Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) have got a boost of vehicles from the Private Sector Foundation to help boost the tourism sector. Officials in the tourism sector have today launched the busses and safari cars acquired through the Competitiveness and Enterprise …
Read More »Strong airline profitability expected to continue in 2018
Geneva, Switzerland | THE INDEPENDENT | The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts global industry net profit to rise to $38.4 billion in 2018, an improvement from the $34.5 billion expected net profit in 2017. Strong demand, efficiency and reduced interest payments will help airlines improve net profitability in …
Read More »Uganda to benefit from cheaper, de-risked World Bank financing
KAMPALA | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda is one of several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that stands to benefit from a new World Bank financing facility that aims to support private sector access more affordable capital for investment. Under the 18th replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA18) – the World …
Read More »US sanctions Ugandan, Sudanese LRA ivory traders
Washington, United States | AFP | The United States on Wednesday imposed economic sanctions on two Africans accused of using the illegal ivory trade to funnel weapons and money to Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army. Washington blacklisted Kony and his rebel guerilla group last year, accusing them of …
Read More »Abu Dhabi authorities ‘acquired’ $450 mn Da Vinci: museum
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | AFP | The Louvre Abu Dhabi said Friday that local Emirati authorities had “acquired” a $450-million painting by Renaissance master Leonardo Da Vinci, as reports swirled about the original source of funding. “Louvre Abu Dhabi is looking forward to displaying the Salvator Mundi by Leonardo …
Read More »China seizes 12 tonnes of endangered pangolin scales
Beijing, China | AFP | Nearly 12 tonnes of smuggled pangolin scales have been confiscated by Chinese officials — the country’s largest-ever seizure of the endangered mammal’s prized parts as it seeks to curb illegal trafficking. The pangolin, whose brown scales have earned it the nickname “scaly anteater”, is the most …
Read More »How Europe’s greenest city kicked out cars
Berlin’s smart transport: How Europe’s greenest city kicked out cars Berlin, Germany | RONALD MUSOKE | Berlin, Germany’s capital and also largest city does not have the most efficient public transport system in the country, partly because of the low incomes of residents compared to other cities around the world. In …
Read More »Trump reverses elephant trophy decision, keeps ban
Washington, United States | AFP | President Donald Trump said Friday he will uphold a ban on importing trophies of elephants hunted and killed in Zimbabwe, pending further review, reversing his own administration’s decision from just a day earlier after a public outcry. “Put big game trophy decision on hold …
Read More »Uganda gets seat on World Heritage Committee
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda has been elected to serve on the World Heritage Committee for the first time. The World Heritage Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention that defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests …
Read More »Eleven dead in Tanzania plane crash
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Eleven people have died after a plane belonging to a safari company crashed in northern Tanzania, according to the aircraft’s owners, Coastal Aviation. “We are deeply saddened to report that eleven people have died after a single-plane accident this morning in Northern Tanzania,” the company …
Read More »