Kampala: Huawei’s US subsidiary, Huawei Technologies USA Inc. (HT USA), dropped a lawsuit on Sept. 9 against the US Commerce Department and several other US government agencies that it has filed back in June.

The case was originally filed in response to telecommunications equipment that was seized without justification by US officials in September 2017. After a prolonged and unexplained seizure, Huawei has decided to drop the case after the US government returned the equipment, which Huawei views as a tacit admission that the seizure itself was unlawful and arbitrary. This case was cited among a series of concerns the company recently enumerated with regard to inappropriate and unjustified actions against Huawei by the US government.

The equipment, which includes computer servers, Ethernet switches,and other telecommunications gear made by Huawei in China, should have been shipped back to China after commercial testing and certification at a laboratory in California in September 2017. The US Commerce Department, citing unidentified export violation concerns, seized the equipment while it was in transit. In the two years since, and despite multiple requests from Huawei, the US government failed to make a decision on whether an export license was required for the equipment to be shipped back to China, and continued to hold it.

Huawei had no alternative but to file a lawsuit on June 21 at the US District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the US government’s prolonged and unexplained failure to determine whether the equipment could be shipped to China without an export license. These actions by the US Government violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedures Act, among others.

In August, the US government informed HT USA in writing that, following a belated investigation, it had determined that no export license was required for shipment to China, and Huawei had complied with the Export Administration Regulations whenattempting to ship the equipment back. The US government shipped the equipment back to HT USA at the government’s expense.

Dr. Song Liuping, Huawei’s chief legal officer, said Huawei has landed a de facto victory despite its voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit, but is still disappointed by the fact that the US governmenthas failed to provide any explanation for unlawfully withholding Huawei equipment for so long.

In a notice of voluntary dismissal filed with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, HT USA said it requested in writing the US Commerce Department to explain fully why it detained the equipment in 2017, why it decided to release it now, and why it took almost two years to recognize that the equipment’s detention was not justified. Thus far the government has refused to explain.

“Arbitrary and unlawful government actions like this – detaining property without cause or explanation – should serve as a cautionary tale for all companies doing normal business in the United States, and should be subject to legal constraints,“ said Dr. Song.

In a media statement on September 3, Huawei listed how the US government has been using every tool at its disposal – including both judicial and administrative powers – to disrupt the normal business operations of the company. This includes obstructing normal business activities and technical communications through intimidation, denying visas, and detaining shipments. Dr. Song noted that Huawei will continue to vigorously defend its legitimate rights and interests with legal means.

Kampala: A Ugandan movie ‘Kony– Order from Above’ has been selected for the 92nd Academy Awards. It is the first ever in history that a Ugandan movie is recognized. 

Popularly known as the Oscars and given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States of America (USA), the awards are an international recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements as assessed by the Academy’s voting membership.

The movie was selected on Wednesday by the Uganda Academy Selection Committee (USASC) as Uganda’s official entry for the 2020 Oscar Awards in the category of best international film.

This marks the very first time Uganda is submitting an entry to the prestigious awards following the launch of the seven-member UASC in July this year.

“The selection is only provisional pending the film’s fulfillment of all academy eligibility criteria ahead of the October 1, 2019 Oscar submission deadline for the country entries,” said Godfrey Musinguzi, UASC Chairperson in a statement dated September 11, 2019.

Adding, “The film’s human story , universal themes and authenticity make it a unique piece of home grown art worthy of celebrating on the global platform that is the Oscars.”

Upon selection, Steve T Ayeny, the movie director said he was so happy to achieve such a milestone.

“I feel like God has been faithful to Uganda. This is the first of its kind and I am very happy about this. This is bigger than me as the director and producer. God was in it from day one. I want to thank my crew, cast and everyone who supported this film. As someone who hails from Northern Uganda I wanted to tell our story our own way just to spread love and encourage people to forgive each other focus on the transition and development in Northern Uganda,” revealed Ayeny.

This movie drama based on actual happenings tells a story of two youth, Otti and Aguti who fall in love during the tumultuous northern Uganda Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency.

They are however separated when Otti is abducted at age 11. While in abduction, Otti attempts to escape back home and is instead caught and battered at each attempt.

He decides to stay in the bush with the LRA rebels and is soon introduced into the inner command circle of notorious LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony’s. Despite his concession to notoriety, his love for Aguti remained undeterred.  In an attempt to sustain it, Otti wrote letters to Aguti through the village reverend.

During the LRA raid to Aboke Girls School, Aguti and other girls are then abducted.

Upon arrival at the Kony camp, the abductees are shown to Kony who falls in love with Aguti instantly without knowledge of the relationship between her and Otti.

Kampala’s party lovers have another reason to prove that enjoyments know no rest as they gear up for a fun–filled live concert of Tanzania’s singer Ali Kiba who jetted in this evening ahead of his concert slated to take place Friday evening.

The catchy new party anthem ‘parte after parte’ that has been roaring all over the city’s streets and sending social media into a frenzy will yet again thunder more at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds tomorrow evening as Nexus Events and Tusker Malt ignite the party vibes to start off a lit weekend.

Ali Kiba will be performing live alongside Uganda’s favouritehit–makers Sheebah Karungi and John Blaq with Salvado as host who is surely going to tickle some bones into laughter during the concert’s break instalments.

This will be the second time the ‘Aje’ star will be making a public performance following his first concert in 2016 with the Blankets and Wine music festival.

Tickets to the show are on sale at shs30,000 for general, shs80,000 for VIP and a table at shs1 million and are available online at RGtickets.com and all Sparkles Salons including Nexus Lounge in Najjera.

Other sponsors to the concert are NBS and Capital FM.

Usuk County in Katakwi district MP Hon. Peter Ogwang has said his visit to Hon. Frank Tumwebaze’s Farm in Bishozi, Kamwenge district was not a waste of time.  The MP tweeted that his visit has yielded products already and showed off some progress. 

Hon. Ogwang bought a number of indigenous Annkore Long-horned cattle and posted pictures of the cows doing well in farm in Katakwi. He said farming is wealth. 

In reply, Frank Tumwebaze said he is happy to learn the heifers reaches safely and are doing well.  

“In July, i visited comrade Frank Tumwebaze’s farm at his home in Bishozi for some breeds and lessons. The visit was not to a waste. This is how far we have gone now. Farming is wealth,” Peter Ogwang tweeted. 

“Very happy to learn Ejakait that the heifers reached safe after enduring that long journey. I pray that God rewards you and your wife for those efforts,” Frank Tumwebaze tweeted. 

The Nordic and East African countries have held the first everbusiness expo and conference aimed at opening up investment opportunities in the two world economic regions.

Organized by Ferrum Capital, Debridge, Uganda Embassy to the Nordic Countries and Uganda Urban Expo, the three day event was held at Marina Congress Center in Helsinki, Finland under the theme: “Unveiling the potential of Africa’s fastest-growing region: East Africa – the Nordic New Frontier”.

Present were business executives and high-level representatives from the East African countries who discussed concrete business opportunities with Finnish and Nordic business executives.

Main East African Keynote speakers at the event, among others were, Her Excellency Nimisha Madhvani, Uganda’s Ambassador to the Nordics and Mr. Patrick Mweheire, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda.

Other main keynote speakers included Professor Charles Kwesiga, the Director Uganda Industrial Research Institute and Joash Maangi, the Deputy Governor of Kisii County in Kenya.

Madhvani underscored the need to invest in areas that would boost the Uganda’s export sector.

She cited areas in agriculture, ICT and health sectors that could have high returns on investment while contributing to the economic development of Uganda.

Markku Olli, the Regional manager for Finnvera, a Finnish state-owned financing company, revealed that they were running the African project through which export guarantees can be secured for East African products.

Jari Kaitera, Chairman of Ferrum Capital and an organizer for the event, said the East African region has developed into one of the world’s most exciting zones of economic growth given the approximately 140 million consumers and the growing middle class.

“The annual growth rate for Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda is at least around 5%. This is a good pace,” Kaitera said.

The World Bank report for the year 2018 lists, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, and construction and energy as growth industries in East Africa.

Kaitera noted that in addition to those areas, they were looking at attracting Nordic players from several sectors, including education, ICT, and packaging.

“Naturally, there are a lot of questions in the Nordics on operating in East Africa. What the opportunities are, where’s the largest growth potential, what risks are there, and many others. The mission of this event is to clarify and provide answers to these questions and showcase the success stories of Finnish companies and how they have found success in Africa,” Kaitera added.

He revealed that in order to get the Nordic businesses quickly established and going, they will be arranging East Africa trips and meetings for those interested in starting off fast.

“With its economic growth, East Africa right now has vast amounts of untapped business potential. In a lot of countries, the opportunities for co-operation and market development have gone unnoticed or have not manifested as concrete business activities.” Paul Jaaza, from Debridge, a partner organizing firm, noted.

He noted for example that the Nordic companies could invest in the Ugandan agricultural sector and help improve the quality of produce to be able to access more American and European Union markets.

“The companies in the region are looking for partners to raise the production quality to meet export standards. We hope and believe that the Nordics have the business acumen to rise to the challenge,” Jaaza said.

Also present was Ms. Elly Kamahungye, Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to the Nordics, Mr. Robert Wasike Deputy head of mission and Ritva Reinikka, former World Bank’s director of the African business and human development in the Africa Region.

Kenyan socialite and former Big Brother Africa star, Huddah Monroe, caused massive scrotal eruptions when she splashed her sharp pointed boobs on Instagram.

While posting the picture, the socialite had this to say,” The wind has refused to behave.. such a hater, you can hate but you can’t kill my shine”.

She took the pictures from W Hotel in Barcelona Spain.

Meanwhile Huddah Monroe keeps on winning and this time she appeared on a well known US magazine Harper’s Bazaar.

The popular glamorous socialite managed to grace Harper Bazaar’s September cover issue that has been dubbed ‘Crazy Rich Angelenos’ which explores the lives of beauties who are making it big while living in Los Angeles, the City of Angels.

In it, 27-year-old Huddah opens up about her journey to success from her Big Brother Africa days to starting a cosmetics brand ‘Huddah Cosmetics’. She went on to add that having grown up in poverty almost her entire life, this had made her hustle harder than she ever imagined, according to Harper’s Bazaar.

While many assumed that Huddah was just in the States for a vacation turns out that she was actually out to seek new tactics that would help her business grow.

Kampala: The Recovery Coalition Members and Participants in Uganda recently held the 4th Annual Uganda Recovery Walk, as one of many darts to create awareness about the rampant vice that is substance and Alcohol abuse,and problem  behavior (sex addiction, gambling,et al).

The walk which took place last Saturday at Kitante Primary School, was attended by an array of government bodies and NGOs.
The walk is held every september because September is a Recovery month worldwide. To celebrate the day, millions of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and facilities around the world organize activities that recognize the problem and create awareness.

The Ugandan edition was attended by individuals who had faced and overcome the wrath of alcohol and other abuse plus problem behaviour as well as service providers in the field of mental healrh,such as; Focus On Recovery-Uganda, FORE Tranquil Homes, UAPA, Hope and Beyond, Serenity Center, Vkids, UNHCO, Butabika National Refferal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Ministry Of Education, UHCA, Kyambogo University (KYURI,) St Francis Primary School, Makerere Primary School, Green Valley Primary School, Ugandan Girl Guides Association, Recovery Ministries Internaitonal, Teens Challenge Jinja, Transformative Recovery Initiative, Uganda Youth Development Link, Life Back Foundation, International Aid Services.

The ED of Butabika Dr. David Basangwa, who was representing the Minister of State for Primary Health Care,Hon Dr.Joyce Moriku Kaducu, commended Recovery Coalition for the work they were doing. He emphasided the need for Ugandans to own the problem of alcohol abuse and mental health, before suggesting that children be made aware of the dangers substance use right from an early age, in schools.

“Addiction is a menace to our society that needs to be curbed, because it is spreading like a wild fire. That is why as Ministry Of Health, we pledge to always support the efforts of civil society organisations such as Recovery Coalition”,he stated.

Many of the individual participants that attended the walk had only recently recovered through the Rehab Course at Tranquil Homes Entebbe, and were elated to share testimonies.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank FORE Tranquil Homes for helping me recover. The environment in their Entebbe Premises is, like their name, very tranquil, and facilitates the steady progress through their panoply of recovery programs,” noted a former abuser who had recovered.

Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC) from Wednesday 11th – 13th September, 2019, hosted a mind-blowing Research Dissemination and Innovation Conference (KRIC 2019) tagged – Multi-Sectoral Collaboration Towards The Prevention And Management Of Non-Communicable Diseases.

The event which was held in her Western Campus in Ishaka-Bushenyi, had over 500 participants in attendance.

The key note speakers for the event were Dr. Gerald Mutungi; Commissioner Non-Communicable Diseases Uganda, and Prof. Fred Wabwire Mangen of the College of Health HealthSciences, Makerere University. Other personalities that gracedthe occasion were delegates from the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Uganda, KIU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Extensions; Prof. George Nasinyama, the Director Higher Degrees and Research KIU; Dr. Wardah Gyagenda, among other notable personalities to mention but a few.

In line with the mission of KRIC, the conference provided for promotion of innovations by turning them into products that can benefit the community through the dissemination of research knowledge and presentation of various innovations.

“The conference was a big success. This was unique in a way that it was organized by the students and the staff. For such a rare collaboration it’s rare to get that kind of success. It shows that KIU puts its students at the center. Whatever we do, we involve our students.” – Prof George Nasinyama, DVC RIE.

In addition, Dr. David Kalenzi, Director Post Graduate Studies and Research, KIU-WC, could not contain his joy when he stated that the just-concluded KRIC 2019 is a very successful event, despite being the first of its kind in the campus. This is what Dr Kalenzi had to say: “Being the first of its kind, it was fantastic and well attended. We had the presence of the Ministry of ICT and Health and they’ve promised to support the University.”

Outstanding Students Awarded For Their Innovations

The Executive Director/Dean KIU Teaching Hospital (KIUTH), Professor Robinson Ssebuufu remarked that KIU as institution has given a great platform for innovative students to bring their projects to lime-light, as such they will be rewarded accordingly.

“Students are Innovators. KIU has given them a platform and an enabling environment. Those who are coming up should be inspired. Their ideas matter and we are rewarding them.”

On this note, the winners of the innovation challenge wererewarded and promised support for development of their innovations subsequently.

The 2nd runner up Kyeyune (pharmacy), LuLe Patrick(medicine) and team invented MED SYSTEM an online based system software and mobile app that helps fight Non communicable diseases. They received an award of 500,000/=.

The 1st runner up Kamyuka Solomon and kigozi David invented a mobile app called GLUCOHEART that estimates blood glucose levels. The duo was award sh750,000/=.

The overall winner was Higenyi Eria (Pharmacy) who invented THE STREET DIAGNOSIS MACHINE that calculates BMI, takes blood pressure, oxygen circulation and heart rate. The machine advises on the course of action after diagnosis according to the what he called The Higenyi Constant. Hewalked away with a token prize of Ugsh 1,000,000.

The Kampala International University Research Dissemination and Innovation Conference (KRIC) is slated to become an annual event aimed at growing and strengthening a research and innovation culture among all students and staff at KIU Western Campus and other universities.

On October 4th 2019, all roads lead to Sheraton Kampala Hotel as Ugandan born Reggae star, David Amon Ssemanda Ssematimba, also known as ‘Madoxx’, will satisfy the huge appetite for fans in the country.

Madoxx Ssemanda Sematimba is the stage name for the Ugandan roots reggae musician David Amon Ssemanda Ssematimba. He is popular in Uganda for his reggae ballads in Luganda, lives in Kampala, Uganda.

Ssematimba was born in Kampala in 1972. One of Uganda’s Music Legends who have contributed so much to the Uganda’s Music industry. He attended Makonzi Boarding Primary School and Busoga College Mwiri. Before choosing a path in music, Ssematimba worked as a primary school teacher. He relocated to Stockholm, Sweden in 1991, when he was 21 years old. While performing in night-clubs to pay for his computer studies, he met Kenneth “Mafo” Ssejjemba Magoye, a fellow musician, who introduced him to Aggrey Ssembatya, the proprietor of Small Axe Productions. He moved to Gothenburg where he eventually began work on his albums at Small Axe Studios. He wrote, composed, arranged, programmed, performed, co-mixed and produced all the songs on the albums while Aggrey engineered and co-mixed the albums.

“Maddox is one of the celebrated Ugandan musicians and as Pilsner Lager we are happy to be part of this event where we get to celebrate our very own artists with very rich music that has stood the taste of time.” Edgar Kihumuro Pilsner Brand Manager said
Maddox is a reggae musician who sings in Luganda. Released in 2000, Madoxx’s first album named Tukolagane included the singles “Namagembe”, “Tukolagane”, “Omukwano Gwaffe” and “Eddembe”. He followed up in 2006 with the album Abato, with singles like “Nakatudde”, “Leka Nkulage”, “Easy” and “Wansonyi”. Influenced by Gregory Isaacs and Israel Vibration to name but a few. He continued to perform until 2009 when he returned to Uganda, Since Maddox has been performing locally.

“Ugandans love their music and we are always excited to be part of the team that is bringing the best music experience to you. To all Maddox fans out there, expect one of the finest concerts ever staged in Kampala because it just keeps getting better.” Edgar added.

Sprout Africa have partnered with Pilsner Lager The Kings Beer, Schweppes, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Silk Events, NTV and 91.3 Capital FM to host the biggest concert of the year MADOXX: LIVE IN CONCERT, themed “#THE LEGEND”, at a fully green garden area of the historic Sheraton Kampala Hotel starting at 4:00 PM until mid-night .
The concert will feature other artistes including; The Ziwuna Band of Frank Mbalire and Sammy Kasule, The traditional dance Crane performers, Juliana Kanyomozi, Eddy Kenzo mention but few all backed by the UB5 Band.

Early Bird tickets [Gen: 25K | VIP: 40K]
Gates Fee [Gen: 30K | VIP: 50K | Table 1 Million] and for reservations please call 0773 271 720

Tickets will be available at the following outlets:
• Sheraton Kampala Hotel
• GAME Lugogo
MADOXX THE LEGEND celebration will then move on to; Freedom City On Sunday 06th October and last at TransAfrica Jinja On Saturday 12th October 2019.

The Tanzanian star brings party flavour to Kampala party lovers

Fans of the Tanzanian based heartthrob Ali Kiba were on Friday night treated to an exciting show-stopping performance as they turned up to revel to the melodictunes of the Swahili artist who closed off the concert in style.

The concert that was sponsored by Tusker Lite took place at Lugogo Hockey Grounds and left fans impressed and excited with the night’s fully loaded entertainment line up.  

Organised under Nexus events the event did not fall short of the party flavour as it was clear that party animals had brought along the right dose of excitementto the venue with Salvado  steering fans into his comic world of nonstop jokes and laughter every once in a while.

The party vibes intensified once Uganda’s hit makers Levixone took over the stage hyping the crowds even more together with Sheebah Karungi and John Blaq who warmed up party animals for the highlight performance of the night with songs that their fans have now learnt by heart proving their love for the stars.

The moment fans had been waiting for came in as‘King Kiba” later took over the stage for an electrifying performance.

Ali Kiba was surely the ‘man of the hour’ as many of the revellers could be seen wriggling their waists and dancing with vigour to many of the artist’s hit songs like Aje, Mwana, Cinderella, Chekecha.

It was literally a night to remember as fans lost themselves to his music while singing along to his songs.

“Tonight has been an exciting one. We have watched Ali Kiba give us his all and I must say, he really didtake us to Tz and back and had the crowds wanting more and more,” said Kelvin Gumisiriza, Tusker Lite Brand Representative.

Ali Kiba is one of the most liked personalities in Tanzania and has surely had a bigger addition of followers and fans following his recent performance here in Kampala.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) General Kale Kayihura has issued a full response to the US sanctions and said he did nothing wrong during his tenure of office. Below is his full response;

I have been informed about the statement of the United States Department of the Treasury issued on the 13th of September 2019. In the baseless, unverified and outrageous statement, I am accused that while I was working as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Uganda, I engaged in Human Rights violations, corruption, and smuggling drugs, gold and wildlife. This is not only absolutely false but outrageous and infuriating, especially that these accusations and decisions have been made without according me an opportunity to respond to them, whereby I would give evidence to the contrary. The United States Government was known as a government that believed in due process, rule of law and democracy. There was absolutely no due process accorded to me before false wild and defamatory statements about my person and my record were issued from Washington, without any bother to verify such allegations, which are in actual fact against the state of Uganda for which I was working.

To set the record straight, I am an upright citizen of Uganda, who whether in my public or private capacity is pro-people and I have never been corrupt as alleged, or at all.

I do not own and have never owed any property in the United States, or anywhere else outside Uganda. I do not have any bank accounts outside my country, Uganda. The insinuations in the statement that I could own any property outside Uganda are totally fabricated and malicious. The freezing of my so-called assets therefore, is comical.

I reject completely the characterization of the Uganda Police Force as some criminal outfit that I led. Under my tenure, we grew the force to almost 40,000 people and introduced a number of departments to serve the public better.

The statement from the Treasury is not just factually inaccurate. It is not just procedurally improper. It is not just an absolute travesty of justice, it is also extremely hypocritical. The fact is that the FBI worked closely with me and with units of police that were involved in fighting crime, including the Flying Squad. They were not scandalised by my leadership but actually gave me an award for my contribution in the fight against terror. There is no high profile case in which our units did not liaise with the FBI. They participated in, for example, the investigations into the assassinations of the late Joan Kagezi and the late Andrew Felix Kaweesi, as well as the 2010 terror case. The Treasury would thus do well to sanction those officers also.
The FBI officers were not spared the false allegations I had become accustomed to. In fact, in the East African Court of Justice in the High Court of Uganda, and in a court in London, allegations were made about torture of the 2010 terrorist suspects, where the FBI was specifically mentioned, and FBI officers testified.

To have people who should have a better context of the challenges we faced and of the effort we undertook in the fight against terror, issue such nonsensical statements, is truly the height of hypocrisy. The Treasure Secretary would be well advised to conduct some research before speaking out against individual persons. For the record, investigations into the murders of the late Joan Kagezi and Andrew Felix Kaweesi were also conducted with help from the FBI. In the case of the latter, the FBI were at the scene of the crime to help us reconstruct it. The FBI also worked with Flying Squad. Thus, instead of searching for my non-existent US properties, the Treasury should instead be helping in the fight against global terror.

The allegations of Human Rights abuses in relation to Nalufenya, purportedly committed under my watch are false and without foundation. There is no person who was tortured under my instruction or with my knowledge in a police facility in Uganda. In fact, a number of Governmental and Non-Governmental institutions, in particular the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and the Uganda Human Rights Commission, visited Nalufenya from time to time. They fully interacted with the detained suspects, and received first-hand information that there were no complaints of their conditions while in detention. Indeed, in their report, the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights stated that there was no torture of suspects taking place in Nalufenya.

As a matter of fact, it is important to point out that during my watch and tenure, I institutionalised in the Uganda Police Force, the observance of Human Rights and the fight against corruption by establishing such departments as the Professional Standards Unit and the Directorate of Human Rights and Legal Services.Whenever any complaints were brought to my attention, I caused investigations of the same, and those culpable were handled through the due process of law either in civil courts or the Police Disciplinary Courts. A case in point is the Mayor who was tortured before he reached Nalufenya, and those officers were arrested, charged and prosecuted.

I find the allegations that I engaged in illegal transactions, such as the smuggling of drugs, gold and wildlife outrageous and insulting. This would be laughable if it were not such a grievous malignment of my character. Those who know me find these accusations absurd and extremely frustrating, to say the least. It is all the more scandalous since the American authorities cannot even specify the allegations and give me an opportunity to respond. The due process of law is disappearing in Washington and standards have slipped, but has it become so cavalier in its disregard for due process?

Let me also clarify on the role of the Flying Squad within the Uganda Police Force. I inherited some of these units of the force, where prior the department was called the Violent Crimes Crack Unit, then the Rapid Response Unit, and finally Flying Squad. This unit was to comprise a group of police officers who respond rapidly to criminal and violent incidents. These officers helped in resolving cases such as preventing murders, recovering illegal firearms and more. Units like these are created to respond to the changing nature of the criminal underworld. Any indiscipline in the force would be handled without stopping the evolution of the police into a force that can carry out its constitutional mandate of preventing and detecting crime. These units simply supplement the work of the territorial police, and even the United States Police contain such units. Criminalising them would only help crime thrive. The Uganda Police, and myself as its former head, did everything we could to fight crime, including receiving help from the FBI, setting up units like Flying Squad, expanding the force, and equipping its directorates.

That is why during my tenure, we worked greatly to expand Fire Brigade and Traffic, a Legal Unit as aforementioned, building the K9 Unit, on Forensics, creating a Pathology Department, Community Police, and Rapid Response. I therefore reject completely the characterisation of myself and the Uganda Police under me, put forward by this statement from the United States. Such a statement would be the equivalent of painting American security departments with the broad brush strokes of the controversies surrounding the Abu Ghraib prison, notorious for torture, Guantanamo Bay, and the police shootings of ethnic minorities.

By and large, the almost 40,000 police officers I left behind work as public servants for the betterment of Uganda, our sovereign country, and during my time the police were brought closer to the people. I too always acted in good faith for God and my country.

The idea that I used corruption to entrench my political position is completely nonsensical. The IGP in Uganda is appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament. There is no space for me to campaign and use corruption to keep my office. Any assertions of the sort are the result of poor research by American authorities. It is only in the United States where Police leaders are elected and can hence entrench their positions politically.

It is truly surprising that the US Government would pass judgement, make decisions and take actions on me based on deceitful propaganda, rather than facts and the truth. These allegations fit the now discredited narrative, which has been perpetrated by intriguers in Uganda since I left the Uganda Police Force. Their objective was to falsely criminalize me and accuse me of all sorts of crimes in order to malign me and destroy my public persona.

Regarding the sanctions on myself, my wife, and my children – I find them unfortunate because it is legally, morally, and factually baseless. In any case, neither I nor my family had any plans to travel to the United States, and therefore do not have any need to apply for visas to go there. There was no need to bring my family into a statement based on falsehoods and fabrications.

I find it hypocritical that the United States Government authorities could claim to uphold Human Rights yet in their letter and action, they fall below the lowest standards of the due process of law. How can they accuse, judge and condemn a person without the basic decency to respect the principles of natural justice, specifically, affording a person the opportunity and the rightto be heard?

To family, friends and well-wishers in Uganda and abroad, I wish to assure you of my innocence. This is only the latest part of an ordeal we have had to endure since I left public office in March 2018. It is particularly curious that this statement has come now, at a time when the truth about my innocence in relation to the multiple allegations against me were coming to light. And at the same time, when the conspiratorial plots to criminally frame me were finally being exposed to the country and the world, most recently in the Parliament of Uganda.

Lastly, I view the false allegations and the ridiculous action as an attack on the sovereignty of Uganda, as I and the Uganda Police Force are targeted in an official capacity. To sit in Washington and make the spurious and unproven baseless allegations, and take action on them without any effort to establish any truth, against a former IGP and a National Police Force is the highest form of disrespect of a foreign country.

I remain resolute against this new wave of actions based on concoctions and lies.

Gen. Kale Kayihura
14 September 2019

Last night, Party eaters gathered at Kampala’s ultimate night spot, Club Guvnor to celebrate the fifth edition of the Ciroc Pop Night headlined by the byafaayo dancehall duo Voltage Music.

The duo Kent and Flosso served revellers club bangers and cocktails at the fifth.The multi-talented artists who underwent mixology classes pulled off the barman duties gracefully as revellers were seen praising the voltage signature cocktail.

To complement the cocktails that were making rounds in the house, the duo put up an electrifying performance that left everyone grooving to the voltages tunes.

Excitement filled the house as the duo sung the crowd’s favourite song, Squeeze a song which features song bird  Fille.one of their latest songs Squeeze that features songbird Fille.  

They later interacted and danced with their fans that seized the opportunity with countless selfies with their celebrities. At the end of the night the revellers couldn’t stop applauding the Ciroc Pop Night proprietors for the fun filled night  and vowed to return in full gear for it.

Kampala: Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), a subsidiary of AB InBev, the world’s No 1 brewer, has urged its customers, partners and consumers to join the company in embracing the culture of Smart Drinking while enjoying its beer.

Uganda’s beer market leader made this call today during the annual Global Beer Responsible Day (GBRD) celebrations held at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, in Kampala.

“As a company, we believe that harmful use of alcohol is bad not only for our consumers, colleagues, families and communities, but also for our business,” said Thomas Kamphuis, the NBL Country Director for Uganda and South Sudan.

“We want to be part of the solution, not the problem,” he said. “Beer brings people together. It has been part of cultures around the world for centuries and we believe that every experience with beer should be a positive one,” he added.

The theme of GBRD this year is “Drink Smart Today, Celebrate Tomorrow: Let’s champion smart drinking together’’.

AB Inbev, NBL’s parent company, has invested at least $1 billion USD across its markets in dedicated social marketing campaigns and related programs by the end of 2025 to influence social norms and individual behaviors to reduce harmful use of alcohol.

“We are building a company to last for the next 100 years and beyond, and this will rely on thriving communities where harmful use of alcohol no longer presents a social challenge,” said Onapito Ekomoloit, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director.

“We have a unique role to play in fostering a smart drinking culture – not only today, but every day. We want customers to be more educated, have more choices, and shift their social norms and behaviors so that all experiences with beer can be positive,” he added.

NBL’s Smart Drinking goals are delivered through partnerships, a set of programmes and initiatives for instance, in bars activations, awareness campaigns in traditional media and social media, social behavioral change campaigns such as No Excuse, road safety programs among others.

The GBRD celebration was marked by employee engaging with trade partners in bars where they spread awareness of how to #BeSmartDrinkSmart and an event on the same with students, trade partners, employees, representatives from the Uganda Police and other stake holders. Smart Drinking is a way of life for NBL.

Usuk County Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Ogwang has applauded new buses purchased by Parliament of Uganda to transport delegates during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) slated for 22nd to 29th September at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The MP said all is set for Uganda to host the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC). The vehicles will be retained as property of Government of Uganda after the conference and will be used by Parliament to oversee MPs’ oversight role.

“Today, I inspected brand new buses that are already at KIA Motors in Kampala for transporting our delegates for the upcoming Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference slated for September 22 to 29. Even after the Conference, these vehicles will be retained for parliamentary activities,” Peter Ogwang tweeted.

“Having a ‘touchy’ feel inside one of the #64CPC2019 buses. These vehicles will remain Property of Uganda and will be used by Parliament to facilitate MPs’ oversight role,” he added.

In related development, Peter thanked the government for turning barriers into opportunities. This is after the 300k which has been taking 4-5 hours from Nakasongola to Amolatar on the road can now take one hour using a public ferry on Lake Kyoga.

“The 300km journey that would have taken me about 4-5 hours from Nakasongola to Amolatar on road, this morning took me only one hour aboard a public ferry on L.Kyoga. Thank you President Kaguta Museveni, Uganda National Roads Authority, Uganda Road Fund & government of for turning barriers into opportunities,” Peter Ogwang said.

Music lovers gathered together on Saturday evening for a Silent Disco nights party with the Almost Famous DJs who brought with them a heavy load of headphones to the tunes of the Silent Disco powered by Tusker Lite.

Revelers lost themselves in musical bliss and could be spotted singing out loud switching it up to a not too silent party rave that included a four channel playlist for the guests to choose according to preference.

The Almost Famous DJs had the crowds partying and dancing in thrills changing the Silent Disco to a night of fun, laughter and merrymaking all night long at the Gardens Najjera.

It did not matter whether one had headphones or not, the party continued on till the wee hours of the morning with many promising to be there for the next edition in October.

The Silent Disco Nights are a monthly music getaway where music lovers are treated to four channels of musical bliss coming in from select DJs. It also entails a silent rave of party goers looking for a good time in a calm relaxed setting.

It is now the ideal party turn up that has peaked into the night life for a calmer set of party lovers.