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Ibanda district has unveiled a plan to attract more investments by encouraging people born in Ibanda but staying in Kampala to come and invest back home to spur its development.
Speaking during the district’s budget conference for the 2023/3024 fiscal years at the Council Hall, Herbert Happy Mayanja, the LC V chairman Ibanda district said that attracting more investments into the district would create more jobs for residents, especially the youth.
Mayanja added that the district leaders would soon meet a select group of potential investors to interest them in the immense investment opportunities the district offers.
According to reports, Ibanda has opportunities in agro-processing, tourism, mining, dairy, metals and fabrications, construction, farming, education and general trade, among others.
According to district authorities, Ibanda expects to spend UGX 27 billion next financial year. Of this, UGX 25.77 billion will come from the government while locally raised revenues will only cover 3.5% which is approximately UGX 937.6 million of the expected total budget. Donors are expected to add UGX 311.4 million.
Kweyunga Ruhemba, the Ibanda chief administrative officer (CAO) told stakeholders that next year’s budget seeks to restore the economy to a growth trajectory of between 6-7%.
The conference was attended by district councilors and district staff, sub-county chairpersons and chiefs, town clerks, and development partners among others.
A budget conference is the initial step in the budget preparation process, where the expected expenditure plans are presented to key stakeholders for their input.
At least five people have been confirmed dead while seven others were critically injured following an accident in which a Fuso truck transporting cattle from Kotido District veered off the Soroti-Mbale highway and plunged into Awoja swamp on Wednesday night.
Police from Soroti responded swiftly and managed to retrieve bodies of the victims from the water, while at least 10 carcasses of cattle remained lying in the water following the road crash at the sharp bend near River Awoja.
Oscar Greggory Ageca, the police spokesperson East Kyoga region, attributed the accident to possible reckless driving and added that preliminary investigations also point at possible over speeding at a sharp corner which forced the truck off the road before it overturned.
“We managed to reach the scene on time, and rescued those injured who are now being attended to by the medical workers at Soroti regional referral hospital,” said Ageca.
Hammed Kizza, one of the survivors who was seated in the co- driver’s seat at the time of the crash attributed the accident to reckless driving.
“I kept pleading with our driver not to over speed because the truck we were using is old but he never listened,” said Kizza.
Kizza said the truck had 18 people onboard who were heading to Kibuku and Butembo districts where they had planned to sell the animals.
Kizza said five of his fellow cattle traders died on the spot while the survivors were evacuated from the scene by the Soroti regional referral hospital medical workers at around 10pm.
According to police, the scene of the crash is a hotspot for road carnages.
Airtel Africa is inviting Airtel customers in Uganda to audition for the debut season of The Voice Africa, an exciting partnership between the international music talent show and the leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services.
The Voice Africa will be streamed to millions of Africans via Airtel TV, Free to Air stations (FTAs) and paid channels across 14 countries in Africa. Uganda’s aspiring music talent will get the incredible opportunity to perform live on the TV programme and with hope to be crowned ‘The Voice Africa’.
Amit Kapur, the Chief Commercial Officer at Airtel Uganda speaking on behalf of the Airtel Uganda MD Manoj Murali during the launch of the Voice Africa in Uganda recently.
The first stage is a Video Audition, in which entrants register at www.thevoice.africa.com and upload a one-minute video of them singing. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a Live Audition, hosted in Uganda. Following the live audition, the seven strongest vocalists from Uganda will be flown to Nigeria to film the show, alongside seven other contestants from each of Airtel Africa’s 13 other markets in Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, DRC among others.
The next stage is the unique and show-stopping Blind Auditions, for which The Voice is internationally renowned. Decisions from a high-profile panel of expert coaches will be based solely on voice, and not on looks.
The coaches will hear the contestants perform, but they will not get to see them – thanks to rotating chairs. If a coach is impressed by the contestant’s voice, he/she pushes a button to select the artist for his/her team.
Once the teams are set, they enter the Battle Round, where coaches will dedicate themselves to developing their team of artists, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success along with the help from their celebrity advisers.
At the end of various vocal challenges, only the strongest members of each coach’s roster remain and proceed to the new Knockout rounds.
Here, coaches will decide who to take forward to the Live Shows. In this final phase, 16 potential singing superstars from across Africa – including two from Uganda will compete each week against each other during a live broadcast, taking place in March 2023. The television audience will vote to save their favorite artists and one grand winner will ultimately be named ‘The Voice Africa’.
The grand winner will be rewarded with USD $100,000 prize package, including a recording contract. Each of the seven selected contestants from each country will receive USD$5,000 and some Airtel goodies.
Manoj murali, said: “This is a truly transformational opportunity for the musical talent of Uganda. I’m incredibly excited they get to be part of the world’s biggest singing competition and I’ve no doubt our nation will get behind them as they represent all our hopes and dreams. I would strongly encourage any aspiring singers to get uploading their Video Auditions!”
Akin Salami, CEO of FAME Studios and Executive Producer, The Voice Africa, Akin Salami said: “More than ever before we are delighted to embark on this great project for Africa. This is the first of its kind in the history of The Voice and we are looking forward to seeing creativity in its raw form, starting with the Virtual Audition. We are excited to have partnered with a committed brand like Airtel to bring the show the families across Africa. In a time like this when African music continues to gain global recognition, The Voice Africa will be a game-changer providing more global exposure for African talents. It is just the right opportunity to showcase more African talents to the world.’’
Police in Mbarara city are holding 10 people suspected to be behind the notorious panga-welding theft.
Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region police spokesperson identified the suspects as Parius Mukundane, Dominic Kakuru, Nulu Muwonye, Abdu Ukasho, Kenedy Nsimire, Raps Atwijukire, Charles Nuwamanya, Farouk Lubega, and Derrick Nuwagaba among others.
Kasasira said that as police, following the arrest of the suspects, they have managed to recover some of the things that have been stolen from different areas.
Kasasira said that some of the things they have discovered include laptops, hoofers, clothes, phones, bags, flat screens, and two motorcycles among others.
Kasasira noted that police are working tirelessly to ensure that crimes are curbed in Mbarara and other parts of the country.
Some of the exhibits and items that the suspects have been using during the robberies.
Kasasira said that the suspects will be charged with being in possession of suspected stolen property.
Ministry of Water and Environment has started demarcating wetlands in Kitagwenda district.
The exercise started with three wetlands of Kyarutanga, Kanunka and Ruhagura all found in Kabujogera Town council.
Speaking at the launch of the demarcation exercise at Kyarutanga wetland, Lucy Iyango, the acting commissioner for wetland management under the water and environment ministry said demarcation of wetland boundaries was part of interventions by the government to secure wetlands in the country and restore their integrity.
Iyango added that the management of natural resources is the responsibility of local governments, saying the ministry comes in to provide technical support.
She also urged the district leadership to work with communities and all the stakeholders involved in the fight against wetlands degradation to ensure a consolidated effort and approach towards wetland conservation.
Anthony Kalyegira, the district senior environment officer revealed that Kitagwenda district has 46 wetlands, all of which are heavily encroached on and degraded by human activities.
Joseph Byabagambi Ruhweza, the Mayor Kabujogera Town council said the demarcation would help in the restoration of the swamps.
Afai Sylvano, the western regional wetlands coordinator and project manager, said the exercise is not about grabbing anybody’s land, but to show the communities where unauthorized human activities must stop.
Hanifa Asasira, a resident of Kabujogera town, said many women depend on the wetland to get materials for making handicrafts, from which they earn a living. Asasira added that however, the demarcation would ensure sustainable use of swamps.
Police in Mukono are investigating a fire outbreak that killed 11 pupils at Salama School for the Blind in Luga Village, Ntanzi Parish, Ntejeru Kisoga town council in Mukono District.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy police spokesperson Kampala metropolitan area said the fire whose cause is yet to be established started in the wee hours of Tuesday.
“The cause of the fire is currently unknown but so far 11 deaths as a result of the fire have been confirmed while 6 are in critical conditions and admitted at Herona Hospital in Kisoga,” said Owoyesigyire.
The deceased, all visually impaired children have been identified as Shamira Kalema, Patricia Mudondo, Gladys Namuga, Rebecca Josephine Namulondo, Josephine Joseline Namuwonge, Peace Nalumisa, Agnes Nantume, Pretty Prwoth, Veronica Nasali, Ket Nangutu and Patricia Nakayima.
Dr Stephen Mulindwa, the Mukono District Health Officer, said the six victims in critical condition who were rushed to Herona Hospital in Kisoga Town, Mukono District will later be transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Parents gather at Salama School of the Blind where fire gutted one of the dormitories killing 11 pupils on on Tuesday.
Francis Kinubi, the school proprietor believes it was an arson attack.
“I think a heartless person set fire on the dormitory with an intension of blocking the princess’ visit because there is no electricity at the side where the fire started,” said Kinubi.
The school has been in preparations for the planned visit of the deceased Queen Elizabeth’s daughter; Princess Anne on October 28th 2022.
Richard Muhimba, a resident of Mukono and father to one of the victims told the press that he cannot describe the pain of his loss.
“I visited him on Saturday, he was in good health, and three days later he is dead,” said Muhimba over the phone.
Rev Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the LCV chairperson Mukono district said the school has been involved in land conflicts as he received complaints in his office.
Major General James Birungi, the commander of Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) said they are going to investigate the matter.
According to authorities, some of the pupils are expected to sit the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in two weeks which means that the school cannot be closed at the moment.
The Salama School for the Blind, built in 1999 and has dozens of students, aged between 6 and 25.
Wilson Kajwengye, the Member of Parliament representing Nyabushozi County in Kiruhura district has sternly challenged parents about the habit of educating their children from schools outside their district.
Speaking to parents at Rushere Christian high school in Rushere town council, Kajwengye urged parents to appreciate their home district schools by educating children from there for the better development of the district communities as well as children to cope up with the parental culture and behaviors.
Banabas Bakekira, the director of Rushere Christian high school and Mount Olives Primary school also discouraged parents in Kiruhura district from taking children to study from outside the district and support schools nearest to them.
Byensi David Kagonde, the head teacher Lake Mburo Secondary school said this school has 230 students and attributed the low number of students to frequent changing of school leaders and lack of school equipment like laboratory equipment.
Kashaija Patrick, the head teacher Kaaro high school noted that discipline among students in schools is what leads to the good standard and academic excellence.
Kingmartin Kyanyawanga, the Mayor Rushere town council appreciated political leaders for bringing notable development to the communities.
Kajwengye also distributed Science Laboratory Equipment, reagents and Textbooks (Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, including revision questions and answers) to to boost science education in Secondary schools in Nyabushozi, Kiruhura district.
Rishi Sunak will become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after winning the ruling Conservative Party’s leadership contest on Monday.
Sunak’s win comes days after Truss’s resignation which followed disastrous tax cuts plans and policy U-turns that caused unprecedented economic crisis and drew a rare intervention from the Bank of England.
During his first public speech, since winning the contest on Monday, Sunak said Britain faces serious economic challenges and needs stability and unity.
“There is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge…we now need stability and unity, and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together,” said Sunak.
Sunak, a former finance minister, has been left with the task of steering a deeply divided country through an economic downturn.
Sunak’s only challenger, Penny Mordaunt, leader of the House of Commons and former defence minister, was reportedly backed by 30 MPs compared to nearly 150 that supported Sunak.
“This decision is a historic one and shows, once again, the diversity and talent of our party,” said Mordaunt in a statement as she withdrew from the race just minutes before the winner was due to be announced. “Rishi has my full support.”
Having lost to Liz Truss in September 2022, Sunak racked up the support of his fellow MPs early, and fast in the latest leadership contest. He crossed the 100 nominations he needed long before the deadline including from MPs that had previously backed Truss or Boris Johnson.
Sunak was first elected as an MP in 2015 for Richmond in north Yorkshire and was made finance minister or chancellor in February 2020 under Boris Johnson.
Sunak’s accession is believed to be directly attributed to the chaos of the past few months. And he is seen as a safe pair of hands, having won wide praise for his handling of the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic in which he helped businesses and citizens with big government spending programs that saved many livelihoods.
Rishi Sunak was born in Southampton in 1980, where his father was a GP and his mother ran a pharmacy. His parents are both of Indian origin who came to the UK from East Africa and he becomes the first British Asian prime minister.
Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni, the west Ankole diocese bishop, has asked Christians to always be innovative and aim at adding substance to their families if they are to have development in their societies.
The bishop made the remarks on Sunday while preaching at Rwabutura church of Uganda during in his pastoral visit to Rwabutura Archdeaconry in Sheema district.
Bishop Twinomujuni noted that every person in this world was created to add something on it but it is very unfortunate that some people do not do their responsibilities in ways they are supposed to which has delayed development.
The Bishop therefore asked Christians to ensure that they should always add value to the societies they are living in.
Rev. Canon Wiliam Twinematsiko, of Rwabutura C.O.U hailed the bishop for paying a visit to Rwabutura, preaching the gospel and encouraging people to work.
During Bishop Twinomujuni’s visit, 230 Christians received the sacrament of confirmation in the Anglican Faith.
Police in Bushenyi has arrested 47 students of Plus Two High school in Bushenyi over a strike that left school property destroyed and vandalized.
The arrested and others still at large were involved in a stampede between S6 and S5 students who were on the verge of setting the school ablaze accusing school administrators and management of feeding them poorly.
Martial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi police spokesperson, said they received a tip off from one of the school administrators around 11pm that students had started rioting in school and as police they arrived at the scene and started firing bullets to disperse the angry students.
Some of the students who talked to our reporter on condition of anonymity said for long, they have been fed on poor quality of food, yet they pay large sums of money which could have sparked off the strike.
By press time, police was still manning the school premises to avoid any occurrence.
