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Articles by Peter Muwonge
Uganda Oil Refinery Deal Finally Sealed
Uganda has finally signed an agreement with a group of private companies to develop, finance and build, and manage the highly anticipated Oil Refinery in Hoima, in Western Uganda. The so-called Project Framework Agreement was signed between the government of Uganda and the Albertine Graben Refinery Consortium (AGRC), a consortium of four companies.
NSSF now targets varsity students about saving
This week, the fund organized what it billed as a career expo where it focused on sensitizing students on the importance of saving for old age when they eventually acquire jobs, soon perhaps after university. Speaking at the Career Expo that was organised in Mbale Town on April 4, 2018, Lilian Mutungi, the Brand and Marketing Officer at NSSF in Kampaa told The Sunrise that the expo was aimed at sensitizing current and future customers of the fund to save for old age.
Will Constitutional Article 162 save Mutebile again?
Forget about Museveni versus Besigye, Musisi versus Lukwago, or Kayihura versus Tumukunde. The big fight in townis between two technocrats –Irene Muryagonja and Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile. The Inspector General of Government (IGG) is daring a man who for years has positioned himself as untouchable, omnipotent, a super Governor of Uganda’s central bank.
Kireka vendors cry out as they choke on garbage
The Kireka Farmers’ Market is one of the largest food markets in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District. What strikes a new comer here first, however, is not the food but the poor sanitation – and the situation is worse during the rainy season. Uncollected garbage, blocked trenches and thick mud define the environment in which people here work. Robert Magumba, a market vendor thinks they are in this state due to the legal status of the market.
UBOS report: Construction prices up
Overall construction inputs prices have risen since last year says Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). According to UBOS senior statistician, Dick Wanasolo Wadada, prices in the sector have been increasing gradually since the January 2017.
Biotech pioneers scoop 2018 water prize
The use of biotechnology for improving life has received another seal of approval – this time in the water sector. This week, two leading environmental scholars, Professor Bruce Rittmann from the Arizona State University and Professor Mark van Loosdrecht from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands were named the 2018 Stockholm Water Prize Laureates. The Stockholm Water Prize is the World’s most prestigious award in the Water Industry.
AfDB says Africa’s population is a ticking time bomb
The African Development Bank and its East and North African Governors have stressed the need for urgent measures to match the continent’s growing population and youth unemployment, which they likened to a “ticking time bomb.” The meeting described the continent’s growing young population as a potential growth engine for the world. “The good news is that the solution is within our reach and will require investments,” said Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank.
Can groundwater reserves solve water scarcity?
The water trapped beneath the earth’s surface in Africa is more plentiful and cleaner than surface water. The key is regulation and cooperation. Travelling across rural Uganda, one is sure to see women, men and children carrying jerry cans on their heads or bicycles. They are usually on their way to or from a well to collect water. It’s the way thousands of households across the country access the water they need to survive. However, many of these wells can become infected or dry up.
Rugunda hails researchers
Uganda’s Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has lauded members of the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) for driving economic growth and development in Africa courtesy of their research findings they readily share with policy makers with a view to impact the continent’s economy. Rugunda noted that AERC’s mission is to strengthen local capacity for guiding public policy-making which he said requires the availability of qualified and proactive professional economists.
Albinos Woes: Government Action needed
As they strive to access the basic rights such as; education, health and social welfare, Uganda Albinos continue to face extreme human rights violations, including: kidnap, fatal physical violence, rape and severe discrimination. Most of them prefer to hide away from the public because many people consider them sub-human. Albinism is a global but rare genetic disorder. The myth and superstition surrounding issues albinism is grave.
Nodding disease funds poorly handled
The ministry of Health has come under the spotlight for failing to give due attention to the Nodding syndrome crisis in northern Uganda. Last week, Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Health Committee camped in Northern Uganda in a bid to bring to the country’s attention the suffering and pain endured by the over 2000 children and their parents but also to force the ministry to give proper accountability regarding what it has done since the condition was reported more than a decade ago.
Kayihura’s Legacy
The new leadership of Uganda Police Force has approved a process to start clearing the mountain of debt accumulated by the force totalling over UGX120 billion. The Sunrise has reliably learned that the sacking of General Kale Kayihura was a timely intervention because he had again demanded that a chunk of the 3rd quarter release of funds by the treasury, also be diverted to his office to facilitate the payment of allowances for an unknown number of village community police mobilisers.
Homosexual marriages is not a Human Right
Unanimously, the World Court of Human Rights has established, verbatim, that “there is no right to homosexual marriage.” The 47 judges of the 47 countries of the Council of Europe, which are members of the full Court of Strasbourg (the world’s most important human rights court), issued a statement of great relevance that has been surprisingly silenced by information progressivism and its area of ??influence.
Potato weevils ravage farms, cause serious food shortage
Residents of Mbale and Teso sub-regions are worried about a sharp decline in the yield of sweet potatoes, which has been attributed to the advent of sweet potato weevils that have destroyed most farms over the past one year. Scientists say the weevils are not new to the area or Uganda, but can cause up to 100 percent loss especially during dry periods. Farmers report that the weevils have caused a sharp drop in the yield as they devour the leaves, preventing photosynthesis.
70% in rural areas have clean water
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), Alfred Okot Okidi, has said that the majority of people in Ugandan villages have access to clean water. The ministry’s sub -sector of Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS), has so far reached over 70% in rural areas. “The Ministry has made tremendous strides in provision of safe water, sanitation services and environment natural resource protection.
Sim registration: Who’s fooling who?
Telecom industry players are now in jitters following Susan Magara’s gruesome murder, while others are also involved in a cat and mouse blame game bidding to run away from responsibility.
Parliament approves new security chiefs
The appointments committee of parliament on Wednesday March 7, vetted and approved the newly appointed Inspector General of Police(IGP) Martin Okoth Ochora, his deputy Brig. Sabiiti Muzeeyi and Security Minister Gen. Elly Tumwiime. The trio was on Sunday evening appointed by the President replacing long-serving IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura. After the vetting, Tumwine pledged to bridge the security gaps and resurrect people’s confidence in the security organs in the country.
Why women and M7 are inseparable
During the past two election periods, I have heard from a section of voters say: Mwe abakazi mwe mutusibyeko Museveni. Literally translated as: It’s you women that have kept Museveni in power despite our disapproval. Women have stood with President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM party at every election. There are good reasons for this historic voting pattern which most people know but at times choose to ignore. Before 1986, the place of the woman was the kitchen.
Kayihura, Tumukunde sacked
In what appears to be a response to public outcry over worsening insecurity in the country, President Yoweri Museveni has today sacked Security Minister Maj. Gen. Henry Tumukunde and the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura. Museveni has appointed General Elly Tumwiine as the new Minister for Security while Kayihura’s deputy Okoth Ochola has been promoted to IGP. He will be deputised by Brigadier Sabiiti Muzeei.
High fuel prices blamed for business failures
Jerald Arop, 33, is a bodaboda cyclist in Gulu town. He is having trouble meeting his family’s needs, because of what he says is higher fuel prices that is driving away customers. “It has been difficult to explain to our customers that the price of fuel has gone up, so charges have changed. Some people just choose to walk.
Misery for farmers as coffee trees wilt
In September last year, Godfrey Ssekankya, a prominent coffee farmer from Miseebe, Bulera sub-county Mityana District, had high hopes of getting a good yield from his coffee farm come round this harvest season starting April. The sense of optimism arose from the heavy flowering he witnessed, coupled with good rains that ensured the flowers would bear fruits. But when I met him last week, Ssekankya was distraught.
China’s Huawei Set to Lead Global Charge to 5G Networks
China’s Huawei is forging closer commercial ties with big telecom operators across Europe and Asia, putting the company in prime position to lead the global race for next-generation 5G networks, partnering with over 30 global carriers. On Sunday, ahead of the opening of Mobile World Congress, being held Barcelona, Spain; the GSMA presented Huawei Technologies with the 2018 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Mobile Industry.
Mr. President, close Government
Your government has become as fiscally profligate as thepast governments it fought! On Monday this week, Ugandans woke up on a big headline on top of Government-owned newspaper, The New Vision. “Government to Borrow to Pay Salaries,”the headline screamed. I ignored it since it sounded sensational and ridiculous, being on top of the state newspaper notwithstanding. However, the following day something astonishing happened.
Aisha Bahati: The Blind Hairdresser
She is blind but talented, and she brings light to darkness. She is Aisha Bahati, 21, a blind hair dresser who can plait all sorts of hair styles. It is magical how she does it all. Aisha’s hair saloon is in Kibuli. Her saloon is a busy house with young girls plaiting and others learning how to plait. She came over to me with a smile and ushered me to feel at home.
Strategic or Childish; DPC Kirumira arrested amid gunshots
Whoever watched the evening news of Wednesday this week by Uganda’s major news outlets must have held their heads in shock. Muhammad Kirumira, invited the media to tell the nation that he had decided to quit the police, even though he acknowledged there was a procedure through which a serving police officer is allowed to leave the force. Kirumira accused his bosses of witch-hunt by resurrecting cases he allegedly committed five years ago.
Uganda’s Opposition congratulates Odinga
The Leader of Opposition in Uganda’s Parliament Winnie Kiiza has asked African leaders to respect the views of their citizens especially those expressed through the general elections if they are to avoid civil strife. This is after thousands of people yesterday gathered to see Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga’s “inauguration as the People’s President in the Kenyan capital Nairobi’s Uhuru park.
“Bring back village courts - Chief Justice asks M7
Uganda’s Chief Justice Bart Muganda Katurebe has resurrected the call to re-instate Local councils through new elections when he said they are sorely missed when it comes to resolving minor disputes involving villagemates. Justice Katurebe made the call while addressing the 20th Annual Judges Conference held this week at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Gulu varsity strike forces students into delinquency
The fate of Gulu University students hangs in balance as lectures continue their sit down strike over unpaid allowances. Students say they are uncertain of when they will sit for semester one exams for the academic year 2017/2018 which they missed when lecturers went on strike in December 2017 due to nonpayment of their allowances. The students are demanding the intervention of President Yoweri Museveni to save their academic lives and future.
Serena set for competitive tennis again
Former World number one Serena Williams has been named in the USA Fed Cup squad for next month’s first-round tie against the Netherlands. Serena, who gave birth to first born Alexis Olympia in September, returned to action in an exhibition match in Dubai last month. She however withdrew from the Australian Open saying she was not yet ready to compete. She experienced some health complications after giving birth that appear to have made her return more difficult than it was already shaping up to be.
Sanchez vs Mkhitaryan Swap; Who got the best deal?
Manchester United and Arsenal have agreed to switch players with 29-year old striker Alexis Sanchez moving to Manchester United and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan (who turns 29 today January 21) signing for Arsenal. Forbe’s Bobby McMahon, argues that Man United appear to have got the better deal. However, considering that Sanchez, who clearly wanted out and was set to become a free agent in summer, the acquision of Mkhitaryan was the best they could get in the circumstances. Find out why, below.
Uganda fails to meet family planning funds commitment
The government of Uganda has come under criticism for failing to live up to its promise of allocating at least five million US dollars for family planning every year. The criticism stems from a new report which shows that the government released just US$2.2m in the last financial year 2016/2017 despite pledging that it would allocate at least US$5m every year until 2020 in order to ensure better access to family planning (FP) methods for every woman by the year 2020.
Breast cancer in resurgence
Experts warn that men are also at risk Most people think that breast cancer is a disease of the women folk. Alas, research shows that men too are susceptible to the disease, although at lower frequency than women. Findings reveals that breast cancer is becoming a more serious health problem in Uganda than previously recorded, as shown by the increase in the number of cases, compared to other types of cancer such as cervical and cancer of the oesophagus.
Sheik Kamulegeya and Saudi Ambassador
“Jane Doe writes SEO articles for businesses that want to see their Google search rankings surge.(What she does.) Her articles have appeared in a number of e-zine sites, including EzineArticles.com, ArticlesBase.com, HubPages.com and TRCB.com. (Way to confirm her skills.) She contributes articles about SEO techniques regularly to Site-Reference Newletter.com.
US rallies Africa against North Korea, changing constitutions for selfish reasons
The US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has urged African governments to isolate North Korea for violating UN resolutions on the banned testing of ballistic missiles. Tillerson made the call on Friday November 17, 2017 while meeting Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the African continent in Washington DC.
Pushing 93yr old Mugabe proves a daunting task
When Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) announced they were in-charge of the affairs of the country, many thought Mugabe’s days were over. Alas, the old man is proved to his detractors that is not a mere pushover. Ever since ZDF declared their dramatic falling out with their Commander in Chief, they have nearly exhausted the rule book for evicting a sitting president.
Mugabe to be dismissed by own party
Then the military started to play in Mugabe’s best game of politics when they urged the ruling Zanu PF party – Mugabe’s party to call for his resignation. Media reports indicated that the army urged leaders from all the country’s provinces to call for Mugabe’s resignation, in addition to holding a massive demonstration in Harare. Indeed, the demonstration, though seeming choreographed, delivered yet another blow to Mugabe’s legitimacy as a popular leader.
Ex-MP Issa Kikungwe dead
According to DP’s President General Norbert Mao, Al Hajj Kikungwe did not recover from an Oct. 27 surgical operation at Mengo Hospital, in Kampala. Mao said on his facebook page that: “Our colleague did not regain consciousness after a surgery he underwent on Friday 27 October 2017 to remove a brain tumor which had recurred after a successful surgery a few years ago.” “He was always committed to doing what he believed to be right.
KIU loses six students in horrific accident
Six students of Kampala International University (KIU) perished in a road accident on Yesterday, Saturday evening along the Kampala-Gulu highway. The accident happened at Kakooge in Nakasongola district along the Kampala – Gulu highway when a commuter taxi that was carrying 13 of them rammed into another taxi. The students were returning from a wedding party for one of their colleagues when the hit an ongoing vehicle at Kakooge at around 10PM.
Kyumakyayesu on his brawl with Simeo Nsubuga
The age-limit talk was greeted with an infamous brawl that saw Journalist and Political Activist, Kyumakyayesu (Pictured), alias, Williams Buganda Ntege, who roughed up daring Member of Parliament (MP) and former Police Spokesperson Simeo Nsubuga in front of crowds during Kabaka’s visit in Mubende District. Kyumakyayesu who visited The Sunrise newspaper this week was tickled to give his part of the story, and he emphasized that it is not yet over between him and the pro-age-limit Simeo Nsubuga.
Tourism for locals
UWA gives communities around Murchison Falls a rare glimpse into the Park, to promote conservation It was all excitement a fortnight ago, Saturday Sept. 30th, to be precise, as a group of some 300 runners prepared to embark on a major adventure – running inside the celebrated Murchison falls National Park.
Pakwach LCV sworn in
Jubilation and excitement gripped Pakwach District residents last week as they marked the swearing-in of their new Local Council V (LC V) Chairman, Robert Steen Omito. The Chief Magistrate and Commissioner of Oaths, Jeneva Anatukunda,performed thwe ceremony at Pakwach Town Council Hall.
2017 World Food Prize winner Dr. Adesina on what needs to happen to turn around Africa's agriculture
Africa holds the key for feeding the nine billion people that will inhabit this planet by 2050, the President of the African Development Bank and 2017 World Food Prize Laureate, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said during his Norman Borlaug Lecture delivered on World Food Day. The Laureate also called for land tax for unused agricultural land or underutilized agricultural land to provide incentives for faster commercialization of agriculture and unlocking its potential in Africa.
Mengo's take on age limit, land bill
The Buganda Lukiiko has added its voice to the two most contentious projects backed by the government on amending the constitution; i.e The Magyezi bill on removing the age limits as well as empowering the government to take people’s land without prior compensation. Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, while addressing the Lukiiko criticized the government for stifling fundamental principles of democracy including freedom of expression and tolerance.
5th Nile Forum to be held in Kigali-Rwanda
The 5th Edition of the Nile Basin Development Forum is scheduled to take place in Kigali-Rwanda from October 23-25, 2017. The Forum – is a policy dialogue platform that brings together members of the public, the academia, civil society, donors and government officials to debate topical issues of common interest surrounding the utilisation of the resources of the Nile river.
STI Minister assures on safety after enactment of law on GMOs
Following the passing of the National Biosafety Act 2017, by Uganda’s Parliament this week, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) has said that the new law puts in place enough safeguards that will prevent the importation or unauthorized development of biotechnology products that could harm people’s health and the environment.
Uganda parliament finally passes biotech. bill
Uganda’s parliament has this afternoon passed the long-debated Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill 2012. The process of introducing a law started way back in 2008. However it faced strong opposition from civil society groups who cited Uganda’s alleged huge market for organic products as facing threat of expulsion from European markets, among other erroneous claims on safety, damage to the environment and soil fertility.
Kayihura commends police professionalism
The police chief Gen.Kale Kayihura has commended the police officers for the high level of professionalism exhibited while arresting the twenty four suspended members of Parliament last week. While addressing the media at Kasenyi landing site in Wakiso district, Kayihura said he ordered the MPs’s arrests and that he had no apologies for what happened because police together with its sister security agencies were only doing their work.
Quality, strategic exports can lift Uganda out of poverty
The story of how South Korea escaped from the park of poverty-trapped countries including Uganda in the nineteen sixties and seventies, is one that attracts considerable anger and envy among many Ugandans. But over the past six years, the secrets of South Korea’s development miracle, has been uncovered through speeches, visits, and demonstration exercises at national and village levels.
Age Limit Fight divides Ugandans
The chaotic scenes that played out in Parliament this week, have attracted mixed views on the health of Uganda’s democracy. While some have condemned the way the opposition MPs ‘desecrated’ the sanctity of Parliament by stepping on chairs and tables, a considerable number of Ugandans have hailed the behaviour of the MPs for ‘putting up a spirited fight’, despite their numerical weakness.
Parliament goes Chaotic
For the last three days, as the issue of the tabling of the Private Members Bill motion to amend Article 102 (b) of the 1995 Constitution to remove the 75 years term limit, tempers on the either side of the House were running high. Two days ago, the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, had to adjourn the House when the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), heckled her and the NRM side when the Igara West MP, Raphael Magyezi, was due to table the motion.
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