africa news today – KMAUPDATES

Jun242020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: The Proposed Scientific Election In 2021 May Cause A Constitutional Crisis,FRED MUWEMA

AFRICA, UGANDA

The Electoral Commission released a revised roadmap for the 2020/21 general elections where it stated that “mass rallies will not be allowed but campaigns will be conducted mainly through media.” Many people are wondering how a restriction on one aspect of the campaigns i.e. mass rallies, can reduce the whole election into a “scientific election”? The reality is that it is the rallies which have the pull and push power of the campaigns and the campaigns are the gravitas of the electoral process. You literally can not tell when the electoral process has begun until the campaign rallies have begun. So that is probably why the EC can get away with calling the whole election “scientific”. Because campaigns and their rallies are the amalgam that sticks the whole electoral process together a...

Jun242020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: Zimbabwe fuel prices increase by 152%

AFRICA, Business, ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe’s fuel prices will go up by as much as 152% on Wednesday, the energy regulator said, after the government removed a fixed exchange rate in place since March. The last time the southern African country saw a similar steep rise in fuel prices, in January 2019, violent protests broke out, leaving as many as 17 people dead after a crackdown by the security forces. Zimbabwe is already going through its worst economic crisis in a decade, marked by high inflation, food and medical shortages. The price of petrol will go up to 71.62 Zimbabwe dollars (U.S. $1.25) per litre, from 28.96 Zimbabwe dollars previously, the regulator announced on Tuesday night. The diesel price will now be 62.77 Zimbabwe dollars from 24.93 Zimbabwe dollars. Zimbabwe began weekly foreign currency aucti...

Jun62020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: President Museveni has sacked the Executive Director NIRA.

AFRICA, UGANDA

KAMPALA — Ms. Judy Obitre Gama, the Executive Director National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) who has been at the helm of the Authority since 2015, will not have her contract renewed on the orders of President Yoweri Museveni. This website understands that Ms. Gama’s contract expires on July 15, 2020. In a May 18th, 2020 letter to Internal Affairs Minister, Jeje Odongo, President Museveni directs that a new executive Director with Legal or Information Technology background be identified to head the Authority. “I’m, therefore, directing you to work with the Board of directors of NIRA and identify a suitable candidate, consult me before, a final decision is reached on the matter, ” the President. Gama’s reign at the Authority has been bogged by several issues ...

Jun32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

HEALTH: The Covid-19 cases in Africa tally 158,030; 4,505 deaths; 67,491 recoveries.

AFRICA, COVID-19, HEALTH

There are now more than over 150,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the continent, with a number of African countries imposing a range of prevention and containment measures against the spread of the pandemic. According to the latest data by the John Hopkins University and Africa Center for Disease Control on COVID-19 in Africa, the breakdown remains fluid as countries confirm cases as and when. As of May 13, every African country had recorded an infection, the last being Lesotho. We shall keep updating this list largely sourced from the John Hopkins University tallies, Africa CDC and from official government data. Major African stats: June 2 at 13:00 GMT: Confirmed cases = 158,030Number of deaths = 4,505Recoveries = 67,491Active cases = 86,034

Jun32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Police tasks bus and taxi operators to observe curfew hours

AFRICA, UGANDA

KAMPALA- Police have ordered the public transport operators to observe the curfew hours of 7pm to 6am when they resume work tomorrow. The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Mr Patrick Onyango, said both passengers and drivers of taxis and buses should plan for their journeys to make sure that they are home by 7pm. “It is very possible for them to beat the curfew. People need to plan their journey early. If you know your journey takes 30 minutes to reach your place, give yourself an allowance of one hour because of traffic jam. So you have to plan by giving an allowance of extra time of your planned movement to beat the traffic jam,” Mr Onyango added. The President on Monday allowed the public transport resume but insisted that the taxis and buses must operate at half capac...

Jun32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Four shot dead in a cattle raid attempt, Kaabong District.

AFRICA, KENYA, UGANDA

KAABONG – At least four Kenyan Turkana pastoralists have been killed in the fight with the UPDF soldiers in Kaabong district. While addressing journalists on Wednesday morning at the division headquarters in Moroto, Major Peter Mugisa, the UPDF 3rd division Spokesperson said the raiders were killed on Tuesday, June 2 at 11pm as they attempted the steal animals in one of the protected kraals in Kamion Sub County in Kaabong district. He said the army failed the raid and one gun was recovered from the rustlers. “We had got intelligence information about their coming to raid animals in Kamion, so they came knowing the UPDF was not aware of their coming, they reached near the kraal but after noticing that UPDF had taken cover one of them shot one bullet which did not get our solider prom...

Jun32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

AFRICA: Two Congolese doctors detained over fake virus diagnosis.

AFRICA, COVID-19, HEALTH

The death of a young woman in Brazzaville over fake covid-19 diagnosis has sparked fury. André Ngakala Oko, prosecutor of the Congo Republic on Monday visited the Albert Leyono Municipal Clinic, one of the facilities treating coronavirus patients. He then ordered the opening of a judicial inquiry to shed light and establish responsibility for the death of Chloé Bafoui-din-soni. Two doctors working in the hospital were immediately arrested. “There was a man’s death. There’s a woman who was found dead. Following the death of this lady, I am ordering an inquiry. There were two doctors who were arrested and must answer for the acts of which they are accused. For now, I do not have anything to say yet. Let’s wait for the investigation to be completed,’‘ Oko told Africanews correspondent,...

Jun32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Justice Kavuma appointed as new Aviation board chairman.

AFRICA, UGANDA

President Museveni has appointed former deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma as the new board chairman of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The appointment of Justice Kavuma was announced earlier today by Information and ICT minister, Judith Nabakooba. "It is true cabinet on Monday, approved Justice Kavuma as the board chair for Civil Aviation Authority for a three-year contract," Ms Nabakooba said by telephone on Wednesday morning. Justice Kavuma replaces Eng Edward Mike Ndawula, whose three-year term lapsed last month. Other board members who were approved by Cabinet include; Mr Lubowa Moses Paul ,Ms Ethel Kamba, Dr Alayo Ocero, Mr Thomas James Kiggundu, Mr James Kubeketerya, Ms Angela Kiryabwire Kanyima and Mr Musoke Zubairi. Ms Kiryabwire and Mr Kubeketerya were ...

Jun32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Another Ugandan shot dead at Rwanda border

AFRICA, UGANDA

KABALE – A Ugandan businessman was on Monday shot dead by Rwanda security forces in Rwerere parish, Burera district, about 5km from the Uganda-Rwanda border. Warren Musekura, a resident of Kagogo village Bigagga parish Butanda sub county Kabale district, was reportedly killed while smuggling match boxes into Rwanda. The brother, Sidini Muhereza, confirmed the news, saying that fellow traders close to the border had informed him about the incident. However, he demanded that the deceased’s body is returned to Uganda for burial. “We appeal to the Rwandan government officials to handover the body of our deceased relative for a decent burial. The deceased has a wife and 5 children,” Muhereza said on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The Kabale District chairman, Mr Patrick Besigye Keihwa...

Jun22020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: ‘People Power’ President, Bobi Wine unveils own electoral commission team ahead of 2021 polls.

AFRICA, UGANDA

KAMPALA – Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, unveiled an 11-member team he said will manage the People Power Movement electoral commission ahead of the 2021 general election. Bobi Wine told the team at the People Power Movement headquarters in Kampala that what they have offered themselves to is not an easy task. “Comrades as we welcome you, I wanted first and foremost let you know that we’re in a charged mood. I want to thank the comrades that have offered themselves for this task. It is not an easy task at all. I have said this before and I repeat it again that we are leaders to serve and not to boast around. People Power is literally the power of the people. We have said it before, we retaliate it that the problem of Uganda is bad governanc...

Jun22020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Jinja RDC, Eric Sakwa loses case to block interdiction.

AFRICA, UGANDA

Court in Jinja has dismissed a case in which Jinja Resident District Commissioner, Mr Eric Joseph Sakwa was challenging his interdiction after being charged with an alleged criminal offences.On April 24 this year, Mr Sakwa was charged and remanded to Kirinya Prison over accusations of manslaughter in connection with the death of Jinja businessman Charles Isanga. He is jointly charged with Bazimbyewa Bumali also known as Chris Umar Dindodi a mechanic and Mohammed Simba alias Meddie, a businessman in Jinja.High Court Judge Jeanne Rwakakooko ruled that Mr Sakwa, though appointed by the President in accordance with the Constitution, is a Public Officer and bound by the Public Service Standing Orders. The Public Service Standing Orders of 2010 defines interdiction as “the temporary removal ...

Jun22020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Only 60 people to attend this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations.

AFRICA, UGANDA

The annual Martyrs day celebration will be attended by only 60 people, this year. This is the only number expected at both the Church of Uganda and Catholic shrines in Namugongo on Wednesday, June 3 as the country maintains restrictions on public gatherings as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Steven Kaziimba Mugalu has invited only 40 people to attend the annual prayers, these are mostly bishops from other dioceses. The revelation was made by the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira during an on-site visit to the shrine on Monday. In previous years, millions of people from within and outside Uganda, thronged both the Anglican and Catholic shrines to commemorate the martyrs, a brave group of young m...

Jun12020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

AFRICA: UPDF shoots dead four South Sudanese soldiers for illegally crossing into Uganda

AFRICA, UGANDA

KAMPALA – Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership says four Sudanese People Liberation Army soldiers have been shot dead in a clash with the UPDF in Moyo district, north of the country. Ugandan army says South Sudanese national forces illegally crossed into Ugandan territory in total violation of the law and declined to follow instructions when confronted. UPDF Spokesman Brig Richard Karemire says the soldiers have dressed in civilian uniform apart from one who had uniform “but were all armed and walked about 1.5 Kms into Uganda until they were spotted at Goboro by UPDF officers.” “When stopped, they refused to follow orders, the UPDF soldiers guarding the border opened fire killing 04 instantly,” Karemire says. “The rest ran and crossed back to the other s...

Jun12020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: High Court pays Nakasero Mosque UGX. 50m compensation for illegal security raid

AFRICA, UGANDA

KAMPALA – High Court Judge Musa Ssekaana has awarded Shs50m to Nakasero Mosque Administration for the illegal and unlawful raid on them by Security Operatives without a search warrant in 2016. Two People; Siraje Kifampa, the then Public Relations Officer and Yusuf Musa Musuda, an Imam at the said Mosque sued government challenging the security raid that occured on December 27, 2016 at a place of worship for the Jammiyaat Daawa Asaalafiyah Muslim Community in Kampala. Through their lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde, the applicants argued that the operatives forced themselves inside the mosque with no search warrant and indiscriminately battered and arrested whoever was found inside the mosque’s compound. Its against this background that Justice Ssekaana ruled that the actions by the operati...

May312020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

AFRICA: Gunmen kill 20 at cattle market’ in Kompienga, Burkina Faso.

AFRICA

At least 20 people have been killed in eastern Burkina Faso when gunmen stormed a cattle market, reports say. Gunmen on motorbikes fired into the crowded market in Kompienga town in the middle of the day on Saturday, eyewitnesses were quoted as saying by local media. It is unclear who was behind the attack. Burkina Faso has seen a sharp rise in jihadist violence and inter-communal clashes in recent months. The violence has forced hundreds of thousand of people to flee their homes. On Friday at least 15 people were killed when suspected Islamist militants attacked a convoy of traders in the north, near the border with Mali. The government blamed the attack on "terrorists", a phrase usually used to the al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked jihadists Burkina Faso has been battl...

May312020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Police operations director AIGP Asuman Mugenyi quits.

AFRICA, UGANDA

The director of Operations Services in the Police Force, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Asuman Mugenyi has officially quit the institution he has served for over 32 years. AIGP Mugenyi served his last day in police uniform on Friday, May 29 and has since handed over to his deputy Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP) John Nuwagiira. Although earlier reports indicated that AIGP Mugenyi had been suspended and others claiming he had been fired, police spokesperson, Mr Fred Enanga, clarified that he had served his contract. “He simply observed his contract to the end,” said the Police spokesperson.Mr Mugenyi becomes the fifth AIGP to quit the institution in the last three years. Two months ago, AIGP Steven Kasiima, who was director traffic and road safety was forced ou...

May312020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

AFRICA: Rwanda confirms first COVID-19 death.

AFRICA, COVID-19, HEALTH

KIGALI — Rwanda has on Saturday May 31 recorded the first coronavirus death. The country’s Ministry of Health says the deceased is a 65-year old truck driver who was residing in a neighbouring country. “After seriously falling ill, the patient decided to return to his home country,” the ministry wrote without specifying the country. “He received intensive care treatment at a specialized COVID-19 facility but unfortunately passed away due to severe respiratory complications,” Rwanda’s Ministry of Health wrote As of May 30, 2020, the coronavirus tally of confirmed cases in Rwanda stands at 359 of which 250 have fully recovered and discharged from the hospital. The active cases according to latest update stand at 108. So far Rwanda has eased a nationwide Covid-19 lockdown, ...

May312020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

CORONAVIRUS: Uganda registers highest single-day COVID-19 cases.

AFRICA, HEALTH, UGANDA

KAMPALA – Uganda has on Saturday, May 30 recorded 84 new COVID-19 cases, the highest number the country has registered in a single day. This brings the total confirmed cases now to 413. According to the ministry of health, 52 new cases are truck drivers of whom 50 arrived from South Sudan via Elegu, while 2 arrived from Kenya via Busia. “32 of the new confirmed cases are contacts to previously confirmed cases. All were under quarantine at the time of test,” said the ministry. The ministry says that samples from Points of Entry tested were 1,477 and those from alerts and contacts were 358. “Total samples tested today: 1,835.” The ministry also revealed that total recoveries are now 72. Additionally, 51 positive foreign truck drivers were handed over to their country of or...

May302020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: RDC detained for attempting to rape a student

AFRICA, UGANDA

KAABONG – Shock has gripped the security operatives in Kaabong district after the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Augustine Modo was arrested for allegedly trying to rape a senior four candidate in Kaabong cattle market. The incident that took place on Friday, May 29 has left the general public wondering what had gone wrong with representative of the President. Mr. Modo was rescued by police from angry boys who had attempted to beat him up after allegedly getting him red handed trying to rape the girl. The District Police Commander (DPC) Mr. Gerald Gubiri when contacted referred our reporter to the police spokesperson Fred Enanga saying the issues are sensitive since it touches the high profile person. “Am not allowed to speak to the media please spare me, but...

May302020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: High Court judge dismisses allegations that his car knocked the fallen traffic officer

AFRICA, UGANDA

KAMPALA – High Court Judge Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema whose vehicle is suspected to have knocked down a traffic officer has trashed the allegations. Announcing his death, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango said PC Innocent Ayesigye was knocked on May 24, 2020, at Namanve along Kampala-Jinja highway and on May 26. Now, in a statement, Byaruhanga has revealed that on his way from Zana to Mukono, he was in the company of his wife and bodyguard but as he approached Namanve, there was a traffic officer riding a motorcycle in front of him. “Upon approaching Namanve SGA motor vehicle inspection facility about 200 metres from a road CCTV camera, i saw an incoming motor vehicle from Mukono side being driven at a very high speed knock the traffic officer who was on the ...