LAWYERS of Mugarura, Kwarisiima & Co. Advocates acting on the instructions of a one Namatovu Angella whose money was withdrawn from her bank account without her consent has written to Equity Bank Uganda Ltd a demand notice cum notice of intention to sue. In a two pager demand notice received by Equity Bank Uganda, lawyers say, “Our instructions are, to demand as we hereby do, that you refund our client’s money, to a tune of Ug. Shs. 5,126,421/= ( Five million one hundred twenty six thousand four hundred twenty one shillings), pay our client in special and general damages amounting to Ug. Shs. 5,000,000/= (Five million shillings) as well as our legal fees of Ug. Shs. 2,000,000/= (Two Million Shillings) and provide a public apology to our client.”
Page 1 of lawyers demand notice to Equity Bank
Page 2
“Should you fail to heed to our demand within 7 days from of the date of receipt of this letter, we shall have no other choice but to institute civil proceedings against you.” Reads a demand notice cum intention to sue. Lawyers have notified Equity Bank Uganda that, “It is well within your knowledge that on the 18th June and 20th June 2022, our client’s bank account with you, vide acc. No. 1010100909543 was debited in the sums of Ug. Shs. 2,330,192/= (two million three hundred thirty thousand one hundred ninety one shillings), Ug. Shs. 2, 330,199/= (two million three hundred thirty thousand one hundred ninety one shillings) and Ug. Shs. 466,039/= (Four hundred sixty six thousand thirty nine shillings) respectively.” Lawyers have told Equity Bank that, their client upon discovery of loss of her money from her account, she contacted her bank for rectification of the issue or a solution, wherein they informed her that the three transactions through which the money was deducted were conducted online using her debit card number 4860xxxx9407 via a “Zazu Africa limited” (merchant)website. “Our client has never signed up to use her bank account for online transactions or any online banking service.” Lawyers reminded Equity Bank Uganda. They said, “You further informed our client that she had authorised those transactions through her purported telephone number “267 788 286 750″. That has never been our client’s telephone number. (A copy of the response is attached for your ease of response).” Lawyers say, the loss of their client’s funds through unsolicited online transactions well aware that she had never registered her account for any online transactions is based on Equity Bank. This coupled with unclear answers in handling the issue, lawyers say, has shown a high level of negligence by Equity Bank in handling their client’s funds, as well as breach of the banker-customer relationship. “Your actions also amount to fraud, as you have unreasonably deprived our client of her money banked with your entity for which we hold you liable.” Reads the demand notice cum intention to sue. On several occasions, lawyers have revealed that their client has written to Equity Bank and made various phone calls to try and have her money refunded on her account, but this bank has remained adamant to do the same and they have ignored Namatovu Angella’s phone calls. “Our client has made various losses and has found it hard providing medical care for her sick mother who is due to undergo surgery and as a result of your actions, you are liable to damages.” Reads a demand notice to Equity Bank signed by Mugarura, Kwarisiima & Co. Advocates. Yesterday, Equity Bank Uganda released a statement of defence saying their client (Namatovu Angella) reported to them how a suspected fraudulent withdraw of funds from my account between June 18th to 20th, 2022 amounting to 5.1M in 3 installments, ”using her card”. Bank said, “Card transactions approval is made using card details and a one time password which is sent to registered mobile phone.” However, Namatovu rubbished Equity Bank’s defence. In her statement released today and shared on social media, Namatovu Angella said, Equity Bank Uganda should stop telling lies and instead refund her money so that she can foot medical bills for her sick mum. Namatovu’s statement reads, “Dear members of Public, yesterday I read lies in a statement released by Equity Bank Uganda in reference to fraud in their bank i complained about when money was withdrawn from my account without my consent on June 18th and 20th, 2022.” Namatovu said, after public rants about Equity Bank Uganda for the increasing fraud on clients’ accounts where a number of people have complained that their money is being stolen from their accounts, her case being the most recent, Equity Bank thought by telling lies in a statement released, it will help to clear their image. “Their image can only be cleared by vomiting my money so that I can take my sick mum for the scheduled operation. They showed a degree of careless, how can money be stolen from a client’s account who entrusted you with its safety?” She asked. Namatovu denies ever reporting to Equity Bank Uganda that money was withdrawn from her bank account using her ATM card. “I clearly told them, I am always in possession of my card and no one, be it my sick mum knows where I keep it or even my pin number. The complaint I logged to Equity Bank Uganda, to Bank of Uganda, to CID Headquarters, to KMP and other security organs was very clear. My money which I kept with Equity Bank was withdrawn under unclear circumstances which the Bank MUST explain without hiding their heads under the sand.” Reads her statement in response to the statement released by Equity Bank, yesterday. She said, Equity bank told her how someone in Zambia bought electrical goods from Zazu Africa limited using her card, calling it total madness because she has never travelled outside the country. “So how did someone in sijui Zambia hoodwink Equity Bank and they give him or her client’s money? That put aside, who is stealing customers’ money in Equity Bank from their clients’ accounts? How come, such cases are very common with Equity Bank alone? She asked.
CORNERED EQUITY BANK: Councilor Namatovu Angella
Referring to recent media reports about a number of Equity Bank clients whose money was deducted from their accounts without their consent, Namatovu said, It ended when Equity Bank had vomited the money. “Therefore, the only thing Equity Bank has to do to be out of this circus, is by putting back my money and also, work on the security of clients’ money. Let them stop their foul play.” Namatovu’s statement reads. She asked Equity bank to stop playing with her mother’s life using their ping pong statements. “And call upon the public to disregard statement released by Equity Bank Uganda, for it is based on nothing but lies. I will continue demanding for justice using all legal methods and I thank the general public for standing with me. Today it’s me, tomorrow they will chop your money, similar way.” Namatovu said in her trending statement exposing fraud in Equity Bank Uganda.
A DAY after Rt. Hon. Anita Among warnec Cabinet Ministers about blackmailing Parliament during their cabinet meetings in State House, has turned guns to her Members of Parliament who are fond of dodging Plenary and instead wait to wet their beaks every end of month! Anita says, these MPs, their days are numbered. She has warned of disciplinary action over recurrent absenteeism without communication. For the first time since her election as Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among vowed to deal with MPs who absond from plenary saying there is no more eating of tax payers money without first working for it. ‘’It has come to my attention that some MPs have made it a habit to only come for committees and dodge plenary sittings. This must stop forthwith.’’ Warned madam Speaker. She made the comment while meeting a section of Members of Parliament in her office in today afternoon. Among reminded MPs to serve the people who sent them to Parliament with dedication and commitment by participating in all Parliamentary activities, both in Committees and the House. ‘’You were all sent here by your constituents who entrusted you with the power to represent their interests. How will you do that if you don’t attend plenary sittings?’’ she asked. The Bukedea district Woman legislator who is known for timekeeping also said she is going to be reactivate and implement the clock-in system to track MPs’ attendance, check in and check out. Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, a Member of Parliament is liable to lose his or her seat if they miss 15 consecutive sittings during any period when Parliament is continuously meeting and without written permission from the Speaker, and is unable to offer satisfactory explanation.
TODAY Wednesday July 6, 2022, Pearl of Africa radio, a Muslim based radio station airing on 107.9 FM waves will conduct Bulungibwansi (Community service) in the areas of Kisenyi and Kamwokya, in Kampala Capital City, as one of the activities organised by the radio management to mark 11 years on air. Celebrations kicked off on Saturday last week at Freedom City Arena, Namasuba on Entebbe road with football competition between Pearl FM, Listeners, Nubian Community, Sheiks, Majsid Kitubulu, Tagy TV and Pearl fm former employees.
Mr. Robert Ssempala, Executive Director at Human Rights Network for Journalists -Uganda take a selfie with Pearl fm ladies during the anniversary match on Saturday
Pearl fm’s Kiku (right) and fellow Pearl fm staff were full of joy as listeners humiliated Sheiks
In an intesting football competition attended by hundreds of listeners, political and religious leaders, journalists, radio management and staff, Sponsors, Listeners defeated Sheiks at the finals to be crowned Pearl fm Anniversary tournament Champions 2022. The winners (Listeners) were given a trophy and also, Sheiks who finished second were awarded.
Pearl fm first played Tagy tv
It was an interesting moment
Today, there will be no usual program airing on radio, it is a Quran day. Other programs will resume tomorrow on Thursday. We are reliably informed, Management has organised a party for their staff tomorrow on Thursday. For starters, Pearl fm was founded by about 10 directors in July 7, 2011 on 107.9 frequency. Haji Karim Kariisa, youngest brother of the Karisa family has been the main director since this radio was started to date. Salutation to the directors for they have perfectly steered this radio station this far. The main objective of starting Pearl fm of Daawa and current News has been achieved. Pearl FM is ranked among the best radios in the country with best programs, very educative, informative and family friendly. It has qualified staff who are innovative. It’s platforms are pearl fm news and Pearl fm Dawa YouTube, Facebook Pearl fm uganda, twitter@pearlfmug, email:pearlfmuganda5@gmail.com Their official lines are; 256 200926711, 256 393225887 and 256 39324931
Program Lineup (Monday – Friday) ● Daawa ku makya (4am – 5am) ● Entanda (5am – 7am) Ssonko Musa ● Ettu ly’omukeeze (7am-9am) Freda Mazzi, Kiweewa, Kizito and Mubiru ● Inside Story (10am-12pm) Kalule Sulaiman ● Pearl FM News Hour (12pm-1pm) Tenywa & Editorial ● Abakyala bazira (1pm – 3pm) Naava & Mazzi ● Tegeera Obusiraamu (3pm-4pm) Sheik Hussein & Sheik Kizito ● Mpulidde Kamenya (4pm-5pm) Hood Matovu ● Parliament (5pm-6pm) Kiku & Kayongo ● Buuza Imaam (6pm-7pm) Imaam Kyeyune & Sheik Kizito ● Namwatulira (7pm-9pm) Ssozi, Kayongo & Jonan ● Maama Africa (9:30pm-10pm) Matovu Hood ● Manya Obusiraamu (10pm-11pm) Daawa team ● Pearl Sport (11pm -Mid night) Ssozi and Kiweewa ● Quran (Midnight – 4am) Daawa
Program Lineup Weekend (Saturday) ● Entanda Special (5am-7am) Abdulrahman ● Mimbari Special (7am-9am) Kalungi Yahaya ● The Patriot (9am-11am) Mukasa Fred Kiku ● The Bigger Story (11am-1pm) Ssonko Musa ● The School times (1pm-2pm) Jonan Atusingwize ● Sporting Weekend (2pm-4pm) Sports team ● Omuwuliriza (4pm-5pm) Freda and Jonan ● Pearl Doctor (5pm-6pm) Hakim Kayongo ● Pearl Magazine (6pm-7pm) Hood Matovu ● Obutonde (7pm-8pm) Tamale Yahaya Ssali ● Kasennya (8:30 – 9:30 pm) Ssonko Musah ● Omunaala (9:30-11pm) Yahaya Kalungi ● Tafseer (11pm-Midnight) Ssozi Muhamed ● Quran (Midnight -4am) Daawa
Program Line-up Sunday ● Entanda Special (5am -7am) Abdulrahman Bulwa ● Obusiraamu ly’ekkubo (7am – 9am) Yahaya Kalungi ● Alipoota Namutayiika (9am – 12pm) Kalule Sulaiman ● Bwino ku Bwino (12pm – 2pm) Ssozi Muhamed Harouna ● Quran & Science (2pm – 3pm) Daawa Team ● Buganda Ekkula (3pm – 4pm) Mubiru Ali ● Emboozi z’abawandiisi (4pm-5pm) Ssozi Muhamed Harouna ● Sunday Special Darsu (5pm-6pm) Production ● Eriiso ly’ensi (6pm-7pm) Ssonko Musah ● Ekyooto (7pm-8pm) Mubiru Ali ● Enzikiriza (8:30pm-10pm) Daawa & Production. ● Obufumbo (10pm-Midnight) Yahaya Kalungi ● Quran (Midnight – 4am) Daawa & Production
Congratulations Pearl fm upon reaching 11 years on air.
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PHOTO: Speaker presiding over Parliament today afternoon
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
PARLIAMENT sittings have resumed today after a recess, with a warning from Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among to cabinet ministers to desist from blackmailing Legislature and instead cooperate with Members of Parliament. Presiding over today’s plenary, Madam Speaker told ministers that, “We are here constitutionally. Do what you are supposed to do. If you go blackmailing us in cabinet, it is none of our business, we shall do what we are supposed to do. We ask you questions, you must answer.” Anita Among said, “When the House agrees that we need feedback from the executive, they should be able to present it to the House when it is required other than going to cabinet and lamenting.” She however did not name ministers who blackmailed Parliament and what they exactly said in the cabinet. A tough Speaking Anita Among directed Cabinet members to ensure that they play their role as a way of pushing for the full realisation of the targets that Parliament sets. “Prime Minister and all ministers must ensure that whatever President Museveni outlined in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Kololo last month are fully achieved.” Speaker told Parliament. To realise this, she said cabinet has to deliver on its mandate without fail. Among this includes timely introduction of all the 62 Bills outlined by the Head of State and always offer timely answers to questions raised on the floor. “I urge the executive to be responsive to the demands and requirements of the legislature with regards to the inputs and legislative process that has been laid today,” the Speaker said. In a bid to push for high quality and informed debates, Speaker urged all MPs to ensure their submissions are premised on qualitative and quantitative research. She believes that this will help Parliament expedite and execute their tasks. In the same breath, she rallied all MPs to embrace speed in their roles which include oversight and appropriation. “We started the first session while walking, we must start this one while running,” Said Speaker Among, cautioning legislators to work harder for there is no more joking, it’s time to deliver 100%.
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DURING my usual field monitoring tours of various Government projects in Manafwa District recently, I had an engagement with a certain opinion leader. We had a long chat about how effective service delivery is in Manafwa and what can be done to ensure that Government projects are implemented without civil servants and leaders giving excuses. The conversation was long. However, at the end of the chat, the opinion leader left me with a catch phrase: If this Parish Development Model (PDM) programme doesn’t change the everyday life of Ugandans, then, surely, we will be bewitched as a country. Depending on how one analyses the above statement, it is clear that as a country, we need to rally everyone towards the fruitful implementation of PDM as people call it. The structure of PDM is that, it brings the decision making process to the bottom level of society, which is the parish. It is at the parish that the distribution of whatever support that Government sends for development and investment will be determined. In fact, during the launch of PDM in Kibuku District in February this year, President Yoweri Museveni, who came up with the PDM anti-poverty idea, said PDM will take Government to the people in a more effective way. Cabinet in March 2021 approved the PDM as the main vehicle for reducing poverty, employment and wealth creation. The target is to transform Ugandans from subsistence to monetary economy through what the President calls calculative agriculture, among others. The PDM is also an implementation strategy for the National Development Plan III, whose overarching development goal, is to increase average household incomes improve quality of life of Ugandans. PDM also advances the NRM Manifesto 2021-2026 commitments, given its multi-sectoral strategic approach to create social-economic transformation by moving the 39% households from subsistence economy into the money economy, using the Parish/ Ward as the epicenter for Development. PDM also emphasizes the “whole of Government” approach; while also bringing State and Non-State Actors together to ensuring increased production, processing and marketing, infrastructure and service delivery at the communities level. So, the beauty is that PDM focuses on the Parish, where there’s the last administrative structure of Government and civil servant (Parish Chief) for planning and coordinating. PDM is also organized under 7 Pillars that are interrelated such as the agricultural value-chain development (Production, processing and marketing), infrastructure and economic services, financial inclusion of all Ugandans, social service delivery and community mobilization and mindset change, among others. It is the pillar of community mobilization and mindset change that my work as the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Manafwa, is well-cut out. As leaders we must mobilize all Ugandans, especially the 3.5 million households that are still living on subsistence farming to enable them utilize PDM to change their situation. We need to ensure that every Household has a minimum income to access basic human needs (of food, shelter, clothing, health, education, security, spirituality etc We have to also make sure that every household milks the opportunity the PDM presents to engage in activities that will ensure that they generate adequate income and savings. The full implementation of the PDM programme should be everyone’s action-point because despite the numerous efforts by both the state and non-state actors in the past, over 3.5million households are still stuck in the subsistence economy and are characterised by high levels of poverty. These subsistence households suffer from production inefficiency, low or negative productivity and limited resilience to shocks all of which impacts their capacity to earn through own initiative. Subsistence households, also operate across all sectors of the economy – agriculture, industry and services, but with various degrees of vulnerability that partly depend on which sector is dominating their socio-economic life. Figures from Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) show that of the 39% of Ugandan households that are in subsistence economy, 24.2% were agricultural households and 14.8% were non-agricultural households The above figures mean that Ugandans living in these households are poverty-stricken, sometimes landless, vulnerable and unemployed. They are also trapped in the vicious cycle of “low income, low savings and low investment. Yet under PDM, this misery will be reversed, given the fact that it is the Parish that will determine the beneficiaries of these households and diagnose their economy issues with the right dose. The ultimate target is inclusive, sustainable, balanced and equitable socio-economic transformation. In fact, the target income is sh20 million per annum within the next 5 years. Surely, this target is achievable. All we need to do is take up the challenge of mobilizing Ugandans to embrace the opportunities that PDM presents, and also aggressively tackle the mind set change question.
The writer Kagenyi Lukka is the Deputy RDC Manafwa district
● Write tough letter to Economic Monitoring Minister Peter Ogwang
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
WHISTLE BLOWERS from the National Media-Team Uganda (NAMETU), an organisation fully registered, with objectives among others, to fight corruption have petitioned Economic Montoring Minister Hon. Peter Ogwang about civil servants stealing money from local government districts which includes Luweero, Mukono, Kampala, Wakiso and Mpigi. In their letter dated June 29, 2022 which was copied to The Anti Corruption Unit of State House, to the Local government minister, Minister for finance, Minister for works of Housing, RDCs and CAOs, NAMETU told minister Egwang that the big source of Revenue collection in the above districts is from buildings and constructions but money is stolen and eaten through corruption and embezzlement. “So many houses have been built, petrol stations, factories, private schools, storage houses, Residentials, apartments and commercial houses in the districts of Luweero, Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi and Mukono. Each and every construction has been paying effectively. Surprisingly, we have evidence that very little money is remitted to the accounts of the districts or at the subcounty.” Reads petiton to the economic monitoring minister signed by Mr. Moses Kaziba, NAMETU Director. NAMETU says, physical planers, healthy inspectors, parish chiefs and subcounty chiefs are the ones who collect the money on the ground and it’s ends up in their pockets. “The collected money is stolen and eaten during broad day light. A lot of buildings which have been constructed, government is not benefitting from them. Something must be done to save this situation.” NAMETU told minister Ogwang. They said, they have a lot of information about this and we are ready to give it to the minister. “We need services, people are paying money but it is stolen by these people. We are worried, the same thing will happen to parish development model, a newly unveiled government project to fight poverty.” Says NAMETU. Asking the minister to urgently intervene, NAMETU recommended the following; ● Collecting money from buildings should be changed from manual to direct banking ● Proper assessment of plans should be made by technical people not parish chiefs. ● Building Regulation should be followed. Seriously, to avoid slums, construction in the road reserves in wet lands etc. ● Regular supervision should be put in place For starters, National Media Team-Uganda main objectives are; • To popularise Government programs through media • To act as whistle blowers for any bad activities with tarnish the good image of government • To counter propaganda and false information spread by enemies of the government • Figating and campaigning agsinst corruption and embezzlement of public funds • Effective monitoring of Government programs • Fighting against Land grabbing and evections It is in this spirit that NAMETU has petitioned Minister Ogwang over government officials who swindle revenue collections.
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PHOTO: Angella Namatovu, latest Equity Bank Uganda victim
● Namatovu Angella whose money saved in Equity Bank was withdrawn without her consent vows to expose this bank ● CID Headquater operatives at Kampala Metropolitan Police pick up the matter ● Worried public demands intervention of Bank of Uganda and Financial Integligence Authority (FIA)
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
FOLLOWING complaints by Ms. Namatovu Angella, a client of Equity Bank Uganda whose hard earned money was withdrawn from her account without her consent, operatives from Criminal Investigations Department Headquaters Kibuli and Kampala Metropolitan Police have picked interest in this fraudulent scandal as more clients fall victim! CID Headquarter in Kibuli is overwhelmed by complaints from clients banking with Equity Bank Uganda who are facing similar cases of fraud like that of Namatovu Angella. “We have a number of fraud cases similar to that of Namatovu Angella concerning withdrawal of Equity Bank clients’ money without there consent. It has become worse. Something is wrong and our teams are already investigating the matter.” An officer at CID Headquarters who prefered anonymity, revealed to the News Editor Media. Yesterday, the Director Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters Kibuli received Namatovu’s complaint about loss of money totalling to UGX 5,126,421 from her Equity Bank Account no. 10101009543. This independent News Website is reliably informed, Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) has also opened up a General Enquiry File on Ref: KMP GET 130/2022 about Fraudulent withdraw of cash to wit 5,126,421 from Account no. 10101009543 at Equity bank Uganda. Public through their social media rants want Bank of Uganda and Financial Intelligence Agency to highlight Equity Bank Uganda and investigate escalating cases of fraud as clients money is being stolen by unknown fraudsters from their bank accounts. Some clients believe, Equity Bank Uganda has not done enough to secure their money creating more fears that more clients will continue falling victims. A case like that of Namatovu Angella is not new to Equity bank. Recently the management of Equity Bank Uganda was engaged in back-and-forth meetings to resolve several incidents where millions of money was mysteriously withdrawn from accounts of several customers. According to media reports, 11 customers accused Equity Bank Uganda of not being helpful after their money went missing from their accounts. Its mobile banking service named Eazzy Banking, customers say is prone to hackers.
WHAT HAPPENED WITH NAMATOVU ANGELLA’S MONEY Last week, Namatovu Angella was shocked when she reached Equity Bank Market Street Branch Nakasero in Kampala to withdraw money and have her mum flown to Nairobi for specialised treatment, only to find that her money totalling UGX 5,126, 421 had been withdrawn from her bank account no. 1010100909543 on June 18th and 20th 2022, without her consent! With her family, Namatovu known as councilor in Kajjansi town council, Wakiso district has been fundraising for their bedridden mum Ms Tusiime Teddy who got an accident in February this year!
ANGELLA NAMATOVU’S STORY “Today has been the most stressful day i have had this year. I have an account with Equity Bank from 2011 to date and I have been saving with them for quite some time but today’s morning i went to town at Equity Bank Energy Center (Market Street) branch and i was shocked on finding out my money was stolen.” Reads Councilor Angella Namatovu’s Facebook post. She requested for a mini statement and it showed there have been withdraw transactions without her consent. Her post reads, “When i tried to talk to Equity bank officials at Energy Centre branch, they seemed to have no knowledge about everything. I was told to go to the Operations Manager. When i explained everything that had happened to her, the only reply was i should wait for 45 days my money shall be put back to the account, the other issue she raised was that someone used the account to order for things through online transactions.” Namatovu was not satisfied with this Equity Bank lady’s explanation because according to her, no one has access to her ATM card. Trying to ask of who, where and how the transactions took place, Equity Bank officials seemed not ready to reveal. “So Equity Bank can’t trace who carried transactions using my bank account. Isn’t this total fraud? Someone should come to my rescue but these schemers want to spoil my plans of taking my mother for specialised medication.” Reads Namatovu’s post adding that, “I am very disappointed and with Equity bank no one is safe with them please check your accounts.” The public on reading the post on Angella Namatovu’s Facebook page about disputed withdraw of her money on her account in Equity Bank, some faulted her for banking with Equity, a bank they allege to have issues with clients’ money. Whereas others demanded that Bank of Uganda and Criminal investigations Department bring Equity bank to book and be invesitigated for cases in regard to clients’ complaints about how their money disappears from their bank accounts and the managers act less concerned. Although Equity Bank asked Namatovu to be patient as they investigate this matter, public thinks this bank is just buying time, that it is exactly the same story they have been giving to other clients with similar cases. While responding to Namatovu’s facebook post, Equity Bank Uganda wrote, “Hello Angel, thank you for writing to us. We are so sorry to hear about this. We would like to know more about it and follow up on your dispute filed at the branch. Please inbox us your contact details so we can engage on call and support further. Waiting to hear from you.” However Namatovu replied, “I was at the bank yesterday and they said i will get back the money with in 45 days and now again the operations manager Energy center when i went back today to file my complaint arrogantly bragged saying I should forget about that money because they are not responsible for the safety of my money.” This annoyed the public that chose to rant against and curse Equity Bank.
HOW PUBLIC REACTED AGAINST EQUITY BANK Tendo Kristen: If they didn’t have any knowledge about disappearing money, they would definitely dig up to see where the problem is, but since they are beating around the bush, they really know why and how your money disappeared. Kamugira Robert: The truth is, that bank has issues with their system. Nyachwo Brenda : You have to go to police. This happened to my friend last year. UGX 15 million went missing after saving for two years. You are not the first person but just involve the police. She got it back after one month but if it wasn’t for police and showing up at Equity unannounced, may be she would have given up. Don’t wait for 45 days, that’s too long. The money is used by those bankers themselves and they pretend like they don’t know. This is exactly her story, someone buying airtime from her money, getting a loan and purchasing things online. Even after they deposited, before she withdrew all, 700k again disappeared just like that. Racheal Abigail Kyalisima : Equity bank has had too many of these complaints!! Kizza Gloria Rachael : Dont wait for the 45 days. Nothing will be done. Go and camp at the Equity bank until they put back your money. With financial institutions, if you dont persist, you will be robbed. Carefully cause commotion until they listen to you. Mukisa Kabigumiremu Francisco : U need to make a statement with police as well as also getting a serious lawyer as early as possible because you never know, you may find even you are not the only person affected. May be they loaned your money to someone that is why you are being told to wait for 45 days may be that is when they are expecting to raise something to clear you up. Ssemwogerere Mukiibi : Actually it also happened to me, my account had some saving on it, but after 3 years, my account couldn’t be traced and I never closed it. I traveled for almost 6 months without enough explanation and I gave up. Deo Gracious Shar Ketyjo: Iam surprised that Ugandans still trust local Financial institutions, in this Country money should be kept in Apartments. Evan Arinaitwe: They have killed my trust Andrew Steven Mwalye: Equity Bank Uganda come here and explain this fraud you cause to customers. You have never stopped your habits but soon we are forcing you back to Nigeria Nakitende Winnie Yiga : Oh God! A close relative warned me still with this bank. By the time she checked they had chopped UGX 1.5 in a month! Thought it was a joke but truth is I also fear making anymore deposits. They tosed her when she asked for a statement until she gave up. Namugenyi Christine Kirabo : Am very disappointed with Equity Bank Uganda. I think this is one of the reasons as to why they force us to open accounts with them. Let’s pray for you sister(Namatovu) that they refund your money otherwise we shall get disgusted with the Bank. Barbra Namakula: But Equity bank, sincerely how can you not able to tell how someone lost their money from their accounts, like how, you owe her an explanation before anything else. How did this money get off her account??? Please be transparent on this.
HOW ANGELLA NAMATOVU’S MONEY GOT MISSING FROM HER EQUITY BANK ACCOUNT According to her complaint dated June 23, 2022 to the Operations Manager Equity Bank Market Street Branch about loss of her money from her Equity Bank account 1010100909543 totalling to UGX 5,126, 421, she said, “While opening up an account with your bank, you promised me safety of my money which made me sign all the relevant banking documents. I have always saved money on my account not until yesterday June 22, 2022 when i went to Equity Bank Energy Centre Market Street Branch to withdraw money so that I facilitate my mother’s operation in hospital.” Ms. Namatovu said, she was shocked to find that money has been withdrawn from her bank account via VISA-ZazuAF without her consent. “I have never heard about VISA-ZazuAF and while opening this bank account, I didn’t apply for it. On the same note, while opening this account I requested for messages in case of any deposit and withdraws from my account. And I have always received them. But how comes that in this case, I did not receive any messages for the withdraws of this money?” Angella Namatovu asked Equity Bank Operations Manager. In line with the above, her account was supposed to possess a total of UGX 16,386,473. However, on June 18, 2022, at around 4pm, a total of UGX 2,330,191 was withdrawn and also on June 20, 2022 at around 10am another UGX 2,330,091 and also UGX 466,039 was withdrawn via VISA-ZazuAF. She insists, has never exposed her ATM to any one nor ever used her ATM Visa card. “I signed that i cant withdraw beyond UGX 500,000 a day using my ATM. How come that such monies have been withdraw on single days? I request that all my money totalling up to UGX 16,386,473 be put back on my account to help me meet hospital bills for my mother’s operation.” Reads Angella Namatovu’s complaint which was copied to: Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego (Acting Governor Bank of Uganda), Director Financial Institutions Bank of Uganda, Director Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda, The Commander Kampala Metropolitan Police, CPS and her lawyers of M/s Mutungi & Co. Advocates.
EQUITY BANK’S DEFENCE In a response to Angella Namatovu dated June 28th 2022 from Equity Bank and signed by Jael Christine Wawulira, Head Customer Experience, over 3 disputed online transactions on account 1010100909543 totalling to UGX 5,126,421, performed on June 18th and 20th of 2022, Bank said it had concluded its preliminary investigations into the matter. Below is a summary of their key findings regarding the said transactions; ● The three transactions were conducted online using your debit card number 4860xxxx9407 via Zazu Africa Limited (merchant) website. ● The merchant website is categorized as 3D secure and fully complies with the VISA security protocols. I.e, every transaction is authenticated with the card number, customer verification value (CVV) and transaction One Time Pin (OTP) which is delivered to the card owner’s telephone number. ● Other investigations established that all the three requirements were fulfilled for the transactions to be completed and that every transaction was authenticated with a One Time Pin (OTP). ● Subsequently, to your feedback that you didn’t receive the OTPs and transaction confirmation messages, the Bank contacted your Telecom Service Provider (MTN) who confirmed that the OTPs were delivered to your telephone number 267 788 286 750. In light of the above findings, the Bank has escalated your complaint to the VISA team for further investigation and asked them to provide further details of the disputed transactions including but not limited to; the type of goods/services that were purchased, the address and telephone number of the beneficiary. Please note that, this process takes a period of 45 days within which, VISA will respond. VISA is a world wide digital payments company providing transactions between consumers, merchants and banks and other financial institutions. Considering the above, we request you for your patience until the Bank receives the above information to provide us with a basis for further action.
GAPS IN EQUITY BANK’S DEFENCE ● The telephone number 267 788 286 750 which Bank says MTN confirmed that the OTPs were delivered to, does not belong to Angella Namatovu and it is not a Ugandan phone number. Let Equity Bank and MTN clear the air, who is the owner of that number they sent message to on withdrawing Namatovu’s money. ● In an audio recording, an MTN Customer care staff first denied ever sending message to Namatovu when money was being withdrawn from her bank account account. In fact she clearly said, “No transaction was made with you account on 18th and 20th June 2022. How come, after Equity engaging MTN, the same telecommunication company make a print out showing messages were sent to Namatovu yet she never received any? Could there be a conspiracy that money on your account can be withdrawn and your telecomunication company does not send you a message to alert you? ● If such a bank can’t trace who withdraws money from their Client’s bank accounts within a short period and needs almost 2 months, how safe is peoples’ money? ● Equity Bank in some of their customer care calls to Namatovu said, money was withdrawn using ATM yet in other calls, they said it was an online transaction! When did this bank start operating on guess work? ● At first, Equity Bank customer care told Namatovu, with online transactions you don’t receive messages but later changed statement and said, MTN sent her messages and on reaching there, MTN denied until they were engaged with Equity Bank. Dont you think this is why public is sensing fraud? ● How authentic is that message you showed Namatovu that its from a website showing the transactions? What if its forged? ● Equity bank says, the one who withdrew Namatovu’s money was paying Zazu Africa for electrical materials. So the merchant can’t tell where these materials were delivered to for easy investigations? Is this what requires 45 days? ● From public reactions, it seems chopping clients’ money is a growing vice. So this powerful bank can’t trace the culprits? Won’t this kill public trust?
Mbale City leaders flagging of Kabaka’s birthday run participants today morning
OPINION BY: ABDALLAH MAGAMBO MBALE CITY SPEAKER
JUST like it happened in other parts of the country where thousands of people participated in Kabaka’s birthday run 2022, in Mbale City, Bugisu, today flagged off the Kabaka’s birthday run to localize the message of fighting to end HIV/AIDs by 2030. All participants across all the walks of the country and tribe came together to participate in this marathon of 5kms. The message was simple, “Fighting to end HIV/AIDs by 2030”. Regardless of our cultural diversity and heritage composed of political belongings and perceptions, there are other uniting national or global problems which brings us together on a dialoguing table and without a doubt, HIV/AIDs fits in well here, It fits in the government’s 2030 HIV/AIDs agenda which was launched by President Museveni in 2017.
Kabaka flagging off runners at his Mengo palace in Kampala
Anchored in “A Presidential Handbook”, the initiative spells out plans to tackle HIV & AIDS in Uganda through a five point plan to; Engage men in HIV prevention and close the tap on new infections particularly among adolescent girls and young women; Accelerate implementation of Test and Treat and attainment of 90-90-90 targets particularly among men and young people; Consolidate progress on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV; Ensure financial sustainability for the HIV response; and Ensuring institutional effectiveness for a well-coordinated multi-sectoral response. We acknowledge the support of AIDS Development partners and affirmed his continued commitment to eliminate HIV&AIDS in Uganda as established by this agenda. Ending AIDS is an investment in human dignity and not a charity. Uganda has over one million people on treatment and this is key to achieve the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets, which project that by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and lastly 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression. In this marathon birthday run message I emphasized the need for testing boys between the ages of 15-29 in order to curb transmission. Over the years, Uganda has made progress in the fight against HIV. The country has registered significant reductions in new infections from 135,000 in 2010 to approximately 60,000 by 2016, in men and women. Further to this, new infections among children dropped from 26,000 in 2010 to 4000 in 2016. Of the 1.4 million people living with HIV, 1,041,000 people are enrolled in care and 980,954 on antiretroviral therapy. We believe that the government’s five year Fast-Track approach over the will allow the world to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The report- Fast-Track: ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 outlines that, by taking this approach, nearly 28 million new HIV infections and 21 million AIDS-related deaths would be averted by 2030.
Thousands participate in Kabaka’s birthday run 2022 in a campaign to end HIV/AIDS
The new set of targets that would need to be reached by 2020 include achieving 90-90-90. It also emphasizes the need to focus on the countries, cities and communities most affected by HIV and recommends that resources be concentrated on the areas with the greatest impact. We also expect the government to commit on its efforts of the approach which also outlines that particular efforts are needed in the 30 countries that together account for 89% of new HIV infections worldwide. To Fast-Track national responses in these 30 priority countries will require extensive mobilization of human, institutional and strategic international partners as well as significant commitments from both national and international sources. The importance of reaching people most affected by HIV is also outlined as key to ending the AIDS epidemic and concerns are raised about access to HIV services for people most in need. I therefore thank all our participants, Organizers Rashid Nsubuga Lubowa aka Forty Forty, Kamadi Musoli, Kakungulu Racheal K, Kakungulu Sk, URA manager Mbale station among others who turned up ij big numbers to be part of this without forgetting our stakeholders and fundraisers. Stay safe!
The author Abdallah Magambo is the Deputy Speaker Mbale City
Who is stealing huge sums of money from Equity Bank clients’ account?
● Ms. Angella Namatovu’s family had fundraised for sick mum to be rushed to Nairobi for operation ● She was shocked to reach Equity Bank and found her money stolen ● Bank bosses panic, involve MTN as client Presses Bank to vomit her money or be sued for fraud ● Recently millions of money was mysteriously withdrawn from accounts of several Equity bank customers
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
EQUITY Bank Uganda is in hot soup again following disappearance of their Client’s money, a one Angella Namatovu from her Bank account without her consent! With her family, Namatovu a councilor in Kajjansi town council, Wakiso district has been fundraising for their bedridden mum Ms. Teddy Tusiime who got an accident in February this year! On raising the needed money (about UGX 16M), they planned to fly her to Nairobi for an operation yesterday, Thursday.
How Namatovu’s mum got an accident! She is supposed to be flown out of the country but money to cater for her treatment was allegedly stollen from her daughter’s Equity bank account!
Namatovu was shocked when she reached Equity Bank, Market Street Branch Nakasero in Kampala to withdraw money and have her mum flown to Nairobi for specialised treatment, only to find that their hard earned money totalling UGX 5,126, 421 had been withdrawn from her bank account no. 1010100909543 on June 18th and 20th 2022, without her consent! A case like that of Namatovu Angella is not new in Equity bank. Recently the management of Equity Bank Uganda was engaged in back-and-forth meetings to resolve several incidents where millions of money was mysteriously withdrawn from accounts of several customers. According to media reports, 11 customers accused Equity Bank Uganda of not being helpful after their money went missing from their accounts. Its mobile banking service named Eazzy Banking, customers say is prone to hackers.
ANGELLA NAMATOVU’S STORY “Today has been the most stressful day i have had this year. I have an account with Equity Bank from 2011 to date and I have been saving with them for quite some time but today’s morning i went to town at Equity Bank Energy Center (Market Street) branch and i was shocked on finding out my money was stolen.” Reads Councilor Angella Namatovu’s Facebook post. She requested for a mini statement and it showed there have been withdraw transactions without her consent. Her post reads, “When i tried to talk to Equity bank officials at Energy Centre branch, they seemed to have no knowledge about everything. I was told to go to the Operations Manager. When i explained everything that had happened to her, the only reply was i should wait for 45 days my money shall be put back to the account, the other issue she raised was that someone used the account to order for things through online transactions.”
ANGELLA NAMATOVU: She says, her money was withdrawn from Equity bank without her consent
Namatovu was not satisfied with this Equity Bank lady’s explanation because according to her, no one has access to her ATM card. Trying to ask of who, where and how the transactions took place, Equity Bank officials seemed not ready to reveal. “So Equity Bank can’t trace who carried transactions using my bank account. Isn’t this total fraud? Someone should come to my rescue but these schemers want to spoil my plans of taking my mother for specialised medication.” Reads Namatovu’s post adding that, “I am very disappointed and with Equity bank no one is safe with them please check your accounts.” The public on reading the post on Angella Namatovu’s Facebook page about disputed withdraw of her money on her account in Equity Bank, some faulted her for banking with Equity, a bank they allege to have issues with clients’ money. Whereas others demanded that Bank of Uganda and Criminal investigations Department bring Equity bank to book and be invesitigated for cases in regard to clients’ complaints about how their money disappears from their bank accounts and the managers act less concerned. Although Equity Bank has asked Namatovu to be patient as they investigate this matter, public thinks this bank is just buying time, that it is exactly the same story they have been giving to other clients with similar cases. While responding to Namatovu’s facebook post, Equity Bank Uganda wrote, “Hello Angel, thank you for writing to us. We are so sorry to hear about this. We would like to know more about it and follow up on your dispute filed at the branch. Please inbox us your contact details so we can engage on call and support further. Waiting to hear from you.” However Namatovu replied, “I was at the bank yesterday and they said i will get back the money with in 45 days and now again the operations manager Energy center when i went back today to file my complaint arrogantly bragged saying I should forget about that money because they are not responsible for the safety of my money.” This annoyed the public that chose to rant against and curse Equity Bank.
HOW PUBLIC HAS REACTED AGAINST EQUITY BANK Tendo Kristen: If they didn’t have any knowledge about disappearing money, they would definitely dig up to see where the problem is, but since they are beating around the bush, they really know why and how your money disappeared. Kamugira Robert: The truth is, that bank has issues with their system. Nyachwo Brenda : You have to go to police. This happened to my friend last year. UGX 15 million went missing after saving for two years. You are not the first person but just involve the police. She got it back after one month but if it wasn’t for police and showing up at Equity unannounced, may be she would have given up. Don’t wait for 45 days, that’s too long. The money is used by those bankers themselves and they pretend like they don’t know. This is exactly her story, someone buying airtime from her money, getting a loan and purchasing things online. Even after they deposited, before she withdrew all, 700k again disappeared just like that. Racheal Abigail Kyalisima : Equity bank has had too many of these complaints!! Kizza Gloria Rachael : Dont wait for the 45 days. Nothing will be done. Go and camp at the Equity bank until they put back your money. With financial institutions, if you dont persist, you will be robbed. Carefully cause commotion until they listen to you. Mukisa Kabigumiremu Francisco : You need to make a statement with police as well as also getting a serious lawyer as early as possible because you never know, you may find even you are not the only person affected. May be they loaned your money to someone that is why you are being told to wait for 45 days may be that is when they are expecting to raise something to clear you up. Ssemwogerere Mukiibi : Actually it also happened to me, my account had some saving on it, but after 3 years, my account couldn’t be traced and I never closed it. I traveled for almost 6 months without enough explanation and I gave up. Deo Gracious Shar Ketyjo: Iam surprised that Ugandans still trust local Financial institutions, in this Country money should be kept in Apartments. Evan Arinaitwe: They have killed my trust Andrew Steven Mwalye: Equity Bank Uganda come here and explain this fraud you cause to customers. You have never stopped your habits but soon we are forcing you back where you came from. Nakitende Winnie Yiga : Oh God! A close relative warned me still with this bank. By the time she checked they had chopped UGX 1.5 in a month! Thought it was a joke but truth is I also fear making anymore deposits. They tosed her when she asked for a statement until she gave up. Namugenyi Christine Kirabo : Am very disappointed with Equity Bank Uganda. I think this is one of the reasons as to why they force us to open accounts with them. Let’s pray for you sister(Namatovu) that they refund your money otherwise we shall get disgusted with the Bank. Barbra Namakula: But Equity bank, sincerely how can you not able to tell how someone lost their money from their accounts, like how, you owe her an explanation before anything else. How did this money get off her account??? Please be transparent on this.
HOW ANGELLA NAMATOVU’S MONEY GOT MISSING FROM HER EQUITY BANK ACCOUNT According to her complaint dated June 23, 2022 to the Operations Manager Equity Bank Market Street Branch about loss of her money from her Equity Bank account 1010100909543 totalling to UGX 5,126, 421, she said, “While opening up an account with your bank, you promised me safety of my money which made me sign all the relevant banking documents. I have always saved money on my account not until yesterday June 22, 2022 when i went to Equity Bank Energy Centre Market Street Branch to withdraw money so that I facilitate my mother’s operation in hospital.” Ms. Namatovu said, she was shocked to find that money has been withdrawn from her bank account via VISA-ZazuAF without her consent. “I have never heard about VISA-ZazuAF and while opening this bank account, I didn’t apply for it. On the same note, while opening this account I requested for messages in case of any deposit and withdraws from my account. And I have always received them. But how comes that in this case, I did not receive any messages for the withdraws of this money?” Angella Namatovu asked Equity Bank Operations Manager.
Angella Namatovu and her beloved mum before she got an accident
In line with the above, her account was supposed to possess a total of UGX 16,386,473. However, on June 18, 2022, at around 4pm, a total of UGX 2,330,191 was withdrawn and also on June 20, 2022 at around 10am another UGX 2,330,091 and also UGX 466,039 was withdrawn via VISA-ZazuAF. She insists, has never exposed her ATM to any one nor ever used her ATM Visa card. “I signed that i cant withdraw beyond UGX 500,000 a day using my ATM. How come that such monies have been withdraw on single days? I request that all my money totalling up to UGX 16,386,473 be put back on my account to help me meet hospital bills for my mother’s operation.” Reads Angella Namatovu’s complaint wbich was copied to: Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego (Acting Governor Bank of Uganda), Director Financial Institutions Bank of Uganda, Director Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda, The Commander Kampala Metropolitan Police, CPS and her lawyers of M/s Mutungi & Co. Advocates.
EQUITY BANK’S DEFENCE In a response to Angella Namatovu dated June 28th 2022 from Equity Bank and signed by Jael Christine Wawulira, Head Customer Experience, over 3 disputed online transactions on account 1010100909543 totalling to UGX 5,126,421, performed on June 18th and 20th of 2022, Bank said it had concluded its preliminary investigations into the matter. Below is a summary of their key findings regarding the said transactions; ● The three transactions were conducted online using your debit card number 4860xxxx9407 via Zazu Africa Limited (merchant) website. ● The merchant website is categorized as 3D secure and fully complies with the VISA security protocols. I.e, every transaction is authenticated with the card number, customer verification value (CVV) and transaction One Time Pin (OTP) which is delivered to the card owner’s telephone number. ● Other investigations established that all the three requirements were fulfilled for the transactions to be completed and that every transaction was authenticated with a One Time Pin (OTP). ● Subsequently, to your feedback that you didn’t receive the OTPs and transaction confirmation messages, the Bank contacted your Telecom Service Provider (MTN) who confirmed that the OTPs were delivered to your telephone number 267 788 286 750.
Equity Bank Head of Retail Banking George Kato at a function in Bunyoro recently.
In light of the above findings, the Bank has escalated your complaint to the VISA team for further investigation and asked them to provide further details of the disputed transactions including but not limited to; the type of goods/services that were purchased, the address and telephone number of the beneficiary. Please note that, this process takes a period of 45 days within which, VISA will respond. VISA is a world wide digital payments company providing transactions between consumers, merchants and banks and other financial institutions. Considering the above, we request you for your patience until the Bank receives the above information to provide us with a basis for further action.
GAPS IN EQUITY BANK’S DEFENCE ● The telephone number 267 788 286 750 which Bank says MTN confirmed that the OTPs were delivered to, does not belong to Angella Namatovu and it is not a Ugandan phone number. Let Equity Bank and MTN clear the air, who is the owner of that number they sent message to on withdrawing Namatovu’s money.
EQUITY BANK DOCUMENT: See the phone number to which bank says a message from MTN was sent to alert Namatovu about transactions carried out on her bank account (267 788 286 750). This is totally different from Namatovu’s known phone numbers at the top of the same letter. So who owns this other number?
● In an audio recording, an MTN Customer care staff first denied ever sending message to Namatovu when money was being withdrawn from her bank account account. In fact she clearly said, “No transaction was made with you account on 18th and 20th June 2022. How come, after Equity engaging MTN, the same telecommunication company make a print out showing messages were sent to Namatovu yet she never received any? Could there be a conspiracy that money on your account can be withdrawn and your telecomunication company does not send you a message to alert you? ● If such a bank can’t trace who withdraws money from their Client’s bank accounts within a short period and needs almost 2 months, how safe is peoples’ money? ● Equity Bank in some of their customer care calls to Namatovu said, money was withdrawn using ATM yet in other calls, they said it was an online transaction! When did this bank start operating on guess work? ● At first, Equity Bank customer care told Namatovu, with online transactions you don’t receive messages but later changed statement and said, MTN sent her messages and on reaching there, MTN denied until they were engaged with Equity Bank. Dont you think this is why public is sensing fraud? ● How authentic is that message you showed Namatovu that its from a website showing the transactions? What if its forged? ● Equity bank says, the one who withdrew Namatovu’s money was paying Zazu Africa for electrical materials. So the merchant can’t tell where these materials were delivered to for easy investigations? Is this what requires 45 days? ● From public reactions, it seems chopping clients’ money is a growing vice. So this powerful bank can’t trace the culprits? Won’t this kill public trust?
This is a developing story!
Do you have such experience with Equity Bank? Please email our editor on newseditor.info@gmail.com
WELCOME HOME: Alhaj Moses Kigongo (second right) and Capt. Micheal Mukula (extreme right) receives Hon. Ariko (2nd left) Speaker Anita (left) delivered him to NRM
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
FORMER Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Soroti Municipality legislator Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko has officially defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), thanks to Speaker Anita Among and Hon. Captain Mike Mukula for the job weldone. All indicators show, NRM will endorse Ariko to tussle it out with Hon. Moses Attan Okia in the coming Soroti City East Constituency by election and political analysts have already predicted his massive victory. Ariko has been serving as the Private Principal Secretary (PPS) to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. In her tweet today, Speaker Anita has tweeted, “This afternoon I handed over the Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko to the leadership of NRM and gave him my blessings as he heads to the Soroti East by-elections. I released him because the interests of the Party are paramount and worth respecting.” Anita handed over Ariko to the powerful Alhaj Moses Kigongo (NRM 1st Vice Chairman), Hon. Capt. Mike Mukula (NRM Vice Chairman Eastern), Dr. Tanga Odoi (NRM EC chairman) and Hon. Rose Namayanja Nsereko (NRM Deputy Treasurer). Ariko was first seen with Mukula in Bugoloobi putting on an NRM shirt, four months after losing an MP seat to FDC’s Moses Attan Okia. Ariko who unsuccessfully contested for the Soroti City East MP seat as an independent, joined parliament in 2016 on the FDC ticket. He is among the FDC members who lost interest in FDC after the 2017 party presidential elections. He was team Gen. Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera. During 2021 campaigns, Ariko was seen in NRM camps that raised suspicions among the members of the community. Some of his campaign t-shirts were also printed in the NRM yellow colour. But the former FDC diehard denied any involvement or plans to join the ruling party then when asked by journalists in Soroti.
From Left: Namayanja, Tanga Odoi, Anita Among, Ariko, Moses Kigongo and Mike Mukula
When he lost the bid to represent Soroti City East in Parliament, Ariko ran to court to challenge the city boundaries ruling of November, 2020. After winning the case, Ariko dragged Attan and the Electoral Commission to court over the election malpractices. He recently won the case.
