Daily Pepper Friday 09/07/021 Flipbook PDF

DP Friday 55 09072021 epaper

---

118 Views
66 Downloads
FLIP PDF 5.62MB

DOWNLOAD FLIP

REPORT DMCA

DAILY PEPPER FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

1

PUBLIC SERVICE BOSS ELOPES WITH SECRETARY VOL. 01 NO. 55 FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

UGANDA’S FORCE GOOD UGXFOR 3,000

RAW HUMOR

DROOLMANIA

Mr. Hyena NATION GOES POTTY OVER SEXIEST COP Chews Slum Babe DOWN & OUT @ Beach GENERAL KATUMBA

CORONA WAR

WHO Okays New Drugs For Covid Treatment

CYBER TERROR

M7 Death Rumor Mongers Face Arrest

TABAN NDURU

HITMEN CHARGED

TREASURY SECRETARY ABSENCE EXPLAINED

MUHAKANIZI FIGHTS FOR DEAR LIFE

Covid Cash Chaos As Kaboyo Sneaks In Ministry Says Ocailap Acting PSST As Keith Recovers

WHY MOH NEEDS 1.7TN TO BATTLE COVID

2

DAILY PEPPER

FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

MUHAKANIZI ABSENCE BY VENENSCIAS KIIZA   HE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, Planning and Economic Development has come out to clarify the absence of the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Keith Muhakanizi.

T

Muhakanizi has not been seen in public for some months. His deputy, Patrick Ocailap has been representing him on most of the public appearances and engagements. Even most of the documents, releases and notices from the ministry have been bearing the signature of Ocailap indicating he is the acting PSST. The public got more agitated and concerned about the substantive PSST’s whereabouts when on Tuesday this week, Ocailap released funds for the first quarter of the 2021/2022 financial year on behalf of the former. The PSST plays a key role in regulating, mobilizing , managing finances of the country and as well formulating policies that enhance overall economic stability and development. We have now learnt that actually Muhakanizi has not been feeling well for a while and sources say he is recovering from an ailment in Turkey. We have learnt that the appointing authority is the one who encouraged workaholic Keith to take a sick leave for the betterment of his health. Sources however, say he is clearly out of danger and this news has relieved many at the Ministry where his services are clearly still needed and missed.  

FINANCE OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT

When contacted for a comment, Jim Mugunga, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Finance, said Muhakanizi is on leave and his deputy Patrick Ocailap is acting on his behalf. “Mr Ocailap is the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury... currently he is Acting PSST. The Government and indeed the Ministry of Finance is built on standards, systems and processes. These ensure continuity as a result of adequate training and succession planning. It is true Keith is fundamentally core and a key top manager at the Ministry but I know for certain that one of his greatest contributions over the years has been to ensure that the sector management is not hinged on any single individual including himself but available competent human resources.  The Ministry upholds human resources policies that include among others the right to sick leave... Why would sick leave, whether taken by him or any other staff be of concern? Our concern is the health of all staff....and we also believe

Substantive PSST Muhakanizi that where any staff (senior or otherwise) needs time off to recover, they should be allowed the space and privacy to do so. We expect and seek from our partners including the media, similar understanding.”  

WHAT MAKES MUHAKANIZI TICK

Lower level staff cadres at the Finance Ministry are very fond of Muhakanizi because of his humility and the simplicity with which he approaches life. He is always the first person in the office at level 7 of the Finance Ministry Building where he always arrives before 7am yet he never forces his subordinates to observe the same schedule. At break time, he walks out of the building to sit at the staff canteen where he patiently lines up to serve himself from the serving tables. He will struggle and find where to sit without ever bothering the less prolific employees to give way for him. He prefers sitting and mingling with the lowest ranked staff who always see this as an opportunity to chat one on one with their boss and mentor. After having his snack, Muhakanizi then pays his bills and walks back to the office. Considering him to be a very powerful man capable of being easily targeted by rogue elements, the security establishment of this country has many times insisted on Muhakanizi moving in a big convoy with sharp shooters (similar to what clearly less significant legislators have) but the humble technocrat from Kigezi has consistently said no preferring his simple life. He looks at such lavishness as being wasteful of the taxpayers’ money. He actually always moves unescorted and the nearest person next

Ag PSST Patrick Ocailap to him is Tom Kajungu who serves as an assistant in his office. In Parliament, MPs have had to get used to his free style of ever telling it to them as it is. He speaks to their faces and waits to deal with the consequences. Sometimes he becomes so irritated and will feely bang tables in case MPs refuse or fail to comprehend what he considers basic things. He never panics and being one in charge of the national treasury, it’s possible the Parliamentary leadership knows way much better than annoying him. A number of reforms he has ushered into the public finance management sphere can only be occasioned by one who is as thick-skinned as he is. There have been many such reforms following the OPM scandal of several years ago. These have saved lots of government cash and the powerful actors who used to take advantage of the loopholes to beat the system have never forgiven him. Some say even the collapse of Sudhir’s Crane Bank partly resulted from the firmness with which Muhakanizi has been acting as PSST. He decentralized much of the finance management decisions, a thing that left local governments and the relevant CAOs powerless and unable to cut deals with any commercial bank. Sudhir’s very revolutionary bank was having a lion’s share of the banking deals in the district local governments upcountry and it’s expensively-built branches in upcountry towns became deprived of business the moment the PSST decentralized things. CBL would make a killing handling many such lucrative transactions for the local governments without which its operations were significantly crippled. And you had

to be a Keith Muhakanizi to walk away with it after causing so much deprivation to the powerful man Sudhir Ruparelia of those days had become. Even before the President, the donor-favored Muhakanizi won’t easily be intimidated from speaking his mind as a knowledgeable technocrat. Newly appointed Ministers, who used to be full of excitement, had to adjust and get used to Muhakanizi questioning some of the unworkable directives from State House requiring him to prioritize funding things he considered unviable in their respective dockets. Having been around loyally working for Museveni for such a long time, Muhakanizi isn’t one that can be easily intimidated or blackmailed before the President because he has adequate mechanisms to fight back and clear his name. Strong leaders like Muhakanizi have been central to the strong performance of the Ugandan economy up until the late 2000s, according to research by scholars such as Sam Hickey, a Professor of Politics and Development at the University of Manchester has done research on politics and development in Uganda since 2002. In the case of the Finance Ministry, he found that strong leaders like Mutebile and Muhakanizi were central to the good performance here. Indeed, some observers cite the example of the energy sector to demonstrate the challenge of such lack of succession. Since the 1980s, the energy sector was under the stewardship of Kabagambe Kalisa. Then in 2017 following a fall out with his godfathers he was fired and replaced with Stephen Isabalijja. Isabalija, who had only served on the fringes of

the Energy sector as the Chairman Board of Directors for power generator UEGCL and was new to mainstream government, was unable to hold fort as new Permanent Secretary and was fired in less than a year. Robert Kasande was then appointed to head the sector. A draft research paper on the performance of the Finance Ministry by Hickey and Bukenya explains that before Muhakanizi came in, at least two other senior bureaucrats who had played a central role in the reform period also left at this time. Another major figure, former Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Gerald Ssendaula, had retired in 2005. Ssendaula was seen by most as the last of the technically strong and politically respected leaders to hold this position. Hickey and Bukenya’s paper notes that none of Ssendaula’s successors possessed his combination of technocratic expertise and political heft. Despite some being solid technocrats, none were able to resist the political pressures that Finance was increasingly placed under, particularly in terms of the rising level of supplementary budgeting. It is Muhakanizi that brought back the reformist zeal last seen under Mutebile. “He is very good, wants things done, meetings are all to the point, agreement on who does what,” an official is quoted as saying of Muhakanizi in the research paper, “he has brought a lot more vigour – he can wade into the murky political waters with some degree of confidence. As a result of this vigour, the paper adds, three major reforms were undertaken during this period, each to

address different aspects of the crises identified then; namely the Integrated Payroll and Personnel System, the Treasury Single Account and the new Public Financial Management Act. These kinds of reforms had last been seen under Mutebile, a seasoned economist and reformer, who spearheaded the design and implementation of the Economic Reform Program that restored Uganda from the economic crises of the 1970s and 1980s to much better economic performance while he served as the most senior technocrat at the Ministries of Finance. “Mutebile was also highly respected, a hardliner, he would tell the President over my dead body,” another official is quoted in the paper, “So we technical people were very motivated to work because we knew if we worked hard and did our work it would be accepted.” In 2001, Mutebile was moved to the central bank as governor. “When Mutebile proved to be very difficult, he sent him to the Central Bank,” another official is quoted in the paper, “That was the reason, because he (the President) was told ‘over my dead body’. And the whole mechanism softened because the late PS (Kassami who succeeded Mutebile) was not as tough; and Museveni brought in his ministers who would dance to his tune.” Ugandans hope that his ill health won’t push him into permanent retirement. Muhakanizi is a long-serving Ministry of Finance technocrat who honed his skills as Deputy to the late legendary Permanent Secretary Chris Kassami. When Kassami retired in 2013, Muhakanizi succeeded him. Having been at either Finance or Planning since 1982, Muhakanizi has over the years mastered the inner workings and built a network of technocrats across the board given that the Finance Ministry is the centerpiece of the entire government. Over the years, he has also mastered politics. Therefore his absence or departure may likely to mark a dramatic shift as it is accompanied by the departure of other technical staff; either through natural retirement, early voluntary departures, or shuffles. While there are formidable technocrats at the Ministry of Finance at Director Level, Keith is class apart. Succession at Finance became a toss-up after Lawrence Kiiza, the former Director Economic Affairs, who was seen as Muhakanizi’s potential successor, retired early in 2017. Ocailap may be a perfect replacement but civil service retirement age of 60 years obligations are catching up with him. Nevertheless he can be retained on contractual basis.

DAILY PEPPER FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

3

NATIONAL NEWS

REVEALED

Why MOH Needs 1.7Trn COVID Cash BY PRISCA WANYENYA   HE MINISTRY OF Health is requesting for additional Shs1.7Trn to fight the second wave of COVDI-19.

T

The request was made by Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health while appearing before Parliament’s COVID Taskforce Committee. Aceng also warned the public against insulting health practitioners in the name of demanding for accountability, saying these insults are demotivating health workers. “The Negative propaganda, fake news, misinformation, leading to a demotivated workforce, insults to health workers is causing us a big problem because they will eventually start abandoning patients,” warned Aceng. However, Aceng said that the Ministry of Health requires an additional Shs1.7Trn to fight the second COVD-19 wave but of this, only Shs461Bn has been received. According to the Ministry of Health, the money required will go towards continuity of essential services that requires Shs114Bn, while Shs445Bn will be spent on procurement of COVID vaccination. The Ministry also needs Shs808Bn to cater for logistics, Shs70Bn for strategic information while risk communication is estimated to consume Shs68Bn, care management Shs93Bn and laboratory services Shs85Bn. The criticism referenced by Minister Aceng followed release of the March 2021 report by Auditor General, John Muwanga on how funds allocated to fight COVID-19 were spent by the Government. Asked by lawmakers on how much it will cost to have the 22million eligible Ugandans to be vaccinated, Minister Aceng informed Parliament that she doesn’t know when the country will be able to receive the 11million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines that has been acquired by the country. She said that the Government decided to purchase the Vaccines through the COVAX facility and even though they have paid and concluded all the legal requirements she doesn’t know when the country will receive the Vaccines. The Minister explained, “We have 9 million doses of vaccines, this is coming from the COVAX facility and has been paid off by the Government and it is waiting, we have concluded all the legal requirements because we are required to file legal documents with the manufacturers including the unification requirement.” Uganda is expecting 286,800doses of Astrazeneca Vaccine from the Covax facility, 300,000doses of sinovac and next month they will receive another 688,800 doses of Astrazenaca Vaccine. Government has also purchased another 2mil-

MoH Ps Diana Atwine lion doses of Johnson and Johnson through the African union. Asked by MPs why the Government doesn’t purchase vaccines from the open market, Aceng said it would be costly noting that Astrazenaca Vaccine from COVAX facility is sold at USD4 per dose while the open market goes for USD15 per dose. She also added that the Russian Vaccine goes for USD29 per dose while the Chinese Vaccine Sinovac goes for USD20 per dose which says is way expensive when you compare those rates through the COVAX facility. “Our hands are tied. The vaccines producing companies have locked out poorer countries and only given vaccines to rich countries. Those we are getting as donations were bought by those rich countries with access,” she stressed. However Abdu Katuntu, Chairperson Parliament Taskforce Committee said Uganda is already spending Shs100bn on enforcing the lockdown and feeding the population which money would have been used to buy vaccines. The Minister also defended the high covid19 treatment charges by private hospitals noting that the costs are not so different from that of the public hospitals especially in Mulago hospital. It should be recalled that Uganda Healthcare Federation informed Parliament that private health hospitals spend an average of Shs3.5M daily on any COVID Patient in Intensive Care Unit. Of this money, Shs1,115,000 goes towards drugs, Shs805,000 for health workers attending to the patient, Shs560,000 bed and ventilators, Shs245,000 administration and Shs35,000 on imaging. Grace Kiwanuka, President of the Federation said the COVID pandemic has driven costs of utility higher with hospitals spending Shs13m up from Ss9 Million they used to spend, while electricity bills increased from Shs45m to Shs75m. While reacting to this submission, Minister Aceng defended the high cost of COVID treatment in private hospitals saying Mulago Hospital is spending an average of Shs3m per patient daily. “We engaged a consultant to calculate for us the cost of managing a patient in our

ICU in Mulago, incidentally, the costs aren’t different from that of the private. Every patient in the ICU takes about Shs3M a day in Mulago. So the costs aren’t any different, they are nearly the same, except that where the Government is concerned, the costs go unnoticed.” She clarified that although all the regional referral hospitals have got ICU beds most of them are not functional due to lack of critical care staff because the country has not invested much

in training ICU care critical nurses. “Procurement is ongoing for 10,000 patient beds whose funding will be provided in the first quarter of this financial year, the remaining beds will be procured when funding is available. Although regional referral hospitals have ICU Beds, they aren’t all functional due to lack of critical care anesthesiologists, intensivist and ICU critical care nurses.”  Asked about the shs29bn that the public donated to

the government Aceng said the money went to OPM and MoF. “We were guided to use it to procure cars for surveillance, construction of a blood bank in Soroti and 2 boarder health units in Vurra and Cyanika,” she clarified and hastened to add that it was used to buy cars and not oxygen because “WHO was hiring vehicles for us to do COVID surveillance in the districts, which was very expensive and unsustainable. So H.E advised that we use this money to buy double

cabins to support districts to do this work, and other construction works.” On the procurement for these double cabins, Dr Diana Atwine said a total of 282 double cabins from Toyota at a negotiated total of about 24.6bn were procured. “As we talk 121 of these are in the country being cleared. The balance is to construct a Blood bank at Soroti RRH and border post health units at Cyanika and Vurra border posts.”

4

DAILY DAILYPEPPER PEPPER

FRIDAY, JULY 09, FRIDAY, JULY 09,2021 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

WAR ON TERROR

Wounded Katumba Attack Suspects Charged, Remanded BY OUR REPORTER

F

IVE MORE suspects, covered with gruises, wounds and burn marks, have been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate's Court in Nakawa on charges of terrorism and the subsequent murder of a daughter and driver to the Minister for Works and Transport General Katumba Wamala.

Those charged today before Chief Magistrate Dr Douglas Singiza are; Muhammad Kagugube alias Musiramu alias Mugisha alias Mbavumoja a Boda Boda rider and a resident of Kikaaya Zone, Kanyanya in Kawempe Division and Kamada Walusimbi alias Mudinka also a Boda Boda rider and a resident of Nabweru Zone 2. Others are Siriman Ayuub Kisambira alias Mukwasi Koja a peasant and a resident of Kabaganda village in Kasangati Town Council, Abdulaziz Ramathan Dunku a tailor /Car Seats Repairer a resident of Matugga and Habib Ramanthan Marjan a religious teacher. These who appeared in court with visible injuries their body while claiming that they had been tortured, their bodies pricked all over with needles and nails, beaten while others burnt in the back and their private parts; have been charged with one count of terrorism, two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Court heard that the accused persons and others still at large between the months of March 2015 and June 2021 in various places in Uganda directly involved themselves in the murder of Police personnel, Uganda People Defense Forces personnel and civilians and attacks on some police establishments. It is alleged that this was done with intent to intimidate the public or a section of the public and for political, religious and social economic aims and indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others or property. The Prosecution also alleges that the duo and others still at large caused the unlawful death of Katumba Wamala's daughter

 BY MOSES OKETAYOT SUNDAY 11th July will mark 11 years since terrorists linked to the Al- Shabaab killed seventy four (74) people and injured scores in Kampala. The double bombings happened at Kyadondo Rugby grounds and Ethiopian restaurant in the central business district respectively as revelers at both venues were watching the 2010 FIFA world cup final match. Speaking to the Daily Pepper, Kampala Metropolitan

The Katumba Wamala shooting suspects in court

Brendah Nantongo Katumba and his driver Haruna Kayondo by shooting them to death on June 1st 2021 along Kisota Road in Kisaasi Nakawa Division in Kampala District. Katumba Wamala survived but sustained injuries which he is currently recovering from. According to the Prosecution, on the same day, the accused persons attempted to murder the body guard of Katumba Wamala Sargent Khaled Kuboit and Boniface Mucunguzi, a by stander who was shot in the leg at the scene of crime. However shortly after reading to them the said five charges, the accused persons were not allowed to say anything about them since they are capital in nature. The Prosecution, led by Barbara Kyomugisha informed the court that investigations were still ongoing. It was an emotional moment as some of the accused persons kept bursting in tears in court on top of their voices stating that it was due to the pain inflicted on their bodies while

in custody.But the accused person's lawyers led by Geoffrey Turyamusiima told court that his clients were arrested approximately two weeks ago and had allegedly been tortured which is an infringement on their rights to liberty and fair hearing. Turyamusiima asked the court to issue an order that the accused be taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment arguing that the court had powers to discharge anybody whose rights had been infringed upon. But here, the Chief Magistrate took a short break of ten minutes saying that he was going to consult on where to remand the accused persons. Dr Singiza then returned with a ruling rejecting the prayer for total discharge saying that only the High Court has powers to entertain such a request adding that their lawyer will explain more to them and they see how to take their complaints forward. The Chief Magistrate later ordered that the accused persons be taken to Kitalya Government's prison on remand

2010 Bombings: Police Tips On Vigilance deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire advised the public to be very vigilant and follow the COVID-19 SOPs. He said they should not to go to video halls and bars to watch the delayed Euro 2020 final that pits England against Italy on the same day and date as the 2010 bombings since they are all closed to curb the spread of the virus. “We want to assure the public that there is no exact threat but we are very alert

and always report anything they don’t know in their area and to follow the presidential directives. It means that we will not need to deploy at entertainment places because they are closed,” he said. He cautioned that whoever will be found violating the SOPs will be arrested and prosecuted.On the level of alertness of security agencies to handle any unforeseen threat to the country Owoyesigire had this to say:

but with specific orders that when they reach there, the Prisons authorities subject them to medical examination. He added that the Prisons Authorities should then make a report which should be furnished to his court on the day for mention on August 3rd 2021. The charge sheet tendered Thursday also showed that it had been amended to include two other suspects Sheik Yusuf Siraji Nyanzi and Hussein Sserubula alias Imam Muto who were remanded last week over the same shooting. The accused persons were charged amidst a tense and tightened security environment of both uniformed and non-uniformed police officers who were carrying firearms. The group is the one that brought the accused persons to court in two Toyota Hiace Cars commonly known as Drones without any number plates while being escorted by several other police vehicles. Their lawyer Turyamusiima has condemned the alleged torture inflicted on his clients. “We are doing what we have always done by making sure that our intelligence is strengthened with information that is useful, and adds to it. Also, our deployments will always be strengthened.” He further added that the security agencies of the country are not taking anything for granted as you can never know when trouble knocks at the door. People should be careful and work with police to report anything they don’t understand in their areas to the police.”

DAILY PEPPER FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

5

COVID FOCUS

M7 Orders Arrests Over Death Rumours  BY PRISCA WANYENYA

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI has ordered security agencies to arrest all Ugandans behind spreading false news that he had passed on, saying they are wasting people’s time.

Museveni defended his directive saying, although this isn’t a security matter, all individuals behind the rumour mill should be apprehended. This was after residents in Bombo-Luwero on Tuesday left their work to camp by the roadside to establish if indeed it was the President was alive. “I don’t think it is a security problem but it is idiotic, the social media, the social media apparently has been saying Museveni is dead. Now the other day when I went to lay a foundation stone, people were looking because they were told by social media that Museveni is dead. So the security service also needs to solve that problem,” Museveni said on Thursday while presiding over the swearing in ceremony of another batch of Ministers, who failed to take oath in June. It should be recalled that recently, social media was awash with rumours that President Museveni had passed on and the rumour was further catalyzed when some Kenyans shared images of a purported presidential jet in Kenya. Now, the President has ordered the arrest of individuals who participated in spreading the fake news, although, he didn’t mention the charges and particular laws these suspects will be charged with. The President rather defiantly ordered, “I need to check with them to locate quickly the one who told such a story, because you waste people’s time. They should go for you, we should locate where you are and go for you. And if you are in Europe, we will tell you to go to hell.” During the address, Museveni also announced that the Army was slated to launch a military offensive against cattle rustlers in Karamoja, after reports emerged of killings in the region. The President also defended the decision to announce a second lockdown, saying he already received a briefing in cabinet that the cases have started going down and scoffed at critics who criticized the second lock down.

He also rejected calls by religious leaders to open up places of worship because they are essential, saying as a grandfather, he is also essential but he hasn’t seen his grandchildren for one and half years, because reaching them is dangerous. Museveni also revealed that the people behind attempted assassination of General Katumba, who later killed his daughter Brenda Wamala and driver Haruna Kayondo were linked to the Allied Defence Forces (ADF), a rebel group in DRC, describing them as jiggers who will be uprooted using technology, instead of rudimentary tools like road blocks. The President said, “When you are removing the jigger, you look for the eye. That is why I advised Police that you look for the jigger, don’t cut off the foot. When they were (assassins) doing other killings, we hadn’t put the cameras, when we put the cameras, they were a little bit quiet, but recently they were stupid they came up, trying to kill Katumba. In showing ourselves, thank you very much, we now went for them, they had covered themselves thinking they were clever.” Museveni said that the arrest and killing of the suspected assassins linked to Katumba shooting means the group has been broken, further revealing the group was behind theft in Nansana where they stole Shs400m and sent it to finance ADF rebel activities in DRC. “We have broken up that group, three of them have been killed, because they were trying to fight the police. Police sent them to hell, but we are looking for others, but we shall get them because we know who they are. And terrorists I warn you, if they (Police) come surrender, if you try to run, they will kill you. You have been looking for trouble, now you are going to get it. You have been killing now you are going to die. For us if you surrender, we don’t kill you. You think you can continue and survive, you will die,” said Museveni. Among the Ministers who took oath include; Kiryowa Kiwanuka (Attorney General), Mary Kitutu (Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Judith Nabakooba (Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development), Margaret Muhanga (State Minister for Health- Primary Health Care).

FOR SALE

FORKLIFT HISTER (UAE SERIES) H.2.50XM (2002) CALL: 0784533571 / 0704428053

WHO Recommends New Why Medics Can’t Administer Covidex For COVID-19 Patients Drugs For Covid Treatment BY OUR REPORTER

BY AGENCIES THE WORLD HEALTH Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday recommended interleukin-6 receptor blockers for people with severe Covid-19, urging the producers to join efforts to rapidly increase the access to the drugs.

The WHO said the move is based on the findings from a prospective and a living network meta-analysis initiated by the WHO, the largest such analysis on the drugs to date. These are the first drugs found to be effective against Covid-19 since corticosteroids were recommended by the WHO in September 2020. “Patients severely or critically ill with Covid-19 often suffer from an overreaction of the immune system, which can be very harmful to the patient’s health. Interleukin-6 blocking drugs - tocilizumab and sarilumab - act to suppress this overreaction,” the WHO said. According to the WHO, the prospective and living network meta-analysis showed that in severely or critically ill patients, administering these drugs reduces the odds of death by 13 percent, compared to standard care. This means that there will be 15 fewer deaths per

thousand patients, and as many as 28 fewer deaths for every thousand critically ill patients, the WHO said. In addition, by using the drugs the odds of mechanical ventilation among severe and critical patients are reduced by 28 percent, compared with standard care, and this translates to 23 fewer patients out of a thousand needing mechanical ventilation. To increase access and affordability of these life-saving products, the the WHO calls on manufacturers to reduce prices and make supplies available to low-and middle-income countries, especially where Covid-19 is surging. According to Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), tocilizumab belongs to the class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), that are used in the treatment of various diseases including cancers, which has been priced extremely high and is hence virtually less possible to access in low-and middle-income countries. Another mAb recommended by the WHO yesterday, sarilumab, is under wide patent protection globally, raising immediate challenges of ensuring uninterrupted production and supply, MSF said.

Covid Tests For All 529 MPs BY OUR REPORTER PARLIAMENT IS set to test all the 529 Members of Parliament and staff for covid-19 ahead of its opening next week.

This is according to a letter by the Clerk to Parliament, Jane Kibirige to all MPs and Staff of the Parliamentary Service. “As you may be aware, Parliament is to resume plenary on Tuesday 13th July 2021. Due to the current wave of Covid-19 across the country, Members and Staff of Parliament will therefore be required to undertake mandatory Covid-19 testing on Friday 9th July 2021. The exercise will take place at the Parliament Gardens from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,” reads Kibirige’s letter. The letter dated July 7, 2021, follows another communication issued early this week by Kibirige indicating that Parliament would reopen next week after two weeks of closure to enable the parliamentary building to

be disinfected. Business scheduled to be handled by the House next week is to constitute committees. In the communication, Parliament advised MPs to carry their National Identity cards to ease accessibility through the roads of Parliament. “You will recall that at the close of the 5th sitting of Parliament held on Monday 14th June 2021, the Right Honourable Speaker adjourned the House sine die, I am directed to inform you that Parliament will have plenary sitting on Tuesday 13th July 2021 at 2:00 pm to consider the constitution of committees,” read part of the letter. Although Parliament said it would close to fumigate, MPs and some staff and journalists have been accessing Parliament. Over 10 press conferences have been held with the MPs mainly talking about the cash relief to the vulnerable and the COVID-19 intervention measures.

Ugandans Start Receiving Covid Cash BY OUR REPORTER THE GOVERNMENT has Thursday kicked off the process of sending money to some vulnerable Ugandans affected by the Covid-19 lockdown, ending days of waiting.

Wednesday, the minister of Labor Employment and Industrial Relations; Charles Engola while appearing before the Covid-19 Taskforce for Parliament said the disbursement of the relief funds had been postponed for a week in order to verify

the data that has been so far collected. This was after it was discovered that some people who were never targeted for support has their names included among those to get the money. However contrary to the minister’s statement, yesterday the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched the exercise by sending money to some of the beneficiaries. Godfrey Oloya a boda boda rider from Gulu became the first person to receive the Sh 100,000.

T

HE COVIDEX drug is not yet on the list of options health workers can use for treatment, even with recent notification by the National Drug Authority (NDA) that it can be used as a supportive medication for viral infections including COVID-19.

There has been a rush by the public to buy, some hoarding the drug after several testimonies that critically ill people in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) got better after using it. The cost of the drug, which was initially sold at 3000 Shillings suddenly went up to 80,000 Shillings, as demand for it soared. But Prof Pauline Byakika, a member of the Scientific Committee of the National COVID-19, task force says the drug is only a supplement and can only be recommended for use as a treatment once clinical trials have been completed. She said clinical trials on the drug are only about to start and only the outcome of this process will offer the highest level of evidence to ascertain claims

BY OUR REPORTER THE COVAX facility has issued an advisory calling for countries to equally recognize all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use.

So far, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved for emergency use two AstraZeneca vaccines made in Korea and India, the Jansen and Jansen vaccine, Pfizer, Moderna and China’s Sinopharm vaccine. But, the European Union (EU) late last month launched an EU digital COVID-19 certificate also known as the Green passport that gives a hustle free entry to four of the vaccine. However, this caused an outcry from the public. The recognized jab certificates are the Europe vaxzeria brand of AstraZeneca vaccine, Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and the Jansen and Jansen vaccine. Warning that recognizing

BY AGENCIES AFRICA MARKED its worst pandemic week ever, surpassing the second wave peak during the seven days ending on 4 July 2021, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa regional head said at the weekly press conference on Thursday.

While COVID-19 cases have risen for seven consecutive weeks since the onset of the third wave in early May, the organization notes that during the week ending 4th July, more than 251 000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on the continent, amounting to a 20% increase over the previous week and a 12% jump from the January peak. Sixteen African countries are now in resurgence, with Malawi and Senegal added this week. The Delta variant has been detected in 10 of these countries. “Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire

REVEALED A box of Covidex that can treat and prevent symptoms of the disease.  Dr Peter Agaba, an anesthesiologist at Mulago National Referral Hospital says it’s unlikely that they will start using the drug in their ICU soon. He explains that critically ill

ed about the same, the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda Country Representative Dr Tegnen Woldermariam said the organization had not yet received any information about the product. The organization warns that many plants and substances are being proposed without the minimum requirements and evidence of quality, safety and efficacy. “The use of products to treat COVID-19, which have not been robustly investigated can put people in danger, patients’ treatments involve giving a false sense of sea cocktail of medicines for which they cannot guarantee curity and distracting them from hand washing and the outcomes once mixed physical distancing which with covidex.  are cardinal in COVID-19 He urges medics to go slow on the drug saying it’s not in prevention, and may also the realm of sound medicine.  increase self-medication and the risk to patient safety.” Meanwhile, when contact-

COVAX Issues Advisory On Vaccines

A delivery of AstraZeneca vaccine through COVAX facility only a few of the approved vaccines would negatively impact the growth of economies that are already suffering the most, COVAX, a global initiative that was set up to ensure equitable access to vaccines by all countries notes such moves are already undermining confidence in life-saving vaccines that have

already been shown to be safe and effective, affecting uptake of vaccines and potentially putting billions of people at risk. Ministers attending an Inter- Africa Health Ministers meeting chaired by Uganda’s Dr Jane Ruth Aceng expressed displeasure over the move calling it another of the

vaccine capitalism that has become rampant with scarce COVID-19 jabs. Kenya’s Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Rashid Aman says picking on Covishield because it’s produced from another site is unreasonable considering that all vaccines currently pre-qualified by WHO are for emergency use and there are no conclusive data about it. He says the vaccine is just being used as a way of locking out travellers. He urges Africans to continue using the Indian made jabs with confidence. On his part, Zimbabwe’s Health Minister Dr John Mangwiro Chamunorwa said it’s rather laughable that the European Union came out against a pharmaceutical company that has already been producing vaccines that have been used the world over for long.

Africa Marks Worst COVID Week Ever

pandemic week ever, but the worst is yet to come as the fast-moving third wave continues to gain speed and new ground,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. Warning that the hike will continue increasing for the coming weeks, Moeti said cases are doubling now every 18 days compared with every 21 days only a week ago. The current upsurge comes while vaccination rates remain low in Africa. The WHO reports that after halts in May and June due to disruptions partly caused by a halt of exports by the Serum Institute of India, vaccine deliveries from the COVAX Facility are gathering momentum. In the past two weeks, more than 1.6 million doses were delivered to Africa through COVAX. More than 20 million Janssen vaccine

and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses are expected to arrive imminently from the United States through COVAX, in coordination with the African Union. Forty-nine countries, Uganda included, have been notified of the allocations they will receive. Other significant donations from Norway and Sweden are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. So far, in total, 66 million doses have been delivered to Africa, including 40 million doses secured through bilateral deals, 25 million COVAX-supplied doses and 800 000 doses supplied by the African Union African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team. The 50 million doses administered to date account for just 1.6% of doses administered globally. Sixteen million, or less than 2%, of Africans are now fully vaccinated. Nineteen countries have used more than 80% of

their COVAX-supplied doses, while 31 countries have used more than 50%. “With much larger COVID-19 vaccine deliveries expected to arrive in July and August, African countries must use this time to prepare to rapidly expand the roll-out,” said Dr Moeti urging governments to plan on expanding vaccination sites, improving cold chain capacities beyond capital cities and sensitizing communities to boost vaccine confidence. On his part, Prof. Tulio de Oliveira who heads Research and Innovation Sequencing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa warned that people should be encouraged to embrace vaccination as leaving large populations of the world behind will only lead to emergency of more strains that could be tougher than the Delta variant.

6

DAILY DAILYPEPPER PEPPER

FRIDAY, JULY 09, FRIDAY, JULY 09,2021 2021

UPCOUNTRY NEWS NEWS UPCOUNTRY

Man Netted With Sharp Knife In RDC’s Office BY OUR REPORTER

MASINDI POLICE IN Masindi are interrogating a man accused of attempting to access the office of the RDC with a sharp knife.

The suspect is Joseph Serugo, a resident of Gayaza B village Nangabo sub-county in Wakiso district where Masindi RDC, Kobusinge Kirabira worked in the same capacity before her transfer. According to Kirabira, Seruga approached her secretary on Wednesday seeking permission to see her. She explains that the secretary asked Seruga why he wants to meet the RDC. In his response, Seruga claimed that he had come to deliver a document to the RDC. In her response, the Secretary demanded to see the document. In the process of pulling out the said document from his pocket, a sharp knife fell out causing commotion at the office. Edinah Nyiraneza, the Masindi DPC has confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspect. She says that the RDC’s bodyguards arrested the suspect and whisked him to Masindi Central Police station where he is locked up for interrogations. However, Serugo has denied having any evil motives, saying that wanted to approach the RDC to ask for some financial assistance .

UPDF Denies Arrest Of 12 Fishermen BY OUR REPORTER

RUKUNGIRI THE UGANDA Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) Marine Unit has refuted claims by Congolese fishermen operating at Lake Edward about the arrest of 12 fishermen.

Congolese fishermen argue that UPDF marine soldiers operating at Lake Edward crossed the border to Kyiavinyonge landing site in Beni territory, North Kivu Province, DR Congo and arrested 12 fishermen. According to Noe Mbusa Kavasya, a fisherman who is a member of the KyavinyongeI Individual Fishermen's Association, he said the Congolese fishermen were arrested by heavily armed security operatives donning Ugandan marines’ army uniform. Kavasya also says that the armed security operatives also seized four canoes and four outboard motors from the affected fishermen. He also blames the Ugandan marines for continuously crossing into DR Congo territory because of low presence of the Congolese naval force at the lake.

CONCERNED Sheema Bosses Root For Protection Of Health Workers BY OUR REPORTER

SHEEMA

T

HE CHAIRMAN of Sheema Development Association (SDA), Johnson Musinguzi Byarabaha, has called on people hailing from Sheema district and all Ugandans of goodwill to contribute generously to the noble cause of ensuring that frontline workers especially health workers are not put in danger of contracting Covid-19.

Musinguzi says that in order for these health workers to keep doing their work, they have to be helped and provided with several needs that will ease their work and protect them from contracting this deadly Covid-19 pandemic. “We ask you to contribute and your contributions will benefit all health workers in our hospitals, health centre IVs and IIIs in the entire Sheema district,” he said. He said that they need about Shs51,351,627 to be able to purchase the required gadgets and equipment necessary to protect health workers in the above health units against Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the required gadgets include; Oxygen regulator cylinder mounted, face shields, aprons-plastic reusable, ordinary gumboots, safety glasses, theatre masks (disposable), surgical respiratory masks-N95, Hand Sanitizer dispenser (automatic). The others are; pulse oximeter (handheld with charger), patient monitor, hand sanitizer with spray pump, surgical

SDA members during a visit to one of the health centres in Sheema recently gloves-sterile, gloves-non sterile (large disposable), automatic ventilator with accessories, patient bed with drip stand, bedsheets, blanket cellular hospital quality blue. The others include; mattress with PVC Cover, wheel chair, stretcher portable and washable, instrument trolley-3 shelves, waste bins, suction pump, infrared thermometer, weighing scale with height measure, nasal cannula and liquid detergent. Musinguzi added that all the above equipment is needed within two weeks to be able to have them delivered. “As SDA, we are glad to be at the frontline of helping our health workers,” he said. He urged all those with contributions of any kind to channel it to; Account name: Sheema Development Association, Account No: 76323 in Muhame Financial Services or mobile money No: 0772676087 in the name

of Wilfreds Katobe “We thank you for the support and those with equipment, food etc are also welcome,” he said. Musinguzi remarks follow reports that many districts especially in Greater Luwero, Masaka and Mukono are struggling to control the spread of COVID-19 among health workers. According to COVID 19 status reports, at least 21 health workers in Nakasongola have contracted COVID-19. In Lyantonde and Kyotera districts 26 and 18 health workers are also battling the virus respectively. One health worker in Kyotera district has succumbed to COVID-19. A total of 105 health workers from Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga and Buvuma districts have also contracted the virus. At least 16 health workers at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital have also contracted COVID-19 and one succumbed

to the disease.

The District Health Officials say some health workers have contracted the virus at their places of work over lack of Personal Protective Equipment-PPE and failure to observe SOPs while treating patients as well as interacting with people outside the health centres. Dr. Moses Nkanika, the Lyantonde District Health Officer says that the high transmission of coronavirus has demoralized the staff as well as scaring away patients from accessing health facilities. Mukono district has since lost two health workers who include the head of the district lab technicians William Mule, who was attached to Kojja Health Center IV and Teddy Namuddu, the theatre assistant at Mukono general hospital.

Officials Ordered Hardware Dealers On The Spot For Reducing Cement OUR REPORTER To Refund Shs40m KANUNGU BY

BUHWEJU BUHWEJU DISTRICT Public Accounts Committee has directed five district officials to refund Shs40m.

The officials are Paul Walakira, the CAO, Kagirita Mwesigye, the Chief Finance Officer, George Asasirwe, the procurement Officer, Innocent Bwereeta, Karungu sub-county chief and Samuel Twikirize, the Rwengwe sub-county chief. The committee is currently scrutinizing the internal audit reports for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years. According to the committee chaired by Deusdedit Beinomugish, Walakira, Mwesigye and George Asasirwe, fraudulently withdrew and misused Shs30m that was meant to procure motorcycles. According to Beinomugisha, the accused officials bought motorcycles worth Shs28m but the procurement process was abused. The audit report indicates that the district had received Shs180m to buy a car for the education department, however, only Shs150m was spent, leaving a balance of Shs30m, which the council agreed that be used .

RESIDENTS AND local leaders in Kanungu district have decried the unethical practices by cement dealers.

The residents say that whereas a standard bag of cement weighs 50 kilograms, the dealers in Kihihi and Kanungu town councils and Rugyeyo trading center in Rugyeyo sub-county, sell them between 40 and 45 kilograms. A standard bag of cement costs between Shs30,000 and 34,000. Pa-

phrah Byaruhanga, a resident of Nyarutembe A Village in Nkunda parish, Kihihi sub-county says that he bought cement two months ago from one of the wholesale dealers in Kihihi town council at Shs31,000 with excitement because the dealer had given him a discount of Shs2000 on each bag of cement. He, however, says that when he arrived home he was shocked to discover that the bags weighed 40 kilograms as opposed to the standard 50kgs. According to Byaruhanga, he decided to complain to the dealer who angrily told him

that once sold, goods are not returnable. Byaruhanga says that he conceded defeat since he even didn’t know the name of the hardware owner. Charles Muhangi, the Chairperson Kihihi Town Council Traders Association, says that he is aware of how cement buyers are cheated by traders reducing some kilograms. Without revealing the exact number, Muhangi said that his office has already registered very many cases of cement buyers crying foul over hardware dealers cheating them with reduced kilograms of cement.

Contractors Of Pawor Seed SS On Spot Over Shoddy Work BY OUR REPORTER MADI

LEADERS OF Madi Okollo district want the directors of two construction firms arrested for shoddy works on a seed secondary school.

Osdito Investment Limited and Dolphins Construction Company were awarded Shs700m each for the construction of Pawor Seed SSS for the first and sec-

ond phases respectively. The construction works included two classroom blocks, a multi-purpose laboratory, an administration block, five stance latrines and two stance latrines for the administration block. However, the officials are concerned that the contractors have since abandoned the site without handing over the facilities to the district and their whereabouts are not known to date. Alice Akello the RDC

Madi Okollo who led a team of district leaders to assess the state of the school were shocked to see cracks on the walls of two classroom blocks and other buildings. Akello has directed that the contractors of the two companies be arrested. Ronald Afidra the MP for Lower Madi said they will do all it takes to bring the contractors to book. He attributed the shoddy works to a lack of supervision by the district leaders.

Arua City To Turn Former HCIIIs Into Isolation Centers

BY OUR REPORTER ARUA

ARUA CITY COVID-19 Taskforce has resolved to convert all former Sub-county headquarters and Health center IIIs into isolation centers.

Dr. Godfrey Apangu, the Principal Health Officer Arua City, says that they have realized that most people placed under home-based care do not follow the Standard Operating Procedures-SOPs, which is spreading the pandemic. He also says that in the event that the only referral hospital is overwhelmed by the high number of cases, Health center threes will be of great help. Martin Oroch, the Arua RCC, who also doubles as the COVID-19 Taskforce Chairperson, says that if the health centers and former Sub County headquarters are inadequate to accommodate the cases, they will be forced to ask educational Institutions to provide space for isolate COVID-19 cases.

Seven Netted For Conducting Prayers BY MOSES AGABA KISORO

A FEMALE pastor and her six followers have been arrested by police in Kisoro.

The suspects were found conducting prayers in total contravention of Covid-19 prevention guidelines against congregating. Those arrested are; Peace Nyirahabwe Lydia 20, a pastor of Born again Ministries, Phiona Ntaringutimana, 20, Apophia Nyiramahoro, 18, Jane Nyiramukyo, 17, Immaculate Dusengimana, Sylvia Musabimana, 18, Jaclyn Watukunde, 17 and Lydia Nyirahabwa, the one who was conducting Prayers at her husband’s home identified as Yowasi in Kivande village, Kanaba Sub-county, in Kisoro district.

Congolese Gold Smugglers Nabbed A CONGOLESE businessman was arrested on Sunday as he tried to smuggle 100kgs of gold into Uganda.

The gold is estimated to be worth 5 million dollars (about shs18bn). The businessman has been identified as Hashim Kibba who was in company of other two accomplices who managed to escape. Sources at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Kisoro border post said the Congolese had concealed the gold into wooden pellets which he declared. However when they checked they found that what he claimed was wood had gold concealed inside the car, a land cruiser. By press time, the suspect was still under detention as the hunt for accomplices continued.

FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021 JULY 09, 2021 DAILY PEPPER FRIDAY, UPCOUNTRY NEWS

Man Held For Stabbing Girlfriend On Her Face BY BIN SIRAJI MBALE

A 30-YEAR old man in Mbale City is in trouble for stabbing her girlfriend on her face. The suspect is Simon Peter Matanda, a resident of Munkaga Cell, Nauyo Ward Industrial Division, Mbale city.

It is alleged that Matanda attacked Hilda Nambozo and cut her face in the wee hours of Wednesday morning following a misunderstanding. Nambozo, who is hospitalised in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Emergency unit, says Matanda stormed her home uninvited at around 2am on Wednesday morning. She explained that Matanda woke her up at around 4:00am demanding to discuss the challenges in their relationship. He reportedly turned violent and stabbed her when she declined to discuss with him. According to Nambozo, Matanda fled the scene leaving her at the mercy of her neighbors who rushed her to the hospital. She reveals that Matanda went to the hospital in the morning and cautioned her against involving her parents and authorities in the matter. John, the in-charge of the Emergency Clinic, says Nambozo is currently out of danger stable and has been taken to the theater for further management of her face. Matanda downplayed the allegations claiming that Nambozo stabbed herself with a razorblade. "Nambozo is so possessive and after suspecting that I had cheated on her with another lady, she attempted to commit sucide and in fear of the repercussions, I fled,"he said.

Father Held For Attempting To Selloff Daughter BUGIRI A MAN IN Bugiri district is in trouble after being arrested red-handed trying to sell off his nine-year-old daughter to a witch doctor for suspected ritual sacrifice.

The suspect is Menculam Ajalu, 34, a resident of Naluwerere trading center in Kapyanga Sub County in Bugiri district. Ajalu, who has since confessed to the crime, informed police that he was going to selloff his daughter at Shs6m. The suspect says that he had run out of funds to cater for his child’s wellbeing and decided to give her away to someone who would better fend for her. “We have gone several days without food and only survive at the mercy of well-wishers who at times give us free food. I just got fed up with this situation and had since resolved to hand over my daughter to a family, which would better cater for her necessities,” he said. Ajalu was picked up on a tipoff from community members who alerted police on his plan to sell off his child for unspecified reasons.

TOO SERIOUS

From Academic Saga, MP Adriko Undertakes Serious Work BY COHEN AMVESI ARUA

Y

OVAN ADRIKO, the Vurra County MP in Arua district has of late, been in the news over alleged academic concerns.

But after clearing the air and bringing more evidence to prove that he is a well-educated legislator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Management coupled with a certificate in Administrative Law from Makerere University, MP Adriko has now embarked on serious work back home. Adriko has started repairing broken boreholes and water springs in Vurra County, inspecting the ongoing road works in the Constituency, fixing culverts, supporting churches and mosque construction works among other activities. However, key on his agenda is the repair of broken boreholes and water springs to solve the yearly water problem in Vurra County. Speaking to the Daily Pepper during the launch of works on a broken bore hole in Ayavu Parish, Vurra sub-county on Wednesday, Adriko said it was his promise to fix all the spoilt water

MP Adriko donates money for the repair of the broken borehole in Ayavu Parish sources in the County when he becomes an MP. “When I was campaigning, my people cried to me about the need for clean water. Actually, everywhere I could go, people were raising the concern of spoilt boreholes and I pledged to them that once they elect me, I will work on the problem,” Adriko said. “So, I couldn’t wait to wipe my people’s

tears. They have trust in me and I want to show them that their trust is not in vain. I intend to repair all the broken boreholes in my Constituency, so that my people don’t suffer from accessing clean water. As you know, this problem has been there for years since some of the boreholes like this one in Ayavu got spoiled over ten

7

UPCOUNTRY NEWS

years ago, so time has come for me to work on it also,” Adriko added. Besides, the MP said he is also fixing water springs in places without boreholes to address the same challenge. He said people in his village used to suffer so much in accessing clean water with women walking for more than 5km in search of water.

Patients Flee Hospital Over COVID-19

BY SOLOMON HAMALA IGANGA

MAJORITY OF patients at Iganga main hospital have abandoned their beds for fear of contracting COVID-19 virus.

At the time our reporter visited the hospital on Wednesday, almost all the wards were empty with no patients except a few like the maternity and children’s ward. In the male ward there were only two patients while the remaining 243 beds were empty. Yakuti Bogere a patient in the male ward said he was shocked to see patients neighboring his bed pack up all their belongings saying they would rather die at home instead of contracting the deadly COVID 19 virus while at the facility. “Even those who were critically ill had to be sneaked out during night hours to avoid being detected by security guards,” he said. Bogere who sustained a deep fracture during a boda boda accident said he decided to remain behind after being convinced by one of the health workers the following morning that he was safe and would not contract COVID-19 while on admission. The hospital administrator Dr. Stephen Waako said members of the public started spreading false rumors on social media saying all patients at the facility would contract the

COVID-19 virus since it is airborne.

IUIU Dons Sue Rector For Appointing Wife In Mbale District MBALE TWO SENIOR lecturers from Islamic University in UgandaIUIU have sued the Rector Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda and four others over the appointment of the Director Kampala Campus and the Director for Public Relations.

Also sued is IUIU University Secretary, Dr. Adnan Ali Adikata and the Rector’s wife Dr. Wardah Mummy Rajab Gyagenda. The petitioners including Dr. Farooq Miiro and Dr. Moses Golooba want court to quash the appointment of Dr. Adikata as the Director of IUIU Kampala Campus and senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication. They are also challenging the actions of the Rector Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda to appoint his wife Dr. Wardah as the Director of Public Relations, Community Outreach and International Relations and Senior Lecturer in the Department

of Economics and Development. It all started after Prof. Gyagenda wrote an email informing staff about his decision to make some personal transfers and bring in personnel from outside. "I have shared with the Rectorship and Management the need to build a team that can help us meet our strategic goals with the VRS and some Council Committee members as well as Management, I'm making some personnel transfers and bringing in personnel from outside starting July 1st”, reads the email in part. As a result, the University Secretary wrote to the said individuals on June 29th 2021 officially communicating their appointments. The appointments didn’t go down well with the applicants, saying they didn’t comply with provisions in the university statute on staff appointment.

Father Poisons Self, Daughter LUUKA POLICE IN Luuka district are investigating circumstances under, which Paul Lubogo, 34, decided to end his life together with that of his three-year-old daughter, Janet Baseka, on Tuesday night. The duo’s lifeless bodies were found lying on the floor of

their living room in Inuula

village in Ikumbya Subcounty. According to the residents, Lubogo is said to have laced food with poison before serving himself and his daughter. The deceased's estranged wife, Faith Namatende, says that she parted ways with Lubogo because of endless violence.

Roke Plus bundles just got BIGGER at no extra cost! #RokeBigBigData

ROKE CLASSIC PLUS

40GB

60GB

100,000

ROKE UNLIMITED PLUS

100GB

150GB

250,000

ROKE MEGA PLUS

300GB

450GB

650,000

*Speeds are now up to 10Mbps

Email [email protected] or call 0205 000123 to subscribe.

REGULATED BY UCC // 0800222777

8

OPINION OPINION BY TABAN NDURU [email protected]

I

F YOU ARE VERY LUCKY as a person considered vulnerable in Uganda, you will have received 100,000 shillings on your phone by the time you read this! That is the money that Uganda’s strange Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, promised just a few vulnerable Ugandans to alleviate their suffering, after the government imposed a 42 days lockdown in June 2021. However, while we are half way into the lockdown, the payments have just begun to be sorted out. Remember this is money to enable people who have been left with no income after the lockdown came into effect. I have never known any human being alive who spent three weeks (21 days) without food. It is a classic case of speaking after thinking. The government has most details about its citizens; on the database managed by NIRA. You cannot obtain a phone number without a NIN, or indeed a national identity card. There may be a few exceptions but these are not as many as people who have their records and documents in good order. The greater majority of Ugandans who have phone lines have them in their names, and this can be clarified with NIRA. UCC has these records too; indeed I am told even a neighboring country that is not quite friendly to us these days has a complete copy of our telecom database (but that is a story for another day). So how does payment of money to those in dire need take all this time, when we have records? The answer is simple; lack of leadership that breeds confusion. Indeed this week, Minister Charles Engola from the Gender Ministry told Parliament, in the full glare of the press and television cameras, that the slated date of Thursday 8th June, 2021 for payments had been deferred to a week later, as the government was still verifying data of the beneficiaries of the payout. The same evening, his senior minister at Gender, Betty Amongi – in a rather typical uncoordinated movement of troops – addressed the country to the effect that payments would start straight away with at least 50,000 beneficiaries. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Aggrey Kibenge, also told the media at about the same time that the Prime Minister would decide at some point whether to kick start payments of beneficiaries whose payments had been cleared by the Ministry (of Gender). You wonder who to believe. When a process

DAILY PEPPER DAILY PEPPER

FRIDAY JULY09, 09,2021 2021 FRIDAY, JULY

UNCOORDINATED TROOPS

with a challenge and deny Alice Kaboyo. It is good she has finally been approved. She will do no worse than anybody else in the cabinet. My final opinion on the Appointments Committee of Parliament is that it is unhelpful and it should be abolished. LEST-I-FORGET: This column congratulates Dr. Patrick Engeu Ogwang, who came up with a critical intervention, COVIDEX, as we struggle to contain a pandemic killing people left, right and centre. I have heard direct testimonies about the blessing Covidex has been to patients frightened by the deadly impact of covid; with some saying it has been the game changer. Dr. Ogwang was opposed by the usual suspects, who wanted to condemn his product for the usual reasons of profit. I am told the President made a strategic intervention too, and Covidex is available in pharmacies in Uganda after approval by the NDA at the end of June. The skyrocketing prices can be resolved along the way. Covid relief money on Thursday I have personally bought two bottles for emergency Last month, the same in 2012 or 2013 (I am purposes, just in case. Committee purported to not quite sure) I asked Many Ugandans are using reject the appointment of an MP who sat on the it, ignoring doomsday Appointments Committee Alice Karamuzi Kaboyo, warnings from agents of who had been named of Parliament, at the primitive capital. If we as State Minister for time, if they were going have not learnt to promote Luwero Triangle. Their to approve the reour own medicine and reasons were simply that appointment of Justice products, then we do not Ms. Kaboyo had been Benjamin Joses Odoki deserve to call ourselves convicted of a crime to continue as Chief independent. ONE-FOR(corruption) related to Justice after attaining THE-ROAD: Dr. Diana the mandatory retirement the GAVI funds. The Atwine often looked like truth is that she pleaded age of 70, against Article a promising technical guilty to some charges, 144 of the Constitution. Permanent Secretary at refunded some money President Museveni had, and paid a fine. The same the Ministry of Health in in his wisdom, decided early days of her tenure, Committee, however, to re-appoint him. I until the Coronavirus approved a minister, thought, rather naively, pandemic became a without hesitation, who then, that the role of the huge dilemma for her. Appointments Committee had also been involved in I have seen images of the GAVI funds scandal. was to help the President Another lady minister who her complaining about so he might not make allegations about her, had been rejected by the a serious error on key Appointments Committee or simply failing to appointments in State answer questions about of the 10th Parliament institutions. The MP was her ministry as its chief was similarly approved swift and coldblooded administrator. At a (no mention that she had in response: “Taban, my recent prayer meeting at resolved earlier issues). friend, our committee State House, Dr. Atwine The Committee has the takes the view that it looked nearly completely reputation of approving is not opposed to the blank when she told the every appointee without president and in fact President that she had scrutiny, anyway, except such opposition would only secured 3000 ICU in isolated cases. This even not be sustainable. beds for the country since Committee shot itself in If the name of Justice last, out of the 42,00 the foot when it initially Odoki makes it to our that had been prescribed declined to make its committee, it will be by the President. It is proceedings public. If approved. Those who amazing how Dr. Atwine someone is going to are opposed to Odoki’s seems to have profound reappointment had better take public office, why challenges running a make sure his name does must proceedings for ministry in which she is his/her approval be not come to us.” Indeed a professional, even if her held in camera? If you a constitutional court administrative experience have issues with the case against Odoki’s prior to taking the PS job public, simply decline a reappointment put paid was not that significant. public appointment and to this embarrassment My simple advice: Dr. live in peace. It looked but I was left in no doubt Atwine has structures in pretentious, dishonest that the Appointments the Ministry, intelligent and discriminatory to Committee of Parliament people and a PR unit. She serves no useful purpose. approve everyone else should use them.

PM Nabbanja’s Cash Confusion, As Kaboyo Is Approved!

Ugandans started receiving

that involves public money is shrouded from confusion from the start, you shudder to imagine what will eventually happen, knowing as we do how corruption takes advantage of such chaos. We all saw what happened last year when the government attempted to distribute food during the lockdown. Indeed it was one of those rare events in food distribution history because it was a perfect failure. In the process, it consumed a permanent secretary and some commissioners although it seems the real culprits remained at large. Unfortunately for the new Prime Minister, money in cyberspace is even much easier to steal than physical food. At the end of the day, the PM and her team, who it must be pointed out lack profound thinking through this scheme, will realize that the money was disbursed but struggle, like any of us, to point to any beneficiary! Yet that is not the only problem. It is still a mystery how the beneficiaries were decided and identified. Covid 19 has affected nearly everyone, though in varying degrees. The government has decided to help the urban and peri-urban poor, as it were. The village people can get food

from their gardens, the government’s reasoning goes. But village people are struggling with other demands like medicine, especially after the coronavirus was freely transported upcountry after the hurried closure of schools. I have been told about the dead and ill in Kazo and Sheema, to mention just two districts, in frightening numbers. How can ill and dying people have food and therefore out of consideration for relief by the government? If these are the people helping President Museveni to run the government, then he needs no political enemies. They are indeed assisting President Museveni to be alienated by the greater part, if not all, of the country. If I were to advise the government, I would tell them to increase the relief package to 150bn and forward the 100,000 shs to everyone whose personal details show that they do not work for the government and are small earners, according to NIRA and UBOS. And ensure this is done by 15th July, 2021. How much do we spend on elections and other profligate undertakings as a country? Whose money is it if it cannot save Ugandans during a pandemic? QUICK QUIP: Sometime

DAILY JULY 09, 2021 FRIDAY JULY 09, 2021 DAILYPEPPER PEPPER FRIDAY,

Gov’t Told To Regulate COVID Fees The High Court in Kampala has issued an order directing the government to regulate fees for management and treatment of Covid-19 patients in all hospitals across the country. The order has been issued by the Civil Division Judge Phillip Odoki following a consent agreement between the Attorney General and the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development –CEHURD which is a non-governmental health rights watchdog. The order arises from an application filed last week by CEHURD together with its Executive Director Moses Mulumba against the Attorney General, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council and the Minister for Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng. The applicants faulted government for failing to regulate the exorbitant fees that were being demanded to treat COVID-19 patients in most hospitals in the country. The applicants argued that Uganda is a country going through the ravaging effects of Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed and continues to claim lives of several Ugandans every day. As such, court heard that the hospitals treating and managing the Covid-19 patients are charging exorbitant medical fees in absence of a regulatory frame work. The applicants attached evidence to show for stance that IHK hospital is charging 2-3 million Shillings per day for Intensive Care Unit –ICU cases and one million Shillings per day for moderate cases. The evidence also shows that Medipal Hospital was charging four million Shillings per day for ICU beds, Case hospital three million Shillings for ICU, 1.5 million Shillings per day for moderate cases, Victoria Hospital ten million Shillings per day in ICU and 5 million Shillings for moderate cases among others. “That the rates charged by the hospitals are clearly exorbitant in nature and largely unbearable to Ugandans seeking the COVID-19 treatment in hospitals amidst the pandemic and

tough economic times’, reads the application in part. The applicants added that the government has a statutory obligation to intervene and regulate medical fees chargeable by hospitals in the treatment and management of persons suffering from COVID-19. “That the 1st respondent/Attorney General as government is mandated by law to provide for the wellbeing and general safety of Ugandans including guarding them against any form of extortion and or manipulation in access to social services health inclusive”, adds the application. However, when the matter came up for hearing, the Attorney General’s representatives State Attorneys Brian Musota and Moses Mugisha told court that they were ready to concede to the prayers of the applicants. Mugisha told court that the law requires the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council to charge reasonable fees from patients and that as government, they have put in place laws aimed at addressing prayers sought by the applicants and negotiations with private health facilities together with government are still ongoing. As such, Justice Odoki had no option but to issue orders as a greed in the consent. He also ordered the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council to advise the Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng on what would be the reasonable chargeable fees in the treatment of COVID-19. The applicants’ lawyers Kenneth Ssebabi and Ibrahim Nsereko wanted government to be given a timeline of two months within which to implement this order. But the State Attorneys objected and court agreed with them that the government is acting in good faith adding that if the Attorney General doesn’t implement the orders, the doors of court are always open they can return to court. The Executive Director of CEHURD Mulumba has applauded government upon its decision to concede.

Seninde Welcomes New Appointment Rosemary Nansubuga was defeated by the NationSeninde, the former Minister al Unity Platform political for Primary Education has candidate, Betty Naluyima, welcomed her appointment ending her 20-year grip on the as the National Resistance district ever since its creation Movement- NRM Director for in 2000. Seninde says that Mobilization, Training and she is going to expend a lot Cadre Development. of energy in finding out why Seninde who also lost the her party performed decimally Wakiso Woman Member of in some places and together Parliament seat is replacing with other leaders come up Mathias Kasamba who died with measures to reverse their early this year. misfortune. The CEC meeting In an interview, Seninde said also approved the appointher appointment is confirmament of Richard Todwong as tion that her party still has the party’s Secretary-General confidence in her. replacing Kasule Justine Seninde’s appointment comes Lumumba who was appointed at a time minister, when the Rose NaNRM is mayanja still reeling Nsereko as from the the deputy loss it Secretary suffered in General Buganda, replacing the region Todwong, where and Barbra she also Nekesa comes Oundo as from. the party Seninde Treasury. Seninde herself

9

UPCOUNTRY VIBE CALL: 0772 440 625NATIONAL || 0706 945NEWS 028

NATIONAL NEWS

NEWS ON THE FLIP SIDE

Entrance to the Parliament of Uganda

FINALLY The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party Central Executive Committee has named a section of Members of Parliament to sit on the Parliamentary Commission and others to chair Standing and Sectoral Committees of the 11th Parliament. The development is confirmed by the party Secretary General, Richard Todwong who in a statement issued Thursday says that this was one of the issues resolved by the top organ of NRM party during a Wednesday 7th July 2021 meeting at State House, Entebbe. The meeting according to the statement was chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party National Chairperson. Parliamentary Commission, Daily Pepper has learnt from sources that those selected to sit on the Parliamentary Commission as Commissioners are Bukhooli Central MP Solomon Silwany, Rubanda Woman MP Prossy Akampurira and Zombo Woman MP Esther Afayochan. These now join Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake who was chosen by the Opposition biggest party in Parliament- the National Unity Platform (NUP) to sit on the Parliamentary Commission, which is the top

most decision making organ of the House. The other members of the Commission principally include the Speaker Jacob Oulanyah (Chairperson), Deputy Speaker Anita Among, Prime Minister Robinag Nabbanja, Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga, Government Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa, and Finance Minister Matia Kasaija. Besides the Parliamentary Commission, the NRM CEC also named Workers MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme while Rukiga County MP Caroline Kamusiime is set to replace Mawogola West MP Anifa Kawooya as a representative at the Pan African Parliament –PAP. Kawooya was recently appointed and sworn in as Minister of State for Health – General Duties. Parliament Committees our reporter also learnt that CEC approved Kachumbala County MP Patrick Isiagi Opolot as the Chairperson of Parliament’s Budget Committee. He replaces Ntenjeru North MP Amos Lugoloobi who was recently appointed as Minister of State for Planning. Isiagi in the Tenth Parliament severed as Vice Chairperson of the Committee. The others

NRM Names Parliament Commissioners, Committee Chairpersons

are Gomba West MP Robinah Rwakoojo chosen to Chair the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Sheema Woman MP Rosemary Nyakikongoro as Chairperson of the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, Kigorobya County MP David Karubanga as Chairperson of the Physical Infrastructure Committee and Bukedea County MP John Bosco Ikojjo to chair the National Economy Committee. Mbarara City South Division MP, Mwine Mpaka has been chosen to chair the Committee on Trade, Ntwetwe Counry MP Joel Ssebikali to chair the Health Committee, Adjumani Woman MP Jessica Ababiku to chair the Presidential Affairs Committee, Bunyaruguru County MP John Ntamuhiira Twesigye as chairperson of the committee of Education and Sports and others. The selection of these names follows a process in which the over 300 MPs from the ruling NRM party expressed interest in different positions at Parliament during an event at Kololo Independence Grounds last month. Parliament has 13 Standing Committees and 16 Sectoral Committees. The 13 Standing Committees include four accountability commit-

M7 Directs Ministries To Contract Army President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Health and Education Ministries to use the Army Construction Brigade to undertake government construction projects. In his July 1st, 2021 letter addressed to the Minister of Education and Sports and Minister of Health, Museveni notes with concern that many government projects are taking too long to be completed due to the length procurement process and other challenges like corruption by some

unscrupulous government workers. “I am very certain we can avoid all these delays in implementing government construction projects by utilizing the army construction brigade to undertake the works,” the president stressed. The directive comes at a time when many government construction projects in different sectors have stalled causing losses and also affecting service delivery in one way or another.

tees which are Chaired by Opposition MPs and their leaders were already named by the National Unity Platform. These are the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) chaired by Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona, Public Accounts Committee (Local Government) chaired by Aringa County MP Godfrey Onzima, Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises ( COSASE) chaired by Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi and Government Assurance Committee chaired by Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze. According to the Parliament website, Standing committees last two and half years and they are set up at the start of a new term of Parliament and again after two and half years. They compromise 30 members selected by different political party whips. On the other hand, Sectoral Committees are departmentally related committees and their composition is determined at the start of each new session. These last one session and also compromise 30 members designated by party whips and approved by the House.

NEW CITIES GET RCCs

Museveni

President Museveni has appointed Resident Resident City Commissioners to all Cities of Uganda. These include Aine Christopher-Mbarara City; Akintole Muhuuta - Hoima City; Okello Francis Odoki- Gulu City; Banya Peter- Jinja City; Webale Robert - Mbale City; Eseru Paul- Lira City; Katerega Musaazi - Masaka City; and Adomati Dickson- Arua City . 9. Mr.Bindeba Festus(earlier appointed) - Fortportal City.

10

GOSSIP NEWS ON THE FLIP SIDE LIST

CALL: 0772 440 625 || 0706NEWS 945 028 NATIONAL

Public Service Boss Elopes With Secretary An official from the public Commission service /health commission has has eloped with a juicy secretary of one of his colleagues. We have learnt that the official is married with five children and has been with his wife for 18 years. The woman he intends

now to marry has also been married with four children. Wedding preparations are in high gear. We have however learnt that it is being kept a public secret. The old wife wants her ex hubby to first compensate her. Lawyers

have also been now involved to block the anticipated Saturday (Tomorrow) secret ceremony. Rubaga catholic church officials are confused whether to proceed and wed the couple or not. We shall keep you updated.

OH MY DEADLY DELTA LAWD DAILY PEPPER DAILY PEPPER

FRIDAY, JULY FRIDAY JULY09, 09,2021 2021

Sexy Cop

Like we recently reported, the war between ministers Engola and Amongi will never end, instead it has just started. On Wednesday Engola told Parliament, in the full glare of the press and television cameras, that the slated date of Thursday 8th June, 2021 for payments had been deferred to a week later, as the government was still verifying data of the beneficiaries of the payout. On Tuesday his senior minister at Gender, Betty Amongi – in a rather typical uncoordinated movement of troops – addressed the country to the effect that payments would start straight away with at least 50,000 beneficiaries. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Aggrey Kibenge, also told the media at about the same time that the Prime Minister would decide at some point whether to kick start payments of beneficiaries whose payments had been cleared by the Ministry (of Gender). You wonder who to believe. A fortnight ago, we reported in these pages on the same matter, whether the two would finally kiss and hug and bury the hatchet. It’s on record that both Ministers Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, the Oyam North Mp (NRM) and Betty Amongi Ongom (Oyam South-UPC)all hailing from Oyam district are frene-

An online hooray has sparked online especially among men after a picture of a lady dressed in police fatigue emerged, with claims that she is the current district police commander of a city in northern Uganda. As if that is not enough, one of the captions in the picture, that has ever since gone viral on line came from unidentified man who could not hide his sexcitement for the yet to be identified belle. “Afande I am ready to drive my car to your area of jurisdiction even without a sticker so that you can ‘arrest’ me” he wrote. By press time our snooper was still in awe, and was yet to verify with the police headquarters in Naguru to find out who this hot DPC is, and her police number tag.

SUPREMACY WAR Amongin And Engola Clash Over Covid Relief Cash mies. President Museveni recently appointed Among as a cabinet minister Gender, Labour and Social Development and Engola as State minister (Employment and Industrial Relations) under the same Ministry. The two have clashed previously before the media and discredited each other before the person of the President in various functions. The dispute between the two political gurus from Lango dates back to the time when Minister Okello Engola was still the Apac district LC5 Chairperson (NRM) and Minister Amongi was then Apac district woman Mp. In 2006 Engola first accused her of fully supporting his rival Ben Olwa. A political pundit who preferred anonymity told Daily Pepper that Minister Amongi’s political bitterness continued to clash Col.Engola even after he had resigned and later from Apac to run as the LCV boss of the then newly Oyam district around 2007. It is reported that during the 2011 election the dispute between Engola and Amongi escalated when she deepened her support to uninstall his political empire by openly supporting his known rivals, a move that angered Engola’s family the most. Throughout Engola’s two terms as the Oyam district

LCV chief, the two enjoyed meaningless political dispute and never worked closely and their fight continued until 2016 when Engola opted to contest for Oyam North MP seat. He later defeated Amongi’s longtime political ally Krispus Ayena Odongo during that election. But the duo were subsequently appointed to cabinet in different dockets by President Museveni, a move that soon reloaded their dispute from cold war to public domain. President Museveni was however the first to feel the bitter taste of rivalry between the two during the thanks giving ceremony of Okello Engola’s function held at Iceme P.7 in Oyam district in 2018. While addressing the crowd before inviting President Museveni, Minister Col Engola accused her colleague Betty Amongi of chasing a dispute describing her as a saboteur of some projects, a claim that was subsequently trashed by Amongi. Since that time, the two maintained their fighting status quo with both accusing each other of ‘pull him down syndrome’. Attempts to mend the worryingly deepening political dispute between Col. Engola and Amongi since they are now serving the same master have since failed. Several pundits have re-

HEALTH

LIST RELATIONSHIPS

BY OUR REPORTER

Nation Goes Potty With Excitement Over Sexiest Female Cop Alive

Senior Gender Minister Amongi

11

FRIDAY JULY 09, 2021 DAILYPEPPER PEPPER FRIDAY, DAILY JULY 09, 2021

Junior Gender minister Engola

served their comments on their appointment to the same docket, and believe that it shall only deliver nothing except disastrous packages to the Lango region if their dispute is never resolved. Appointing Amongi a senior minister and Col Engola as her immediate deputy is a sign of trust on them by the President and therefore the duo should quickly mend their relationship otherwise the next may be through both out of cabinet, a fellow Mp from Lango said. While being interviewed on Radio Qfm in Lira town soon after the release of cabinet list, Minister Amongi denied having

any political bickering and personal dispute against Col.Engola describing it as having ‘different views’. Other people have also been debating whether their appointment shall now bring to an end a dispute at Lango Cultural Institution which is split between two leaderships of Yosam Odur and Dr Eng Michael Moses Odongo Okune. “Since culture falls under Gender Ministry, we now expect Amongi and Engola to first bury their dispute and resolve the leadership crisis at Lango Cultural Institution,” said an Mp from Lango. Another Mp described the two Ministers as toothless in solving the cultural

dispute between Dr Okune and Odur since the President seems to be having a critical relationship to them contrary to what Odur’s ally had previously been circulating. This is not the first political dispute between Ministers appointed from the Lango sub region. It should be recalled that during the regime of 2011 until 2016, Ministers Rebecca Otengo (Northern Uganda) and Sam Engola (Housing) were known for their political dispute that turned personal. Both Otengo and Engola later lost elections and were subsequently dropped from cabinet by President Museveni.

We’ve been living in a COVID world for more than 18 months now. At the outset of the pandemic, government agencies and health authorities scrambled to inform people on how to identify symptoms of the virus. But as the virus has evolved, it seems the most common symptoms have changed too. Emerging data suggest people infected with the Delta variant - the variant behind most of Uganda’s current cases and highly prevalent around the world - are experiencing symptoms different to those we commonly associated with COVID earlier in the pandemic. We’re all different Humans are dynamic. With our differences come different immune systems. This means the same virus can produce different signs and symptoms in different ways. A sign is something that’s seen, such as a rash. A symptom is something that’s felt, like a sore throat. The way a virus causes illness is dependent on two key factors: viral factors include things like speed of replication, modes of transmission, and so on. Viral factors change as the virus evolves. host factors are specific to the individual. Age, gender, medications, diet, exercise, health and stress can all affect host factors. So when we talk about the signs and symptoms of a virus, we’re referring to what is most common. SO WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DELTA VARIANT? While fever and cough have always been common COVID symptoms, and headache and sore throat have traditionally presented for some people, a runny nose was rarely reported in earlier cases. Meanwhile, loss of smell, which was originally quite common, now ranks ninth. There are a few reasons we could be seeing the symptoms evolving in this way. It may be because data were originally coming mainly from patients presenting to hospital who were

Delta Corona variant presents with many new signs and symptoms especially among young people

How To Tell If You Have Delta Corona Variant Symptoms Since They Are Different From Normal therefore likely to be sicker. And given the higher rates of vaccination coverage in older age groups, younger people are now accounting for a greater proportion of COVID cases, and they tend to experience milder symptoms. It could also be because of the evolution of the virus, and the different characteristics (viral factors) of the Delta variant. But why exactly symptoms could be changing remains uncertain. While we still have more to learn about the Delta variant, this emerging data is important because it shows us that what we might think of as just a mild cold - a runny nose and a sore throat - could be a case of COVID-19. This data highlight the power of public science. At the same time, we need to remember the results haven’t yet been fully analyzed or stratified. That is, “host factors” such as age, gender, other illnesses, medications and so on haven’t been accounted for, as they

would in a rigorous clinical trial. And as is the case with all self-reported data, we have to acknowledge there may be some flaws in the results. DOES VACCINATION AFFECT THE SYMPTOMS? Although new viral variants can compromise the effectiveness of vaccines, for Delta, the vaccines available in Uganda ( AstraZeneca) still appear to offer good protection against symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses. Importantly, vaccines have been shown to offer greater than 90 percent protection from severe disease requiring hospital treatment. A recent “superspreader” event in New South Wales, Australia highlighted the importance of vaccination. Of 30 people who attended this birthday party, reports indicated none of the 24 people who became infected with the Delta variant had been vaccinated. The six vaccinated people

at the party did not contract COVID-19. In some cases infection may still possible after vaccination, but it’s highly likely the viral load will be lower and symptoms much milder than they would without vaccination. We all have a role to play Evidence indicating Delta is more infectious compared to the original SARSCoV-2 and other variants of the virus is building. Scientists are confident the Delta variant represents a more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 strain. As we face another COVID battle in Uganda we’re reminded the war against COVID is not over and we all have a role to play. Get tested if you have any symptoms, even if it›s «just a sniffle». Get vaccinated as soon as you can and follow public health advice. If confirmed positive for Covid start medication immediately to avoid hospital admission. Thankfully, we now have Covidex.

Located in Kyambogo on Kamuli Road

12

DAILY PEPPER DAILY PEPPER

HYENA’S TALE

FRIDAY JULY09, 09,2021 2021 FRIDAY, JULY

BEACH PARTY “We started swimming and somehow ended up close to a gang of chicks who looked and talked like militants free from nkere, katanga or kimombasa slums ” to a gang of chicks who looked and talked like militants free from Nkere, Katanga or Kimombasa slum. “How much are you selling?” one of my companions teased. Oooh that was like throwing a stone in a bee hive. One of the gals scoffed, “go buy your mother. Have you seen placards on us that say we are selling?” Had my companion kept quite maybe what followed wouldn’t. But he replied telling her not to pretend because he very well knew they are selling Kandahar. Ooooh that pissed off all the cocottes. “One hundred thousands. One million. Come I give you free,” the cocottes shouted. Then one of them, a short chick who looked very stubborn stepped up and said “here I am, it’s itching me” she scratched her sumbie then asked who amongst us was man enough that would bone her. Am not a fan of short chicks so, I don’t know what possessed me to say, “here I am” but I said it and quickly regretted it. But thought she was only teasing. However, she wasn’t. Because, upon my word she replied ordering me to remove my shorts and get down to work. Not sure she was serious. I dared her to come remove them. Meanwhile, my pals started shouting “Hyena….. Hyena…..Hyena! You’ve heard him. Come remove it and see what prohibited dogs from growing horns!” Not wanting to kusemba nakyo, the chicks comrades cheered her “Scovia remove it…..remove it expose his small finger!” With morale boos ting from her friends, Scovia zeroed in on me. “Better run. Am mad, am going to pull them down,” Scovia shouted. And just as I was about to say “it’s you that will run off upon seeing what I’ve got” she pulled down my shorts. All the chicks and others shouted “wululu!”

I raised my hands and waved as I smiled as if I was hoisting the world cup. “Wabala sebbo,” one chick complimented. Another jumped in asking, “What do you feed that thing?” But before I could even answer that another told Scovia, “Give it to him!” But some guy jumped in advising Scovia to run and save her dear life because my huge animal was going to kill her. On hearing that Scovia replied telling him “twetiba Cobras nga onyumya nawandagala!” I only have God to thank for Red Pepper camera men not being on the beach, or being at another location or even being busy boning as well. Because surely, the following day’s headline would have been about Scovia and yours truly. Some chick begged Scovia to lollipop me. She was immediately joined by others who as well begged her to lollipop me. “Nga who do you want to lollipop this STD infected animal,” Scovia asked shaking the semi standing black viper. Next was her saying “if I lollipop him, he too MUST eat me too.” To which the spectators replied in affirmative. As if it was them to do the eating. And upon that assurance, Scovia washed my animal then knelt down and said “my fellow women this is how they lollipop” and with

those words, she got busy. Urged on by raptorus cheers, Scovia lollipoped with such expetise that I’ve never seen any other female use. In no time, the animal was erect like the legendary tower of Babel. Next she sat and announced she had accomplished her mission and that it was now my turn to eat her. “Sir eat her. She lollipopped you,” Chicks screamed. As strong male voices screamed like “blood do it. Eat then nail it!” At that point, I got down on my knees pulled Scovia’s Patra off. “Let me even first wash it for him,” Scovia said washing the freshly shaved Shangri-la. After which, she raised her waist area from the water for me to eat the forbidden fruit. Being the gentleman, I am, I couldn’t cheat this chick who had fulfilled her part of the deal. And so, I buried by mouth in the garden of Eden. I focused on the sugar plum which got Scovia yodeling a ssenga tune. “Oooh sweetnessness he is eating the happy button,” Scovia told the spectators. Meanwhile, deep in my head I was thinking of condoms and AIDS and videos of Philly Bongole Lutaaya. I didn’t have condoms and I feared she could infect me with HIV. “Am to stop at this!” I thought. Because there was no way, I was to bone a whore live. However, after like three

13

ADVERT ADVERT

ADVERT HEALTH

I once chewed a stranger in public. There are things from my past that I remember and be like “what the F was I thinking?” I shake my head and sometimes, I even kwesoza. And pray to never encounter people from those events. I’ve done so many stupid things that could have cost me my precious life. In fact, looking back at all that, I realize, I wasn’t smart. God just forgave me, but he didn’t forgive lots other people. One of the stupidest and riskiest things, I ever did was to chew live a chick, I had met casually at the beach. Years ago, before I married and somewhat became a responsible man, I lived a daredevil’s life. I don’t know whether one of my ancestors is one of the afandes in heaven using his powers to shield me from death. Because, lots of my friends have caught the deadly virus, been shot at by jealous hubbies, but year in year out, I’ve survived. In the hey days of the beach, that was 2001, some friends and I went to Entebbe to have fun. By fun, I mean to swim, eat fish and pick up some girls. Those days bonking at the beach was the in thing. My pals and I would be in macho mood. “For me, I boned three,” one would say, another two, another three. Belles who went to beaches then have horrid tales to tell. Because the majority were being gang raped. And it’s through those gang rapes and living on the edge attitude that lots of citizens caught the various variants of HIV and it’s cousin STDs. It was on such an occasion when we went to party at a beach in Entebbe. In my head, I was praying for a chance to pick up a beautiful chick like the one I had picked two weeks earlier. Once at the beach, we started swimming and somehow ended up close

FRIDAY JULY 09, 2021 DAILYPEPPER PEPPER FRIDAY, DAILY JULY 09, 2021

minutes of eating the crowd ordered us to do ourselves. “Which style?” Scovia asked. “I don’t have anti virus. Anyone with condoms?” I said. Nobody had anti virus, so they ordered us to do it live. “After all, you’re both crazy,” some belle shouted. “You both don’t have AIDS, people with it don’t look like you,” another said. The whole crowd wanted to see us bonk so they all encouraged us to do it. Missionary was out of options because Scovia’s head would end up submerged. So we did doggie prompting obululu.

I worked fast and furious prompting her to run off almost killing the spectators with laughter. “Ogudde ku muleffu sana,” some chick laughed. To this day, I’ve never met Scovia again. I don’t know if she’s still alive or died. She may even be married to a nice guy who doesn’t know her past. She could be one of these Mps. My prayer is if she’s still alive to meet her once again. Just to she how’s doing. As I wait for that day, I will tell you of a drive through, where I accidentally impregnated a babe at the beach who reported me to police for lack of child support.

Located In Mu.k.ono Opp Riley Packaging Factory -Distance-Hun. Tel: 0394824044/ 0786129104, 0751543230 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Madonna high school

MADONNA HIGH SCHOOL MUKONO HAS ADMISSIONS FOR S.1,S.2,S.3,S.4, S.5 AND S.6 AT A REDUCED FEE OF 700,000 PER TERM. FOR DETAILS CALL 0755280729,0786129104 0700439550 HEADTEACHER REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS AT THE SCHOOL PREMISES

14

DAILY PEPPER

FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

DIGITO-VOLUTION

Mobile Money Thrives In a Locked Down Economy BY OUR REPORTER

T

HE MOBILE MONEY industry on the whole has continued to thrive over the past 15 months compared to most other sectors of the economy, taking advantage of the opportunities created by the measures to contain COVID-19.

The evolution of mobile money services in the year 2019/2020 was phenomenal partly driven by the effects of COVID-19 on the economy, according to the ministry of finance.     “Even with the contraction of the service sector, mobile money remained robust and resilient to the economic shocks precipitated by COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place to contain its spread.” The Uganda Communications Commission says it is due to release performance reports for the year ended March 2021, later this week.    Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, digital payments were hailed as the safer and more practical alternative to cash, given the need to limit physical contact between traders and buyers of different goods and services.   In the first of the pandemic running to April 2021, active users of mobile money services had not yet reached their potential, according to the ministry. The number of active users of the service, compared to the registered users grew to 64% percent by April 2021, from 61 percent in the previous year. This means that there were many previously registered by idle numbers, which were eventually activated during the period.   This contributed to the high growth in the number of total users to an all-time high of 30.89 million by April 2021, according to the

FOR DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTS ADVERTISE WITH US AT THE LOWEST RATES NOW!

(Notices of Application, Auctioneers, Court Bailifs, Land fror Sale plus Vehicles, Lost documents like Permits, Number Plates, Passports, Indentity Cards, Salons, Hotels & Clubs, Herbalists among others. CONTACT US ON: 256 750 314 143/772760975 Email: [email protected]

Mobile money agents in Kampala

records.   The regulations define active user or customer accounts as those “used to perform at least one person-to-person payment, deposit onto account, withdrawal from account, utility and bill payment, merchant payments, bulk payment, received or sent international remittances and airtime top up from account; during at least 90 days prior to end of the reporting period.”   The period has also seen mobile money users further diversify their use of the services in response to the lockdown, resulting in the growth in the value of many sub segments of mobile money over the year, according to the Bank of Uganda. The industry is divided into four major segments, the most popular being the Person to Person service.    The others are Person to Business, Bank to Wallet and Wallet to Bank.    The number of mobile money transactions between person and person grew by three quarters from 571.303 billion recorded in the 12 months ending April 2019, to 1 trillion transactions in the 12 months ending April 2020. This also grew further 44% to 1.44 trillion in the 12 months to April 2021.     

All service segments grew between April 2019 and April 2021 with the exception of person to Business (P2B) segment which declined by 26.6 percent in the 12 months to April 2020, as the lockdown affected businesses in first full month of the pandemic.    “The decline in value was on account of the national lockdown that stifled economic activity. Moreover, as part of the national COVID-19 task force prevention strategy, payment for utilities (water & electricity) which make up a significant portion of P2B was deferred by about 6 months,” says the Ministry.   However, from April 2020, person-to-business transactions grew again as more people found that this was the easiest available way to access services, while economic activity picked up later in the year.   By April this year, such transactions had more than doubled to 305 billion in 12 months.    Users have also increasingly adopted the use of mobile banking, with getting money from the bank to the mobile wallet recording a growth in transactions from 140 billion in the year ended April 2019, to 305 billion in the 12 months from the year ended

April 2021.    Transactions from phone to bank also grew throughout the period, from 71.6 billion by April 2019 to 92.6 billion between then and April 2021. In the first full year of the pandemic, between April 2020 and April 2021, the number went up to 156.7 billion. With the gradual opening up of the economy, the P2B segment registered the highest growth of 165 percent, indicative of the recovery of economic activity as businesses gradually opened up.   “This has been reinforced by the change in customer payment habits that developed during the lockdown in which many customers opted for the use of mobile money merchant codes for the few businesses that remained physically open and those which were operating online,” says the Ministry of Finance in the background to the budget.    The service providers have also slightly reduced the costs of using mobile money especially in sending money.   “We appreciate that many people rely on MTN MoMo to facilitate various aspects of their lives and therefore believe that this reduction in withdrawal fees increases the benefits that have made mobile money such a transformative service over the years,” Stephen Mutana, the General Manager of Mobile Financial Services. The growth in mobile money is expected to continue, according to operators, even with the separation of the business from telecommunications. “MTN has a subscriber base of 14.1M customers, 11M of which are also mobile money users. There is no impact on the customer from the separation, our customers continue to enjoy our mobile money services seamlessly,” says the MTN Senior Manager Communications.

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

IN THE CHIEF MAGISTRATES COURT OF JINJA AT JINJA ADMINISTRATION CAUSES NO 56 OF 2021. (Amendment of jurisdiction of magistrate’s courts) order 2009) IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE MUTO DINAH FORMERLY A RESIDENT OF WALUKUBA NTEGE CELL,BLOCK 9,PLOT 22,JINJA DISTRICT . AND IN THE MATTER OF APPLICATION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION BY MUTO PHOEBE (BIOLOGICAL SISTER)TO THE DECEASED.

IN THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE’S COURT OF PALLISA HOLDEN AT PALLISA

IN THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE’S COURT OF TORORO HOLDEN AT TORORO ADMINISTRATION CAUSE NO 49 OF 2021

NOTICE OF APPLICATION The administration of estates (small estates) (special provisions) (Amendment of jurisdiction of magistrate’s courts) order 2009) TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN TAKE NOTICE that an application for letters of administration to the estate of the late MUTO DINAH FORMERLY A RESIDENT OF WALUKUBA NTEGE CELL,BLOCK 9,PLOT 22,JINJA DISTRICT has been lodged in this court by MUTO PHOEBE (BIOLOGICAL SISTER) TO THE DECEASED. This court will proceed to grant the same if no caveat is lodged with this court in within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice unless cause is shown to the contrary. DATED AT KAMULI this 24th day of JUNE 2021 …………………………………. MAGISTRATE

ADMINISTRATION CAUSES NO 18 OF 2021. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE OBUKUI PATRICK FORMALLY OF AMUSALA VILLAGE, KANYUM PARISH, BUTEBO SUBCOUNTY, BUTEBO DISTRICT. AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION BY OPANDE ISIFU (SON) TO THE DECEASED. NOTICE OF APPLICATION. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. TAKE NOTICE that an application for grant of Letters of Administration to the Estate of the late OBUKUI PATRICK has been lodged in this court by OPANDE ISIFU (SON) of the deceased. The court will proceed to grant the same if no caveat is lodged in this court within 14 (fourteen) days from the date of publication of this notice unless cause be shown to the contrary. DATED at Pallisa this 28th day of June 2021 .................. MAGISTRATE

In the matter of the estate of late OPIO JACOB formerly of Bira west cell, Bira Ward, Pajwenda Town council Tororo District. AND In the matter of an application for letters of Administration of the estate of the late OPIO JACOB by OWOR JOHN OTONYA of Bira west cell, Bira Ward, Pajwenda Town council Tororo District-Father of the deceased. NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN TAKE NOTICE that an application for letters of administration to the estate of the late OPIO JACOB formerly of Bira west cell, Bira Ward, Pajwenda Town council Tororo District has been lodged in this court by OWOR JOHN OTONYA -Father of the deceased. This court will proceed to grant the same if no caveat is lodged with this court within fourteen days from the date of publication of this notice unless cause be shown to the contrary. Dated at Tororo this 7th day of July 2021 .................................. MAGISTRATE

CONTACT THE EDITOR ON 0777 959 024 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA IN THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE’S COURT OF ARUA AT ARUA ADMINISTRATION CAUSE NO 0030 OF 2021 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE AMIZA KOKOO MUDASIR OF UPPER BIBIA CELL, PANGISA WARD, ARUA CENTRAL DIVISION, ARUA CITY

RHINO FOOTWEAR LTD TOP QUALITY FOOTWEAR

FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021 JULY 09, 2021 DAILY PEPPER FRIDAY,

Famous Ball Boy Inks Liverpool Deal W

BY EMMANUEL SEKAGO

ITH INSURANCE cover all is well as Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) added Sanlam Insurance Company to the list of partners and sponsors of the Uganda Olympic team.

FOR ALL YOUR GUMBOOTS, SANDALS AND BALLERINA REQUIREMENTS IN DIFFERENT SIZES AND COLOURS.

AND In the matter of an application for letters of Administration by KOKOO AKULE NOTICE OF APPLICATION The Administration of estate/ Probate and Administration Rules 1972

From ball boy to professional contract Klopp's side overturned a 3-0 OAKLEY CANNONIER, the deficit from the first leg of ball boy who shot to fame for their semi-final in 2019. his small part in Liverpool's Origi's goal was the fourth famous 4-0 Champions League for Liverpool that night and win over Barcelona, has signed sent them into the final of the his first professional contract tournament, which they won with the club. 2-0 against Tottenham.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN TAKE NOTICE that an application for probate of the will letters of Administration of the estate of the late AMIZA KOKOO MUDASIR has been lodged in this Court by KOKOO AKULE Executor, father son, widow, sister, daughter etc of the deceased. This Court will proceed to grant the same if no caveat is lodged with this Court within fourteen days from the date of publication of this notice unless cause be shown to the contrary. Dated at Arua this 28th day of June 2021 ................................. MAGISTRATE THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA IN THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE’S COURT OF PALLISA HOLDEN AT PALLISA ADMINSTRATION CAUSE NO.37 OF 2021 In the matter of the estate of the late OMUTIA MARTIN OBORE OKEDI formerly of Akisim village,Opeta Parish,Obutet Sub county,Pallisa District.

PLOT 86/90, 5th Street, Industrial Area, Kampala. Call: 0752-700700 0785-451064 Land line - 0414233577 [email protected] www.rhinofootwear.com

AND In the matter of an application for letters of administration by OMULE JOSEPH (SON/HEIR) to the late of Akisim village,Opeta Parish,Obutet Sub county,Pallisa District. NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN TAKE notice that an application for letters of administration to the estate of the late OMUTIA MARTIN OBORE OKEDI (deceased) formerly of Akisim village, Opeta Parish, Obutet Sub county, Pallisa District has been lodged in this Honourable court by OMULE JOSEPH (SON/ HEIR) to the deceased Morukokume village, Agule sub county, Agule County, Pallisa District. This court will proceed to grant the same if no caveat is lodged with this court within fourteen days from the date of publication of this notice unless cause be shown to the contrary. Dated at Pallisa this 11th day of May 2021 MAGISTRATE

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA IN THE CHIEF MAGISTRATES COURT OF KAMULI AT KAMULI ADMINISTRATIONS CAUSE NO 21 OF 2021 IN THE MATTER OF SUCCESSION ACT CAP,162 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE BASALIRWA DEMIANO (DECEASED)FORMERLY A RESIDENT OF KASAKA VILLAGE .BULOOPA PARISH,BULOOPA SUBCOUNTY,KAMULI DISTRICT. AND IN THE MATTER OF APPLICATION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION BY KIFUBANGABO EMMENUEL(FATHER OF THE DECEASED). NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN TAKE NOTICE that an application for letters of administration to the estate of the late BASALIRWA DEMIANO (Deceased) Formerly A Resident Of Kasaka Village .Buloopa Parish,Buloopa Subcounty,Kamuli District has been lodged in this court by KIFUBANGABO EMMENUEL(Father Of The Deceased) Of Kasaka Village .Buloopa Parish,Buloopa Subcounty,Kamuli District This court will proceed to grant the same if no caveat is lodged with this court in within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice unless cause is shown to the contrary. DATED AT KAMULI this 02nd day of JUNE 2021 …………………………………. CHIEF MAGISTRATE

WE DEAL IN: Special Gases Cooking Gases Medical Gases Industrial Gases High Purity Gases Welding Rods and Accessories LOCATED @

OXYGAS LTD Plot 501, Nakawa Industrial Area Jinja Road, Kampala P.O Box 4641 [email protected] MTN: 0785451064 AIRTEL: 0755841364 LANDLINE: 0414233577 Covid 19 Cases have increased, Oxygas Limited is here to save your lives. All Oxygen Accessories, Medical regulator complete set and Face masks available

15

The 17-year-old striker, who joined as an Under 12 from Leeds, was praised for his quick thinking in tossing a ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold which allowed the defender to catch the visitors unawares with a corner swept in to Divock Origi as Jurgen

On top of being the toast of eagle-eyed Liverpool fans that season, Anfield icon Graeme Souness also credited thethen 14-year-old on the night in 2019 when he was part of Ireland's Virgin Media's coverage of the game.

Sergio Ramos Joins PSG PARIS SAINT-Germain have confirmed the signing of Sergio Ramos on a two-year deal.

The Spanish defender, who was left out of Luis Enrique's squad for Euro 2020, was a free agent after ending his 16-year association with Real Madrid. Speaking after signing his deal, Ramos said: 'I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Ger-

BY THOMAS ODONGO

FOR THE FIRST time in over one and half years, Uganda Rugby Cranes XVs side will be in action when they host Ghana on Saturday, 10th July at Kyadondo Rugby Club in the first Group C game of the Rugby Africa Cup.

The 2020 international XVs season didn't happen due to Covid-19 disruptions but now Rugby Cranes will be seeking to shake off some rust on a continental stage and put up a good display at their own backyard. As a Covid-19 preventive measure, the team has been in a bubble in preparation for the games, subjected to PCR tests for Covid-19 as well as undergoing regular testing by the Uganda Rugby Medical Society team. The team has been strictly observing Covid-19 SOPs in the bubble and had no contact with anyone outside the bubble throughout this period. New Rugby Cranes Captain Ivan Magomu is eager to get back to action and wants to start his reign on a winning note. "I'm deeply honored to be named Captain, thanks to Uganda Rugby Union, friends and family. We hope to win our game against Ghana and I believe we can do it because the boys are in great shape," Magomu said. "It's been a while since we played for the national team and we can't wait for the match. Everybody is feeling

main. 'It is a big change in my life, a new challenge and a day that I will never forget. I am proud to be part of this very ambitious project, to join a team with great players. 'It's a club that has already proven at the highest level with solid foundations. I want to continue to grow with Paris and help the team work to win titles.'

Less than fifteen days (15) days to the start of the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo city, Japan, Sanlam Insurance Company Uganda was officially unveiled during a press conference held on Wednesday as the official travel insurance partner of Team Uganda to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games due July 24-August 9th. They join other partners as Absa bank Uganda, Pearl Diary, among others. The 34-man Ugandan contingent will now travel at peace having been covered against a range of risks that include COVID-19 illness, theft or loss of property, accidental injury during travel, and any other travel-related incidences that may occur during the team’s stay in Tokyo. “This is a challenging time we are all going through, and the men and women are going to Tokyo to try and winning gold medals. We stand a better chance this time in Tokyo than in many years,” Sanlam CEO Gary Corbit noted. “We don’t want athletes to have additional stress and travel insurance is what we can offer them. And together with other sponsors, we think this will add to the experience of the Olympics,” Gary stated. “They are in Japan for close to a month; travel insurance is relatively inexpensive but we are doing it for so many people for such a period of time and we believe the young boys and girls will love it. This is all we could do in these challenging COVID-19 times.”

BACKUP

SPORTS

Sanlam Backs Team Uganda

Sanlam Uganda insurance company cover for the team Uganda at 2020 Olympics He noted that Sanlam is the biggest non-banking financial service provider in Africa and that for over 100 years they had partnered with several organizations in potential sectors like sports, education and health all aimed at continuous empowerment of the communities in which they do business. UOC assistant general secretary Lydia Dhamuzungu welcomed Sanlam’s contribution and optimism for more such

partnerships with the insurers in the future. “It is such a great opportunity for us as UOC to have this package from Sanlam. We believe it comes in handy in this time of COVID-19 where many people are struggling and trying to manage the many cases,” said Dhamuzungu. Meanwhile, the President of the Uganda Olympic Committee and the Chairman of the National Council of Sports,

Donald Rukare thanked Sanlam Uganda for the generous support towards the Team and assured them of successful participation at the Games. This is the first time a travel insurance partner has come on board to support team Uganda to the Olympic Games. Team Uganda will be represented by 26 Athletes from Athletics, Swimming, Boxing and Rowing.

Rugby Cranes To Shake Off Rust Mcgregor Looks For Revenge CONOR MCGREGOR insists he will 'steamroll' Dustin Poirier in their highly anticipated trilogy bout at UFC 264 on Saturday night.

Rugby Cranes in training recently great ahead of the game and we all hope for good results," Magomu added. The Rugby Africa Cup forms a pathway to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with participants across the groups in the continent eyeing for one direct qualification spot into the final World Cup tournament in France and for one place in the final subsequent qualification tournament(s). Rugby Cranes will play host to Algeria on 18th July in the second game of the tournament.

The event will still be held at Kyadondo.

Rugby Cranes squad.

Santos Ssenteza (Heathens), Brian Odongo (KOBs), Collin Kimbowa (KOBs), Saul Kivumbi (KOBs), Asuman Mugerwa (Kabras), Faragi Odugo(KOBs), Ronald Kanyanya (Heathens), Robert Angualia Aziku (KOBs), Eliphaz Emong (Hippos), Joaquim Chissano Olwangu (Mongers), Kelvin Balagadde Pirates, Byron Oketayot KOBs, Jacob

Ochen (Hippos), Desire Ayera Ruhweza (Pirates), Isaac Rujumba Karugaba (Pirates), Mark Omoding (Harlequins), Paul Epilo (Heathens), Aaron Ofoyrwoth (Heathens ), Ivan Magomu (Pirates) ,Daudi Semwami (KOBs), Pius Ogena (KOBs), Justin Kimono Simwende (KOBs), Alhaji Manano (KOBs), Solomon Okia Saulo (Pirates ), Maxwell Ebonga (Hippos ), Claude Otema (Heathens), Adrian Kasito (KOBs) and Denis Etwau (Hippos).

McGregor lost to Poirier at UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi back in January and is out for revenge in Las Vegas, having lost two of his last three fights. The winner will be in line to face newly-crowned UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and while everything is on the line in a career-defining fight for the Irishman, he remains as confident as ever in his own abilities. And while Poirier may have the advantage, having beaten him just a few months ago, McGregor has issued his opponent a warning shot days before they meet inside the octagon. 'He talks some amount lately which he will pay for; it's not going to be nice,' McGregor told Rolling Stone. 'I'm going through my opponent on July 10th… I'm going to knock him out. Without question. 'I'm the most dangerous I've ever been, I'm the most focused I've ever been. And I'm going to take him out. He won't have any way to deal with what I'm bringing on Saturday, and that's it.' McGregor insists that he is

Mcgregor Conor

at his best when his attention is solely on the fight, having being distracted by boxing in the past. 'I'm always better when I'm busy. I always say that. So, it's going to help. When I'm active, I'm fresh, I'm dangerous, and I'm hyper-focused. 'After I steamroll my opponent, I'll decide what I want next,' McGregor concluded. The relationship between the pair is frostier than before after they fell out over a payment of $500,000 McGregor promised to Poirier's charitable foundation. The former two-weight champion said he had not been told specifically where his money would go and took exception to the American airing dirty laundry in public. Poirier subsequently apologised but there is a degree of animosity, enhance by the fact that this weekend's fight means so much for both men.

16

DAILY PEPPER

SPORTS

UGBY CRANES TO SHAKE OFF RUST

FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

E

NGLAND AND THEIR long-suffering fans finally have the chance to add another trophy to the 1966 World Cup after they overcame Denmark 2-1 in extra-time on Wednesday to reach the European Championship final for the first time.

Harry Kane’s goal, following up after his penalty had been saved, finally saw off battling Denmark to set up a Sunday showdown against Italy, also looking to shake off the ‘60s as they seek to win the title they last lifted in 1968. On a night to remember in front of almost 60,000 roaring fans, England fell behind to Mikkel Damsgaard’s superb free kick, equalised with an own goal, dominated the game and then won it via their captain, albeit somewhat unconvincingly, in the 104th minute. “Unbelievable - what a game though,” said Kane. “We dug deep and we got there when it mattered. We reacted really well - we’re in a final at home, what a feeling.” It was of course a particularly special night for coach Gareth Southgate, whose penalty shoot-out miss sent England out of the semi-finals of Euro 96. “We said to the players at some point we’re going to have to show resilience and come back from setbacks, and we did that tonight,” he said.

ITALY WERE taken all the way by Spain in their Euro 2020 semi-final, beating Spain on penalties after a fascinating 120 minutes of football.

“The most pleasing thing is that we’ve given our fans and our nation a fantastic night and the journey carries on for another four days. We’ve said we want to create memories I’ve said to the young ones ‘it isn’t always like this’.” It was a tough way for Denmark to end their emotional ride from the fear and distress of Christian Eriksen’s opening game collapse to their first semi-final since their shock Euro 92 win, but their exhausted players left Wembley with socks rolled down but heads held high. “I am proud of this group and everyone who has been on this journey. It has been fantastic to be involved. I am hungry and empty, but I am also proud,” said Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. “When you’ve waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, the players - considering the limited international experience some of them have - have done an incredible job,” Southgate said. “We suffered in Moscow (in the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia) on a night like this and we’ve managed to put that right. It’s an incredible occasion to be a part of. The fans were incredible all night. There was mayhem on the pitch and I was part of it. We’ve got to enjoy the fact we’re in the final but there’s one more massive hurdle to conquer.”

FAMOUS BALL BOY INKS LIVERPOOL DEAL

ENGLAND SETUP CLASH WITH ITALY

Denmark’s Simon Kjær puts the ball into his own net under pressure from Sterling

THE FINAL

ITALY FAVOURED TO BE CHAMPS

As Roberto Mancini’s men prepare to take on England in the final we look at the different areas of the team and their strengths and weaknesses.

GOALKEEPERS

Gianluigi Donnarumma is only 22 years old but it feels as if he has been around for a long time. And in a sense he has. He made his Milan debut at the age of 16 and became Italy’s youngest ever goalkeeper as a 17-year-old. As part of Italy’s 33-match unbeaten run he did not concede a goal for almost 1,000 minutes, before letting one in against Austria in the last 16. Sasa Kalajdzic scored from a header but Jorginho was partly responsible for leaving his position at the post at that corner.

RATING 9/10 DEFENCE

When Giorgio Chiellini hobbled of the pitch with an injury against Switzerland in the second group game it was difficult to imagine the 36-year-old leading out his country in the Euro final 25 days later. But that is what he will do on Sunday. It is

FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

needed but prefers a 4-3-3 system. He has managed to keep the traditional solidity in defence but this is not a defensive team. They like to play at the front foot and with a high press. They are now the most successful team in the history of Italian football with their 33 matches unbeaten but they need to win on Sunday to really be considered the best of the best.

RATING 10/10

SQUAD DEPTH

Italy players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out testament to Italy’s defensive strength that they did not suffer when he was out, Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi coming in as very able deputies in a well-drilled machine. The loss of the marauding left-back Leonardo Spinazzola was a blow though, with his replacement, Emerson Palmieri, not able to offer the same threat going forward.

RATING 9/10

recovered from injury to take his place alongside Jorginho and Nicolò Barella. Jorginho is having a superb tournament and has been able to dictate games with his passing and clever positioning. Italy have several options off the bench though with Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo) and Matteo Pessina (Atalanta) both scoring at this tournament when given a chance. Rating 9/10

MIDFIELD

ATTACK

Mancini prefers to play with a midfield three and it has been fairly settled at Euro 2020 since Marco Verratti

Ciro Immobile was the hero coming into the tournament but after two goals in the first two games he has lost

momentum and looks a bit short of confidence. As Immobile’s stock has fallen, Federico Chiesa’s has risen. The 23-year-old Juventus winger has been a breath of fresh air, always direct, always taking the game to the opponents. He has two goals too at the Euros, as does Lorenzo Insigne, the wonderful Napoli winger who operates on the left. Domenico Berardi and Andrea Belotti have been utilised as substitutes and work incredibly hard when given a chance but they are not a huge goal threat at the moment.

RATING 8/10 MANAGER

It is easy to forget just what a traumatic place Italy were in when Roberto Mancini took over in 2018. They had just missed a World Cup, for the first time since 1958, under Gian Piero Ventura and belief in the team was at a painful low. However, the former Sampdoria and Lazio player quickly gave this team a new identity and cast his web wide, picking players from the so-called smaller clubs, with Sassuolo contributing several players. He has been tactically flexible when

RED PEPPER P.O Box 7335, Kampala Website: www.redpepper.co.ug, Registered At The GPO As A Newspaper

Mancini knows his best XI and is only likely to alter it in case of injury although he did make eight changes for the third group game against Wales after they had already qualified for the knockout stage. The fact that several players have played only five games instead of six should benefit Italy on Sunday and when given a chance the squad players have shown they are capable of performing at this stage. Bastoni and Acerbi impressed in defence when called upon, Locatelli starred in midfield before Verratti’s reintroduction and the forwards have given Italy renewed energy when they have come on. Like with England, the whole squad seem happy to be involved, whether they are starters or not.

RATING 8/10