clarification but the coach partially dismissed the speculations stating that his focus is in preparations for the Afcon but expressed his displeasure on ugly incidents that happened at Fufa house on Monday.

“Let’s ignore those reports,” Micho said. “It’s surprising that we won a match on Saturday but coming Monday, international media are overwhelming with calls to know what’s going on in the country. And it just looks a normal situation here!” he wondered

Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Major Gen Kahinda Otafire has argued the people of Ibanda to be cautious and elect leaders that will lead them to their desired aspirations in the coming Municipality polls.

Gavious Katafiire passed on aged 105

The minister warned yesterday that some FDC leaders countrywide are in the practice of crossing to NRM during the election season and once they are successful they cross back to the leading opposition party.

Kahinda warned that voters must be cautious about these groups of people, especially now as the new Ibanda Municipality closes in on voting for its Parliament representation.

The Minister was representing President Yoweri Museveni at the burial service of former civil servant Gavous Katafire who died at the 102 years.

Otafiire in remarks was making reference to one Bishanga Tarsis Rwaburindore, one of the Municipality Parliamentary contenders, who according to reports is purporting to cross into NRM yet “at night he is seen hobnobbing with FDC officials including Mbarara party chairman Stanley Katembeyi.

The outgoing Electoral Commission Chairman Eng Dr Badru Kiggundu on Tuesday made his last press address as the head of the electoral body, listing the various ups and downs hat he went through during his decade and a half tenure.

Dr Kiggundu named some of the huddles he faced at the commission intolerance and electoral violence, which he said remain the greatest threats to free and fair elections in Uganda.

“Others included late enactment or amendment of enabling laws, funding shortfalls, persistent negative perception of the commission as partisan demoralizes staff, commercialization of politics  voter apathy, poor remuneration of the Electoral Commission staff , poor office facilities and marginal capital development allocation” he said

While addressing the media at Imperial Royal hotel, Eng Kiggundu asked the government to set up institutes that can train people to handle electoral management.

“Electoral management is not formally taught in any institution in Uganda. We need such institutes; that is why I am asking government to put up an institution to help solve this issue.”

Dr Kiggundu was nominated by the President in 2002 as the chairman of the electoral commission and again in 2009 up to 2016. He worked alongside two teams one from 2002 to 2009 and from 2009 and 2016.

At the press address, Eng Kiggundu who recently scooped a new job in the energy sector, dispelled common talk that he more than often leaned toward the ruling NRM party.

“As a person, I don’t support any political party or affiliated to any party colors. May be l will make a decision now that my contract is done. Uganda is young in terms of democracy; it is still growing and we have a lot of hope in it,” he said.

“I wish the incoming team the best so that they can serve Uganda to their best”.

The Chief Magistrates Court in Kabale was on Monday thrown into laughter and shock when the Kabale State Attorney presented the Kabale District FDC secretary general as one of the witnesses in the case that Col Dr Kizza Besigye and 5 other opposition leaders are accused of inciting violence in Kabale 2012.

Dr Besigye is accused together with Imam Makumbi, Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneti, Mubarak Munyagwa, Roland Kaginda Mugume and Elias Lukwago of inciting violence that led o the injuring of 3 police officers and destroying four police vehicles.

Gloria Inzikuru, the Kabale senor state attorney when asked by the trial magistrate Moses Samuel Ntende Kagoda, to give out the names of the three witnesses that she intends to present, she named Florence Boonabana and Badru Semwanga, both workers of the state owned Uganda Broadcasting  Corporation, and Sentaro Byamugisha the Kabale Municipality Mayor and FDC Secretary General.

The court burst into laughter after the name of Byamugisha was read out by the prosecutor. Dr Besigye and his co-accused were also seen smiling confusedly in the dock.

MP Mubarak Munyagwa immediately stepped forward and informed court that Byamugisha happened to be a surety and on the side of the accused persons.

The state attorney then apologized saying there was a mistake, but could not reveal who the third witness would be.

She then asked court for an adjournment on grounds that she was unable to summon the witnesses as some of them stayed in Kampala, and also that one of the accused persons Erias Lukwago was not in court.

Lukwago’s lawyer Julius Galisonga responded that the Lord Mayor was on a trip in Israel but that court was free to carry on with the case.

Nonetheless, the magistrate decided to allow the prosecution chance to sort out their mistakes, and adjourned the matter to 12th January 2017.

Uganda Premier League
Onduparaka 1-0 Vipers

Onduparaka maintained their home unbeaten run after a hard fought win against Vipers on Tuesday.

Sensational forward and skipper Mohammad Shaban’s second half strike was enough to hurt Vipers and earn Onduparaka maximum points in a game played at the fully parked Betway Greenlight stadium in Arua.

In a game full of intensity right from the start, both teams produced an exciting game but Shaban’s goal delivered all three points for the home side.

Ceasar Okhuti got the first attempt on goal but his shot off Shaban Muhammad’s through pass went wide.

The visitors to came close to scoring in the 21st minute but Wadada’s well weighed cross went begging with Odur and Kakaire failing to connect to it.

Ssentamu Siraje who was playing his first game for Vipers this season was booked for a challenge on Gaddafi Gadihno in the 34th minute.

Brian Kakaire had another chance to break the deadlock at the stoke of halftime after a quick interplay with Odur but his feeble shot was tamed easily by goalkeeper Richard Anyama.

Onduparaka returned the better side after recess and defensive midfielder Ivan Mbowa tested Ismael Watenga with a powerful effort two minutes into the second half.

Abdallah Mubiru, the Vipers head coach called for double substitution with Erisa Ssekisambu and Brian Nkuubi replacing Pius Wanji and Siraje Ssentamu respectively.

A minute, after the half hour mark, Gaddafi Gadinho dribbled past Viper’s defence but Watenga pulled off an acrobatic save to deny the former.

The deciding moment came in the 67th minute, with Shaban Muhammad running past Shafik Bakaki and Hassan Wasswa to fire home past Watenga despite a simple tap on the ball.

There were several chances for Onduparaka to kill off the game but resorted to time wasting tactics and Muhammad Shaban who had already been booked in the 73rd minute was withdrawn for Okwi Dickens in the 77th minute.

The result means Vipers remain third on the table on 20 points while Onduparaka move from eighth to fifth on 18 points.

Onduparaka starting XI: Richard Anyama, Alex Gasper, Saddam Norman, Akram Kakembo, Simba Sibir, Ivan Mbowa, Faizal Ibrahim Anini, Gaddafi Gadinho, Muhammad Shaban (77′ Dickens Okwi), Rashid Agau, (Kabon Living), Ceasar Okhuti (90+2 Mohammed Benerd)

Vipers starting XI: Ismael Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Aggrey Madoi, Shafik Bakaki, Hassan Wasswa, Ssentamu Siraje (53′ Brian Nkuubi), Deus Bukenya, Kizito Kezron, Tonny Odur, Brian Kakaire (72′ Musa Esenu), Pius Wanji (53′ Erisa Ssekisambu)

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has confirmed a case of fraud at the Malaba branch where the Branch Manager, Mrs. Regina Kiguli Ahumuza allegedly locked other staffers in a room and took off with Ushs 345 million.

“We wish to confirm that there is ongoing investigation of fraud at our DTB Malaba Branch. The Police are investigating the disappearance of one of out staff Mrs. Regina Kiguli Ahumuza who was the Branch Manager,” a statement released by Bank officials reads in part.

Regina reportedly went missing on Friday evening.

Reports of the said fraud hit social media on Monday, with many claiming that Mrs. Ahumuza defrauded the bank Shs 345 million while other reports indicated that she took Shs350 million.

The Bank has however noted that the amount of money stolen has not yet been ascertained yet.

“We are not able to establish the extent of the suspected fraud at this point but we will be able to provide more information once the investigations are complete,” the statement further reads.

Seven Ugandan supporters of the newly elected American President Donald Trump have been charged before Makindye Magistrates court; following their recentl “illegal” meeting they held at the US embassy to celebrate their candidate’s victory.

The accused denied the charges and asked the trial magistrate Fortunate Nyipiri to be released on a non cash bail.

The seven are Haruna Nsibuka Haruna, Rogers Mukama, Edwin Mwegombe, Moses Bigirwa, Juma Kayondo, Hakim Kizza and Isaac Mado.

These asked to be released on bail, presenting two sureties and stressing that bail is their constitutional right.

One of them Edwin Mwegombe, a 24year old a student at Kampala International University pleaded to be freed so he may be able to prepare for his final examinations that are scheduled for Monday next week.

However, the state prosecutor Timothy Amerit challenged the bail, on grounds that 5 of them are residents outside the jurisdiction of this court.

This was dismissed by the defense as a small technicality which shouldn’t be relied on to deny them a fundamental right.

The trial Magistrate nonetheless remanded all the accused persons to Luzira prison until Friday  18th November when she will deliver her ruling on the matter.

A 15 year old girl died on spot after she was hit by a stone hit while quarrying stones at Burambira Local Stone Quarry along Kabale, Kisoro road in Kijuguta ward, Northern Kabale Municipality.

The deceased has been identified as Promise Akatwijuka a resident of Karandagazi cell in Kagarama parish, Bubaare Sub County, Kabale District, who according to residents, was working in the quarry as a gravel pounder.

Witnesses say a one Charles Niyonzima accidentally stepped on rock while cutting a tree on the upper side of the slope, and it rolled down, hitting the girl on the head.

Elly Maate, the Police Spokesperson for Kigezi Region says that the body of the deceased was taken to Kabale Hospital for autopsy.

He says that Niyonzima is being held at Kabale Police Station for questioning on why he did not caution those quarrying stones downhill.

Fufa has revealed the codes for fans to vote their best male and female players in this year’s Airtel-Fufa awards.

About eleven categories will be awarded on the event set for Friday 2 December at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Each of the shortlisted players has been assigned a code where fans and supporters will vote.

Nominees

The top two categories have the best male and female players of the year where each winner drives home.

The male selection has five nominees including last year’s winner Farouk Miya, first choice Cranes and Mamelodi sundowns keeper Denis Onyango, 2015/16 Uganda premier league MVP Joseph Ochaya, Onduparaka captain who is also Uganda cup topscorer and 2015/16 Fufa big league MVP Mohammed Shaban and vipers attacker Erisa Ssekisambu.

Female section has four nominees including current defending queen Sandra Nabweteeme and her Crested Cranes teammates Hasifa Nassuna, Christine Nambirigge and Ruth Aturo.

One of vehicles up for grabs

Voting procedure

Type FUFA <> Space<> Code and send to 8888

Player and codes
Male player of the Year: Faruku Miya – 10
Denis Onyango – 20
Joseph Ochaya – 30
Muhammed Shaban – 40
Erisa Ssekisambu – 50

Female players:
Sandra Nabweteeme -60
Hasifa Nassuna – 70
Christine Nambirigge – 80
Ruth Aturo – 90

Other categories

Category 3: FUFA Best XI

Category 4: FUFA Presidential Award

Category 5: FUFA Fair Play Award

Category 6: FUFA Upcoming Talent

Category 7: FUFA Referee of the Year

Category 8: FUFA Coach of the year

Category 9: FUFA Beach Soccer player of the year

Category 10: Fans’ Ugandan Favourite player

Category 11: Fans Favourite player in Leagues- outside Uganda

President Museveni has on Wednesday appointed Maj. Gen. Nakibus Lakara as the Deputy Chief Coordinator of the Operation Wealth Creation program, Chimpreports has learnt.

This was confirmed by the program director in charge of communication, Ms. Sarah Kagingo.

Brig. Lakara replaces Maj. Gen. Julius Oketta who passed on recently.

Biography

Born in 1960 in Moroto district, Lakara joined the army in 1990 and served as a commanding officer of the UPDF second division in Mbarara and later as a Chief of Staff but was relieved of this post due to the ghost soldiers’ saga.

The charges were later dismissed whereas he was also acquitted of others before being sent to the National Defence College, Kenya for a senior staff strategic course in 2011.

In 2015,Lakara was promoted to the rank of Major General and was sent to Somalia as the deputy force commander for the AMISOM forces .

He also served as the commanding officer for the UPDF 3^rd division in Moroto.

Brig. Lakara has since June been the commander of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability centre based in Jinja.

National basketball league
KIU Titans 69-54 Power

Kampala International University (KIU) Titans overcame Power basketball team in fantastic style to even the series and force game 5 in the semifinals of this year’s National Basketball League.

Game four was a make or break for the Titans and needed to win to force game five to determine who progresses to the final.

The Kansanga based side defeated the five time winners 69-54 in a game played on Wednesday at the MTN Arena in Lugogo.

Titans were dominant right from start while Power looked clueless on the night and the former took the first set 14-4.

The Hamza Nyambogo coached side got everything right, winning most of the rebounds while denying Power chance to shoot.

The gap has grown from 10 points to 24 by the end of the second quarter with Titans adding 20 points while Power were limited to just 6 points.

Power returned a far much better side after recess taking the third quarter 21-19 but Titans had created a big gap and headed into the final period with a 22 point cushion.

Titans held on to win the gap 69-54 despite Power adding 23 points in the forth quarter. Joseph Ikong had a game high 18 points but could not help Power to win.

On the other hand, Suudi Ulanga had a team high for KIU Titans with 15 points while Samuel Aguttu added 11 points.

The two teams will require game five to determine who progresses to the finals.

City Oilers already booked their berth in the finals after sweeping UCU Canons 3-0.

In the women’s game played, KCCA leopards needed overtime to eliminate JKL lady dolphins 71-69 and advance to the finals winning the series 3-1.

Normal time ended with both teams tied at 59 points apiece.

Former Kiira Municipality Mayor Mamerito Mugerwa was reportedly shot and critically injured last night, Chimpreports has learnt.

The self styled politician according to sources was attacked last night at around 10:30pm at his home in Kiira and shot by unknown assailants.

According to people close to the developing incident, the attackers were likely aimed at the former mayor’ life as they did not take anything from his house.

Mamerito is currently admitted at Nakasero Hospital where he is undergoing treatment. Police were yet to comment on the attack. More on this development will follow shortly.

The Kagadi District LCV chair person Stephen Mfashingabo has endorsed President Yoweri Museveni to contest again in the coming 2021 presidential elections.

The Chairman also urged the people in the district to prepare to campaign for the president, who at that time will be 77 years old and ineligible to take part in the race as per the current constitutional provisions.

Read Also: Courted MPs Want Shs. 1.5 Billion to Back Age Limit Bill 

Mfashingabo while officiating a Legal Aid Clinic meeting aimed at appraising legal activities in Kagadi District held at Nuel Guest house Kagadio, said he was certain that the President will come back and run in 2021.

He also vowed to campaign for and help him extend his reign to 35 years.

President Museveni as expected has explicitly declined to comment on this possibility when he was confronted with the question by journalists during the last presidential campaigns.

There are suspicions that government through cabinet is currently designing a grand plan that could see the constitutional provision that caps the presidential age limit at 75 years, dealt away with.

The Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Winnie Kiiza has expressed worry over the delayed appointment of a new Electoral Commission (EC) by the appointing authority.

Kiiza raised this concern after a question was raised to the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda on when government intends to appoint new commissioners to the electoral body.

In response, the Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda noted that government will appoint a new commission ‘anytime from now.’

This didn’t go well with the Kiiza who later stood up and demanded a ‘genuine response from government.’

“The issue of the Electoral Commission is not something that we can simply gloss over and go. The Prime Minister has just assured us and has always told us that by January we shall be having elections of LC1 and 2,” Kiiza said.

“Kiggundu and his commission have taken 14 years without fixing the issue of local council elections and their tenure is expiring tomorrow; for now we don’t have any commissioner, I don’t know how ready we shall be with the commission is really not yet in place,” Kiiza said.

“Who will ensure that these elections are carried out in a free and fair atmosphere with a commission appointed three days to an election?”

Kiiza warned that if people go into an election with a commission that is not fully prepared and they mess around with the election, some people might take it as a matter of life and death which may breed chaos.

She urged the Prime Minister to let the country know how the new commission will be appointed and when.

Hundreds of potholes welcome you to Kiira Town in Wakiso District.

It’s this Municipality, located about 15 kilometers from Kampala City, which Mamerito Mugerwa led for many years as a Mayor.

His two-storey residence is located in the same area.

The opulent mansion sits on an acre of land featuring a paved driveway and lush green compound.

In the neighborhood are wealthy businessmen and executives of prominent corporations in Kampala.

At 10:17pm on Wednesday, Mamerito, who was driving himself in a white double cabin, arrived at his gate.

Having served in many capacities in intelligence and security circles, Mamerito is known in the area for hunting down hardcore criminals.

Until his reign as Mayor, Kiira Municipality had turned into a breeding ground for criminals that terrorized the area and neighbouring Towns.

The vehicle Mamerito was driving when thugs attacked him

But Mamerito would later use his skills and network of informers to launch a protracted crackdown on criminality, pacifying the area.

He also encouraged locals to engage in poverty eradication programmes, boosting household incomes.

But his reign was equally tainted by corruption as fatty road construction tenders were handed to his cronies.

Gunmen at the gate

When he appeared at his gate on Wednesday night, Mamerito did not bother to hoot.

“He does not have a guard here. So, he normally opens the gate himself. Besides, Mamerito has no time to waste as he waits for anyone to do it,” recounted a house helper we found at his residence on Thursday morning.

Last night was different. As Mamerito opened the gate, his wife and children were in the House waiting for him.

Suspected gunmen appeared to have laid an ambush in a small eucalyptus tree forest below the former Mayor’s residence.

The thugs are suspected to have hidden around this shrub outside Mamerito’s residence

“The gunmen grabbed him and a fight ensued. He tried to fight for his life,” recounted the house helper who preferred anonymity so as to speak freely.

“During the scuffle, we heard gunshots. Mamerito is also armed. He was overpowered and injured. He sustained wounds on the head. We are now waiting for doctors’ medical report,” he added.

It remains unclear whether the attackers were assassins or robbers. The house helper said Mamerito was ordered by the assailants to open his wallet before taking his money.

The wife was wailing, asking the attackers not to kill him.

Mamerito’s plush residence (All photos by Kenneth Kazibwe/ChimpReports)

The thugs also opened the car, walking away with some documents some of which were found by police in the neighbouring forest.

Police are said to have arrived at the scene about 20 minutes later. They kept an eye on the house till morning.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima confirmed the attack but quickly added that an elaborate report would be released later today.

The attack has since caused unease in the fast-developing town and its suburbs. Criminal cases are always on the rise during the festive season.

Mamerito is no stranger to controversy.

When he led efforts to evict the people of Kasokoko from a contested piece of land for development, Mamerito was severely beaten up and his car torched.

He survived death by a whisker as security forces battled an angry mob on the dusty streets of Kasokoso.

Mamerito is currently hospitalized at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.

Additional reporting by Giles Muhame

The State Minister for Primary Education Rosemary Seninde has called for harmonizing of the curriculum and examinations between Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board (UAHEB) and other institutions of higher learning like universities.

She pointed out that since students undergo training in similar fields, government should look into setting uniform examinations.

Seninde made remarks on Thursday while representing the Minister of Education Janet Museveni at the official release the UAHEB results for the year 2015/16.  A total of 3,572 candidates sat the examinations and of these, 84.9% (3,036) qualified to be enrolled in the medical profession.

There was decline in performance compared to the previous year where 85.6% of students who sat the exams passed. UAHEB examined students in the fields of anaesthesis, psychiatry, clinical medicine, audiology and opthetric medicine.

According to Kato Kimoga the Executive Secretary Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board, there were no cases of examination malpractice.

“Now that a number of institutions are training in health related courses, standardization and quality assurance becomes critical. We shall engage the relevant authorities to see how to create uniformity in the curriculum and how students are finally examined,” Hon. Seninde said.

Earlier, Patrick Stephen Senoga the Board Chairman UAHEB raised issues relating to funding, teaching materials and inadequate human resource capacity.

“As government, we shall continue to invest in equipment for practical training. The challenge of staffing gaps has already been forwarded to the Education Service Commission and it will be addressed,” the Minister promised in response.

A group of six students from the Makerere Law School have rushed to Kampala High Court seeking orders to have the university immediately re-opened.

The students are Sam Ssekyewa, Moses Mushime, Francis Kibombo, Cissy Nabatanzi, Emmanuel Kanyesigye and John Robert Turyakira.

The students contend that President Yoweri Museveni, who is referred to in the compliant as “a visitor” overstepped his legal mandate when he ordered the closure of the University yet such powers are vested in to the University Council.

While closing the country’s largest education institution on November 1^st, President Museveni invoked Section 26(2) of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act (2001).

The students hold in their petition that since the reopening date of the university is not known, their right to education and careers are put at stake.

The leader of the applicants Sam Ssekyewa says they have chosen to challenge the president’s directive in court in order to “enforce their abused rights and to permanently bar the visitor (President) from usurping the powers of the University Council.”

Among other, the students want court to quash the decision of university closure and the same time bar the president from repeating the same action.

The students are seeking an Order of Mandamus compelling the university council to make statutes and regulations streamlining the modalities of closing and re opening in the public interest.

“The grounds for this application are that this decision was unlawfully reached and inconsistence with the principles of fundamental fairness, proportionality and other constitutionally prescribed norms and standards,” the petition reads in part.

The applicants proceeded to call on court to compel the respondents to pay for the costs of this matter.

The court has not yet fixed a hearing date for this case which has been filed against the “visitor of Makerere University,” Attorney General and the University itself.