Watchdog Uganda
The development follows Presidency Minister Milly Babalanda’s directive for a temporary suspension on the activities of the board of Governors and the corporation’s top management, led by Prof Wasswa.
The move, the minister said was intended to pave way for smooth investigations over reported fraud, financial mismanagement.
“Using my powers as Line Minister under Sec.6 of the UPPC Act, yesterday I temporarily suspended the M.D and Board of UPPC. The action is intended to pave way for investigations into allegations of corruption and forgery. All other staff is urged to continue working normally,†Babalanda tweeted.
Sources that attended the meeting at the Entebbe parastatal’s office intimated to this news website that the minister also extended the offer of amnesty to the shamefaced officials should they volunteer to confess and return the stolen funds.
The offer was however only valid for 6 days, which elapsed on Monday, 23rd.
“I have today officially interdicted the MD, Board, Company Secretary, and Internal Auditor of UPPC to pave way for investigations into allegations of corruption and other irregularities. In the meantime, Mr. James Tweheyo has been appointed as caretaker MD,†she tweeted today.
Hours later, the Police’s Criminal Investigations Department confirmed the arrest of Wasswa and further noted that they are pursuing his accomplices.
“Police at CID headquarters has arrested Prof. Wasswa Tomas Davis, the Managing Director Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) for alleged Embezzlement of Ugx 3billion of Corporation’s money. Syndicate noticed and other culprits to be pursued,†Charles Twine, CID spokesman confirmed.
Those interdicted by Babalanda, besides Wasswa include; Kitamuweesi Musubire â€" Chairman Board of Directors, Moreen Nyakato â€" Ag. Corporation Secretary and Andrew Senabulya â€" Senior Internal Auditor.
The move has so far been greatly hailed by members of the public as being one in the right direction as far as Babalanda’s inauguration pledge of †zero tolerance to corruption and poor service delivery†is concerned.
The minister described corruption as †a big disease in the country which affects all our sectors†and asked all stakeholders to join hands with her administration in a partnership to clean up.
On UPPC specifically, Babalanda noted with concern the widespread complaints regarding mismanagement at the state corporation.
“Colleagues, when I received the news of my appointment as Minister, 20% of the calls I received in the first 12 hours were linked to concerns regarding the management of the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation. A lot of stories were being told and people were wondering how I would manage to supervise this company.†She claimed.
She further warned that whoever was planning to engage in corrupt practices to have a second thought.
]]> BBNaija6: Cross gives up on Saskay, puts her in friend’s zone https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/big-brother-naija-dairy/20210824/119948/bbnaija6-cross-gives-up-on-saskay-puts-her-in-friends-zone.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:21:56 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119948 Big Brother Naija housemate Saskay told the show’s host Ebuka during the live eviction episode that she just enjoys Cross and Jay Paul’s company and there’s nothing serious going on between her and either one of them.The black beauty who apparently is a spec to more than one guy in the house has constantly told her fellow female housemates that she enjoyed the attention the guys were giving her, including breakfast in bed made by Cross and sharing a bed with Jay Paul who also makes her breakfast sometimes
.Saskay also enjoyed their massage and kept leading on both of them.
Yousef who also had a thing for her couldn’t handle the competition and gave up, leaving only Jaypaul and Cross in the race.
During the conversation on Saturday after the party, Cross tried to ask her what housemate JayPaul meant to her â€"
she told him that Jaypaul, an upcoming musician, was just a friend.
However, her reply was different when Ebuka asked her on live TV about both of them.
Her response angered Cross who was seen ranting about how she had lied to him when he confronted her about Jaypaul. The two settled to being just friends. Hopefully he didn’t say that out of anger â€" let’s watch what happens next.
Big Brother NAIJA 6 shows on DStv 198 and GoTv329
Review by Rheetur N.
]]> BBNaija: Maria’s Hate for Whitemoney greater than her love for Liquorose https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/big-brother-naija-dairy/20210824/119945/bbnaija-marias-hate-for-whitemoney-greater-than-her-love-for-liquorose.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:18:07 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119945 After winning Head of House, Big Brother gave Liqourose a movie night date courtesy of Showmax.She was requested to pick four other housemates to watch with. The famous Tiktoker picked Maria, Emmanuel, Whitemoney and Tega.
However, Maria who is apparently Liqourose’s best friend in the house rejected her invitation on the pretext she has invited someone she doesn’t like.
It came to the fore that Maria hates Whitemoney so much that she couldn’t watch a movie with him since he was among the lucky ones Liquorose had picked.
According to Maria, Whitemoney hates her which isn’t true because he is so genuine to her and honestly this move was so unpopular coming from Maria.
Her resentment for Whitemoney overshadowed the love for her best friend even after Nini, Peace and others housemates requested her to honor the invitation.
Meanwhile, Whitemoney didn’t show any signs of resentment towards her and infact he click that Maria declined the offer because of him. However viewers were disappointed in Maria’s decision, and certainly Whitemoney’s fans aren’t amused with Maria’s antics.
#Spreadlovenothate
By Rheetur N.
]]> You’re a Shameless Disgrace! Museveni’s Aide Fires at ‘Cursed’ Odonga Otto Over Criticising Fallen D/IGP Lokech https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210824/119942/youre-a-shameless-disgrace-musevenis-aide-fires-at-cursed-odonga-otto-over-criticising-fallen-d-igp-lokech.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 16:14:07 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119942 Former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto’s trending venomous critique against fallen security hero, Maj Gen. Paul Lokech continues sending ripples of offense among the grieving Ugandans.Otto, who lost his fifth successive parliamentary bid this year vehemently launched a regrettable offensive against late Lokech whom he grossly portrayed as a dirty police officer who used his power to witch hunt the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) stalwart.
One such Ugandan who seems to have been massively irked by Otto’s unbecoming criticism is National Communications Assistant to President Museveni as NRM National Chairman, Joseph Mukasa Ssewava.
The angry Museveni’s man described the actions of the former legislator as uncalled for, strategically lame, and a timely mistake that should cause him shame wherever he goes for the rest of his life.
†He is now a cursed man. No society in Africa condones preaching hate against a dead person, but Otto has shamelessly done it. May his curses follow him to the grave,†Ssewava lamented.
He also added that he has come to wonder why it took Otto’s constituents two decades to realise that their representative was †mentally impaired†before discarding him from his legislative duties until January this year.
Ssewava cautioned Otto to handle his despair calmly and carefully so as not to use other people as excuses but having himself to blame for falling his constituents when he turned himself into a political war mercenary to fight wars not meant for him.
He further added that had Lokech been solely the reason for Otto’s political downfall as he claims, then he wouldn’t have been involved in repeated scuffles with other leaders like Speaker Jacob Oulanyah whom he has perenially mounted and abused. He also returned the January 2020 ugly scenario at Parliament where Otto was hospitalised due to punches by Kilak MP Gilbert Olanya.
“If he can get punched into hospitalisation by a member of his party FDC, how can he shamelessly keep convincing us that Lokech was witch-hunting him! This is ridiculous,†Ssewava exclaimed.
Although he noted that his prayer is that Otto never gets into any leadership position again, Sewava tasked the veteran lawmaker to work on his image which he says has gone to the dogs. He further opined that the embattled lawmaker might need to go to a rehabilitation center for the effects of his political misfortune in Aruu seems to be taking a mental toll on him.
Meanwhile, Ssewava described the fallen police boss as a selfless, fearless, and irreplaceable soldier and statesman that will forever be missed by Uganda.
He appealed to leaders in the military and politics to embrace the ideals of humility, selflessness, honesty, and transparency to lay a strong moral foundation for the next generations.
He conveyed heartfelt condolence to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces( UPDF) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) where the deceased has worked, the people of Acholi where he hailed from, and the grieving general public for the sad loss of a hero.
]]> JUST IN: Minister Babalanda Officially Interdicts UPPC Board, Names Tweheyo Acting Boss https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210824/119939/just-in-minister-babalanda-officially-interdicts-uppc-board-names-tweheyo-acting-boss.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 14:59:24 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119939 Minister for Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda has officially interdicted the Board and Management of the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) over corruption and embezzlement.James Tweheyo of the RDC Secretariat has been appointed to head the establishment in an acting capacity as investigations continue.
Last week, Babalanda temporarily halted the Entebbe-based corporation’s Board and top management in a move she said was intended to pave way for a smooth investigation process into allegations of financial mismanagement at the establishment.
In the instructions issued by Babalanda, procurement deals were indefinitely suspended unless with express permission from the minister.
Low-ranking staff members were however allowed to continue operating normally.
Those interdicted include; Prof Tom Davis Wasswa â€" Managing Director, Kitamuweesi Musubire â€" Chairman Board of Directors, Moreen Nyakato â€" Ag. Corporation Secretary and Andrew Senabulya â€" Senior Internal Auditor.
While announcing the temporary suspension last week, Babalanda offered the embattled bosses at the parastatal amnesty in exchange for confessions and acceptance to return stolen funds. The offers elapsed yesterday.
The group becomes the first victims of Babalanda open proclamation against graft as per her July 9th inauguration speech under the Presidency docket.
The minister described corruption as †a big disease in the country which affects all our sectors†and asked all stakeholders to join hands with her administration in a partnership to clean up.
On UPPC specifically, Babalanda noted with concern the widespread complaints regarding mismanagement at the state corporation.
“Colleagues, when I received the news of my appointment as Minister, 20% of the calls I received in the first 12 hours were linked to concerns regarding the management of the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation. A lot of stories were being told and people were wondering how I would manage to supervise this company.†She claimed.
She further warned that whoever was planning to engage in corrupt practices to have a second thought.
]]> You’re importing a dangerous group into our society- Tamale Mirundi warns government on bringing Afghan refugees to Uganda https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210824/119929/youre-importing-a-dangerous-group-into-our-society-tamale-mirundi-warns-government-on-bringing-afghan-refugees-to-uganda.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:11:46 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119929 Former Senior Presidential Press Secretary Joseph Tamale Mirundi has warned government that they might be bringing a dangerous group of people into a peaceful society of Ugandans.Appearing on a local YouTube Channel- TMO on Tuesday, Mirundi said Afghans are very hostile people who can cause insecurity within the country because that is their nature.
“African leaders take long to sense trouble. Where do you find a democratic country that can allow a group of Taliban into their country? Nobody would welcome a group of extremists whether they were serving America or not because they have a character of being brutal. They engage in terrorism. These are very dangerous people, they defeated the Soviet Union and they have defeated the Americans, they are not a joking matter. Now, why do you bring them here?†the veteran journalist wondered.
Mirundi added that given the laxity of Uganda’s security and the nature of Ugandans, the Afghans are going multiply into the society just like how the Somalis and South Sudanese have done thus causing trouble in the East African country.
“So in 30 years, Uganda is going to be a hive of terrorists which has not been the case. Why do we survive? Ugandan culture does not allow terrorism the Muslims we have are Sunnis, even the constitution of the Uganda Muslim Supreme council bans a Shia from becoming a Mufti of Uganda. Sunnis are moderate, therefore we are importing a different and complicated group in this country at a free cost.â€
Last week, when the Taliban took over Afghanistan, desperate local people flocked at Kabul’s international airport trying to flee on departing U.S. jets however the jets could not take them all.
As a way of helping the desperate Afghans, the United States of America requested Uganda to host the refugees that are affected by the Taliban forces in Afghanistan. According to the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Esther Anyakun Uganda is willing to host over 2000 Afghan refugees.
]]> Hundreds turn up for LDU recruitment in Kisoro https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210824/119926/hundreds-turn-up-for-ldu-recruitment-in-kisoro.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 12:16:27 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119926 More than one hundred young and energetic Ugandans in Kisoro have on Monday turned up to hand deliver their applications seeking to join the Local Defense Unit (LDUs).During the exercise, more than 30 applications were bounced because they lacked key data, including Signatures from the Local Council I Chairperson, Gombolora Internal Security Officers
(GISOs).
According to the Kisoro deputy Resident District Commissioner Dan Ndikumwami, the energetic, patriotic Ugandans had turned up but lacked all the necessary requirements for their applications to be received.
“I admire the quick response by our people to the announcement but I had no choice but to ask them to go back and work on their applications because many of them had made mistakes,†Ndikumwami explained.
The development follows government’s decision to carry out a countrywide recruitment of LDUs.
Ndikumwami told our reporter that August 23rd 2021 was the first day
of receiving applications adding that he anticipates receiving so more applications.
Fresh LDU recruitment will start with headquarters of UPDF Divisions
I, II, III, IV and V in Kakiri barracks, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu and Pader respectively.
Recruits will receive 4 months basic military training from UPDF training schools. Upon completion of their training, the LDUs shall be deployed to serve in their respective districts of recruitment.
Those interested will be required to present duly signed letters of
recommendation from their respective LCI Chairpersons, PISOs and GISOs
and they must prove they are residents of that particular area.
The ministet made the plea on Monday while officially handing over the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Uganda Airlines and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).
In the ceremony which was conducted within the Aircraft at Entebbe International Airport, Byamukama said that Uganda Airlines is a newly born baby that needs support from each and every Ugandan without any political discrimination.
“I want to ask Ugandans and the entire media fraternity that supporting Uganda Airlines is the only thing we need to do together as a country because if we do it, it will grow and our sisters or brothers will have jobs. As other countries have supported their National Airlines let us now do the same. Securing the AOC certificate is a great achievement which means that the Airlines’ generation of income to the country is going to increase because now we have the longer routes by the Airbus,â€the Minister said.
He added that receiving the AOC is a great milestone because it signifies the continued growth of the Airline in the Ugandan Aviation industry.
The inclusion also opens Uganda’s routes across continents with the official launch route being Dubai in October 2021. Other international and long-haul routes such as London and Guangzhou will follow.
With this AOC inclusion, Uganda Airlines is now formally approved to carry Cargo and Dangerous Goods. This is of particular importance to the growth of trade and commerce in Uganda as it opens channels for the transportation of Cargo both into and out of Uganda.
The certification of the Airbus on the AOC has been a concerted effort by all Airlines’ dedicated staff members across all disciplines. Passengers will get to experience a new experience due to innovations from the Commercial and IT systems which can be seen through the Airlines’ new website and improved communications solutions across the entire network.
According to the Airlines management, the Airbus A330 is a state-of-the-art aircraft with competitive features to make travel enjoyable and comfortable. Some of the unique features on the aircraft include fully lie-flat seats for the Business class, onboard Wi-Fi access throughout the aircraft, a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system with lots of blockbuster movies and increased legroom for all classes.
After securing the AOC certificate, the Airline will now turn its efforts to the Self Ground Handling initiatives and the Phase-in of the Uganda Airlines Approved Maintenance Organisation.
All these are intended to give the shareholders of the Airline an efficient cost-benefit for the entire investment by running all functions in-house.
The Pilots, Cabin Crew and other operational staff have undergone rigorous training to international Aviation Standards and have been vetted as applicable by the regulatory partner in the industry the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
The Acting Director-General of UCCA Fred Bamwesigye confirmed that acquiring an AOC certificate shows that Uganda Airline is ready for serious business. However, he noted that acquiring such certificate the Airline had to go under vigorous processes to ensure that it has reached the required standards.
“It has taken us some long time to acquire this certificate because the Airbus is a new technology and we had to ensure that we certify every step since the safety of our customers is our first priority. CAA is pleased to see that Uganda Airline is now free to compete with other national airlines.â€
]]> We need compensation! Batwa task MP Kamuntu to follow up Court ruling regarding their eviction https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210824/119914/we-need-compensation-batwa-task-mp-kamuntu-to-follow-up-court-ruling-regarding-their-eviction.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:19:17 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119914 The Batwa Community in Rubanda District have tasked Rubanda West Member of Parliament Moses Kamuntu Mwongyera to follow up the Court ruling that ordered compensation to the Batwa as government was responsible for their suffering when they were evicted from forests in the 1990s.In 2013, the Batwa dragged the Attorney General, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and National Forestry Authority to Court for being evicted from their ancestral areas that government later gazetted as Echuya Central Forest Reserve, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The Batwa were scattered in bushes and hills of Kisoro, Rubanda, and Bundibudyo districts. They were left under the mercy of None Governmental Organisations â€" NGOs that bought land and resettled them without giving them any land ownership rights.
On Thursday last week, the Constitutional Court in Kampala ruled that the government was responsible for the suffering of the Batwa after failing to compensate them for their land which was turned into central forest reserves and national parks in South Western Uganda.
A panel of five judges; Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, Elizabeth Musoke, Cheborion Barishaki, Muzamiru Kibeedi and Irene Mulyagonja unanimously ruled that the Batwa have suffered because of their eviction from their ancestral land where they were not compensated by government.
While reacting to the development, Gad Semajeri a Mutwa from Bufundi Subcounty in Rubanda District said they would not celebrate victory until they see government’s response. Semajeri said it was now the role of parliament to exert pressure on government so that the court ruling is responded to.
Ssemajeri, widely known as the lead avocate for the rights of the Batwa singled out Hon. Kamuntu explaining that the legislator had always advocated for their rights even before he was elected as the Rubanda West MP in the last election.
Seemajeri explained that since their eviction from the forests in 1992, they were subjected to severe hunger because they were originally fruit gatherers. He also said their life expectancy had reduced from 120 to 60 years due to poverty,poor health, education and acomodation services among others.
Hon. Kamuntu said the court ruling on the plight of the Batwa was long over due. He said it was inhuman for government to throw the indigenous Batwa out of their dwelling without putting in place a clear plan for their next livelihood out of the forests. He promised to follow up their compesation and resettlement up to the last office responsible.
Kamuntu said the only solution for government to avoid repeating future mistakes on the Batwa community was to consider affirmative action in which they would have representatives at all levels of political leadership, especially in parilament and Cabinet.
]]> Next Media’s Pablo Bashir celebrates birthday with disabled children after getting new lease of life https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/lifestyle/20210824/119903/next-medias-pablo-bashir-celebrates-birthday-with-disabled-children-after-getting-new-lease-of-life.html Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:58:09 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119903 Pablo Bashir almost lost his life last year when the driver of the saloon car he was travelling in lost control of the vehicle along Masaka-Mbarara Highway.The terrible accident happened on 5 November, 2020 in Kyazanga Trading Centre, Lwengo District. Pablo and his five colleagues were heading to Ruhaama to attend the burial of the late Dr. Anas Kaliisa the director of Salam charity.
The tragedy left Pablo badly injured that news erroneously reached his employers at Next Media Services that he had died. He was unconscious when he was pulled out of the car, profusely bleeding with serious head wounds. There was a fear that he may have suffered brain damage. His friend Badru Mohammad Katongole who was the driver at the fateful night journey died on spot.
Fortunately, Pablo survived.
And to thank God for the new lease of life , the Next Media Services Chief of Protocol Officer on 23rd August decided to celebrate his new age with children living with disabilities.
During the birthday event, Pablo donated assortment of items worth millions of shillings to Uganda Cheshire Home-Katalemwa.
Uganda Cheshire Home-Katalemwa, is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) that provides holistic rehabilitation services to children with disabilities.
Children with disabilities at Katalemwa At the function, Pablo revealed that he chose to celebrate his birthday with Katalemwa children in reflection of how Allah saved him out of a deadly accident that ended the lives of some of his friends.
â€Today am here to celebrate this day with my brothers and sisters in reflection of how almighty Allah saved me last year from an accident that left a couple of my friends dead, who am I?, I think Allah left me alive such that I can be impactful to his people like these Katalemwa children, I am really grateful Ya’Allah,†he said.
Among the items donated by Bashir in collaboration with Kaliro Sugar Company that was represented by its Public Relations Officer, Ms Hellen, included dozens of sugar sacks, cooking oil, boxes of bar soap, liquid soap among others.
Uganda’s leading brown Sugar producers-Kaliro Sugar & Allied Industries Limited is a subsidiary of Alam Group.
Sharing a word of appreciation with Pablo, Nabakooza Oliver a guardian of two kids at Katalemwa, poured heaps of praise upon him for considering them amidst the Covid-19 pandemic season that has hugely affected their living.
â€My son, the truth is, we have been traumatized so much by this pandemic but I am so happy that our good Lord has always provided to us through people like you. I can’t stop thanking God for rescuing Bashir’s life because it is indeed purposeful to Ugandans, people with disabilities like us here inclusive, thanks Bashir,†Nabakooza noted.
After the donation, Pablo was later in the day treated to a surprise birthday party at Tamarai hotel Kololo by his rich friends. The party attracted a number of city corporates and dignitaries.
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