Gen. Tumwine makes a statement in Parliament assuring Ugandans about their safety

MPs security
Kadaga said the Parliamentary Commission would soon meet to consider the President’s letter on providing security to MPs.
In a letter to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Museveni directed the purchase of a fleet of double cabin pick up trucks with ‘carrier beds’ to carry army sharp shooters to protect MPs.
Hon. Thomas Tayebwa (NRM, Ruhinda North) objected to the plan and instead proposed that individual MPs in need of such security arrangements should register with the Clerk to Parliament.
He was widely applauded.
In a special Parliament sitting, Museveni issued a 12-point master plan to combat rising killings, kidnaps and high profile assassinations.

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The blast went off as officers worked to clear a loyalist bonfire that threatened to rage out of control on a night of tension in Northern Ireland’s capital.

People were held at Belfast City Airport as police warned that loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) were planning to ‘orchestrate and participate in serious disorder’ in east Belfast.

Firefighters deal with a burnt out car in the Cherryhill area of Dundonald in east Belfast (Picture: PA)

Masked men also used burning cars to block roads close to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald on the outskirts of the city. A bus with passengers on board was hijacked before being set alight in nearby Newtownards.

The violence came after loyalists expressed anger at moves to limit the size of bonfires at two controversial sites ahead of traditional Twelfth of July Orange parades today.

Hundreds of ‘Eleventh Night’ bonfires were lit at midnight across Northern Ireland as part of a loyalist tradition to mark the anniversary of the Protestant King William’s victory over the Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

By 1 am today, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) had received a total of 327 emergency calls, mobilised to 164 operational incidents – 57 of which were bonfire-related.

Fire officers said the figures represented a 23% increase on incidents attended last year, with the regional control centre at times handling an emergency 999 call every 48 seconds.

Residents were fearful of damage to properties as huge bonfire pyres went up close to homes (Picture: PA)

Fire engines came under attack on three occasions, at Carn Hill in Londonderry, Moygashel near Dungannon and Ballycarry/Whitehead. No firefighters were injured.

While the majority of huge Eleventh Night fires in Northern Ireland pass off without incident each year, in recent times there have been community tensions in east Belfast over the size of pyres, with many residents fearful of potential damage to their properties.

Police said the threat from the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) in east Belfast was directed at officers.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd last night said: ‘I would strongly urge people to desist from engaging in any violent or criminal behaviour.

‘I would also appeal to those who have influence in this community to discourage people from taking part in any illegal activity.

A bus was hijacked and set on fire in Newtownards

‘The safety of the public and my officers is of paramount importance and accordingly I will be reviewing my resourcing plans to ensure there is an appropriate and proportionate policing operation in place to deal with any disorder should it occur.’

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In the category of best International Music Video, Bebe Cool will be battling it out with other international artists like Drumma SC, Takar Nabbam, Awarthanga Chiru and Vanlalchhanhima Ralte. The winner in this category will be performing at Hollywood Music Media Awards (HMMA) which are sister awards to CMVA.

The Carolina Music Video Awards is an award show that celebrates the art of music videos. The goal of the “Carolina Music Video Awards” is aimed at offering worldwide recognition to artists who deserve to be honored for not only their creative works, but also as hardworking individuals who excel in debuting their talents through visual performance and media.

The Carolina Music Video Awards is an award show that celebrates the art of music videos

The 2018 Carolina Music Video Awards will be hosted by Emmy Nominated CNN Anchor Holly Firfer Arnold on July 21st at Meglohon Theatre in Charlotte NC, US.

Bebe cool is expected to fly to America to attend the Awards ceremony that will be held on July 21st in Charlotte NC at Meglohon Theatre, Spirit Square.

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A new amendment of the excise duty tax bill on taxes imposed on both social and mobile money is due next week in parliament following protests from the public as tear gas and live bullets  rocked Kampala.

Journalists, artists, business men, students and other activists raided the streets of Kampala yesterday dressed in red protesting against the taxes imposed on social media and mobile money amidst live bullets and teargas from the police.

Hon Robert Kyagulanyi, leads activists during a demonstration against new taxes

These taxes which were imposed effective 1^st July have been always criticized by the public. The concerns were followed by a release of a statement from President Museveni which he shared via social media in which he said, “The 1% was a miscommunication. The actual figure was 0.5%, half of one percent.” This was to apply on mobile money taxes. He rather referred to social media as a “luxury.”

Prime Minister Rugunda told parliament that government’s decision will be communicated in 7 days. File photo

The demonstration was followed by, a session of the parliament which resumed from its 3 weeks recess period. The Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda announced plans by government to propose an amendment to the Excise Duty (Amendment) Act 2018, “Government is now reviewing the taxes, taking into account the concern of the public,” said Rugunda.

Speaker Kadagga directed Finance Minister Matia Kasaija to apologize to parliament as he was   reluctant to consider business from his Ministry. The speaker also tasked the Prime Minister to explain whether Ugandans will keep paying the taxes during the 7 days period.

MP Cecilia Ogwal inquired about the money that had been; “May we know where the money is being kept and how much has been collected so far…you must return the money that has been collected from the people,” Other MPs like Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi want the entire act to be scrapped off.

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As earlier stated on social media, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu also known as Bobi Wine managed to accomplish his word as it came to pass today morning. Bobi and a group of other people stormed the city and began their protests against the recent Social Media tax and the Mobile Money tax that had made almost every Ugandan at least understand a pinch on what this times financial budget was all about.

The demonstration started from Mini Price heading to the Parliament as demonstrators moved in a Cain format to keep them solid from any destructions. 

Bobi Wine joined by other activists in Kampala on July 11, 2018 in Kampala during a demonstration to protest a controversial tax on the use of social media.

However, as they approached the City Square, they were invaded by the police which could not allow the demonstrations to continue towards the parliament. They started rioting with the police and teargas with live bullets immediately filled the air. All this was happening as the police tried to pull Bobi to their ‘Kabagali.’

Bobi Wine (C) Kataaha (L) and A pass (R) during the match this morning

Nonetheless, this did not stop the people from flexing with police as they tried to save their MP and within a few minutes, ‘People Power’ manged to overwhelm the police and the Ghetto President was smuggled to one of the nearby building however it didn’t stop the police from the hunt. They managed to enter the building and continued with the search and people immediately tipped Bobi and quickly he disappeared.

Later on, the police got to know that Bobi Wine’s next stop was at parliament as he was being interviewed by some of the journalists on exactly what was going on.

The failed search again scorned police as they now plan to write a letter to the Speaker of Parliament demanding for the arrest of one of her members for further questioning.   

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President Museveni has said with the help  GDP ratio, the government has been able to identify individuals  that do not pay taxes. He added that the GDP ratio was only 4% in 1991 where it rose to 12% after informing URA and has stagnated there for a long time however it rose to 14% last financial year.

Telecom companies have been identified in under- declaring calls until recently when the government acquired machines to see the telephone calls which he says its so ashaming for them.

Museveni giving a speech on Social Media

The president added that when Ugandans post or send communication on social media platforms like Facebook or whatever its not for free they are charged and not in local shillings but in dollars. And in case this money is paid in local shillings ton foreign companies, the money is taken out of Uganda not in local shillings but in dollars.

Museveni goes ahead to argue that all moral reasons are in favor of social media tax and that to say that social media users have no right to waste the dollars he earns  from his coffee, milk etc by endlessly donating money to foreign telecom companies through chatting or even lying there and then, they are allergic even a modest contribution to their country whose collective wealth they are misusing.

He therefore says that Mobile Money tax is 0.5% not 1%  and is still a subject to discuss.

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“We need to ensure our prosperity through production of goods and services. We talk of East African integration to guarantee the prosperity of our people. Economic integration is for prosperity, surviving and living a good life,” he said.

The President was addressing a delegation of 28 Zimbabwe Army Officers who called on him at State House, Entebbe.

Zimbabwe Army Officers with the UPDF Deputy Commander Land Forces Maj Gen Sam Kavuma

The Officers are on a study tour of Uganda to learn more from President Museveni and to draw from the experience of Uganda with regard to how the country has been able to handle matters of national security.

President Museveni informed his guests that negotiation becomes easy because of integration.

“We need integration to create market but also to negotiate better,” he noted; adding that the people of Africa are all similar or interlinked.

Mr. Museveni also said that Africa must integrate to be able to defend against global threats and guarantee the black race from marginalization.  The Zimbabwean delegation saluted President Museveni for his wise counsel saying that they will be able to draw from what they have learnt while in Uganda in the execution of their future chores.

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They were handed over to the Inspector General of Police John Martins Okoth Ochola at a function held at Police headquarters Naguru by the Dutch Ambassador to Uganda H.E Henk Van Bakker.

“The project aims to secure peace and safety within and between refugee settlements and host communities, “Said the Dutch Ambassador in his opening remarks.

He highlighted activities that will be implemented by the Refugee Law Project among which include, Building the capacities of rule of law of stakeholders, like Police, Prisons, UPDF Immigration, Magistrates and Local Leaders to ensure that they have both technical and social knowledge and skills to interact effectively with refugee communities and mediate between hosts and refugees.

Empowering refugees to speak for themselves and to be able to engage in full dialogue with the hosts, Police and other structures.

He added that”, the vehicles and motorcycles handed over to the Police are a token of pattern-ship and mutual confidence between Refugee Law Project and Uganda Police Force.”

“It is also shows that the Netherlands is convinced that these investments can and will make a difference, well trained band, well equipped Police Officers are an asset to the communities they serve” he noted.

In his address the IGP Okoth Ochola noted that “this ceremony marks an important milestone in our collective effort to secure life and property in a committed and professional manner in patternship with the public in order to promote development”.

He added,” it also demonstrates the close relationship that exists between the Uganda Police Force and the Refugee Law Project in promotion of justice for all.”

“As Uganda Police Force, we are happy to be able to secure and make contributions to asylum seekers, refugees, deportees, IDPS, and host communities. The Uganda Police ensures that individuals in those various categories enjoy their rights and lead dignified lives. “He added.

The assets will go a long way in enabling the police handle refugee law related policing.

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Fungaroo said that the key players in the peace deal should be left to build trust in each other for the negotiations to take place rather than external forces forcing them to sign the agreement. The agreement aims at ending a war in which tens of thousands of people have been killed.  

On the other hand, Kapelebyong County Member of Parliament Julius Ochen said that the United Nations also needs to appoint a competent panel of experts to help the South Sudan Institutions sieve the interest of foreign countries that are involved.

He said that Uganda has an interest in the cease fire agreement adding that south sudan instability directly affects the economy of Uganda by the virtue of its geographical position as neighbors.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) leader Riek Machar recently signed an agreement providing to implement a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in the country ahead of the formation of an inclusive transitional cabinet.

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Kadaga on the commissioning of the NSSF City House in Jinja

The NSSF Act provides that  a member of the Fund shall be entitled to age benefit if he or she attains the age of 50 years and has retired from regular employment; or if he or she attains the age of 55 years. It also provides that a member of the Fund may be treated as having retired from regular employment when he or she attains the age of 50 years, or if he or she is not in gainful occupation.
The Speaker revealed that she had received complaints from numerous people who lose employment before the age 50 but cannot access their savings for personal needs.  
“Mr. Byarugaba, you know how many letters I have written to you from people who are sick but cannot get their savings for treatment simply because they are not yet 50,” Kadaga said addressing the Executive Director of NSSF.
Kadaga made these remarks at the Commissioning of the NSSF City House in Jinja on Thursday, 28 June 2018.

Hon Paul Mwiru (Jinja East) also re-echoed the plight of Ugandans on access to NSSF savings saying, “many Ugandans who have lost jobs have issues with the scheme.  I request for a provision where someone who loses a job is able to access at least 30 percent of their savings as they look for another job”.
Chairman Board of Directors, NSSF, Patrick Kaberenge said the proposed revisions in the NSSF Act will largely benefit clients and requested Kadaga to use her position and expedite the amendment of the NSFF Act and procurement law.
The Speaker said that Parliament is going to focus on legislation in the First sitting of the Third session where that Act when presented for amendment by the Executive would be considered.

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