Uganda News Archives

“The Tax is affordable” Finance minister David Bahati

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Planning), Hon. David Bahati has stated defended the newly-introduced OTT tax and excise duty tax slapped on mobile money transactions.

While addressing the media today at Uganda Media Centre, he stated that the tax is affordable and should be embraced by Ugandans.

“When we (government) propose a tax it must be affordable and reasonable. We don’t think approx. Shs70,000 a year for social media is unreasonable. A tax is a small but affordable contribution, not a punishment. We should finance our budget fully. We will account for the resources we get from tax collection”, he stated.

He further stated that the use of VPN to evade paying tax will be countered.

“We have contacted UCC so that usage of VPNs to access social media is stopped. The other good opportunity we have is that it’s more expensive using VPNs than simply paying the social media tax of Shs200”.

Bahati explained that the government needs to raise money to provide services.

UCC promises to crack down VPN users

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Desiree Miller

With many Ugandans now utilising all the existing loopholes to evade the newly introduced Social Media tax, especially through using Virtual Private Network (VPN), Uganda Communication Commission has vowed that the evasion will soon come to an end.

According to Ibrahim Bbosa, Manager Consumers Affairs, UCC, the regulatory body together with telecom companies, are building the capacity to track down VPN users.

Bbosa revealed that; “Despite many VPN apps being introduced almost every day, only two are beating our capacities. But soon we shall track them down.”

On Ugandans refusing to pay tax Bbosa said; “Taxes have never been a palatable issue in Uganda,” before adding that; “ It could have been a joke where people think that OTTS is about “wolokoso” but i could also supplement that with a joke, now that the government of Uganda is getting taxes from social media, then maybe we shall not be seeing the closure of Social Media.”

Anal Sex Highest Cause of HIV in Prison

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Desiree Miller

According to a report, gay sex is widely practiced not only among prison inmates but also staff at detention centres.

Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons expressed shock during a breakfast meeting on the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative (PFTI) on ending HIV/AIDS, as a public health threat in Uganda by 2030.

During my HIV prevalence rate survey in prisons in 2013/2014, about 3 per cent of male staff at the prisons said they have ever had sex with male partners. For prisoners it’s understandable but for staff, it’s very surprising. And the proportion of staff engaging in Men having Sex with Men was most prevalent among staff aged 20 -24 years (5.6 per cent),” Dr Johnson Byabashaija said.

According to Byabashaija most prisoners are infected with HIV since most are detained when sick. He also blamed homosexuality and use of sharp objects to make tatoos as another avenue for spread of the virus.

To combat the spread in the prisons, he wondered whether prisoners should be supplied with condoms yet homosexuality is illegal.

UIA Executive director refuses to leave Office after being interdicted for corruption charges

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Jolly Kaguhangire, the Uganda Investment Authority Executive Director has refused to leave office 24 hours after the board of directors interdicted her for corruption, embezzlement and abuse of office, among other charges.

In a letter dated June 27, 2018, Kaguhangire wrote to the Chairman UIA Board of Directors, Emely Kugonza, contesting his directive on grounds that the 51st Board Meeting that resolved to send her on forced, was illegal as it did not have quorum and was conducted in haste and bad taste.

“The purpose of this letter therefore is to inform you that the Board in the aforementioned meeting to interdict me was irregular, void and illegal. This serves to inform you that I am still in office as the UIA Executive Director carrying out my duties and the mandate of the Authority,” she noted.

Kaguhangire argued that her dismissal fell short of the ethical standards as per the Investment Code of Conduct which include a 7-day prior notice, a clear agenda and no conflict of interest for involved parties.

“The allegations made against me are unfounded, totally baseless and I remain available to answer them satisfactorily in an unbiased forum,” she wrote.

watch the space

Man arrested for Impersonating IGP Okoth Ochola on Facebook

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Police has arrested a man identified as Geofrey Kalele a resident of Namutumba district for allegedly operating a fake Facebook account under the names of the current police IGP Martin Okoth Ochola.

The CID spokeman, Vincent Ssekate said that Kalele opened up a Facebook account in the IGP’s names between March and June and has since then been misusing it to defraud the public.

Kalele accepted his crime and confessed to conning and defrauding people. He also informed police that he had collected about Shs700,000 from the public which he used to pay his children’s school fees.

Furthermore, Kalele also has been using the fake account to give orders to officers and some unsuspecting officers would follow them.

This has come after police recently set strict investigation on people who misuse social media.

MP Betty Nambooze Cleared to fly abroad for further treatment

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Mukono MP, Betty Nambooze who has been under police guard at Kiruddu hospital in Kampala since she fell ill while in detention in Nagalama police station, had requested to be allowed to seek further medical attention as her health deteriorates.

According to Mulago Hospital, ED, Dr, Byaruhanga Baterana, the legislator needs to receive treatment abroad.

” We have been having Nambooze for about a week. It’s true she is really sick. She needs to travel abroad for further checkup. We have made the report to the honourable minister (health minister). The papers for Nambooze to move are now with Parliament and she knows the process very well. she is moving abroad as soon as heaven can allow. Everything is worked on.

The legislator’s health woes started after she injured her spine is the famous Age Limit Bill fracas in Parliament last year.

Police In Arua Arrest LC iv for defiling a Five year old Girl

Posted on June 22, 2018June 23, 2018 by Deborah

Police in Gulu has in custody Samuel Kinyera, the LC IV councilor Techo Parish in Gulu Municipal council for defiling a little girl.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa River Police Spokesperson says Kinyera is locked up at Gulu Central Police Station for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old pupil Koro Primary School whom he had been enticing with 10,000 Shillings.

It is reported that the shameless man was arrested on Sunday after the minor’s mother, Suzan Atala reported him to police. She, along with other women nabbed the suspect with her daughter behind closed doors at about 9pm in Lacan Kwite village in Layibi Division.

“They checked through the entire neighborhood until they got to the Councilor’s home where they found the girl’s shoes outside the house. The mother called her daughter’s name and she responded from inside the bedroom. The mother quickly locked the door and made an alarm. However, since all people at the scene were women, the councilor overpowered them and rushed to the police, where he lodged an assault complaint, however, he was followed by the women who also reported a case of defilement” Okema noted.

Amedical examination conducted by police on the minor has confirmed penetration and the minor confirmed that Kinyera has been enticing her with Shillings 10,000 each time he defiled her.

Kinyera becomes the third councilor elected on the Democratic Party ticket being implicated for an alleged involvement in criminal activities, after Justine Obol Simpleman, the Gulu District DP spokesperson and Laroo Division councilor was arrested last week on allegations of raping his girlfriend.
Police has since dropped the charges against the councilor.

But earlier on, police charged Francesca Amony, the Pece Division female councilor for torturing her housemaid using a flat iron.

Andrew Kaweesi Family speaks Out on Impending Kale Kayihura Doom

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Relatives of the late AIGP, Andrew Felix Kaweesi have expressed mixed reactions over the arrest of former IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura. The General was arrested over the gruesome murder of his former deputy.

According to some of the relatives, they are in shock because some of the officers that were arrested have been supporting the family.

“We are still in shock. It is so surprising. But if it is true that the officers arrested were implicated in the murder of Kaweesi, then it is so disappointing because these officers have been there for the family,” a relative told New Vision.

When they reached to the late Kaweesi’s wife at the Kisaasi home, she stated that she was not in a good condition to comment on the matter.

The arrest came as relief to other relatives of the late AIGP like his brother Leo Ruhinda.

“We are happy that arrests have been made and we are ready to face them in court,” Ruhinda told New Vision.

“He said they had come up with a list of 25 suspects, who included Kayihura and his close men, and had been trying to meet President Yoweri Museveni or any other high ranking official in the Government in vain.Of all the people on his list, only five have not been arrested,“ New Vision reported.

Kale Kayihura wife speaks Out, denies Lawyers

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Wife to Gen Kale Kayihura, Angella has denied claims by prominent lawyer Caleb Alaka that they were blocked from accessing the embattled general. Angella Kayihura says the lawyer does not represent Gen. Kayihura.

“This is to inform the general public that neither General Kale Kayihura nor any member of his family has met, talked to or instructed Mr. Evans Ochieng or Mr. Caleb Alaka or their law firms, to represent Gen Kayihura as alleged in the media, or at all. Gen Kayihura’s and our only lawyers are M/s Kampala Associated Advocates.”

“Gen Kayihura’s lawyers and his family have todate had unfettered access to him…any queries regarding this matter should be addressed to M/s Kampala Associated Advocates”, she stated.

Police Officer In Iganga Collapses and Dies in a Bar

Posted on June 14, 2018June 14, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Police in Iganga District are investigating circumstances under which a female police officer collapsed and died in a bar.
Ruth Nangobi, 58, attached to Iganga Police Station, collapsed on Tuesday evening while reportedly drinking with friends in a bar in Iganga Town.
A police officer who spoke to Daily Monitor on conditions of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to press, said her colleague collapsed as she was returning from the bar’s washrooms.

“We were boozing together before she decided to go for a short call. However, on her way back, she slid and collapsed,” said the police officer who also declined to name the bar where the incident happened.
The officer added that her colleague was first rushed to Iganga Municipal Council Health Centre III but her condition could not be managed and had to be rushed to Iganga Hospital where she died.

The Busoga East police spokesman, James Mubi, confirmed the death of the officer, saying she was a barracks guard attached to Iganga Police Station.
“At the moment I cannot tell you much about the incident but can confirm to you that she died and we are investigating,” Mr Mubi said.
By press time, the deceased’s body was lying in Iganga Hospital mortuary awaiting an autopsy.

From Daily monitor

UCC Threatens Radio and TV stations Over Hate speech

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Desiree Miller

The Uganda communications commission, UCC has threatened to take action against radio and TV stations that support and promote hate speech, in the wake of a spate of murders in the country.

In a letter dated June 13th 2018, Fred Otunnu the acting UCC Executive Director noted with concern incidences where broadcasters offer platform to members of the public, to express views that are inciting, discriminating and stirring up hatred and violence against persons and groups in society.

“This platform is provided for in form of interviews, talk shows, or people calling into radio stations during live phone-in shows where presenters permit persons to promote views that express hatred, discrimination, stereotype against other persons and groups in our society on the basis of their political opinions, religion, tribes and offices” says Otunnu.

He explains that the trend has increased after the murder of Arua Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Abiriga, who was gunned down in Kawanda on Friday June 8th by unknown assailants.

Mr. Otunnu warns that broadcasters have an obligation to sieve content that is likely to cause undue offence and breach of the minimum broadcasting standards as laid down in section 31 and Schedule 4 of the UCC Act No. 1 of 2013.

“The purpose of this letter therefore is to warn and remind all broadcasters to strictly comply with their statutory and license obligations, failure of which will leave UCC with no alternative but to invoke reguartory sanctions under section 41 of the UCC Act 2013 and/ or institute criminal proceedings against offending broadcasters at their own peril” he warned.

Former President Barrack Obama to visit Kenya in July

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Former US President Barack Obama will on July 16 commission the global standard sports facilities in K’Ogelo, Siaya County when he makes his first visit to the country since he left office in 2016.

Obama is coming on the invitation of Dr. Auma Obama, the founder of Sauti Kuu Sports who is also the first US Black President’s sister.

The facilities – Sauti Kuu Sports, a resource and vocational training centre – will be the first in the region and will host world-class athletes. The centre also comprises an international standard-size football pitch sponsored by the German Ministry for Development Cooperation, a basketball court sponsored by the Giants of Africa Foundation, a volleyball and netball court.

I am so happy to finally inaugurate this centre after three years of hard work. The space will serve as a safe physical space for children, youth and their families to meet and interact regularly while participating in different sports and learning activities,” Dr Obama said on Saturday, in a statement by Gina Din Group that is handling the event.

She said Obama’s attendance is significant and promotes his mission under the Obama Foundation.

Breaking News: Kale Kayihura arrested

Posted on June 13, 2018June 13, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura has been arrested. According to a press release from ministry of Defense, Kayihura has been today picked from his Lyantonde home and flown to Kampala in a chopper.

In a statement issued, army spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire said Gen Kayihura is still a serving officer of the UPDF and has been staying in Kashagama, Lyantonde District since March 15, 2018 after handing over office of the IGP.

“Yesterday June 12, 2018, he was asked to report to the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi at General Headquarters- Mbuya. A helicopter was subsequently dispatched to transport him from there but on arrival, Gen Kale had travelled to Mbarara and so it had to return to Entebbe Airforce Base. The helicopter was today sent back to Kashagama and has returned safely to Kampala with him on board.”

“I Am Not Under Arrest” Gen Kale Kayihura

Posted on June 13, 2018June 13, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Last evening news reports circulated indicating that former IGP Gen Kale Kayihura had been arrested in Lyantonde and brought to a detention in Kololo. However, according to the New Vision, the former IGP was busy attending to his farm in Lyantonde.

IGP Kale Kayihura also revealed that he got rumours of his arrest from social media. He laughed off the reports saying; “Even if it happens, am I the first person to be arrested?”

Nevertheless, from our reliable sources, Kayihura is today set to meet the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi.

The meeting was ordered by Commander-In-chief, Yoweri Museveni following yesterday’s meeting that involved top security chiefs.

Tamale Mirundi Angered by “fool”who called him to tell him he is next after Abiriga

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Desiree Miller

With the public puzzled on the motive of assassinating Hon Ibrahim Abiriga, current affairs analyst and another devoted NRM member Tamale Mirundi has disclosed that unknown person threatened to take his life.

On his weekly appearance show on NBS TV, the presidential press advisor said that someone called his wife saying he was next on the list.

“Some fool called my wife and told her I was next on the line to be killed,” furious Tamale stated.

“I will hunt this fool down until I get him. And I will not involve police because I know how to deal with such fools”, he added.

Tamale further narrated that the ‘fool’ has switched off his phone but that will not stop save him from being netted.

Betty Nambooze and Peng peng wanted for Abiriga Murder

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Desiree Miller

Police has opened up investigations against Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Swedish Based based blogger popularly known as Peng Peng and two others believed to have incited or participated in the assassination of Arua municipality member of parliament Col Ibrahim Abiriga last week.

According to The Observer, MP Betty Nambooze, is being investigated on the basis of a video in which she explains how easy it is to attack him even with his bodyguards all around him. She reportedly incited violence against her former colleague.

Nambooze attempts to take off Abiriga’s hat at the height of tension of the controversial Age Limit debate

Another file against Ugandan based in Sweden, Peng Peng who circulated a video this morning stating that Museveni and the NRM were behind the murder of the fallen MP.

Others include a one Nasser Mugerwa, who reportedly sent out an audio recording claiming responsibility for Abiriga’s assassination.

“Mugerwa details how they used crime preventers that have been trained by the government to kill Abiriga and that many other supporters of the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) who backed the age limit amendment bill are on the waiting list.
He listed MPs Evelyn Anite, Ruth Nankabirwa, Simeo Nsubuga and Raphael Magyezi as the next possible targets. Mugerwa also threatened President Yoweri Museveni and his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba”, The Observer reported.The third file is against one Jane Kuli, whose Facebook post on May 24, 2018, ‘foretold’ that Abiriga would die in the first week of June. With the exception of Nambooze, the three others are looked at as persons of interest in the murder of Abiriga and his brother Saidi Buga Congo.

Courts Demand Written submission from Bobi Wine after dragging Govt to court over cancelled shows

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Desiree Miller

High court in Kampala has asked for written submissions in a case in which Kyaddondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine sued the government for the cancellation of his music concerts.

Bobi Wine dragged the government to court, together with Former Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Frank Mwesigwa after the cancellation of concerts he had organized weeks after taking oath as a Member of Parliament. The concerts had been organized in parts of Kampala, Mukono, Kasese, Kiryandongo, and Kamuli.

According to a letter authored by Mwesigwa, the shows in the Kampala metropolitan area were canceled to stop the legislator from inciting violence. He had successfully run one show dubbed ‘Specioza wankyaaya’ at his one love beach in Busabala when subsequent concerts for the month of October were called off.

The shows had been organized at the height of a debate to lift the cap on the presidential age from the constitution. Kyagulanyi, then a new entrant in Parliament, was among a team of opposition legislators who led a protest against the amendment, triggering fists and verbal exchanges on the floor of Parliament. He was later suspended by the speaker of Parliament for misconduct.

Mwesigwa also accused Bobi Wine of failing to differentiate between “Bobi Wine the musician” and “Robert Kyagulanyi the Legislator”. “We have noticed that Bobi Wine has been turning into Hon. Kyagulanyi to make political statements at music shows. That is not what we agreed upon,” Mwesigwa said.

Kyagulanyi later dragged the government to court seeking a payment of Shs300 million as compensation for lost income and his freedom which had been restricted through police action. Kyagulanyi also wants the court to issue an order prohibiting police from violating his freedom of movement and allow him to stage his shows without any hindrance.

However, the case has dragged since October 2017 due to the failure by the Attorney General to honor court summons. Today, high court judge Henrietta Wolayo told the parties in the case to make written submissions and responses on the case within two weeks, effective today.

Written submissions imply that the parties do not appear in person but send material to the judge, including relevant documents and legal arguments that explain why the case should be decided in their favor.

Ugandan Aircraft Innovator tries to test his homemade “chopper”, crashes

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Desiree Miller

30-year-old Joseph Nkaheza resident of Mwizi in Mbarara district is receiving treatment at Ruti Clinic following a crash in his home-made chopper around his home town on Mbarara-Kabale road.

Nkaheza, a primary seven dropout was reportedly testing the ‘chopper’ to see if it can fly. However, according to witnesses, the aircraft had taken flight a few feet off the ground when he failed to take full control of it hence crashing.

Nkaheza sustained injuries on his head and rushed to hospital where he is critical condition.

According to his close friends, its not the first time Nkaheza has crashed his plane. Last year he suffered a similar accident and fractured his hand.