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Uganda to Mark World Tourism Day at the source of the Nile

September 25, 2018

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and other tourism agencies are working around the clock in preparation for the celebration of the World Tourism Day scheduled this Thursday 27th of September. This year’s celebrations under the theme “ Tourism and the Digital Transformation”, will take place at the Source of River Nile, the longest river in the world.

The World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on the 27th of September and people all over the world join together to reflect on the importance and benefits of tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the major annual promoter of the event. According to the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), there have been month-long activities that started on 6th going up to the climax of the event on 27th September. This long period of activities would provide an opportunity to different stakeholders and the country at large to recognize and embrace the importance of digital technologies in tourism.

Among the activities that have been taking place before the main celebrations include; Uganda Hotels and Restaurants Expo from 6th-8th September at Hotel Africana, Tourism forums and workshops, Smart Youth Conference, Sports gala and dinner. Others are “Tulambule – Busoga region, a domestic tourism promotion campaign aimed at encouraging Ugandans to engage in Uganda safaris to different tourism spots all over the country. Cultural and trade exhibition and a tourism Night will precede the World Tourism Day celebrations.

Other agencies that have been working hand in hand with UTB together with the Ministry of Tourism to spearhead the preparations of this day include UWA, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI). Others include the private sector through its umbrella organization – Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) that has been playing a major role in mobilizing the different private stakeholders and the tourism fraternity to actively participate in this year’s celebrations.

The Tourism sector has emerged as Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earner for the last three consecutive years and it is expected to rake in record Shs9.4trillion each year by 2020 according to UTB. The key players in Uganda’s tourism industry as far as attracting tourists is concerned include in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, game drives, birding, nature walks and hiking in most of the country’s parks. Other activities that attract tourists into the country include boat cruises and white water rafting on lake Victoria and at the source of the Nile respectively, cultural and historical tours around the country and entertainment.

Bobi Wine Returns Home amid Massive Security Crackdown

Myuganda

September 20, 2018

The Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine has been arrested upon his return from USA where he had gone for specialized treatment three weeks ago.

Kyagulanyi jetted in at Entebbe International Airport this afternoon with Kenya Airways flight KQ412.

The MP was arrested by the security forces who whisked him away to an unknown location immediately after disembarking from the KQ plane.

The Police had earlier on Wednesday stated that they would pick Kyagulanyi from the Airport upon his arrival and provide him with security to his home in Magere, Wakiso district.

Earlier on the Aviation police was sighted driving along the Airport’s tarmac with a white Prado with tinted windows in what was assumed to be a plot to whisk Bobi Wine away before he reaches the terminal building.

There has been heavy deployment of security Forces along the Kampala-Entebbe Highway sine the early hours of Thursday in preparation for Bobi Wine’s the return.

Along the Highway, several people were being arrested, caned and thrown onto police vehicles. Others who were trying to observe the situation from their the top of buildings at several towns like Abayita Ababiri were also forced to go back into shops.

At the time of this news release, Bobi Wine has been reported to have arrived safely at his place in Magere amid huge jubilation and he is waiting to address his supporters.

Kampala City Flyover Project to Kick off in January 2019

Myuganda

September 19, 2018

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has finalized plans to construct the City Flyover after awarding three road contracts worth Shs626b.

The project will see the construction of a flyover at Clock Tower on Kampala-Entebbe Road, tarmacking of roads that include Nyendo-Bukakata and Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha in Western region.

According to the executive director of UNRA Ms. Allen Kagina, the contractors of the Flyover at Clock Tower, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) will take three months for mobilization before the actual construction can start in January next year. The project to construct the City Flyover is estimated to cost Shs224b.

The project involves constructing a half Kilometer long Flyover, widening the road from Shoprite at Queen’s way for half a Kilometer. Improvements will be done on Nsambya road, Mukwano road and part of Ggaba road. The contractors are also ready to fund the construction of the Flyover at Kitgum House on Jinja Road and its tendering will be done immediately after the designs are out next year.

The contract to construct the Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha road also dubbed Tourism road (78.5km) since it links to the rich tourism region of Bwindi well known for Bwindi gorilla safaris, was awarded to M/S China Henan International Corporation Group Company Ltd for Shs207bn. This project is funded by the African Development Bank and it is expected to be completed in three years.

M/S The Arab Contractors won the contract to construct the Masaka-Bukakata 41km road at Shs195b and the project is funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and OPEC Fund for International Development.

The construction of the city flyover at Clock Tower and Kitgum House in Kampala will bring great relief to the people who work and travel through Kampala especially those that use Entebbe and Jinja Roads. There has been a lot of congestion along these two roads due to the heavy traffic that has been holding people for almost an hour with vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and the pedestrians all being affected in the mix.

The construction of the Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha road also comes as good news to tourists and the tourism industry at large. Thousands of travellers visit this region every year to explore the attractions there including tracking the famous mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park. The road will connect two districts of Kanungu and Rukungiri.

KCCA Cancels 2018 Kampala City Festival

Myuganda

September 14, 2018

KCCA Cancels 2018 Kampala City Festival
While many were counting down to the long expected 2018 Kampala Capital City festival, Ugandans were outraged with the no 20128 festival news this year. The shocking news were released by Ms Jenifer Musisi the managing director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on 12th September 2018 as she addressed the press conference that was attended by several sponsors of the festival including the marketing manager of UBL and City Tyres marketing Manager. In her speech at city hall in Kampala, Jenifer Musisi disclosed to the people how KCCA agreed with sponsors to inject 100% of the festival money to renovate schools managed by KCCA by removing asbestos roofs from these schools and putting new iron sheets. In a similar way, some portion of the festival money will be used to construct a maternity ward at Kiswa health Centre, which is also managed by Kampala Capital City Authority. Undeniably, many fun lovers and business people who had already booked space for vending in the festival were disappointed but could not change anything. Some people secured KCCA festival-vending space as early as May 2018 when KCCA launched some event related to the carnival that attracted a good number of people. Kampala Capital Festival is the celebration of Kampala city and is one thing you must not miss on your Uganda safari complementing other tourism activities and attractions in the pearl of Africa.

This year’s event was scheduled to happen from 5th to 7th October 2018 on the streets of Kampala capital city. Over sh700m to sh900m that have been used to prepare and run the festival will this time be used to promote the standards of a primary and secondary schools managed by KCCA some of which are in bad state. Among the schools that are to be renovated include Nakivubo Blue Primary School and Nakivubo settlement primary school, which seem to be badly off. The major aim of diverting festival money to schools ins to save school going children from getting cancer as a result of the asbestos ashes. The other schools managed by Kampala capital city authority are Kawempe Mbogo primary school, St. Martin Mulago primary school, Ttula primary school, Mulago school for the deaf, St Paul’s kyebando primary school, St peters primary school kanyanya, Kawempe moslem senior secondary school, Nattete Muslim primary school, and Kasubi Church of Uganda primary school among others. According to drafted budget, KCCA is to spend roughly sh1.9b to remove residual asbestos roofs on the seven schools and replace them with iron roofs.

Expanding health centers
Besides renovating old schools, KCCA also plans to use the other part of the carnival money to construct a maternity ward at kiswa health center under its management. The new maternity ward is to save and improve the health of pregnant mothers and newly born babies who have always been forcely discharged early from the hospitals due to lack of enough space. After that, KCCA will continue to fundraise more funs to construct more health centers to improve the health od pregnant mothers and newly born babies.

Why celebrate Kampala city festival
Kampala festival was launched in 2010 as a new tourism products aimed at diversifying tourism products in Uganda and promote domestic tourism. The festival brings together people from all tribes and cultures in Uganda, which also promote cultural tourism. People celebrate their cultures together with the country’s independence. Also, the annual event attracts a high population of people from other countries who learn and celebrate Uganda’s unique culture.

Benefits
There are many benefits that Ugandan enjoy from Kampala capital city festival. Business people are assured of ready market and good prices for different products, which help them, earn good income in the shortest time.

Reactions from sponsors and public
As expected, many stakeholders mainly sponsor and local people have reacted to these changes. Fortunately, most people who were asked about their opinions regarding KCCA’s decision have a positive reaction. The chair of the Uganda breweries limited appreciated and backed KCCA for a wise decisions to use festival money in promoting and developing tangible projects other just fun and businesses. In the same manner, the manage of Coca cola franchise appreciates this decision to promote local schools and build a health center which will help to improve the health of pregnant mothers and newly born babies. The marketing manager of city tyres also seconded the decision assuring Uganda’s that next year’s festival will be more fun for Uganda women and their children who will have received good treatment and quality education. Some local people who hope for a better performance by children in schools to be renovated also supported the decision.

However, people have urged Kampala Capacity City Authority (KCCA) not to miss use festival money in doing un planned things. Despite changes this year, people are assured to the festival next year, which will be more fun.

Air Tanzania Starts Direct Flights to Entebbe

Myuganda

September 3, 2018

Air Tanzania Starts Direct Flights to Entebbe
Safe, comfortable and quick means of transport is one of the key features for a successful African safari. Air Tanzania has made connections from Tanzania to Uganda quick and simplified by the introduction of direct flights from Dar e salaam to Entebbe. The newly introduced Tanzania Uganda direct flights resume after five years of non-operations. The direct flight was launched on 26th August 2018 when the first flight landed at Uganda’s Entebbe international airport. For now, travelers can easily connect from Tanzania to Uganda making it easy to do Uganda Tanzania combined safaris especially popular gorilla safaris in Bwindi/Mgahinga gorilla national park. Connecting travelers have therefore been relieved from long hours of driving across borders and long connecting flights with Rwanda air through Rwanda and Kenya airs through Kenya before proceeding to Uganda. The flight will operate four days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) per week. On every operating day, the inaugural flight (TC214) will depart from Dar e salaam to Entebbe at 0930 hours and arrive at 1155 hours lasting for roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes in the air. After landing, the plane stays at Entebbe before returning to Dar E salaam at 1225 hours in the evening.

For decades it has been difficult for travelers connecting from Tanzania to Uganda due to lack of affordable and quick means of travel. However despite the celebration in Uganda and Tanzania, a new direct flight from Tanzania to Uganda is a challenge to Kenya Airways and Rwanda Air. Previously, Entebbe Dar E Salaam route was dominated by Rwanda air and Kenya airways through their transit hubs in Kigali and Nairobi respectively. Travelers from Tanzania would first fly to either Kigali international airport in Rwanda or Jomo Kenyatta airport in Kenya which would be time consuming and costly. Fortunately, the newly introduced flight is relatively cheap costing of $360 for a return ticket to Entebbe. The flight will operate for says a week which are Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday. The ease of transport and connections assure travelers memorable experiences free from bumpy roads and long hours of driving.

The first flight landed at Entebbe on 26th /Aug/2018 at 13.10pm and was welcomed by the civil aviation authority Uganda led by the minister for works and transport Hon. Aggrey Bagire, the Tanzanian high commissioner to Uganda H.E Rtd Major general Grace A. Mgovano, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Ag Director, airports, aviation security, Eng, Ayub Sooma and other officials from the transport and aviation sectors. The newly introduced aircraft (Boeing 787-8) Dreamliner’s is also meant to serve other destinations such as Mwanza, Kilimanjaro and Bujumbura, which will improve air transport in Tanzania. Tanzania has been operating international flights to Moroni in the Comoros islands and some domestic flights to Mbeya, Dodoma, Songea, Mwanza, Mbeya, Tabora, kigoma, Mtwara and Bukoba.

Also, Tanzania Uganda direct flights aim at strengthening the bilateral and commercial tis between the two countries (Uganda & Tanzania). Fortunately, Uganda has already rafted the bilateral air service agreement with Tanzania to ease cooperation in its aviation sector. Tanzania has done great in promoting site air transport services.

Of all forms of transport (road, water, railway and air) its only air transport that has a big influence on tourism, agriculture and business. The management of Air Tanzania and all other industry players have therefore been urged to observe with strictness the minimum required standards to ensure delivery of reliable and quality air transport services for the existing and upcoming travelers. The launching of air Tanzania direct flights is also hoped to support and at the same time provide enabling environment for the growth of the aviation industry in Uganda. Similarly, various future economic developments are expected in Uganda and Tanzania supported by quick and easy air transport services.

Air Tanzania to Uganda aviation industry will meet and serve the travel demands of citizens in Uganda, Tanzania and other east African countries. Upcoming travelers have an opportunity to ease their transport needs as well as ticketing and baggage. The newly introduced aircraft has a carrying capacity for 65 passengers, which give a good number of travelers, chance to move by air. Direct flights also help to promote investment opportunities, trade and enhance tourism development.
Conclusively therefore, Air Tanzania’s direct flight to Entebbe is a blessing to Uganda and Tanzania. Travelers are called on to book combined Tanzania Uganda safaris fly easily between the two countries and enjoy a lifetime experience in Africa.

Gen Kayihura Granted Bail By Court Martial

Myuganda

August 28, 2018

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen Kale Kayihura has been granted bail by the general Court Martial presided over by Let Gen Andrew Gutti at Makindye.

Gen Kayihura has been in detention at the Makindye Military barracks since his arrest in June this year. He was arrested and by the UPDF over allegations of misuse of office and the charges were read to him last week when he appeared before the Court Martial for the first time.

The charges against Kayihura included failure to protect war material, aiding and abetting the kidnapping by commission and repatriating Rwandan exile and refugees and Ugandan refugees to Rwanda between 2012 and 2016.

However, Kayihura’s bail is subject to the fulfillment of the conditions set by the court, which include;
• He is restricted to staying only in 2 districts of Kampala and Wakiso as long as the bail still applies
• Reporting to court on a monthly basis
• Travelling outside the country is prohibited unless given permission by the court
• The bail is subject to payment of UGX1O Million not cash
• He will also be required to report to court at any time as court may require

Let Gen Andrew Gutti, the chairman of the court concluded the proceedings by saying that if any of the stated conditions is abused, the bail will be cancelled.

Gen Kayihura is now free to reunite with his family and seek medical attention as stated by his lawyers

Bobi Wine Granted Bail

Myuganda

August 27, 2018

The magistrate court in Gulu has granted bail to MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine together with 11 0ther suspects including the Arua Municipality MP elect Kassiano Wadri.

Bobi Wine’s release comes after spending two weeks in detention since he was arrested from Arua.

Last week on Thursday Bobi Wine had seen his charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions dropped by the Court Martial, which subsequently set him free only to be rearrested by the police and handed over to the Magistrates Court in Gulu where he was charged with treason.
The court remanded him to a prison in Gulu after being told to reappear today to consider his bail application.

Among those granted bail together with Bobi Wine include the New Arua Municipality MP Kassiano Wadri who was also arrested with Bobi Wine and has been in detention since then. However, Mr. Kassiano has been barred by the court from accessing Arua Municipality for 3 months.

According to his family led by his wife Barbie Itungo, MP Bobi Wine is to be first taken for treatment due to his poor health condition. The MP was driven out of the court premises in an ambulance, which confirmed the weak state of his health.
The MP’s poor health condition has been evident throughout his court trials as he has been moving using crutches and with support from others. The MP is said to have been severely beaten and tortured by the security forces after his arrest in Arua two weeks ago.

Gen Kayihura Charged in Court Martial

Myuganda

August 24, 2018

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges concerning misuse of office read to him by Lt Gen Andrew Gutti, the chairman of the Court Martial. The charges included, failing to protect war material, illegal arming of civilians including one kitatta of bodaboda 2010 and illegal repatriation Rwanda’s dissents.

His lawyer defended him claiming that his rights have been heavily abused by detaining him for over 48 hours before appearing in court which is against the law. However, one of his lawyers thanked the security forces headed by the UPDF for keeping his client with respect during his time in detention.

General Kayihura was arrested and detained by the army in June this year just two months after he was sacked by the president as inspector general of police (IGP) on charges of misuse of office. Since then he has been in detention at Military Police barracks at Makindye in Kampala.

Although Kayihura’s lawyers pleaded that their client be given bail in order to see his family and friends after such a long period in detention, it was denied by the prosecutor on account that the lawyers did not carry a formal bail-asking document and they were rather told to reappear before the same court on 28th this Month. Kayihura remains remanded to Makindye Police barracks up to that date.

Bobi Wine Freed By Court Martial, Re-arrested to be Tried in Civilian Court

Myuganda

August 23, 2018

Kyadondo East legislator Robert Kyagulanyi commonly known as Bobi Wine has early this Thursday appeared before the court martial in Gulu where he was subsequently told that his charges with the military court had been dropped.

Lt General Andrew Gutti, the chairman for General Court Martial told Bobi Wine that his court no longer hold any charges against him unless he had charges elsewhere. Immediately after being cleared by the court martial, Bobi Wine was rearrested by the police and taken to appear before the Chief Magistrates court in Gulu town.

Upon reaching the magistrates court at Gulu, MP Kyagulanyi appeared before the Chief Magistrate who read to him charges of treason and he was subsequently remanded and told to reappear before the same court on 30th August together with other MPs who also face the same charges.

MP Robert Kyagulanyi has been detained at Makindye military barracks since his arrest on Monday last week and he had been summoned to appear before the court martial in Gulu for the second time to answer charges concerning illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions.

Bobi Wine had been arrested together with other MPs who were also charged with treason when they appeared before the Magistrates Court last week. Their arrest followed some chaotic incidents in Arua in which one of the cars in the President’s convoy was stoned breaking its rear screen window. This happened on the last day of the campaigns for the Arua Municipality Parliamentary By-election in which both the president and Bobi wine had participated to campaign for their candidates.

Since his arrest, there have been numerous protests and riots around the country including in the capital Kampala, Mukono, Mityana, among others. Numerous civilians have been killed and others wounded while many have also been arrested and detained by the police. Among the victims of the incidents include late Yassin Kawuma a former driver of Bobi Wine who was shot dead in Arua from his boss’s car during the chaos in which Bobi Wine was arrested.

Earlier on Wednesday, deputy speaker Jacob Oulanya visited Mr. Kyagulanyi at the Makindye Military Barracks. During his visit, a short clip was released and circulated widely on social media in which Kyagulanyi is seen laughing with the Deputy speaker but with apparent difficulty. Mr. Oulanya in his comments said that he had talked to Hon Kyagulanyi and added that he was in a lot of pain.

In addition to the protests demanding for the release of Bobi Wine, yesterday his fellow artists organized a mass to offer prayers for him and other detainees including those in poor health conditions like Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake who was also severely tortured and currently in a poor health condition while receiving treatment at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala. The Mass was held at Lubaga Catholic Church Cathedral led by Fr. Deogratious Kiibi. Together with Kyagulanyi’s family, various opposition politicians, MPs, Artists and civilians attended the mass in large numbers.

Internationally, the arrest, torture and detention of the MPs has attracted massive criticism coming from Human rights agencies, foreign governments, legislators, musicians and the Ugandans in Diaspora. The US State department voiced concern over the medical condition of detained MP Robert Kyagulanyi stating that they are watching the situation very closely with regards to MP Kyagulanyi after receiving multiple credible reports about his condition.

In contrast, President Museveni had earlier dismissed reports that MP Kyagulanyi had been tortured while in detention claiming that the reports are mere ‘fake news’. The President also added that MP Zaake had escaped and the police is looking for him though the legislator is currently battling for his health in a hospital after severe torture from the security officers who arrested him from Arua.

Mp Bobi Wine Charged With Treason

Myuganda

August 16, 2018

Kyandondo East Member of Parliament and popular singer Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine has been charged with treason over allegations of possessing a gun and he is to be tried before the court martial.

Robert Kyagulanyi was arrested and detained on Monday together with four other MPs including Gerald Karuhanga (Ntungamo Municipality), Paul Mwiru (Jinja East), Michael Mabike (Former Makindye West MP) and Kassiano Wadri ( Arua Municipality MP elect).

The arrest of the MPs, together with 28 other people happened on Monday this week following the alleged stoning of one of the vehicles in President Museveni’s convoy during the conclusion of the campaigns for the Arua Municipality Parliamentary by-election. The President had gone to Arua to campaign for the NRM flag bearer Mrs. Tiperu Nusura.

The Arua Municipality by-elections were organized by the Electoral Commission to fill the empty seat left by the former MP Ibrahim Abiriga who was shot dead on June 8th this year as he was driving back to his home in Kawanda a Kampala city suburb.

Mr. Kassiano Wadri a member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) but came on an independent ticket won the Wednesday elections with 6,528 votes (38.06%) followed by National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Tiperu Nusura with 4,763 votes (27.77%). Ejiku Robert also indepemdent was third in the race wit 2,703 votes (15.76%) while Forum for Democratic Change’s Musema Bruce followed with 1,372 votes (8.00%).

However, regarding MP Robert Kyagulanyi gun allegations, his family claims that the charges against him are completely false with his wife one Barbie claiming that her husband does not even know to handle a gun. The family members went on to ask for the immediate release of Bobi wine claiming that all the charges put against him are politically motivated.

The government announced that Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi is to be charged before the army court in Gulu over possession of a gun. Other MPs are also expected to be charged with yet-to-be known offences.

Robert Kyagulanyi commonly referred as the “Ghetto President” hit the Ugandan political scene last year after winning the by-election of Kyandondo East Consitituency Parliamentary seat as an independent candidate. Since then, the popular singer has used his music fame to influence people politically.His political influence has been noticed through the massive election victories he has been able to influence for all those candidates he campaigned for. These include Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru, Bugiri Municipality MP Asumani Basarirwa and the most recent victory of Kassiano Wadri in Arua Municipality.

It is against that background that some people especially those on the opposition claim that MP Robert Kyagulanyi had become a threat to the government since all his efforts have been directed towards strengthening the opposition.