Day

By www.mknewslink.com

In Kampala—

Electing leaders to occupy various formal positions is a norm in any democratic setting, and Uganda is no exception.

On a sad note, fraud has adulterated this hard earned democracy, with the national Electoral Commission being at the spotlight.

At the forefront of challenging the status quo, is Victoria University Uganda that is proving to be a leader in organizing credible and transparent elections.

After gathering information on the ongoing virtual guild presidential elections at the University, the process is so far so good, free and fair.

The voting process is supposed to go on for two days and only two contenders are taking part, that is to say; Kirabo Michelle and Abdul-Basit Kasimagwa.

Many interlocutors have largely expressed their optimism, disclosing that there is a highly likelihood of the process yielding to the expectations of all.
Reports of fraud, voter bribery, threats and intimidation are unheard of, among several stakeholders at the University.

Victoria university electoral commission’s act of organising a credible election is likely to raise eyebrows of many, and set a forever precedent to anyone who ever thinks of organising a free and fair election.

Assistant academic registrar at Victoria university Ms. Aturinda Precious vehemently underscored the fact that the university is revolutionizing guild elections in Ugandan universities.

“It is live, we have live updates, and everyone is seeing what is happening from wherever they are. According to how the system was built, once you do the voting, you are able to see what is happening. Like everyone in their student account, they are able to see what is happening,” Ms Aturinda remarked.

Kirabo Michelle, who is a contender in the guild race disclosed to us that the online voting system at the university is amazingly efficient.

“The system is so far efficient. Yes, it is not a bad mode of conducting elections, but some students who are unable to access data will not be able to vote,” Ms Kirabo noted.

A year one student at the same university by names of Wasikye John Chris concurred with Ms Kirabo.

“I expect the system to bring exactly what we are seeing on the portal, so I believe and think if nothing is interrupted with, we are going to get what is exactly on the portal, unless we get interruptions.”

Mr Wasikye also revealed that the current state of affairs, regarding the excellent performance of the system is due to concerted and tireless efforts by the University’s Information Technology department.

“The University itself and the IT department have managed to do their best, everything is in position, there is no mess,” he asserted.

Victoria University undertook a carefully conceived strategy, by organising its first ever online election. It allows monitoring by candidates and students after voting virtually.

Candidates are able to follow and watch their votes and tentative results in real- time from wherever they are situated. It was meticulously planned.

This underscores the possibility of achieving election transparency, which is quiet unheard of, on the African continent.

It is a live system, the first of its kind in Uganda, in all private and public institutions, universities notwithstanding.
It is a game changer and is likely to make history, all sorts of election malpractice in the country once implemented in institutions like universities.

It will restore confidence in various electoral committees, which is a precursor to revitalizing democracy .

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

By www.mknewslink.com

In Oregon

Cannabis compounds prevented the virus that causes Covid-19 from penetrating healthy human cells, according to a laboratory study published in the Journal of Nature Products.

The two compounds commonly found in hemp — called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA — were identified during a chemical screening effort as having potential to combat coronavirus, researchers from Oregon State University said.

In the study, they bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people.

The researchers tested the compounds’ effect against alpha and beta variants of the virus in a laboratory. The study didn’t involve giving the supplements to people or comparing infection rates in those who use the compounds to those who don’t.

Hemp is a source of fiber, food and animal feed, and extracts are commonly added to cosmetics, body lotions, dietary supplements and food.

“These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,” said Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center.

“They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2,” he said in a statement.

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

By Ambrose Kweronda

www.mknewslink.com

In Kyotera/ Kampala—

At least five pupils have today morning perished, while several others were wounded, after fire gutted two dormitories.

One of the dormitories was New Crest Junior at Kibedi day and boarding primary school in Kawempe division, Kampala, and another at St. John’s primary school in Kyotera.

The deceased at Kibedi primary school have been identified as Tena Denge aged 6; Bashira Nabawesi, 6; Julian Nakalanzi, 6 all in primary one and seven-year-old Hasina Nakawuki, a primary two pupil.

Ferocious fire, whose origin is yet to be established caught the female dormitory at Kibedi primary school in the wee hours of Saturday at around 2:00 am.
The pupils who were at that time asleep were caught by surprise, leading to the death of four whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Three other pupils are said to have sustained serious injuries. At the time of filing this report, parents had surrounded the school premises, to establish what became of their children, but no one was granted access.

Police spokesperson for Kawempe division Joseph Mugisha said they are still investigating the matter, to establish the real genesis of the flames.

In a separate sad development, it was a somber mood today early morning at St. Johns Nursery and Primary day and boarding school Kyotera, when a pupil perished in another fire that gutted a boys’ dormitory.
It is alleged that suspected arsonists sprayed a substance believed to be petrol around the boys’ dormitory, at a time when there was a power Blackout, before setting it ablaze.

The deceased has been identified as Serugo Mark Savio, a primary four pupil who comes from Rakai district.
The school matron, on detecting the odour of petrol decided to open the rear door, so as to prevent disaster but the deceased had unfortunately used the front door which was closed.

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

By Aggrey Twesigye

www.mknewslink.com

In Mbarara-

Muhereza Valentine alias Kachaina a Western Uganda renowned comedian has lost his Father.

Kachaina through his Facebook official page announced the demise of his father John Nkwanga who passed away last night after some illness.

Kachaina consoled his fans in Western Uganda and the entire country and said that the burial date will be communicated soon.

The deceased is expected to be buried at his home in Karunaga,Manyogaseka ,Kiganda ,Kasanda in Mubende District.

www.mknewslink.com   will keep you updated on any new development concerning the burial.

May the Soul of the deceased rest in eternal Peace.

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

By Innocent Atuganyira

www.mknewslink.com

In Buliisa—

Police in Buliisa district have arrested a 49 year old Amanda Shaban commonly known as Lady Amanda for burning a 16 year old boy with petrol.

Amanda was arrested this morning at his home in Butiaba as locals and Police were doing a search for the boy who went missing three months ago.

According to Kwolekya Godfrey the area LC1 chairperson, Amanda has been living with the victim only known as Boy, son to Louise Odaga chairperson of Nyamasoga in Biiso Sub County and another
child aged 12 years.

He condemned the act saying that this is not the first time Amanda has tortured children he lives with.

The boy narrated that trouble started after Amanda’s flash disk got lost and suspected him to had stolen it.

He picked a stone and hit his fingers before sending his colleague to buy petrol and sprayed it on him setting him ablaze.

The victim said that after the incident Amanda started treating him with unspecified medication threatening them not to disclose anything to neither their parents nor to community.

Member of the community became inquisitive when they started seeing the child’s colleague moving alone yet they used to move and do house work together.

They nabbed the boy and asked him the whereabouts of the colleague before reporting the issue to police

On Friday community members, local leaders and police gathered at Amanda’s home forcing him to open only to find the victim hidden in big box in critical condition.
By press time the boy was due to be taken to hospital for medical attention while Police had commenced with investigations.
www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106

By Ambrose Kweronda

www.mknewslink.com

In Rukungiri—

High Court at Rukungiri has sentenced a man to 12 years in prison for raping a 28 year old mentally ill woman.

Court presided over by Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi heard that Henry Biryomumwaani  a resident of Nyakarambi village Ruyonza parish Nyarushanje subcounty , Rukungiri district raped a 28 year old mentally unstable resident of the same area.

Prosecution proved that on 11th December 2018 Biryomumwaani broke into the house of his victim and forced her into sex to which he pleaded guilty.

He pleaded for a lenient sentence saying he looks after his blind mother and the presiding judge noted that he was HIV positive but fortunately he did not infect his victim.

He was sentenced to 12 years in jail but since he has already spent 3 years on remand he will serve 9 years.

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