Huawei partners with HiPipo to honour the Ugandan Music fraternity through the fourth edition of the prestigious HiPipo Music Awards

The awards that started in 2013, aim at appreciating and promoting Ugandan Music talents in all regions of the country. Huawei Uganda today officially announced its financial support for these awards and Huawei P8 phones for various winners all worth 10,000USD.

‘‘We thank HiPipo for this wonderful initiative, where a corporate company like Huawei gets a chance to support such social causes that impact local talents the community. The Huawei P8 and all other Huawei Smart phones enable you to download local music, share it with friends and most importantly listen to it. This proves that; ‘where there is Ugandan Music, there is Huawei,” Says Mr. Stanley Qin, the managing director of Huawei Uganda.

“Huawei also cooperates with its telecom partners to create Music content with Ugandan Music through its Service Delivery Platform; which then becomes a caller tune that is enjoyed by all Ugandans,” he adds.

The 4th HiPipo Music Awards are set to take place this Saturday 30th January, 2015 at the Kampala Serena Hotel at 7pm.

Acting on a tip-off provided by the Wildlife Conservationists, (NRCN), Police have arrested 0ne UPDF personnel and one LDU commander based in Moroto and two other high ranking traffickers illegally carrying four leopard skins, one serval cat skin and one mature dead Pangolin in Nakapiripirit over the last weekend.

The arrested are Otim Robert 30 years attached to defence forces of Moroto barracks, Ogutti Emmanuel 29 (UPDF), Odeke Emmanuel 36 (LDU) commander, Aron Joseph Nyongesa 29 .This is the sixth seizure in a row made this January made by NRCN and all the suspects are currently detained at Nakapiripirit district police station, investigations are on to find out which game park the animals had been killed from. All the suspects are part of a group of traffickers, claiming that they had been told that there are clients in neighbouring countries willing to offer a lot of money for rare animal skins.

The arrested UPDF Officials in Nakapiripirit

“The capture and jailing of suspected poachers and traffickers indicates how serious NRCN and Police is about tackling wildlife crime and how determined we are to ensure that poachers pay for their crimes,” “We call upon residents living near game parks to desist from collaborating with poachers, but work with law enforcers to protect animals. We also call upon game rangers to be vigilant against environment crimes and work with the Police to overcome the illegal acts of poachers.”

Although poaching still remains a threat to wild life in Uganda and neighbouring countries, there are strong efforts between the Police, NRCN and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and other entities, to curb the vice and protect Uganda’s wild species.

And In a separate incident, three other traffickers from Rwanda were arrested by NRCN and Kiira road police at Mackies Restaurant in Kamwokya a city suburb in Kampala they were Emmanuel Muhoozi 29, Banakwe Celestine 63 and Atamba Mike Junior arrested with one mature leopard skin. Both are Rwandese nationals and currently detained at Kira Road police station waiting to appear in court on Wednesday 27.

During the investigation, the accused confessed to procuring the skin from a remote village of Rwanda and also admitted to have crossed the border illegally without any legal documentation. All the alleged wildlife traders were booked under various sections of the Wildlife Protection and control Act of Uganda.

Planning for the honeymoon is as hectic as planning the big day itself, everyone wants to go to some place perfect where they can relax and start the first few days of their new journey. Uganda has a number of these places scattered all over the country, even within Kampala itself. Here are a few places some of our Jovago honeymooners fell in love with.

Ssese islands

Situated Northwest of the lake Victoria, these islands will take your breath away; with beautiful beaches and lovely lodges/villas/hotels such as Ssese Islands Beach Hotel that can be found anywhere on the islands, you would definitely fall in love with them all. Banda Island is a good place for anyone interested in some old backpacking experience, the islands have a romantic feel to them and all you have to do is relax plus enjoy the island holiday.

Jinja,

Probably one of the most loved destinations, Jinja has it all; you will even find places for the thrill seekers and adrenalin junkies. Jinja district is located in the east of Uganda and has hotels with very good hotels such as Jinja Nile Resort that can cater to your every vacation needs. The town is located north of the lake and just right next to the longest river in the world, the Nile.

Mabira Forest

Forest treks, zip lining and many more take a journey into one of Uganda’s largest forest and get filled with awe for what nature can offer. Mabira is located along the Kampala- Jinja highway with over 200 tree species that date back to hundreds of years ago that towers over 50 feet long and tower over everything around them some of the animal species such as fox, monkeys and . There are a number of lodges within the forest such as the Rainforest Lodge that are situated with beautiful views and guides available for any activity selected from the itinerary.

Entebbe

A very attractive pretty town nestled on the shores of lake Victoria with a small town feel and beautiful from whatever angle. This town has too much to offer, from the Entebbe Wildlife Centre, Reptile Sanctuary, Snake Park to the serene well situated hotels along the roads or within the centre such as the Lake Heights hotel that will leave you in need of honeymoon pampering.

The National Parks

There are several national parks in Uganda, with the biggest numbers  located in the West and all these parks have the best views of wild animals plus the lush Ugandan greenery that everyone dreams of seeing once in their lives. All these parks have hotels/ lodges and villas such as the Ishasha Wilderness Camp within and out of the park premises that are affordable with the best Ugandan/ continental dishes to keep you well taken care of. There are parks such as the: Queen Elizabeth National park in Kasese, the Mount Elgon National Park located on the slopes of Mountain Elgon in Eastern Uganda, among many others.

Mountain Rwenzori and Mountain Elgon

Why not be adventurous and climb to the heights with some of the many mountains in Uganda, you can scale the Rwenzori till the snow peaks and the best views of the albertine region with the lakes surrounding the mountain. Or you can climb through the jungle filled slopes of the Elgon for a thrilling experience of the wild side and enjoy what Uganda’s greenery has to offer. All mountains in Uganda, have surrounding hospitality structures on their slopes that cater to your camping or hotel needs.

Uganda is blessed with so many beautiful destinations that you only have to see to believe and fall in love with the country itself.

MTN Uganda today announced a new promotional offer, dubbed Kithuffu, in which MTN customers automatically get a 30 percent bonus on airtime purchases made through mobile money.

The bonuses apply to airtime purchases between UGX. 500/- and 5,000/- and are valid until midnight on the day of purchase.

This new promotion is part of MTN’s commitment to reward its customers and offer them even more value. The offer will be available to over 7 million customers currently using MTN Mobile Money on Uganda’s leading Financial Services provider.

Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Mapula Bodibe, emphasized MTN’s commitment to offer customers more value and convenience as well as rewarding them for their commitment.

“As MTN, we constantly evaluate how we can add more value to our customers, while providing them with more value, and innovative ways for them to stay connected on their cellphones. Through “Kithuffu”, MTN is enabling customers to get more for their spend, whilst allowing them to meet their affordability needs,” she said.

“MTN Mobile Money offers the ultimate convenience, with thousands of mobile money agents available countrywide. Not only can you perform day-to-day banking transactions, you can also pay for utilities and pay various merchants fast, securely and conveniently. By using mobile money to also purchase airtime, MTN will reward you with a 30% bonus,” Ms. Bodibe added.

In order to receive 30% value, MTN customers must buy MTN airtime using Mobile Money from as little as 500/-, on any day of the week.

You can access the MTN Mobile Money menu by dialing *165# on your phone or using the MyMTN Mobile Money app for smartphones, available from the available from Google Play or iTunes stores. The promotion runs from 25 January 2016 to 25 March 2016 and is open to all MTN Mobile Money customers.

Orange Africa Nations Championship, Rwanda, 2016

Group D Closing Games:

Uganda 1-1 Zimbabwe

Zambia 0-0 Mali

Uganda Cranes shared the spoils with Zimbabwe in a one all draw of the Orange 2016 African Nations Championships (CHAN) group D match played on Wednesday, 27th January, at the Umuganda stadium in Rubavu.

Lweza F.C striker, Geofrey Sserunkuma scored late in the game to equaliz William Manondo’s opener in the 48th minute.

The game witnessed the Uganda Cranes’ skipper, Faruku Miya return to action after that shoulder injury against Mali.

Miya had a chance at goal with a greatly curled a free kick saved by goal keeper, Tatenda Marshal in the first half.

The technical bench replaced central defender, Richard Kasagga Jjuuk for striker Samson Ceasar Okhuti.

By the change, Timothy Awany pulled back to play alongside Bernard Muwanga meanwhile Ivan Ntege remained the only defensive midfielder on the field of play.

Later, goal hero Geofrey Sserunkuma and Edrisa Lubega came in for Muleme and Ssekisambu respectively.

The draw is not enough for Uganda to progress to the knock out stages.

However, Zambia and Tunisia progress to the last eight stage after finishing with 7 and 5 points respectively.

Team Line Ups:

Uganda XI:

James Alitho (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Isaac Muleme, Bernard Muwanga, Richard Kasagga Jjuuko, Ivan Ntege, Kezironi Kizito, Timothy Dennis Awany, Erisa Ssekisambu, Faruku Miya, Joseph Benson Ochaya

Via FUFA Media Center

By Patrick Jaramogi

As the 26th African Union (AU) summit gets underway in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, key critical issues arise if the 54 member states will agree to send a peace keeping mission in Burundi to handle the crisis that has left hundreds of innocent civilians dead in recent months.

Currently the council of ministers are sitting and reviewing plans ahead of the approval by the Heads of States who jet in later this week.

But the Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza has already said he will not allow a foreign force into his country.

Nkurunziza has insisted his forces will fight any AU soldiers sent to intervene saying such an entry would be an attack on the independent sovereignty of Burundi.

There are eminent signs are that these resolutions will not pass as the AU operates on the basis of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

The other burning issue is South Sudan, where the AU needs to get more involved because a unity government has not been formed. Currently the SPLM rebel leader Dr. Reik Machar is in Uganda after holding a private meeting with President Yoweri Museveni where he made remarks about his new initiative to create peace in South Sudan.

South Sudan rebel forces have refused to join the government created by President Salva Kiir as a row rages over his decision to create extra regional states.

Also to be addressed will be terrorism in Somalia and the status of the Amisom peace-keeping force that has come under increasing attacks from the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab radicals.

Libya is also to be discussed as attempts are made to entrench a central government after the split caused by the vacuum caused by the ouster of the regime of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

The summit will also address the creation of a new Peace and Security Council, where all the 15 seats are now vacant.

The question is whether the heavyweight nations should be given more powers. These states include Ethiopia as the host, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria.

The irony is that even Burundi is a candidate for membership on the Africa Peace and Security Council and can surely win a seat despite the instability in the country.

There is also the election of a new chairman of the AU Commission. The signs are that the current occupant of the post, Ms Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma may not seek a new term, but that is later this year in July.

By Patrick Jaramogi

Selection of Senior candidates is underway currently at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) grounds in Lugogo. The 900 headteachers drawn from across the country are sieving through 517,000 candidates who sat for the Primary Leaving examinations last year. The Senior ones are set to begin their new term on February 22, just about three weeks from today.

More students passed to join secondary one in 2015 compared to 2014, Education Minister Jessica Alupo said  revealed while releasing Primary Leaving Exams for last year. Alupo however decried the high number of school dropouts especially girls. She attributed the high dropout rates to early marriages and teenage pregnancies which she said government was set to address.

She noted that 517,895 Candidates passed compared to 516,860 who sat in the previous year (2014).

By Jako David Waluluka

Uganda’s best-selling reggae export Maddox Ssematimba’s inaugural performance as the main entertainment act at the launch of the ‘Akandolindoli’ new season opener at the Bat valley theatre on Tuesday night a was a real sell-out.

Maddox, who until very recently was battling debt, drug and alcohol abuse issues, seems to have found his old self in his new all male band code named UB5.

The crooner took the ecstatic audience into a medley of his chart bursting songs like Irene complimented by his finesse vocal prowess and masterly stage dance moves, just after the likes of Patriko Mujuka, Abbey Mukiibi, Wycliff Luyombya, Chicko and Mad Rat plus the ever hilarious Leila ‘Kachapizo’ had wowed them with their comedy skits.

The new themed ‘Just Relaxing’ season even at its opening is showing signs that most of the comedians under the Spotlight entertainment outfit have this time round done their homework and that they have matured into a force to reckon with.

Maddox Ssemanda Ssematimba doing what he used to do best, Live Perfomance

However, there is more to be done most especially with the sound system but the icing on the cake was when Maddox was heard telling one of his fans back stage that he was busy crafting a new album that he will release later this year.

By Jako David Waluluka

The investigatornew.com can exclusively reveal that sexy singer Desire Luzinda of the ‘Lwaki wekoza’ song fame and her UK based manager Ro Jose aka Cliff working relationship has finally hit the rocks.

The development comes after what Ro Jose says is Desires unprofessionalism after she penned several performance deals with two other promoters who include on Allan who lives and plies his trade in the United States and Richard Musoke of the UK.

It is said that Ro Jose was taken aback after he contacted the Desire  over confirmation of  three appearances in the UK later this year but was told by the overtly sexy singer that she had been booked prior by another party and that she would not be readily available.

A vexed Ro Jose is said to have told the singer that since she had contracted him to act as her manager overseas, he should have been told about the deals and that he must have been the one to either reject or endorse them.

But an arrogant Desire is said to have shot back by telling him that, the working relationship between them had ended with her all white birthday party that she held there last year at club Olympus  and that she had no binding contract with him at the moment.

Singer Desire Luzinda

It is then that Ro Jose told the singer that if she did not up her game then their working relationship was over adding that she was bound to land into trouble if she didn’t style up.

There has been word going around in the Ugandan community that actually Ro Jose who lives in Manchester  has not only been ’Managing’ the singer but that the pair have been an item for close to three years now, and that during her visits there she has been staying at the lads flat.

PDP Presidential Dr. Abed Bwanika has said he will fight homosexuality to its logical conclusion in Uganda. Abed who was addressing rallies in Mbale yesterday said once elected into power, his main energies would be geared towards fighting corruption which he described as ‘cancer’. He heads to Kapchorwa and Kween districts today.

Meanwhile NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni who was in Kyankwanzi and Kiboga districts yesterday (Thursday) heads to Mityana today. He will hold his first rally in Mityan North constituency in Kalangalo Primary school play grounds before heading to Mityana South and later hold a mammoth rally at the Ssaza Grounds at 4pm. Museveni will then head to Mubende after holding rallies in Mityana.

Forum for Democratic Change flag bearer Dr. Kizza Besigye today heads to Kiruhura having held rallies in Masaka with a call on his supporters to guard their votes and ensure change come February 18.

President Museveni

John Patrick Amama Mbabazi the Go-Forward presidential candidate today has rallies in Mubende and Kyegegwa before he heads to Sembabule.

Joint presidential candidates, Maureen Walube Kyalya and Pastor Engineer Elton Mabirizi are in Kampala where they are scheduled to hold rallies and later have a joint press conference.

By Patrick Jaramogi

A total of 6,000 students will be graduated by today as Kyambogo ends its third day graduation. At least 2400 students are expected to be graduated in various fields today. On Wednesday 1200 students were graduated while an additional 2200 graduated yesterday on Thursday.

The university vice chancellor Prof. Elly Katunguka urged the graduands to live a posit

Owek. Peter Mayiga

ive life and avoid engaging in activities that would put their lives at risk. He warned them to guard against the killer HIV/AIDs disease.

The Chancellor Prof. Ssebuwufu was impressed that out of the 6,600 students who graduated over 2,000 were females, a sign he said was an indicator that girls are now competing fairly with males at university levels

Katikiiro to preside over Buganda Royal Training Institute graduation

Meanwhile Buganda Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga is expected to preside at the 10th graduation of the Buganda Royal Training institute today at the Kakeeka campus in Mengo. Over 500 students are expected to graduate in various disciplines including journalism, motor vehicle engineering, catering, and Hair dressing among others.

By Patrick Jaramogi

The results for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) for 2015 were released on Friday morning with indicators that the gap between boys and girls in performance that has been narrow has been closed.

The results of a total of 314, 286 senior four candidates who sat last year’s Uganda Certificate of Education examination were released by Education Minister Jessica Alupo at the Uganda Manufacturers Association show grounds in Lugogo.

Outgoing UNEB executive secretary Mathew Bukenya noted that there has been an increase in candidature by 0.9% by 2,748 from the 310,414 candidates that sat in 2014 to 313,171 that sat in 2015. He said that in keeping with the 2015 theme, 310,266 candidates (99.0%) were registered through the e- registration process.

“UCE examination centres which presented candidates increased from 3,020 in 2014 to 3,329, an increase of 309 centres:” said Bukenya.

In 2015, a total of 306,507 candidates appeared for the examination compared to 306,165 who sat in 2014. Bukenya said it was so absurd that most teachers in rural schools couldn’t help with the science apparatus set up and the chemical mixing which led to students to sit exams late.

Education minister Jessica Alupo noted with concern the poor performance in science subjects saying it is against government initiative to increase on science performance. “These results have been released three weeks ahead of time. I thank UNEB and its board for this initiative. I pray that the same applies for UACE,” she said.

Alupo who was flanked by Higher Education state Minister Chrysostom Muyingo said the ministry had worked out a mechanism to ensure that release of exams coincide with selection of candidates.

She however decried the rampant cheating though she up-lauded UNEB for ensuring there was no leakage. ‘We shall ensure that as government we recruit enough science teachers to curb on the shortage,” she said.

Snap shots

• Sciences and mathematic poorly performed due to inadequate science teachers
• Girls perform better in CRE and English subjects
• Boys do better in other related subjects
• Results of 20,60 candidates withheld for suspected malpractice
• 156,750 female candidates sat for 2015 UCE exams
• Enrolment gap reduced between male and females
• 45.9% of candidates registered under Universal Secondary Education
• Most schools lack science teachers’ especially rural schools
• Schools that cheated will have their exam centre licences revoked

Thousands of people turned up for the BrighterMonday Expo held on 29^th January 2016 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.

The Expo which was organised with an aim of addressing the widespread unemployment challenge in Uganda attracted a variety of revellers including fresh university graduates, people in search of career upgrades as well as people who have been unemployed for several years.

The Expo was attended by over 30 organisations who shared information with revellers such as ‘what it takes to work in their organisations’, ‘current opportunities available in their organisations’ and ‘tips on how to set oneself up for success’.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the event, Joshua Mugisha Country Manager BrighterMonday explained that the Career Expo is a one of a kind event in Uganda aimed at creating a physical platform through which employers and job seekers can connect.

He noted that the BrighterMonday Career Expo will empower attendees to make informed decisions about their career paths.

“We believe that the Career Expo will become one of the many platforms that addresses the various challenges of finding the right candidates and finding the right employer especially in this era of rampant youth unemployment and un-employability in Uganda” he said.

Former Uganda Investment Authority Executive Director, Dr. Maggie Kigozi attended the event as the Guest of Honour. She expressed pleasure at the sight of the huge number of youths that turned up in search for job opportunities.

“I am very pleased that youth in Uganda are seeking for opportunities in the field rather than sitting at home waiting for them.” She said.  She urged youth who have failed to find jobs immediately to join entrepreneurship.

(L-R) BrighterMonday Marketing Manager Brian Ntambirweki takes former UIA
ED Dr. Maggie Kigozi and BrighterMonday CEO East Africa Eva Slootweg
around the different exhibitor booths during the BrighterMonday Career
Expo held on 29th Jan 2016 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds

“Enterprise Uganda is a Government Agency that can help you grow as an entrepreneur.” She said. Dr. Kigozi explained that she has personally been involved with different businesses throughout her life including poultry, farming amongst others and is not ashamed to call herself a farmer.

Rosemary Ssenabulya, the Executive Director Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) who also attended the event explained that FUE is working hand in hand with its partners to encourage employers to take on fresh graduates for training in order to address the experience gap affecting graduate employability.

An entrepreneurship hub manned by Enterprise Uganda was also available at the Career Expo. The exhibiting entrepreneurs showcased products made in Uganda including peanut butter paste, beaded bags, charcoal stoves, packaged rice among others.

Charles Ocici Executive Director Enterprise Uganda spoke on behalf of the entrepreneurs; he said that that having been in the entrepreneurship field for 15 years, he believed with certainty that it’s possible to be a full time employee while running one’s own enterprise.

Other activities carried out at the BrighterMonday Career Expo included career guidance sessions conducted by Boston Enterprises, Restless Development and People’s Performance Group PPG. Topics covered during the sessions included; building self-esteem, job hunt experience, lessons and solutions, CV writing and interview skills, getting ahead and Personal SWOT analysis.

Event attendees won a number of prizes during the various activities carried out; prizes included free internet for the month, airtime for the month and gift hampers from all the participating organisations.

Participating organistions at the Career Expo included Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Ministry Of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Enterprise Uganda, NTV, Capital FM, AIESEC, Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda (HRMAU), Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), ROKE Telecom, Cheki Uganda and Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), Uganda Revenue Authority, Global Health Corps, Victoria University, UAP Insurance, SMS2Bet, AAR among others.

Eva Slootweg, the CEO BrighterMonday East Africa concluded by thanking all participants for attending the event.

The Office of the Prime Minister Uganda has today released a report titled ‘Pathways to Better Nutrition’ that highlights the success and progress so far using the multi-sectoral approach to address under-nutrition in Uganda.

The report which was supported by Strengthening Partnerships, Results and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (SPRING), a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project was based on findings carried out over a two-year period (2013 – 2015)at the national and in Kisoro and Lira districts, which in the past had reported high cases of under or malnutrition. For instance, in 2013 Kisoro alone had 51.4percent of its children stunted while in 2013 Lira had 59percent of its children under two years of age anemic.

Mr. Manohar Shenoy, Chief of Party SPRING said, ‘The SPRING project carried out the Pathways to Better Nutrition studies in two countries Uganda (2013–2015) and Nepal (2014–2016) to document the decision-making process in prioritizing and funding nutrition-relevant activities within the context of the Uganda Nutrition Action Plans (UNAP).

Developed within the context of national policy and legal frameworks, UNAP set its own goal for nutrition; which requires the engagement of multiple sectors and partners from the Government of Uganda. The main goal of the UNAP is to reduce malnutrition levels among women of reproductive age, infants, and young children. The UNAP builds on previous national and regional policies, most notably the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Initiative, African Regional Nutrition Strategy, National Development Plan, the Uganda Food and Nutrition Policy (2003) and Strategy (2005) and nutrition-related sections of sector investment plans including, health; education; and agriculture.

Amanda Pomeroy, Stevens, the Research and Evaluation Advisor added that the results of the Pathways to Better Nutrition study show that UNAP has not only scaled up nutrition but also played an important role in increasing knowledge and perceptions related to prioritization and financing for nutrition using a multi-sectoral approach.

Ms. Christine Gutwadde Kintu, the Permanent Secretary from the Office of Prime Minister said that with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and renewed Global support for nutrition have further accelerated the return of the multi-sectoral approach to the forefront of the nutrition activity. In Uganda, the multi-stakeholders focusing on nutrition-related issues under the UNAP include: the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Health development partner groups, United Nations groups; Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), academia, and the private sector which is loosely organized by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).

SPRING also suggests the following recommendations, based on the findings from the PBN study as well as advice and suggestions from stakeholders:

1. The best way to scale up nutrition in Uganda would be the full institutionalization of the UNAP into planning, financing, staffing, and implementation structures on a national scale.
2. Consider alliances across stakeholder platforms to support the UNAP in scaling up nutrition.
3. It will be important to dedicate more government funding to the human resources needed to coordinate nutrition activities in order to improve on the strength and sustainability of the UNAP structure.
4. To champion the cause of good nutrition, cultivate a mix of high-level, mid-level, and grass roots advocates who are well versed in UNAP.
5. Strengthen communication between nutrition focal points and planning offices such that opportunities and ability of the nutrition technical and budget staff can be shared through information systems.
6. Consider options to institutionalize funding for nutrition because financing is a critical part of sustainability and is the ultimate demonstration of commitment for nutrition.
7. A unified planning approach, led by the Government of Uganda is the best way to decide what nutrition activities need external funding support. This means that external Partners such as donors, UN groups, and private sector shall do better to align their planning of nutrition activities with Government of Uganda planning processes.
8. Place nutrition in each sector’s investment and development plans such that commitment to nutrition can be accelerated and sustained within the ministries.
9. Approve and implement the UNAP monitoring and evaluation framework as soon as possible
10. Improve bottom up planning processes to better meet needs at the local level especially at the district.

By Mariam Kigongo

Uganda’s economic update mainly focuses on the importance of jobs in the context of Uganda’s growing economy. As it is for other countries around the world, jobs are very essential for Uganda’s development because they determine the living standards of every individual and household, whilst supporting economic transformation and promoting social cohesion.

Uganda’s economy has grown significantly over the past years after we got our independence when National Resistance Army (NRA) took over and developed Uganda from nothing to what it is now. This growth will continue also in the future. Presently, however, a significant proportion of the country’s population are not benefiting optimally from this growth. Most of Uganda’s labor force is employed but rather in low productivity activities. This is largely because most of the largely productive and rapidly expanding economic sectors which are often more capital intensive than labor intensive. For this reason they employ a small sector of well-experienced people in those fields.

“In 2016, we hope to see a change in the employment sector, where the everjobs Uganda team has noted that the majority of the companies in Uganda employ the most people in Sales and Marketing. Administration and ICT is also on the rise, however we noted that with ICT, most employers require people with more experience in such fields to fill those positions.” says Patrick Kabayo, the Business Growth Manager at everjobs Uganda.

Everjobs Uganda’s country manager Julian Schulz and a Screenshot of the report

Uganda’s labor force is on the rise everyday growing above four percent per annum, where Uganda can add 95% of the potential workers into the labor market by 2020, adding to the challenge of creating more opportunities jobs and achieving equitable growth.

The team at everjobs Uganda is willing to achieve this mission by getting more employers to post their jobs on www.everjobs.ug where they are able to gather relevant applicants for their vacancies, as well as cite the best talent from a vast database of CV’s through the system’s convenient headhunting function. The team foresees a significant growth in the employment sector this year and is willing to make sure it happens.

By Jako David Waluluka

Just weeks after falling out with money bags SK Mbuga over a babe, ex-convict Meddie Ssentongo is now at logger heads over the same with “shrewd” businessman Jack Pemba.

We are told that Meddie who now relies on moneyed buddies for financial survival is at it again and this time round it is over a sexy Rwandese brunette babe identified as Maria Muteesi a renown multi dater who frequents the Munyonyo premised Fusion Auto Spa spot.

It is said that all was well and sundry recently after Meddie introduced Pemba to the babe and the trio started making merry at the spot even during the rush morning hours of the week.

According to our sources, Meddie  used his connection with Maria to access the canny businessman’s wallet  until Pemba got nose from one of the regulars at the rendezvous that actually Meddie and Maria where actually once a couple.

When Pemba got word of this just like any possessive man, he put Meddie on the quizzer mill in a bid to find out the truth about the said affair.

A shocked Meddie is said to have affirmed that indeed he was once attached to the babe but that he was no longer interested in the sexy bed sheet rolling machine.

A war of words is then said to have ensued with Pemba accusing Meddie of using the babe to fleece monies from him, an accusation that Meddie vehemently denied.

But by this time Pemba had made his mind up and when Maria who has been at times cruising his ML Mercedes ride was told to hand over the cars  keys back to him.

Not to be beaten at her own game, Maria is said to have lost her cool and shot Pemba with a barrage of obscene insults.

It is then that Pemba told Meddie that he no longer wants to deal with him and that it was actually good riddance.

Pemba with one of his female friends

Ever since then Meddie has scaled down on partying at the spot while Maria and her groupies have moved on to the next door spots like Mulungu beach, Ocean Eleven bar and restaurant.

Meddie should have known the repercussions of biting the hand that feeds you.

Located in the East of Uganda, Mbale is a bustling town towered over by the mighty Mountain Elgon one of the biggest extinct volcanoes in Uganda. Mbale has a population of over 700, 000 people minus those that are always coming, leaving and passing through. Mbale can also be referred to as the “headquarters” of the Bagisu, a Bantu tribe that originates from the East of Uganda.

When using public means and heading to Mbale, there are two options; the buses (several available in the bus park located in lower Kampala) or taxis (always get the ones in the park because they don’t do stopovers.)

Your journey from Kampala to Mbale like all over Uganda will be filled with sights of green and scattered homesteads and water bodies first over the Nile in Jinja then Mpologoma river along Tirinyi road. The journey is an estimate of 4 hours long via public means and a little longer while using private due to random stops along the way but it can be shorter if you do not stop to enjoy the sights and foods.

Mbale district has an olden times feel to it, due to the very many old but well maintained buildings with and out of town that were clearly built in the early 40s and before, the town is always a buzz with people going about their business yet when you look up at the hovering Wanale peak (one of the ranges of Mountain Elgon) you will feel pulled out of the hustle and bustle with the desire to clamour up that mountain and see the world from its point of view.

There are over 30 hotels available on Jovago that you can book in Mbale and can be easily found within and out of town that can easily be found by a boda ride from town depending on your bargaining skills; the bodas are usually not different from the ones in Kampala and can understand Luganda, Lugisu and Kiswahili plus maybe a smattering of English here and there. You have the hotel pick you up from wherever you are just to make the journey easier for you.

The people in the district as is in most Ugandan towns are friendly and  used to tourists, being that a number of them that are usually passing through or just work in Mbale and live in a neighboring district.

Make sure to make your way to; Mountain Elgon National Park that runs through Uganda to Kenya, Bulegeni and Butandinga Cliffs/ Ridges, Simu/Sipi falls, Wanala- Bufumbo forest reserves, the beautiful campsite hills of Bululyeke & Bukigai, Semei Kakungulu tombs and the Mutoto circumcision grounds. Mbale’s tourism industry has a lot to offer but not as well facilitated as the other tourism destinations in Uganda. After a whole week of sight seeing you can go golfing at the Mbale Golf Club or down to the market to shop for trinkets and fabrics as souvenirs.

To wind down the serene journey through Mbale, checkout the nightlife that is always booming. You will find clubs like the Oasis and El Tanjia in the city centre with several patrons in attendance booming with music that will have you dancing till morning.

By Patrick Jaramogi

Renegade Gen. David Ssejjusa will appear in Makindye Military Court Martial today at 9am but he knew of his pending imprisonment well on time, the Investigator can authoritatively reveal.

It is apparent that though charges are not yet known to Ssejjusa’s lawyers David Mushabe, Michael Mabikke and Ladislus Rwakafuzi, the General will appear before a yet to be revealed court martial judge suitable for his rank.

His Arrest Tale

The ordeal of Gen. Ssejjusa’s arrest from his Naguru palatial home sounds like a script from a Holly Wood movie. The Investigator has established that the General was due to be arrested six (6) months ago but a right and appropriate time was being sought. And indeed his buddies kept him in the know of all plans to have him netted.

Indeed, like as a former coordinator of the National Intelligence Services, Ssejjusa knew two hours before he was arrested that his house had been surrounded by Military Police. According to sources at his residence, Ssejjusa was due to travel to his farm in Sembabule on Sunday when heavily armed Military Police stormed his home and arrested him.

The scene was a movie-like piece as scores of ‘Red Top’ personnel climbed the walls of the General’s home to gain access. When two of Ssejjusa’s guards alerted him that they were under siege, he reportedly responded thus; “I am aware of every move. I am not surprised because they surrounded my house two hours ago.”

Shortly after Gen. Charles Angina, the deputy CDF knocked, prompting Ssejjusa to order his guards to open the gate. As demands the order, Gen. Angina saluted Ssejjusa thus; “Afande, I have instructions to arrest you. Please enter the car we are heading to Makindye.” Sejusa didn’t resist but told Angina… “You would have told me to bring myself instead of coming here to arrest me.”

Intelligence sources reveal that Ssejjusa would have decided to drive to his farm in Sembabule since he knew of his pending arrest but decided not to cause commotion and panic by being arrested on the streets or along the highway.

But before he boarded, the former ruling government security agencies coordinator and chief spy asked Angina who had ordered his arrest. “I was given instructions by the CDF Chief of Defence Forces (Gen. Katumba Wamala).

Ssejjusa was then whisked in a convoy of over 10 cars, a lead car with sirens… to Makindye military barracks. To receive him in Makindye was the commandant of Military Barracks.

Sejusa lawyers denied ACCESS

Immediately he was arrested, none of General’s family members knew where he had been taken. According to his lawyers, he had hinted of going to his farm in Sembabule. “Around 11am, I begun calling him but he was not picking. I sent SMS but there was no reply. Around 1pm his son rang me saying his father had been arrested and held at Makindye, asking us to intervene,” said Mushabe.

Mushabe then alerted his other learned friend Rwakafuzi and Mabikke who headed to Makindye from where, they were denied access to their client. According to Mushabe, what perturbed them was the fact that even the commandant didn’t know what charges the General faced.

But by last night, the lawyers had already begun filing for court bail ahead of the court appearance today. Ssejjusa, 61, has served the Ugandan army for 34 years.

His several requests to retire from the army has always hit a dead end as the army council rejects his application on each attempt, prompting him to petition the High Court and the Court of Appeal where he one time, won but lost the Supreme Court appeal.

His lawyers argue that their client is being persecuted and are ready to defend him fight for his rights in the courts of law. “It is a right for any worker to retire from any job. But our client’s application has been rejected. He is not deployed and is not earning salary,” said Mushabe.

He says the case of Ssejjusa is a personal vendetta between him and the Commander in Chief (CiC). “Since 1995, Ssejjusa has requested to retire but he has been denied. All his other comrades he fought with, such as Generals, Mugisha Muntu, Matayo Kyaligonza, Kahinda Otafire, Jim Muhwezi, Moses Ali, Jeje Odong and others have been discharged, but why are they holding him hostage?” wondered Mushabe.

By Patrick Jaramogi

Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has backed the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura on arming the crime preventers.

Speaking in an interview last night, Otafiire responded, “What is wrong with arming crime preventers. Soldiers carry guns, police have guns even me I have a gun but do you hear me miss using my gun?” He said it was proper to arm the crime preventers to safe guard the peace in the country.

His response comes just days after Kayihura stated that he would remove the sticks from crime preventers and arm them with guns. The IGP who was passing out crime preventers in Mbale said he would not allow to hand over power to the opposition if they won and prepared the crime preventers who are now over 10 million to get ready for “war”. The police have however come out to deny the allegations, claiming the General was quoted out of context.

However, police spokesman Fred Enanga seems not to agree with his boss Kale Kayihura and Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire. Speaking to the press at police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Enanga said no crime preventer had been armed or would be armed.

“The training that the crime preventers got was elementary and doesn’t qualify them to carry guns and no crime preventers has been armed or will be armed,” said Enanga, adding, “Those are loose talks from some people”.

By Patrick Jaramogi

The Police have warned politicians planning to have parallel vote tallying centres that they will be crushed. Speaking at police headquarters in Naguru yesterday, Police spokesman Fred Enanga said they had learnt of a move by opposition politicians to have parallel tallying centres to announce results as they come in.

“This is a warning. We have got information about plans by the opposition politicians to have tallying centres not in line with the set laws, to announce election results. But any politician who will go to a radio station to announce such results will be dealt with. The Electoral Commission is the only one with that mandate and will announce the winner,” said Enanga.

The Go-Forward Independent Presidential candidate, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi has always said he would put in place his own independent tallying centre to check on planned election rigging. But this move was warned against by the incumbent and NRM flag bearer, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who ordered Inspector General of Police to investigate the alleged plot.

Meanwhile Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye may follow Gen. David Sejusa in jail for exceeding the set time for campaigns.

The threat was issued by AIGP Asan Kasingye, the head of inter-agency communication task team. Kasingye, also the Director of Interpol told the press at Naguru that Dr. Kizza Besigye has not honored the set official time for campaigns.

“Dr. Besigye has continued to violate the presidential elections guidelines which stipulate that campaigns must end at 6pm. We have noted increased acts of defiance exhibited by the FDC camp which include campaigning after the stipulated time,” said Kasingye.

On January 29, Besigye supporters roughed up the DPC of Ibanda as he tried to block the FDC leader from addressing a rally past 8pm. Kasingye warned Besigye to desist from violating the electoral laws or he would be made to obey.