Push for regional logistics hub status is `selfish’ says Museveni Uganda is grappling with a logistical nightmare of importing tonnes of machinery for its nascent oil industry but, in a classic move of seizing opportunity in a crisis, operators are seeking to turn the country into an East African …
Read More »THE LAST WORD: Why Kayihura remains IGP
His contract was renewed because his enemies inside the government underestimate him while the opposition demonise him By Andrew M. Mwenda Parliament last week approved President Yoweri Museveni’s reappointment of Gen. Kale Kayihura as Inspector General of Police (IGP). With 12 years at the helm, Kayihura is now the longest …
Read More »Ugandan lawyer receives German Africa award
Ugandan lawyer Nicholas Opiyo was honoured with this year‘s German Africa Award for his efforts and dedication to defending the rule of law and political liberty in Uganda. Opiyo, 37, ranks among the major Ugandan voices for constitutional order and rule of law in an increasingly autocratic setting. The founder …
Read More »UPDF facing allegations of sexual abuse in CAR
The UPDF concluded its tour of duty in Central African Republic (CAR) in April but looks like it has to answer allegations of sexual abuse against some of its officers. A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) cites 16 cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by the Ugandan army …
Read More »Butaleja rice farmers appeal for irrigation scheme
Over 200 rice farmers in Butaleja district have appealed to the government to set up an irrigation scheme at Doko 2 Rice Scheme to allow them have enough water for watering their rice. Rice farmers in the area, particularly Maizimasa sub-county say they have missed the planting due to lack …
Read More »Parliament rocked by bribery allegations
Parliament is in the spotlight over new allegations that MPs are soliciting for bribes from government officials appearing before parliamentary committees. Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda complained to Speaker Rebecca Kadaga about the creeping vice of committees of parliament extorting money and other benefits from government entities they superintend over as …
Read More »Traders welcome ban on paying rent in dollars
Ugandan traders reacted with glee when parliament inserted a clause in the Income Tax Amendment Bill prohibiting charging of rent in dollars. The clause stipulates that all agreements on rent shall be executed and effected in no other currency other than Ugandan shillings. This was the result of persistent complaints …
Read More »Sugar crisis hits hard
The sugar shortage in the country has seen sugar prices going as high as Shs8,000 for a kilogram. Various explanations have been made for the crisis of one of the most essential household commodities. According to the sugar manufacturers association, the shortage was caused by a ten day shutdown of …
Read More »THE LAST WORD: A giant retires
What Uganda’s current and future politicians can learn from the life and character of Mzee Byanyima By Andrew M. Mwenda Although I knew he was old (at 96) and was aware of his declining health I was still shocked when I heard the news of the death of Mzee …
Read More »ARTS: Tusiime’s creative mind
His barkcloth paper gives old material new image Dominic Muwanguzi How does someone in Uganda with limited formal education end up collaborating with a top British university on a groundbreaking innovation? That is the questions that Ugandan artist Mathias Tusiime’s collaboration with Newcastle University in England on the subject of …
Read More »