Rebels’ Attempt to Bomb Churches in Uganda Thwarted by Police

Ugandan police successfully stopped a bomb attack on churches by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group, which occurred approximately 31 miles away from the capital, Kampala, as announced by President Yoweri Museveni. The ADF had created two bombs with the intent of planting them in churches located in Kibibi and Butambala, according to President Museveni’s statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Fortunately, the police received information about these explosive devices and managed to defuse them. This incident comes after a previous attempt in September when Ugandan police arrested a man suspected of trying to activate an explosive device in a Kampala cathedral.

The ADF is known to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, and it has been a cause for concern in the region. In June, ADF militia members committed a horrific attack in western Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 42 people lost their lives, including 37 students. This attack was one of the deadliest incidents in Uganda since the 2010 double attack in Kampala that killed 76 people, claimed by the Somali-based Islamist group, al-Shabaab.

To combat the ADF’s threat, Ugandan forces conducted air strikes against ADF positions in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. President Museveni reported that several terrorists were likely killed in these strikes. However, he also warned that the ADF could potentially carry out random acts of terrorism within Uganda in response to the airstrikes.

A United Nations expert panel on the Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed in their June report that ISIS had been providing financial support to the ADF since at least 2019. The situation remains tense, with security forces remaining vigilant to prevent further attacks by rebel groups.

Soroti Chief Magistrate Margaret Aanyu Dies After Home Collapse, Speaker Among Eulogize.

Soroti Chief Magistrate Passes Away After Home Collapse.

Soroti’s Chief Magistrate, Margaret Aanyu, has passed away. She died on Sunday afternoon, October 15, at Kampala Hospital. Aanyu had collapsed at her home and was taken to the hospital. According to the Judiciary Communication Specialist, Sheila Wamboga, Aanyu succumbed to a brief illness.

A close family member and a friend confirmed that she collapsed at home, and there is suspicion of bleeding in her brain. She was being prepared for transfer to Agha Khan Hospital when she passed away.

"On behalf of the Parliament of Uganda and on my own behalf, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to His Lordship the Chief Justice and the Judiciary fraternity, the family, relatives and friends of Soroti Chief Magistrate Her Worship Margaret Aanyu upon her untimely death. In her passing , the country has lost a great towering legal mind who has served with boundless dedication and commitment. May her soul rest in eternal peace"- Speaker Among via X.

Suspected food poisoning at Makukuba green Alias Trek primary school kills 2 pupils.

The police in Nagalama are currently investigating a suspected food poisoning that happened at Makukuba green Alias Trek primary school in Mukono district which happened yesterday night.

According to the spokesperson of Kampala metropolitan police Afande Patrick Onyango, the incidence left two students dead and injuring several others.

"The two deceased pupils have been identified as Kakumba Andrew, aged 13, a primary seven pupil and the biological son of Kakumba Jackson, and Bongole Victor, aged 10, a primary one pupil and the son of Bongole Vincent, residing in Luvule village in KYAMPISI parish.”he revealed 

It is alleged that on October 11, 2023, Nagujja Norah, a teacher at the school which has both primary and nursery sections, brought cooked food from her home to her three children in the boarding section of the school. She served the food to her children who also shared it with their friends who are learners at the school. However, upon consumption the children developed complications at night having abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness.

Onyango also says that a team was alerted by the school administrators who had rushed the affected pupils to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment.

"The school administration rushed the affected pupils to St. Francis Hospital in Naggalama to receive medical attention. The day scholars who exhibited symptoms were treated at different healthcare facilities. The police were alerted and a team of detectives from Kampala Metropolitan Police East and the Division visited the scene.”said onyango

He also disclosed how their team managed to take some samples from the scene which will be examined in the laboratory to find out the right cause of the incidence.

“Statements were recorded from relevant witnesses, and several pieces of evidence, such as food remnants, suspected vomit samples, fecal matter, and swabs, were collected from both the victims and the deceased individuals for further analysis.”he added

The crime scene was meticulously examined, documented, and photographed by scene of crime officers. The bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to KCCA mortuary Mulago for postmortem examination.

According to the doctors, the admitted victims are currently stable but continue to experience diarrhea and they are receiving treatment, including fluid therapy and pain relief as police continue with their investigations.

CABINET RESHUFFLE: M7 To Sack 7 Iron Sheets Ministers-Pm Nabbanja In Panic As Rugunda Is Expected To Bounce Back.

 

Seven among 18 ministers, including prime minister, Rt. Hon. Robina Nabbanja who were named in the scandal involving diversion of Karamoja iron sheets are on their way out of cabinet, Free Man News-UG has learnt.

Informers inside state House have told this website that as the rumors of impending cabinet announcement gain momentum, it has reportedly been decided that seven ministers among those who benefited from the illegal diversion of Karamoja iron sheets be sacked in public interest. 

Not only are they going to be fired from cabinet, but also be sanctioned from any party responsibility until 2028. 

This information is contained in a security report that was done and forwarded to H.E the President a few days ago. We have also been informed that the former prime minister, Ruhakana Rugunda is expected to bounce back in the new cabinet. Others expected to bounce back include: Hon. Aidah Nantaba, Hon. Iren Muloni and Kiwanda Godfrey.

It should be recalled that President Museveni earlier tasked his security team including Maj. Tom Magambo (Director CID) and head of Anti corruption unit afande Isoke to ensure that the investigation into this saga is done and culpable ministers be prosecuted.

The team according to our our Sources proceeded by making a report divided into two parts. One part talked of what was referred to as ‘Aggravated theft’ and another talked of misconduct.

The first part meant those ministers who were found with exhibits having used them on their personal investments while the second part was about those who got them but kept them for their future use. 

It was reported that some ministers were actually keeping the sheets in readiness for the coming NRM primary elections.

“Those who were found with exhibits at their home are already in court. These fall under aggravated theft. Those who returned the iron sheets are the ones going to be sacked depending on the number each got” explained a spaceman.

The spacemen named the seven ministers including four in office of the prime minister, two in finance ministry and one from Bukedi subregion. 

Meanwhile, our informer said that the president is planning changes in the NRM secretariat where he intends to remove one of the top leaders and appoint her to cabinet. 

That position is going to be filled alongside that of NRM EC chairperson with a lady from Busoga and Toro respectively. 

Few months ago, the nation was awash with news of arrest of three ministers including Maria Goreti Kitutu, Amos Lugoloobi among others together with several officials on accusations of stealing iron sheets meant for the poor people of Karamoja especially karachunas. 

Museveni now wants to fire all these ministers and replace them with new faces whose names we shall publish here shortly. The president already promised to take political action against the culpable ministers and also asked the DPP to prosecute others referring to the scandal as terrorism and economic sabotage.

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HONOURS PAN-AFRICAN HEROES OVER EAC PROGRESS

 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met and held discussions with a delegation from the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat led

by the Secretary General, Hon. Dr. Peter Mathuki at State House Entebbe.

During the meeting, President Museveni lauded the fallen Pan-Africanists such as the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere- former President of Tanzania and

the late Kwame Nkrumah- former President of Ghana for fostering the formation and growth of the East African Community (EAC).

He noted that it was because of the commitment of these Pan-African heroes that the dream to form the EAC was realised.

“This is not a personal commitment but the movement of Pan-Africanists led by Mwalimu Nyerere here and Nkrumah on our side. And then we had the puppets like Njonjo who were influenced by the Europeans that sabotaged our ideas; we could have even formed our federation,” the President revealed. 

“It was Njonjo who convinced Kenyatta and unfortunately, he pulled out and then we had our Obote here playing games and because of that, Mwalimu had to give up on this great move.”

Dr. Mathuki thanked President Museveni for his immense contribution towards the continuous growth and expansion of the EAC.

“Your Excellency, we always reflect on your speeches and they keep encouraging us to move towards uniting the EAC into a bigger and stronger

region,” he said.

The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organisation of seven (7) Partner States including; The Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of

Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

The meeting was also attended by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rt.Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the

Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, among other officials.

KMP Police releases statement on yesterday's operations.

Kampala metropolitan police have today released an official statement regarding yesterday's operations against Hon. Robert Kyagukanyi Sentamu together with his supporters of National unity platform during his return from overseas at the Entebbe international airport.

According to the spokesperson for Kampala metropolitan police Patrick Onyango, the operations conducted by their officers both at Entebbe and Gayaza road were all successful.

"The security operation carried out yesterday, Thursday, 5th October 2023 was successful, and it concluded peacefully. Joint deployments consisting of both overt and covert officers were strategically positioned, and snap checkpoints were established on all roads leading to Entebbe and along Gayaza road.” He said

Onyango however, disclosed that the area member of parliament for Busiro South Hon. Charles Matovu was among the suspects who were arrested during yesterday's counter operations.

"A total of 40 suspects, including Member of Parliament Hon. Matovu Charles (Busiro South), were arrested for inciting violence. Relevant statements were taken, and all 40 arrested suspects underwent fingerprinting and profiling. These suspects will face charges in court as operations continue."he revealed

Onyango further said, Various items intended for use in processions, such as red berets, handheld megaphone speakers, and white and red T-shirts branded “Kunga Uganda,"were recovered and exhibited.

Honourable Robert Kyagukanyi Sentamu was arrested yesterday at the Entebbe international Airport upon arrival and driven to his home in Magere amidst maximum security where he was put under house Arrest.

Bomb Extracts: Found in Wobulenzi.

A total of 10 bombs were found dumped in Wobulenzi town council in Luwero district. 

These were examined by a military bomb disposal expert and found to be safe. Experts wrapped them all up and took them away for more investigations.

Police in Luweero District in central Uganda said the investigations into the circumstances under which an assortment of bomb shells were left near a school playing ground in Wobulenzi Town have kicked of.

Al-Answar Primary School authorities and the community at Nakasero zone were alerted about suspected bomb shells abandoned near the school on Monday causing panic.

• 
  
• A UPDF ballistic expert who examined and picked up the 10 shells revealed that while the war material were not active and had possibly been smuggled from restricted areas, they could fall into the “enemy hands for reuse.”

Here Is How 2B Was Spent On The 71 Uganda Delegates At UN General Assembly In USA.

Uganda Sent 71 Delegates To the United States For The Just Concluded United Nations (UN) General Assembly In the USA.

This brought mixed reactions from the public and politicians on why Uganda sent a huge delegation at the expense of taxpayer's money.

Those who attended the Assembly include:- Vice President, HE Rt. Major Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Nabbaja Robinnah, Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Foreign Minister Jeje Odongo, Minister of Health, Dr. Ruth Aceng, and other 60 delegates.

HOW 2 BILLION SHILLINGS WAS SPENT ON THE 71 DELEGATES:

Air Ticket Business Class: $5,000=18,500,000/-x 71= 1,313,500,000

Accommodation in USA: $1,500 = 5,550,000/- x 71=    394,050,000.

Upkeep:    $1000 =     3,700,000/- x 71=   262,700,000

Extra for VP, PM & Minister= 29,750,000

                                               

                    TOTAL:2,000,00,000

ONC Boss Hajjati Namyalo Donates Machines To Women & Youths, Warns Land Grabbers In Ssembabule.

Special presidential adviser, who doubles as ONC Manager, Hajjat Hadijja Namyalo on Sunday 25th September 2023, spent her day in Bukomansimbi at the late Khasim Mukiibi's Home to participate in Duwa prayers. 

While at the function, the muslims in greater Masaka requested Hajjat Namyalo to help them reclaim their stolen Land found in Ssembabule. 

In her response, Hajjat Namyalo assigned Counsel Hussein Ssebuufu to provide all necessary Legal support to the Muslim community. 

"I will make sure land gets back in the right hands, president M7 is always following up on all issues related to land grabbing , this issue is a great challenge and i call up on all RDCs and RCs to be careful  and technical while handling land wrangle cases, in most cases the grabbers connive with officials to cheat the poor, as ONC, we shall always stand with the poor"- Said Hajjati Namyalo.

Hajjat Namyalo also used the opportunity to continue with her countrywide Self-empowerment program by providing equipment to women and youth in Bukomansimbi. 

Women and Youth were given Salon Hair dryers, Sewing Machines, Hair Cutting machines, Bricks laying and Welding machines.

PHOTOS:

MP Wamakuyu Mudimi on the spot for swindling 67B Co-operative Funds.

Hon Mudimi Nyasio MP Elgon County ,Mafabi Lawrence Pokopoko , Makoba Christopher, Womakuyu Wilson Wogambula Namisi, Womochela Robert and others to arrested  are on the spotlight after swindling 67 Billion Shillings meant for Formers in C0.-Oparaties.

According to investigations by the Mpaak committee, it clearly indicated that even those who died had received the money. 

Prob team also said Mps got kickback at the expense of real beneficiaries.

The state House Anti Corruption Unit has cited MPs in their reports on the alleged diversion   of money meant for co-operative societies across the country. The reports which sources said was tabled before president M7 last week.

MPs from Elgon, Ankole and Busoga region allegedly are the most implicated into this saga.

After two weeks of Traversing the country, the chairperson of committee on trade, tourism and industry Mwine Mpaka Rwamirama who is also the Mbarara city south Mp told this news website. 

Mpaaka further noted that even ministers and five other officials from trade ministry are also among those implicated.

Read Here-Why Buganda Kingdom Media Houses Deliberately Refused To Publish About M7 & Nabagereka Meeting In Statehouse.

 

All Buganda Kingdom affiliated Media houses have been ordered not to publish or post about the meeting of  President M7 And the Nnabagereka of Buganda, Mamam Sylvia Naggind.  

According to our informers from Mengo, CBS FM & BBS Telefiana News editors were instructed by a big arm in Buganda not to post even a photo of Nnabagereka with president M7, while on her private visit at Statehouse, in Entebbe.

What You Need To Know:

Yesterday , the 23rd  September, 2023, President M7 received Nabagereka and her delegates from Buganda kingdom.

The president immediately posted abut his fruitful discussion with the Nnabagereka and her team. 

It should be noted that friction has always occurred whenever officials from Buganda Kingdom meet with president M7 without the consent of Katikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga.

Last month, Katikiro Mayiga and other officials in Mengo condemned the visit of Clan heads (Abataka) with President M7.  

"Minister Okello Oryryem Took His Wife As Well"- MP Nkunyinji Condemns The Sending Of 71 Uganda Officials To UN General Assembly In USA Using Taxpayers Money.

Kyaddondo East Member Of Parliament, Hon. Muwada Nkunyinji has condemned the sending of 71 officials to represent Uganda at the ongoing UN General Assembly using taxpayer money.

He also said that Minister Okello Oryem's taking his wife was unnecessary.

Muwadda further said that the money could be used to bring in Ugandans living abroad.

abroad.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

VP Alupo Clash With PM Nabajja At the UN- General Assembly. Uganda sends 70 Delegates Making it the country with the biggest number of Representatives.

Read More By Opening the link

VP Alupo Clash With PM Nabbaja At the UN- General Assembly. Uganda sends 70 Delegates Making it the country with the biggest number of Representatives.

Vice President, HE Rt. Major Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Nabbaja Robinnah, Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Foreign Minister Jeje Odongo, Minister of Health, Dr. Ruth Aceng, and other 60 delegates from Uganda are in the United States of America for the ongoing UN-General Assembly.

According to inside sources, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni designated Vice President, HE Jessica Alupo to represent him and Uganda at large at the United Nations General Assembly, in the United States of America.

Alupo was shocked when Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Nabajja Robinah showed up with a huge delegation of more than 60 delegates from Uganda.

 This brought mixed feelings in New York amongst the organisers on who should present on behalf of Uganda.

Surprisingly, Only the Vice President and the prime Minister were allowed to present at the main event. 

"I have addressed the Sustainable Development Goals Leaders’ Conference at the ongoing SDGs Summit at the UN headquarters in New York, US. 

The conference focused on applying science, technology, Innovation, and data for transformative action. 

I informed my fellow leaders that our country is committed to utilizing science, technology, and innovation to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs. 

We have, for instance, set up a National Science Technology and Innovation System based on key industrial value chains that are linked to the SDGs"- PM Nabajja.

The SDG Summit will be a central UNGA 78 event. It will bring together leaders and communities to reaffirm commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals at the halfway mark to 2030. 

The Climate Ambition Summit kicked off on  September 20 and it is an opportunity for leaders to demonstrate their collective commitment to respond to the mounting climate emergency. During UNGA 78, the United Nations Foundation will highlight key moments, and share insights and perspectives from leaders, experts, and influencers across borders and sectors. Bookmark this page for the latest updates, events, and commentary on UNGA 78.

How is the big Number of Ugandan Delegates affecting Uganda Economically?

We are reliably informed that not less than two (2) million shillings are being spent on each delegate from Uganda. This means that More than One Hundred and forty (140) Million shillings of Taxpayers' money is being spent per night on our delegates.     

We have been tipped off that other developed countries have not sent more than Five  (5) delegates to represent their countries at this Assembly. 

Story By: Musamali Arnold 

 

Minister Amongi Calls For Increased Cooperation With ICT Leverage IT Solutions For Social Security.

Hon. Minister of Gender, Betty Amongi Akena calls for increased cooperation with ICT to leverage IT solutions for Social Security as she officiates at NSSF Meeting.

SPEECH BELOW:

SPEECH OF THE MINISTER OF GENDER, LABOUR & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT – ICT PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE.

The Hon. Minister of ICT, Permanent Secretaries present, The Acting Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, the Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund and his Executive team, distinguished guests, government officials present, Ladies and Gentlemen.  I welcome you all to our partnership conference with the Technology & Communications sector. 

We started this partnership strategy by engaging the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) on the issue of industrial parks – where we found evidence of serious violations of workers’ rights. We moved on to the road construction sector through our partnership with UNRA and then convened the Oil and gas sector under our partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. We are now mobilizing workers in the Information and Communication Technology sector.  When we combine these efforts, we see a worrying trend: 

• So far, in these 4 engagements, we have identified about 630 businesses (most of them SMEs).

• The number of workers covered by these businesses is about 35,000.

• But the average compliance rate – those making their full NSSF contributions on time – is just 51%. 

And this is just the tip of a large iceberg of non-compliance.  

As you digest these statistics, we should be conscious of the fact that according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), labor productivity in Uganda is $3.53 (UGX 13,200), per one hour of work. The productivity average for low-income African countries is $2.93. Despite being above average, Uganda’s labor productivity is noticeably lower than that of Kenya ($4.75). Contrary to what many might infer from these statistics, they do not necessarily mean Ugandans are lazy. Instead, what this means is that:

• Uganda has a lot more informal work in the economy – which means a lot of the work is not captured via formal monetary systems.

• Secondly, it also means that Uganda has a very low adoption rate of technology in work – another reason for partnering with the Ministry of ICT

Let us discuss the first issue – informality. We have numerous workers who are working but lack contracts. And this is the simple differentiator between a formal and informal worker. The absence of contracts encourages employers to disregard labor regulations and increases the number of workers that we categorize as “vulnerable”. As Uganda continues to industrialize, we will see a rise in the trend of workers without contracts.  

This trend was evident as well in the United States and Great Britain in the first and second industrial revolutions. Workers eventually acted and mobilized to protect their rights – leading to the formation of the Labour Party in Great Britain, and the Democratic Party in the USA.  This kind of labour activism reached global appeal, and today in Uganda we see a lot of workers organized under various unions like the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU), and Central Organization of Free Trade Unions (COFTU). Originally, these movements focused on the formal and skilled workers. But we are now seeing an increasing number of informal sector workers joining Unions. This tells us that Uganda does not lack the means to mobilize workers. 

What is missing is empowerment.  And this has to start with a major shift in mindset !!!   The avoidance of formalization is going to keep workers in Uganda poor. So, at a later point in our partnership strategy, we will be engaging with these Unions on this aspect.  For now, however, as we engage regulators like the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U)  today; we can’t be seen to be abetting poverty.  You must encourage the businesses that you regulate to formalize their operations – including compliance with the NSSF Act. 

Now let’s discuss the second issue - the role of technology in enhancing labour productivity. According to the World Bank, Information and Communication Technologies help create and sustain jobs.

We are aware that the Ministry of ICT has a major plan around Business Process Outsourcing to create jobs. I encourage you to take a “whole-of-government” approach to such initiatives.  Are there opportunities to work with NSSF’s Hi-innovator program, for example? How can we leverage technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to attract investment and create successful startups? This is the challenge I am placing before the Ministry of ICT. Convene the various actors in this space to accelerate job creation. The MD of NSSF mentioned Vietnam in his speech. Vietnam is now the 8th largest provider of IT services in the world. Its digital economy grew from USD 3 Billion in 2015, to USD 9 Billion in 2019, and is forecast to reach USD 30 Billion by 2025. Jobs in the ICT sector are higher paying than in manufacturing and agriculture.  We therefore need a very deliberate strategy to attract more investment in IT services – and we can do this through stronger collaboration with the Uganda Investment Authority and the various entrepreneurship and investment programs that NSSF is supporting.

I would like to end by reiterating what I said earlier - that the biggest hurdle we need to jump to overcome poverty is mindset.  Especially the mindset that it is okay to remain informal. Informality equates to indiscipline, and indiscipline stalls progress and keeps us poor. Let us pay our taxes, let us save with NSSF!!

For God and My Country. 

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILED FOR TRANSFORMING LIVES OF THE YOUTH THROUGH SKILLING.

The Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development (Housing), Hon. Persis Namuganza has commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for initiating developmental programs such as the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl/Boy Child (PISGBC) that have transformed the lives of Ugandans especially the youth. 

She said the PISGBC project has greatly played an important role in skilling the underprivileged youth in Kampala which in turn has helped to create employment opportunities thus improving their livelihoods. 

The Minister made the remarks yesterday as trainees of Nakulabye Skilling Center showcased their products which they have been able to make during the six months of free skills training. The PISGBC project has nine skilling centers spread in the five divisions of Kampala City. 

Hon. Namuganza also thanked the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, the Special Presidential Assistant on Education and Skilling 

also project head, Dr. Faith Katana Mirembe for their vital roles towards the success of the project. 

She further promised the beneficiaries that she will engage His Excellency, the President to see how they can get a market for their quality products. 

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Ms. Beti Olive Namisango Kamya-Turomwe also applauded President Museveni for his visionary 

leadership that has enabled Uganda to reduce the rate of unemployment among the youth through skilling.

She urged the trainees to put their acquired skills into good use so that they are able to uplift their lives. 

The Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for Kiruhura District, Mr. Nzaire Sedrack Kaguta emphasized that the project is for all Ugandans irrespective of their political affiliation. “The money being used in this project is taxpayer's money not NRM  money, therefore, as parents of underprivileged children you should make sure that your kids benefit from such projects,” said Mr. Nzaire, who is also the National Coordinator of the Revolutionary Guard. 

On the other hand, Dr. Katana called upon the business community to stop importing goods produced here such as shoes, fabrics, among 

others, before assuring them that Uganda now has thousands of skilled youths who can make quality products ready for consumption. 

Ms. Naikazi Sarah, the Administrator of Nakulabye Skilling Center noted that they recruited 420 trainees comprising 52 boys, and 368 girls who 

have undergone a free six months training in various vocational  disciplines. 

She stated that the trainees studied five courses which include Tailoring, Hairdressing, Shoes making, knitting, and embroidery. The event was also attended by Ms. Aminah Lukanga, the Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Dr. Patrick Byakatonda- Director of the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), among others.

PHOTOS:

Read Here- How Ministry Of Tourism Swindled 13BN In Flopped 2020 MAMA Awards, Former Minister Kiwanda In Trouble.

Members Parliament want an investigation into the Shs13Bn the Ministry of Tourism paid to event organisers for Uganda to host the flopped 2020 @MTVBaseAfrica Music Awards (MAMA).

The event were later cancelled over public backlash that @GovUganda wanted to use the awards to try whitewash Uganda’s image at international scene.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

MTV Africa and MTV Base announced the return of the continental flagship award show in 2021.

The Iconic MTV Base celebration, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), which showcases the ultimate in African culture, music, and creativity, was to be held in a re-imagined virtual format in partnership with Uganda, The Pearl of Africa on February 20th 2021.

The MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 would  be broadcast on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130).

According to the organisers, the repeat show would also be aired on BET Africa, BET International and MTV channels across multiple continents as a one-hour MAMA-themed MTV World Stage feature.

The ultimate celebration of local African and international talent and achievement, MAMA 2021, in partnership with Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, recognises and rewards musicians, trailblazers and those who are shining a light on the continent’s diverse talent and creativity by instilling positive impact on African music and youth culture over the previous years

The awards ceremony would feature vibrant performances from leading African and international artists and would also showcase some of the biggest cross-genre and cross-border collaborations.

The event would celebrate African talent across 20 award categories, including Best Male, Best Female, Best Song, and Best Collaboration. The contribution of artists from Portuguese and French-speaking Africa would  also be recognised in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories.

Additional new categories included are  the MAMA Generation Change Award, Best Fan Base, Alone Together Best Lock-down Performance and Personality of the Year.

The MAMA Generation Change Award would  recognise the inspiring, young change makers of the continent who are tackling some of the world’s most challenging social problems.

The said  Alone Together Best Lock-down Performance was set to recognise  outstanding performances that took place virtually by celebrating artists who took to streaming services to share their music and unite society during the unprecedented 2020 Lockdown.

The category selection criteria was from October 1st 2019 to October 1st 2020. The nominees would  be announced in December 2020 and music lovers would have their say by voting for their favourite stars online.

Godfrey Kiwanda, State Minister for Tourism by then said: “It was an incredible achievement for Uganda to host the continent and International stakeholders for the MAMA Kampala 2021 for the first time. The awards are an extraordinary African cultural experience, and we understand the important role it plays in driving awareness, cross culture education and profiling the continent’s rich leisure tourism offerings on the international stage.”

Craig Paterson, Senior Vice President & General Manager, VCNA, said: “The latest edition of the MAMA promises to be our biggest and most innovative yet. Millions of fans worldwide will enjoy the digitally re-imagined celebration and African music via multiple broadcasts globally. We are excited to partner with Uganda to bring viewers a unique format and experience that positions Africa’s diverse heritage and digital innovation.”

All this never happened but records indicate that over 13 billion shillings was spent by the ministry to pay off bills and service providers.