Category Current Affairs

2Dec
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
District Service Commissions Warned to Tackle Bribery and Embezzlement in Administrative Roles

MOROTO,(UG)-The State Minister for Public Service, Grace Mary Mugasa, has rallied District Service Commissions (DSCs) to take the lead against the rampant bribery, extortion, and embezzlement.Mugasa was speaking midweek while closing a two-day regional stakeholder’s conference, at Strikers Hotel in Moroto town.

Mugasa lamented that as a result of highly corrupt leanings, suitable candidates are always thrown out because of such practices and advised the commissions to be extra careful, warning that positive change is in sight since the government will soon advertise some jobs. The minister also advised that locally generated revenue be left in the hands of the local government to help them sort out a few issues in their administrative units.

She said the government was passionate about the stability of Karamoja adding that peace has returned to the sub-region. The chairperson for the public service, Winnie Kabogoza, asked the government to allocate adequate budgets adding that inadequate funds were impacting negatively on the service delivery. She, however, said corruption does not only involve bribery but also extends to nepotism.

The Public Service Commission this week raised concerns about political interference in the human resource recruitment process in Karamoja, with reports that the region is grappling with numerous unfilled positions at the district level, while several occupied positions are filled by underqualified candidates.

2Dec
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
President Museveni Warns School Heads: Ensure Access to Free Education to Combat Rising HIV Cases

KAMPALA (UG)-President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to government school heads against impeding learners’ access to free education as the root cause of the surging HIV new cases among adolescents.

The President noted that out-of-school juveniles are the most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, a development he blamed on government school heads who have failed to implement the free education policy introduced in 1996 to help children from poor families pursue their education to the end. He made the remarks yesterday during the World AIDS Day commemoration held at Kibaale playground in Rakai district, under the theme: “Ending AIDS by 2030: Keeping Communities at the Centre”.

President Museveni advised parents to keep their children in school in order to control the rising numbers of HIV infections among the young people. He on the other hand, advised Ugandans living with the virus to take medication as prescribed by health practitioners.

The President further urged parents to embrace government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga in order to improve the livelihoods of their families, noting that poverty is among the lead causes of the surge in HIV infections. According to the recent statistics from the Uganda AIDS Commission, about 52,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 AIDS-related deaths occur every year. These new infections are occurring among the young girls and women between the age of 15 and 24 years.

Every December 1, people around the globe observe World AIDS Day, uniting to show support for people living with HIV and those affected by the virus, as well as to remember those who lost their lives to the scourge.

1Dec
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
Global Leaders Greenlight Climate Disaster Fund at UN Summit in Dubai

KAMPALA( UG)- World leaders have approved a climate disaster fund that will help vulnerable nations cope with the impact of drought, floods, and rising seawater.

This positive move was revealed on the first day of the United Nation’s Annual Climate Summit that is underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).In his opening remarks, Sultan Al-Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry who is chairing the summit for its 28th meeting said the agreement marked a “positive signal of momentum” at the close of 2023. The leaders agreed that the fund will channel money to countries hardest-hit by climate-related disasters including in Africa.

On the sidelines of the event, the Ugandan delegation led by Energy Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa on behalf of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, showed readiness as they called for a comprehensive transformation of climate finance, a matter that has long been at the heart of international climate negotiations. Talks in recent years were tainted by the failure of richer countries to make good on their 2009 promise to provide $100 billion a year in climate finance for resilience and clean energy by 2020.

However, speaking at the conference that opened yesterday and runs until December 12, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Kate Airey, said leaders need to increase pace in decision making if such pledges are to be realized.

1Dec
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
Mpuuga Nsamba Urges Government Action for Enhanced Access to HIV/AIDS Services

KAMPALA (UG)-The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, has called on Ugandans to spearhead activism in pushing the government to ensure improved access to HIV/AIDS services nationwide.

In a statement, Mpuuga emphasized the importance of readily available testing, counseling, treatment, and support services for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.He believes this accessibility is crucial for the government to achieve its 2030 goal in the fight against the disease.

Mpuuga further urged leaders at all levels to take action and empower communities to take a leading role in efforts to end HIV by 2030. Additionally, he urged patients to strictly adhere to their Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) to avoid the risk of drug resistance.

Meanwhile, scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) have expressed concern over low viral load suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda, despite much of the group being on treatment, a development they blame on drug resistance.

This year’s World AIDS Day national commemoration was today held in Rakai District, part of the Greater Masaka sub-region, where the first HIV case in Uganda was identified in 1982.

4Oct
By Drake 0 Comments
UNRA Launches Reconstruction of Kabale-Kisoro Road

RUBANDA: The Uganda Roads Authority (UNRA) has officially initiated the construction of the Kabale–Kisoro road, which had collapsed at Hamurwa Town Council in Rubanda district.

The section of the road experienced a collapse at Bwaara village on May 4, leading to significant disruptions in traffic flow on both sides. This road serves as a crucial link connecting Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

In response to the road collapse, UNRA promptly rerouted traffic to alternative routes, including the 88KM Katuna-Rubaya-Muko route and the 20KM Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi-Kachwekano-Rubona-Heisesero roads. Despite UNRA’s initial statement on May 8, indicating a three-week timeline for making the damaged section motorable, the efforts proved unsuccessful, leading to prolonged inconveniences for road users.

Over the past five months, since the road was damaged by landslides in the area, it has become a hotspot for accidents, causing significant disruptions. Tragically, two individuals, including 72-year-old Mzee Twinamasiko Thomas Bukuru, lost their lives due to accidents along this troubled road.

According to Allan Sempebwa, the spokesperson for the Uganda Roads Authority, construction works are set to be completed within four months, with a projected cost of 3.7 billion shillings. He asked road users to follow warning signs and reduce speed to avoid causing accidents. The responsibility for the construction has been assigned to Creystone Investment Limited.

Certain road users, such as Michael Nuwagaba, Shallot Tukamushaba, and Joseph Byamukama, express optimism that the ongoing construction works will not only reduce the occurrence of accidents but also enhance overall transportation and accessibility. The completion of this project is eagerly anticipated by the local community and travelers alike, as it promises to restore a vital link between Uganda and its neighboring countries