By Alibawa saire.

Female students at Buyende Seed Secondary School, located in Buyende district, are grappling with a significant challenge that is impacting their education and well-being. The absence of proper dormitory facilities has forced these students to seek alternative accommodation, often renting grass-thatched huts nearby. This situation has become particularly dire during the rainy season, leaving many students sleepless and vulnerable.

The influx of students from distant areas within the district, combined with the lack of boarding services in government schools, has exacerbated the accommodation crisis at Buyende Seed Secondary School. As a result, many learners, primarily female, find themselves in a precarious situation, struggling to secure safe and comfortable living spaces conducive to learning.

According to students, the rental prices for these grass-thatched dormitories range from 10,000 to 12,000 Ugandan shillings. However, these makeshift dormitories lack essential amenities such as proper lighting, making them unsafe, especially during the night. Students also express concerns about the vulnerability of these structures to potential attacks from outsiders, adding to their sense of insecurity.

To address this pressing issue, some staff quarters at the school have been converted into temporary dormitories. While this initiative provides a stopgap solution, it is not sustainable in the long run and does not adequately meet the students’ needs for safe and suitable accommodation.

District education officials are now calling upon the government to intervene and construct proper dormitory facilities outside the school premises. This move is crucial to ensure that all students, especially female learners, have access to secure and conducive living environments that promote their educational success and overall well-being.

Dison Wire, the District Education Officer (DEO), emphasizes the urgent need for government support in providing dormitories for the students. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing educational infrastructure and creating a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.

The plea from Buyende Seed Secondary School highlights the critical importance of addressing infrastructure gaps in education, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that every student has equal opportunities and a conducive learning environment.

By Alibawa saire 

Namutumba District has initiated a significant step towards ensuring financial transparency and accountability within its community-driven initiatives by launching a comprehensive audit of Parish Development Model (PDM) Saccos. This audit encompasses a total of 110 Saccos operating across Namutumba, reflecting a robust commitment to upholding best practices in financial management.

At the forefront of this endeavor is Joseph Mukombe, the district’s dedicated Commercial Officer. Mukombe, during an informative onboarding meeting, diligently briefed PDM Sacco members on the audit’s requirements, emphasizing the critical role of active participation and discouraging absenteeism from the exercise. He stressed the importance of all stakeholders taking the audit seriously, urging them to organize and submit relevant documents promptly.

During discussions with PDM executives, concerns were raised, and Joseph Mukombe promptly addressed these issues, highlighting the significance of adherence to audit protocols and the need for thorough cooperation from all parties involved. Mukombe reiterated that this audit is not merely a formality but a crucial step towards ensuring the financial health and sustainability of PDM Saccos.

In a strategic move to enhance the audit process, Mukombe facilitated a meeting with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and auditors, where a collaborative approach was emphasized. The auditors were encouraged to view these Saccos as “baby Saccos,” requiring a more interactive and supportive audit framework rather than strictly adhering to traditional professional audit standards. This approach aims to foster a constructive dialogue between auditors and Sacco members, promoting a deeper understanding of financial operations and governance practices.

Joseph Mukombe emphasized that this audit aligns with government strategies aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency in community-based financial institutions. He reiterated the district’s commitment to ensuring that PDM Saccos operate ethically, effectively, and in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

As the audit progresses through all PDM Saccos in Namutumba District, stakeholders are optimistic that this collaborative effort will yield insights that contribute to improved financial management, stronger governance structures, and enhanced service delivery within the community. The message is clear: the audit is not just a formality but a crucial step towards fostering financial integrity and sustainability in Namutumba’s grassroots initiatives .w

Mandela National Stadium Namboole: A Call for Progress and Collaboration, says speaker Annet Anita Among.

A distinguished group led by Speaker Hon. Annet Anita Among and other key stakeholders embarked on a crucial mission to Mandela National Stadium Namboole. The purpose of this visit was to conduct a thorough inspection of the ongoing construction works, with a focus on advancing the stadium’s readiness to host various sports events.

The vist commenced with a comprehensive assessment of the construction progress at Mandela National Stadium Namboole. Speaker Hon. Annet Anita Among, along with other members of the delegation, underscored the importance of expediting the construction work. Urgent calls were made to the responsible authorities to implement necessary changes and enhancements to ensure the stadium’s suitability for hosting games and other sporting activities.

A pivotal aspect highlighted during the visit was the need to address logistical challenges, particularly regarding parking space within the stadium premises. Speaker Hon. Annet Anita Among advocated for the clearance and optimization of the parking area, emphasizing the significance of creating a conducive environment for sports-related activities and events.

In addition to urging swift action on construction matters, the delegation also engaged with stadium management to facilitate the availability of the parking space for sports-related purposes. This proactive step aims to enhance the overall functionality of Mandela National Stadium Namboole and create opportunities for a wide range of sports-related initiatives.

During the visit, Speaker Hon. Annet Anita Among expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Engineering Brigade of @MODVA_UPDF for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the ongoing construction efforts at the stadium. Their expertise and hard work have significantly contributed to the progress achieved thus far.

As the journey towards optimizing Mandela National Stadium Namboole continues, collaboration, and cooperation between stakeholders, authorities, and construction teams remain paramount. The collective vision is to transform Mandela National Stadium Namboole into a world-class sporting venue that not only hosts prestigious events but also fosters community engagement, youth development, and national pride.

In a significant move, Speaker Hon. Annet Anita Among called upon the Ministry of Sports to re-invite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for reassessment. This proactive step aims to showcase Uganda’s commitment to meeting international standards and securing recognition for Mandela National Stadium Namboole as a premier venue for regional and continental sporting events.

By Alibawa Saire.

Ugandan music icon Moses Ssali, popularly known as Bebe Cool, has instituted legal against Airtel Uganda for its failure to account for quick data depletion. On 17th Jan, Bebe Cool vented his frustration on his social media handle, condemning Airtel Uganda for what he deemed abnormal data depletion.

Bebe Cool shared a specific incident, revealing that he had purchased 22 gigabytes of data at 21:56, only to receive an alert shortly after indicating that 17 gigabytes had mysteriously vanished, leaving him with just 5 gigabytes.

Making his discontent crystal clear, Bebe Cool announced that if the issue wasn’t resolved by 10 am that morning, he would be compelled to take legal action against the telecommunications giant

In a letter acknowledged by Airtel Uganda, Bebecool contends that the unethical data depletion antagonised his Zoom business meeting which was scheduled the same night and as a result, he has to incur travel expenses, together with his team to Lagos for a physical meeting. In response to the alleged data mismanagement, he demands transparency from Airtel Uganda, requesting an inventory and usage chart of his mobile data between January 16th, 2024, at 9:56 p.m. and January 17th, 2024, at 1:00 a.m.

Consequently, he seeks compensation totalling Ugx 200 million, comprising Ugx 100 million for travel expenses to Lagos and an additional Ugx 100 million for the unjustified self-enrichment and breach of his pre-paid agreement. Airtel Uganda has been given 21 days from the receipt of the letter to address these grievances or else he will seek legal redress in the courts of law.

By ALIBAWA SAIRE

Rakai Woman MP Juliet Kinyamatama has called for a thorough mental evaluation of  Mityana Municipality Francis Zaake following allegations that Zaake labelled her a prostitute during a rally in Rakai District. Francis Zaake the Mityan Municipality legislator is accused of making defamatory remarks equating Kinyamatama to a sex worker, something which has left her exposed to public humiliation, mockery mockery.l and un

It is remembered that while addressing a rally in Rakai District last year,  the Hon Zaake uttered vulgar words about Kinyamata and Gyaviira before calling on the electorates to abandon “elderly” politicians and vote for youthful ones available in the area, something Hon Kinyamatam termed as a public attack her fitting solemn demeanour and a disrespect to women.

Kinyamatama, the woman legislator representing  Rakai District has since been appearing before the parliament rules and Regulation committee chaired by Bugweri District MP, Abdul Katuntu to push for an equivocal apology from Zaake. She urges parliament to put stringent measures on the conduct of fellow legislators who act contrary to the parliamentary rules and regulations. She further cautioned the public from sending such irrefutable figures to parliament. Zaake is not a suitable candidate for the constituency and preferably advised that he should be dropped. Notes Kinyamatama.

Zake through his lawyers, Erias Lukwago and company advocates defended himself against the reported derogatory statements and demeaning remarks which contradict the integrity of parliament.  He noted that it is entirely the work of the complainant her lawyer to avail evidence which must be subjected to proof. The female legislators demanded that Zaake should not have any excuse to be allowed back in parliament because of his conduct that depicts him as a person who was not worthy of representing a constituency.

Erias Lukwago, the lead counsel in the matter, while appearing again before Parliament’s Rules Committee expressed. They were forced to walk out of the proceedings in protest against the Committee’s apparent bias and endorsement of the complainant’s hostile and combative demeanour during cross-examination. Reading a pre-prepared written text before a tribunal is something Lukwago couldn’t bear.

The embattled Hon Zaake noted his X platform, “I was not surprised when she asked that I be ejected from Parliament and that I undergo a mental examination. Throughout history, those who stand for the truth have always paid a heavy price. I might not be the first one to suffer persecution, but I will be the last one to go silent because of it. Tujja Bazoganya paka kuwulira bubi” . Zaake asked for another two weeks to either engage Lukwago or acquire another lawyer for further proceedings.

The Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the accused ‘s representatives have on numerous occasions urged parliament’s committee on rules and discipline to drop its investigations into embattled Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake citing the irregularities and unfair proceedings from the matter.

Writes Alibawa Saire

The European Union has distanced itself from the circulation claims and letter purportedly released by a self-acclaimed x(formerly Twitter) influencer and legislator, Frank Mwesigye. Frank, took to his social media handle and quoted the Ugandan Germany-based PEN award winner and critical writer, Kakwenza Rukirabashaija as being a double standard. He claims that Kakwenza practices double standards and is a legitimate and staunch supporter of the LGBTIQ and people of different sexual orientations in Uganda.

Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who is in exile for purportedly portraying and defaming the first son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba with abusive and unauthentic claims, and his literature book,” The Greed  Baberian” which exposed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his government as greed fellows, is portrayed consenting to an agreement with the European to promote LGBTIQ rights in Uganda.

In the need to rectify the fake accusations claims, the EU noted several grammatical inconsistencies and punctuations that are far below its standards in writing. In their response, the EU denied Dunja Mitrovic,  the commissioner who signed the false accusing letter. Dunja Mitrovic serves as the commissioner for human rights to the Council of Europe, which is entirely independent of the European Union. She is although brilliant, not the appropriate signatory for this letter, we appreciate that it may be a bit confusing to grasp, you can read more..read part of the response.

The EU also note that all the official authentic documents and contracts are done on a headed paper and duly signed officially, unlike the previous forged letter shared by Frank Mwesigye. The  EU  corrected that the term used Human Rights Commission is reserved for diplomatic missions established by the commonwealth and therefore it was wrong and disrespectful to refer to the EU as such.

The EU further cautioned Frank, the author of the false letter that you can do better than this, after noticing several errors ranging from the address, punctuation marks, past participle tenses and many other grammatical expressions lacking.

Kakwenza and Frank have a ragged social media beef. seemingly from, Frank’s boastfulness and arrogance on social media X (twitter) show-offs. Frank always boosts like a self-satisfied fellow who doesn’t need anything from anyone. Kakwenza quotes Frank as being a government-fuelled fellow used by Muhoozi Kainerugaba for political ambitions.

The inconsistencies in Frank’s letter depict him as an unlearned scholar who needs to polish up on his grammar, forgery and plagiarism by going back to school. Kakwenza notes.

The forum for the democratic party’s former president and presidential aspirant, Dr. Kizza Besigye applauded the EU for the clarity which simply exposes Frank as a learnt fellow. “I am greatly relieved to learn that @MwesigyeFranks isn’t a Ug MP!! I was horrified that a person of his character can be associated with our national institutions, ” wrote Kizza Besigye. Besigye deleted the post and stated that it was done after realising the said person was just a layman who didn’t deserve his attention.

Writes Alibawa saire.

The Uganda Fisheries Protection Unit has handed over 14 Congolese nationals who had been arrested and detained on charges of practising illegal fishing on lakes Edward and Albert. The army had also impounded over 60 boats and engines allegedly belonging to the Congolese nationals for not complying with the Ugandan fisheries rules and regulations. They were handed over to the Congo authorities in an event witnessed by the Kasese resident District commissioner, leiftnunt Joe Walusimbi.

The Uganda fisheries rules and regulations necessitate that all persons already involved in fisheries activities be registered by the Fisheries Protection Unit, and the registered persons are not allowed to practise fishing without valid trading licenses. The registration process only requires identification documents including; National Identification Cards for Nationals and passports for non-Ugandans to be presented for them to be eligible to transact fishing businesses in Uganda.

It is estimated that Uganda loses 430 million US Dollars from unregulated fishing every year. In the bid to improve and restock the lakes, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ordered the deployment of FPU personnel on the lakes to regulate illegal fishing activities. With stringent fishing measures, that include tracking down unrecognised fishing nets, irresponsible fishing, and habitat destruction among others.

Speaking at the inter-handover ceremony, the Fisheries Protection Unit spokesperson, Lieutenant Lauben Ndifula, cited the  Variant deterring laws between the two countries as being incompatible. For example, monofilament nets (nets made from a single filament with many tiny filaments) are unrecognized in Uganda but fully recognized in the Congo. He advised fishermen to be cautious of the laws and avoid indulging in activities that are perhaps detrimental to them and the fishing sector.

Meanwhile, Congo Authorities handed over   16 boats and engines that were impounded, and four Ugandan nationals who were arrested for violating their flourishing fishing protocols. While handing over the impounded items, Lieutenant Colonel Jean Ishongo, the in-charge Marine, Congo Kyavinonge emphasised the need to respect laws and to be obliging citizens.

He applauded the Ugandan government for the continuous friendly bilateral relationship while cautioning the Congo fellows to desist from illegal fishing as stipulated in the Ugandan fishing and protection rules and regulations. Uganda has a flourishing bilateral relationship with Dr Congo, the latest being the operation shijua, which embarks on disarming the ADF  rebels that have become a menace recently to Uganda and Congo.

The function was witnessed by the Kasese Resident District commissioner(RDC), Lt Joel Walusimbi in Katwe Kabatooro Town Council, Kasese district where he commended that the handover is aimed at engaging the locals, and authorities and having a lasting solution to the vice. peaking during the handover ceremony, the RDC strongly called upon the members to stop taking law issues for granted by following the fisheries protection rules and regulations.

Robinah Mirembe, who represented the Rubirizi RDC, an area that is largely affected by the influx of the Congolese and other illegal trading activities across the waters of Lake Albert, noted that the countries lose a lot of revenue through illegal fishing activities, something that would be avoidable. She called upon the community members to be more vigilant and report cases of illegal fishing to the relevant authorities for further handling.

By ALIBAWA SAIRE.

Dairy farmers in areas affected by foot and mouth disease in Mbarara City are now using pervious means  to sell their products, such as milk and ghee outside the quarantine area. Nyakayojo, Rwenjeru, Rwemijina, Nyarubanga, and Katengyeto are among the Mbarara district areas severely impacted by the foot and mouth disease. However, the authorities in the area have threatened to arrest defiant farmers.

On Thursday last week,  the Minister of Agriculture,  Hon Frank Tumwebaze told Parliament that quarantine restrictions in identified districts remain in place to avoid escalation of the disease. The lawmaker stressed that the government is procuring vaccines which will later be made available on the market through a financial digital system managed, by the Ministry of Local Government. He also noted that they guided the District technical team spearheaded by the RDC in writing on how non-affected areas could trade their products without interference.

The National Drug Authority has hence called on livestock farmers to be more vigilant and avoid being conned by unscrupulous individuals who sell fake Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines. This comes from an operation which saw over six traders arrested for selling counterfeit drugs in the Kampala container village area. The outbreak, which happened in November 2023, has had over 37 districts affected by the debilitating outbreak of foot and mouth disease. This has paralyzed and constrained the animal husbandry sector financially.

Ablaz Rwamwiri, the public relations officer of the National Drug Authority, maintains that they are working relentlessly with security and the Ministry of Agriculture,  to ensure that the culprits of illicit drugs on the market are brought down.

Meanwhile, livestock farmers are calling for quick intervention from the government before they lose their herds and livelihoods.

The MPs in their previous sittings expressed the bureaucracy in delaying the importation of the vaccines that have paralyzed the animal husbandry sector, Members of Parliament asked the government to allow cattle keepers to buy foot and mouth vaccines from authorized dealers as they await the government’s mitigate measures.

The government through the minister of agriculture still maintains its stand of upholding the quarantine measures. Tue minister notes that, until the foot and mouth disease vaccines are procured, they will not allow trade or any other businesses to transact. It’s the only safest way of controlling the spread of the disease, sys the minister.

By ALIBAWA SAIRE

The National Drug Authority NDA in collaboration with police has embarked on its mandate to regulate the manufacture, importation, and use of human and veterinary drugs in the country. By providing satisfactory healthcare and safeguarding the appropriate use of drugs. During the enforcement operation conducted,  a total of 180 illegal Drug outlets closed  416 boxes of assorted drugs worth over 100 million shillings impounded in the Western Region.

The operation was carried out in the districts of Hoima, Hoima City, Kikuube, Kyankwanzi, Masindi, and Kyenjojo districts. Mr Samuel Kyomukama the Head of Enforcement at the NDA, says that the operation is aimed at ensuring better medicine supply to the people by ensuring compliance and licensing guidelines with the national drug authority rules and regulations.

However, Samuel Kyomukama the Head of Enforcement at the NDA, says that the operation is aimed at ensuring better medicine supply to the people. He called upon the owners of the drug outlets whose drugs were impounded to follow up with the regional offices in Hoima City to be guided on how to comply and probably receive their drugs back.  Most of the illegal Drug outlets closed were in the Kyankwanzi District.

Sylvia Naluma, the deputy mayor of Hoima City noted that most of their people prefer self-medication and are not bothered to check on the expiry date of drugs. Cognizant of the detrimental effects of self-medication, people still find it better to buy drugs from such clinics because they provide quick alternatives at low prices. Stella cautioned members to seek health medication with proper prescription from the licenced clinics.

Sylvia applauded the NDA for the selfless dedication in service, of reaching out to verify and cause awareness among the members to always be cautious whenever they buy medicine from these drug outlets.

We appeal to the public to always buy drugs from NDA-licensed outlets, remain vigilant and report any drug outlets that do not comply with standards. The police human resource office Albertine region, Mr Robert Sseslu extends appreciation to the public, local authorities, NDA, the media and the general public for their support during this operation.

WRITES ALIBAWA SAIRE.

A 2022 Bank of Uganda survey revealed that only 1 percent of Ugandans earn above Shs1 million. If this is the state of people’s earnings, how is the government expecting the same people to pay for education?
The cries are very loud but the government is not listening” – Angella Kasule Nabwowe

With the usual mad rush of getting children back to school after a long two-month holiday. Parents are always frustrated and bewildered in finding their children better affordable schools. something which now comes with the cost of accepting heavy school fees burden and essential /traditional school requirements like books, pens, toilet paper, etc… However, the current trend now looks a little shifted, with schools exaggerating and making nonconsensual unusual requirements.

Child Nursery and Primary Care School, Kabaale is making rounds on social media platforms for championing a hen-worthy 20,000 ugsh on the school circular as a mandatory requirement for new entrants. In recent times, schools have gone to the extent of asking students to show up with a bag of cement, spades, hoes, and barbed wire which leaves many parents puzzled about the usage of such items by their children at school… A hen as a school requirement looks very unfamiliar hence raising concerns from the parents who are struggling to get the basic /usual school needs to their children.

This incident has gained significant attention on social media, with users expressing their concerns and disbelief, prompting local television channels(NTV)  to make visits to the school in abide to understand the significance of a hen as a school requirement and its impact on the pupil’s performance at school.

According to the school director, Mr  Innocent Mbine, he quotes that in 2019, parents resolved to set up a poultry project that would later help the school management to improve and alternate meals to their scholars. By availing eggs and chicken as an alternative diet. He notes that what initially started as a pilot scheme is picking shape and is focused on making it on a large scale for sustainability, a balanced diet and teachers’ welfare. The director advised parents to calm down and accept it since it’s a fully approved school requirement. He further highlighted the benefits of a balanced diet with eggs as a supplement to pupils.

Annet Ainembazi an old girl, recapitulates with reminisces the beauty of adhering to this school’s requirement by describing the move as a source of a balanced diet to pupils.

The chairman of the parent’s teachers association, Mr Anatoli Kabereho supports the idea and calls upon other schools to emulate and adopt including eggs, and chicken to pupils’ menus.

The government of Uganda has on several occasions warned school proprietors of exorbitant charges and unrealistic school requirements. It now remains a question whether the government shall respond on this particular one which has gained exposure of the silent requirements amongst others that schools are requesting from the parents amidst the hustles to cope with the exorbitant school dues.