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NSSF WINS UGX 152M CASE, COURT SENDS MAN TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON OVER FRAUD

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NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

HIGH COURT in Kampala has sentenced Joseph Sooka, a former employee of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), to five years in prison for fraudulently withdrawing over UGX 152M from the Fund’s suspense account.
This is after NSSF handed him over to the Uganda Police in October 2019 and Director of Public Prosecutions following an internal investigation that established suspicious withdraws he had fraudulently processed over time.
For starters, the suspense account is where the Fund temporarily saves contributions with unclear details of the member accounts to which they should be deposited. The money is later allocated to the respective member accounts upon reconciliation with the contributing employers.
The Fund’s Internal Audit Department in October 2019 established that Joseph Sooka had presented fictitious claim documents that he used to access monies of the unsuspecting members between May 2017 and July 2019.  
“All the monies released on account of the false claims was credited to the (bank) accounts controlled by the accused…,” reads the judgement delivered by Hon. Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya. 
Sooka, was convicted on a total of ten counts that included embezzlement, money laundering, forgery and uttering of false documents. Justice Margaret Tibulya convicted Sooka on each of the ten counts as charged. He was asked to refund the shs152m he had stolen from the Fund and banned from assuming any positions in public offices for a period of ten years.

HOW HE WAS DETECTED
At the time of his arrest, Joseph Sooka had fraudulently claimed monies for seven members. The Fund’s internal audit team identified unusual withdraws on the suspense account following a tip off by one of the victims. 
It was discovered that the genuine members hadn’t claimed for their monies although claims had been processed in their favour.
Ms. Barbra Arimi, the Fund’s Head Marketing and Corporate Affairs said that the win demonstrated the Fund’s zero tolerance to fraud. 
“We are committed to protecting our members’ savings at all costs and have put in place several security checks to prevent fraud especially from the suspense account.” Said Barbra Arimi.
The Fund has since put in place initiatives to mitigate the growth of balances on the suspense account. These initiatives include the e-collections portal which makes it impossible for employers to remit without complete employee information, publication of suspense in different media platforms as well as field engagements aimed at tracing members on the suspense account.   
In addition, the Fund has fully integrated with NIRA to enable the registration of members, and this has significantly reduced the amount of incoming suspense.
“The bulk of the suspense relates to historical periods. Once all efforts to clear suspense are exhausted, we will publish all pending suspense and have it moved to the reserve as per provisions of the NSSF Act (as amended).” Madam Arimi told this leading investigative news website.

ABOUT NSSF 
The National Social Security Fund Uganda is a multi-trillion Fund mandated by Government through the NSSF Act, as amended, to provide social security services to employees in the private sector. 
The Fund is a secure, innovative, and dynamic social security provider that guarantees safety, security, and a competitive return on members’ savings of over 2% above the 10-year inflation average. 
The Fund manages assets worth over UGX 17.8 trillion, invested in Fixed Income, Equities and Real Estate assets within the East Africa region. As the largest Fund in East Africa by value, we have the ambitious goal of growing our Assets Under Management to 20 trillion by 2025.  
The Fund is regulated by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority while the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, and the Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development are responsible for policy oversight.

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MINISTERS IN TROUBLE! SPEAKER AMONG DIRECTS PARLIAMENT TO INVESTIGATE KARAMOJA IRON SHEETS & GOATS SAGA, IN BUKEDEA IT’S JOY AS 3 DILAPIDATED SCHOOLS RECEIVE 500 IRON SHEETS

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PHOTO: Excited residents salute Speaker Anita Among on receiving 200 iron sheets for Kajamaka Primary School in Kidongole Subcounty

STORY BY:
MOSES MUGALULA
PARLIAMENT

THE Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among has directed the committee on Presidential affairs to investigate the Karamoja iron sheets, goats and food saga and report back to Parliament for action! 
In spotlight are the two Karamoja Affairs ministers, Hon. Mary Gorreti Kitutu and her junior Hon. Agnes Nandutu. Karamoja MPs want the two Ministers to first step aside and be investigated on alleations that the two mismanaged relief intended for the people in Karamoja and those displaced to neighboring districts like Bukedea.
This follows a letter  drafted and duly signed by eight Members of Parliament from Karamoja under their association Karamoja Parliamentary Group (KPG) petitioning the Speaker of Parliament to investigate over the mismanagement of relief items includes 100,000 iron sheets, maize and goats by the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs.
The petitioners are; Hon. Achia Remigio (Pian County), Hon. Nakut Faith Chyna (Woman MP Napak District), Hon. Okori-moe Janet Akech (Woman MP Abim District), Hon. Lokwang Hillary (MP Ik County), Hon. Baaton Ben Koryang (MP Dodoth West), Hon. Komol Joseph Miidi (MP Dodoth North), Hon. Aleper Moses (MP Chekwi) and Hon. Ngoya John Bosco (MP Bokora)
In their three page petition to Speaker Anita Among, Karamoja MPs demand for a forensic audit on both the procurement and distribution of goats and iron sheets to intended beneficiaries as well as the audit of food stores in Namalu Prison Farm, which food was meant to feed the hungry primary school children in Karamoja and schools in neigbouring districts like Bukedea, where hundreds of displaced Karimajongs are studying from.
In fact in Bukedea, three dilapidated schools received 500 iron sheets courtesy of Speaker Anita Among. We shall come back to this later and see how Bukedea schools, each got the iron sheets.
For starters, over the last three years, Karamoja region has suffered the ravages of insecurity and famine that has claimed lives and still counting.
These factors have also led to the displacement of many vulnerable families from their homes, including to the neighboring districts.
Karamoja MPs’ petition to the Speaker reads, “Numerous engagements were held with the central government, development partners and even the Head of State Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to find lasting solutions to the numerous ills that bedvil the region, leading to passing of the 39BN Supplementary budget towards the pacification of Karamoja region and another 135Bn for the procurement of relief food.”
“Of the UGX 39Bn, UGX 22Bn was for procurement of goats, UGX 5Bn was for procurement of 100,000 iron sheets for disarmed youths across the region. To-date, no vulnerable or disarmed youth has received even a single iron sheet!” Reads the petition

DETAILS OF KARAMOJA MPS TO SPEAKER AMONG
Karamoja MPs told Speaker Anita how they learnt with shock from media reports, that the Cabinet minister in charge of Karamoja Affairs Hon. Kitutu and her deputy Hon. Nandutu have already served themselves with over 22,000 iron sheets worth more than UGX 1.7Bn! 
Furthermore, although UGX 22bn had been planned to buy goats, Karamoja MPs say, Minister Kitutu went ahead to spend UGX 25Bn on buying goats. 
“But today, less than 35% of the goats have been supplied and many beneficiaries identified by the Districts are still waiting for the same. Unfortunately, we are told that all the money has been spent; the financial year is coming to an end. The rot is massive and may be, in many other programs under the Ministry. The matter is shameful and emotionally exhausting.” Karamoja MPs revealed to the Speaker.
They said, under ‘Feed Karamoja’ Project which was initiated by The First Lady Hon. Janat Kataha Museveni in Partnership with Namalu Prison Farm, where 3500 bags of maize seed was harvested in Financial Year 2020/2021 and stored in Namalu Prison Stores, the minister for Karamoja Affairs picked 500 bags of the same on pretext that she was giving to the UPDF who were allegedly starving. 
“This food was meant to feed children in Primary Schools across Karamoja region but because of lockdown during Covid 19, this food wasn’t used. What we learn now is that 200 bags of that food have ended in the Minister’s house. We are now told that the old stock of 3500 bags is no more! It is only 200 bags of maize of the new harvest of FY 2022 that is still in the store. Who has stolen this? Is it true the UPDF received 3500 bags of maize meant for starving Karamoja people?” Karamoja MPs want answers.

HOW 500 IRON SHEETS WERE DISTRIBUTED IN BUKEDEA
Kajamaka primary school in kidongole sub county got 200 iron sheets. This is one of the traditional schools in Teso Subregion with dilapidated school structures. It is in Bukedea district and was founded by the Catholic Church in 1924. With over 1000 pupils, this school which educates even Karimajongs, has been in a sorry state, learners always interrupted by heavy rains. It is against this background that Spaker Anita donated 200 iron sheets to change the face lift of Kajamaka Primary School. Madam Speaker is renovating this school.
The second school which benefited is Kadacar primary school in Kangole subcounty. It got 150 Iron sheets. Kalou primary school in Kabarwa subcounty got 150 iron sheets all together totalling to 500 iron sheets.

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EXPOSED! HOW GENDER MINISTER BETTY AMONGI LIED IN PARLIAMENT ABOUT NSSF – NAKIGALALA LAND PURCHASE

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LIED: Minister Betty Amongi Akena appearing before Hon. Mpaka’s committee

● Revelation shows; land not purchased, now NSSF clarifies on budget misinformation by Minister Amongi 

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

THE National Social Security Fund (NSSF) management clarified that the purported purchase of Nakigalala land has not yet taken place, and UGX 400b was budgeted for 2 pieces of land – one at Nakigalala and another at Nakawa following a proposed partnership with Uganda Police. 
Gender Minister Betty Amongi had alleged that the Fund budgeted to purchase land at Nakigalala at UGX 400 billion whereas she had obtained a valuation of UGX. 246 billion for the land.
But while appearing before the Parliament Committee investigating corporate governance failures at NSSF headed by Mbarara City South MP Hon Mwine Mpaka, NSSF management led by Ag. Managing Director Patrick Ayota, the Fund refuted the Minister’s claims.“The prospect of the acquisition of the Nakigalala land has been ongoing since 26th February 2019. 
The Fund’s Management evaluated the prospect, via the established processes and procedures, and initially deemed it attractive but was mindful of the risks and the need for thorough due diligence. 
A provision for UGX 250 billion, including VAT and other contingencies, was made initially in the 2019/2020 budget paper. The Fund considered the purchase subject to resolution of all the legal due diligence issues and compliance with the procurement regulations,” he said.
Other members of the committee include Workers MP Hon Charles Bakkabulindi Hon Karim Masaba (Industrial Division, Mbale City), Hon Michael Kakembo (Entebbe Municipality), Hon Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman), Hon Laura Kanushu (Persons with Disabilities), and Hon Amos Kankunda (Rwampara County).  “As part of the Fund’s efforts at sourcing for new land, on 9th August 2021, the Fund received a letter from the Inspector General of Police requesting a meeting to discuss a potential partnership with the Fund for the development of key infrastructure for a potential purchase of approximately 40 acres of police owned land in Naguru. A budget of UGX 150 billion including VAT and contingencies for the Naguru land (including existing developments) then informed a budget estimate of UGX 150 billion.“
The budget amount for both Nakigalala (UGX 250b) and land at Naguru (UGX 150b) informed the total amount of UGX 400 billion for “Strategic land Purchases” in the FY 2022-2023 budget paper that was submitted to the Minister of Gender for approval”, NSSF Chief Investments Officer, Gerald Kassato also told the committee.
Former Managing Director Richard Byarugaba also confirmed the same information while facing the committee and insisted that what was indicated in the budget was “purchases” for 2 pieces of land and not “purchase” for a single piece.Ayota also told the Parliament Committee that it is important to note that the land has not yet been and will follow all due diligence if at all the Fund goes ahead to undertake the transaction. 
“The Fund uses a zero-based budgeting methodology meaning that all spend in the year must be anticipated and budgeted for otherwise without which, no procurement can be undertaken. The budgets reflect an intention to deploy resources on strategic and operational activities, in practice, due to the lengthy due diligence and approval processes, it does not always happen. In the case of Nakigalala, the due diligence reports indicate numerous claims on the property and the transaction is on hold until further notice” Ayota said in his submission to the Parliamentary Committee. 
In his written submission to the committee, Ayota affirmed that the Fund will have to go through the process of approvals before the final decision is made.“The Board has not yet approved the procurement of the Nakigalala land pending the completion of the due diligence process per the Board’s earlier directive. The due diligence process has not yet been concluded mainly due to multiple claims on the land which have not yet been resolved by the potential vendor,” he said.

ABOUT NSSF 
The National Social Security Fund Uganda is a multi-trillion Fund mandated by Government through the NSSF Act, as amended, to provide social security services to employees in the private sector. 
The Fund is a secure, innovative, and dynamic social security provider that guarantees safety, security, and a competitive return on members’ savings of over 2% above the 10-year inflation average. 
The Fund manages assets worth over UGX 17.8 trillion, invested in Fixed Income, Equities and Real Estate assets within the East Africa region. As the largest Fund in East Africa by value, we have the ambitious goal of growing our Assets Under Management to 20 trillion by 2025.  
The Fund is regulated by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority while the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, and the Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development are responsible for policy oversight.

For views/comments on this story, Whatsapp Editor on 0772523039 or send us an email on neweditor.info@gmail.com

NEWS FACES @KCCA AS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPOINTS 6 NEW DEPUTY DIRECTORS, MORE 5 PROMOTED! WHO HAS EATEN

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STORY BY: MOSES MUGALULA

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

IT’S official, six people have been appointed and confirmed as new Deputy Directors Kampala Capital City Authority and other five promoted from Acting to substantive Deputy Directors.
For starters, the new appointments are handled by Public Service Commission (PSC). The new Deputy directors went through interviews. It’s only the full Diectors who are appointed by President Museveni.
This communication has been already given to the technical staff KCCA by Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka.
The new faces are; Nyakaisiki Monica Rose (Deputy Director Information Systems) who has replaced Martin Ssekajja (Minister Amos Lugoloobi’s son). Nyakaisiki will work under the office of Executive Director. Other new appointments; William Epiaka (Deputy Director Strategy and Business Management). This went vacant aftwr the death of Deputy Director Patrick Musoke who passed on during Covid-Lockdown. David Musunga takes (Deputy Director Production and Marketing) which falls under Gender, Karanja Maurice Robert (Deputy Director Roads and Drainage) falling underbDirectorate of Engineering and technical services, Jimmy Amatre (Deputy Director Social Services) falling under the Directorate of Education whereas Daniel Kaseregenyi takes (Deputy Director Gender Welfare and Community Service).
The five elevated from being Managers (Acting Deputy Directors) to Substantive Deputies are;  
Caleb Mugisha (Deputy Director Litigation). This one for long has been Ag Deputy Director since Charles Ouma left about three to four years ago. Others are; Ezra Ssebuufu (Deputy Director Business Support and Compliance Management) a very intelligent young man who is not known in circles of internal wars, Joseph Vincent Kirimanyi (Deputy Director Internal Audit), Akatuhwera Tiberonda Doreen (Deputy Director Procurement) whose husband Tiberonda was in URA and Kitabire Donny Muganzi (Deputy Director Treasury Services) who has been Acting Deputy Director Treasury Services sunce Julius Raymond Kabugo left KCCA.
Physical Planning Directorate where Moses Atwine served as Director, has not got a single deputy due to endless wars. It has to have two deputies. Our insiders at City hall allege that, a certain lady in Public service (Names withheld for now), lifted Katongole’s interdiction at the back of Anti corruption court where he is still battling with a case involving demolition of St. Peters Church of Uganda, Ndeeba as the Ag. Director Physical planning. We are told, public service might have lifted to enable him apply for this office although court hasnt cleread him. We are working on a detailed story about this.
Appointment of new Directors is expected any time! Watch the space.

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WHY STATE HOUSE HAS ‘RECALLED’ LEAKED LIST FOR NEW M7’S APPOINTMENTS

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● List Showed President Museveni had appointed Chief Muzzukulu Hadijah Uzeiye, Gen. Saleh, Gen. Muhoozi, Rwakasisi Nadduli, Kakooza Mutale and others in big positions
● Now DPPS Kirunda says, Museveni has appointed only Linda Nabusaayi Wamboka, those on circulating list are already Presidencial advisors

PHOTO: Hajjat Hadijah Uzeiye with Ghetto youth who ask President Museveni to contest again in 2026

STORY BY
MOSES MUGALULA
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

WHEREAS the list of new appointments were leaked by insiders in State House and shared on trusted NRM Whatsapp groups about 4 hours ago, State House has comeout to disown it!
In a tweet by Mr. Farouk Kirunda, the Deputy Press Secretary to His Excellency the President of Uganda, “There is no new list of Presidential Advisors issued as is circulating on social media.”
Kirunda says, “The only new appointment is of Ms. Linda Nabusayi Wamboka, who has been appointed Presidential Advisor on Media.” We have been however informed, some sharp boys might have landed on Mzee’s notes, took screenshots and quickly shared on social media. For those who know the big man, he hates being pre-emptied. It is highly suspected, that is Farouk had to show up and deny the list.
According to the ‘leaked’ list which Kirunda has dustibined, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had appointed senior Presidential Advisors in different categories.
Haji Abdul Nadduli was among those who were said to have fallen in big things. Here was the full list;
● Hajji Abdul Nadduli appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Political/Mobilization (He will have the terms and benefits of a cabinet minister)
● Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba – Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations
● Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe – Senior Presidential Advisor on population, and health issues under the Ministry of Health
● Gen Salim Saleh – Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence
● Dr. Ezra Suruma – Senior Presidential Advisor on Finance and Economic Planning
● Chris Rwakasisi – Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties
● Amelia Kyambadde – Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry.
● Prof. Edward Rugumayo – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs
● Hajji Abbey Walusimbi – Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs
● Ambassador Klaus E. P. Holderbaum – Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism and Investment
● Monica Azuba Ntenge – Senior Presidential Advisor on Works
● Mary Karooro Okurut – Senior Presidential Advisor on Media
● Ephraim Kamuntu – Senior Presidential Advisor on Constitutional affairs
● Hajjat Hadija Namyalo Uzeiye – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs
● Maj. (Rtd) Kakooza Mutale – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs
● Florence Mutyabule – Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation (Busoga Region)
● Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa – Senior Presidential Advisor on Oil, Gas and Minerals
● Mary Amajo – Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Service.
● Elizabeth Kuteesa – Presidential Advisor on Police matters
● Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire – Senior Presidential Advisor on Education Matters.
● Sam Engola – Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs
● Prof. Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule – Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East.
Now that State House has clarified that the list is not official, kindly disregard it.

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DETAILS: HOW BYARUGABA REFUTED MINISTER BETTY AMONGI’S ALLEGATIONS ON MISMANAGEMENT OF WORKERS’ FUND

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PHOTO: When the then Fund’s Managing Director Richard Byarugaba was honoured with a medal at last year’s International Labour Day. He was recognised for steering the Fund into a multi-trillion entity & increasing social security coverage in the country

STORY BY:
MOSES MUGALULA
PARLIAMENT

RICHARD Byarugaba, the former Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has refuted claims of mismanagement of the Fund as alleged by Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, the Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development. 
Byarugaba was on Friday 3rd February, appearing before the select Parliamentary committee investigating mismanagement claims at the Fund with focus on issues like corporate governance of the Fund, appointment of the Managing Director and safety of savers’ money.
He told the committee that the Fund’s performance had improved in the last ten years, growing at a higher rate than the national GDP. “In 2012 the Fund was less than 4% of the country’s GDP. Currently, NSSF is more than 10.6% of GDP.” He said.
He continued to say that in the last ten years, the growth rate of member registrations had oscillated between 17% per annum, compliance had increased from 40% to 60% , annual contributions indicated an upward trajectory and assets grew to 17.3 trillion in June 2022.
On the return to member savings, Byarugaba told the committee that the Fund was paying double digit interest rate above inflation over the last ten years. “Previously, NSSF wasn’t paying above inflation; the average interest pay out was 6.27% while inflation was at 6.3% . Over the last ten years, we have been paying double digit interest rates with inflation at 3.65%. Meaning that we are preserving member funds and giving real return to members. The highest interest rate paid to members in the history of the Fund is 15% that we paid in 2018.” 
NSSF’s current management led by Patrick Ayota, the Ag . Managing Director had reported the same growth of the Fund when they appeared at the committee earlier in the week, contrary to allegations of unsatisfactory performance by Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social development. NSSF is supervised by the Gender ministry and the Finance Ministry according to the new NSSF Act 2021. Whereas the Gender Ministry is in charge of operations at the Fund, the Finance Ministry oversees its investments.

Minister Betty Amongi Akena

Byarugaba also refuted claims of non-participation in the national development agenda by NSSF saying that the Fund provides government with 40% of its domestic borrowing. “For every 10 shillings the Ministry of finance borrows from the public to develop roads, electricity and the health sector, 4 shilllings is from the NSSF.If this doesn’t show participation in national development, then I don’t know what does!” Byarugaba said. 
On the contentious shs6bn, Byarugaba said that Hon. Amongi had asked the Fund to provision for the money purportedly to support implementation of the new NSSF law and yet this was already provided for in the Fund’s overall operations budget for the financial year 2022/23.  “The Minster’s letter of 16th June,2022 to the Fund clearly shows that she wanted to handle the shs6bn,” Byarugaba told the committee.
Regarding the alleged purchase of Nakigala land at shs400bn as part of the Fund’s real estate investments, Byarugaba clarified that the amount was provisioned as total budget estimates for all strategic land purchases for the FY 2022/23 to purchase two land assets and that the amount wasn’t entirely for Nakigala as alleged by the Minister. 
On the shs40bn budget provision for the Grain Council, Byarugaba clarified that the Fund had declined to partner with the council due to disagreement in implementation on the back of unclear accountability measures. The minister had instead looked at this as “insubordination” from Byarugaba.
The Committee is chaired by Hon Mwine Mpaka who is the Member of Parliament for Mbarara City South. Other members of the committee include Workers MP Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, Mr. Karim Masaba (Industrial Division, Mbale City), Mr. Michael Kakembo (Entebbe Municipality), Ms. Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman), Ms. Laura Kanushu (Persons with Disabilities), and Mr. Amos Kankunda (Rwampara County).

ABOUT NSSF 
The National Social Security Fund Uganda is a multi-trillion Fund mandated by Government through the NSSF Act, as amended, to provide social security services to employees in the private sector. 
The Fund is a secure, innovative, and dynamic social security provider that guarantees safety, security, and a competitive return on members’ savings of over 2% above the 10-year inflation average. 
The Fund manages assets worth over UGX 17.8 trillion, invested in Fixed Income, Equities and Real Estate assets within the East Africa region. As the largest Fund in East Africa by value, we have the ambitious goal of growing our Assets Under Management to 20 trillion by 2025.  
The Fund is regulated by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority while the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, and the Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development are responsible for policy oversight.

For views/Comments on this story, please Whatsapp editor on 0772523039 or email us at newseditor.info@gmail.com

NULL & VOID: BORN-AGAIN TOP PASTORS CONTEST THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICES MIKE CHIBITA AND CATHERINE BAMUGEMEREIRE, ‘WE WANT THEM THROWN OUT’

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PHOTO: Swearing in of Justice Chibita in State House

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

AN urgent meeting has been called over the appointment of Justices Mike J. Chibita and Catherine Bamugemereire to head the National Fellowhip of Born Again Pentectoal Churches (NFBPC) Tribunal after top pastors contested their appointment saying it is null and void.
They want the two thrown out and demand that Bishop Joshua Lwere follows the Fellowship constitution in making decisions on who should sit on the Tribunal.

Click here also to read related story: BORN-AGAIN EC PUT 10 TOUGH TERMS FOR A NEW LEADER AS OMEGA HEALING CENTRE’S MICHAEL KYAZZE LEADS RACE TO REPLACE JOSHUA LWERE


Speaking to our reporter, Bishop Leonald Sserwadda, leader of Southern Buganda Pentecostal Churches, Masaka who is one of the contestants for General Overseer (GO) in next month’s election, said however much the incumbent GO Joshua Lwere is mandated to appoint the Tribunal, he must be guided by the laws governing NFBPC or else, his appointments are null and void.
“It’s true NFBPC constitution empowers the General Overseer (GO) to appoint members sitting on the Tribunal being one of the organs mentioned in our constitution. But appointment of members who constitute this Tribunal must srictly follow the law.” Bishop Sserwadda told News Editor Media.
Asked whether the recent appointment of the Trubunal by Bishop Joshua Lwere headed by Justices Mike Chibita and Catherine Bamugemereire followed the law, Sserwadda said, many have raised eyebrows over Lwere’s Tribunal saying that is why, urgent internal meetings have been called to this effect.
He told us, “We want him (Lwere) to explain to us how he appointed this Trubunal. If he fails to convince us, mistakes must be corrected immediately as per our constitution.”

When President Museveni was the chief guest at the consecration of Leonald Sserwadda (holding umbrella) as Bishop Southern Buganda Pentecostal Churches. Extreme right is Bishop Joshua Lwere

According to the NFBPC Constitution, Tribunal must have a quorum, those appointed by the General Overseer must be registered members of the Fellowship and vetting done by AGM and elders. 
After GO making appointments, he brings the names to the forum and members make deliberations about them whether they are known registered members.
About the appointment of Justices Chibita and Bamugemereire, Bishop Serwadda says the appointment would be okay if the two are members of National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches.
“Being judges doesnt in any way stop them from heading NFBPC Tribunal provided they are registered members of the Fellowship. But if they are not members, definately their appointment is null and void. One who isn’t part of us can not start making decisions about us. That is impossible and unacceptable.” Said Bishop Sserwadda.
Without mincing words, he revealed to us that this isn’t a personal Tribunal, but a Tribunal for the Fellowship so any appointment must be carefully vetted and appoved by the General Assembly. There is no way it will be accepted without clearance from those mandated by the constitution.
Asked whether they will throw out justices Chibita and Bamugemereire after the meeting, Bishop Sserwadda responded by quoting Titus 1:5 in the Bible when Paul was telling Titus that, ‘The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.’
“This is what we are going to do, putting in order what might have been done wrongly by GO Bishop Lwere.”Sserwadda assured us as they head for the meeting.

Pentecostal church Pators in one of their meeitings

For starters, Justice Michael Chibita who was appointed by Joshua Lwere, is a Ugandan lawyer and judge, who serves on the Supreme Court of Uganda, effective December 2019. 
From 15 August 2013 until 6 December 2019, he served as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Uganda. 
Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, is a Ugandan lawyer and judge who, since 2015, has served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of Uganda, which doubles as Uganda’s Constitutional Court. 
Justice Catherine Bamugemereire headed the tribunal which heard the petition filed by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) councilors against Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Her tribunal established a prima facie case against Lukwago and the councilors followed through by voting impeaching him which was successfully contested in courts of law.

Justice Catherine Bamugemereire duling the land matters inquiry

A bout 3 years ago, President Museveni appointed Justice Bamugemereire to head The Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters. Her report is yet to be fully considered.  
The appointment of the two justices and other Tribunal members by Joshua Lwere to act as judiciary sitting to hear especially electoral discripancies that may arise after GO elections, makes some top pastors think Lwere who never wanted to leave office, might be up to something fishy! 
“We are almost getting done with the elections which started about three months ago. And everything was moving on smoothly. We are only remaining with National elections. What has he all along been waiting for, to appoint a Tribunal? Why now when he is remaining with less than two months to handle over leadership? And why appoint people who are not part of us without quorum? It is sad that Bishop Lwere ursuped powers of the Constitution and put a parallel organ.” Said one of the leading Pentecostal church Pastors in the Country.
This Trinunal had to be appointed and approved by elders during the General meeting. But the extra General meeting, we are reliably informed, failed to get quorum.

What next? Watch the space, our ears are on the ground!

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HERE IS HOW NSSF SCORED IN DEFENDING ITS 10 YEARS’ PERFORMANCE & REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT BEFORE PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE

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NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

The National Social Security Fund has defended its performance over the last 10 years before the Parliamentary Select Committee investigating the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the appointment of the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director.
The Committee is chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka who is the Member of Parliament for Mbarara City South. Other members of the committee include Workers MP Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, Mr. Karim Masaba (Industrial Division, Mbale City), Mr. Michael Kakembo (Entebbe Municipality), Ms. Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman), Ms. Laura Kanushu (Persons with Disabilities), and Mr. Amos Kankunda (Rwampara County).
The NSSF Ag. Managing Director Mr. Patrick Ayota said that the Fund’s growth in asset base, contributions, benefits, and membership growth has been growing steadily over the last 10 years. 
Mr. Patrick Ayota was appearing before the committee alongside the Fund’s senior management team to interface with the committee on Fund’s performance, governance, and stakeholder involvement in the Fund’s decision making among others.
“In 2010, the Fund was worth UGX 1.7 trillion in Assets under Management. As at end of FY 2021/22, the Fund was UGX 17.3 trillion in assets, a 10-fold growth. This is a growth of 10x. As of December 2022, the Fund’s assets stood at UGX 18.8 trillion,” Mr. Ayota told the committee. The NSSF Board, led by Dr. Peter Kimbowa had earlier in the day interfaced with the same committee.
Dr. Kimbowa was quizzed about the Ushs 6 billion that the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development allegedly asked the Board Chairman in a letter to provide for in the Fund’s budget for the Financial Year 2022/23. He told the committee that the Minister’s letter was irregular.

Committe chairperson Hon. Mpaka

On contributions, Ayota said the member contributions have steadily increased from annual collections of Ushs 556 billion in 2012 to Ushs 1.491 trillion in 2022.

NSSF Ag. MD Patrick Ayota

On member recruitment, Ayota said that the current membership size stands at 1.3m with a historical annual growth rate of 140,000 more members, while the current employer base is 27,628 with a historical annual growth rate of 2,685 more employers.
Regarding real estate, Ayota clarified wrong information that the Fund’s real estate investments do not provide a return to members and are out of reach of the majority of NSSF savers. 
He said that the Fund earns rental income and capital gains from its investments in real estate. He also said that the Fund’s Real Estate offering targets 3 groups of consumers. 

PHOTO: Parliament Select Committee investigating the NSSF

These are the high-end income bracket catered for under the Citadel Place Project (sold out), Solana Lifestyle & Residences – Lubowa Housing Project; middle-income bracket – catered for under Kyanja Housing Project and Temangalo Housing Project, and affordable Housing income bracket – catered for under the Temangalo Affordable Housing Project (with starting house price of Ugx 90m).

ABOUT NSSF 
The National Social Security Fund Uganda is a multi-trillion Fund mandated by Government through the NSSF Act, as amended, to provide social security services to employees in the private sector. 
The Fund is a secure, innovative, and dynamic social security provider that guarantees safety, security, and a competitive return on members’ savings of over 2% above the 10-year inflation average. 
The Fund manages assets worth over UGX 17.8 trillion, invested in Fixed Income, Equities and Real Estate assets within the East Africa region. As the largest Fund in East Africa by value, we have the ambitious goal of growing our Assets Under Management to 20 trillion by 2025.  
The Fund is regulated by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority while the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, and the Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development are responsible for policy oversight.

For views/comments about this story, Whatsapp editor on 0772523039 or send an email at newseditor.info@gmail.com

SOLIDARITY: TOP CABINET MINISTERS, 100 MPS JOIN ANITA AMONG TO FUNDRAISE FOR KATAKWI DISTRICT WOMEN GROUPS, SPEAKER GIVES 120M

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PHOTO: Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament Anita Among arrives at Ngariam County in Katakwi District accompanied by ministers and MPs.

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
www.newseditor.co.ug

ON SATURDAY January 28, 2023, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of Parliament was joined by senior cabinet ministers and over 100 Members of Parliament on the invitation of State Minister for Sports Peter Egwang to spearhead a fundraising drive for women saving groups in Ngariam, Katakwi district.
At a clourful function attended by Government Chiefwhip Hon. Hamson Obua, Health Minister Ruth Jane Acheng and others, Speaker Anita Among contributed UGX 120M for the Ngariam women SACCOs.
“I want to thank the people of Ngariam for the love, gifts and solidarity. I urge all the Leaders from Teso to unite and use the opportunities available to push for the development of the region.” Said 11th Parliament Speaker Anita Among.
Addressing hundreds of people who gathered to welcome her in Katakwi district, Speaker Anita said there is need to extend financial literacy to saving groups and Saccos  before funds are injected.
This, she argues, increases the capacity of such groups to innovate ways through which they can increase return on investment.
Madam Speaker said it is absurd that a lot of money has been lost in the hands of savings groups because beneficiaries lack capacity and skills to start and successfully operate income generating activities.
“We need to furnish these savings groups with financial literacy, business and life skills first. With this knowledge, our women will be able to borrow from pooled savings and start income generating activities,” she said, urging leaders to join hands and work together to address community challenges, especially those related to women and children to improve livelihoods.
Thanking Speaker Anita for her generocity, Ms. Mary Akol, one of the beneficiaries, said the initiative, “will enable me to get a small loan to start up a business”, given that accessing loans from big institutions is prohibitively expensive for the poor.
Eteru Otai Julius tweeted that, “Oh thanks for that volatile,rare and productive move you did today. It passed a strong message about the beauty and the weight of the NRM Govt. For us we came with the Serere team to show solidarity with the sister District.”
President Museveni has variously challenged Ugandans to use Saccos as a pillar through which they can pool resources as well as using them as channels to accelerate government programmes such Parish Development Model.

For views/comments on this story, whatsapp editor on 0772523039 or send an email on newseditor.info@gmail.com

HUNTER NOW HUNTED: IGG KICKS OFF INVESTIGATIONS AGAINST FORMER WORKERS’ MP SAM LYOMOKI, LABOUR MINISTER AMONGI BRIEFED IN A LEAKED LETTER (Part 1)

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PHOTO: Embattled Sam Lyomoki (Photo credit; Next radio)

STORY BY 
MOSES MUGALULA
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

DR. SAM LYOMOKI’s troubles are not about to end! This embattled former workers’ MP has been subjected to thorough investigations by both Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and The Inspector of General of Government (IGG) for his alleged misconduct.
To add insult to injury, a group of workers have petitioned Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi Akena to sack Lyomoki from the Board of Directors NSSF saying he is a troublesome man and chaotic, who likes starting wars wherever he goes and a person of controversies, that is why analysts believe, workers rejected him during election of workers MPs in 2021.

A cartoon published by New Vision (a leading Government daily) showing why workers rejected Lyomoki’s candidature as their MP, during 2021 elections

For starters, the line minister is the Supervisor of the NSSF Board. It is Minister Amongi’s duty as the line minister to screen all nominated Board members for character, competence and security isues. She is mandated to carry out proper assessment and thereafter assures the savers that the Fund has credible and effective oversight.
The minister is expected to have a sense of fairness, impartiality and prudent judgement on the matter and advise the Board accordingly. 
According to a leaked letter dated December 23, 2022 to Minister Amongi and seen seen by this leading investigative news Website, Lyomoki is under investigations. Letter was shared to the Minister of Finance and to all Board of Directors NSSF.
It is now suspected that after realizing that his days at NSSF looks to be numbered, Lyomoki has resorted to spreading malice against the Fund he joined less than a year ago, and also blackmailing top managers so that he atleast leaves the Fund disorganised something which NSSF bosses seem won’t entertain.
A letter briefing Minister Amongi about his mischiefs says, Sam Lyomoki happens to be the only Board member who, during, his first year of service on the Board has experienced the following:
● A petition from workers (addressed to the minister) seeking Lyomoki’s removal from the Board.
● Lyomoki is the author of a much publicized minority report shared to media contradicting minister’s stated guidelines on the Mid term Access. Irrespective of the merits of the minority report, couldn’t this have been done in a more decent and self respecting way?
● Lyomoki underwent an investigation by a specially selected committee of the Board in response to an allegation of unethical engagement with the Head of Investments.
Members of the SACA committee walked out on Sam Lyomoki in protest for his alleged misconduct as Chair of this
committee.
● Lyomoki is currently undergoing investigations by CID and IGG for his misconduct

FUND IS ON COURSE
Letter to the minister reads in part, “With the exception of Dr. Lyomoki ,the current Board of NSSF is cohesive, focused and wonderfully resourceful. Inspite of the apparent diversity in Constituency representation and perspective.”
“The Board consistently complies with the foundational principles and practices of governance, Constructive engagement, mutual trust and mutual respect. Disagreement over a view point does not turn you into an outright target for vicious allegations! Members observe an admirable degree of decorum in and outside the Boardroom.” Reads a leaked letter to the minister. 
News Editor Media has learnt that, during a meeting with the president on December 22, 2022, Lyomoki who was among the attendants remorselessly denigrated the entire Board as a bunch of bare faced liars while he himself postured as the cadre, the God fearing and the only single source of incontrovertible truth.
According to our sources, Lyomoki’s colleagues didnt take for granted such public humiliation and embarrassment of such a well grounded Board with belligerent acts of impunity!
We can exclusively report that, a detailed review of all available records of Boardroom sessions (including Board whatsapp group conversations), amply reveal that Lyomoki’s conduct and behavior falls far below the standard and acceptable etiquette and decorum of a Board member in an organisation with the sophistication and reputation of NSSF.
In fact during the meeting with the president, Lyomoki is accused of lying before NSSF Board members how he was speaking on behalf of all workers. We are told, Mr. Museveni looked like he realised Lyomoki was impersonating. That is why the President decided to engage individual workers’ representatives.
It first happened a day when Lyomoki unsuccessfully tried to block the Board’s meeting with the Minister Betty Amongi. Dr. Lyomoki is acussed of telling lies how he was speaking on behalf of all workers’ representative and that whatever else happens, he had spoken to the Minister which was later discovered to be naked lies!!
“If this evidence based on Lyomoki’s misbehaviour, impunity and callous disregard for Board etiquette by Lyomoki is not addressed quickly and firmly, the Board will endlessly be trapped in a disastrous confluence of half blackmail, character assassination and criminal manipulation, triggered off by circles of corrosive allegations.” Reads the confidential letter to the minister.

What was the minister’s response? We will bring part II of this story! Please watch the space!

For views/comments on this story, Whatsapp editor on 0772523039 or email us at newseditor.info@gmail.com

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