EUROPEAN UNION – KMAUPDATES

Jan132021 by TUMUTEGYEREIZE WILBERNo Comments

Twitter condemns social media shutdown in Uganda

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, POLITICS, TECHNOLOGY, Twitter, UGANDA, USA

Social networking service, Twitter has condemned the shutdown of the internet in Uganda ahead of the Thursday general election as hugely harmful, violate basic human rights and principles of Open Internet. On Tuesday, it was alleged that the Uganda communication commission executive director, Irene Sewankambo in a letter ordered telecommunications companies to “immediately suspend any access and use” of social media and online messaging platforms. Several social media users in Uganda have reported the inability to access Facebook and Twitter, among other social media platforms as the country braces for a tense election that has been marred with violence. Last evening President Museveni confirmed that the government had closed social media channels ahead of Thursday’s poll. Acc...

Jan132021 by TUMUTEGYEREIZE WILBERNo Comments

UGANDA DECIDES 2021: Statement by U.S. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown on Cancellation of U.S. Diplomatic Observer Mission of Uganda’s Elections

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, POLITICS, UGANDA, USA

U.S. Embassy Kampala January 13, 2021 Kampala, Uganda Statement by U.S. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown on Cancellation of U.S. Diplomatic Observer Mission of Uganda’s Elections It is with profound disappointment that I announce U.S. Mission in Uganda’s decision to cancel our diplomatic observation of Uganda’s January 14 elections due to the decision by the Electoral Commission of Uganda to deny more than 75 percent of the U.S. election observer accreditations requested. With only 15 accreditations approved, it is not possible for the United States to meaningfully observe the conduct of Uganda’s elections at polling sites across the country. Despite multiple requests, the Electoral Commission provided no explanation for its decision, which it communicated mer...

Jan122021 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Remarks of the EU Ambassador on NGOs bank account freezes

AFRICA, Business, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, Parliament, UGANDA, Uganda Law Society, Uganda Red Cross, UN Human RiGHTS, UN Women, USA, WORLD

Kampala,Uganda The EU and its Member States are one of the largest development partners of Uganda. Most of EU funding goes to support government institutions but through their cooperation programmes, the EU and its Member States also support civil society organisations and private sector entrepreneurs. Civil society organisations contribute to the achievement of Uganda’s development objectives and are important stakeholders and development agents in the implementation of the third National Development Plan of Uganda. The EU and its Member States wish to underline the essential role played by civil society in any democratic country including in the electoral process. Civil society organisations engage in domestic observation, voter education, voter participation and violence preventi...

Jan122021 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Statement by U.S. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, HUMAN INTEREST STORIES, Parliament, UGANDA, Uganda Law Society, UN Human RiGHTS, WORLD

on U.S. Concern Over Denying Ugandan CSOs Access to Their Bank Accounts U.S. Embassy Kampala January 9, 2021 Kampala, Uganda The U.S. government remains concerned over disturbing signs that civic space is closing. With the election only days away, restrictions on civil society organizations (CSOs), delayed accreditation of domestic observers by the Electoral Commission, and interference with non-partisan voter education programming funded by Uganda’s international democratic partners have raised serious concerns about Uganda’s preparedness for a transparent, inclusive election. Today we remain particularly concerned over how Ugandan institutions continue to block the bank accounts of several reputable and well-known CSOs, on questionable bases, preventing the...

Jan112021 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

EAC Election Observation Mission to the 2021 Uganda General Election launched in Kampala.

AFRICA, EALA, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, HUMAN INTEREST STORIES, INTERNATIONAL, Kenyan Parliament, Nairobi, Parliament, POLITICS, Sudan, UGANDA, Uganda Law Society, UN Human RiGHTS, UN Women, USA, World Bank

East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 10th January, 2021: The East African Community Election Observer Mission to the Uganda General Election to be held on 14th January, 2021 has been formally launched. H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye (middle).Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. Speaking during the launch of the mission at a Kampala hotel, the Head of the Mission, H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye, who is also a former president of the Republic of Burundi, said that the Community attaches great importance to the promotion of democracy, which will in turn guarantee political stability in the entire region. H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye addressing the Observers.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. “Further to the invitation of the Electoral Commission of Uganda, the...

Dec312020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Central African Republic: ICRC condemns attack on its Bouar office and calls for humanitarian workers to be respected

AFRICA, Central African Republic, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, UGANDA, UN Human RiGHTS, UN Women, WORLD

BANGUI, Central African Republic, December 29, 2020/APO Group The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been forced to drastically reduce its humanitarian activities in Bouar in Nana-Mambéré prefecture after its office was raided. Some ICRC staff will be moved to other locations in the Central African Republic until security in the town can be restored. During the night of 27 December, armed individuals broke into the ICRC's premises in Bouar. They injured three guards before looting the buildings and removing all equipment and supplies, including veterinary products that were destined to support livestock owners. "This attack is completely unacceptable. We cannot work in these conditions," said Bruce Biber, the ICRC's head of delegation in the Central African R...

Dec312020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

What the U.S. Political Transition Might Mean for Africa Generally and Its Oil and Gas Sector in Particular (By Jude Kearney)

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, POLITICS, UGANDA, USA

US Africa relations will likely improve by virtue of Trump’s exitWASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, December 30, 2020/ -- By Jude Kearney, Chairman of the US/Africa Committee of the Africa Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/)2021 could be the beginning of a much needed reset for US relations with Africa and its various countries and regions. To date, most African governments have responded positively to the results of the recent U.S. presidential election, with many African leaders offering their congratulations to Joe Biden. That is no surprise: Donald Trump’s presidency has been, at best, a mixed bag for Africa and Africans.President Trump’s Africa LegacyUnfortunately for Donald Trump, his widely reported use of profane and vile language in a closed door meeting to descri...

Dec272020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Bobi Wine’s Personal bodyguard knocked dead.

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, POLITICS, UGANDA, USA

Kampala,Uganda: Francis Kalibala, a private bodyguard attached to National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine has been knocked dead. According to Kyagulanyi, his body guard “was run over by a military police patrol truck” as they drove to Kampala from Masaka. Francis Kalibala, a private bodyguard “I regret to announce the death of our security team member Mr. Francis Kalibala also known as Frank. Francis was run over by a military police patrol truck number H4DF 2382 which had blocked us in Busega as we were taking comrade Kasirye Ashraf for emergency medical attention in Rubaga hospital. Francis past away a few minutes ago in Rubaga hospital. May your life never perish in vain brother. Rest in peace. A very sad day,” Ky...

Dec272020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Press Statement on Commencement of Packing of Ballot Papers for Presidential and Parliamentary Election

AFRICA, Buganda Kingdom, Busoga Kingdom, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, HUMAN INTEREST STORIES, INTERNATIONAL, POLITICS, TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA, Uganda Law Society, Uganda Red Cross, USA, WORLD, World Bank

As you are aware, the Electoral Commission, received the first delivery of ballot papers and Declaration of Results Forms for District Woman Representative to Parliament, on Wednesday 9th December 2020. This has since been followed by the delivery of ballot papers and Declaration of Results (DR) Forms for other elective positions, namely, Presidential, Directly-elected Members of Parliament and Local Government Councils (Chairperson and Councillors in partial consignments. Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson, Electoral Commission examines the ballot Papers soon after the packing process started. To-date, the Commission has received the complete delivery of ballot papers for Presidential and Parliamentary (Directly-elected and District Women Representative...

Dec252020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

NRM asks Ugandans to vote for them again,vows to work with the Opposition-Capt.Mukulaa

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, NRM, POLITICS, UGANDA, WORLD

By Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates 24th December,2020. The National Resistance Movement-NRM vice-chairperson in charge of Eastern Uganda, Captain Mike Mukula has asked Ugandan electorates to forgive NRM incase of any wrongs done in the past and Vote them into power. The National Resistance Movement-NRM vice-chairperson in charge of Eastern Uganda, Captain Mike Mukula.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. We are experienced leaders who have even better plans for the development of this country. Mukula said this during a press briefing held at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala on Thursday. Please continue to Vote for President Yoweri Museveni. The National Resistance Movement is now a Solid Party. The Party has made significant gains. We have been able to capture Supp...

Dec222020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Emirates earns five-star rating from its customers

AFRICA, Business, DUBAI, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, UAE, UGANDA

Dubai, UAE, 22 December 2020 – Emirates has received the APEX 2021 Five Star Global Official Airline RatingTM, based on feedback from passengers that was independently collected by APEX via its partnership with TripIt, and validated and certified by an external auditor to ensure that all ratings were made by genuine travellers who had flown on the airline they were reviewing. Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from our customers. It reflects all of our efforts to provide our customers with a safe and enjoyable flight experience. He added: “In the past months, Emirates has constantly reviewed and proactively adapted our products and services to comply with regulatory protocols, and we’ve also kept our eye on innovat...

Dec112020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Tony Elumelu Foundation will be partnering with the European Union

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, London, Tony Elumelu Foundation, UGANDA, UK, West Africa

Tony Elumelu Foundation will be partnering with the European Union to identify, train, mentor and fund 2,500 young African women entrepreneurs in 2021. Tony Elumelu Founation Founder and Chairman. Through this partnership, we will disburse €20 million in financial and technical support for women-owned businesses, across all 54 African countries, in addition to providing increased access to market linkages, supply chains and venture capital investments. Tony Elumelu Founation Founder and Chairman. This announcement further extends our mission of empowering African entrepreneurs while fostering gender inclusion. Learn more here.

Dec92020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

British High Commission Presents 46 election observers for accreditation

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, UGANDA, UK

By George William Kakooza/KMA Kampala,Uganda The British high commission in Uganda has presented up to 46 election observers for accreditation by the Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda to monitor the 2021 Presidential elections. In a letter to the EC Public affairs department, the British High Commission first secretary in charge of Politics Simon Tucker says, the names follow a note “verbele” sent by the foreign affairs Ministry to foreign missions regarding election observation. British High Commissioner to Uganda Peter West (L) with UMEME 's Director Of Communication Peter Kaujju. “This is to notify you that 46 British High Commission will be taking part in the election obs...

Nov252020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Diego Maradona,the World will miss you dearly being one of the greatest.

AFRICA, Argentina, BREAKING NEWS, Business, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, FUFA, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, Sports, UGANDA, WORLD

Diego Maradona has died from a heart attack less than a month after turning 60 according to the Daily Mail The Argentinian football legend died at home, his lawyer said, just three weeks after having surgery on a blood clot in his brain. Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, having knocked England out of the tournament in a match which saw him score the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and another - widely considered to be one of the greatest goals of all time. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time on the pitch, his life off the pitch was equally notorious - amid battles with drug and alcohol addiction. Argentina's president Alberto Fernandez decreed three days of mourning following Maradona's death. 'You took us to the top of the world. You made us immense...

Nov162020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Dutch funding to IFAD will help avert COVID-19 food crisis

AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, Rome, WORLD

Rome, 16 November 2020 – As more people spiral into hunger and poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Netherlands has stepped up its funding to the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to help avert a rural food crisis. Their €6 million contribution to IFAD’s Rural Poor Stimulus Facility will help small-scale famers continue to grow and sell food amidst COVID-19 restrictions in movement and trade. The Facility was launched in April by IFAD’s Goodwill Ambassadors, Idris and Sabrina Elba, and it provides rural producers with timely access to inputs, markets, liquidity and information to ensure an uninterrupted food supply. “Rural small-scale producers grow much of the world’s food. Investments in them are investments in global stability, su...

Nov82020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Finally, its Over! Its Joe Biden

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, Israel, UGANDA, USA

Donald Trump sent packing as Joe Biden moves to White House. Biden elected 46th next President of USA CNN)America has chosen Democrat Joe Biden as its 46th president, CNN projects, turning at a time of national crisis to a man whose character was forged by aching personal tragedy and who is pledging to restore calm and truth after Donald Trump's exhausting and manic single term. In a victory speech Saturday night in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said he was humbled by the trust America had placed in him and reached out to those Americans who did not vote for him. "I understand the disappointment tonight. I've lost a couple of times myself. But now, let's give each other a chance," Biden said. "This is the time to heal in America."

Nov32020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

NUP President (Bobi Wine) Robert Kyagulanyi for Uganda’s Presidential Nominations today

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, UGANDA, USA

KAMPALA ,UGANDA Traffic diverted,Security beefed up around Kampala as NUP President Bobi Wine prepares for Presidential nomination today The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced plans to officially unveil their manifesto that will guide their plan for ‘A new Uganda.’According to the Electoral Commission program, NUP presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine will be nominated on Tuesday, 3rd November 2020 at 10:00am. Uganda on Monday began a two-day nomination process for candidates who will compete in February's presidential elections. President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country for 34 years, was the first to be nominated and warned that any opponents who destabilize the country will be dealt with. Opposition candidates, including musi...

Nov12020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

UPPA SWEARS IN NEW OFFICE BEARERS AS SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT KADAGA TELLS JOURNALISTS TO Cover THE ELECTORAL PROCESS POSITIVELY.

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, Electoral Comission, EUROPEAN UNION, INTERNATIONAL, UGANDA, UN Human RiGHTS, UPPA

As the country gears up for the 2021 general elections, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has reminded journalists of their role in sensitising and mobilising voters to shape the electoral process positively. “The media can promote free and fair elections through civic awareness, publicising electoral laws, exposing electoral malpractices, fact checking political statements and giving analysis to enable voters make informed decisions,” she said. Hon Safia Nalule (R) with the EU Head of Mission, HE Pacifici at Parliament.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. This was contained in a speech delivered on her behalf by Parliamentary Commissioner, Hon Safia Nalule during the swearing in of the new executive of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA). The event also ha...