Watchdog Uganda

Watchdog Ugandahttps://www.watchdoguganda.com Latest News in Uganda and the rest of East African Region, Daily news and business from Uganda.Sat, 07 Aug 2021 18:29:37 +0000en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8https://www.watchdoguganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-mobile_Icon-32x32.pngWatchdog Ugandahttps://www.watchdoguganda.com 3232Museveni and Ruto affair! NRM speaks tough on meddling in Kenya’s politics allegationshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118781/museveni-and-ruto-affair-nrm-speaks-tough-on-meddling-in-kenyas-politics-allegations.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 17:49:35 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118781The NRM Secretary General, Rt Hon.Richard Todwong has responded to statements by a section of Kenyan Members of Parliament belonging to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Junet Muhammad.

In the response also copied to the party National Chairman, HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Todwong says it is unfortunate that the Kenyan MPs made statements that undermine the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood between the two countries.

“We promote and are committed to the East African Treaty that encourages sovereignty of countries and non-interference in the affairs of other countries. We respect the independence and sovereignty of Kenya as a country and we appreciate the continuous cooperation between our leaders and people,”Todwong said on Saturday.

“No amount of diversionary statements from individuals can make us think otherwise. We are one people of the East African Community.”

Responding to the specific insinuations by the Kenyan MPs, The Rt Hon. Todwong says the NRM record for democracy is unmatched, contrary to allegations.

“Uganda has more than 70,000 villages, more than 10,595 parishes and close to 2,184 sub-counties. Each of these administrative units is presided over by locally elected leaders. They campaign on various political platforms without interference. Our National Assembly has the representation of all special interest groups on affirmative tickets ie (women, youth, persons living with disability, elderly),”he said.

” Our President whom you insulted is massively elected by the population every time we go for general elections. Your statement is an insult to the sovereignty and integrity of Ugandans who always elect their leaders as mentioned above.”

According to the NRM Secretary General, it was appalling for the Kenyan MPs to make such disparaging statements without getting facts right.

“Your unfortunate utterances were indeed out of a possible deeprooted internal political misunderstandings within your country. We believe that your proclamation does not represent the official position of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kenya against the well-established historical ties between the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party and the people of Kenya,”he said.

“Honourable Junet, please crosscheck your records so that next time you are better informed as a Legislator.”

According  Todwong, the NRM will always respect the independence and sovereignity of Kenya and its citizens and will not be derailed by statements from selfish seekers.

Todwong’s response follows some ODM lawmakers’ request to DP Ruto to “come clean” on his relations to Uganda’s ruling party, NRM.

The MPs, who spoke at Parliament Building, a few days ago accused Ruto, without evidence, of planning to employ guerilla tactics in his quest to seize the country’s leadership.

They also alleged that the DP, in his bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, intends to forge a lifetime presidency.

Led by ODM Chairman John Mbadi and Director of Elections Junet Mohamed, the MPs added that Ruto piled a flurry of misdeeds they accuse the NRM of facilitating, associating them with what they allege he plans for the country.

They were responding to claims that the DP aborted trip to Uganda to visit President Yoweri Museveni to draw lessons from the NRM for his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

“The NRM record on human rights is not worth borrowing from. The NRM record on democracy is not worth borrowing… even worse, the NRM is a party of lifetime presidency,” Junet read a joint statement by the MPs, terming Ruto’s recent travel embarrassment a “sympathy seeking circus”.

“NRM is a party that has kept someone in power for 30 years,” added Junet.

Ruto was scheduled to travel to Uganda on Monday but was reportedly stopped from flying out at the Wilson Airport, kicking up a storm.

While his backers have been sympathetic to the DP, his detractors see no good in his trips to Kenya’s neighbour.

]]>Miss Tourism Buganda has been canceled.https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/lifestyle/20210807/118778/miss-tourism-buganda-has-been-canceled.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 15:32:02 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118778 The Miss Tourism Buganda 2021 pageant has been canceled.
Nsubuga Ronnie, the Miss Tourism Buganda Cluster Head, revealed this in a statement issued earlier this week.
He stated that the Buganda pageant was canceled owing to the consequences of COVID-19 on the local tourism sector. It should be mentioned that the country was recently placed under a 42-day lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19, during which domestic tourism-related activities were prohibited.
“This is to officially inform you that our proposed Miss Tourism Buganda events will not take place in 2021, as previously announced at the grand launch,” Nsubuga Ronnie added. As an organization, we made this choice in response to the present COVID-19 impacts on the tourist sector, particularly in the central region of Uganda (Kampala), as well as the globe at large.” He went on to clarify. “This will give us enough time to better organize and prepare for your upcoming competitions next year.”
As a result, Nakku Marion, the incumbent Miss Tourism Buganda, will keep the title and continue to perform her duties until the next Buganda Queen is proclaimed.
Meanwhile, the hunt for the next Miss Tourism Uganda continues, and the winner will be announced in October of this year. ]]>I dont need money from Gen.Saleh. I am rich â€" Gravityhttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118776/i-dont-need-money-from-gen-saleh-i-am-rich-gravity.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 15:12:32 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118776KAMPALA, Uganda â€" As many Ugandan musicians struggle to cope with the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic on the music business, rapper Gereson Wabuyu alias Gravity Omutujju has stated that he is not one of them. Gravity, who is probably one of Uganda’s most in-demand artists owing to his enthusiasm, stage presence, crowd engagement, and general knowledge, all supported by his hit songs, has accumulated enough money to keep him afloat. Gravity was one of the busiest artists in Uganda until Covid-19 took control, with performances scheduled all across the nation.
Gravity has shown off some of his assets, including mansions, and he is not afraid to add more showy rides to his fleet.During a TV interview, the broken English singer, who has been engaged in the music industry for over 10 years, said that he is a billionaire. “I’ve been saving for a long time, and I’m now a wealthy man. He cannot be incorrect if he refers to me as a millionaire since I have money in my savings accounts,” he explained.
Gravity made the disclosure in response to how fellow artists who attended the Gulu retreat were grouped together and branded as “beggars.”
According to Gravity, artists lack a saving culture, which gives him an advantage over most of them in continuing to live a happy life despite the humiliating epidemic. He stated that the music training retreat, which saw artists get diplomas, was a proof of officially handing the music business to the government.
He feels that the OWC leader could not teach artists anything musical, and that it was up to the artists to teach Gen. Saleh about music. When asked what he thought of the list that circulated on social media in which artists demanded large sums of money, Gravity speculated that they may have sold their music collections to Gen. Saleh.
He further boasted that he does not require any money from Gen. Saleh, claiming that he is well-off. ]]>Subscription fees for DStv and GOtv have increased!https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118770/subscription-fees-for-dstv-and-gotv-have-increased.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 14:32:30 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118770MultiChoice Uganda, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has announced a price rise for its bundles.
According to MultiChoice officials, the pricing change was made after a rigorous process of balancing technology, content value, and cost of delivery across the company’s systems.
“MultiChoice Uganda has worked hard to ensure that these prices are as low as possible while still being affordable to Ugandans,” stated Joan Semanda Kizza, MultiChoice Uganda’s PR and Communications Manager. As a result of high inflation and operating costs, MultiChoice Uganda has had to endure increasing content prices and foreign exchange impacts during the last year, according to Kizza.
As she said, “DStv and GOtv, each in their own right, continue to offer more value than other pay-TV options on the African continent.” Over 200 stations are available, including music and sports as well as news and entertainment.” According to Colin Asiimwe, Head of Marketing at MultiChoice Uganda, “When we determine pricing, we consider our costs, such as our satellites and distribution equipment; buying shows and movies; decoders as well as our infrastructure, such as playout facilities, monitoring services and customer touchpoints”
To ensure affordability, we have designed our bundles so that one package does not subsidize the other. All of our other material is subject to the same restrictions. Customers pay a reasonable price for the channels they receive in each bundle.”

As a result, many shows are only included in our slightly more costly bundles since certain channels are superior and provide exclusive, first-run programming that is highly expensive. Asiimwe drew to a close.

As of September 1, 2021, the price rise will be implemented for all DSTV and GOTV subscribers. It should be noted that certain bouquets have price increases as little as 1,000 Uganda shillings, as shown in the tables below.

Dstv Old and New Packages

Premium 227,000 239,000 Compact Plus 135,000 142,000 Compact 84,000 89,000 Family 52,000 55,000 Access 35,000 37,000

GoTV Old and New Packages

GOtv Max 40,000 42,000 GOtv Plus 27,000 29,000 GOtv Value 17,000 18,000 GOtv Lite Monthly 12,000 13,000 GOtv Lite 28,000 31,000 GOtv Lite Annual 77,000 84,000 ]]>LIST: 70 Kampala arcades denied opening after failing to meet SoPshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118767/list-70-kampala-arcades-denied-opening-after-failing-to-meet-sops.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 12:45:40 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118767AMINA William Street
Arrow Complex
Arua Park Plaza A
Arua Park Plaza b
Avemar Shopping Center
Barmako House
Bonita Arcade
Bypass Building
Center Point
Dembe Arcade
Esco Plastic House
Esco Plastic Ltd
FAIBAH Plaza
Fami Plaza
Fidodo Buiding
Fortune Plaza
Giant shoping Arcade
God’s Grace
Jagwa Hotel
Jemba Plaza
Jesico Beuty
Justin arcade
Kabale Arcade
Kampala Plaza
Katonga Business Center
Kizito Towers
Light Arcade
Lond buiding Plot 64 Kla Road
Lutunga House
Mabirizi City Plaza
Majestic Plaza
Malaika buidling
Manella White House
Mengo Hill Plaza
Midcity
Modern Sarah Center
Moon light Arcade
Mulima Muyini Arcade
Nabugabo Business Center
Nakasero Complex
Namaganda Plaza
Nasar Road mall
Nzuram-Nasser Link Plaza
Old Park Royal
Peoples Plaza
Priness Arcade
Qualicel house
Rafik building
Sal Buidling
Sekazga House
Sky Light
Smile Investments
Soweto Arcade
SS Plaza
Star Shoppers
Sunscity Arcade
Superior
Superior Complex
Teddy’s PlAza
Temusewo Plaza
THE ARCADE
The Centre
Trade Link
Trade lkink
Transnile link
Tropical Complex
Ttowa mall
Zai Plaza
Zebra House
Zibula Atude ]]>LIST: Here are 79 Kampala arcades cleared to open after meeting SoPshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118764/list-here-are-79-kampala-arcades-cleared-to-open-after-meeting-sops.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 12:25:31 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118764Annet Plaza
Aponye Building
Apple Towers
Arua Park Mall
Arua Park Plaza
Atalanta Texile
Bhatia Tower
Bulamu Bwebugaga
Bypass Arcade
Chains of Liberty Tower
Cham Tours
Cornerstone Plaza
Detail Plaza
Discount Mall
Discovery Plaza
E Tower
Eagle Plaza
Electrical Plaza
Em Plaza
Equotorial Shoping (Old)
Equotorial Shoping mall (new)
Gagawala
Gods Plan
Grand Plaza
Ham Shoping Arcade
Ham Tours
Hanifa Plaza
Hanifa Towers
Hard Ware Plaza
Hardware City
Hardaware Plaza
JBK mall
Jenna Arcade
Justin Plaza
Kampala Plaza
Karobwa Towers
Kati Kati
King Forward
Kisakyamaliya
Kiseka Site
Kiseka traders Arcade
Kizito Towers
Kooki Tower
Mabirizi Complex
Magoba Shoping Arcade
Market Plaza
Mega Palza
Mega Plaza
Modern Complex
Mt Zion Arcade
Mukwano Arcade
Musinge House
Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza
Nagatule Plaza
Nakasule Shoping Center
Nalubega Plaza
Namanda Plaza
Numak House
Park View
Plot 79A
Reco House
Royal Plaza
Sasa Arcade
Sekaziga House
Senna Arcade
Shamba Complex
Spare World
Star World
The Prisma
Trinity Tower
Unia House
Victoria Plaza
Yunia
Zaidi Complex
Zibul Atude ]]>Fake photo of handcuffed Lumbuye at Entebbe cause online storm as police “speak in tongues”https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118761/fake-photo-of-handcuffed-lumbuye-at-entebbe-cause-online-storm-as-police-speak-in-tongues.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 08:38:08 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118761After the reported impeding deportation of controversial cyber activist Fred Kajubi Lumbuye ending in tears for the majority of regime sympathisers, an image of his look a like on handcuffs has emerged on the internet.

The man, closely identical to the National Unity Platform propagandist clad in a blue T-shirt and a black trouser being escorted by two armed counter terrorism corps, has been making rounds online giving an impression that Lumbuye is already in Uganda.

The image, which has sent ripples of panic among NUP fanatics was captioned with a statement from police stating that the man is actually not Lumbuye but a different suspect held on allegations of issuing fake travel documents.

According Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire, the suspect is identified as Peter Sempebwa a 29 year old arrested by the Aviation police at Entebbe. He was arrested in connection to foregoing vaccination certificates for and interpol letters which he has been selling to intending travellers.

The explanation has seemingly failed to stick into the minds of the highly suspicious Ugandans who have variously claimed that police could be playing a diversion yet the suspect in their custody is indeed their man â€" Fred Lumbuye aka Chemical Ali.

]]>Blogger Lumbuye’s much anticipated Friday return flopshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118759/blogger-lumbuyes-much-anticipated-friday-return-flops.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 07:12:48 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118759It was all despair and disappointment as a section of Ugandans who stayed awake whole night waiting for social media political activist Fred Kajubi reported deportation, flopped.

The controversial blogger was expected to touch down at Entebbe today at 3:45 am but was a no show.

Foreign Affairs junior Minister Henry Okello Oryem had earlier confirmed Lumbuye’s rumoured impending deportation, emphasising he would be prosecuted once he lands in the country in the wee hours of Saturday.

The night was filled with a mixture of anxiety and despair as the activist’s lovers and haters alike impatiently waited for the regime’s most dreaded cyber critic with supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform particularly concerned about the blogger’s safety once in government custody.

The reports coming from Entebbe however indicate that Lumbuye was not among the passengers aboard the Turkish Airlines courier that touched down at the time he was expected to land. His name had been booked on four other airlines.

Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake Butebi who is part of the diplomatic delegation dispatched by NUP to negotiate the blogger’s freedom in Turkey had earlier refuted the reports that their man was scheduled for deportation.

The legislator insisted that the reports were particularly orchestrated by the Kampala regime as a build up on their urge to force a diplomatic win against Turkey to have cracked back home.

Early this week, NUP Secretary General Lewis Lubongoya argued that deporting the activist back home would be equivalent to handing him a death sentence for he trusted not the current regime on the way dissenters are handled.

By the time of filing this story, no official statement had been issued by the either the state or NUP to explain the situation and what to expect.

]]>Minister Babalanda directs drastic changes at Uganda AIDS Commission, closure of unlicensed NGOshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210807/118757/minister-babalanda-directs-drastic-changes-at-uganda-aids-commission-closure-of-unlicensed-ngos.html Sat, 07 Aug 2021 06:24:34 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118757Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda has directed the Uganda AIDS Commission[UAC] to affect a wide range of changes aimed at improving service delivery.

The Minister’s directive was issued during her official visit to the Commission’s offices in Ntinda on Friday.

Director-General Dr. Nelson Musoba, on behalf of the commission, read a status update to the fully attentive Minister wherein among others highlighted budgetary constraints key among the operational challenges in executing their mandate.

In response, Babalanda hailed the commission for their commendable commitment to service delivery in the past, adding she is confident a lot would be achieved through teamwork and unity during her tenure as Minister.

Key among the directives sounded by the Minister was the regulation of Non-Government Organisations[ NGOs] extending AIDS support services.

According to Babalanda, many of these operate with wrong motives spurred by high unemployment levels. These, Babalanda says are not only detrimental to the AIDS message but also lives and livelihood in communities.

Unregistered AIDS Agencies: I have heard of agencies that registered to offer AIDS services but with wrong motives. This has been largely caused by the high levels of unemployment in the population.

“I am therefore directing the Uganda AIDS Commission to regulate organizations that provide HIV prevention services in the country to deal with the challenge once and for all,” Babalanda ordered.

She also directed that the Commission be restructured to decentralise its activities to ease service delivery to hard-to-reach places.

“I have learned that the majority of your staff are based at the Center in Kampala. This is not correct. Most of the activities of the UAC are field-based and the easiest way to monitor and manage them is to provide decentralized services.” The minister further advised.

“The Director and the Board are hereby required to plan for this decentralization in the coming year to maximize our services in the country. My Office will particularly be interested in this issue and I hereby promise to provide you with all the necessary support and guidance.” She added.

Babalanda also decried the slow decision-making and implementation of the body’s activities which she attributes partly to the large membership in the decision-making organs.

She explained that Uganda AIDS Commission has the biggest Board of 12 members which she says can be considered a strong factor in slowing the decision-making process. She proposed looking into this composition as a way of improving efficiency.

She further hinted at the existence of the commission as another possible hindrance to the effectiveness of the decision-making process. She notes that there are 8 Committees each with three members which she has ordered to be reviewed and a new structure be presented to her for consideration.
“I, therefore, direct the Board Chairman and the Director-General to review this structure and come up with something realistic.” She commanded.

On the issue of budgetary constraints as briefed earlier, the Minister promised to meet with officials at the Ministry of Health and the Office of the President for an engagement on the same.

She further tasked the Commission’s Chief to always furnish her office with monthly performance evaluations of the Commission, in addition, to report from the AIDS agencies in the country. These, she said should always be sent to her private email which she provided. This, she said will enable her to brief the President on the progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

]]>Rajiv Ruparelia reveals Rosebud acquired Fairtrade certification clearing firm to sell Ugandan flowers across the globehttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210806/118747/rajiv-ruparelia-reveals-rosebud-has-fairtrade-certification-clearing-firm-to-sell-ugandan-flowers-across-the-globe.html Fri, 06 Aug 2021 20:47:40 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118747Rosebud flower farm has been internationally accredited to sell its flowers across the globe.

The development was revealed by Ruparelia Group managing director while giving out over 2000 mattresses to farmworkers in the 10 villages surrounding the Rosebud flower farm in Namulanda, Wakiso district.

The accreditation for Fairtrade means the company can sell its products in all major markets which is a big boost for Ugandan flower products.

Also, Rosebud, according to the certification, will be sharing its earnings with its workers.

For every flower sold by Rosebud, Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia said, workers, are given a certain percentage of the value.

This year, the flower farm has already sold UGX 450 million, despite a slump in flower sales due to closures of shops due to covid-19.

However, Rosebud ltd, has decided to buy 2000 mattresses for the workers spread across 10 villages. Mr Ruparelia asked workers to give their best shot at producing quality flowers because the market for flowers keeps growing and next year they are likely to make more money as the world recovers from the global pandemic.

Rosebud, Uganda’s Leading Flower exporter plans to increase production to meet the growing demand of flowers across the world.

A company founded by billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia exports about 150 million roses annually.

According to the Managing Director Rajiv Ruparelia, the company has now obtained international certifications to expand its market.

“We now have International certification meaning Uganda now exports quality flowers to all major markets. We have also attained fair trade standards which means we sell at good values which benefits the country and our workforce,” Rajiv Ruparelia explained.

Rajiv says that Rosebud is going to expand and this will increase revenue for the country and create more jobs for Ugandan youth and women.

“The market abroad is very big. Even if we increase the acreage of our farms we will not satisfy the entire market. This means we need to increase productivity using good farm practices that we have used for many years. If you work hard we shall all benefit as a family”, Rajiv said as he called for unity and hard work emphasizing the need to amicably address any disagreements that may arise in the course of executing their work.

“We are a family and trust me your interest is our interest too. We are all in this together to ensure your livelihoods are improved…That you can take your children to school and have a good life. So let’s work hard together to achieve together,” he implored them.

In 2000, Rosebud farmland was only 13 hectares but has now grown to over 60 hectares under greenhouses and employing over 1,500 staff.

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