Day

By our reporter

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In Busheny

Police in Bushenyi district yesterday may 6^th arrested a man over allegations of theft of car registration number plates and extortion of money from car owners.

This follows numerous complaints from residents about the raising vehicle vandalism and number plate thefts by unknown suspects who leave behind their telephone numbers demanding for mobile money before giving back the number plates.

The perpetrators demand money between Shs100, 000 and Shs300, 000 from each victim.

The thieves mostly target cars parked in residential neighborhoods and parking yards.

Greater Bushenyi regional police commander Eddie Sserunjoji without revealing the identity of the suspect for fear of jeopardizing the investigation has confirmed the arrest.

He said the suspect and others who are still on run will help police with the investigations.

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By Our Reporter

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In Kampala

Days ago the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga received two petitions to stop parliament’s committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) chairman Mubarak Munyagwa from opening a fresh inquiry into the Bank of Uganda (BoU) over the closure seven commercial banks, including Crane Bank Limited (CBL).

It is believed BoU Deputy Governor Dr Louis Kasekende is behind the new probe aimed at clearing the names BoU officials involved in the misuse of Shs478 billion they claim they injected in CBL under receivership. MP Munyagwa recently appointed his counterpart Ibrahim Kasozi to head a select sub-committee on the closed banks without the clearance of Kadaga who has a final say on whether COSASE should re-open investigations into irregularities at BoU or not in regard to closed banks.

Kasekende has been trying to have a second audit of BoU especially as regards the accountability of Shs478 billion, of which the first COSASE headed by MP Abdu Katuntu faulted BoU officials as Shs320 billion went missing from records.

MPs who first probed BoU officials from October last year to February this year were angered by the fact that the officials could not present all documents related to how that money was used. Parliament is supposed to act on recommendations that the committee under Katuntu presented after the Auditor General John Muwanga established the missing money. Yet Kasekende has tried to force Muwanga to do a fresh audit of Shs478 billion, something which Muwanga has refused, saying only parliament can order him to carry out a fresh audit. BoU officials in the first probe failed to present to Muwanga all the documents required for auditing.

MP Munyagwa has come under public criticism for pushing a fresh probe instead of pushing for the implementation of the existing Cosase report on irregularities in the closure of 7 commercial banks. The Cosase report was presented by Munyagwa’s predecessor, Abdu Katuntu who said BoU cannot ask CBL shareholders to repay Shs478 billion as if they participated in its transfer and use.

MP Katuntu’s report was adopted by the House with recommendations on the culprits at BoU and proposed measures to clean the mess at BoU. Some irritated MPs say they will block a fresh probe of BoU especially as regards Shs478 billion. They have labelled Kasozi’s sub-committee as a pipeline laid illegally to clear BoU officials implicated in the irregular transfer and use of the Shs478 billion. BoU officials claim injected in CBL as liquidity support, having closed it for recapitalization yet they failed to account for the money. CBL needed only Shs150 billion to remain operating.

“Kasekende wanted the new documents to be used by the Auditor General to clear outstanding accountability queries on the expenditure of Shs478 billion injected in CBL before it was sold to DFCU Bank at Shs200 billion. The Kasozi subcommittee could be used to do that irregularity,” an analyst says.

Another analyst said Kasekende could have worked behind the scenes to influence Munyagwa who did not seek permission from the Speaker before reopening investigations. Now the Speaker is expected to use the rules of procedure to address petitions in which concerned citizens are not supporting a new probe into BoU but want parliament to act on recommendation presented from the first COSASE probe.

Two separate petitions were days ago delivered to Kadaga pleading with her to block Munyagwa’s Cosase from conducting fresh investigations into BoU’s sale of seven commercial banks.

The petitioners, Michael Businge a resident of Nsambya, Kampala and Sam Kakuru a student of Uganda Christian University contest that it would be a waste of taxpayers’ money on a ‘syndicated move’ to clear BoU officials of wrongdoing.

The Speaker who supervises all the committees of parliament is expected to look at the merits in the petitions and the rules that guide Parliament to take a decision.

Three months ago COSASE concluded its probe into the accountability of Shs478 billion as presented by the Auditor General and citizens and MPs see no need for Munyagwa to redo the exercise.

Last week, Cosase met BoU officials led by Kasekende to respond to outstanding Auditor General’s queries but also demanded for accountability for the Shs478b which BoU claim was injected in CBL.

The petitioners argue that the House Rules of Procedures do not give Cosase powers to re-examine its reports and accused MPs of creating a backlog.

“These exercises cost taxpayer’s money and must be performed lawfully. We cannot keep repeating the same things uncles there is something MPs are not telling Ugandans… This is to request you to prevail on the said Committee not to spend state resources (money and time) on a re-examination which is outside its mandate,” Businge says in his petition to Kadaga.

On the other hand, Mr Kakuru, another petitioner, argues that the direction being taken by the Committee amounts to “contempt of parliament” hence asking the Speaker to relieve Mr Munyagwa of his duties as Committee Chairperson.

He argues that the select sub-committee headed by MP Kasozi with instructions to hear the BoU officials in closed meetings which is questionable.

“The Sub-Committee headed by Hon Ibrahim Kasozi is ultra virus on grounds that it conducts its proceedings behind closed doors. The issues of banking sector (Central Bank) are of public/tax payer concern,” he says.

By Our Reporter

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In Bushenyi

One person was killed and three others injured by lightening last night in Nkuna 1, Nyabubare parish, Nyabubare Sub county Bushenyi district.

The lightning struck them yesterday June 6^th at around 7:30pm as it was threatening to rain while at Nyekundire trading centre.

The deceased has been identified as Joseph Atwiine, a son of Moses Kabete.

Those who sustained injuries have been admitted, one at Ishaka Adventist hospital whilst the other two at Kampala international university teaching hospital.

On Tuesday, Lightening struck 30 people who were plucking tea leaves in Nyanga village Bitoma town council killing five on spot.

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Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106

By Our Reporter

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In Gulu

Trouble is on the Gulu district local government council speaker John Okwonga after being alleged that he defiled a 14-year old girl belonging to his late brother Athanasios Dokcen.

The case was reported on May 30, 2019 at Gulu Central Police station under CRB 762/2019 following allegations that Okwonga defiled the minor from his house in the month of March.

It’s alleged that Okwonga forcefully had sex with the minor at a time she was sent by her mother to pick utensils from the suspect’s house located within Laroo division in the morning and threatened the girl never to reveal on ground that it may result to death of human beings.

One of the victim’s uncles who preferred anonymity said that they learned about the alleged tragedy after the minor developed strange signs of health complication forcing the family to intervene to inquire more from her.

The Uncle speaking to our reporter via telephone interview on Thursday 6 June said that, when the girl was sent to collect plates from Okwonga’s house, Okwonga then sent her to go and check in the bedroom but then eventually followed her and had sexual intercourse with her according to the girl.

He revealed that the minor has been confirmed with a two-month pregnancy allegedly belonging to Okwonga who had inherited her sister after the husband died in 2014.

Mr. Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa Police river region spokesman confirmed the incident and aggravated defilement case has been opened against the suspect.

Mr. Okema confirmed that the suspect was summoned to record a statement with police.

“After getting the information against him, the suspect reported to Gulu CPS for statement recording where necessary statements were done and he was released on police bond as we forward the case file to RSA for legal advice,” Okema said.

When a team of journalists visited Okwonga at his office in Gulu town on Thursday noon, he confirmed recording statement with the police.

He, however, declined to comment further saying journalists should allow police and the court to investigate the truth of the matter.

www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106

By Our Reporter

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In Kampala

President Museveni has confirmed government plans for acquiring two air-buses, one in December 2020 and another one in January 2021 on May 6 when he was delivering state of the nation address at Serena Hotel.

He said that these big sized planes are will be helping Ugandans to have inter-continental flights to a few high volume destinations of travelers to and from Uganda.

“Ugandans like travelling. Each year, they were donating US$450million to other countries through foreign travel,” the president said.

He added that this is a move to solve the issues of air-transport and boast the transport sector at large.

“There was a lot of inconvenience to travelling Ugandans by not having direct flights and even being charged discriminatively airfares. Since Banks were wasting our time, we paid cash,” he added.

Two air-crafts bombardiers were received in April 2019, and Mr. Museveni highlighted that two more Bombardier CRJ900s are expected in July and September.

“These will be for regional travels. Recruitment of key staff for the National airline is completed,” he added.

www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106

By Sheillah Birungi

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In Sheema

Rev Duncan Mugumya the principal of Rwakasinga School assured that the government is set to build a stadium for the school through World Bank funds.

This was revealed to journalists in a press conference that was held at Ryakasinga Che School on 5th June 2019

Ryakasinga Che is a famous not only in Sheema district but also in the whole country for the best performance in soccer where by every year participates in nationals and ends up with best results.

“Because of good performance both in academics and sports, the government of Uganda is to build for us a stadium, classrooms, toilets, both computer and practical laboratory , multipurpose hall, staff houses, water tanks and office block. Remember our school has been a model one in western Uganda but I think after all these are set, it will be the model for the whole of East Africa, the government has come in a right time where the school doesn’t have debts, all teachers are paid their allowances up to date and our students feed like kings and queens.” Rev Duncan Mugumya principal

Yowasi Beyoreka Chairman PTA Ryakasinga Che asked parents to stop listening to rumors against the school.

“I ask you parents to stay away from rumors that are against our school especially those from the parents who don’t have children here, at least if you hear something, come in the office to witness it for yourself,” said Beyoreka

This press conference happened after some teachers from Ryakasinga Che started looking for help from the press and other authorities saying that they were not paid their allowances ever since last term began and that the children were poorly fed.

Ryakasinga Che won’t be the first school in Sheema to be funded by the government under World Bank funds, recently the government commissioned Kashajure, Rwentobo, Rwanama and Ruhigana primary schools which were fully built by the World Bank funds.

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Tel: +256702680106

By Innocent Abooki

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In Masindi

The family of Late Kiragura Ezira Tiraga of Karujubu cell dragged Karujubu division to court over land grabbing.

These two were seen on 5^th may 2019 in court that was held at Masindi District Chambers where the Karujubu division was being accused of stealing land.

The ten accredited land laying on the six kilometer off Masindi- Biiso-Buliisa road is said to be customary belonging to the family of Late Kiragura Ezira Tiraga.

According to the letter written to the chair person Masindi Municipality dated on 23rd April 2019, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) surveyed the land for Masindi-Biiso road construction but the LC 3 Karujubu Division Mr. Bigirwa Cleophus, the Town Clerk Karujubu Division and the LC 1 Karujubu Cell Mr Mbabazi Steven refused to sign on the compensation form provided by the UNRA claiming that the part of estate is owned by Karujubu Division.

In the same letter also stated that Mr. Bigirwa and other two officials mentioned called a private and unplanned meeting where their all phones were switched off and placed on the tables during in that meeting.

Later Mr. Bigirwa, the town clerk and the LC1 Karujubu Cell asked them to write a letter disowning a part of the remaining land for the Division Authority so as they can sign for them, and this claimed that the statement was a total indicator of disservice to their family and a sign of grabbing.

However the LC 3 Karujubu Mr. Bigirwa Cleophus said that in 2009 the division allowed people to use the land but not to own it.

He added that he refused to sign for the other upper land so as to avoid falling in problems since the family of Late Kiragura never had enough evidence over the land thus Bategeka Cooperative society gave it to them, during the secret meeting to avoid interruption.

“I have no any interest on land since its government property and the overseer; however I blame the family of Late Kiragura for secretly meeting the UNRA compensating for the upper part of the land,” Mr. Bigirwa added.

The LC1 Karujubu cell Mr. Katusabe Stephen asked the family of the Late Kiragura to have evidence either from the fore ancestors or residents.

However, the Administrator Mr. Robert Kiragura said that they owned the land through customary though the father never narrated the story how he got the land.

He also added that his late father Kiragura didn’t leave behind any will or written document and in 2009 the LC1 refused to sign for them because he was also a member of Bategeka Cooperative Society that’s why even the same issue wasn’t resolved.

“The land belongs to the family of Late Kiragura but not Bategeka Cooperative Society and Karujubu Division because since I was born in early 1960’s, Late Kiragura owned the land and carried out all his activities on the same land, however the late died abruptly before writing the will,” Mr. Batrumayo Mugisa a resident narrated.

When our reporter contacted the LC V chairman Masindi district Hon Byaruhanga Cosmos said that the matter haven’t been resolved since they are waiting to hear witnesses from the neighbors, since the disputed people have occupied the land for more than forty years.

“According to the Uganda land law if someone has stayed on land for more than forty years, he/she owns it customary, however we are still in hand to find out true land owner,” hon. Cosmos said.

Hon. Cosmos added that the Karujubu division has no any document regarding the land and also blamed the LC 3 chairperson for not being fair.

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