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‘REVOKE SELECTIVE URA TAXES ON COOKING OIL & SOAP RAW MATERIALS OR WE CLOSE BUSINESS’, MULWANA’S DAUGHTER WRITES A TOUGH LETTER TO FINANCE MINISTER

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PHOTO: This cooking oil is made from Kenya and sold in Ugandan markets. Its manufacturers compete with Ugandan manufacturers who are subjected to excise duty per litter of produced cooking oil.

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
newseditor.info@gmail.com

THE 10% CPO Tax has Hit Oil Sector in Uganda as ‘Tax Free/Illegal Products’ Flood Ugandan Market.
In July 2021, Government of Uganda levied UGX 200 on a litre of Cooking Oil and the 10% import duty on Crude Palm Oil products even when Crude Palm Oil is an essential raw material for sector players of Oil and Oil Products in the country. 
As a result of these levies, there is abnormally a current increase in prices of personal care items, edible oils and cleaning products. The affected sector belongs to the Fast Moving Consumer Goods category.
The Ugandan Manufacturers who have been subjected to the excise duty per litre of produced oil must compete for cereals with other East African counterparts who don’t have such tax in their countries. Important to note is that the Ugandan market prefers palm oil products to sunflower products.
Surprisingly, Uganda is a key member of the East African Community that agitates for zero taxes on such products yet the cost of production in other East African states is said to be cheaper compared to Uganda’s. Unless it’s repealed, it will slowly discourage sector players making it inevitable for the different investors/cooking oil factories to close down, move to any East African States. This in both short and long run will lead to loss of jobs by many Ugandans, URA will not get taxes and Uganda’s supply chain will be no more.
Crude Palm Oil prices hit record high in May 2021 along with Soya bean oil, Sunflower oil and other soft oils which compete for a share in the vegetable oil market. The prices in Uganda have increased to USD1500 (UgX5.4m) per metric tonnes from USD500 (ugX1.8m) close to two years ago.
One Kilogram of such products was at UgX4500 last year from UgX3500 over the last three years thereby tampering with the prices of several household items in modern times.
For example soap which for long had been sold at UgX4000 is currently being sold at UgX4500 at known sales points throughout the country with a litre of cooking oil increasing from UgX7000 to UgX10,000. The price changes have not spared margarine and other edible oils whose costing has shot up by over ugX3000.
A key sector player on condition of anonymity notes that with the persistent lockdown and restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping lines are hardly available and those that exist have increased charges by abnormal percentages never heard of adding that the increase is visible in other raw materials used in the production of the products. As a result, this makes transportation costly and drives the cost of production through the ceiling especially now that the government introduced a 10 percent import levy on raw material as a measure for import substitution.
Research shows that currently, available sector players can produce between 3000-4000 metric tonnes compared to the local demand which stands at 15,000 metric tonnes. This means that with the current crisis in the sector, cereal oils like sunflower and soybean would have been a good substitute. However, their production remains at the lowest.
Having observed the unfair treatment some of their members are being subjected to compelled Uganda Manufacturers Association through their outgoing Chairperson, Barbra Mulwana to write to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
In her July 5, 2021 letter, workaholic Mulwana revealed that their association had noted with serious concern that Uganda had allowed the imposition of 10% Import Duty on the crude palm oil yet historically, Crude edible oil imports attract import duty at 0% (raw material), olein fraction attracts a 10% (processed) and refined edible oil attracts a 35% (final product). She further says that the sector contributes to domestic taxes such as corporate tax 30%, VAT 18%, withholding tax 6%, Excise duty UgX200 per litre as well as other Non- Tax Revenues and statutory contributions. She also argues that the objective of this tax regime is to enable the sub sector to improve domestic capacity, raise farmer output, develop the edible oil supply chain and ensure supply of edible oil products to Ugandans.

Ms. Barbara Mulwana

Noting that government and the private sector have taken several steps to boost local production citing an example where government implemented focused programs with the assistance of I FAD such as The National Palm Oil Project and the National Oilseeds Project under Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries, the private sector whilst onboarding the I FAD projects, has also Invested heavily by setting-up out-growers and contract farmers schemes, improving milling capacities as well as other essential post-harvest activities across the value chain.
Mulwana who has since ceased the chairperson of manufacturers in the country asserts that despite these successes, there is still an overall shortfall of edible oils in the country and this Is being substituted by imports of Crude Palm oils that are refined and packed in Uganda, which is a benefit for Uganda as extensive value addition is happening here supporting employment, collection of statutory taxes and revenue generation for utility and supporting companies and parastatals as well as scores of local suppliers whose businesses rely on the refiners. She has since pleaded with government to reconsider its position by retaining the zero percent import duty on
crude palms oil (raw materials).

Ms. Mulwana’s letter to minister Kasaija

The experienced Mulwana as far as business is concerned anticipates challenges as a7 result of the implementation of the 10% Import Duty on Crude Palm Oil (raw material) to include but not limited to partner states for example Kenya charging a 0% import duty on Crude Palm Oil, an increase of Uganda’s imports duty from 0% to 10% will lead to dumping and smuggling of Kenyan products (refined edible oils, cooking fats and soaps, made from the non-taxed CPO) by traders on to the Ugandan market.It’s important to note that a similar scenario has been experienced in the wheat sub sector and has resulted into massive wheat smuggling along the country’s Eastern border, the introduction of a 10% import duty on Crude Palm Oil (raw material) is affecting prices of edible oil products as well as byproducts such as soap used as a key product in the fight against COVID19,Distortion of the import substitution effort, introduction of a 10% import duty on Crude Palm Oil (raw material) will encourage local edible oil refiners to import already processed oleim fractions (refined clean processed from CPO which is the raw material) instead of raw materials (CPO) Leading to value addition happening outside Uganda as opposed to within the country. This will lead to a policy failure with regard to the government industrialization agenda,the operating cost for oil millers have been on the rise, for example the cost of labour is increasing due to growing demand for welfare benefits such as medical, insurance benefits in the event of (accident, disability, death, retirement), leave as well as salary increments, Local oil production from locally sourced oilseed grain is at approximately 150.000 to 180.000 metric tons per annum which has significantly increased over the years but still low to meet domestic demand of approximately 220.000 to 240.000 metric tons per annum. On the other-hand oil seed grain used in production of edible oil such as soya bean and sim sim are consumed as direct food, leaving a smaller portion for oil milling. As a result, making Uganda a net importer of edible oil,the edible oil sub sector is strategic to Uganda’s economy, it offers livelihood to a number of players involved in the value chain i.e. transporters, millers, plastic, carton and label manufacturers, distributors, importers/exporters, clearing agents, wholesalers, hoteliers/restaurants, confectioneries, advertisers among others not to mention. These not only pay central government taxes, they also remit statutory payments such as licenses and fees. NSSF. Utilities etc. At the backdrop of the prevailing COVID19. increasing import duty from (0 to 10) % will negatively affect the value chain with anticipated losses in consumption and income to many who depend on this value chain, production of edible oil is constrained by a number of factors such as small-scale and fragmented land holdings, limited adaptation to weather changes, leading to low yields, prevalence of diseases and pests, low survival rates of seedlings planted, low use of agro-inputs, poor farm management and limited use of market-oriented production such as contract farming, high cost and limited availability of inputs (improved seeds, fertilizer and chemicals). This shows that the sub sector needs more support from government, across oil seed milling firms, capacity utilization is a problem. This is caused by the meager quantities of oil seeds grain on the local market. Additionally, climate change and fluctuations in rain patterns h3ve negatively affected the yield per hectare. Therefore, staying the import duty at zero percent will allow full implementation of the MAAIF/IFAD programs and consequently enabling the import substitution in the sector, More land is needed to produce edible oil. For example, with the current imports of 244,985.7 tons of edible oil Uganda would need either 65.844.9 hectares (162.706.2 acres) of oil palm. However, it should be noted that land is also needed to produce other food crops if Uganda is to maintain food security.
With an elaborative explanation, Uganda Manufacturers Association appeals to government to stay the application of the 0% Import duty on crude palm oil as this will help minimize the edible oil sub sector trade deficit in the short run as a long-term solution is realized at 0% import duty, the edible oil sector will remain competitive in comparison to EAC partner states and for related exports markets, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Government should push for the increase In edible oil yield per hectare by Incentivizing supply of agro-imago puts e.. Improved climate resistant seeds, familiar pesticides and market-oriented farm practices such as contract forming and out growers, government should lobby EAC Governments to have a harmonized position at the EAC level, Government should consider banning the exports of unprocessed oil seeds and oil palm. Or impose punitive export tariffs, in line with international best practices. This will naturally trigger local processing with all the attendant benefits in form of employment creation, value and monetization of the local economy

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A MUST READ: HERE IS WHY PRIORITIZING TRADE OVER FOREIGN AID SHOULD BE UGANDA’S NEW DEVELOPMENT GOAL

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PHOTO: Mr. Brian Mukalazi, the author

OPINION BY
BRIAN MUKALAZI
bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org

UGANDA is among the world’s top aid recipients. Between 2012 and 2019, the country received more than $15 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and this figure is estimated to have significantly increased during 2020/2021, following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.  
The obvious expectation with aid is, and has been, that it will bring sudden transformation or a total change in our country’s fortunes. But unfortunately, aid has not helped much in narrowing Uganda’s financing gap and we are still swinging in the gallows of poverty. 
The conventional calculus of foreign aid is that poor countries are merely suffering from lack of money or resources, hence the need for financial support, through grants and loans. However, there’s lots of evidence from independent research showing how aid has slowed economic growth. 
Some economists and researchers argue that foreign aid has created dependency, fostered corruption, and worsened relationships between a government and its people. It has also prevented countries, such as Uganda, from taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the global economy.
I have always argued that Uganda’s development problems, as one of the world’s least developed countries, have little to do with lack of resources but have everything to do with the strength of our institutions, systems and the complementary policies. 
To put this argument into perspective, I may refer to a survey conducted in 2021 by the Inspectorate of Government, where it was revealed that the Ugandan government loses close to Ushs20 trillion (about $5.7 billion) every year through corruption. 
This is more than the ODA received for both 2019 and 2020 ($4 billion). It also outweighs the FY2022/2023 budget amounts for Agro-industrialization, Energy development, Development plan implementation, Innovation, Technology, Regional development and Private sector development, combined. According to the framework paper, these were all budgeted at a combined total of Ushs5.6 trillion. 
If Uganda is to transform its economy and make meaningful development strides, it must promote and prioritize trade. We need to start participating more effectively in the production of goods and services, by investing more in productive sectors, building skills, creating jobs and acquiring new technology, knowledge and market information. 
But these interventions require sound complementary policies, as well as sustainable programs that are capable of yielding benefits for all Ugandans, especially the poor and disadvantaged. 
Look at the Karamoja sub-region: Despite the long-term presence of development partners and billions of dollars invested overtime, food insecurity, poverty and healthcare challenges remain acute in the sub-region. This is partly because short-term, stop-gap measures, including cash handouts and food stamps, have been largely implemented.  
Little efforts have so far been made towards empowering people in Karamoja, without ensuring financial sustainability. There have been few inclusive business models to facilitate access to productive assets, such as land and financing, enhance productivity, and to improve the resilience of smallholder farmers and business people. 
Let me be clear: Not all aid should be re-directed, especially the humanitarian aid. It is important to note that aid programs that are humanitarian in nature have saved millions of lives, alleviated suffering and offered the much-needed hope to many needy Ugandans. 
But humanitarian aid should be for emergency situations and short-term in nature. It should, therefore, not replace government programs but rather help build capacity and strengthen preparedness for such crisis situations. Government needs to effectively work to secure the future of those in need. 
By the way, we should appreciate that people do not necessarily expect government to solve all their problems. Having worked in the aid space for a significant number of years, I have met lots of energetic Ugandans, men and women, who really want to get to ahead. 
Every day, they desire and yearn for better livelihoods, not only for themselves, but also for their families and communities. They know that they have to work hard to get ahead, and they want to. But all they need is change in national priorities and prevailing conditions.
How can we expect a small-business trader in the deep village of Tegotattoo, Gulu district grow his or her business when they have no access to adequate capital, markets or technical expertise; when acquiring a business loan almost costs an arm and a leg; when they still have to choose between buying prescription drugs and food. Honestly, it’s hard! 
There’s an urgent need to fight the dependence syndrome, and restore the spirit of hard work, self-assurance and patience in the lives of Ugandans, mainly the working class. Job opportunities, especially in the agriculture sector and along the agri-business value chain, should be created and remain open to all. 
We should be capable of negotiating more profitable trade pacts with development partners and financiers. What use is it for Uganda to negotiate a multi-billion-dollar loan from China for a road construction project when all top and mid-level jobs end up with the Chinese while majority of the Ugandan workers earn close to peanuts in wages. 
Government needs to negotiate better wages for its citizens. In fact, this is one reasons why hundreds of young and skilled people leave the country every year in search of better opportunities elsewhere. It is now unsurprising to find a young, budding accountant leaving her job to go and work as a maid in the Middle East in the harshest of conditions.
I personally believe that if we can strike the right balance between trade and aid and make the right choices, majority of our young population can have a decent shot at life. This should be Uganda’s new development goal!

The Writer Mr. Brian Mukalazi is the Country Director of Every Child Ministries Uganda.
email: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org

UNTOLD STORY: HOW D/SPEAKER ANITA AMONG’S INTERVENTION BAILED OUT ARRESTED KASESE NUP BOSS & 2 OTHERS

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OUT ON BOND: Samuel Masereka

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

WHAT no body has told you, opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) Kasese registrar Samuel Masereka who was last week released on State bond and taken back to Kasese came after the intervention of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among.

Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Among presiding over Parliament

The young man whose fate Deputy Speaker raised in Parliament a day before his release, was released alongside two colleagues Hamza Tembo and Alazarius Bisogho, said to be NUP mobilisers in Kasese.
Thank God, Rt. Hon. Anita Among’s voice was bold enough to be heard in that, the three were granted freedom.
Masereka and his colleagues who are said to have been tortured on their arrest, were charged with engaging in subversive activities.
They were allegedly picked up on January 7, 2022 from Kasese and taken away in a drone van. 
In a statement released by Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, NUP President days ago, he said, “Efforts by the family and NUP lawyers to trace the three were futile, although we have information they are being held in a torture chamber in Mbuya.” 
Deputy Speaker Anita Among who doubles as woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea district got so concerned about the fate of Masereka and his accomplices.
This was after opposition leadership at Parliament approached Deputy Speaker requesting her to add her voice onto that of their party members in the quest to send a strong message to search for Masereka. She raised the matter at parliament and her unwavering voice sent chills down the spine of the security who hurriedly organised to have the trio released on bond.
After their release,  Hon. Kyagulanyi posted that, “According to Masereka’s account, he has been undergoing torture every day and being asked what NUP is planning to do in Kasese and Rwenzori sub-region. They asked him specifically, why he has been mobilising support for NUP in the area. They asked him what the plans of different leaders in NUP are!”
On November 30,  2021, Deputy Speaker is remembered for having directed the Attorney General to, “Come to the House with an explanation on the fate of the 67 people arrested from Kasese who have been held in prison. This is a matter that has been ongoing for a long and I expect the Government to be able to give that explanation.”
She on December 2, 2021 tweeted, “The inmates who are sick should be treated, they are human beings with rights. There should be a speedy trial process for the royal guards (from Rwenzururu Kingdom) and those arrested with them in Kasese. I am referring this matter to the committee on human rights and will expect a report in two weeks.”
This benevolent Rt. Hon. Anita Among is November 3, 2021 tweeted that, “The Hon. Ssegirinya (Kawempe North MP) is sick and that must be taken seriously. If we are to prosecute, let us prosecute a living person. I do not want to interfere with court proceedings but the Hon. member should be prosecuted after getting proper treatment.”
Ssegirinya was arrested together with another MP, Hon. Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West). 
The Deputy Speaker has been very vocal about these two legislators since they were arrested.

For views/comments on this story, WhatsApp editor on 0772523039

PASTOR SOLOMON MWESIGE TAKES GOOD NEWS TO RAKAI DISTRICT, WINS SOULS FOR JESUS CHRIST

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PHOTO: Pr. Solomon praying for people in Rakai today

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA 

GOSPEL Preacher and overseer of Good News Churches in Uganda Pastor Solomon Mwesige has spent today Thursday in Rakai District preaching the gospel, sharpening the faithfuls, conducting deliverance and winning souls for Jesus Christ.
Pr. Solomon a renown televangelist who is the Head Pastor of Good News Church Bulenga on Mityana road and also the CEO of KSTV, was the guest preacher in a one day conference organised by Rev. Dr. Rogers Nibawasa and Pr. Sylivia Komuhangi of Good News Evangelical Ministry located in Buyamu, Ddwaniro, Rakai district in Uganda.

Pr. Solomon prays for the host Rev. Dr. Rogers Nibawasa and Pr. Sylivia Komuhangi

While delivering a message of salvation and being established in Jesus Christ to a fully packed Good News church in Rakai, Pr. Mwesige told people who attended this conference that; this year 2022, is a year of service which will bring restoration through the love of Christ in body, soul and spiritual prosperity  (Hab: 2:1-6).

INTERCESSION MOMENT: Brethren at Good News Church Rakai crying out to the Lord

Shortly after the service, Pr. Mwesige posted this on the Church social media platforms; ‘Just finished a powerful meeting at Good News Church Rakai.’
Our Teams are working on a detailed story about Pr. Solomon’s sermon in Rakai today.

For view/comments on this story, email our editor at newseditor.info@gmail.com 

ARMY, POLICE FIRE TEARGAS & LIVE BULLETS TO DISPERSE PRAYERS ORGANISED TO REMEMBER NRA BUSH WAR LUWEERO VICTIMS

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PHOTO: A female police officer explains to Hon. Allan Mayanja how prayers for Luweero war victims can’t go on due to pressure from ‘Above’

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

PRAYERS organised yesterday at Kikamulo Subcounty Headquarters in Nakaseke district by the relatives and friends of people whose lives were lost during a five years NRA guerilla war were cut short after men in army uniform and police officers armed to teeth sorrounded the venue, fired teargas and live bullets to disperse the congregation.
Hundreds of people in the districts making up Luweero Triangle were killed, leaving behind thousands of orphans in the 1981 bush war which brought Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government to power.
Prayers were organised by youthful Nakaseke Central MP Allan Mayanja Sebunya.
The former Speaker Buganda Youth Council (BYC) Hon. Sebunya had invited a number of Members of Parliament who included Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South), Hanifah Nabukeera (Mukono district Woman MP) among others.
Nakaseke District Police Commander (DPC) Ben Niwamanya and DISO Joy Bahat said they received orders to block these prayers.
“Although we had informed Police days ago about the prayers, we were shocked when security officers told us how pressure was too much, ‘Mr. Above’ directed to disperse relatives and friends of the Bush war victims who had gathered for the memorial service.” Said Hon. Sebunya.
Security personels followed NUP leaders who had organised the prayers  up to the party office in Nakaseke and ordered them to leave as well. 
In a statement released by Hon. Allan Mayanja Sebunya today morning, he said, “Fellow Ugandans, we must all realise the crisis that our country is in and decide once and for all, to free ourselves from the hands of the junta, lest we were not liberated as Gen. Museveni proudly tells Ugandans. He actually liberated himself and the group. What we are experiencing is harsh rule and family rule which totals to poor governance!”

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‘I SAW PROF. MUTEBILE KNEEL DOWN TO GREET MAMA MIRIA OBOTE’, DEPUTY SPEAKER ANITA AMONG TELLS A TOUCHING STORY ABOUT FALLEN BANK GOVERNOR’S HUMILITY

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PHOTO: Rt. Hon. Anita speaking at Mutebile’s vigil yesterday night

BY MOSES MUGALULA
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

DEPUTY Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among (AAA) will for the rest of her life not forget two very important moments about the life of fallen Bank of Uganda’s Governor Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile;
One, when she with her two naked eyes saw such a powerful man kneeling down to greet Mama Miria Kalule Obote, the wife of former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote and another incident when, “As a young intern at Centenary Bank Gulu branch, Prof. Mutebile who had visited the Bank recommended me for promotion after watching me go about my work.”
“On his advice,” Deputy Speaker told mourners yesterday night, “I was promoted to the level of a supervisor and he became my inspiration in the banking sector. Since then, my life has never been the same, see where i am today. He identified me, he moulded my future. Thank you Prof. Mutebile, you have been such a great down to earth man, i will never forget you.” Noted Rt. Hon. Anita Among, saying that is the kind of a person country has lost!
She revealed this yesterday night at the deceased’s home in Kololo, Kampala, where she had gone to join the relatives and friends of the late Prof. Mutebile to condole with Mama Betty and the children.
Governor Mutebile passed on Sunday morning at 5:30am from a Nairobi Hospital after a long struggle for his life. Born in 1949, today January 27th, Mutebile would be celebrating his 73rd Birth day!
On Mutebile’s humility Madam Anita last night told mourners that, “One time Mama Miria Obote was sick and I went with my son to visit her. We were shocked to see Prof. Mutebile kneeling down to greet Mama Miria. Humility, honesty and integrity are what defined his life as a servant of this Country.”
Deputy Speaker, therefore directed Government Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa to make sure that the official residence of Governor Bank of Uganda in Kololo is given to the family in honour of Prof. Mutebile’s integrity.
She prayed to God to judge him with mercy and promised to always stand with the family wherever they would need her help.
Meanwhile, Members of Parliament have been given a notice of Special Sitting to pay tribute to the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile today Thursday 27th January 2022 at 10.00am.

GONE: Governor Emmanuel Mutebile

According to the official burial programe;
● The body of Prof. Mutebile arrived from Nairobi and proceeded to A Plus funeral home on January 25th, 2022
● Yesterday January 26th, 2022 was Vigil at the deceased home in Kololo which was limited to close family members
● Today Thursday 27th, 2022 is a Special Session at Parliament 
● Tomorrow Friday January 28th, 2022 there will be a Church Service at Kololo Ceremonial grounds 
● Sunday January 30th, 2022 is Church Service at Rugarama Cathedral in Kabale, Kigezi and later, burial at Omuruhita village located on Kabale-Kisoro road.
May his soul rest in eternal peace!

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ROW BETWEEN LAND LORD GODWIN MABANO AND TRADERS AT BBIRA-NAKUWADDE ABATTIOR: WHAT WILL DETERMINE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S LEGAL OPINION

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PHOTO: Land lord Godwin Mabano (right in a blue shirt) enjoy lunch with Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) Ltd directors John Kalisa (left) and Christopher Kyazze (centre) during those hey days. But then, what went wrong there after?

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

KAMPALA and Metropolitan Affairs minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda sought for Attorney General’s indulgence in a matter at Bbira-Nakuwadde Abattoir, where land owners Godwin Mabano allegedly bleached a 25 years Memorandum of Understanding he signed giving away this land to Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) Ltd, to open up and manage an abattoir and then share profits.
However, when the abattoir boomed in a period of just two years after it opened, Wakiso Company accused land lord of sabotage, causing divisions amongst traders with an intent of running away from his responsibility,  start a blame game and later terminate the MoU.
Traders petitioned Kampala minister to intervene after Land lord Mabano had threatened to close the abattoir a move which would affect about 3000 vendors working from this place.
Minister Kabanda directed that the abattoir should not be closed instructing the office of The Attorney Geberal to investigate the matter and give legal guidance on who errored as per the MoU and how it can it be fixed to bring back sanity at the abattoir.
By press time, Attorney General who is the principal legal adviser to the government of Uganda was yet to give his opinion.

LEARNED ATTORNEY GENERAL: Kiryowa Kiwanuka

Traders’ company think this is overdue since everything at the Abattoir is in a mess, they are no longer collecting fees due to Mabano’s sabotage, they can’t pay electricity and water bills, they use their money to manage waste and now working in losses.
Mr. Christopher Kyazze, one of the three directors told us, “Our lawyers furnished Attorney General with a copy of signed MoU and all other necessary documents. We expect him to be fair, look into how we have made losses because of land lord’s impunity, and give us an opinion which will address all these matters.”
The learned Attorney Geberal has already assured these traders of Wakiso City Slaughter House Uganda Ltd at Nakuwadde-Bbira abattoir that he will give a wise counsel to the Kampala minister Hon. Minsa Kabanda about their misunderstandings with land lord Godwin Mabano and sanity will be restored back at the abattoir. This was during an interaction with our editor.

WHAT WILL GUIDE AG’S LEGAL OPINION ON THIS MATTER
Besides a well detailed 25 years MoU Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) Ltd signed with land lord Mabano which was published by this news website, there is a lot of information at the Attorney Geberal’s desk about who did what at the start of this abattoir.
In part II of this story, we take you through how Bbira-Nakuwadde Abattoir was started.

MABANO-RWABUHIHI-KALISA DEAL
Investigations show, the idea of starting an Abattoir at this place was brought by a one William Rwabuhihi, Mr. Mabano’s front man.
This came after Mabano had approached him to find out whether he can source for a developer at his Bbira-Nakuwadde land.
Rwabuhihi immediately thought of an Abattoir and he told Mabano how he can get traders dealing in cow slaughtering, to use this land as an Abattoir.
Mabano who at first thought an Abattoir can’t work in such a dilapidated place, later gave Rwabuhihi a go ahead.
Mr. Rwabuhihi reached his long time friend John Kalisa commonly known as UC.
Kalisa was the Vice Chairman of Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) Ltd. He was working at Kaleerwe Abattoir.
With his colleagues, they already had an idea of starting an Abattoir but were still looking for land. When Rwabuhihi identified one, definitely it an answered prayer! 

KALISA SELLS IDEA TO KYAZZE
With Rwabuhihi, vice chairman Kalisa immediately looked for Christopher Kyazze the Company Treasurer to deliver the good news. He got him around Northern by pass. 
The three of them, Kyazze, Rwahihi and Kalisa thought of engaging Adam Lubega who was then the Company Chairman. 
On knowing that a one Mabano was offering his land for an abattoir, Lubega openly told the three that,  “I don’t deal with Rwandees.”
Lubega’s statement must have angered Rwabuhihi, who was Mabano’s blue eyed man.
The two, Rwabuhihi and Lubega there and then picked a quarrel over what the later had said.
Kyazze and Kalisa tried cooling down the temper of their colleagues so that they can embark on their deal but all was in vain. 
It took the two time to normalise the situation and that is when Kyazze drove his colleagues to the said land at Bbira-Nakuwadde.
Rwabuhihi took the three around, it was a bit swampy but in a prayer led by Kalisa, he asked God to give them this land so that they can turn it into a busy abattoir. 
As soon as Kalisa’s prayer ended, it started raining and he joking told Kyazze, Lubega and Rwabuhihi that, “God is urshering us with his blessings into this place. This is a suitable place we have been looking for to start our Abattoir.”

FIRST MEETING WITH LAND LORD MABANO
From there, the four went to meet the land lord at his office, just a stone throw from where the new lufula would be put, now that they had toured the place and liked it.
Rwabuhihi introduced the three gentlemen, and land lord Mabano on knowing them, he asked, “Can you slaughter cows and make busy my land?” 
Kalisa answered, “Yes sir. We are a registered company of men and women dealing in slaughtering cows, we have been in this business for years. We were only looking for a place, but we have the business.”
Mabano smiled and said, “Thank you Mr. Kalisa, I have the land, bring the business, it’s a deal.”
To prove that they were abattoir leaders at Kaleerwe, Kalisa sent Badru Ntamu (then company secretary) for documents to prove that they are leaders. 
In the presence of his wife Ms. Hope Tibabi who attended this meeting, Mabano happily told Kalisa’s team that, “I have given you the land, go and bring business but let us all be transparent.”
He then asked them to send for their company lawyer so that he legally guides and signs papers for the Memorandum of Understanding.
In the meeting, Kalisa thanked Rwabuhihi for getting them land and he said, “Land lord Mabano, to appreciate Rwabuhihi for this juicy deal, we are going to recruit him as a company member and later elevate him to beome a Director.”
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Land lord Godwin Mabano and Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) ltd on how they were going to operate, the roles of the company and all the requirements from the land lord.
Those who signed the 25 years MoU on behalf of Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) Ltd were; Kyazze Christopher, John Kalisa, Patrick Bampabura, Annet Birabwa and Lubega Adam.
Godwin Mabano and wife Hope Tibabi signed for the landlord.
“Our main responsibility was to bring traders and manage the abattoir. In fact he asked us to ensure that we bring many vendors because if we dont do that, there would be no business.” Mr. Kyazze told Attorney General. 
On the part of the land lord, he had to build everything with the guidance of Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) Ltd.
These included; The Slaughter House, Fence (olugo), Bimeeza department, lodges where those who bring cows from village will sleep, toilets, payouts, etc.
Land lord assured Wakiso Company that he had the money to put in place all these. It was agreed upon that Mabano brings a representative at the revenue collection gate. Company leaders started looking for traders and among the first catch were; Yasin DMX, Abu HY and Odooba Ignatius.

EARLY PREPARATIONS 
Leaders agreed to send to the venue Company Secretary Badru Ntamu and to help him look for money to help him register vendors who wanted space in the new Abattoir.
“We however later realised that Ntamu, in connivance with Adam Lubega, was soliciting money from the people he was registering yet we had not allowed him to do so.” Reads a copy of report from Wakiso City Slaughter House (U) Ltd to the Attorney General.
He was asking vendors to pay for space and goodwill which was wrong, and this money had no accountability.

In the next story, we will give an account of how and why Adam Lubega and other directors were expelled and they later formed Nile Abattoir, a Company which legally has no MoU with land lord Mabano as per this Abattoir is concerned.
Why is Mabano dealing with he rebel clique of Adam Lubega? Wait for Part III of the story. 

For views/comments, email our editor at newseditor.info@gmail.com

WHY RELATIVES & FRIENDS OF LUWEERO NRA BUSH WAR VICTIMS HAVE ORGANISED A MEMORIAL SERVICE ON 26TH JANUARY

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NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

WHEREAS ruling NRM Government has organised a function at Kololo Airstrip to mark the 36th NRA liberation day tomorrow on Wednesday 26th January 2022, relatives and friends of the 1981-1986 guerilla war will on the same day hold a memorial service at Kikamulo Subcounty headquarters in Nakaseke district for hundreds of their killed people.
The area member of Parliament Hon. Allan Mayanja Sebunya who is organising this function has revealed to this news website that, prayers will start at 9 am.
“The 1981-1986 NRA Civil War, shall never be forgotten by Ugandans, but especially we the people of Luwero Triangle whose relatives and friends lost lives and property amidst this bush war!” Said Nakaseke Central County MP Allan Mayanja Sebunya.
The former Speaker of Buganda Youth Council (BYC) told us that,  “Thus, we have organised prayers at Kikamulo Sub County Headquarters, Nakaseke Central County in Nakaseke District, to pray for the departed souls.”
NRA rebels launched a guerilla war in Luweero triagle against the regime of President Apollo Milton Obote in contestation of the 1980 General elections which UPM presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said was marred with malpractice, it was not free and fair.
In retaliation, government forces attacked villages were rebels were suspected to be hiding, and killing of people started. 

Preparations in high gear for tomorrow’s 36th liberation day celebrations at Kololo

By the end of this war in 1986, a number of people had been killed and many children became orphans. People were homeless, property destroyed and Luweero triangle was brought down.
Hon. Allan Sebunya narrated to this news website how Luweero Triangle will never be the same again, wounds have not yet healed. 
That is why they have organised to have prayers on such a day when rebels captured Kampala.

For news story tips, reach the editor on WhatsApp 0772523039 

MUSEVENI’S MINISTER IN TROUBLE OVER POCKETING MONEY FOR NMS DRIVERS, STATE HOUSE INTERVENES

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PHOTO: When NMS delivered essential medicines and health supplies to Public health facilities in Cycle 4

■ How his NAWA Agency won a contract with NMS is questioneable, wants it terminated
■ NMS boss in spotlight, his connections with minister Mulimba highlighted 
■ Intelligence shows, NMS released money for truck drivers but Mulimba vowed never to pay them, they should go and hung

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
www.newseditor.co.ug

JOHN MULIMBA, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of regional Co-operation is in trouble for allegedly pocketing money meant to pay truck drivers who have been delivering National Medical Stores (NMS) consignments.
Mulimba is likely to be quizzed by the State House Anti-corruption unit headed by a no nonsense Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, to find out whether the allegations against him are true. This follows a complaint by the truck drivers under their umbrella known as Victoria Saving & Credit co-operative society, Entebbe accusing NAWA Agency said to be owned by minister Mulimba that it ran away with their hard-earned money.
In a tweet accessed by the News Editor Website, State House Anti-Corruption Unit has picked interest and it has invited management or leaders of the truck drivers’ Cooperative to, “Come and share with us further and better particulars on the matter.”   

ACCUSED : Minister Mulimba

Those who may not know him, Minister John Mulimba is also the member of Parliament representing Samia Bugwe constituency on ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party ticket, in the 11th Parliament of Uganda.
Truck Drivers who petitioned the State House Anti-corruption unit allege that, Minister John Mulimba is the owner of NAWA Agency which hired them to transport NMS consignments but since last year, they have not received their payments and whenever they approach him for their money, he defiantly tells them to go and hung. He says he is untouchable and will never pay them.
“At first we thought the problem was with NMS, that had not released the money but we later discovered, our money was picked by NAWA Agency. When we asked to be paid, Hon. Mulimba who owns NAWA Agency advised us to go and hung because he would never give us our money.” One of the affected drivers whose truck was used on three different days to deliver NMS drugs but went without a pay, told this news website.
Truck drivers insist, NAWA Agency fraudulently used the money that was supposed to be paid to them. NMS released it through NAWA Agency but money got lost on the way. This is what has interested the State House Anti-corruption Unit to intervene.
“NAWA Agency is said not to have paid truck drivers yet NMS provided the funds to pay all truck drivers. This is evidence that corruption runs deep in the institutions of Uganda”, Tweeted a one Mimi Bae

DETAILS
For starters, National Medical Stores contracted NAWA Agency to manage transportation of all NMS cargo to transporting medicine from the Airport to their offices.
NAWA Agency is said to be owned by minister John Mulimba.
Because NAWA Agency who acted as brokers have no trucks, they subcontracted truck drivers who are under Victoria Saving & Credit co-operative society, Entebbe, to be delivering the consignments on their behalf. They agreed on a certain amount of money per hour each day that was to be paid to every truck delivering medicine. They also agreed about the cost of offloading, delays, etc.
NMS pays NAWA Agency and NAWA clears the truck drivers. Since last year, their money has not been cleared.
National Medical Stores released money to NAWA Agency to clear bills to these subcontractors/transporters.
However, NAWA Agency did not pay drivers for a third time.
The drivers tried to reach Management of NAWA Agency, but all was in vain.
Through their Association of Victoria Saving & Credit Coperative Society, drivers petitioned Uganda Clearing and Fowarding Association (UCFA) to intervene so that they are paid. 
In a letter written 6th January 2022 by Victoria Saving & Credit co-operative society to NMS, they claimed for unpaid transport fees from their agent NAWA.
Letter reads, “We are drivers Association operating at Entebbe International Airport. On the 30th of August 2021, 2nd of October 2021 and on 6th of October 2021 respectively, we delivered consignments to your (NMS) premises from Entebbe Airport using our trucks registration Nos. UAU 022W, UBA 881D, UAL 127R, UAF 996W and UAY 271X through your clearing agent NAWA AGENCY.”
“Each of the vehicles was supposed to be paid UGX 200,000 (Two hundred thousand Uganda Shillings). The vehicles were not offloaded for the next two days thus accumulating car detention charges of UGX 150,000 (One hundred fifty thousands shillings) per truck, per day.” Reads truck drivers’ letter to NMS.
Letter says, these additional charges were approved by the manager NAWA AGENCY at the Airport. 
“Our efforts to recover these payments have been futile since NAWA AGENCY has failed to avail us the funds despite the fact that we already delivered a service.” Henry Kabuubi, the General Secretary of Truck drivers’ cooperative told NMS noting that, “The intent of this letter is therefore to request that management of National Medical Stores where we delivered these goods intervenes in this matter and helps us recover our money.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NMS BOSS & MINISTER MULIMBA
Among the leads into State House’s investigations, is the relationship between National Medical Stores boss and Minister Mulimba.
Insiders say, the two are too close and this might be the reason why NAWA Agency boss defiantly refused to pay truck drivers saying he is untouchable, after all he feels his contract with NMS can’t be terminated. And even when drivers cry out to be paid, NMS boss looks unbothered, can’t advise his friend Mulimba to pay them.
It is alleged, the procurement team has on many incidences moved to terminate NAWA Agency contract so that they can source for a legitimate and competent service provider but the NMS boss being in bed with minister Mulimba, doesn’t want to hear about this.
Public who replied to State House tweet showing how it has picked interest in this matter, want NAWA Agency to be investigated on how it won a contract at NMS and it should be terminated for incompetence.
Truck drivers we talked to, are prepared to meet Col. Edith Nakalema’s team and have vowed never to relent until minister John Mulimba and his NAWA Agency are punished.
“If need arises, we will petition both Parliament and the President. Then he will tell them why he sent us to hung, instead of paying our money.”
Watch this space for details!

ABOUT NMS

The National Medical Stores (NMS) is an autonomous government Corporation established by the National Medical Stores Statute no. 12 of 1993 in Uganda.
Among their objectives, is the efficient and economic procurement of medicines and of certain other medical supplies of good quality primary to the public health services.
Also, for the secure, safe and efficient storage, administration, distribution and supply of goods, having regard to national needs and to the specific nature of goods in question, in accordance with the national drug policy and the National Drug Authority.

For comments/views about this story, email the editor at newseditor.info@gmail.com

SPEAKER OULANYAH MOURNS GOVERNOR MUTEBILE AS DEPUTY ANITA AMONG WRITES, ‘A BANKING GENIUS & PATRIOT HAS RESTED’

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NEWS EDITOR

FOLLOWING the untimely death of Governor Bank of Uganda Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, the head of Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah and his deputy Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family, banking fraternity and the Nation at lage for this great loss!
In his tweet today morning, Speaker Oulanyah has written, “Saddened by the demise of Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile. We salute him for meritorious service as Governor of the Bank of Uganda and suprentending economic recovery and stability. Commiserations to his family, banking fraternity and the nation at large.”
For Deputy Speaker Anita Among her tweet reads, “The great icon of our economic journey as a country, a banking genius and patriot has rested. We shall hold on to his legacy of Oulanyah to the service of his County.”
Mutebile who has struggled for his health for quite a long time breathed his last today Sunday morning at 5:30am, four days to his birthday celebrations.
A born of Kabale in Kigezi in a family of nine children, Mutebire has been a role model, and those who got an opportunity to meet him say, was a generous soul with an open heart to those who knew or  didnt know him.
A former MUK Guild President, an economist and banker, Mutebire has served as Governor Bank of Uganda for the last 21years.
He attended Kigezi College for ‘O” Level, Makerere College School for his ‘A’ Level, admitted at Makerere University in 1970 for economics and politics.
He was however forced to flee Uganda in 1972 after his criticism for Idi Amin’s expulsion of the Indians. He fled to England through Tanzania, and was able to finish his studies at Durham University in October 1974.
After here, he joined Balliol College, Oxford for post graduate studies. He lectured and conducted research at the University of Dar es Salaam while pursuing his doctorate in economic.
When Amin was overthrown, Mutebile returned home and in 1979, was appointed deputy principal secretary to the president at the state house and then rose to senior economist in 1981 and then chief economist in 1984. In 1992 he became permanent secretary to the ministry of finance and planning and economic development.
In 2009, Nkumba University awarded him an honorary doctorate of philosophy for his contribution towards the development of the Uganda’s financial sector.

WHEN MUTEBILE FALL IN THINGS
He was appointed 9th Governor of Bank of Uganda on the 11th January 2001. He was re appointed for a five year term after his service on January 11th 2006 and has been in this office till he passed on today morning.
According to the Informer, Mutebile has been working as a visiting professor in the department of Economics at Makerere University since 2006. He is the chancellor of the International University of East Africa that was established in 2011.
He has worked as a consultant for World Bank, international monetary fund (IMF), The organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Macroeconomic and Financial Management institute of the Eastern and Central Africa (MEFMI) UK department for international cooperation, the North South Institute Canada and for the government of Rwanda Eritrea, Kenya and Nepal
Mutebire’s official burial arrangements will be communicated.

What will you remember about Governor Mutebile?  Write to the editor on WhatsApp number 0772523030

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