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‘WE WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO POISON OUR MORALS’, VOWS ANITA AMONG, SPEAKS OUT ON WHY PARLIAMENT PASSED ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL

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PHOTO: Speaker Anita Among in a group photo as Namilyango College to mark 121 years. She was franked by FUFA President also Budiope East MP Eng. Moses Magogo

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

RT. HON. ANITA Annet Among, Speaker Parliament of Uganda has vowed that government will not allow a “small group of people to poison our morals”.
Speaking at celebrations to mark 121 years of Namilyango College in Mukono District on Sunday, Speaker Among said the recent spike in activities related to homosexuality present a threat, noting that Uganda is a country that is held together by certain values, which must be maintained no matter the intimidation.
“We commit to remain resolute to guard what we believe in. We cannot just look on as a small group of people seek to hijack us into unnatural practices,” she said, urging students and every Ugandan to not only “stay clear but remind those trying to shovel their immorality down our throats that we shall not allow them” to succeed.

Early last week, Rt. Hon. Among revealed that she had been intimidated by groups of people she didn’t name over the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
The Bill was passed by Parliament last week and is now awaiting the President’s signature before it can become law.
The Bill had come at the height of an increase in homosexuality-related activities, with a number of people reporting being abused, while others have received cash handouts to get recruited or promote homosexuality.
Ms Among also warned students against bullying, which she said was a dangerous vice that “has already claimed lives”.
Therefore, she told students that instead of putting their energy in such dangerous things, they should focus on their books to build a better future.
“Most of us were no bodies. We were not from rich families, but because we took intentional steps and made books our business, we are here today. I have a friend who has taught me to believe that education is the best equalizer,” she said.
Ms Among also joined others in applauding Namilyango College for being an integral part of Uganda’s history, noting that it “is difficult to have a proper narration of Uganda without mentioning Namilyango College, which has nurtured a number of Ugandans over the years.
“We cannot thank God enough for giving us the best hands and the wisdom that has maintained our School at the highest level to make the school the pride of our country,” she said.

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INTERVIEW: ‘DON’T ENVY INVESTOR HAM KIGGUNDU OVER HIS ZEAL TO RE-DEVELOP NAKIVUBO WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM, MAKE A DIFFERENCE’, SAYS DR. JOSEPH SERWADDA

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NEAR COMPLETION: Nakivubo War Memorial stadium under redevelopment

STORY BY:
MOSES MUGALULA
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

PRESIDING Apostle of the Born Again Faith in Uganda Dr. Joseph Serwadda has saluted Kampala Businessman Hamis Kiggundu for redeveloping Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium into a magnificent Stadium in the heart of Kampala calling upon other investors to venture into re-developing other stadiums within the country which are in a very sorry state.
In an exclusive interview with this leading investigative online news website, Dr. Serwaddwa did not have any kind words for the enemies of development who feel jealous of the amazing work at Nakivubo Stadium thay Tycoon Hamis Kiggundu is doing challenging them to do their part and put up better stadiums in different parts of the country.

Dr. Serwadda who owns Impact Media Consortium (IMC), one of the fastest growing media companies in Uganda said every city in the country has a stadium but in a very sorry state which needs redevelopment and urged those frustrating Hamis Kiggundu to ask Government for clearance to redevelop those stadias.
In our interview, Dr. Serwadda talked about a number of issues ranging from how successful 2022 end of year Passover Festival at Kyambogo was, how Sports in the Country can be revived and the fight against same sex marriage!

SAID IT ALL: Dr. Joseph Serwadda

In Part I of our Interview with the Presiding Apostle, we shall dwell so much on the issue of reviving Sports in the country and his take on the redevelopment of Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium by investor Hamis Kiggundu, CEO Ham Group of Companies.
Read on;

News Editor: A few days to Qatar 2022 World Cup Finals, you were heard during one of your Sunday morning Dream tv/impact radio popular show ‘Ebizimba Omwoyo’ praising Qatar on how it had prepared well for the world top event in football. 
Dr. Serwadda: Oh yes! 

News Editor: You took your viewers and listerners through all the eight designated venues for FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar plus other state-of-the-art accomodation places for vistors. You talked about Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium and Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan and Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Dr. Serwadda: Yes. Qatar had wonderful preparations.

News Editor: Do you see Uganda on the same page with Qatar as we target AFCON 2027 now that Nambole Stadium is under renovation by UPDF Engineering crew, tycoon Kiggundu is redeveloping Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium and money to construct more two Stadiums will be passed by Parliament in 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 National budgets respectively! Is it the right time, as a country to appreciate investor Hamis Kiggundu and look towards constructing more stadiums?
Dr. Serwadda: Definately Hamis Kiggundu is our hero and has set a precedent which other people need to follow but not enviying him. As a business mogul, Hamis Kiggundu wisely ventured into sports and has constructed a multi-billion stadium in heart of Kampala. Such a rare investor must instead be protected, celebrated, supported and prayed for, but not sabotaged, frustrated or fought by a section of leaders and their cohorts. Kiggundu has given our capital city facelift, he is a real nationalist. What a legacy this investor has put up? He has done a wonderful job for the country, let other investors emulate him instead of feeling jealous.

News editor: Do other investors have the same favours like that of Hamis Kiggundu to be given land to construct stadiums?

Dr. Serwadda: Do you know any one with such an idea but denied an opportunity? 

News editor: Is government willing to enter into a Public Private Partnership with such investors to redevelop our other stadiums?
Dr. Serwadda: I think, government should just open up and say, if you want to be an investor, and you give a certain percentage of intetest, we give you land or financial support. We have many stadiums all over the country which needs to be redeveloped. For example, Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara, Masaka Recreation Ground, Kakindu in Jinja, one in Hoima, Pece in Gulu and many more others in big cities are a shame! Personally I have been there, i have preached there. These places can now be availed for public use. Wiling investors show up and are given an opportunity to redevelop them into big stadiums. Each of the new cities, and other cities should have a standard stadium. Let there be businessmen who are willing to invest in that business. Let them do something good, put up facilities, matching with our security, then we will be top on the scope. Have good roads say from Namboole not such a small corridor of Bweyrogerere, Kireka, Banda. Which corridor becomes like a cattle track when we have a match there.

News editor: Parliament is also looking at passing a budget to construct two bigger stadiums matching Namboole.
Dr. Serwadda
: Parliament has interest in other things, i dont think they have that zeal.
Let government open up and we have more stadiums. I need to have a reason to walk out of home to go to the stadiums on weekend. We all want AFCON but it looks like we are not ready.
After we have constructed six or more stadiums, then we can venture into all those places and ask for big tournarments. There needs to be an effort where government lets go of sports to people with interest.

News editor: Dont you think this is a wake up call for the Ministry of Education and Sports?
Dr. Serwadda: But the ministry of sports itself, should be a substantive independent ministry not attached to Education. That thinking that footballers and other sports come from schools, is wrong. It isnt necessaliry that Children with sports talent are in schools only. We need an independent ministry to start identifying children with sports talent, either from schools or not. If he or she is in school, let that child be helped from school, if he or she didnt go to school, lets develop his or her natural talent. This ministry must be identifying talents from different regions.

News editor: You are looking speifically at the football sport?
Dr. Serwadda:
Ofcourse no! Sports is wide, it isnt necessaliry football. Ugandans have demonstrated other talents like in Netball, Atheletics. Uganda Atheleties are on world scale, winning world medals. Why do we lose that and instead put emphasis on football where our footballers cant win us bronze medals? Yet we have boxers and other sports. We have beaches on all our lakes, no body is even thinking beach soccer or beach volley ball. We are not versatile in our thinking concerning the sports industry. We are not using experts. Look at Uganda Cranes coach. He has been here before, how did he perform that guaranteed his return? Is it because he is the only competent coach? Really?
Sports Minister Peter Ogwang is ok for a ministry, but let him be a full cabinet minister, we give him new ideas. Sports ministry needs fresh blood, a sports lover, a sports enthusiast, when he has the enthusiasm some thing close to what Bakkabulindi had. Like you all saw minister Bakkabulindi. He used to go to the stadium not because he was a minister but because he liked football. 
Look at myself, i watch every game Uganda Cranes plays just to support them and i love our boys. Its my  team. And i was a sportsman. I loved so much football and i was a footballer. 

News editor: Is it true you were a boxer?
Dr. Serwadda: Yes I tried boxing and when i was beaten, i ran out of this sport. 

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‘WE ARE READY TO SAVE & MOBILIZE FUNDS FOR YOUR 2026 PRESIDENTIAL BID’, ‘MZEE TOVA KU BALLOT’ NRM YOUTH ASSURE MUSEVENI

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PHOTO: Kampala minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda officiating at a symposium in Makerere, Kawempe on Saturday, organised by ‘Mzee tova ku ballot’ NRM youth led by Eng. Joseph Sewava (2nd right)

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

TO prove their determination to keep ruling Party Chairman Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni on the ballot come 2026 General elections, hundreds of NRM Youth behind ‘Mzee Tova ku Ballot’ movement have shown their readiness to start saving and mobilizing funds to run his 2026 Presidential campaigns.
Speaking at a symposium organised to launch training of volunteers for awareness of NRM achievements and those of supreme leader President Yoweri Museveni at Makerere Yellow Primary school on Saturday, NRM’s Eng. Joseph Sewava comonly referred to as ‘State keeper’ to show gratitude to The Head of State for the steady progress of the country, youth not only want him back in 2026 but they are ready to save and mobilize funds to run President Museveni’s 2026 campaigns.
“In order to consolidate what we have achieved as a country, peace and stability, development and poverty alliviation, we want our great leader back on the 2026 ballot. Youth will save and mobilize all funds needed to run our party chairman campaigns.”
Said Eng. Sewava. 
He urged all members of NRM to contribute at least UGX 1000 as volunteers for 2026 President Museveni’s campaign.
For starters, Sewava is one of President Museveni’s blue eyed boys. On many functions, he is seen very close to the Head of State.
He is a businessman and Director at Alps 7th group, a construction company with a good track record in the construction industry. He is also the CEO of an umbrella Association of Medium and Small scale contractors in Uganda.
At the function in Makerere, Chief guest President Museveni delegated Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs.
Delivering President Museveni’s message, minister Kabanda thanked ‘Mzee Tova ku Ballot’ NRM youth for appreciating President Museveni’s sacrifice in liberating this country. She called for politics inclusiveness not bitterness for steady progress.
About the reinvention of the spirit of volunteering, Sewava said, it is well documented that NRA was successful in liberation struggle because of voluntarism.
“It is in the same spirit that we have organized this first ever volunteering conference.” Sewava told minister Minsa Kabanda.
He revealed that this awareness group will be responsible for training youths in preaching the message of tolerance and honesty among Ugandans some of the virtues that need to be inculcated and emphasized in society. 
The conference also trained youths in combating poverty using the Parish Development Model and Emyooga as emphasized by the President during a presidential address to Parliament on Thursday last wee.
The other most crucial objective of the conference was on how to devise ways the team can reach various religious and opinion leaders talk to President Yoweri Museveni on considering to stand again for President in 2026 in order to galvanize the country’s achievements as they prepare for transition.
This voluntarism conference also encouraged youth to be good ambassadors of the NRM as they preach the Party gospel and recruit more. 

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HOW HOIMA DISTRICT LC 5 CHAIRMAN & BODY GUARD PERISHED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT LAST NIGHT: POLICE REPORT OUT! 

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GONE TOO SOON: Body of Kirungi Kadiri, Chairman Hoima district who perished in an accident on Friday night

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

BLACK cloud is still covering over the surfaces of Hoima District, Bunyoro Subregion, its a somberly mood every where, people are experiencing unusual coldness after receiving very sad news that their son of the soil who is the LC 5 District Chairman Kirungi Kadiri, 47 years old perished in a fatal accident yesterday night at a place called Mataagi, Bukomero in Kiboga district along Hoima-Kampala Highway! 
Chairman Kirungi was driving a car Prado Land Cruiser Grey in colour Reg. No. UAH 053Q. 
In Chairman’s car was his body guard NO. 74373 PC Otim Bosco aged 25 years, Acholi by tribe, a police officer attached to Hoima Central Police Station. Also Otim perished with his boss Kirungi!
According to the police traffic Kiboga report released by Wamala Region; Kiboga Police Station ‘TAR 23/2023’, the nature of accident was fatal! Police report says, accident happened on 17/03/23 at 2200/C.

BRIEF FACTS:
It’s alleged that MV UBB 059Z Fuso fighter white in colour was travelling from Kampala heading to Kiboga side being driven yet to be identified driver who fled off from the scene. On reaching Mataagi bridge, the Fuso driver tried to dodge a pothole and his motor vehicle swerved off from it’s lane on to it’s right hand side but it met Motor vehicle UAH 053Q  which was heading to Kampala side from Hoima and was being driven by Kirungi Kadiri, chairman LC5 Hoima District making head on collision. Kirungi Kadiri with his escort PC Otim Bosco sustained injuries and both died on spot. 

POLICE ACTIONS
Scene was visited by Asp Lokut Julius oc traffic Kiboga, SOCO Bukomero, PC Komakech with the crew of UP 5734
Deceased bodies conveyed to Kiboga hospital mortuary and pf 48a and pf 48b issued for postmortem.
Scene cleared to allow partial traffic flow as the road was completely blocked by the heavy truck .
The process to tow the Mvs to Bukomero police station delayed due to unavailability of the breakdown in the nearby area. However, they will be subjected to IOV for inspection.
The driver of Motor vehicle UBB 059Z is at large 

EXHIBITS RECOVERED
● Smg riffle No. UG POL 563687959 with 30 rounds of live  amunitions  suspected to have been held by PC OTIM BOSCO 
● 1 piece of tear gas canister  
● Mobile phone suspected to be of PC OTIM BOSCO 

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PR. KYAZZE LEADS WITH 80% IN FINAL OPINION POLL: SEE HOW THE 16 REGIONS WILL VOTE TOMORROW TO DETERMINE THE NEXT BORN AGAIN’S TOP LEADER

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OPINION POLL: Blue represents Pastor Micheal David Kyazze’s score

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

IN just a few hours to the polls where a new leader of the National Fellowship for Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda will be elected, Omega Healing Church International senior Pastor Dr. David Micheal Kyazze is leading with 80% in the final opinion poll. Unless things change tonight, Kyazze is heading to a massive win come tomorrow’s election.

According to an opinion poll carried out from all the 16 regions which will determine the new NFBPC General Overseer (GO) tomorrow Thursday March 16, 2023, Pr. Dr. Micheal Kyazze is leading in 15 regions including his competitor Bishop Moses Odongo’s home region! Opinion poll shows, Odongo is only beating Pastor Kyazze in Ankole region.

This opinion poll has been carried out by experts who have traversed the whole country to ascertain, who is the next NFBPC General Overseer after Bishop Joshua Lwere. They have talked to a number of delegetes who will decide tomoorow’s election. They have also engaged the out going leaders and other pastors.
For starters, race for the OG has five candidates. They are; David Micheal Kyazze, Joseph Nsubuga, Odongo Moses, Oduch George and Ssemazzi Fredrick.

News editor Media , a leading investigative news website in Uganda has talked to EC Chairman Apostle Rogers Zziwa and assured the country of a free and fair election.
He said, “All is set for tomorrow’s election, we will do all our best to organise a free and fair election. We will not entertain voter bribery and any candidate got doing so, will be dealt with. This is a born-again frateryinity.”
Chairman Zziwa said he leads an independent commision which stands on its own. He told us, “It’s true any body who sits in a place of power would like to influence us but it depends on the firmness of the people tasked to do the work. As a commission, we have always opted for a professional approach. And we will remain independent.” 
He said, they were elected by the AGM and on top of that, they are Pastors. They fear God and will never be corrupted.
In this story, we bring you the 16 regions making up National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda and how they are likely to vote tomorrow according to the final opinion poll, using a plus or minus approach;

CENTRAL REGION
It has 210 voters;
Kyazze 140
Nsubuga 05
Odongo  O2
Oduch 02
Ssemazzi 05
Un decided 56

KAMPALA REGION
It has 30 voters;
Kyazze 12
Nsubuga 04
Odongo 05
Oduch 04
Ssemazzi 02
Undecided 3

BUSOGA REGION
Total number of voters are 90;
Kyazze 55
Nsubuga 10
Odongo 25
Oduch 01
Ssemazzi 01

BUKEDEA REGION
Total number of voters are 60;
Kyazze 35
Nsubuga 05
Odongo 15
Oduch 01
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 03

ELGON REGION
Total number of voters are 90;
Kyazze 60
Nsubuga 05
Odongo 05
Oduch 01
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 18

TESO REGION
It has 95 voters;
Kyazze 50
Nsubuga 01
Odongo 35 
Oduch 02
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 06

KARAMOJA REGION
Total number of voters are 80;
Kyazze 40
Nsubuga 01
Odongo 30
Oduch 05
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 03

LANGO REGION
Total number of voters  are 85;
Kyazze  50
Nsubuga 01
Odongo 20
Oduch 05
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 08

ACHOLI REGION
Total number of voters are 75;
Kyazze 35
Ndubuga 01
Odongo 30
Oduch 02
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 06

WEST NILE REGION
Total number of voters are 110;
Kyazze 70
Nsubuga 01
Odongo 10
Oduch 10
Ssemazzi 05
Undecided 14

BUNYORO REGION
Has 80 voters;
Kyazze 45
Nsubuga 02
Odongo 10 
Oduch 10
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 12

RWENZORI REGION
Total number of voters are 85;
Kyazze 60
Nsubuga 02
Odongo 05
Oduch 02
Ssemazzi 01
Undecided 15

ANKOLE REGION
Total number of voters are 115
Kyazze 20
Nsubuga 10
Odongo 60
Oduch 05
Ssemazzi 05
Undecided 15

KIGEZI REGION
Total number of voters 60;
Kyazze 40
Nsubuga 01
Odongo 05
Oduch 02
Ssemazzi 03
Undecided 09

SOUTHEN REGION
It has 80 voters;
Kyazze 40
Nsubuga 05
Odongo 15
Oduch 01
Ssemazzi 05
Undecided 14

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‘HE IS A LIAR’, STATE HOUSE DENIES ENDORSING MOSES ODONGO FOR BORN-AGAIN GENERAL OVERSEER, WARNED AGAINST IMPERSONATION

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HARD TIME AHEAD: Odongo and wife being played for

STORY BY: 
SHARON ASIO

BISHOP Moses Odongo who has been moving around bragging how President Museveni endorsed him for the General Overseer National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda is a liar, State House has disowned him! 
An official communication from Mr. Faruk Kirunda, the Deputy Press Secretary to H.E the President says, “It is not true that State House endorsed Moses Odongo like he alleges and no any kind of offer from State House to him.”
State House continues to clarify that no tractors or motorcycles will be given to Moses Odongo as he lied to Pastors in exchange for their votes.
Odongo has been henceforth warned to stop dragging President Museveni and State House into his politics reminding him that he will be made to pay for his sins if he doesnt stop impersonation.
This comes after this investigative news website consulted State House over Thursday next week General Overseer elections in Kampala, to tell us about ‘their candidate Moses Odongo’. We also asked State House how true the reports are, that they will give tractors and motocycles to Pastors country wide if Odongo is elected General Overseer NAFBAC, as he promised voters. State House has categolically distanced itself from this election saying, Odongo’s allegations are typical lies.
Five candidates are vying for the General Overseer office in an election which is slated for March 16, 2023 on Thursday, this week.
The candidates are; Dr. David Micheal Kyazze of Omega Healing Church International, Nsubuga Joseph, Odongo Moses, Oduki G and Ssemazzi F.
For starters, one of the top campaign tools for Odongo was that he is the official State House candidate for the General Overseer seat and that if pastors massively vote for him, he will get them tractors and motorcycles from State House, a pledge State House isn’t aware of.
Odongo has also been promising delegetes free transport and accomodation in Kampala at the election day eve.
Reliable sources say, its Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral who fronted and bankrolls Odongo’s campaigns the fact being that  the two are longtime alies and Odongo is branded a Kayanja’s spy in National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda.
In fact Jessica, Kayanja’s wife and Odongo’s wife are also buddies,  no wonder, Jessica courted her husband to financially fuel Odongo’s campaigns.
Jessica connvened a meeting with women to fundraise and campaign for Odongo. 
It is also said, to show that Kayanja wants to bag NAFBAC, he has been releasing UGX 10M every month to finance Odongo’s campaigns.
Recently, Pastors in NAFBAC vowed to throw out Odongo saying if he wants to be a leader, let him go and contest against Pastor Robert Kayanja in his Miracle Centre Ministries. 
Odongo is facing a hard rock after Pastors in NAFBAC rejected his candidature. 
Our reporters are on ground to find out who is likely to win this election. In our story tomorrow, we will bring the latest opinion poll.
In other news, there was chaos at Destine Schools Katende of Mrs. Eva Ssejjobyo, former wife to late Apostle Michael Mugerwa, when Teso and Karamoja pastors whose children were promised bursaries at this school if they support Moses Odongo for General Overseer, were asked to pay for requirement fees which amount doubles schools fees they pay back in the village.
Mrs. Eva Ssejjobyo is a staunch supporter of Odongo. When they went to Karamoja and Teso, they offered bursaries to 30 children from each of the two regions.
We are told this led to chaos as Itesots and Karimajongo vowed to roast Odongo and Eva Ssejjobyo alive for telling them lies. They got annoyed and regretted why they had brought their children to Eva Ssejjobyo’s school. 
Still, parents were shocked to find empty classrooms with no students asking whether this was a school or chicken houses.

EC BANS TRANSPORTATION OF DELEGATES AHEAD OF THURSDAY GENERAL OVERSEER ELECTION
The Electoral Commission in charge of election of The General Overseer (GO) National Fellowship of The Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda due next week on Thursday March 16th 2023 has banned all candidates from transporting delegetes to the polling centre. 
This will be the work of EC. Any candidate who will interfere with the work of EC will face it rough.
According to EC Chairman Apostle Zziwa (in the photo below), all delegetes from the 16 regions making up National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda should instead wait for the official communication from EC on how they will be transported.
Reports show, one of the candidates Moses Odongo has been moving around promising delegates free transportation in exchange for their votes.
EC says, this is corruption and will not be tolerated.

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‘PARLIAMENT PROBE REPORT FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF MISUSE OF FUNDS’, NSSF BOSSES FINALLY SPEAK OUT, GIVE REASONS WHY THEY WILL NOT RESIGN

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PHOTO: From left; Barbra Arimi, Dr. Kimbowa, MD Ayota and Mr. Ssenyonjo

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

The Parliament Select Committee report on status of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) found no evidence that member funds were stolen or misused by the Board or Management.
Announcing the Fund’s response to the Parliament report for the first time, NSSF Board Chairman Dr. Peter Kimbowa commonly known as Dr. PK told media at Workers House in Kampala today Monday, March 13, 2023, that the absence of any such evidence is also an affirmation that members’ savings can be trusted with the Fund.
“First of all, we applaud the Committee; it is not easy to investigate an entity of our size and complexity over a 20-year period in 2 to 3 weeks, but they were able to do so. We, therefore, like to register our appreciation for the rigorous and robust probe.”
He however revealed to the media that, from the report, there is neither evidence nor conclusion that any individual at the Fund had stolen member funds, despite the numerous allegations in the media purporting bribery and mismanagement of Funds.

“In effect, the committee report brings to light the fact that the famous UGX 6Bn was never disbursed, nor was the UGX 1.8Bn shared among board members. The work plans had not been approaved by the Board.” Said Dr. Kimbowa.
He noted that, “The current NSSF Board has not and will not compromise our fiduciary duty to all NSSF members to ensure prudent and profitable management of the Fund.”
On March 01, 2023, the Committee Chairman Hon. Mwine Mpaka presented the report to Parliament whose recommendations were adopted last week on March 09, 2023. The Committee had earlier been selected by the Speaker of Parliament to investigate the alleged mismanagement of N9iiSSF.
Dr. Kimbowa added that the Fund only refrained from responding to the report to enable the Parliamentary process to take its course, but that, should in no way be construde to mean that the Fund agrees with all the contents and conclusions of the report.
“In some instances, we find the report devoid of important context and contains inaccuracies, especially regarding investments. For instance, the Fund has a total of 210 investments, however, only one, the West Nile Golf Club, has lost value. In our opinion, the fact that the Committee had to go back almost two decades to find one investment that has lost value shows that the Fund has had a stellar performance over the years.” Revealed Dr. Peter Kimbowa.
Patrick Micheal Ayota, the Acting Managing Director NSSF also said that whereas the report highlights areas where the Fund must improve, the Committee did not consider the context or information provided in many instances.
Before any funds are committed, Ayota said, the user department must provide justification for the procurement process to commence or satisfy the Accounting Officer, among others, of the value for money. Just because an item appears on the budget does not mean the money has to be spent.
“Because of this, the Committee assumed that budgeting means spending at the Fund, which is far from the truth. Budgets are plans that are informed by market assessments.” He informed public.
Ag MD noted that, “Our investment philosophy is guided by the investment Policy and Guidlines, as well as the URBRA Investment Guidelines. One key component is the principle of diversification is a realization that not all investments will perform well all the time.”
Therefore, Ag. MD Ayota said, any fund’s investment performance must therefore be analyzed in terms of the entire portfolio, rather than cherry-picking as the committee did. An analysis of the Fund’s investment portfolio over the last 12 years shows consistent growth of the assets and a competitive return.
He also pointed out that the Fund noted instances where the committee appears to not have considered the facts availed by the Fund.
For example, the issue of onboarding of Geomapping technology to help the Fund easily trace employers. We cearly demonstrated that the technology is fully operational and there is value for money. 
Other areas where the committee did not consider facts include payment of perfomance bonus, Corporate Social Responsibility, penalty waivers and legacy investments like West Nile Golf Club and Workers House land title.
Ayota saidthat the committee agreed that the facts about the Fund’s performance are indisputable and assured NSSF members and the public of the Board and Management’s commitment to ensuring the security and safety of members’ savings.

NSSF’S DECADE OF GROWTH: FACTS & FIGURES
● The Fund’s Assets Under Management have increased from UGX 1.7 Trillion to UGX 18 Trillion in just 12 years.
● NSSF is the only noteworthy mobiliser of large pool of a long-term domestic8 capital for development funding which has enabled the Government to become less reliant on foreign capital.
● NSSF has consistently grown the value of members’ savings by paying a real return, better than other peers in the region.
●  NSSF has the lowest cost of adminitration at 1.17% , not among peers in the region but better than the gobal benchmark of 2.20% 
● Through efficient systems, the Fund pays all qualifying members their benefits when they are due in just 7 days on average.
The press briefing was conducted by Ms. Barbra Arimi, Head Marketing and Corporate Affairs. Other officials present were Mr. Edward Ssenyonjo the Chief risk officer, Agnes corporate secretary and Milton Owol Head Human Resource.

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UNDERSTANDING PARLIAMENTARY REPORT ON NSSF: HERE IS WHY IT DISMISSED ALLEGATIONS OF FINANCIAL LOSS ON SELECT INVESTMENT PROJECTS

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NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

THE Parliament select committee which investigated the mismanagement of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has dismissed allegations of financial loss on select investment projects in their report tabled in Parliament on 2nd March 2023.
These projects include the investment in MTN, Quality Chemicals, construction of Mbuya Citadel apartments and the Fund’s land in Mbarara.
Regarding the investment in MTN and Quality Chemicals , the committee observed that the Fund’s participation in equity purchase in both companies was in conformity with the Capital Markets Authority(CMA) and Uganda Security Exchange (USE) rules. CMA and USE are responsible for stock exchange in Uganda.
In addition, the report noted that both transactions were duly approved according to the Fund’s investment approval process, and no commissions were given to NSSF staff in the transaction.
The Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development , Betty Amongi Ongom who is responsible for the supervision of the Fund since January 2022, had earlier made corruption allegations in the purchase of shares in both companies. She however failed to provide evidence in support of her claims to the Parliamentary select committee during the two weeks probe into the mismanagement of the Fund.
NSSF is the second largest institutional shareholder in MTN Uganda with an 8.84% shareholding. It earned an initial shs 9.8 billion profit on the investment in 2021.
The select committee report also observed that there was no exchange of money in form of kickbacks during the construction of the Fund’s housing project located in Mbuya. The project dubbed The Citadel Place is a modern contemporary housing project in Mbuya – an upscale Kampala Suburb and comprises of 40 high-end apartments.
Regarding the Fund’s land in Mbarara, the report noted that there was no exchange of money for the sale of the land as earlier alleged by the Gender Minister.
On the purchase of land in Nakigala, it was noted that no money was approved for the purchase of the said land and that it hasn’t been purchased yet due to numerous claims of ownership on the land that require lengthy due diligence and approval processes. It was earlier alleged that the Fund had provisioned for shs400bn for the purchase of land in Nakigala and yet the supervising Minister had obtained a lower evaluation of the same land at shs246million only.
While appearing before the select committee, NSSF management also 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.
The Select Committee was 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).

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PASTOR KAYANJA IN FRESH TROUBLES, BORN-AGAIN FRATERNITY REJECTS HIS BACKED CANDIDATE FOR GENERAL OVERSEER OVER NDA FAKE DRUGS SAGA

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Bishop Nsubuga (In a necktie standing next to Pastor Kayanja) in a group photo with other Pastors recently

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

RUBAGA Miracle Centre Church backed candidate for the top office of National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda (NAFBAC) Bishop Moses Odongo is facing rejection from the Born Again fraternity saying his mentor and funder Robert Kayanja’s latest fake drugs scandal may lead the fraternity into public distrust and destruction.
For starters, Miracle Centre Cathedral and the Robert Kayanja Ministries are not part of NAFBAC, they have their own nationwide fraternity called the Miracle League.
However, Pr. Kayanja and the Miracle group are trying to gain control over NAFBAC by having one of their own inside NAFBAC win the fraternity’s top leadership. 

Moses Odongo owns Streams of life church in one of Kampala’s suburbs. This one is new in NAFBAC, he joined a few years ago.
We are also informed, another aspirant a one Bishop Joseph Nsubuga is also courting Kayanja to give him financial backup and with General Overseer elections.
Nsubuga is a pastor of Komamboga Ambassadors of Encouragement Church in Komamboga. 
We shall come back to this later….

KAYANJA’S FAKE DRUG SCANDAL
For about three weeks now, there has been a humongous fake drugs controversy involving Pastor Kayanja of The Miracle Centre movement in Uganda.
Abiaz Rwamwizi, The National Drug Authority (NDA) Public Relations Officer broke the news that Pastor Kayanja and associates at his Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral are under investigation for producing and selling a fake/dangerous acaricide (veterinary drug) called Tick-Off. Declaring that Pastor Kayanja and his associates are under investigation and could face between five to ten years of imprisonment if pinned by the law, NDA also revealed that they had seized some of the suspected fake veterinary drugs in his church which were matched with samples they had already tested in the laboratory and found both to be fake and dangerous. 

NDA UNAPOLOGETIC
On February 10, 2022, lawyers of Katende, Ssempebwa and Co. (KATS), on instructions of Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral wrote to The Chief Executive Officer National Drug Authority (NDA) demanding notice cum notice of intention to sue. 
In this letter, lawyers noted how they had been informed by Pastor Kayanja that Abiaz Rwamwiri, published defamatory remarks about Pastor Kayanja through his Twitter account on January 11 2023 relying on one of Kayanja’s church sessions alleging that he said, he, ‘Has superpowers of killing ticks in animals’, which information lawyers said, was different from what was contained in the said video.
On February 7, 2023, Rwamwiri published a press release titled; ‘Counterfeit Tickoff Arcaricide being promoted by Pastor Robert Kayanja.”
Rwamwizi wrote that Pastor Kayanja was using his advantaged position to lure desperate farmers and that his intention was not only criminal but also intended to cheat Ugandans. It was alleged that over 100 samples had been impouded from his church stores and had tested positive of contamination with dangerous Android banned chemicals.
“Statements alleging that Pastor Kayanja involved in production and distribution of counterfeit were unfounded as our client is not the owner nor manufacturer of the product in issue and there was no report published by National Drug Authority to confirm the said findings.” Reads letter from Kayanja’s lawyers.
However by presstime, NDA’s Rwamwizi had not deleted his tweets pinning Kayanja to have involved himself in fake drugs neither writing an apology like Kayanja demanded. This means, NDA is still insisting on its position.

BACK TO THE GENERAL OVERSEER ELECTIONS
The election of new leadership for the National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches of Uganda (NAFBAC) is just five weeks away. 
It will be held on the 16th of March 2023, and inside the Balokole/Born-Again circles there is some real anxiety over who is going to replace Bishop Joshua Lwere as NAFBAC General Overseer. 
A number of aspirants are contending to replace Bishop Lwere and the best suited will definately lead NAFBAC over the next five years (2023-2028).
In this investigative story, we will specifically look at the two aspiring candidates who are in Kayanja’s good books, Moses Odongo and Nsubuga, to help NAFBAC understand the game plan so that they can make an informed choice on the polling day. 
It’s a fact, Kayanja is in bed with Odongo and doing everything to make sure his favourite wins this election.
Insiders say, for a very long time, Odongo has been Kayanja’s spy in NAFBAC and now wants his agent to takeover the Fellowship so that it dances on the tunes of Rubaga Miracle Centre.
This investigative news website can reliably report that Jessica Kayanja and Odongo’s wife are very close and Jessica played a big role in influencing her husband to bankroll Odongo’s move so that he takesover from Bishop Joshua Lwere.
Bishop Odongo is a spiritual son, as well as close ally of Pr. Kayanja and his Miracle Centre Cathedral. His church is one of the foremost ministry-offsprings of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral.
By the matter of fact that Odongo is number one candidate for Miracle Centre family of churches, a fraternity that has never changed leadership since it’s inception, worries a lot National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches.
A section of top pastors in NAFBAC believes, the Fellowship doesn’t need a General Overseer endorsed by the Miracle Centre camp to lead Balokole/Pentecostals of Uganda. 
“That camp has done enough harm to the image of the church in Uganda, and the Balokole fraternity of Uganda will be so much better off if we can steer clear of that camp.” Said one of the senior Pastors from Ankole. He told us that the drug saga is only unfolding, but it is the latest in a long chain of controversies involving Pastor Kayanja/Miracle Centre which have soiled the name of the Ugandan Balokole/Pentecostal fraternity over the years. 
“We all know about the homosexuality scandal that continues to unravel even today, and we also know about the wine-smuggling story. Not to mention countless smaller scandals that have over the years made the rounds about Pastor Kayanja and Miracle Centre church/group of churches.” Said another Pastor who advised Kayanja to mind about organizing his ministry than disorganizing NAFBAC.
Bishop Nsubuga and Odongo are one and the same, they suckle the same spiritual mother or father if thats what you may prefer. 

ABOUT BISHOP NSUBUGA
Investigation shows, this one wasnt known so much by Kayanja until he approached a certain Miracle Centre Pastor to link him to Pastor Robert.
We were informed that Kayanja openly told Nsubuga how he is still studying his letter requesting for the support, although his candidate for the seat is Odongo.
The two and other Pastors recently had a meeting and took a group photo.

FEARS OF LGBTQ CASH POURED IN ELECTIONS
There are solid rumours that a lot of LGBTQ money is being channelled through some groups for the purpose of getting Ugandan Balokole tightly in the grip of their nefarious agenda.
“Balokole/Pentecostals had better choose a more viable option. We can’t afford to have such groups lead us.” Said a source.

Wait for Part II of the story

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‘WE ARE FED UP WITH YOUR NEGLIGENCE OVER MIGRANT WORKERS’, 100 EXTERNAL LABOUR COMPANIES FINALLY BREAK AWAY FROM UAERA, FORM NEW ASSOCIATION AS INTERPOL IS QUESTIONED

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PHOTO: When marathon was organised to raise UGX 5 billion to set up a rehabilitation centre for migrant workers

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
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OVER 100 licenced external labour companies that do recruitment have parted ways from older Association called Uganda Association of External Recruitment Agencies (UAERA), 
and formed a new one called External Labour Agencies of Uganda (ELAU) headed by Mwesigwa Tomson, accusing Chairman Baker Akatambira and Secretary General Winnie Catherine Banura of mismagement of funds, corruption and abuse of office.
ELAU is now questioning how leaders in UAERA obtained Certificates of Good Conduct from Interpol saying they are not supposed to even be members of the Association since they are on record as criminals.
ELAU members who included Nyakwera Nadia and Milton Omurwok told this investigative online news website how they can no longer work under UAERA leaders who have totally failed to protect and observe the welfare of migrant workers. Due to vulnerability and the surging levels of unemployment in the country, Ugandans especially the youth, have opted to leave the country in search of better-paying jobs.

For starters, UAERA is an umbrella body incorporated in 2013 with an aim of bringing together all licenced labour export companies as a coalition to advocate for better operations of its members.
The Association initially started Thirteen (13) out of the Forty (40) registered companies at the time and grew its membership to Two Hundred Seventy (270) members out of Three Hundred and forty (340) licenced external labour recruitment companies that are registered and supervised by the ministry of Gender, labour and social development.
In a letter to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social development (MoGLSD), external labour companies which formed new Association ELAU said, they were fed up of UAERA leaders faulting them of not being bothered about the welfare principle of the migrant workers and they were more even concerned and interested in how best they can ripple off these migrant workers which saw them getting in very dubious deals which are against the articles the Association.
The letter to MoGLSD reads, “To UAERA, it was not as in how best do i help the migrant workers but rather it was how best do i ripple off the migrant worker.”
“So as Members of UAERA, when we realised this act, we were not happy, and we thought we could bring sanity and order to this sector. Whereby, we had to. So, what we did as Members of UAERA, we demanded that we should have an explanation over the same upon getting proof of the involvement in acts that contradict the articles of the association.” Reads a letter by external labour companies which later broke away from UAERA.
ELAU says, UAERA chairman and the secretary general were directly involved in dubious deals which in return affect migrant workers, they decided to part ways.
Under the External recruitment regulations, ELAU told Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, a person with criminal record is not allowed to own or even be involved in management of affairs of a recruitment firm. 
Their letter says, “The Chairman Baker Akatambira, for example is criminal convict and therefore barred from occupying any public office. He was convicted by Anti Corruption Court on a criminal offence in Uganda vs Akantambira Baker, Criminal case number 0089/2014 on 24/9/2014. The record of this matter is available for the public to confirm.” ELAU reasoned that they couldnt continue being under office occupied by people with criminal record.
Member companies in the new Association believes that UAERA failed to fulfill their mandate, instead the association is ful of corruption and abuse of office, Mismanagement of Association funds, human trafficking allegations against members, denial of freedom of expression of member, among others .

HERE IS WHY 100 CAMPANIES FORMED ELAU 
● Protect and observe the welfare of migrant workers
● Regulate and ensure strict adherence to the code of conduct laws, regulations and giidelines set by the ministry of Labour.
● Promote the collective business interests of members while protecting the best interest of our customers and migrant workers.
● Ensure transparency, build confidence in the public and make the business attractive and sustainable.
● Review the concerns of UAERA members and act on their behalf in the persuit of solutions to problems related to recruitment.
● Promote the postive image of the association and its members and engage with the ministry on issues of common interest to the members and association.

Break away companies say, UAERA leaders who were supposed to be a mirror of the association, instead became agents of foreigners, “An act which caused more suffering of our boys and girls following the increasing cash flow in the association, the leadership of UEARA deviated from the objectives and interests of the association and ventured into promoting and working towards achieving their individual interests and abusing their offices.”
The leadership failure to improve the sector resulted into members’ total disregard of the sector rules and engaging in illegal business that resulted into deterioration of working conditions of the migrant workers and greatly affected the business and image of the country not only in Africa but also in the entire world.

GRIEVANCES WHICH RESULTED INTO BREAK AWAY OF ELAU AS TOLD TO MINISTRY OF LABOUR
Corruption and Abuse of Office
The Association leadership lost grip of traits of leaders and focussed on satisfying themselves as individuals at the expense of the members. They engaged in extortion of funds and using their positions to benefit themselves and establishing cartels to foster theit objects and torment those who criticize their behaviours.
For example; Exorting members by requiring them to pay exhorbitant fees on Yellow fever clearances.
The leadership headed by the Chairman Mr. Baker Akantambira and the Secretary General Winnie Cstherine Banura were allegedly involved in systematic extortion and racketeering by creation of a monopoly company ARLHU that extorts and controls providers of yellow fever vaccination. This saw the cost of yellow fever vaccination cards increase from UGX 40,000 (Forty Thousand shillings) and UGX 60,000 (Sixty Thousand Shillings) to UGX 80,000 (Eighty Thousand Shillings) and UGX 120,000 (One hundred twenty thousand  shillings) respectively. They further downsized the number of clinics offering the size to 16, accredited to carry out the vaccination. 

Mismanagement of Association Funds
UAERA activities are usually funded by members’ money. This money is acquired from membership fees, subscription, donations, Budget support from members and other sources. It is meant for supporting the secretariat and paying for running expenses such as rent, salaries and travel costs, etc. Poor management practices resulted in deplation of members’ funds, channeling funds away from planned activities and operating budgets that were approved by members.
UAERA leaders completely refused to provide books of accounts to its members to be able to know how the monies collected are spent however they continue to demand money from members and also go ahead to email them exaggereted invoices to fund the association.
UAERA liabilities have been growing over the years from 800 Million in 2020 to 1.2 Bn in the year 2022 despite members’ contribution of funds to offset the liabilities. This is a derivative of the Mismanagement of members’ funds associated with the misuse and potential loss of funds which raises questions about the integrity of the leaders in charge of the funds. Misappropriation constitutes a deliberate act of the misuse of money.
The UAERA leadership has largely engaged itself in the mismagement of member funds paid to the association whereby, at one-point month, the landlord locked the premises of UAERA for non-payment of rent. This was very embarrassing to the sector and members who contribute generously a fee of two million five hundred thousand shillings to the association UGX 2,500,000/= (Two Million and Five Hundred Thousand Shillings) This misuse of funds is clearly brought out in the auditor’s report.

Human Trafficking Allegations Against Members
The Chairman, Secretary General and their cartel after successfully imposing 20,000/= on every Ugandan engaged in yet another risky business of human trafficking. They wanted to introduce another desk at the international airport in the disguise of curbing human trafficking which would require every traveller to pay 30 dollars for monitoring. 
UAERA leaders lied to different labour export companies that AEHLU team found traffickers using their license and also in possesssion of yellow fever cards and asked them to file charges against the clinic owners and asked them to serve a copy to the Permanent Secretary MoGLSD and the OC Station Entebbe Aviation Police.
This saw their cartel release a number of documents on UAERA platform supporting their fraudulent move authored by the Presidential Advisor to the Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Walusimbi. Followed by other subsquent letters to justify their creation of their sinister motives which plan was countered by the respective Doctors through their Association, Yellow Fever Accredited Facilities Association filed a petition against the Chairman and the Secretary General respectively in Anti-corruption Court. 
Despite the fact that all members pay equal contribution to the Association, the leadership is consolidated among a small group of those who started thd Association. They continue to use their power to keep other members with limited rights and mandate.

Denial of Freedom of Expression to members
Article 29 (1) (a) of the Constitution guarantees Freedom of Expression. However, the leadership of UAERA does not allow its members to freely express themselves whereby, the Vice Chairman of UAERA Bogere Ibrahim on 17th January 2023 wrote to all members instructing them to desist from making any comments about the yellow fever saga against the Chairman and Secretary General. And those who made an attempt to, were immediately ejected from the UAERA official platform an act that contravenes the provisions of freedom of expression. 

Lack of corporate governance
An Association like UAERA is required to exhibit high moral aspects of corporate governance and implement all the tenets of a good board. This would account for transparency, independence, acciuntability and pay attention to risk aversion in the company. 
Instead of attending to the demands of the day, our board has damaged the Association internally and potentially caused external negative publicity. The board state shows lack of confidentiality, conflicting agendas, lack of order, lack of respect for others, promotes a hostile environment, creates secret meetings, foster personal agendas, has a lack of trust, and creating an environment of dominating members plus non participating members.
The board only serve to rubber stamp what some Associations personalities want and acts as a cheerleader. The board micromanaged the affairs of the secretariat by erroneously assuming key management functions and only uphold the chief executive as a manager of individual agenda with no power to make independent decisions. The board runs fully thd affairs of the secretariat including all the funds.
The board works in a balkanized fashin, and concerned with only finances and not holistic operations. They do not regularly assess their performance and embody professional standards. The board has been reluctant to discuss strategy, inability to deal with disruptive behaviour by the Chairman and Secretary General a structure that creates confusion.

Wait for Part II of the story!

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