Just weeks after the World Bank froze new lending to Uganda because of the government failure to fully use already borrowed money, the country’s parliament has come under fire over alleged “incompetence”, writes Ronald Musoke and Flavia Nassaka. The Deputy Leader of Government Business, First Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali is …
Read More »Besigye’s coalition of the intolerant
THE LAST WORD: By Andrew Mwenda While NRM is a corrupt government, FDC has evolved into an extremist antidemocratic party Most commentary on politics in Africa tends to revolve around the analysis of the actions and motivations of incumbents in power. A narrative has consolidated: those in power in Africa …
Read More »Global Fund collects $13 bln to end AIDS, malaria, TB by 2030
Montreal, Canada | AFP | An international donor conference in Montreal reached its goal of raising $13 billion for the fight to eradicate AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great Honour to announce that for the fifth …
Read More »VIDEO: Government Review – Ministries underutilizing funds
VIDEO: Uncertainty surrounds budget absorption targets as technocrats grapple with persistent slow utilization of funds within key sectors. Most of the money unutilized is borrowed from the World Bank attracting a high interest rates The Ministry of finance has now warned government departments that it will not release funds for unplanned expenditures …
Read More »Angolan president sacks finance minister
Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos on Monday sacked his finance minister Armando Manuel, the presidency announced, as the country battles an economic crisis caused by sinking oil prices. No reason was given for the dismissal of the 44-year-old London-educated minister who has held the …
Read More »Crisis of Africa’s postcolonial state
Danger of expecting leaders of poor African countries to govern like the rich Imagine a romantic relationship between a poor young guy and a demanding girlfriend. They live in a community with former school and classmates all of whom are rich kids living in posh neighborhoods, driving fancy cars, wearing …
Read More »VIDEO: Government launches probe into Minister Kibuule’s conduct
VIDEO: Government has launched an investigation into claims that the State Minister for Water Ronald Kibuule assaulted a female security guard at a Stanbic Bank branch in Mukono. The Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda revealed this development – stressing that government attaches a lot of importance to the conduct of its ministers. Dr …
Read More »How do you govern a poor country?
COMMENT: By Moses Khisa A response to Mwenda’s article that blames bad governance in Africa on small national budgets The Independent’s Strategy and Editorial Director, Andrew Mwenda, is pushing back against the scrutiny placed on African leaders and the blame put at their doorsteps for the continent’s disheartening state of …
Read More »Council repeals decision to split Kasese District
NBS: A highly charged Kasese District council sitting Wednesday passed a motion to revoke a 2010 council resolution that was intended to curve two more districts out of Kasese. NRM Councilors stormed out of the session in protest – accusing their colleagues from the FDC – who form the majority …
Read More »Weapons of the poor
THE LAST WORD: By Andrew M.Mwenda How do you govern a country that has average public spending per capita of $450 annually in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)? Is it possible to govern it using the same strategies as a country whose public spending is $22,000 per person annually? Yet all …
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