Category Archives: Uganda

BURUNDIAN PRESIDENT NKURUNZIZA TO OPEN INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IN KAMPALA ON FRIDAY

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza will on Friday officially open this year’s annual Uganda International Trade Fair (UGITF) organised by the Uganda Manufacturers Association.

This comes at a time Burundi is seeking to attract more Ugandan investors in sectors like education, energy, communication, and construction.

T.S Mukasa, the trade fair manager, explained that exhibitors and business visitors would be involved in business-related fora, workshops and conferences through the first three days of the week-long fair.

LUKEWARM START? Van Hassan Hussein, the China Machines Uganda engineer, explains to the showgoers how the walking tractor works. The firm deals in agro-processing technology

Though the meetings are importance to the international traders, by yesterday morning when they were supposed to begin, there were no organisers nor participants in the UMA Conference Hall.

They are held to create development ideas, business partnerships and showcase new innovations and technology. The 18th annual trade fair runs from October 6 to11.

Over 920 exhibitors from more than 38 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe are participating, up from 900 exhibited last year.

“The increase of participants benefits the association to improve the infrastructure of the exhibition halls and to also boost the activities of the association,” Mukasa said.

“The fair will offer companies a platform to launch new products and make direct contact with the consumers.”

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New rail line to link Uganda and Southern Sudan capital of juba is to commence soon

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

-The $3b investment will help open up regional markets
-It covers 725 kilometres
A German-based firm, Thysssen Krupp, is to head a multi-billion railway project that will link Gulu in northern Uganda with Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan, highlighting increasing investment appetite in the Great Lakes region.

The huge infrastructure investment, estimated to be between $2b and $3b, will cover laying the rail network, covering about 725 kilometres, helping open up regional markets for more cost-competitive import and export of commodities.The government owned NEWVISION online reported this morning.

“Constructing improved haulage links promotes economic upswing and lower prices for consumer goods and additional jobs are created,” Stefan Ettwig, the firm’s spokesman, said.

“Railways are needed for transporting the (region’s) abundant mineral resources.”

The announcement comes at a time when the Great Lakes region comprising 11 countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania Rwanda, Burundi, Southern Sudan, and DR Congo are facing high transport costs due to an inefficient rail network.

Studies show that transport between Uganda and Kenya alone costs more than $0.13 per tonne/kilometre due to heavy reliance on trucking. This has skyrocketed the cost of doing business in the region.

ThyssenKrupp, the world steel maker, is involved via its Gleistechnik subsidiary, along with the US firm, Ayr Logistics, and the Russian engineering firm Mos Metrostroy.

An option for an extension of the line to Wau in southern Sudan and links to Kenyan and Ethiopian networks is under consideration.

The existing Uganda-Kenya railway network was sold to a consortium known as Rift Valley Railway, which has been embroiled in power struggle, which has stalled the desired rehabilitation and improvement of the railway system.

The shareholding is composed of Citadel Capital, Trans Century, Mirambo Holdings, Prime Fuels, Austrialia’s Babcock and Brown, plus a Ugandan investor.

Businesses are frustrated that while rail transport is cheaper than road, most cargo is being hauled on road, denying them the edge in a regional market that is becoming increasingly competitive.

The long chain of transportation makes Uganda vulnerable to any problems arising along the way, and immediately results into delays in supplies delivery, causing shortages and artificial price hikes

The Uganda-Sudan railway idea was conceived in 2004 after a feasibility study.

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Kenya, Uganda, USA: East Africa Radio -Swahili/English

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From EAST AFRICA

All are Welcome to- Listen to Swahili/English radio online and on the phone.

www.blogtalkradio.com/denzel-musumba.

Or dial 1-347-857-1206 .6pm Est. 3pm Pst. 5pm Cst.-Us Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania(Africa) Europe, Uk

On face-book request denzel musumba to be your friend and click on the wall to listen live daily.

www.eastafricaradiousa.com -for all repeat shows.

We want to welcome you to East Africa Radio USA broadcasting from our Las Vegas and New York studios. Currently we are the fastest and leading media house in the diaspora broadcasting daily in Swahili and English languages, we targets all persons from African continent who are in the diaspora and back home. With hot topic issues of discussion like political, social , economic matters and life issues among them news, sports ,music and shouts segments. We are what you deserve-hosted by Kenya’s Multi-talented broadcaster….Denzel Musumba.

We have had wonderful interviews with some Personalities like:-Leonard Mambo Mbotela,Fred Obachi Machoka, Kenyan Amb. in Canada H.E Simeon Nabukwesi, Hon Wycliffe Oparanya Gitahi Kanyeki (Senior Superintendent of Police- from Kenya Fighting corruption in the Kenyan forces and citizens.) Presidential Candidates- Hon. Martha Karua, Dr. Solomon Kimuyu, Prof: George Wajakoya among others. Our Listeners range from all regions eg US, Europe- Greece, Russia, Belgium UK,Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kenya,Uganda,Tanzania, China, Japan and many more. Our goal is to be a 24 hour broadcasting radio station and airing from London,Dubai, Kenya and here in the US for 6 hours from each studio. We do outside broadcast for events and functions- eg Memorial weekend in Dallas, women conference in California, Jamuhuri wood Awards in Boston, we have been to Delaware, New York, New Jersery, DC, Maryland and we have other events lined up through out the year to different states.

For interviews that would promote your products, company, organization, project or anything that would interest our listeners as well as advertise please do contact us at:- 347 666 2850 or sales@eastafricaradiousa.com We have now been able to get the different organizations in the diaspora to start working on having one united union so as we can unit Kenyans and move forward towards changing our country.. Listen to the radio, tell your friends and family, it’s a lot of fun and very entertaining. Taking us back home while still here in the diaspora. Bringing Africans together in the diaspora… Sauti Ya Diaspora. One people one voice. East Africa Radio USA

1101 E. Tropicana #2189
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Tel: 347 666 2850
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Sincerely.
Denzel Musumba & Mary Wangechi.

Uganda: Police in man-hunt for a catholic priest who disappeared with a vehicle he had hired

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Reports LeoOdera Omolo

THE Police in Tororo are hunting for a Catholic priest in connection with theft of a car worth sh13m, NEWVISION has reported..
Father Gerald Mangada attached to Kwapa Catholic parish of Tororo diocese allegedly hired a saloon car registration UAL 395T, Toyota Premo in Tororo on September 4, only to sell it in Kampala at sh6.1m before he disappeared.

According to the Police, the vehicle was recovered from the buyer after a two-week search by the Police Rapid Response Unit.

The Tororo district officer in charge of crime, Isabella Amejja, said on Monday that a criminal file No.CRB18/95 had been opened against the priest.

Police records indicate that Mangada hired the saloon car from David Wakela, a special-hire driver in Tororo town.

“The priest hired the vehicle on self-drive terms, only to disappear with it for two weeks,” Wakela said.

Godfrey Okurwon, the owner of the car, said Wakela used to make his remittances on a weekly basis.

“When my driver could neither make his remittances nor trace my vehicle, I reported the matter to Tororo Central Police Station.”

The officer in charge of the Police station, Aggrey Isabirye, said detectives visited the Catholic diocese in Kwapa to establish whether fellow priests there knew the whereabouts of Mangada, but did not receive a good reception.

“The residence was almost empty as the priest had already taken away nearly all his valuables,” said Isabirye.

He said the priest is believed to have left the country.

David Ogwang, a longtime friend of the priest, said he unknowingly negotiated the sale of the car.

“The priest called me to look out for a potential buyer of a saloon car, saying he had an urgent problem,” Ogwang said in a statement to the Police.

Ogwang, who had no reason to doubt his friend, sourced for the buyer who agreed to pay sh6.1m.

In the sale agreement, the buyer agreed to pay sh5m in cash and the rest in three days.

“The buyer agreed to obtain the logbook of the car upon clearance of the sh1.1m balance,” Ogwang stated.

He said he only discovered that the sale was fraudulent after the buyer paid the balance. For days, he tried to trace the priest, both physically and on phone, but failed to get him, he narrated.

“The car buyer gave me a lot of headache yet I could not trace the priest.”

He said one of the priests informed him in confidence that the priest had disappeared.

Ogwang said he later learnt that the vehicle did not belong to the priest. “I could not believe that Fr. Mangada could engage in such an illegal transaction,” he said.

Ogwang said he immediately reported to the Police.

“I was compelled to sell my new RAV4 car at sh12m to pay the buyer,” he lamented.

Okurwon said he recovered his car at Old Kampala Police Station but added that he was unhappy because it was damaged.

Okurwon has demanded over sh4m from the Catholic diocese of Tororo as compensation for the damage.

“I’ve had audience with the authorities of the Tororo Catholic diocese but they insisted that they had to consult their lawyer,” said Okurwon.

Efforts to get a comment from the Catholic church in Tororo were fruitless. Archbishop Dennis Lote Kiwanuka declined to talk to the New Vision reporter who visited the diocesan office at St. Peter’s College, Tororo.

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Uganda tables a new Bill in Parliament to protect the endangerd Albino people

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Reports leo Odera Omolo

ALBINISM has been included in the new disability coding by the gender, labour and social development ministry, state minister Emmanuel Otaala said. The minister tabled the National Council for Disability Amendment Bill, 2010, which contained the new list, before Parliament yesterday.

Albinos have been complaining of neglect by the Government, having been excluded from the 2006 Persons with Disability Act.the NEWVISION has reported

An albino woman and her children at a recent meeting in Mbale

They argue that the exclusion deters them from benefiting from development programmes as they suffer stigma and discrimination.

Albinism is a condition where a person is born without enough skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is a chemical that colours the skin, eyes, and hair. Without it, people look pale and their hair may appear yellow.

In the Bill, the disabled are categorised as sensory disabilities, physical disabilities, including those whose limbs have been amputated. Deformities, including lower limbs, spinal cord injuries, rheumatism, club feet and albinism are also included.

The Bill also seeks to streamline the election of persons with disabilities to Parliament and local government councils. Representatives will now be chosen basing on their political party affiliations in accordance with the multi-party system through the formation of electoral colleges.

“In forming electoral colleges, gender should be taken into consideration,” Otaala said. The Electoral Commission will be required to facilitate the formation of electoral colleges at different levels of government.

In addition, the EC shall appoint returning officers and presiding officers for the purpose of conducting elections of representatives of persons with disabilities.

“Any person with disabilities who meets national standards for elections has a right to contest for any elective office to represent persons with disabilities,” reads the Bill.

At every level of representation, a committee of five members shall have a representative of the blind, deaf, physically disabled, women with disabilities and youth with disabilities.

The district executive committee members shall form four regional electoral colleges to elect four representatives to Parliament and a woman representative, according to the Bill

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Albino people in Uganda want to be treated in the same category with the disabled

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

ALBINOS have petitioned the Government to include them in the category of people with disability to enable them benefit from development programmes.

Joseph Katete, the chairman of the Elgon Foundation for Persons with Albinism (EFPA), said there was need for the Government to build schools for children with albinism.

The albinos attending a meeting at Dreamland Inn in Mbale town on Saturday. They want to be included in the category of persons with disabilities

“Albinos have sight problems and, therefore, cannot study well in class with other children and this situation is sometimes compounded by stigma and discrimination,” he noted.

Katete also called for the need to help albinos get specialised doctors and access items like sunscreen, caps and sunglasses to protect them from the sun.

He was speaking at one-day meeting at Dreamland Inn in Mbale town on Saturday.

The participants observed that the Persons With Disability Act of 2006 defined disability narrowly, thereby excluding albinos.

Musa Kimaswa, who studied business studies at the Mbale based Islamic University, said this may explain why they are never considered for affirmative action.

The meeting came up with a one-year budget proposal of about sh40m.

The participants expect to solicit the money from members, government agencies, NGOs and the community.

It is hoped that when the funds are secured, the albinos will be able get an office, carry out advocacy programmes in the communities and train members in entrepreneurship skills.

The participants resolved to continue demanding for their rights and equalisation of opportunities using national and international legislation.

EFPA, which brings together albinos from Mbale, Kapchorwa, Manafwa, Bududa and Sironko districts, was founded two years ago with 15 members. It now has 64 members.

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Uganda elections; UPC leader wants to meet Musevebiu to discuss the modalities of free and fair elections

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Reports Leo Odera Omlo

UGANDA People’s Congress (UPC) president Olara Otunnu wants to meet President Yoweri Museveni and other political party leaders to discuss modalities for free and fair 2011 elections.

“I am aware that President Museveni has repeatedly said he is committed to free and fair elections. Let him accept to meet me and the leaders of other political parties so that we jointly discuss what ought to be done for free and fair elections,” Otunnu said in an interview with The New Vision yesterday at Uganda house.

The former UN diplomat said unlike many other opposition politicians who are preoccupied with capturing power through all possible means; he is preoccupied with advocating for peace and unity of all Ugandans.

“By the way, it should be known that I have no problem with Museveni continuing as the President of Uganda as long he has been elected in a free and fair election. I don’t mind if Museveni rules for as many years as he wants so long us Ugandans freely vote him,” Otunnu explained.

Otunnu said in that meeting of leaders of political parties, church leaders and civil society organizations, should all be included an open public dialogue on the necessary steps that should be taken to ensure peaceful free and fair elections in the 2011 general elections.

“The various categories of Uganda leaders should stop hiding their heads in the sand concerning the issues at stake. There is a clear writing on the wall that the 2011 elections will not be peaceful. Besides the signals from the violent NRM primaries, opposition parties don’t trust the Electoral Commission, the people of Buganda feel they have been trodden upon, and various groups of Ugandans habour bitterness on a number of things the government has not addressed, ” Otunnu argued.

The Uganda constitution provides for establishment of a Political Parties’ Platform where all parties are supposed to come together and discuss issues of national interest and common purpose for the good of the nation, though it has been nonfunctional.

“The situation in Uganda is 100 times worse than was in Kenya as they moved to their previous general elections that ended in destructive violence. Uganda is more vulnerable to election related violence than Kenya was. Whoever truly loves Ugandans should do something to save the people from bloodshed. I have traversed the globe and I know that in all the countries where there is bloodshed and conflicts the situation was as it is today in Uganda,” he added.

Otunnu said President Museveni went to the bush to fight the injustice of vote rigging and should therefore be the first person to support measures aimed at ensuring free and fair elections.

“The issue of a free and fair election is a matter of national interest that oversteps individual and party interests. Let us have an urgent joint gathering of all stakeholders so that we settle the question of free and fair elections once and for all. In that meeting, we shall agree on modality of instituting an Electoral Commission that is trusted by all stakeholders,” he stated.

He cited the September Hillary Clinton report to the congress on the 2011 Uganda elections which concluded that the Uganda government took no action to further the independence of the Electoral Commission.

Otunnu challenged President Museveni to accept his request on basis of his Christian values.

“Museveni always confesses that he is a devoted Christian. The founder of Christianity Jesus Christ told us to treat others as we would want them to treat us. That is the path to fairness and justice. This is therefore a trying moment for Museveni’s Christian credentials and as a crusader of patriotism. If Museveni fails to take the right path he will be harshly judged by history,” Otunnu appealed.

Otunnu and other UPC leaders pulled out of the Inter-Party Cooperation which had sought to jointly dislodge Museveni reportedly after the alliance gave up the fight for an independent Electoral Commission.

“There is no way we can have free and fair elections unless we have instituted an EC agreed upon by all stakeholders and then the new EC cleans up the voter’s register of all the ghost voters. We want fairness, we want justice,” Otunnu appealed.

General elections are slated for between February and March next year. Over 40 presidential aspirants including his main political rival Kizza Besigye have picked nomination forms, although just fewer than ten might contest.

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UGANDA: ROW HAS ERUPTED OVER THE WINNER OF MISS UGANDA COMPETITION

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From: Leo Odera Omolo

A row has erupted over the winner of the Miss Uganda 2010 pageant. Hazmie Nansubuga, 25, was crowned shortly before mid-night on Saturday at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.,the NEWVISION reported this morning

Miss Uganda 2010 Hazmie Nansubuga is flanked by Barbara Kajote on the left and Gloria Atuhairwe on the right

The sales representative from Jinja beat 11 other finalists to the crown after three hours on the catwalk.

Barbara Kajote was 1st runner-up, while Gloria Atuhaire came second.

“I will represent Uganda well in the Miss World contest, because I am good-natured, intelligent, confident and beautiful,” a beaming Nansubuga told journalists after being declared winner.

But shortly after she had been announced winner, Allan Kasujja, a Capital FM presenter, and one of the four judges, told journalists that Nansubuga was not the contestant the judges had chosen as the winner.

Kasujja said they had unanimously chosen Aisha Nagudi as winner.

Nagudi, a 21-year-old second-year law student of Makerere University, had earlier in the evening won two of the three catwalk sessions; the traditional and evening wear.

Another judge said the judges had chosen Nagudi because she was exceptionally tall.

“Height is a very prized quality at the Miss World pageant. Since the winner is going to represent Uganda in the world pageant, we felt Nagudi’s height stood a better chance of winning out there,” the judge said.

Nansubuga, according to the judge, was the first runner-up.

But Joyce Church, the Miss World licence holder for Miss Uganda and event organiser, said the judges’ decision was not final since winning was not solely based on the activities of the evening.

She said the judges’ marks were added onto those which the organisers had awarded the girls during the three-week boot-camp in Entebbe.

“There are many things in the boot-camp for which the judges can’t give marks. We judge the girls on their interpersonal communication, organisational skills, etiquette, discipline and character,” Church said.

Nansubuga, she said, won on the strength of the qualities she exhibited during the camp.

But Kasujja said the judges were not informed before hand that their decision would not be final, which Church denies.

However, an independent source said judges at beauty pageants are not supposed to know the identity of the winner before the final announcement is made as was the case here.

“Each judge submits their score sheet to the organisers independently. A tally is then made, from which the winner is determined.”

Last year, controversy broke out after Maria Namiiro, a UK citizen of Ugandan ancestry, who had earlier won Miss Uganda UK, was announced Miss Uganda.

This is the second time Joyce Church, under her company, Performance Production Ltd, is organising the pageant

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Uganda has detained top Al-qaeda commander among the bomb suspects

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

THE second-in-command of the East Africa al-Qaeda terrorist cell, Omar Awadh Omar, is among the twin bomb suspects charged and remanded to Luzira Prisons, according to new intelligence information.
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The government owned NEWVISION has reported inits latest online news postings

OmarAwadh Omar was charged in court last week alongside a Muslim human rights activist, Al Amin Kimathi, for the murder of 79 people in the July 11 twin bomb blasts in Kampala.

It emerged yesterday that Awadh, a Kenyan citizen, is high in the hierarchy of the terror cell and is second to the region’s al-Qaeda boss Harun Fazul, according to The Nairobi Star, a Kenyan newspaper.

Details filtering in indicate that Awadh coordinated the horrid July attacks at the Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala and at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Lugogo, which also left more than 50 people injured.

Both Awadh and Al Amin were charged in court after being arrested in a city hotel on September 15. They were arrested alongside Mbugua Mureithi, a Kenyan defence lawyer, who was later released and flown back to Kenya.

Kenyan intelligence and police sources point at Awadh, also known as Abu Sahal, as the top logistician of the East African al-Qaeda cell and the al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.

After the twin attacks in Kampala, the two were reportedly planning a similar attack in Kenya, sources said.

Sources intimated that the planning of the Kampala attack dates back to 2008. This followed the killing by the US of Saleh Nabhan, the then number two to Fazul. The network then started the mission, dispatching several key players to Somalia for training and indoctrination.

Regional intelligence sources say Awadh, a second-hand car dealer, recruits youth from Kenya and neighbouring countries into the terror cells, which have spread their activities to Uganda and Tanzania.

The details lend credence to remarks by Police chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura in August that the cell was operating bases in the country and recruiting from countries in the region.

Sources added that Awadh facilitates the travel and training of the recruits in Somalia, usually coordinated by a cell in Nairobi.

According to the network structure, Omar Badrudin (head of al-Qaeda intelligence) and Bilal el Berjawi report directly to Fazul. Below Omar is Hussein Hassan Agade, Jabir, Mohammed Ali and Hahim Mohammed Suleiman, alias Abu Zeinab (the head of the Nairobi cell).

About 34 suspects, including Hassan Agade, have been charged with the killings. The arrest of Awadh and Agade means that Uganda now has two top commanders of the terror cells of al-Shabaab and al-Qaeda.

How the Kampala twin bombing was planned

July 6, 2010: JABIR travels to Uganda for the final arrangements, which include the final assembling of bombs in vests and bags. He also teaches a Somali boy how to fix detonators and to test to confirm if they are operational.

Jabir advises Issa Luyima to find someone who will execute the mission in the third target, since they are short of a third suicide bomber. It is than that Issa brings Hassan Luyima on board. Issa tells Edris Nsubuga and Hassan Luyima that the mission will be executed on July 11 during the second half of the World Cup finals as the places would be most crowded.

JULY 8, 2010: Jabir leaves Uganda using Gateway bus. It is suspected that during this time, Jabir gave Issa an unknown amount of money for the upkeep of the suicide bombers, purchase of the two extra handsets and to vacate the safe house.

JULY 9, 2010: Hassan Luyima, Issa Luyima and Edris Nsubuga visit the three targets to assess the level of security alertness.

JULY 10, 2010: Issa Luyima takes Hassan Luyima to a safe house and introduces him to the suicide bombers as the brothers who will execute the mission. Issa gives Hassan money to purchase two extra handsets, transport, food for the shaheeds and for clearing the safe house.

Issa, Hassan and suicide bombers pray together before Issa leaves for town where he meets with Edris. Issa informs Edris that he has left instructions with Hassan.

He informs Edris that Kakasule (a suicide bomber said to be a Kenyan) spoke some English and would be working with him. He gives Edris a copy of the key to safe house and stating that he was leaving because he needed an alibi for what was about to take place.

In the evening, Hassan takes Edris to the safe house for introduction to the suicide bombers. Hassan informs Edris that he has changed the initial plan of escorting the bombers. He tells Edris that he would go with the Somali, while Hassan will accompany Kakasule.

July 11, 2010: Issa arrives in Nairobi and holds a meeting with Jabir who was with Mohammed. He briefs Jabir that the bombers are fine and that everything is on course. Jabir tells him that Mugisha was still in custody and it was his duty to ensure his release. Issa leaves for Mombasa at about 1300 hours and puts up at his mother in law’s house in Tononoka.

1100 hours: In Uganda, Edris meets with Hassan at Kenjoy restaurant and purchases food for the bombers.

1800 hours: Edris and the suicide bombers hold prayers and later the Somali suicide bomber starts testing the trigger mechanisms of the bombs to be detonated by Hassan and Edris.

2115 hours: Hassan and Kakasule, using a boda boda, head to Ice link discotheque and Ethiopian Village restaurant respectively. Shortly afterwards, Edris and the Somali suicide bomber proceed to Lugogo Rugby Club

2200 hours: At the Rugby Club, Edris heads to the bar where he leaves the bag with the bomb on top of a metallic cable roller used as a table. Edris then leaves the bar, while the Somali boy sits in the midst of the crowd pretending to watch the ongoing game.

2200 hours: Hassan drops Kakasule off at Ethiopian village and restaurant. Kakasule walked to the restaurant where he sat down to watch the game.

2215 hours: Kakasule detonates the suicide vest killing about 11 people.

2230 hours: Hassan places the bag with the bomb next to a flower pot at Ice Link discotheque. He tries placing a call but the bomb fails to detonate. Hassan takes a boda boda to his home and disposed off the two handsets in his pit latrine.

2315 hours: The Somali boy detonates himself killing about 58 people at the Rugby club.

2317 hours: Edris places a call to the detonating device igniting the second explosion. After the explosion Edris boards a boda boda and heads for his house where he dismantled the phone that was used as a trigger and throws it in a pit latrine.

0020 hours: Issa sends a message text to Edris asking if the team he was routing for had won. Edris confirmed the same, an indication that everything went on as earlier planned.

July 12, 2010: Mission successful. Planning for twin bombings in Kenya begins. Omar Awadh Omar, alias Abu Sahal briefed by Jabir who then is allowed to escape to Somalia. Kenyan suspects of the cells are refused to escape to Somalia as only the Somali suspect Jabir is allowed by al Qaeda to go back.

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Ugandans died as the disused quarry give in burying seven alive

From: Leo Odera Omolo

A woman and her son died instantly and two others sustained serious injuries on Monday evening when a stone quarry collapse and buried them at Kyambaazi in Wakiso district.

A resident of Kyambazzi village points at the spot where six people were buried by stone dust in Nsang

Robinah Nassuna, 28, and her son, Alex Yiiga 16, died at 6:30pm when a stone quarry, from which they were extracting stones, curved in on them.

Her two daughters, Betty Nalubega, 12, and Olive Nakacwa, 14, escaped with injuries.

The two were taken to Appointed Harvesters Medical Centre in Kitemu trading centre in a critical condition and later transferred to Mulago Hospital.

Andrew Bukenya, 42, the father of the children, said his family had been involved in stone quarrying since they were evicted from their 10-acre piece of land several years ago. Bukenya, who had six children with Nassuna, said their three other children had gone to fetch water.

Ssempala Nakirande, a wife to David Ssempala, the owner of the stone quarry, said the family had been told to stop extracting stones from the quarry, which was estimated to be about 20 feet deep.

“The quarry had developed cracks,” she said.

An eyewitness, Nakimbugwe Sitenda, said Nassuna and her son died as they tried to escape.

“We were around when the quarry started collapsing and we told them to get out but they failed. Nasuuna and her three children were buried alive but we managed to rescue Nalubega and Nakacwa,” she said.

Another eye witness, who only identified himself as Dan, said the bodies were retrieved from the debris at 8:00pm.
“It took us more than two hours to get the bodies out,” he said.

Residents said a three-year-old boy and two women were killed in similar accidents in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

The officer in charge of Nsangi Police Station, Baker Kawonawo, attributed the incident to carelessness, adding that the Police would intensify community policing to sensitise residents on how to prevent such incidents.

The LC3 chairman, Vincent Kigozi, said most of the residents are engaged in stone quarrying.

“The stone quarry business is dangerous. We tried to ban the activity but our people have no alternative jobs,” he said.

Deputy Kampala Police spokesperson Ibin Ssenkumbi said the Police had launched an inquiry into the matter

Meanwhile two pupuils of Oketkwer Primary School in Aromo County,Lira distrit n Noirthern Uganda diued on Monday when a piut latrine collapsed on them.
Police have identified the dead as Jaspher Felix Okwor and Jimmy Ikweta both primary seven exam candidate this year.

A senior woman teacher at thr school Lillian Akello said the disaetr struck at around 7.30.A>M before the begining of classes.
She attributed the incident to shoddy construction work and the rains.which have softened the soil.

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Tanzania & Ugandan: Panic grips Arusha following increased cases of child kidnapping by gangs

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

Panic has gripped the Northern Tanzanian town of Arusha following the reported well planned child kidnapping racket by a suspect Kampala gangs of criminals.

So far about six children aged under ten years have mysteriously disappeared, but some of them have resurfaced in the Uganda capital City, Kampala where they were rescued by the police and other security apparatus.

News emerging from Dar Es Salaam says security intelligence network in both Tanzania and the neighboring Uganda have been intensified after several children were rescued from a gang of criminal in Uganda.

The syndicates of kidnapping gangs are always asking for ransom money, which ranges from USD 2,000 and USD 3,000 for ransom before the kidnapped children are released to their parents.

The child kidnapping racket, according to newspaper reports, are operating in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, but using agents and collaborators in both Kenya and Tanzania. The syndicate is said to have succeeded in kidnapping under the age of 10 years in Tanzania triggering the worst panic among parents in the country’s history. The revelation came in the heels of another shocking story of albinos killing, which has been rampant in all countries of the East African Community.

Over the recent past months a total of five children have been abducted in the Northern Tanzanian town of Arusha and taken to the Ugandan capital, Kampala by the blackmail syndicates.

Arusha Regional Police Commander Basilio Metei was last week quoted by the EASTAFRICAN, A Nairobi weekly publication as saying that the local police in collaboration with the Interpol had partly succeeded in arresting a couple in Kampala in connection with the kidnap of a six year old boy.

The crime, he said, is relatively a new phenomenon in Tanzania and it is forcing parents to reduce their working hour in order to stay at home with their children.

Three out of five abducted kids were traced in Kampala City after intensive negotiations and their parents paying colossal amount of money as much as USD 6.000IN RANSOM MONEY.

Police have confirmed they have details about some cases.ase where we have arrested a woman and a man said police spokesman Vincent Sakatte.

However, the Ugandan Minister for Internal Affairs Miria Kassaija who also chairs the national security committee said she was ignorant about any incident of that nature. I a m totally ignorant about it. “What I know pretty well is that we have laid a trap for the arrest of Tanzanians who comes here looking for Albinos. But the M9nistr had promised to check the facts with the intelligence and police authorities.

And from Arusha the Police boss revealed that two people a woman and a man were recently arrested as they attempt to withdraw ransom money worth USD 3,000 deposited by Khaltani parents at the Kenya Commercial; Bank {KCB} Uganda account No 2200763395.

An Interpol e-mail to Tanzania police force seen by the writer of the WEEKLY EASTAFRICAN named the woman as a Tanzanian married to a Ugandan suspect(both names withheld for legal reasons]

A boy was kidnapped on June 7 at Sanawari suburb in Arusha City. The boy was later traced and rescued good health by Interpol on August 12 said Mr Mmetei.Kelvi9n Francis another b ducted boy was also safely rescued in Kampala City in April this year after his parents paid USD 2000ransom following three weeks of negotiations with Ugandan kidnappers.

AQ six year old girl Upendo Abisento Pallangyo from Singiri village on the sloes of Mount Meru near Arusha was abducted in June and is still missing to-date. He Aunt Joyce Pallangyo said they have done everything possible to trace this child, but all in vain.”It is hard for us as a family to come to terms with the kidnappers. We are ready to pay anything to get this child back alive.”

V Saniuel, yet another child who was kidnapped in Arusha in late August, was later rescued by a good Samaritan, according to the police chief.

Narrating the ordeal Meteri said the missing girl had tried to access a local latrine, but found it locked from the inside as if it was occupied by someone. The girl had decided to go and release herself inside the nearby banana plantation farm and that is when a group of women pounced on her and grabbed and blindfolded the pupil,” the police chief said.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Uganda: Police are to vett all the public gathering including wedings

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

THE Police have issued new guidelines for public gatherings and events in Kampala. Under the new guidelines issued yesterday, wedding receptions will only go ahead after getting clearance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP),the NEWVISION online has reported this morning.

Kampala metropolitan Police commander Andrew Sorowen yesterday announced the new measures for gatherings of more than five people in the city and its suburbs. The measures cover Kampala Metropolitan area, which includes the city, Entebbe, Wakiso and Mukono districts and parts of Mpigi and Luwero districts.

He said the measures, which he described as “reminders”, take immediate effect.

“We are sounding a warning. No gathering of more than five people, even if it is in your compound, should be held without clearance from the Inspector General of Police. People intending to hold wedding parties, music galas, football matches and road processions should notify the IGP first,” said Sorowen.

“We want to ensure safety of our people. If 32 million Ugandans use their eyes and ears, there will be no space for terrorists in Uganda,” he said.
He told New Vision separately that the same measures affect funerals, vigils, last funeral rites (nyimbe) and bibanda, (local makeshift video halls).

He told the press at the Kampala Central Police Station that the Force would “block” gatherings that are not cleared by the IGP.

“It can’t be your human rights to wake up one day and decide to organise a rally. Yet when innocent people die from terrorist bombs, the Government is blamed for not providing security to its citizens. It is our role as police to ensure that citizens of this country are safe,” he said.

Sorowen noted that those intending to organise such events must do so in writing and hand-deliver the notification individually to avoid unnecessary delays.

“Get this right. We are not saying you should get permission from the Inspector General of Police but notify him. He is the only one who can ensure that enough security is deployed to guarantee safety of the people during such events,” he explained.

Sorowen said gatherings would not be allowed in markets.

He also noted that organisers should submit to the Police proof that the venue intended for such gatherings is cleared by the owners.

“The organisers should notify the Police a week in advance and indicate the venue, date, day and number of people expected at such gatherings,” he said.

Sorowen said the same applies to funerals and vigils. “Places like funerals attract very many people. Terrorists can use this chance to cause more mayhem. The vehicles also need protection from vandalism,” he added.

Sorowen asked district and divisional Police commanders to ensure that the bibanda (makeshift entertainment structures) have adequate security measures.

“Those who can’t afford the security gadgets, should hire bouncers or ask the Police to provide security,” he said.

He warned that local authorities that license the bibanda should ensure that they have security safeguards.

The Police have proposed enactment of the Public Order Management Bill which provides for management of public gatherings. But human rights activists and the opposition have criticised it, saying it is an attempt to restrict political demonstrations and assemblies of a similar nature.

But Police chief, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, told journalists last week that the proposed law is meant to ensure that the rights of non-protesters and protesters are safeguarded ahead of the general elections. “What people require is clearance and not permission,” said Kayihura.

The proposed Bill, if passed, would give powers to the Inspector General of Police to “regulate the conduct of public meetings.

Ends

Uganda & Kenya: Ugandan millets may soon find it way in exports to neighbouring Kenya

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Business News By Leo Odera Omolo

EFFORTS to transform Uganda’s agricultural sector from subsistence into commercial production have been boosted with the signing of an agreement that seeks to stimulate millet production.

The deal was signed last week between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Livelihoods and Enterprises for Agricultural Development (LEAD) project, the World Food Programme (WFP), Equity Bank and the Kenya-based UNGA Holdings.

Jeffrey Gray, an agri-business consultant, John Tushabomwe, the Equity Bank credit manager (Oasis Mall branch) and Paul Forrest, the LEAD agri-business unit director, discussing after signing the memorandum of understanding last week

It aims at increasing millet production to satisfy local and foreign demand. Under the deal, about 2,000 metric tonnes are expected to be produced and exported to Kenya next year, reaching 6,000 tonnes annually by 2013.

According to the agreement, LEAD will search for the grain market, give grants and technical knowledge to smallholder farmer groups. WFP will provide modern warehouse facilities for the produce, UNGA, East Africa’s oldest grain miller, will buy the millet. Equity Bank will give farmers loans under the Warehouse Receipt System arrangement.

“One of the most challenging problems facing commercial agriculture progress has always been the lack of ready markets. However, this process will be fully-financed and the market is guaranteed.

“When farmers are sure of the market, they will be induced into millet farming since they will not be worried about where to sell or the price of the crop,” said the Livelihoods and Enterprises for Agricultural Development boss, Susan Corning, during the signing of the deal.
Farmers in Teso, Acholi and Lango regions are targeted. Communities in the regions grow the crop, climatic conditions are favourable and the areas’ soil texture supports the healthy growth of millet. The population there faced over 20 years of insurgency, thus the need for recovery through commercial farming.

Nick Hutchison, the UNGA managing director, said much as the company had agreed to provide a guaranteed minimum price of sh585 per kilogramme, it would adjust and pay according to the prevailing market prices, in case they rise above the minimum price.

Apollo Njoroge, the Equity Bank executive director, said the bank would finance up to 60% of the grain value in the warehouse.

“Similar deals aimed at uplifting farmers through the warehouse receipt system funding have done wonders for Kenya. We are optimistic that Ugandan millet farmers will benefit in the same way,” Njoroge said.

The warehouse receipt system allows farmers to deposit their produce with certified warehouses and wait for attractive prices. The system also helps avoid vagaries of weather. The produce is valued by managers and farmers are given receipts worth their grain value.

The receipts can even be used as collateral security in case farmers need loans before the produce is sold off.

The system helps farmers enjoy large economies of scale while selling because the pooled produce boosts their bargaining power.

WFP has begun installing cleaning and drying equipment for nine public warehouses in Uganda to help improve the country’s market infrastructure for small-holder farmer groups.

The equipment installation project is valued at a total
of $2.4m (about sh5b).

Ends

Uganda: Museveni to build infrastructure in rural areas include modern roads

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has vowed to work on all feeder roads across the country to improve on the transport network in rural areas.

Museveni was speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of Kitabi Seminary in Bushenyi as the institution, founded in 1935, marked 75 years on Saturday.

Bishop Edward Baharagate, Museveni, Bishop John Baptist Kakubi and Bakyenga at Kitabi Seminary on Saturday

The President said while the Government had funds to build new village roads and improve existing ones, the problem was the people fighting for tenders.

He noted that Mbarara-Ishaka-Katungu road will be fully rehabilitated. Others to be re-built are Mbarara-Isingiro-Kikagate road that links to Tanzania, Ishaka-Kagamba road and Ishaka-Ntungamo-Katuna road that links Uganda to Rwanda Continued From Page 1

Road transport is the most common in Uganda. The road transport system comprises about 10,000km of classified main roads (trunk, secondary and tertiary), about 25,000km of district (feeder) roads, 2,800km of urban roads, and 30,000km of community access roads.

The national (trunk) road network carries 80% of Uganda’s traffic. National roads include international routes linking Uganda to neighbouring countries and to the sea (through Kenya and Tanzania), and internal roads linking large populations, commercial and administration centres.
About 2,200km out of a total of 10,000km of national roads are tarmacked and the rest are murram.

The Government is implementing an on-going programme of continuous upgrading of key gravel roads to bitumen standard.
At the same function at Kitabi, Museveni laid the foundation stone for the construction of a sh500m multi-purpose hall.

He contributed sh20m to the platinum jubilee and sh60m for construction of the hall.

The President also unveiled a bus which the school purchased at sh175m.

Hundreds of old boys, including Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga, 2nd deputy Prime Minister, Henry Kajura and Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, attended the function.

Bakyenga observed that Museveni was the first elected President of Uganda to visit the seminary.
The school has an enrolment of about 535 students. It produced nine bishops, over 200 priests and over 3,835 carders in the society.

The President hailed the school for training leaders, whom he said have contributed a lot to the development of Uganda.
He thanked NRM members in Bushenyi district for entrusting him as their party flag-bearer and promised to make the party stronger.

Museveni also thanked them for the continuous support they have given the party since 1986 after the bush war.

‘We did not come from the bush with votes but when we reached here, you supported us with your votes. You have given us votes in 1996, in 2006 and your votes are the foundation for the development encountered in this country,” he said.

Museveni reminded the people of Bushenyi that because of the peace ushered in by the NRM government, Uganda’s tax collection had increased 1,000 times since 1986.

Ends

UGANDA: “JOY RIDING” KISUMU COUNCILLORS EJECTED OUT OF MEETING IN KAMPALA.

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sent by erasto agwanda

By Jakisumo Jakorando.

Six Councillors were recently physically and ruthlessly ejected from a regional conference in Kamplaa Uganda after the organizers of the said meeting said that they could only recognize and cater for the two Councilors out of the eight from Kisumu City Council.

The eyesore incident saw the councilors (names withheld) being physically ejected from the hall of the said meeting after they forced their way despite being denied registration at the desk as the organizers had said that already two Kenyan Councilors were in the hall and the other six were unwanted.

“It has come to our attention that Kisumu city Council has sent eight councilors here, however we had indicated in our letter that we only needed two from the council, will the six who were denied registration humbly walk out as the seats they presently occupy is for other delegates “the master of ceremony announced to the utter dismay of the delegates before the first day of the five days of the seminar began.

Known for their mediocrity, the six Councilors then engaged the organizers in argument which resulted to their being thrown out by the security.

Now some section of Councillors is demanding an explanation from Kisumu Clerk David Nkere to surcharge the six Councillors after they spent the six days roaming in the streets of Kampala.

“They must be made to refund all the money they took for the entire duration they were in Kampala yet from the onset the organizers said they were only aware of the two” one Councillor who never want his name mentioned said.

He added that presently the LATIF account is empty due to such unwarranted trips and demands that such cease forthwith.

“Contractors of LATIF projects are not being paid because the money meant for them is being given to “political correct Councilors” who sing to the mayor’s tune” he lamented.

Contacted, the Clerk to the Council David Ole Nkere denied any knowledge of the said incident

Meanwhile, Kisumu Mayor Sam Okello has been put on the notice and dared to surrender any council houses to any parastatal in lieu of the debts it owes them after failure to remit statutory deductions.

The councilors are accusing the Mayor together with the clerk of telling Local Authority Provident Fund of settling their debts by giving them one of the residential estates still in the possession of the council.

The council’s Chairman of Staff and Establishment Committee Robert Otuge and her Joint staff Counterpart Pamella Omino “Pam Jos” has told the Mayor to delete such thoughts from his mind.

“He is getting into something that he quiet well knows that is not possible, presently workers are being paid net pay with no statutory deductions, now if the give out that then what will National Social Security Fund and National Hospital Insurance Fund be given, the Council offices?”Otuge poised.

Omino agreed saying that it will require areal tall order to reach what the Mayor wants to do,he warns the him to tread carefully as history might judge him otherwise.

Efforts to reach the Mayor were fruitless as he did not pick his call neither did he reply out sim card messeges

ENDS

UGANDA POLICE HAS SENT OUT AN ALERT OVER POSSIBLE FRESH BOMBING ATTACK BY AL-SHABBAB TERRORSTS DURINGTHE GENERAL ELECTION

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from Leo Odera Omolo

THE Police have issued a fresh terror alert against a possible attack by the al-Shabaab militants as Ugandans prepare for the 2011 general elections.

The nominations for the presidential and parliamentary candidates will be held in October and November. This will be followed by campaigns, which are normally characterised by public rallies.

The Police deputy spokesperson, Vincent Sekatte, said the terrorists could use public gatherings during campaigns to attack Ugandans.

“The threats by these people have been on and we cannot ignore them, especially when their colleagues have been arrested,” he said.

He urged the public to remain vigilant to help the Police and other security agencies fight terrorism.

“If we keep quiet, they might take our people by surprise. Those who intend to organise rallies should inform us such that we p
rovide them with protection,” he said.

End

Uganda: Parliament okayed UG Shs.8 trillion budget for 2010/11

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

PARLIAMENT has passed the 2010/11 budget despite a call by opposition MPs to withhold the budgets of some ministries.

Of the sh7.8 trillion budget, the education ministry will receive sh390b, health sh116b, while sh89b has been set aside to facilitate activities for the agriculture ministry.

A total of sh1.4 trillion will be given to local governments and sh137b to the local government ministry.

The internal affairs ministry will get sh104b, lands sh25b, trade and tourism sh24b, works and transport sh124b and energy sh421b.

The defence ministry will get sh632b, while the President’s Office will receive sh72b.

A total of sh64b will go to fund State House activities, while the Office of the Prime minister will receive sh155b.the Uganda AIDS Commission will get sh16b, and the External Security Organisation will get sh10.2b.

Makerere University will receive sh134b, Mbarara University sh17b, Makerere Business School sh39b, Kyambogo University sh64b and Gulu University sh16b. Mulago Hospital will get sh34b, while Butabika will receive sh32b.

The Uganda Police will get sh241b, Prisons sh71b and the Uganda National Roads Authority will get sh614b.

Fred Omach, the finance state minister, tabled a motion for the consideration and adoption of the revenue and expenditure estimates for this financial year.

The budget, which was supposed to have been passed by August 31, was delayed after the Speaker of Parliament, Edward Sekandi, gave a three-week recess to allow MPs participate in their party primaries.

“I know you are busy with political activities, but our mandate here will not end until May 2011. Find sometime in your busy schedules to carry out parliamentary work,” Sekandi told the MPs.

But shadow environment minister Beatrice Anywar (FDC) protested the passing of the budget for the Ministry of Water, arguing that the ministry had not clarified the ban on polythene bags (kaveera).

Hussein Kyanjo (JEEMA) pleaded with Parliament to let the internal affairs ministry explain the procurement of biometric gadgets used for capturing citizen information for elections and the national identity cards.

“The internal affairs minister, Kirunda Kivejinja, has not explained the matter to the House even though we found anomalies in the procurement process,” Kyanjo stated.

“The ministry made serious flaws. We should not pass this budget if we are to defend the dignity of this House,” he added.

Ends

Uganda: Search for oil in West Nile Region of nation is progressing well

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Reports leo Odera Omolo

THE hunt for oil and gas in the West Nile is progressing well, Neptune Petroleum Uganda, the firm that is conducting the exploration, has said.

The firm also revealed last week it would soon release results of the recent aero-gravity gradiometry survey that sought to gather more definitive information on the earth basement.

The study, completed in June, was commissioned to specifically identify structures with more prospective oil reservoir properties.

This was after the firm hit two dry wells in its previous drilling attempts. The ‘dry’ wells are Iti-1, which was drilled in June 2009 and Avivi-1, which was in February drilled to a depth of 764 metres, but did not encounter any oil.

However, further analysis of the data from the two wells confirmed the ‘generation and migration’ of oil in the exploration area. This development prompted Neptune to hire a team of experts from the British geo-physical survey firm, ARKeX, to do a more scientific study.

Tower Resources plc, a London-based oil and gas exploration company that owns Neptune, said a final interpretation of the data that was collected is expected at the end of this month.

Also, around this time, planning for a subsequent seismic survey will be finalised, the firm said. “This update confirms that current operations are on schedule.

“The quality of information being obtained is likely to enhance interpretation of the Uganda licence,” Peter Kingston, the Tower Resources chairman, explained

The seismic interpretation would also provide the basis for selecting a third well location, Kingston added. Previously, Kingston said, the target was to be ready to drill a third well, the commitment well, as designated in the production sharing agreement, in 2011.

This would, by design, allow time for a follow-up programme, if required, since the firm’s current licence expires in March 2012

Ends

Uganda: Museveni warns iindependent candidates saying NRM will not entertain them

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday warned party members who lost the primaries that his party “will not tolerate independent candidates” in the coming general elections, the Government owned NEWVISION has reported this morning.

In his acceptance speech after he was announced as the NRM flag-bearer for the presidential elections next year, Museveni said whoever lost in the primaries due to malpractices can challenge the results and the elections can be repeated.

“But nobody should talk of independence. Bring facts, show that you were cheated and we shall repeat the elections if need be. But we are not going to tolerate independents,” Museveni said. “You can’t be both: either you are inside or outside.”

He spoke after the announcement of results of the top positions of the party after a two-day national conference for 15,000 delegates from across the country.

Museveni was also returned unopposed as the party chairman at Naboole in Kampala in the wee hours of Monday.

In his address, the President said the party opted for the universal adult suffrage in the primaries to avoid independents.

Museveni appealed to all competitors to remain calm. “I appeal to you leaders and your supporters to change your attitude and remain calm. If there is fraud, don’t panic, bring the facts and if they are proved, the elections can be cancelled and the people involved will be charged,” the President said.

Museveni said the party leadership would only work with individuals who have crossed from other parties, but want to remain independents provided they sign a memorandum of understanding with the NRM party.

Pointing at Kampala Mayor Nasser Sebaggala, who was seated with a group of ministers, he said: “We shall only accept and work with friendly individuals, but independent, like Mayor Sebaggala.”

He promised that the NRM electoral commission will start investigating petitions this week. By Friday, 350 petitions had been filed with the party secretariat.

The President also dismissed reports that he asked VP Bukenya and Otafiire to stand down for Mbabazi.

“There is no way Museveni could disorganise the central executive committee (CEC) decision for these positions here,” said Museveni.

“If the CEC wanted to vet anybody out, he would have been vetted out and there would be no question of saying no.”

He attributed the problems faced by the party to lack of the culture of democracy by some members.

“The printer wants to print extra ballot papers, the transporter wants to steal some and the polling officials also disorganise the whole thing,” he observed.

Museveni explained that the idea of the party’s register, known as the Yellow Book, was to have all NRM supporters registered.

“I wanted every NRM member to be registered. But when the Yellow Book reached the villages, it was war. The in-charge would record only his supporters and leave out those of his opponents,” he said.

Museveni said the primaries had been “very interesting” and dismissed the notion that the chaos in the elections showed that the NRM party was not organised.

“We were just 15,000 people, but it took long to vote. Because you do not know how to behave democratically,” he argued.

The President cited two cases where members contested the results for the position of vice- chairperson for Kampala region and deputy secretary general. “Voting is taken like war,”

“I look at this exercise as climbing the Rwenzori with unco-operative members of the mountaineering team, but also without adequate equipment.”

Museveni disclosed that the party spent sh4b in organising the elections. “They should be applauded for what they did although there were many shortcomings.

Kiggundu needs sh197b to run the national election with 23,000 polling stations, yet we had 60,000,” he said.

The President on Sunday night gave sh400,000 to each of the 32 music groups that performed at the conference.

He outlined his priority in the next five years as electricity, roads, railway, ICT, modernisation of agriculture, industrialisation, science-oriented education and health.

Delegates scrambled for the spoils as campaign agents openly distributed money, T-shirts and sodas to groups to vote in their favour.

Journalists were not left out either. After a week of rumours about a sh80m budget for the media, some journalists confronted the NRM party secretariat administrator, Dr. Hassan Galiwango, who is said to have released sh4m, which a selected group of journalists shared, each getting sh85,000.

This angered other journalists who protested that their names had been used to obtain the money.

In the elections, al-Hajji Moses Kigongo was returned unopposed for first national vice-chair and Rebecca Kadaga for second national vice-chairperson.

Also unopposed were the national treasurer, Amelia Kyambadde, the former President’s Private Secretary and the vice-chairman for the east, Capt. Mike Mukula.

The hotly contested position of NRM secretary general was retained by Amama Mbabazi after he beat Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya and Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, the trade minister.

Ends

Uganda: Museveni warns oil companies to pay their taxes or else they will not be tolerated

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Business News By Leo Odera Omolo

THE Government will not tolerate foreign oil companies evading taxes, President Yoweri Museveni has warned,the government official mouthpiece the NEWVSION reported this morning.

In his first public criticism of the multinational oil companies operating in the Albertine Graben, Museveni emphasised that the companies had no option but to pay all taxes due to the Government.

“We have made it clear to the oil companies operating in Uganda that all the taxes due to the Government of Uganda must be paid. Also the other development programmes in the petroleum sector must be fulfilled,” he said, according to a statement from State House.

To make his point clear, the President also mocked pessimists who argue that oil could turn out to be a curse rather than a blessing, as it has been in many other African countries.

He asserted that oil has been a curse where weak African leaders have failed to check the “greed” of western companies.

This will not be allowed to happen in Uganda, the President told NRM delegates at the opening of the party’s second national conference at Namboole stadium on Saturday.

He cited the Canadian-owned, Heritage Oil Company, that is yet to pay $405m (about sh810b) to the Uganda Revenue Authority.

The company is contesting the tax on the sale of its stake in oil wells in western Uganda to Tullow Oil Company at $1.45b.

“Recently, we had a problem with some of the oil companies that were trying to refuse to pay our taxes,” he narrated.

“A company called Heritage spent $130m in exploration. When oil was found, they decided to sell their shares for which they received $1.45b – more than ten times what they spent. We required them to pay us 30% of this as tax. It translates into $430 million. They, however, refused to pay.”

The President reiterated that revenue from oil will be spent on developing infrastructure like roads, the energy sector, and build an excellent railway network.

The rest will be used to fund science, technology and research initiatives as well as innovation, he explained.

“The oil money will never be used for consumption,” said Museveni.

The Government has largely kept its contracts with the oil companies a secret but the tax row has exposed some of the transactions.

Last month, the Government repossessed the Kingfisher (Kajubirizi) discovery area, an oil field in Hoima, from Tullow Oil after the company failed to meet some of the set terms.

The blocks, 3A and 1, were jointly operated by Heritage and Tullow. However, when Heritage sold its interest to Tullow, the Government declined to recognise the transaction over non-payment of taxes.

In a letter, energy and mineral development minister Hillary Onek also said Tullow’s licence had expired.

“The period within which you are supposed to have applied for a petroleum production licence for the Kingfisher field expired in February 2010,” he told the Tullow managers.

The repossession meant that the Government can license another company. This puts Tullow at a risk of losing $1.45b, which it paid Heritage for the asset.

Meanwhile, speaking at the opening of the same delegates’ conference, the outgoing NRM secretary general, Amama Mbabazi, revealed that the party had elected 2.5 million people from the grassroots since it began the process in July.

Mbabazi promised that the party would provide mobile phones to its leaders to ease internal communication.

He regretted the malpractices in the primaries, but said the party had embarked on cadre identification, training and placement to ensure that only people with good political orientation form its future leadership.

Ends