Uganda Breweries has announced a partnership with Vivo Energy Uganda together with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Stanbic Bank to promote sustainable environmental protection in a new educative campaign dubbed ‘Taasa Obutonde,’ which means ‘Let us save the environment.’
The campaign, which was launched at Namboole Stadium, is also in line with the year’s World Environment Day theme – ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ – a call on world leaders and the populations to pay special focus on creating a good relationship with nature and to focus on preventing and reversing the loss of degraded natural ecosystems to fight the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the launch event, the Vivo Energy Uganda Managing Director Mr. Gilbert Assi said: “It has been proven that irresponsible use and disposal of plastics has far-reaching environmental and health risks to human and animal life. The Taasa Obutonde campaign will sensitize Ugandans about these dangers, create awareness about the safe disposal of plastics, aim to drive behavioural change on the use of plastics and suggest co-existing alternatives for daily use.”
Studies estimate that in Uganda, an average of 1,500 tonnes of plastic waste is generated daily, with only 500 tonnes properly managed. This indicates a collection efficiency of 30%, implying that most of the waste generated is not safely recycled and goes into the environment.
“We all have a responsibility to restore the natural world on which life depends. At Uganda Breweries, we are doing our bit by eliminating waste from our value chain, collaborating with farmers to regenerate landscapes and creating innovative solutions to grow sustainably. By 2030, we aim to achieve zero waste in our direct operations and zero waste to landfill throughout our supply chain. Similarly, 100% of our packaging will be widely recyclable with at least 60% made from recyclable material,” said Alvin Mbugua, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited.
Taasa Obutonde seeks to promote environmental protection through targeted messages, documentaries and skits on television and online platforms to ensure greater awareness over a period of three years. In its first year, the campaign will focus its awareness on plastics and pollution.
“The situation is dire and needs immediate action and attention. The rate of solid waste generation in Kampala alone was 3,206 tons per day in 2015 and is expected to increase to 4,739 tons per day by 2030. At least 51% of plastic garbage in Kampala is left uncollected and even then less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled,” Mbugua added.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Dr. Tom Okurut said that solutions to environmental problems require a multi-sectoral approach to solve and this campaign is an indicator that the private sector, civil society and Government are willing to work together to protect our environment.
He added, “Plastics are recognizably the most dominant waste in the country. As one of the measures to regulate plastics, the National Environment Act banned the manufacture and import of plastics under 30 microns. This is in addition to imposing a producer extended responsibility to ensure that producers of plastics manage their products from production to disposal. The management of the environment should not be considered as the duty of only the Government.”
Plastics are a way of life for all Ugandans and yet a cancer to the environment that we rely on. Unfortunately, the general lack of adequate knowledge, resources and information, coupled with non-compliant manufacturers and a soft policy-making system, supports the unending use of harmful plastics.
Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa.
By Our Reporter
Brand Africa, in conjunction with Publics Africa Communications and the Uganda Investments Authority (UIA), is set to announce Uganda’s most admired brands.
The announcement will be made alongside the “2021 Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands” ranking, which highlights the top 100 brands on the continent.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, they will also announce brands that have been helpful during the Covid-19 pandemic and also show how African brands and businesses are repositioning themselves post the pandemic.
The rankings announcement will be hosted by Brand Africa founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng on 25 May 2021 and the founder and CEO of Publics Africa, Joseph Kanyamunyu in a virtual ceremony.
The announcement will feature panel discussions with local and pan-African thought leaders and brand builders, profiles of leading brands and a keynote speech by Uganda Investment Authoritys’ Board chairman, Mr. Morrison Rwakakamba.
An analysis of the data by Kantar and Brand Leadership over the past 10 years, has established that on average, only 20% of the brands admired by Africans are made in Africa.
Established in 2011, the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings are the most authoritative survey and analysis on brands and underlying businesses in Africa, based on a study by Geopoll across over 25 countries spanning all the five economic regions.
The Nkozi charity run kits have been unveiled. The kits were unveiled during a ceremony held at Movit Products Limted Head Offices in Bunamwaya on Tuesday.
During the ceremony, Movit also handed over 1,500 vests/kits valued at over Ugx 25 Million to Nkozi Hospital officials.
While handing over the kits, Stephen Adinyai, Movit Brand Manager said that, “this donation is a clear indication of our continued partnership with Nkozi hospital. Therefore, as sign of this commitment to support this year’s initiative and as part of Movit’s Corporate Social Responsibility, we are today handing over a total of 1,550 marathon kits and 50 polo t-shirts for VIPs which we procured to aid in the run.”
The Charity run is aimed at raising funds for the construction of the Accident Casualties and Trauma Center at Nkozi Hospital in Mpigi District.
Adinyai further added that, “Movit will be visiting Nkozi hospital on the Marathon day to support patients with an assortment of sanitary products and equipment including sanitizers, soaps and buckets among others that are essential in the fight against COVID-19 but also facilitate patient care.”
According to Nkozi Hospital Msgr. Charles Kasibante, the Vicar General of the Kampala Archdiocese, these kits will be sold to participants at a cost of Ushs. 20,000 only as a way to raise funds that will go towards continuing the ongoing construction of the Accident and Trauma Centre at the hospital.
Kasibante said that, “Movit has vividly been part of this cause since its inception in 2016 and we are grateful for their unwavering support towards the realization of this dream and objective for which this initiative was setup, that shall facilitate the treatment of accident causalities along the Masaka Highway.”
Participants will be able to purchase the kits at various locations including Centenary Bank Rubaga, Nsambya parish, Centenary Bank Masaka Branch and at Equator in Kayabwe among others.
The charity run is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 03rd, 2021.
Its great news for renowned Ugandan Saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa and the country at large as his latest single “Dance Again” song features on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Most Added list.
Isaiah Katumwa
Katumwa and his fans were thrilled waking up on Thursday morning and learning that their one-week-old jam had enormously flourished in the Jazz music world.
According to Billboard, “Dance Again” is among the top Smooth Jazz tracks added to over 6 new stations by Saturday, May 22, 2021.
These include; Sirius XM Watercolors, SJNT, WCLK, WEIB, WFSK, and WVST.
Most Added is the total number of new adds officially reported by each reporting station or by automatic add thresholds for stations not allowed to report adds.
“Dance Again” is the cover song of his global jazz album dropping July 9 2021.
Fellow saxophonist Darren Rahn, a multiple GRAMMY nominee who has produced more than 25 No. 1 singles, produced six tracks for the set, and Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley produced three.
Rwandan producer Marc Kibamba helmed “The Sun Will Shine Again,” a jubilant African rhythmic groove illumined by a vocal chorus on the album.
About Isaiah Katumwa:
Isaiah Katumwa is a Ugandan jazz musician and self-taught saxophonist.
He is credited for turning many people in Uganda into jazz enthusiasts.
His experience and love for the saxophone date back over 20 years, but he broke onto the international professional music scene eight years ago at a time when jazz in Uganda and in east Africa did not have a significant presence on the music scene.
At a time when a sole performance by an instrumentalist was unheard of or even a record in the region.
In 2006, Isaiah released ‘’Sinza” album that even featured on BBC focus on Africa.
This was a breakthrough album with the mega-hit song “Sinza” that earned him wide national and international recognition.
Uganda’s most respected faces on local television channels all the way from the leading television station NBS Television Mr . Edwin Katamba famously known as MC Kats and Mr. Douglas Lwanga finally are eating well after landing on a multi million deal of Uganda Aids Commission.
Uganda Aids Commission has launched its campaign recently known as “End HIV/ Aids in Uganda” and this project will run up to 2030 . So far very few people have come on board to spearhead this campaign and the lucky usual stars that managed to scoop this deal are the NBS After 5 Hosts Legendary Mc Kats and Douglas Lwanga.
The Commission’s target is to fight HIV/ Aids among the youths of Uganda more especially those in schools. Being on The biggest Television station and having bigger brands , The NBS After 5 had big chances of scoping this deal .
It should be remembered that in December 2019 , The Top City emcee and Television presenter Mc Kats announced being HIV/ Aids positive. Many people across the world more especially his fans and friends got shocked but this Star was so firm on his point . Many charity organizations that are fighting Aids across the world saw him as savior to young while contacting him for a business.
Kats doesn’t regret being HIV/ Aids Positive But he promise to end the spread of this disease in young people through media and other campaigns for awareness. We shall keep you posted
Renowned actress and brand influencer, Martha Kay’s tireless efforts have finally paid off as Swangz Avenue entrusts her with a delicious slot in its influencer management program.
According to Swangz Avenue, Martha has scooped the first place in the program on merit having had a remarkable growth of her brand name, content and audience in the past few years.
Under the Influencer management program, Swangz Avenue will professionally aid influencers like Martha Kay earn from her work in applauding different brands.
“Welcome to the Swangz Family! Martha Kay has spent the last few years building her brand, improving her content and growing her audience and today she joined our influencer management program. We help influencers get paid for telling captivating stories for awesome brands,” Swangz Avenue’s statement reads in part.
In a jovial mood, Martha has not hesitated to share her new milestone with her social media family.
“I am soooo excited to be a part of this super family! Swangz avenue just started an influencer program and I am so blessed to be the first talent to be signed. Who am I really??? So grateful! Stay tuned for the awesomeness to follow,” Martha Kay wrote.
Born real names, Martha Kagimba, in Nairobi in the mid-1990s Martha Kay was raised in Nakasero, Kampala.
She is the last born of four children born to Margaret and Jessy Kagimba.
She went to Kabojja Junior School, St Mary’s College Namagunga School, and Kabojja International School before joining Uganda Christian University to pursue a degree in Mass Communication.
I am soooo excited to be a part of this super family! Swangz avenue just started an influencer program and I am so blessed to be the first talent to be signed. Who am I really??? So grateful! Stay tuned for the awesomeness to follow 🥰🥰🥰🤣🤣 https://t.co/jUKswajanm
Ugandan-born, American journalist Shaka Ssali (Kid from Kabale – Uganda) has officially retired from Voice of America.
Shaka Ssali’s reign at Voice of America comes to an end after 29 years and 20 years at the helm of the popular political and humanitarian talk show dubbed ‘Straight Talk Africa’.
Ndugu Shaka Ssali
In the show, Shaka has been interviewing and hosting many top African dignitaries like presidents among others.
He is also famously recalled for hosting the Ugandan Presidential debate in 2016 at Kampala Serena Hotel, which was the first-ever in the history of the country.
“After 29 years at the Voice of America and 20 years at the helm of Straight Talk Africa, Shaka Ssali is retiring,” reads a statement from Voice of America.
In his last show earlier this week, Shaka introduced the new host of Straight Talk Africa, Haydé Adams.
Haydé talked about her career and her vision for a new venture into the ‘Straight Talk Africa’ show.
Haydé Adams
In the same show, Shaka bided farewell as his colleagues at the VOA, fans from the continent shared memories and fascinating experiences he delivered at the show.
He also talked about his life and career and his plans following his retirement.
Haydé is from Cape Town, South Africa and has extensively covered political and social realities on the continent for local and international media.
Most recently, she was co-host of VOA’s ‘Our Voices’.
Born real names, Ndugu Shaka Ssali in Uganda, Shaka is an American journalist who has worked for the Voice of America for over 23 years.
He has been the managing editor of Voice of America’s English to Africa service and the host of “Straight Talk Africa.”
Shaka and his guests have been discussing topics of interest to Africans and the African diaspora including politics, good governance, rule of law, economic development, press freedom, health, social issues, climate, and conflict resolution.
He holds a doctorate in cross cultural communication and history from UCLA in California.
He is a former Ford Foundation Fellow and has received numerous honors, including a United Nations Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism.
Other awards include VOA’s Best Journalist Award and Kigezi College Butobere’s first ever Highest Achievement Award in International Human Communication. Butobere is located in Kabale, southwestern Uganda, and is Shaka’s alma mater.
Straight Talk Africa is broadcast live every Wednesday from 1830-1930 UTC/GMT simultaneously on radio, television and the Internet.
Fast-raising singer, Wajja Victor famously known as Victor Ruz can no longer take it in, hiding his feelings for songstress Desire Luzinda’s daughter Michelle Kaddu.
Victor Ruz
The ‘Official’ singer who earlier this month confessed his adoration for 17-year-old Michelle via his social media, is yet again on the love scene pouring out his heart for her.
Appearing on Galaxy FM’s ‘Morning Saga’ show on Friday, Victor said he is in love with Michelle and he is really obsessed with her.
“Yes, I like Michelle, no doubt. I heavily crush on her,” Victor said.
When he was tipped about Michelle being a minor of below 18years, Victor sounded unbothered as he vowed to maintain his patience until she makes it to an adult age bracket.
“She is 17 now, and am also just 20, there is still time for us to catch up,” Victor added.
Michelle Kadu and mother Desire Luzinda
Michelle Kaddu is singer Desire Luzinda’s only child born on December 1, 2003.
Michelle together with her mother relocated to the United States of America where she is taking on her dream venture into fashion and design.
The ‘Ekitone’ singer has often proved so protective to her daughter as she was recently appeared in a video clip educating her about sex and pregnancy.
Desire narrated to her daughter how she conceived her (Michelle) at the age of 18, something that she does not wish for her to do until she is married.
Over the past few years, Uganda’s entertainment industry, together with the beauty and fashion industries have proven to be a force to reckon with and have boosted Uganda’s economy greatly.
This month the industry will up the ante as Sean Charles Ndawula, the proprietor and CEO of Elyt! Magazine unveils a new issue of the magazine at an event dubbed the “Fascinators & Berets Brunch.”
The event which is set to take place from midday to 9:00pm on Sunday 30th May 2021 at Protea Hotel Gardens in Kololo is expected to be all glitz and glamour where all people who love exclusivity, sophistication and class will socialize, network and generally let down their hair in a beautifully set atmosphere.
The event is a quintessential, vintage/classic brunch and ladies are expected to complement their classy outfits with a fascinator or beret while the gents should go all out in a pastel coloured suits or simply go dapper in bright hues.
Guests will also be the first to get a glimpse of the new issue of the elyt! magazine which features the gorgeous Anita Fabiola, the beautiful and glamorous Sheilah Parker, songstress Carole Kasita, all your essential fashion and beauty tips for both ladies and gents, culture art and lots More.
And to add more to the splendor, fashion designer Anita Beryl will as well be unveiling her new fashion collection. Don’t miss the beautiful models as they walk down the runway in the new Beryl outfits.
So if you are beautiful, glamorous and love the good life, this is the event for you!
Vision Voice for Africa (VVAF), an organization based in Malaysia but founded by a Nigerian has come to Uganda. The organization that is championed by Okwunwanne Mmaduka has partnered with Ugandan organisations like Alice Foundation for Human Rights (AFHR), Equality Uganda, Wezi, Kystal Hands Foundation and Mazungumzo.
The launch of VVAF launch in Uganda took place at Grand Global Hotel in Makerere and in partnership with the 5 local organisations, they will continue the fight against Human Trafficking. According to Mr Okwunwanne Mmaduka the Chairman of VVAF, human trafficking, sex trafficking, modern slavery and all illegal forms of migration should stop.“Slave trade is a battle that was fought many years ago and was won by our great grandparents but todate, it was been replaced by sex trafficking, illegal migration and other migration challenges among others” Okwunwanne. He went on to say that the importance of the campaign is to raise awaireness among victims, Governments, Civil society and the private sector. The campaign also seeks to build cooperation with all stakeholders to harness a network of people, professionals working against abhorrent vices.
Mr Okwunwanne also commended President Museveni for his speech during the commemoration of the 2021 Labour Day celebrations where he condemns labour exports. Okwunwanne quoted President Museveni saying, “For me, I don’t believe in Labour export. Countries that externalize labour are countries that have missed something. I have proof. I have never seen South Koreans exporting labour, the only South Korean I have seen is Ban Ki-moon. South Korea is half the size of Uganda but you don’t see them. Me I am now for the south Korean approach.”
A son of the African soil, MC Norman uses his power of making music to cross borders without a passport.
Born Ronald Mutebi, MC Norman, is a Reggae and Dancehall musician hailing from Uganda. He started his music career in 1990, at the age of 12 as a band member of Afrigo.
MC Norman is an award-winning independent recording artist, composer and producer with a creative mind, passionate about collaboration and co-existing in spaces through his music and visuals. His forthcoming EP titled Cross border embodies a variety of rich African rooted Sounds which are evident in the composition of each song on the project. The EP includes his recent hit single titled Mali and also features some heavyweight names like the MAMAs award-winning Stanley Enow and Pallaso.
Stanley Enow is a big artist in his home country, Cameroon and so is Pallaso in Uganda. “I collaborated with these two brothers and a South African lady named Siziwe Ngema on separate songs namely being Wange and Africa. This allowed me to give the listener a mixture of sounds, allowing them to cross borders with me through the music and no passport” said the recording artist and producer.
When asked about what inspired the name of the EP, MC Norman went on to mention that he was interviewed by a newspaper publication and they wrote an article saying that he had crossed borders. “Remember when you are in a foreign country it means that you have crossed borders, either it is by plane, train or by bus, you have crossed borders, so if your music gets an opportunity to be played in a foreign country like South Africa, Jamaica or America, it means you have crossed borders. So yeah, that instantly gave me the idea to make music that can Cross borders in language and composition.”
In addition to composing and performing music, MC Norman produces most of his music and runs a music and films Production Company called Ganja named after their father. The company’s aim is to discover and empower new talent.
The 5-track EP Cross Border will be available on 07 May 2021 and can be accessed on various digital platforms including Apple Music, Google Play Music, Spotify and YouTube Music.
Fans can expect more music content, accompanied by visuals from the recording artist and producer during the course of this year.
As the race for who takes over the helm of 11th Parliament boils, Internal Security Organisation (ISO) rolled out clandestine survey to establish who is a favoured candidate among the two rivalries- Hon Jacob Oulanyah and Hon Rebecca Kadaga.
Kadaga is seeking a reelection while Oulanyah is pursuing an elevation from Deputy Speaker to Speaker.
The heated race is threatening to rip the NRM establishment apart if leaders within the party to reconcile the two warring camps.
This website has learned that high-ranking government officials asked Charles Oloka- the Director General of ISO to gather intelligence on the implications of the Speaker’s race and its aftermath.
According to a source privy to the survey, the findings are shocking.
Without providing much details, this top official in the army said Oulanyah is nursing ambitions far from “reality.”
Asked to expound on what he meant, he added: “He is young, educated and he has different interests far from what people expect.”
Asked if the intelligence finds Oulanyah eyeing Presidency, this high-ranking officer could neither deny or confirm.
On Kadaga, the findings say, she is predictable. “For Kadaga she simply wants her seat and she is satisfied with that,” he said.
Asked if the report had been forwarded to President Yoweri Museveni, the official said ISO is still gathering more information, “it will be taken very soon.”
On Friday Jacob Oulanyah who assured his supporters that he is the next Speaker of the 11th Parliament was nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission.
The top organ of the party Central Executive Committee (CEC) where Oulanyah and Kadaga are members will sit on Saturday to endorse its candidate. In case it endorses the two opponents, the matter will be put to NRM caucus which will convene on Sunday at Kololo grounds, a day before the voting by all MPs.
Oulanyah accusses Kadaga of dishonest having agreed to rule for only 5 years and give way in 2021.
Oulanyah said Kadaga made the promise in 2016 before CEC members and President Museveni.
Kadaga responded saying Oulanyah should bring evidence that she made the alleged remarks.
On Wednesday, Oulanyah vacated his office of Deputy Speaker, handed over all instruments of office and the official vehicle saying his term of office had expired and he was on the move for new position.
“This case will make people to lose confidence in the judicial system where they will now resort to jungle law to resolve disputes. This will increase socio-economic insecurity due to the absence of the rule of law. The Bankers actions will frustrate Uganda’s efforts to attain Middle income status which must be supported by a robust commercial justice system which we now lack”.
Ham Enterprise (the company) had banked with Diamond Trust Bank for close to 15 years, they carried out an audit in 2019 on their accounts where it was revealed that the Bank had unlawfully without their knowledge or consent within a period of 10 years excessively withdrawn their accounts to a tune of 34 billion shillings and 23 million USD.
On the 16th November 2019 they wrote to Diamond Trust Bank requesting for an explanation on the above, an account audit and reconciliation to address the issues though they received no response.
On the 10th January 2020 they issued Diamond Trust Bank a demand notice for the refund of funds the bank had unlawfully, extortionately, fraudulently, deceptively through breach of its contractual, fiducial and statutory duties using its superior bargaining position as a Bank debited from their accounts. The Bank failed to refund or give an explanation on the above as requested which left them no choice but to file a suit for recovery.
They proceeded and filed a plaint on the 17th January 2020 against Diamond trust Bank Kenya/Uganda for claim of the monies they had fraudulently taken from their accounts and to bring all the illegality mentioned above to light through a proper court procedure.
However, they were warned that Diamond Trust Bank had hired a political lawyer Kiryowa Kiwanuka with political influence from the upmost political structure where regardless of how much evidence they lawfully held, they stood no chance of receiving justice from courts of law.
They disregarded that and proceeded with filling a claim at the high court commercial division.
Ham Enterprises had equally filed an application in the interim for an injunction stopping Diamond Trust Bank from doing anything funny in regard to their accounts and loan books since the audit had revealed that all loans had been fully cleared but rather unlawful excessive debits had been withdrawn from our accounts by Diamond Trust Bank. Secondly, given the fact that they issued a termination notice of all contractual obligations with the Bank for having carried out illegalities on their accounts in total breach of the bank’s contractual obligation.
To their surprise the court registry then Her worship Hon. Dr. Nkonge Agnes gave them an injunction conditionally asking them to pay 30% of whatever disputed amounts they had with the Bank regardless of the fact that they had come seeking justice for recovery before court would hear their case. Ham Enterprises found this completely repugnant and inconsistent with article 28 of the Ugandan constitution that provides for a right to a fair hearing, seeing court asking them to pay the Bank despite the fact that the company went to court as victims seeking justice against illegalities committed against them by this same respondent Diamond Trust Bank before justice would be administered.
The company later found out that Kiryowa Kiwanuka had contacted the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija who had summoned the case file and Hon. Dr. Nkonge Agnes directed her to subject them to a condition of payment of 30% before they could be heard by court and she had acted on his instructions.
They were told that Kiryowa Kiwanuka facilitated the appointment of the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija thus owes Kiryowa Kiwanuka a debt to comprise any court case filed where Kiryowa Kiwanuka holds interest and so many Ugandans have fallen victims to these unprofessional acts of the principal Judge, Ham Enterprises inclusive.
They formerly filed an application against the 30% condition imposed on them as being unjust, to be fixed before a judge. The file was fixed to be heard by Hon. Justice Duncan Gaswaga who was equally summoned by the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija only to be given a direction forward in regard to the file.
Hon. Justice Duncan Gaswaga received too much political pressure on this file including physical threats from ISO operatives organized by Kiryowa Kiwanuka and the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija that on the 09th July 2020 he was forced to step down from passing his ruling on this case. He had fully heard submission of both parties with the ruling ready but in his own words on courts record he stated “It’s really painful that on baseless allegation and lies in proceedings by counsel for the defendants at the 11th hour of passing my ruling I have to recuse myself from handling the matter in the interest of protecting myself as a person, secondly as a professional and as well as my family members”.
If the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija, Kiryowa Kiwanuka and their operatives got the Honorable senior Judges this scared, how about the ordinary Ugandans that run to courts of law hoping to receive justice. This act got all the judges at commercial court afraid of handling their file.
The Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija further summoned her worship deputy registry Hon. Dr. Nkonge Agnes during miscellaneous application 34 of 2020 giving her directions on reallocation of the file to which she failed to comply but followed lawful court procedure, it’s said to be one of the reasons she was given a transfer from the Kampala commercial court to Masaka outside Kampala by the principal judge on direct instruction of Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
At this rate and point Hon. Justice Dr. Henry Peter Adonyo being the head of commercial court and senior Judge decided to handle the case file himself to reserve sanity and rule of law in court thus not rendering the entire commercial court incompetent.
The 30% issue was dropped by both parties and Hon. Justice Henry Peter Adonyo proceeded to hear the case, where it was established that Diamond Trust Bank had not only excessively debited monies from Ham Enterprises’ accounts but also carried out illegalities against the financial institution Act that prohibits carrying out of financial institution business in Uganda without a license from the financial regulatory body Bank of Uganda
By admission in court, Diamond Trust Bank submitted that they had carried out financial institution business in Uganda without a license as they didn’t need one and neither did they file any counterclaims against their claims. Where submissions were filed by both parties.
On the 7th October 2020, judgment was entered against Diamond Trust Bank, they were ordered to pay 120billion they had unlawfully debited from Ham Enterprises accounts, ordered to return their securities and Bank of Uganda was cautioned on improper supervision of its financial monitory mandate to protect Uganda’s Bank industry and the interest of Ugandans from such exploitative financial institutions as provided under the law.
All foreign exploitative commercial Banks under their umbrella of Uganda Bankers’ Association (UBA) were frustrated by the judgment publicly addressing it as reckless judgement. This would set a precedent thus running to the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija on a way forward.
The Principal Judge being a former Banker was equally frustrated by the judgment passed by Hon. Justice Henry Peter Adonyo. Under the instruction of Kiryowa Kiwanuka the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija in a few months thereafter demoted and transferred Hon. Justice Henry Peter Adonyo from head of Kampala Commercial division court to upcountry courts as a punishment for noncompliance with the interests of these foreign commercial Banks. The senior Judge fell victim for fronting the law and protecting the interests of Ugandans through administering fair hearing as a right of all Ugandans provided by the constitution.
The Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija has indeed betrayed his sworn oath to uphold the constitution, promote rule of law, uphold democratic principle and safeguard human rights of all Ugandans thus equally undermining the achievements of this regime and independence of the Judiciary.
Before Ham Enterprises could execute the judgement and orders of the high court the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija hijacked the entire file from the commercial division and illegally, irregularly outside normal Judicial proceedings, he himself entered and issued an order of stay of execution of the judgement.
NOTE: K&K Advocates handling this matter has two managing partners Mr. Edwin Karugire the humble partner that never invokes political power when handling court issues. However, his partner Kiryowa Kiwanuka has misused his proximity to the government to undermine the independence of the judiciary, mainly blackmailing the entire judicial structure through the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija, they have hijacked the Ugandan courts of law mainly financially to protect the interest of these exploitative Foreign Commercial Banks and act as a legal shield for all other exploitative foreign companies interests at the cost of compromising legal rights of ordinary Ugandans.
COURT OF APPEAL: Diamond Trust Bank through Kiryowa Kiwanuka filed an appeal in court of appeal giving grounds against the judgement of the high court mainly arguing that no illegality was committed by Diamond Trust Bank Kenya/Uganda claiming that they didn’t require a license to do financial institution business in Uganda.
A panel was selected of three senior Judges, Hon. Justice Richard Butera the Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ), Hon. Justice Kenneth Kakuru and Hon. Justice Christopher Izama Madrama. The company submitted all its arguments and so did Diamond Trust Bank as required by the law and awaited judgement.
Ham Enterprises was legally so sure that the judgement from the high court would be maintained since the illegalities committed were so clear as provided on court record by the law. Diamond Trust Bank had on record admitted to having committed an illegality of doing business in Uganda without a license as required by law, lastly no court or judgement in history of Uganda’s legal system has ever shielded or stood for an illegality as that would create a bad precedent compromising the entire legal court structure.
A few days before judgement was passed, rumors circulated in public that the Uganda Bank’s Association and Diamond Trust Bank were certain that the case would be determined in their favor and the file would be returned to the high court for retrial, rumors said that the judges had been compromised and they were to rule in favor of the Diamond Trust Bank. They bragged that this was a political issue beyond a legal remedy that would affect the entire Ugandan economy if the Judges dare to rule otherwise regardless of what the law provides for.
They bragged that they fund most government projects and equally the government holds so many outstanding loans with them, with so many other loans to government in the pipeline that would be immediately cancelled should the courts rule otherwise.
There was a claim that the Ugandan government and courts can’t uphold the legal structure/interest in Uganda simply to compromise their financial interest as Uganda does not hold a strong financial backbone to enforce its laws against these interests.
There was a claim that they have a strong political lawyer Kiryowa Kiwanuka and the head of court the Principal Judge Hon. Justice Flavian Zeijawho is responsible for facilitating the process of appointment of Judges, promotion of Judicial officers evident from the fact that when the Bank appealed the registrar Her worship Hon. Suzan Kanyange was immediately transferred to the court of appeal to specifically handle the matter.
There was also a claim that the handling judges would be promoted to the supreme courts which offers better benefits for Judicial officers and to our surprise applications for promotion of registrars to Judges and promotion of Judges commenced in a few weeks and days prior to this judgement though we are not sure if the Judges on this file applied for promotions.
There was an additional claim that Banks run the Ugandan economy and the government lacks the financial capacity, economic independence and judicial independence for Ugandan courts to pronounce themselves on this illegality and yet at the same time they hold the financial capacity to compromise any judicial officers.
Despite all the above, the company patiently waited for the court of appeal to pass judgement with their full pronouncement on the illegality since it was too evident for courts to shield it or simply stay silent about it. There are so many present judgements passed against such illegalities like money laundering with so many Ugandans in prisons prosecuted for minor offences. Ham Enterprises stood firm and sure that the law would prevail as they didn’t seek any favors from courts, but for the law to prevail, Despite political frustrations by powerful political power brokers.
On the 5th May 2021 the court of appeal delivered its judgement, court was blessed with attendance of so many Ugandans that have always keenly followed the case thus they came at court of appeal in large numbers to witness justice being delivered in the interest of preserving the rule of law, upholding democratic principles, protection of constitutional human rights of fair hearing and maintaining the independence of the judicial against these political commercial interests that seemed to undermine the rule of law.
However, to all our surprise all 3 judges delivered similar judgements to have the case returned to the high court for retrial and the following was compromised within their judgements:
1. The Judges remained completely silent about the illegality committed by Diamond Trust Bank despite the fact that there was an admission by the Diamond Trust Bank on court record.
2. They moved outside the scope of the grounds of appeal raised by the Diamond Trust Bank against their common legal procedure at courts of appeal, formulated new grounds in the interest of defending the illegality committed, argued the grounds and passed judgement giving orders of striking out the company’s amended pleadings that amplified the point of law on the illegality forgetting the fact that the same issue had equally been raised in the first Plaint.
3. They gave orders that the case file should be put before another judge of the high court but the pleadings on the illegality should not be entered or determined by the high court but rather the court should focus on the first plaint filed.
4. They Deferred and passed judgement in regard to the first plaint filed which Diamond Trust Bank had not even submitted to the court of appeal as part of the records of proceeding. Diamond Trust Bank’s grounds on appeal were limited and specific only challenging the illegality raised as a point of law from the amendment plaint which the judgement remained silent about.
5. They ordered for the striking out of the amended plaint that amplified the point of law of the illegality committed with no due regards to the record that the amendment was lawfully filed with admission by both parties at the high court where it was filled after seeking leave of court as it is required by law.
6. They awarded costs to Diamond Trust Bank which left us wondering how a party that had committed an illegality with admissions on court record Be awarded costs.
This left Ham Enterprises very dissatisfied with the whole judgement and the company commenced with the appeal process at the supreme court and they already filed the notice of appeal, application for stay of execution and yet to file the main appeal with the supreme court. In light of all the above, this raises a number of questions to all Ugandans:
1. Does Uganda as a country fully hold real independence of the economy or independence of the Judiciary against foreign financial interests?
2. Does Uganda hold the financial backbone to enforce our legal interests/frustrations against exploitative systems, structures and policies that have left Ugandans in absolute poverty?
3. Do courts of law legally hold the discretion to stand, protect, shield or basically reserve the right to stay silent about an illegality once brought before them with proof of admission on court records?
4. In light of checks and balances with separation of powers of the Judiciary, legislature, and the executive when does a Political Financial decision compromise or override the rule of law?
5. Do courts of law under the current legal framework and parameters of reason and reality hold the legal right to victimize a party that has run to courts of law to seek justice and equally award costs to parties that have committed and admitted on court records to have committed an illegality?
6. Bank of Uganda having publicly come out and issued a notice supporting Diamond Trust Bank on carrying out financial institutions business in Uganda without a license thus openly promoting money laundering, Bank of Uganda equally having formerly applied to become friends of court with intention of supporting the illegal actions of Diamond Trust Bank (which was defeated on court records for they stood compromised evident from the public notice they had earlier issued supporting these illegal Acts of money laundering) despite the fact that we have seen Bank of Uganda close so many local Banks for far less offenses committed. Is Bank of Uganda by structure, Policy and operational system for or against the Financial Interests of Ugandans in light of the above?
7. What are the limitations of the powers of the Principal Judge on Judicial officers when handling a case filed by ordinary Ugandans in courts of law? It is evident from facts in this case that the Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Justice Flavian Zeija and Kiryowa Kiwanuka as facilitators of Judicial appointments, promotions and transfers hold unlimited powers on Judicial officers to influence any judgment in their interest regardless of what the law provides.
8. The company even raised a complaint with the Judicial Service commission on the 15th October 2020 but no legal proceedings or enquiries have been commenced against his actions by the commission. What should be the next procedure, step as a legal remedy under such circumstances?
9. Where does an ordinary Ugandan run to if the courts of law that are meant to protect them have turned into the very weapon of their destruction?
10. Where too much power and influence has been used and illustrated from all the above facts what gives Ham Enterprises assurance that the same won’t happen at the supreme court?
11. Do the Ugandan laws operate selectively, for we have seen so many ordinary Ugandans prosecuted and sentenced for minor offences yet Diamond Trust Bank having even admitted to committing an illegality we see Bank of Uganda standing by their side and courts of law shielding these illegalities?
12. Regulation 13 of the mortgage act provides that any person who requires to have legal proceedings filed against any financial institution is required by law to pay 30% of whatever disputed amounts to such financial institution which stands contrary, repugnant and inconsistent to article 28 of the Ugandan constitution that provides for the right to fair hearing. This puts a cost to justice before one can be heard by courts of law and it is a barrier to fair hearing only to protect the interests of these exploitative foreign Banks. Why is this unjust law still being administered in the legal court procedures for an unjust law can’t be law?
13. What are the implications of such a political judgement on the rule of law, on questions of illegalities and acts of money laundering, does it imply that money laundering is now legalized by such judgement or should all those sentenced to prison on counts of such illegalities be discharged as its evident that Bank officials that have committed the same are being shielded from prosecution by the legal arm. Does the law operate selectively?
14. In regard to legal practice doesn’t this create unfairness and imbalances where we have some lawyers pushing so hard within our legal framework and others invoking political power and intimidating judicial officers only to frustrate the entire legal process.
This case will make people to lose confidence in the judicial system where they will now resort to jungle law to resolve disputes. This will increase socio-economic insecurity due to the absence of the rule of law. The Bankers actions will frustrate Uganda’s efforts to attain Middle income status which must be supported by a robust commercial justice system which we now lack.
These are the kind of issues that can get a person killed. It should be remembered that around December 2020, media widely reported tycoon Hamis Kiggundu fearing for his life, however as Ugandans we have to stand strong for Uganda as we currently have a strong government in power and trust that will have these issues fully investigated and the culprits will be brought to justice for this is not a legal battle limited to financial benefits as many Ugandans presume but rather one for preservation of the rule of law, upholding democratic principles, safeguarding human rights and protection of our constitution as a country. Patriotism and nationalism should always come fast in all things we do as Ugandans.
The Author is an Economist and Financial Consultant at Elite Consult. He can be reached at: hasabubwenjd@gmail.com
The new Member of Parliament for Rukiga County in Rukiga district Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi has said his people of Rukiga will always be put first when he is legislating on the floor of the 11th Parliament.
The MP said this after taking oath of parliament as Uganda’s 11th Parliament MPs assume offices. Speaking at luncheon to celebrate his swearing in at Ndere Centre in Ntinda, Hon. Roland once again pledged to serve the people of Rukiga to the best of his ability and promised to fix most of the problems being faced with- “Tukitereeze” a sour campaign slogan.
“I am glad that our people believed in my manifesto and I promise that with my wide local and international connections, we shall achieve so much in the coming years,” Hon. Roland said.
Below is the full speech by Hon. Roland ;
Remarks by Hon Roland Ndyomugyenyi at the swearing-in ceremony as MP for Rukiga County Rukiga District- 19th May 2021 at Parliament of Uganda.
With utmost humility and a heart full of gratitude to the great people of Rukiga Constituency, my family, friendsand relatives who supported, voted and prayed for meduring this last election, I thank you. Your faith and trust in me humbled me and gave me the honor to begin a journey of unprecedented development agenda for our young district.
As I begin this journey, I pledge allegiance to the people of Rukiga and promise that they will always be put first when I am legislating on the floor of the 11th Parliament.
During the campaign period, I pledged to serve the people of Rukiga to the best of my ability and promised to fix most of the problems being faced with- “Tukitereeze” asour campaign slogan. I am glad that our people believed in my manifesto and I promise that with my wide local and international connections, we shall achieve so much in the coming years.
Here are my major areas to tackle during the next 5
Reduction of Poverty
I will legislate laws aimed at reducing poverty levels which are currently estimated at 26% nationally. This requires a multi-pronged approach and putting in place laws that are pro poor including taxation and ensuring equity and equality in resources distribution. In addition, there is a need to create an enabling environment for the people through increased service delivery and extension of income generating activities and projects
Agriculture
Agriculture is the engine of not only Rukiga’s economic growth but the whole country at large. Agriculture also remains the largest employer and my priority will be to increase farmer’s income and rural development.
The main cash crops grown in Uganda remain coffee, cotton, tobacco and tea with Rukiga’s traditionally grown food crops being potatoes, beans, onions and sorghum. The production of the above food crops is affected by over reliance on traditional farming methods, use of low fielding varieties, post-harvest losses, small farm sizes, limited access to finance and lastly presence of low market levels. Through government programmes, I will introduce the farming of cash crops so that people don’t only plant for food but also for income.
Health
Rukiga currently has a health system that is in dire state with no medicines, no doctors and other healthcare workers. I will lobby for a hospitable healthcare system that is universally accessible, affordable effective and drastically reduces the out of pocket spending on health. I will ensure that each sub county has a health centre III and the current 2 health centre IVs are upgraded to hospital levels with medical equipment and trained health workers.
Education
I believe that education is the most important and powerful tool for the advancement of the nation and the most potent weapon to fight poverty. Education in Rukiga needs to be revitalized and reorganized to make future generations proud of their culture, heritage, history and also creating confidence in the students of Rukiga and the country at large.
“Every effort shall be made to ensure equality of opportunity access and success to all learners; creating a harmonious and cohesive learning environment that produces high skilled people who are employable in the long run. Education should not only lead to employability but also job creation and entrepreneurship by introducing a national multi skills orientation”.
Youth Empowerment and Music, Dance & Drama
The future of Uganda lies in the youngsters of our society, with their potential, I considers the youth as the most productive asset of the nation who can make it possible for our economy to achieve our intended double digit growth given the opportunity to flourish. I will mobilizethe Youth for self help projects and lobby the government through the current available opportunities for the youths to ensure that their incomes improve, their skills are enhanced and through music, dance & drama, their talents are identified and harnessed.
Infrastructure
Considering the poor roads network in the country and Rukiga in particular, with the attendant implication of this problem on the cost of doing business and the mobility of people and produce, I will work and fast track the process of tarmacking all roads proposed by government in the district, ensure road funds are properly utilized and also the funding for roads in increased. In addition, I will lobby for Rukiga to share on the proposed community access and district roads that are to be implemented in the next 5 years.
Water is essential for both home use and industrial production. I will collaborate with the relevant authorities to extend safe water supply to areas where there’scurrently no water, which will reduce on the burden of both children women going to wells or boreholes to fetch water. “I will lobby to make sure the Rukiga benefits from the support of rural water supply projects being implemented by the ministry of water and environment”.
I will ensure that almost every house has access to electricity by 2026, by lobbying for energy projectscurrently being implemented by Rural Electricity Agency (REA) and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
We shall address the cause of poor service delivery to the people of Uganda and Rukiga in particular and ensure that every coin appropriated by government is put to good use, delivers value for money and is fully accounted for in support of improved production and competitiveness for our country. The biggest challenge to service delivery in uganda is corruption and poor accountability. I will champion anti corruption and anti bribery policies using the available government structures to enhance social services delivery to our people.
“It is indeed a privilege to share my thoughts with you the citizens of Rukiga district on our grand vision and mission to move our district’s socio economic agenda forward through delivering a strong, prosperous economic and a secure modern society thus the theme “lets fix it”, Tukitereze.
I promised to be an effective and transformational leader ensuring efficiency at every level of government so that every citizen as a Ugandan especially in Rukiga has a voice and can directly benefit from any development agenda. The waste of resources of the state through corruption shall be fought with vigour and determination.
“There should be no limit to what we and our generation can achieve. It’s our time to fix, redirect the socio economic agenda for ourselves and successive generations to come. Be the change you want and let us fix and work together towards the noble ideas that can move our country and Rukiga district forward from now and tomorrow,”
“I believe with all my experience in my past leaderships, I shall lead Rukiga with the right agenda. I am not promising the impossible, I have done my research thus my promises are viable. I should say that the chance has come for us to bring a change and the power is in our hands now. Thank you and God bless
Little more fills the Ugandan football faithful with more pride than the name Denis Onyango. Accumulating an impressive 82 caps for the Uganda Cranes, and receiving numerous awards along the way, Onyango truly is a legend of the Ugandan game.
Here we will take a fond trip down memory lane as we assess the career of one of Uganda’s greatest footballing servants.
Born in Uganda’s capital Kampala, Onyango went on to have a varied youth career, sharing his services amongst three institutions, namely at Sharing, then later at Nsambya. His most notable youth career club was where he went on to establish himself in Uganda, at Villla SC. The club, based in the Wakiso district was where Onyango made the jump from his youth league career to his senior professional career.
He only spent a single season at Villa SC, but in that time, managed to establish himself as a club legend, building his senior footballing reputation. He turned in an impressive record where he began developing a solid name in the shot stopping business, later attracting the interest of Ethiopan giants ST. George SA.
His performances in the 2004-2005 season were enough to secure him a spot in goal for the Cranes in a world cup qualifier against Cape Verde. All it took was one performance for Onyango to become a regular starter for the Ugandan national team.
Moving back to his club career, Onyango was again able to achieve plenty in just one season, as he became a local legend at St. George SA. His performances attracted the interests of arguably the continent’s most desirable footballing destination: South Africa’s Premier Soccer League. In 2006, he was approached by Supersport United, one of South Africa’s premier footballing establishments.
Onyango went on to spend an impressive four seasons at Supersport United, and while there, he managed to log in 70 appearances, and even managed to net a goal. After a successful four year stint with the Pretoria based club, he was released, and was picked up by Mpumalanga Black Aces on a free transfer.
For the third time in his career, Onyango only spent one season at a club, as he racked up sixteen appearances for the Black Aces, turning in performances that began attracting the interests of one of South Africa’s most successful clubs, the Mamelodi Sundowns.
Onyango managed to secure a dream move to “The Brazilians” (Sundowns’ nickname) in 2011, and has firmly established himself as a crowd favourite. It was at the Lucas Moripe Masterpieces stadium where the Ugandan international came into his own, and started to grow into the legend that he was bound to become He forged a strong reputation as a reliable shot stopper, with a knack for keeping penalties out of the net.
He remains at Mamelodi Sundowns to this day, and has already been capped 117 for the Pretoria based heavyweights. Onyango went on to win PSL Goalkeeper of the tournament with Sundowns, as he helped them secure their record high points tally of 71 in the 2015/16 season. He further went on to produce 14 clean sheets for the Downs that season, a feat that speaks for itself.
Onyango’s current team faces Supersport United, a team is very familiar with, in the PSL, and are clear favourites to win the fixture, according to local betting giants Hollywoodbets. What’s clear to see is that Onyango’s career has been rich and fruitful, often being rated the number one goalkeeper on the continent.
Kennedy Zziwa the proprietor of Hair by Zziwa over the weekend celebrated five years of being in the hair business. Wha was started 5 years ago by Keneddy Zziwa has become a household name and has worked on most celebrities when it comes to their hair needs.
Zziwa decided to surprise all his employees and when they all thought it was a normal working Sunday, they were shocked to find a party bus, and instead of entering the Saloon, they were told to hop into the bus.
The two-day celebration that was organised by Brian Lion started with a trio of the employees on the party bus to Entebbe.
They made a stopover at Spenah beach, had lunch enjoyed the water before they hit the road again. Day two saw Zziwa and his employees wake up as early as 5 am for the team building session that was kicked off with early morning exercises and later a workshop for the employees was held. Hosted by Deedan Muyiira at 7o7 Safaris, the afternoon was characterised by live band performances, a speech from Zziwa on his humble beginnings, award-giving, cake cutting, and a barbecue.
The celebrations invited only a few of some of their loyal customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic that still has big gatherings on lockdown. Singer Eddy Kenzo, Andrew Kyamagero, and comedian Patrick Salvador Indringi were some of the invited guests that graced the event.
When everyone expected Kenzo to perform, he kind of disappointed all of them when he got the microphone and instead gave an encouraging speech to Zziwa.
Because of the ban on events and the curfew that starts at 9 pm, the event ended at 6:30, and at 7:00 pm everyone had left the venue.
Here are some of the employees that received medals.
The workhorse of the year- Nyongeza Kelly
Team player of the year- Lubowa
Role model of the year- Adam Kikoyo
Moneymaker- Gift Ninkiza
Client’s favorite- Atugonza Harold
The employee of the year in Banda – Tumushabe
The employee of the year Kisementi- Nyongeza Kelle.
It’s been over a year since the emergence of COVID-19 in Uganda which tested the fortitude of many of the country’s structures, the health sector the most.
Around the steep slopes and hills of Kabale district, news of the virus outbreak broke at Kabale regional referral hospital.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital is a 280 bed hospital located in Kabale Municipality in Southwestern Uganda, approximately 426 Kilometers from Kampala.
The hospital serves a population of about 2 million people in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kanungu and some parts of Ntungamo as well as people from neighboring countries of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
But for two weeks, the very important and strategic referral hospital was closed off to other patients due to the news of the COVID-19 outbreak at the facility.
Patients with other diseases were forced to look for alternatives in the town for survival.
A few kilometres away from the referral hospital sits Kamukira health centre IV, a once incomplete deserted building blossomed into a storied building canopied by red iron sheets.
It was in Kamukira health centre IV that the stranded patients found solace. Kamukira health center IV serves a catchment population of 8,778 but receives about 4000 patients both in and outpatients on a monthly basis.
The hospital according to the facility in charge had to step up and take up majority of the patients suffering from other diseases which it handled successfully thanks to its structure and facilities.
In-patient admissions
The story would have been different back in 2016 when Kamukira did not have the ability to admit patients, with the exception of the maternity ward.
Most in-patients used to be referred to other facilities.
“Patients used to fear since the facility did not have the capacity to admit,” Paddy Mwesigye, the facility in-charge narrated.
A new dawn
However, in 2019, MTN as part of its MTN @20 anniversary celebrations funded the completion of outstanding building works, electricity installations, plumbing installations and finishing.
The telecom giant handed over UGX 300million refurbished maternity and children’s ward to the health centre through its corporate social responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation.
According to Mwesigye, the completion of the main in-patient structure by MTN Uganda Foundation has solved issues of low turn-up and enabled them treat and admit patients during the lockdown.
Because of the presence of an inpatient structure, there is now an increase in inpatient admissions which has led to reduced decongestion of Kabale regional referral hospital.
Surgery
MTN also went on to acquire a generator, beddings including: 20 mattresses, 20 metallic beds, 20 mosquito nets and 20 Blankets which have enabled the health centre carry out operations in the theatre.
“The wards did not have a water system in place. MTN Uganda Foundation put flashing water in all those toilets and wash facilities,” he further explains.
The community in Kabale district lauds MTN and is “very appreciative and beyond grateful” as they are enjoying a neat and conducive environment at the hospital.
Goodlyfe Magic music label’s singer Douglas Sseguya Mayanja famously known as Weasel made an appearance in church last Sunday after quite a while.
This was at Pastor Wilson Bugembe’s Worship House Church, Nansana.
Weasel Manizo and Pastor Wilson Bugembe
The ragamuffin felt relieved and overwhelmed with joy in God’s presence.
When he was invited on stage by Pr. Bugembe, Weasel showcased a vibrant praise and worship session alongside the church choir.
In a celebratory mood, Weasel revealed his alleviation following his church experience again after a long time.
“Am very happy to be here today. Am grateful for the invite to church today. I can nolonger control my joy Pastor. I have never imagined that its such joy before God. God is great.
Am out of my mind now as I talk. Am used to singing for many people but today’s experience is beyond me because God is now here,” Weasel Manizo said.
The ‘Ebyakabi’ singer also testified of God’s work and love in his life to point of bringing him to church without his mutual consent.
“I have no idea how I have got to this place but am sure its God’s power. Am very sorry for having arrived late due to heavy traffic jam but by the Lord’s grace we have finally arrived,” he added.
Pastor Wilson Bugembe is the senior pastor at Worship House Church located in Nansana Wakiso district and here is where he often invites celebrities to praise and worship God together with the congregation.
Its such a devastating mood for renowned Ugandan music composer, writer, producer and singer Joshua Kiberu a.k.a Yesse Oman Rafiki after his Facebook page was hacked.
Yesse Oman Rafiki
According to the multi-award-winning song writer, his Facebook page was hacked in December 2020 by yet unidentified individuals.
Since then, he has not been able to access it to share with his followers.
However, Yesse promises to make a comeback with a new Facebook page.
He also tips about his new album that will be released shortly.
“Hello family, they hacked into my Facebook page but am back and soon creating a new page. I will also be releasing my album soon. i hope we are fine. I think I last posted here in December 2020,” Yesse Oman wrote on his Facebook account.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Mr. Alfred Okidi led the Tororo Archdiocese on a tree planting exercise in Mbale as a way of boosting the ROOTs Campaign which was launched in March this year.
The Running Out Of Trees campaign, also commonly known as the ROOTs campaign is an initiative that has brought together both the private/public sectors together to raise awareness about the adverse impact of tree cutting activities on our environment.
This initiative between the Ministry of Water and Environment in partnership with the private sector led by Uganda Breweries Limited with support of various corporate and private organizations was innovated to implement the National Greening Campaign that was officially launched in 2020.
Given the restrictions of the Global Covid-19 pandemic that broke out early last year, a ROOTs App was created to make it easy for the public to take part in the campaign by buying a tree seedling through the App at only UGX1500 to ensure that a tree is planted on their behalf.
The Vicar General Tororo Archdiocese, Reverend Father Chrsitopher Emuseet said, “As the catholic church we are happy to take part in such a great cause because as Christians, God expects us to take care of the environment and one way of doing it is by restoring what has been destroyed.’’
In the last decade, Uganda has carried out several Policies, Legal and Institutional Reforms aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s forest resources.
Among the key reforms include putting in place of the National Forestry Policy 2001 and enactment of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003. Despite these interventions, the country continues to lose forest cover at a very alarming rate due to deforestation.
Speaking at the event Mr. Alfred Okidi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment said that the Ministry is ready to welcome more partners on board because the campaign is built around engaging local stakeholders in attaining national restoration goals, through increased public awareness and participation with the aim to rally Ugandans especially the private sector into action in the conservation and protection of indigenous tree species to address ongoing loss and conversion of primary and secondary natural forest.
Uganda’s most respected faces on local television channels all the way from the leading television station NBS Television Mr . Edwin Katamba famously known as MC Kats and Mr. Douglas Lwanga finally are eating well after landing on a multi million deal of Uganda Aids Commission.
It should be remembered that in December 2019 , The Top City emcee and Television presenter Mc Kats announced being HIV/ Aids positive. Many people across the world more especially his fans and friends got shocked but this Star was so firm on his point . Many charity organizations that are fighting Aids across the world saw him as savior to young while contacting him for a business.
Over the past few years, Uganda’s entertainment industry, together with the beauty and fashion industries have proven to be a force to reckon with and have boosted Uganda’s economy greatly.
The event which is set to take place from midday to 9:00pm on Sunday 30th May 2021 at Protea Hotel Gardens in Kololo is expected to be all glitz and glamour where all people who love exclusivity, sophistication and class will socialize, network and generally let down their hair in a beautifully set atmosphere.
Vision Voice for Africa (VVAF), an organization based in Malaysia but founded by a Nigerian has come to Uganda. The organization that is championed by Okwunwanne Mmaduka has partnered with Ugandan organisations like Alice Foundation for Human Rights (AFHR), Equality Uganda, Wezi, Kystal Hands Foundation and Mazungumzo.
“Slave trade is a battle that was fought many years ago and was won by our great grandparents but todate, it was been replaced by sex trafficking, illegal migration and other migration challenges among others” Okwunwanne. He went on to say that the importance of the campaign is to raise awaireness among victims, Governments, Civil society and the private sector. The campaign also seeks to build cooperation with all stakeholders to harness a network of people, professionals working against abhorrent vices.
Mr Okwunwanne also commended President Museveni for his speech during the commemoration of the 2021 Labour Day celebrations where he condemns labour exports. Okwunwanne quoted President Museveni saying, “For me, I don’t believe in Labour export. Countries that externalize labour are countries that have missed something. I have proof. I have never seen South Koreans exporting labour, the only South Korean I have seen is Ban Ki-moon. South Korea is half the size of Uganda but you don’t see them. Me I am now for the south Korean approach.”
A son of the African soil, MC Norman uses his power of making music to cross borders without a passport.
As the race for who takes over the helm of 11th Parliament boils, Internal Security Organisation (ISO) rolled out clandestine survey to establish who is a favoured candidate among the two rivalries- Hon Jacob Oulanyah and Hon Rebecca Kadaga.
However, they were warned that Diamond Trust Bank had hired a political lawyer Kiryowa Kiwanuka with political influence from the upmost political structure where regardless of how much evidence they lawfully held, they stood no chance of receiving justice from courts of law.
The new Member of Parliament for Rukiga County in Rukiga district Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi has said his people of Rukiga will always be put first when he is legislating on the floor of the 11th Parliament.
With utmost humility and a heart full of gratitude to the great people of Rukiga Constituency, my family, friendsand relatives who supported, voted and prayed for meduring this last election, I thank you. Your faith and trust in me humbled me and gave me the honor to begin a journey of unprecedented development agenda for our young district.
The main cash crops grown in Uganda remain coffee, cotton, tobacco and tea with Rukiga’s traditionally grown food crops being potatoes, beans, onions and sorghum. The production of the above food crops is affected by over reliance on traditional farming methods, use of low fielding varieties, post-harvest losses, small farm sizes, limited access to finance and lastly presence of low market levels. Through government programmes, I will introduce the farming of cash crops so that people don’t only plant for food but also for income.
Little more fills the Ugandan football faithful with more pride than the name Denis Onyango. Accumulating an impressive 82 caps for the Uganda Cranes, and receiving numerous awards along the way, Onyango truly is a legend of the Ugandan game.
Kennedy Zziwa the proprietor of Hair by Zziwa over the weekend celebrated five years of being in the hair business. Wha was started 5 years ago by Keneddy Zziwa has become a household name and has worked on most celebrities when it comes to their hair needs.
The two-day celebration that was organised by Brian Lion started with a trio of the employees on the party bus to Entebbe.
The celebrations invited only a few of some of their loyal customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic that still has big gatherings on lockdown. Singer Eddy Kenzo, Andrew Kyamagero, and comedian Patrick Salvador Indringi were some of the invited guests that graced the event.
Because of the ban on events and the curfew that starts at 9 pm, the event ended at 6:30, and at 7:00 pm everyone had left the venue.
Here are some of the employees that received medals.
