Watchdog Uganda
Recently, there have have reports making rounds on social media alleging that OWC has been giving out funds to certain artistes and musicians in the entertainment sector.
However, Maj Kiconco Tabaro, the OWC Public Relations Officer says that the reports being made that they have given funds to individual musicians or any people in the entertainment industry are false and diversionary and should be treated with all the contempt they deserve.
“We have not released any money as OWC and if we are to carry out any operations requiring resource Mobilisation and disbursement, we do so within very clearly defined processes and protocols as spelt out in the Public Finance Management Act,â€Maj Tabaro noted.
He added that the organisation’s Chief Coordinator Gen Salim Saleh has been engaging with different stakeholders and actors from various sectors in the economy, amongst them, stakeholders in the creative and performing arts industry to consult and explore ways in which OWC can be a vehicle for facilitating different kind of support and other strategies to help the country deal with the harsh effects of coronavirus pandemic on the pandemic.
“OWC in response to the crisis being faced by the country, as it has been doing with other sectors of the economy, has intervened by carrying out and providing mindset change educational trainings and workshops designed to empower artistes, build capacity and equip them with the requisite skills to handle shocks that can impede their ability to earn a living in the future. The creative arts industry is dominated by people who operate in the informal nature some of whom are very vulnerable to economic shocks not of their making,â€Maj Tabaro asserted in 5th August statement.
†It is important to note that the industry also has a high multiplier effect for wealth and job creation plus social inclusion which are good vehicles for economic empowerment, national unity and harmony. As such, OWC recognizes the potential of the sector for sustainable development and poverty eleviation which is one of the reasons it has taken initiative to coordinate under the stewardship of the Chief Coordinator who has been based in Gulu, Northern Uganda to organize ans mainstream the the industry in order tonfully tap its potential for national development. During such engagements with the creatives whicb include but are not limited to musoc artistes, alternative ways to earn a living ans also to capitalize on their talent and large fan bases are shared, discussed and demonstrated.â€
]]>Here is why NUP leaders, supporters are fighting tooth and nail to have arrested blogger Lumbuye set freehttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210805/118711/here-is-why-nup-leaders-supporters-are-fighting-tooth-and-nail-to-have-arrested-blogger-lumbuye-set-free.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 11:26:49 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118711The National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya has defended the party’s decision to condemn the arrest of controversial blogger Fred Lumbuye.Lumbuye was reportedly arrested in Turkey from where he was broadcasting his hard hitting youtube and Facebook videos targeting government of Uganda and Buganda Kingdom officials.
Its alleged that unknown people arrested Lumbuye and his whereabouts are yet to be unearthed up to date. The blogger is wanted in Uganda on hateful propaganda against President Museveni’s government.
Lumbuye is the blogger who announced Kabaka Mutebi of Buganda and President Museveni dead, leading to speculation on the health of the principals.
Since his alleged arrest, the leadership of NUP headed by Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine and the party supporters have been condemning the act using various social media platforms. They have since called for his immediate release.
“For now, we are working around the clock to establish the facts, and I am grateful to all those who are doing everything to support his case, including our diaspora leadership teams. Our leadership team at home has also engaged the Turkish Embassy on the matter,†Bobi Wine said on Wednesday.
“We all must be very concerned about this development, because as we know many Ugandans only feel safe to criticise the regime in Uganda from a safe distance in countries abroad. The governments of the world ought to protect the rights of political dissidents and exiles who have sought refuge in their countries. Ugandans abroad ought to feel safe,â€he added.
However, the party’s call to have Lumbuye freed has sparked mixed reactions from a section of the the general public who perceive the blogger as criminal who has turned blackmail, hate speech and propaganda his daily meal.
This has forced Rubongoya to come out and clarify on the matter.
He says they are defending Lumbuye not because he is a perfect person or they entirely agree with everything he does but all they want is that the blogger is not handed over to a criminal regime which he claims is well known for torturing critics.
Read Rubongoya’s submission:
We are not saying that Fred Lumbuye is a perfect person. We are not even saying that he has not made some mistakes in the course of his work. In fact, we do not necessarily agree with everything he does.
All we are saying is that he should not be handed over to a criminal regime which is well known for torturing critics!
All we are saying is that he is a known critic of the regime in Uganda and the regime has been baying for his blood. To deport him to Uganda would be to sentence him to death.
All we are saying is that he cannot get a free and fair trial in Uganda, in a system where political opponents are subjected to kangaroo military trials, held incommunicado and denied access to lawyers.
All we are saying is that if Fred Lumbuye is handed over to the regime in Kampala, that will send shock and fear within Ugandan dissidents and political activists everywhere in the world.
All we are saying is that if Turkey hands over Fred Lumbuye to Kampala, it will embolden the regime to go about hunting and hurting the hundreds of Ugandans who sought refuge in countries elsewhere.
All we are saying is that despite some flaws, Fred Lumbuye is only able to loudly criticise the regime in Uganda because he knows the fate of those who have tried to do that from home.
All we are saying is that we do not have to necessarily agree with everything you do for us to fight for your rights and freedoms. In fact, we have gone as far as fighting for the rights of those who have even persecuted us.
All we are saying is that people who run away from their countries over political disagreements must be accorded protection under international law.
In short, we are saying that if Lumbuye has committed any offences under Turkish laws, he should be tried in Turkey and not handed over to a regime which has made a name for violating the rights and freedoms of those it lays its hands on.
#FreeLumbuye
#FreeAllPoliticalPrisonersUganda
The army spokesperson, Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso says the retirement ceremony for the Generals will be held at State House Entebbe whereas for the other retirees, it will be in their respective Headquarters, formations and units.
“The Ministry of Defence and UPDF recognize their commitment, sacrifice, selflessness and dedication to offering security service to the country at a time where many shunned joining the liberation struggle in favour of maintain the status quo,†Brig Byekwaso said today.
“Because of their service, the country’s course of history has been over turned across all spectrum, from an almost total shutdown to a now robust and sound economy with guaranteed peace and stability in the entire country.â€
Sources in the UPDF told ChimpReports, a local news website that the retirees include Lt Gen Pecos Kuteesa, one of the army representatives in parliament, and Fred Maj Gen Fred Mugisha who served previously as the 4th Commander of AMISOM in Somalia.
Others being retired include Brig Gen John Kasaija, who served in various position as Defence Attaché and Brig Gen Christopher Kazoora who until recently served as Commandant of UPDF’s cantonment in Kaweweta, Maj Gen Vincent Oula, another UPDF MP who also served as the Head of Civil Military Cooperation, as well as Brig Gen Moses Lukyamuzi.
Meanwhile, we have also learnt that former Security Minister Gen Elly Tumwine was also lined up for retirement but begged President Yoweri Museveni who is also the Commander In Chief to reconsider his decision.
Eagle Online says that Gen Tumwine told his boss that he still wants to serve in the army.
In 2019, the army leadership said it was the decision of its Commissions and Promotions Board to delay the retirement of some Generals to retire in July that same year.
According to the current retirement system, which started in 2017, each officer knows when to retire and it had showed that Lt Gen Kuteesa was supposed to retire in 2018, while Gen Ivan Koreta and Gen Tumwine, would have left in 2019. The system, which is based on the years of service, age and the rank of an officer, gives the specific year when every officer would retire.
]]>Since when did inciting terrorism become political activism? MP Nsereko bashes Bobi Wine, NUP for standing with arrested ‘criminal’ Lumbuyehttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210805/118679/since-when-did-inciting-terrorism-become-political-activism-mp-nsereko-bashes-bobi-wine-nup-for-standing-with-arrested-criminal-lumbuye.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:08:13 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118679Kampala Central Member of Parliament Muhammad Nsereko has castigated the leader of National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine and a section of his supporters for advocating for the rights of controversial blogger Fred Lumbuye who was allegedly arrested on Tuesday.Lumbuye was reportedly arrested in Turkey from where he was broadcasting his hard hitting youtube and Facebook videos targeting government of Uganda and Buganda Kingdom officials.
Its alleged that unknown people arrested Lumbuye and his whereabouts are yet to be unearthed up to date. The blogger is wanted in Uganda on hateful propaganda against President Museveni’s government.
Lumbuye is the blogger who announced Kabaka Mutebi of Buganda and President Museveni dead, leading to speculation on the health of the principals.
And according to Nsereko, Lumbuye is a criminal who doesn’t deserve any sympathy. The legislator even wonders why Bobi Wine and colleagues are busy fighting for the rights of a man whose purpose is to blackmail, spread hate speeches and incite terrorism in Uganda.
“Since when did propaganda, blackmail, hate speech and inciting terrorism become political activism? All the hypocrites that have been funding the goon are now posting garbage in his support, ‘Activist’ my foot,†Nsereko posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
Following the arrest of Lumbuye, Bobi Wine said the news of the blogger’s arrest was a great concern to many Ugandans who support freedom both home and abroad.
“For now, we are working around the clock to establish the facts, and I am grateful to all those who are doing everything to support his case, including our diaspora leadership teams. Our leadership team at home has also engaged the Turkish Embassy on the matter,†the musician turned politician said.
“We all must be very concerned about this development, because as we know many Ugandans only feel safe to criticise the regime in Uganda from a safe distance in countries abroad. The governments of the world ought to protect the rights of political dissidents and exiles who have sought refuge in their countries. Ugandans abroad ought to feel safe,â€he added.
]]>Two perish in nasty Mbarara road accidenthttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210805/118681/two-perish-in-nasty-mbarara-road-accident.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:03:41 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118681Two people have died in Kiruhura District in an accident involving two motor vehicles. The accident occurred at about 11:00pm on Wednesday at Rwebitete Lyantonde/ Mbarara road.The accident occurred between motor vehicle registration number UBJ 436H/ UBA 787S Benz Actros White in color loaded with cement and motor vehicle registration number UAW 901Z Mitsubishi Fuso red in color with an empty milk tanker.
The victims include the driver of the milk tanker identified as Mohammed Kahima and passenger identified as Suna Mathias aged, 28.
According to Samson Kasasira, Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson, other three people sustained serious injuries.
They include Musingize Zefa of Kagarama Isingiro, Kyarutaba Victor and Mubiru Collins.
The driver of the vehicle carrying cement by names of Kayongo Abdul aged, 48, along with other victims are admitted at Lyantonde district Hospital. The dead bodies are in the mortuary of the same hospital.
]]>EXO Mix Drink: Stress killer vodka hits Ugandan markethttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/business/20210805/118668/exo-mix-drink-stress-killer-vodka-hits-ugandan-market.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:29:43 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118668With the on going Covid-19 pandemic and simultaneous Lockdowns,many people are stressed, bored, others need to tryout new adventure.Well, look no further, EXO Mix Drink is here to give you a new episode of unmatched adventure with zero boredom. All you gotta do is to love this new favourite drink.
EXO Mix Drink which is already on the Ugandan market is an alcopop drink, manufactured with highest quality standards in Belgium.
Timothy Mukisa, the brand’s Operations Manager says the drink withholds its uniqueness in two flavors; Vodka Energy Mix- an energy drink with a vodka just enough to discover your enigmatic self-side and Vodka Orange Mix- a drink that is a replica of a new cocktail experience which gives you a sweet taste of Oranges.
“So now you realize both the strength and passion are mixed in a 250ml can and alc. 18% as sparkle for the hype identity of the moment. If you need to enjoy to the fullest without compromising the sense that makes us appreciated by friends, family and the new people you intend to meet. EXO Mix is the answer,†says Mr Mukisa.
“For home parties, outdoor functions, tours, game drives, EXO Mix definitely the best choice.â€
For orders and deliveries please contact us on +256752916391
You can keep tabs by following on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram â€" @EXOMixUg
]]>Why Museveni cleared workers’ mid-term access to NSSF Savingshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210805/118671/why-museveni-cleared-workers-mid-term-access-to-nssf-savings.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:09:25 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118671STATE HOUSE, ENTEBBE: President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday agreed to the workers mid-term access to their saving in the National Social Security fund and directed the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi to make changes to the bill and return it for consent.Using dramatic backdrops and biblical sayings, the President noted if this does not work out, it will be a lesson learned together.
“You remember Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice? Shylock with his my pound of flesh whether you die or what! For the NRM not to be that Shylock and since these people think this is the solution, lets go ahead. If it doesn’t work out we shall see..learn together instead of being like shylock,†the President said, before adding, “You go, I wash my hands. I have become Pontious Pilate!â€
Shylock is a fictional character in William Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, a Venetian Jewish moneylender.
While in St. Matthew’s gospel, Pontius Pilate ‘washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person’. This was to show the crowd he did not want Jesus dead, but ordered his death because that is what the people wanted. He was washing his hands of the responsibility.
It has now been agreed that somebody who is 45 years and has saved for ten years can access up to 20% of their savings. The commencement date will be set in the statutory instrument, supervision of the fund is by the Ministry of Finance, while the NSSF MD is a member of the Board of directors.
Conflicting information and change in wording regarding the National Social Security (Amendment) bill forced the President to push a major decision on the workers mid-term access to today.
The workers representatives attended the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Finance led by the Minister Matia Kasaijja, the MD of NSSF Richard Byarugaba members of NOTU and COFTU.
The President said he was more concerned about destroying the viability of the fund.
“The fear was if you do that, you degrade huge money put together and which the fund is using to invest instead of going abroad to beg. Also a worker may end up getting less by 30 million at his retirement,†he said.
According to the NSSF MD Richard Byarugaba, the fund collects Shs 125bn a month, Shs 1.5trillion per year and pay up to Shs 900bn for members qualifying in other benefits.
However, Minister Amongi Betty said they had delved into all the issues and their conclusion is that, it would not have a substantial impact on the depletion of the fund because the fund is Shs 15 trillion and they need between Shs 800bn to 1 trillion to handle mid-term access at a go.
“We agreed to schedule it. We don’t pay all at a go but about 20% of members in a certain period and have also have a criteria like age and amount saved,†she said.
The Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija said they had already done brief to the President on how they are going to handle this including formation of regulations that will govern the way the money will get out.
NOTU Chairman General Usher Owere commended President Museveni for the bold decision and thanked him on behalf workers of Uganda for listening to their plight.
“Workers are very happy with you. You have saved this country and workers will never forget you. I thank the workers for being patient,†he said.
Every month, institutions deduct 5% of employees’ salaries as contribution to NSSF, the employers tops it up with 10 percent while NSSF earns them 12%.
NSSF is a government agency responsible for the collection, safekeeping, responsible investment and distribution of retirement funds from employees in the private sector who are not covered by the government retirement scheme.
]]>Kenya Deputy President Ruto defends his friendship with Museveni after humiliating booted visit to Ugandahttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210805/118654/kenya-deputy-president-ruto-defends-his-friendship-with-museveni-after-humiliating-booted-visit-to-uganda.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:41:32 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118654Kenya Deputy President William Ruto has come out strongly to defend his friendship with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, which is causing mixed feelings among Kenyans.On Monday, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta blocked Ruto from coming to Uganda to meet President Museveni.
Ruto was scheduled to fly to Entebbe, accompanied by a seven-man entourage comprising of his close political allies and businessmen.
However, the Deputy President was dramatically denied from boarding a flight to Uganda for not seeking clearance as all civil servants should.
Now speaking during an interview, Ruto wondered why there is so much fuss about his relationship with Museveni, saying they are just friends.
“Museveni is a friend to the President, he is my friend. I have been to Uganda for his campaigns.â€
“Even these NASA principals have campaigned for him because of the relationship between Kenya and Uganda.â€
“Why is it ok for him to be their friend and not mine?†DP Ruto wondered as quoted by Daily Post, a local Kenyan news website.
The failed trip to Uganda on Monday was Ruto’s second visit there in a month.
The second in command has been criticized over his relationship with Museveni, with many critics saying there’s something fishy about the duo’s friendship.
]]>Eddy Kenzo survives death by whisker after nasty car accident on Masaka Roadhttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/showbiz/20210805/118658/eddy-kenzo-survives-death-by-whisker-after-nasty-car-accident-on-masaka-road.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:25:37 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118658Singer Edrisa Musuuza has survived death by a whisker after getting involved in a nasty car accident along Kampala-Masaka Road.The accident happened near Stabex fuel station in Maya Town,along Masaka Road on Thursday morning.
According to Kenzo , the driver of the car occupied by three people lost control due to the slippery road following the morning downpour.
“We got an accident earlier today but we thank God for the protection we are all okay,†Kenzo said in a Facebook post today.
Fortunately, none of the occupants sustained serious injuries.
“This happened today morning and all the three people in the car survived without any damage. We thank the good Lord for his protection,†he added.
]]>Why Kampala landlords defeated Kacita in courthttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210805/118648/why-kampala-landlords-defeated-kacita-in-court.html Thu, 05 Aug 2021 06:56:30 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118648Crane Management Services (CMS) Ltd has filed a bill of more than Shs215 million as compensation for legal costs incurred during the defence of the case against Kampala City Traders Association (Kacita) Uganda Ltd.This follows the dismissal of a Court case in which Kacita was seeking for orders to stop Crane Management Services Ltd and 16 other landlords from collecting three months’ rent arrears that accrued when arcades closed during the 2020 lockdown.
In April, the High Court dismissed the case citing failure of the traders’ association to prosecute their case.
The court then ordered Kacita to pay legal costs incurred by Crane Management Services and the other 16 accused parties.
The other accused parties included; Ntake Bakery Limited, Apple Properties Limited, Godfrey Kyeswa, Aponye House Limited, James Mugabi, Drake Lubega, Ham Enterprises Limited, Mansur Matovu alias Yanga, Christine Nabukeera, Daudi Mutebi, Yebaza Joseph, Ahmed Zziwa, Tom Kitandwe, Godfrey Kirumira Kalule, Twese Enterprises Limited and Mutasa Kafeero.
Kacita, claiming to represent 38 of its members, had sued the seventeen landlords for orders to stop them from demanding rent arrears for three months of March, April and May of 2020 when the business community was under lockdown.
In May 7, 2020, the association also petitioned the national Covid-19 taskforce under the Office of the Prime Minister seeking for intervention to compel the landlords to waive the rent arrears since the traders did not work due to the lockdown.
They had asked the government to declare that the three months was a loss to the entire economy and therefore no rent obligation will be accrued to tenants for both commercial premises and rentable apartments or that when landlords file their annual returns for the year 2020/21, their rental income tax obligations should be waived against the three which they never earned.
But in their defence, Crane Management Services Limited argued that the case did not disclose any cause of action against it and asked that the case be dismissed.
The company argued that Kacita had brought the case in bad faith on behalf of an alleged group of purported tenants who comprise less than 1 percent of all the tenants they collectively have as downtown landlords without the express authority of the vast majority of genuine tenants that enjoy cordial relationships with their landlords.
Crane Management Services Limited under the proprietorship of Dr Sudhir Ruparelia is a member of Kacita but it did not authorise, consent to and or approved the institution of the case (against landlords) and that the relationship between it and the tenants is governed by tenancy agreements which clearly define the obligations of the parties therein.
Court documents show that notwithstanding the closure of shops and prohibition against the sale of non-food items by the government, it continued to pay its taxes and or bills such as water, electricity, bank loan facilities and security for the malls and arcades.
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