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Illegal logger jailed 12 months

KAMPALA. Sembwa Rabinson, a known illegal logger, has finally faced justice. The Makindye Chief Magistrates Court convicted and sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment for Illegal Possession of Forest Produce. This came after the State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) arrested him with over 200 pieces of timber cut from Mabira forest. Sembwa's history with illegal logging according to court filings is lengthy, having been arrested and charged multiple times but evading conviction until now. His crimes have contributed to the destruction of Uganda's natural resources, specifically Mabira forest, which is crucial for the country's ecosystem. The collaborative efforts of SH-ACU with other agencies led to Sembwa's downfall. Their tireless work in combating environmental crimes ensures that those responsible face consequences. This verdict serves as a warning to others engaging in similar activities. With Sembwa behind bars, the hope is […]

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Uganda ready to host hundreds of UAE investors in upcoming key business forum

The Ugandan National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) in partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has organized a business forum slated for November 13, 2024 in Kampala aimed at exploring trade and investment opportunities by entrepreneurs from the two countries.Moses Okwalinga, the Secretary General of UNCCI, said the Uganda-UAE Trade an Investment Forum will seek to bring in one room business people from UAE and Uganda actively engaged in business.“It's a good opportunity because the UAE is a big trading partner with recent statistics showing that it's currently our biggest trading partner,” Okwalinga said.Olive Kigongo, the President of UNCCI, said top business leaders from Sharjah will be flying into the country to attend the much anticipated forum that will be hosted at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.“We are looking at about 500 people from […]

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High-tech virtual reality lab to ease learning of sciences at UICT

The Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) has officially launched its Augmented and Virtual Reality (AVR) laboratory aimed at easing the learning and teaching of sciences and mathematics. According to authorities at the institute, the new facility is fitted with the latest cutting-edge audio and visual technologies; virtual reality (VR) headsets; smart screens; augmented reality (AR) glasses and high graphics processing computers. “The lab is designed to support teaching and learning of various subjects, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), allowing for interactive simulations, virtual labs and 3D/360 modeling,” the institute said in a Thursday statement. “This lab will serve as a critical resource for students and faculty alike, enabling them to engage in hands-on experimentation and research,” the institute added.      Edison Nkurunungi, the AVR Project Manager at UICT, said the decision to incorporate AVR […]

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SH-ACU recovers millions in Sheema PDM operation

SHEEMA. Beneficiaries of the government's Parish Development Model (PDM) in Sheema district are celebrating as Brig Gen Henry Isoke's led State House Anti corruption Unit (SH-ACU) operations lead to the recovery of misused funds. Following complaints of mismanagement of PDM funds, detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Uganda Police, and the DPP's office sprang into action. Investigations revealed that some recipients were not the intended beneficiaries, leading to arrests of teachers and local leaders involved in enabling ineligible individuals to access the funds. Over Slover UGX 10 million has been recovered so far, with more expected. Key suspects identified include District Speaker Nkwemerere Robert, District Commercial Officer Asasira Winson Kafurembe, and others involved in irregular payments bypassing verification processes by Parish Development Committees. The findings are exposing a scheme of extortion where bribes facilitated illegitimate access to funds, a […]

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From Trauma to Triumph: Racheal Nakamya’s Journey from Uganda to UK, A Beacon of Hope for LGBTQ+ Rights

LONDON. January 2, 2023, will forever be stamped with bold ink in the memory of Racheal Nakamya. Racheal and her girlfriend, Pauline Namugenyi, were ambushed at the residence of Racheal by the community for enjoying their inherent human right. Racheal vividly recalls her own neighbours- the people who had become almost family members, storming her home, hurling insults and condemning us as immoral and cursed. “ However, it was as if we jumped from frying pan into fire when the law enforcers in form of police arrived. These same police officers, the custodians of law, intervened but instead of offering us protection, they detained us at Old Kampala Police Station.’” Racheal says. Freedom came only after bribes were paid. but back at home, everything was left in shambles, with property either destroyed or stolen by the community members. That night […]

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Synergy building key to youth empowerment- Brig Isoke.

KAMPALA. The NRM Youth Cadre Association has taken steps towards empowering its members economically with the launch of their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) at Makerere University Auditorium. The event on Wednesday was attended by senior government officials including the head of the State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) Brig Henry Isoke was a call to action for the youth to take charge of their financial futures. Delivering a key note speech, Brig. Isoke emphasized synergy, transparency, and accountability in SACCO affairs. Hon.Balamu Ateenyi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, congratulated the youth cadres and encouraged them to think creatively, identify growth opportunities, and engage in government programs like PDM and Emyooga. Canon Benson Turamye, who is the Executive Director of PPDAUganda, highlighted the government's commitment to youth development, citing the 2021 amendment to the PPDA Act. […]

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SH-ACU operation nabs Masaka Land Dealer

MASAKA: The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) continues to achieve notable success in the battle against corruption as exemplified by the recent arrest of Kasirye Elias, a well-known land dealer and lender in Masaka. Mr Kasirye, notorious for unlawfully evicting individuals through deceptive court orders, was finally captured by the Brig Henry Isoke led SH-ACU investigators working alongside the Uganda police following a series of complaints regarding his illegal actions. Kasirye, primarily operating in Lukaya, faced legal consequences as he was brought before the Masaka chief Magistrate on October 28, 2024. He was charged with multiple offenses, including causing harm, forcible entry, illegal eviction, and theft. The prosecution disclosed that Kasirye colluded with the daughters of the late Lukwago Francis to fabricate a retroactively dated agreement in 2018, falsely asserting ownership of land with eucalyptus trees. This fraudulent agreement aimed […]

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Entebe gold scammers remanded again

ENTEBE. The six suspects accused of running a gold scam at Entebbe International Airport have been further remanded by the Chief Magistrates Court. The individuals - Kananura Daniel, Mpomba Richard, Muhwezi Benon, Nkahirwa Pascal, Mujuzi John Keneddy and Bekalaze Ismail - were apprehended on September 30 following an order by President Museveni to probe illegal airport activities. During the arrest, authorities found 11 plastic boxes containing 300 metal bars that the suspects falsely presented as gold in an attempt to deceive potential investors. However, after a forensic examination by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines, it was determined that the items were actually different minerals. Initially charged on October 11, the suspects are facing accusations of engaging in mineral transactions without proper authorization, mixing minerals with the intention to deceive, and smuggling minerals. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Criminal […]

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Balondemu granted bail

KAMPALA.Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's court has granted a Shs 5 million cash bail to Kampala District Land Board chairperson, David Balondemu, who is facing charges of forging medical documents. Chief magistrate Ronald Kayizzi granted the bail after finding all three of Balondemu's sureties including his wife, sister, and brother-in-law to be substantial. The court also ordered each surety to execute a non-cash bond of Shs 20 million. As part of his bail conditions, Balondemu’s passport was retained by the court, and he has been prohibited from travelling outside Uganda without prior permission. State prosecutor Viola Tusingwire had opposed the bail application, arguing that Balondemu had ignored seven court summonses, even after criminal summons were published in newspapers. However, magistrate Kayizzi ruled that newspaper notices do not guarantee effective service, agreeing with Balondemu’s defense that he may not have seen the […]

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Balondemu lawyers now state witnesses as bail denied

KAMPALA. The lawyers of embattled Chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board, Balondemu David, has turned into state witnesses as he was denied bail for the second time at Buganda Road Court on Wednesday. Balondemu's own legal team, comprising lawyers Kamba Hassan, Robert Bautu, Alaka, Mbidi, and Evans Ochieng, have now become witnesses on the current file. This development means that Balondemu cannot continue to be represented by his current lawyers and will need to seek new legal counsel for his defense moving forward. The prosecution argued that his sureties were not substantial and that his release could potentially disrupt the ongoing investigation. As a result, Balondemu has been remanded until 24th October 2024, pending further bail applications. Balondemu is batting a string of alleged forgery and fraud cases. Mr. Balondemu reportedly submitted counterfeit medical documents to the court in […]