● 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!
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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.
POLITICS aside, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker Parliament of Uganda is trending for her elegant and sophisticated designs. The reigning designer, puts forth the idea of being effortlessly elegant among women in politics in Uganda and Greatlakes region!
Madam Speaker
Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among
When Speaker Anita visited the family of late Hon. Gordon Bafaki to condole with them and share words of encouragement with them.
When Speaker Anita hosted Cuba’s Foreign Affairs minister
Speaker Anita lifting trophy won by Crested Crane when they defeated Burundi 3-1 in the CECAFA senior Women’s Championship 2022 at the FUFA technical centre in Njeru. She gave them UGX 20M. Extreme right is former VP Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi
Speaker Anita Among, the new style icon in the Political arena is currently the most influential female designer that is changing the fashion industry. Fact is, she is the hottest modern fashion phenomena in the African Great lakes region. Anita Annet Among has become the biggest female name in the world of design. She is indeed a glass-ceiling-shattering trailblazer who inspire women most especially in politics to be elegant.
Speaker Anita, Edda Mukabwagiza the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Rwanda (middle) and Thomas Tayebwa the Deputy Speaker Parliament of Uganda
Anita Among visiting Woman MP for Bugiri, Hon Agnes Taaka who was admitted at Nakasero Hospital.
OFFICE TIME: Rt. Hon. Anita
When Speaker received a team of Anglican Bishops led by Dr. Sheldon Mwesigwa at Parliament.
Speaker Among receiving First lady Janet Museveni at Kololo for a National function
SPEAKER ANITA: THE NEW STYLE ICON IN THE POLITICAL ARENA I don’t know about you, but I have longed for the day when we would have someone that could bring some flair and much-needed fashion to our political arena. And it looks like God might have answered that prayer, through our current Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Annet Among, who also doubles as the Woman MP for Bukedea district. If you have recently scrolled through social media, it must have brought you to this discovery, and to be honest, I have been on a full hunt for more style moments by the Ugandan politician.
Speaker Anita when she visited Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke at Rubaga Hospital
When Speaker joined the family of Mzee Sooka Suleiman Abdullah in Irundu Town Council, Budiope East Constituency, Buyende District to condole with them and see off Mzee.
Hon. Miria Matembe praying for Rt. Hon. Anita Among. The Speaker had led a team of legislators to condole with Hon. Ayebare who lost her beloved husband
SERVING WITH A SMILE: Speaker Anita in her office
In a world where a lot of our political heads (both male and female) are more inclined to neutral shades, ill-fitting suits, and the most forgettable attires, the honorable speaker is choosing to be different. Her style serves everything from colour, to statement textures like tweed, and did I mention this style icon also has created a signature accessory that is a given with all her outfits? Well, here are some of the reasons why we love this Intelligent fashionista, and why we may be calling for a Pinterest mood board in the halls of Parliament, filled with all her major looks.
A COLOR PALETTE WE CAN BE ENVIOUS OF The one thing you can be assured of with the style inspiration served by this fashion star is a color pallet that you are going to love. Some of the fashion moments captured of her have been those in style-approved shades like burgundy, baby blue, navy blues, and blues. Hues are a great way to nail any look, and this is something the speaker and her styling team are taking full advantage of. Whether she is stepping out for official duty or making a public appearance somewhere out of town, you can be assured that she will be stepping out in something that is both color coordinated and head-turning!
SEALED WITH A BROOCH The power of a great accessory is undisputed, and something you will appreciate, especially if you are trying to attain style icon status. In Honourable Among’s case, her pick was the British-invented brooch.
Speaker Anita attending Mass with other pilgrims at Uganda Martyrs shrine Namugongo on 3rd June 2022
Speaker Anita with Mityana district Woman NUP MP Joyce Baagala
When Speaker Anmong joined Hon. Members and Staff of the breastfeeding Centre at Parliament to celebrate the 4th birthday of Abdul Jawad Alionzi, Son of Obongi Woman MP Hon Zumura Maneno.
ELEGANT: Anita Among
HEADING FOR DUTY: Speaker Among
There is something elegant and sophisticated about this accessory, and that is something this style team seems to be making the most of. The statement accessory is carefully selected and added to almost all of her looks, each one serving a different vibe, and is distinct from the last. And when styled with her matching sets and suited-up looks, this accessory simply brings the entire look to completion!
THE SECRET IS IN THE FIT Remember the time when all we got served by our dear politicians were ill-fitting suits? Well, those days are surely behind us, and it’s all thanks to Ms. Among. A great fit is a given with all of her looks, whether she is pulling off a suited look, or some loungewear in the form of sweatpants, having a great fitted look is important for this fashionista’s style moment.
First Lady mama Janet Museveni greets Speaker Anita
Speaker Anita witwith Army MP Hon. Charity. The two are very good friends
Rwanda’s President Gen. Paul Kagame greets Speaker Anita. The two at State House Entebbe for Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s birthday party
Speaker Anita with deputy Tayebwa
SMART: Rt. Hon. Anita Among
A great fit not only ensured but the entire look is well put together. So, who knows? Maybe the award recipient for this year’s Best Dressed Woman at the ASFAs will come from the corridors of Parliament.
SMART! Our own, Speaker Anita Among (2nd right) is in South Africa
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
A SMARTLY dressed Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker Parliament of Uganda has joined other African leaders at the opening of the 5th session of Pan-African Parliament in Midland, South Africa. The ceremony is presided over by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat. Her arrival excited members and she was congratulated upon being elected Speaker Parliament of Uganda.
Click here to read related story: WORKAHOLIC ANITA AMONG: AN ACCOUNT OF FIRST DAYS AS SPEAKER PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA, HERE IS HER SECRETS TO SUCCESS For starters, The Pan African Parliament is the legislative arm of the African union comprising members from National Parliaments of AU member states. According to a press statement issued on June 27th, the plenary session which will be chaired by the Chief Executive officer and legal representative of the African union will be dedicated to the election of the President of the Pan-African Parliament, scheduled to take place on June 29th ,2022. H.E. Mahamat will also oversee the swearing -in of new members of the PAP and is expected to deliver the key note address during the opening ceremony. The resumption of the parliamentary activities following the decision of the African Executive council in October 2021 and February 2022, and subsequent policy decisions and consultations, which resolved the impasse that transpired among parliamentarians during the proceedings of the plenary on May 31 and June 1st 2021, as PAP was planning to elect the president and vice of its bureau. The electoral process will be conducted and managed by the Office of the Legal Counsel of The African Union. In May last year, five members of Parliament were sworn in to represent Uganda at the continental institution. The members are: Hon. Caroline Kamusiime, Hon Felix Okot, Hon. Juliet Achayo Lodou, Hon. Eric Musana and Hon. Patric Nsamba.
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MAMA FOR ALL: Opposition Members of Parliament share notes with their Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
TALKED about as the most ever hardworking Speaker of Parliament in the history of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has throughout the first session steered all units within the Parliament to deliver on their mandates. In one of her initial messages delivered to Parliament on June 14 last year, Anita Among pledged to majorly work towards gluing all political camps within the August House as a means to ensure that they deliver on a common goal, betterment of the Country putting the interest of the people at the core of business. “We shall work together for the betterment of this country, without segregation,” Speaker Among pledged on June 14 last year, something she has scored high on.
SPEAKER ANITA: Serving her Nation with a smile
The result-oriented Speaker, who, many have since labeled workaholic, has also already led a team whose first session has dwarfed the opening sessions of past Parliament’s including the 9th and 10th respectively. The Speaker’s relentless efforts have witnessed her House pass 23 Bills, out of the 28 that were introduced, only three were still at committee stage by the end of the first session. These were the KCCA Amendment Bill, the Public Health Amendment Bill and the Local content Bill, all of which have been accorded priority consideration once plenary sittings of the second session tip off. In regard to the oversight mandate, the 11th Parliament utilized all provisions to push accountability and transparency among Executive Members. In this, a whopping 112 questions were pressed on the Prime Minister. In the second week of June, President Yoweri Museveni assented to eight Bills thus making them law. Of these is the Landlord and Tenant’s Act which mainly aimed at harmonizing the relationship between tenants and landlord plus the Electricity Amendment Act, is meant to, among others, weed out rogue elements in Uganda’s power sector.
ELEGANT: Speaker Anita
Prior to this, President Museveni had also signed the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Amendment Bill which has since granted Ugandans saving under this arrangement have midterm access to their savings. This had followed her maiden Bill, the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill passed on October 5th last year which was assented to in less than a month’s time right it was passed. Among’s consistent stewardship has silenced majority of critics that initially cast doubt on her abilities. Many are amazed by her ability to rise and deliver in an office she had not occupied before. She is therefore credited for having managed to unite a team that not only lost a towering figure whose impeccable knowledge and experience laid ground for not only meaningful debates but also inspired many to become reputable leaders. At the end of June last year, when several government entities were rumored to be embroiled in issues of corruption and misuse of government funds, Right Hon Among set up the Parliamentary Committee on Covid probe into the allegations of swindling of funds by government officials.
How has she done it? Even when she operated on a shoe-string budget, her administration managed to register sounding progress on both technical and political sides of Parliament.
TIME FOR BUSINESS: Speaker presiding over the House
Through constant reminders and exemplary leadership, she has guided Parliament through the untold effects of the deadly Covid-19 that heavily obstructed the operations at the August House. Her team braved through untold brutal working conditions that forced demanded administration to operate below normal working capacity and still delivered. The principles of unity, teamwork, constant support and exemplary leadership have been core denominators in every grain of success she registered for the 11th Parliament. She therefore promised to do the same and even better.
Inside her toolkit for second session As she presided over her first State of the Nation Address (SONA) as Speaker of the 11th Parliament on June 7th held at the Kololo Independence grounds, Speaker Among pledged to ensure that the legislative arm of government delivers on all its mandates without as charged. In this, she beckoned the full energy from all units within the law-making body as they embark on a new “I implore the committees to ensure that at the end of this session whose commencement we mark today will register 100 per cent performance in legislation,” Speaker Among asked of the legislators at the first sitting of the second session. In so doing, she has asked all Members of Parliament to bury differences in order to exploit the wealth of opportunities nested in unity and teamwork. This is because she trusts that cohesion will be a key tenet as Parliament slides into high gear mode of its second session that tipped off on 7th June. Considering that processing a minimum of 62 Bills requires focus and a team well versed with details of legislations processes, Speaker Among endorsed a three day-long training in Kampala for all MPs. The training that commenced on 15th and closed on 17th was highly appreciated by- lawmakers. Facilitators have since grounded MPs on the safe guards to shield them from corruption, intrigue and other elements that may impede smooth work in the course of legislation.
Members of Parliament with their supreme leader
This training, Members of Parliament say, has since provided them with a better grounding in Parliamentary procedures. “I found this training to be very timely and relevant because it has provided us with deeper appreciation of proceedings both within and outside Parliament,” Godfrey Wakooli, the Butiru county lawmaker said. He added: “This training has shown how important committees are in the processing of Parliament business. Many times journalists have judged and assessed us based only on the proceedings of the Plenary.” As a way of pushing for maximum use of their time, all legislators were already allowed a minimum of 14 days to engage the citizenry on Parish Development Model (PDM) and also popularize it so that the model registers the desired targets. In the same process, MPs are expected to gather views of their constituent members to inform sound and evidence based debates in the August House, something that is expected to bolster operations at Parliament. A lot is still to come from this busy bee! She needs our support, our guidance and most importantly, our prayers. Thank you Rt. Hon. Speaker, you will be at the right side of History.
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PHOTO: Namirembe Diocese Mission Secretary Rev. Samuel Muwonge receives an envelope of UGX 5M from Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology towards Mission work. Right is DS Ssegawa and middle is Rev. Kisakye
STORY BY: MOSES MUGALULA NAKAWA
ON Friday last week, thanksgiving prayers were organised at Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) campus in Nakawa, Kampala for the success this great institution has achieved since 2000 when it was incorporated.
Uganda Institute of information and communications Technology (UICT)
It was during the Service led by Namirembe Diocesan Secretary Canon Henry Ssegawa and assisted by Mission Secretary Rev. Samuel Muwonge and Rev. Abraham Lubega Kisakye, that the Institute gave back to God UGX 5M cash towards the construction of Namirembe Diocese Mission House. Thanks to the management and students of Institute of Information and Communications Technology for such a benevolent heart! Speaking to the congregation during the Service at the Institute, Rev. Samuel Muwonge said, “We have gathered to conduct a thanksgiving service, thanking God for the success and blessings he has given this great Institute of Information and Communications Technology. Thank you for honouring God who has brought you this far and for supporting Mission work.”
Rev. Muwonge leads Praising and worshiping during prayers
In the presence of Prof. Tony Oyana member of the Board of the governing council, Principal Dr. Kitogo and other members of the Board, teaching and non teaching staff, DS Ssegawa gave the sermon which was got from Isaiah Chapter 12. He encouraged them to always remember and give thanks to what God has done and make an investment. “We are always reminded that we are on mission, we have to do mission work. If you can not preach door to door, if you can not go to pulpit, then support what is being done by the Mission department.” Said Rev. Muwonge.
Rev. Muwongo, Principal Dr. Kitogo (Middle) and the DS canon Ssegawa (right)
The clegy were first taken around the institute campus and toured the labs. The institute was incorporated on 29th May 2000 in the names of Uganda communications Institute. The name was changed on 23rd December 2002 to Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology.
) INSTITUTE’S COMPUTER LAB: An administrator is making explanations to the DS Ssegawa and Rev. Muwonge how it is done in the labs
Prof. Tony Oyana is the Principal Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS). At Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), he sits on the Board. At the Friday function, Prof. Oyana represented the Board Chairperson and delivered her message. Some of the objectives of Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology were; ● To operate a training centre in order to uplift, maintain, improve and control the academic standard of the Institute and for that purpose empower teachers, lecturers, demonstrators, advisors and consultants or other experts in the field of education in the communication sector. ● To train and conduct courses, seminars, workshops and allow adequate and sufficient knowledge relating to the communications sector to be passed to the people of all levels. ● To conduct examinations and award certificates to candidates who complete courses of study prescribed and where necessary, to revoke such awards. The top managers re-echoed the Vision of this Institute of becoming a leading centre of excellence supporting ICT – enabled human development in Uganda and beyond. “Our Mission is to provide high quality market-driven and sustainable training research and consultancy services that support the ICT sector.” Institute leadership revealed to the clergy from Namirembe Diocese.
Group Photo
Their core values are about values of student and customer centredness, integrity, transparency and accountability; team work and total commitment, professionalism; principles of equal opportunity and environment sensitivity guide the information institute staff and students. This institute is mandated to provide training interventions in the field of information and communication Technology, to support national objectives, to increase the use of ICT throughout the country.
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PHOTO: Speaker Anita with Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla shortly after their meeting, yesterday in Kampala
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
PARLIAMENT of Uganda’s Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among held a meeting with Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla yesterday at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Sunday, June 26, 2022. During this meeting, Madam Speaker saluted the government of Cuba for its continued support towards the implementation of various programmes in Uganda. The country’s third top ranked citizen told Cuban Foreign Affairs minister that, “I acknowledge the instrumental role that your government is playing towards the improvement of our education, agriculture, and most importantly the Health sector.” She lauded the role that Cuban doctors played in setting up of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, (MUST) which has since trained over 1,000 medical professionals. In 2018 Cuban scientists worked closely with an inter-institutional team of scientists from Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, the National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO). Madam Anita said, “While the US sanctions levied against Cuba affected the economic and commercial relations between Uganda and Cuba, deliberate engagements have taken place to find a way forward on how the two countries can still enjoy better corporation.” That is why a Committee has since been set up to reinvigorate trade relations with Cuba. The solutions found included proposals that Uganda and Cuba carry out barter trade by exchanging the goods that Cuba needed and Uganda taking products/goods produced in Cuba. “As Parliament, we pledge our full support to these efforts and the implementation of all decisions taken by our two governments.” Anita assured her guest in a meeting attended by a team of Members of Parliament. She said, “A team of Honourable Members present form part of the Uganda- Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group that was established to foster the relationship between the two countries and ensure that Cuba becomes an active participant of the African, Caribbean,and Pacific Group of states.” For starters, Speaker Anita is Chairperson of The Uganda- Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group that comprises of 12 Members of Parliament including Hon. Akena James Michael Jimmy, Hon. Alum Sandra Ogwang Santa, Hon. Alyek Judith, Hon. Esther Afoyochan, Hon. Solomon Silwany, Hon. Norah Bigirwa and Hon. David Kabanda. Others are; Hon Alioni Yorke Odria, Hon. Mwine Mpaka Rwamirama, Hon. Suubi Kinyamatama Juliet, Hon. Rwemulikya Ibanda and Hon. William Chemonges. Madam Anita, who doubles of Bukedea district woman Member of Parliament thanked The Head of State President Museveni for the continued engagements with different countries like Cuba on strategic social, political and economic partnerships. In 2018, for example, President Kaguta Museveni met a contingent of specialised Cuban scientists at State House Entebbe to work with indigenous experts to develop an anti-tick acaricide called Gavac, and enhance training of medical workers in Uganda. Minister Parrilla said, Cuba is willing to enhance ties with Uganda towards socioeconomic transformation. “We shall surely continue to support Uganda.” He lauded the “hospitable nature of Uganda” and recalled the longstanding cooperation between the two countries. Uganda and Cuba have enjoyed excellent diplomatic relations since Cuba opened its diplomatic mission in Kampala in the 1960s. The two countries have reinforced each other’s positions at international fora through the Non-Aligned Movement, the G77 and the United Nations, where Mr. Parrilla said they have always defended and protected their mutual strategic political and economic interests.
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