INTERNATIONAL NEWS – KMAUPDATES

May252020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Islamic University in Uganda donates items of new technology worth Uganda Shillings 31,700,000 to the National Response Fund to fight the Spread of Covid-19

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, COVID-19, EAST AFRICA, FEATURE STORIES, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, World Health Organization

Kampala, Uganda Following the Covid19 pandemic that has caused fatal setbacks in the implementation of government programs globally and nationally, and in line with the President’s initiative to fight and control the spread of Covid19, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has donated items worth Uganda Shillings 31,700,000 to the National Response Fund to Covid-19 through the Office of the Prime Minister. The Political head of the National Response Fund to Covid19 and Minister incharge of General Duties Hon.Mary Karooro Okurut second left) tries out washing her hands with the Hands Free handwashing Machine without touching it while being helped by a student (R) and the Rector IUIU Dr Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. The it...

May232020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Madhvani donates a powerful brand new double cabin pick in the efforts to fight Covid19 in Uganda

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, COVID-19, EAST AFRICA, FEATURE STORIES, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, WORLD

The brand new double cabin pick up that the Madhvani group donated. It was packed with an assortment of essential human items. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. Following the Covid19 pandemic that has caused fatal setbacks in the implementation of government programs globally and nationally, and in line with the President’s initiative to fight and control the enemy, Mary Karooro Okurut, Uganda's Prime Minister Rt Hon,Dr Ruhakana Rugunda,the Political head overseeing the National Response Fund to Covid19 and Minister of General Duties, Hon Karooro Okurut have received a donation of a brand new vehicle with an assortment of goods to the national response fund to Covid19 and the donation was warmly received by the prime minister Dr.Ruhakana Rugunda worth over 250M/=. Mary Karo...

May232020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Ugandan government receives Dignity kits from UNFPA as away to fight Covid19

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, COVID-19, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, UGANDA, World Health Organization

Kampala,Uganda Following the Covid19 pandemic that has caused fatal setbacks in the implementation of government programs globally and nationally, and in line with the President’s initiative to fight and control the enemy, UNFPA Country Representative in Uganda Mr. Alain Sibenaler, the Minister for Presidency Hon Esther Mbayo,, Mary Karooro Okurut, the Political head overseeing the National Response Fund to Covid19 and Minister of General Duties, Hon Karooro Okurut and the Secretary the Fund receiving Dignity Kits.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. Mary Karooro Okurut, the Political head overseeing the National Response Fund to Covid19 and Minister of General Duties, Hon Karooro Okurut has, received Dignity kits from UNFPA. UNFPA Country Representative in Uganda Mr. Alain S...

May222020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

U.S. Government Provides USD 15 Million to Uganda’s COVID-19 Response

AFRICA, AMERICA, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, EAST AFRICA, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, UGANDA, united states of america, USA

Kampala, May 22, 2020 – On May 20, Secretary of State Pompeo announced that the American people made a commitment of an additional USD 162 million for the global COVID-19 response, bringing the total to date to more than USD 1 billion since the outbreak began. The U.S. Mission in Uganda has provided both technical assistance and more than USD 15 million (UGX 56 Billion) in funding to meet the urgent needs of Uganda’s COVID-19 response. This assistance has been spread across many parts of the health sector to directly support the COVID-19 response as well as to assist the broader health sector in continuing its regular service delivery with the goal of enabling Uganda’s overall health system to maintain stability despite the challenges of COVID-19. For decades, the U.S. Mission has i...

May222020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Coronavirus Lockdown – Nigeria: Pregnant Woman In Labour Dies After Being Delayed By Policemen for not wearing Mask

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, Nigeria

OGUN STATE --- A pregnant woman who was in labour died after she was delayed by police officers for not wearing a face mask in the Ogun Waterside local government area – Ogun state in Nigeria. Reports state that the deceased identified as, Waidat Adedeji, went into labour and was being rushed on a motorcycle by one of her children to the Ita-Otu General hospital when they were stopped by police officers at Sowore checkpoint. The police officers stopped them and asked why they were not wearing face masks and disobeying the social distancing order of the state government. The policemen allegedly delayed the motorcyclist for hours before they were released them only for the woman to die a few minutes later. Youths in the area staged a protest blaming the police for her death...

May222020 by KATENDE SHARIFNo Comments

Coronavirus Lockdown – Uganda: University female student dies in boyfriend’s home while trying to abort

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, UGANDA

KAMPALA --- A university student of the International Paramedics Institute on Masaka Road has died at her boyfriend’s home after failing to return home ahead of the COVID-19 lockdown. The student identified as Claire Natukunda, died in Maganjo, at her boyfriend’s house identified as Junju. She was reportedly two months pregnant. Natukunda who had been released from medical school after its closure due to the lockdown, was rushed to a clinic in Lugooba village, Kawempe Division in Kampala in an unresponsive state yesterday evening. The late Claire Natukunda The Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesman, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, said the medical officers who examined her found that she had passed away before being admitted and informed the police. “The man, who brou...

May222020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Coronavirus – UK: First Bus brings in changes including new ticket payment rules

CORONAVIRUS, EUROPE, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, Travel, UK, UNITED KINGDOM

BRISTOL --- Social distancing measures were trialled on the number 24 buses in Bristol. Passengers travelling on First Bus services have been advised of changes including new preferences on payment and a "ground-breaking counting facility". Stricter measures have been rolled out this week by First West of England to protect passengers and bus drivers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Although people are still being discouraged from going on public transport, those who rely on it are being asked to adhere to safety precautions. In a statement this afternoon (Wednesday), First said it had installed a "ground-breaking passenger counting facility" to the drivers' ticket machines, which advises them when their bus is at safe capacity and when to turn on the 'sorry bus full' display. ...

May222020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Award-winning Canon photographers capture Ramadan in the time of a pandemic

INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, Ramadan, RELIGION, TECHNOLOGY

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 22, 2020/ -- On 23rd April, the holy month of Ramadan began, with Muslims around the world practicing under unique circumstances and adapting to the changes caused by COVID-19. From live-streamed sermons to video calling loved ones for virtual Iftars, this year’s Ramadan is seeing Muslims worldwide forging new ways to connect with family and friends and enjoy the collective tradition that Ramadan provides. To capture this religious practice taking place under lockdown, Canon has partnered with Jordanian Canon Ambassador and two time Pulitzer prize winner, Muhammed Muheisen and Dubai-based photographer Reem Falaknaz - who took part to the Arab Documentary Photography Program - to document their personal experiences of practicing Ramadan during this unpre...

May222020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Game Stores donates 25 pieces of camping tents (valued at 25Million Ugx) to fight Covid19 in Uganda

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, COVID-19, EAST AFRICA, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, World Health Organization

Kampala, Uganda Following the Covid19 pandemic that has caused fatal setbacks in implementation of government programs globally and nationally, and in line with the President’s initiative to fight and control the enemy, Hon. Mary Karooro-Okurut, Minister of General Duties, OPM, Political oversight of the National Response Fund to Covid19, (L) Frederick Olwit, the Game Stores' Store Manager, (Game) and the Secretary and Treasurer to the Fund Mrs Kisaka Dorothy. .Photo by Ronald Kabuubi KMA Updates. Mary Karooro Okurut, the Political head overseeing the National Response Fund to Covid19 and Minister of General Duties, Hon Karooro Okurut has received 25 pieces of camping tents (valued at 25Million Ugx) from Frederick Olwit, the Game Stores' Store Manager, which donation goes towards...

May212020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

BeApp Partners with Coca-Cola to Launch Coke Studio Sessions

AFRICA, Business, FEATURE STORIES, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, TECHNOLOGY, united states of america, USA

Katy Perry, Bebe Rexha, DJ Khaled, Steve Aoki and More Kick Off 60 daysof Live Music Streaming for Fans Around the World Katy Perry ATLANTA, USA – BeApp, a new live music streaming platform, and Coca-Cola have announced the launch of Coke Studio Sessions, an exclusive collaboration featuring a diverse line-up of musical performances for fans to enjoy over 60 consecutive days. Live performances from more than 100 artists across the globe, including Katy Perry, Anitta, DJ Khaled, Bebe Rexha, Miguel, Cast of Hamilton and Steve Aoki will begin streaming today to refresh fans one virtual performance at a time and support the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Coke Studio Sessions marks the official debut of #BeApp, the social live music streaming platform from t...

May212020 by KATENDE SHARIFNo Comments

Uganda: Speaker Kadaga gifts Muslim fraternity at Parliament

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, Ramadan, RELIGION, UGANDA, Ugandan Parliamanet

Kampala --- As the Muslim fraternity prepares to celebrate Eid Al- Fitr over the weekend, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has called on Muslims to continue praising and worshiping Allah during the remaining days of the Holy month of Ramadan. She said that fasting in the Quran are the two intercessors for the servants of Allah on the days of resurrection. “Your fasting will give an opportunity for intercessions on your behalf so that your messages reach the Almighty Allah,” she said.Kadaga said this while handing over gift hampers to the Muslim staff of Parliament and journalists under the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association on 20 May 2020.She said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, Parliament cannot hold the annual Iftr dinner. “Ramadan cannot be celebrated but the sa...

May212020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Mike Tyson shows off a very toned physique after announcing return to the ring

celebrity, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, Sports, united states of america, USA

Mike Tyson has a brand-new look after losing 140lbs a decade ago. The 53-year-old former professional boxer was shirtless as he threw punches in the air for a new video shared on Weibo which was filmed in the backyard of his home. The Hangover actor lost weigh by going vegan, he said in 2013: 'When I was training for fights – a lot of meat, cheese, bread. I devoured everything besides pork. I used to eat a lot. As I got older I didn't like the way I was feeling. I had a lot of arthritis, joint problems and I was morbidly obese.' It was his wife who turned him on to going meat free. In this new clip Tyson has sculpted arms, abs and an overall slender frame as he shows off a grey beard. He moves very fast as he throws punches in the air, ducks and then eventually pets his ...

May212020 by KATENDE SHARIFNo Comments

Ecobank Group and Google collaborating to deliver digital solutions tailored for Ecobank’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) customers

AFRICA, Banking, Business, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, TECHNOLOGY

Ecobank Group, the pan-African Bank, in collaboration with Google is helping to equip African SMEs with the necessary digital skills to navigate the rapidly evolving business world. The aim is to assist African businesses remain relevant and fulfil their potential by embracing digital capabilities. Josephine Anan-Ankomah, Ecobank’s Group Executive for Commercial Banking said: “As a longstanding pioneer in providing cutting-edge digital solutions for African businesses we are delighted to collaborate with Google to offer timely and relevant solutions, including Google My Business and Google Ad products. These are specifically tailored to meet the needs of our SME customers.” “Our objective is to be the partner of choice for SMEs, by meaningfully supporting their success and grow...

May212020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Coronavirus – Africa: Statement on the Launch of United Nations Policy Brief on the Impact of COVID-19 on Africa

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, UNITED NATIONS

CAIRO, Egypt, May 21, 2020/ -- By The Secretary-General As COVID-19 spreads across the continent, Africa has responded swiftly to the pandemic, and as of now reported cases are lower than feared. Even so, much hangs in the balance. In recent years Africans have done much to advance the well-being of the continent’s people. Economic growth has been strong. The digital revolution has taken hold. A free trade area has been agreed. But the pandemic threatens African progress. It will aggravate long-standing inequalities and heighten hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability to disease. Already, demand for Africa’s commodities, tourism and remittances are declining. The opening of the trade zone has been pushed back – and millions could be pushe...

May212020 by KATENDE SHARIFNo Comments

Coronavirus – Africa: Commonwealth health ministers agree to share advice and solutions in coronavirus battle

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, EUROPE, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, UK, UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON, United Kingdom --The Commonwealth Health Ministers have agreed to coordinate their response in tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Ministers endorsed removing fees for coronavirus tests and treatment, especially for migrants and refugees, as appropriate within national contexts, and creating a voluntary mechanism to share and distribute extra medical supplies including ventilators and testing kits. They agreed on the need for solidarity and cooperation among Commonwealth countries and that close working with the World Health Organization throughout the crisis was vital. This statement was released following the annual Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting held on 14 May. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “We are now participants at an inflection poi...

May212020 by KATENDE SHARIFNo Comments

Coronavirus – Namibia: German Embassy supports families in need

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, EUROPE, Germany, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, NAMIBIA

WINDHOEK, Namibia, May 21, 2020/ -- The German Embassy supports families in need with food donations in the informal settlements of Windhoek. A total of approximately 170,000 NAD (8,736.00 EUR) from the micro project fund was made available as an immediate measure. These funds were used to purchase food parcels for 100 single mothers and 100 needy households registered with the Lidar Community Foundation in Katutura. The distributed items include staple foods such as maize meal, flour, pasta, rice, sugar, cooking oil, but also soap and detergent. In addition the single mothers with babies also received baby food and diapers for their children. To comply with the applicable national COVID-19 health & hygiene rules, 2 reusable face masks per household, manufactured by "Aphrodit...

May212020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aerodyne Group to promote unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tech in 57 Countries

INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, TECHNOLOGY

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, and Aerodyne Group (Aerodyne), an international artificial intelligence (AI)-driven, drone-based managed solutions provider, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signifying a new milestone in the strategic partnership between ICD and Aerodyne to cooperate and work closely together in promoting of unmanned aerial system technology in ICD member countries. The MoU was signed by Ayman Sejiny, the Chief Executive Officer of ICD, and Kamarul A Muhamed, founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Aerodyne Group. Mr. Sejiny commented his strong support for the partnership, stating: “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a new st...

May212020 by KATENDE SHARIFNo Comments

Coronavirus – Africa: The United States continues to lead the Global Response to COVID-19

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, united states of america, USA

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 21, 2020/ -- Through the American people’s generosity and the U.S. Government’s action, the United States continues to demonstrate global leadership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American people have given more than $10 billion that will benefit the global COVID-19 response, and we continue to ensure that the substantial U.S. funding and scientific efforts on this front remain a central and coordinated part of the worldwide effort against COVID-19. Months into fighting this pandemic at home and abroad, the United States continues to lead a global response—building on decades of leadership in life-saving health and humanitarian assistance. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. Government has committed more than $900 million in State Depart...

May212020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Floods – Uganda: People Power Movement donates Shs13.5 million to Kasese flood victims

AFRICA, EAST AFRICA, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, Politics, UGANDA

Bobi Wine through his people power movement handed over a contribution of 13,500,000/= (Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Shillings) to Hon. Winnie Kiiza to assist sisters and brothers who are affected by flooding in Kasese district. "This money was contributed by ourselves as well as comrades in Uganda and abroad. I am very grateful to all of you who have responded to our call and made contributions to this noble cause. To you comrades in Kasese District, we stand with you and pray for you", said Bobi Wine. People Power Movement leader Kyagulanyi Sentamu 'Bobi Wine's addressing the press while Hon. Winnie Kiira looks on Kasese District was affected so bad by the recent floods that left thousands of people homeless, it destroyed property and others lost their lives. "We ...

May212020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Coronavirus – Kenya: World Bank Approves $1 Billion Financing for Kenya, to Address COVID-19 Financing Gap and Support Kenya’s Economy

AFRICA, Banking, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, EAST AFRICA, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, KENYA

The World Bank Board of Directors on 20th May 2020 approved a $1 billion budget support operation for Kenya, which helps close the fiscal financing gap, while supporting reforms that help advance the government’s inclusive growth agenda, including in affordable housing and support to farmers’ incomes. The Kenya Inclusive Growth and Fiscal Management Development Policy Financing (DPF), is the second of a two-operation programmatic series aimed at recreating fiscal buffers over the medium term and crowding in private investment. Preparation of this DPF preceded the COVID-19 pandemic, but its approval is timely, since it will help to fill the financing gap generated by the severe, ongoing shock to Kenya’s economy. The DPF thus complements the recently approved Kenya Covid-19 Emergency Res...