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Museveni Tasks UK for Evidence of Among’s Wealth Claims

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Uganda Today
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

In a high-stakes diplomatic exchange, President Museveni has taken a firm stance against what he perceives as baseless accusations leveled against Speaker Anita Among regarding her alleged wealth in the United Kingdom. In a letter dated May 11, the President directed Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo to demand that the UK government provide evidence supporting their claims about Speaker Among’s properties overseas.

With evident concern for the reputation and integrity of Ugandan officials, President Museveni emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in such matters. He underscored that unfounded allegations cannot be overlooked, especially when they tarnish the image of Ugandan leaders. Drawing upon correspondence from the Inspectorate of Government affirming that Speaker Among had not disclosed any property ownership in the UK, the President urged Minister Odongo to initiate official inquiries into the source of the UK government’s information.

President Museveni’s proactive approach reflects his commitment to upholding ethical standards and accountability among public officials. He highlighted Speaker Among’s own denial of owning properties abroad and emphasized the importance of verifying the accuracy of external claims. The President’s directive to seek clarification from UK authorities demonstrates his determination to safeguard the reputation of Ugandan leaders and ensure that accusations are substantiated with credible evidence.

The backdrop to this diplomatic standoff is the revelation made by British High Commissioner Kate Airey OBE during a meeting with President Museveni on April 30. The Commissioner purportedly informed the President of impending sanctions against Speaker Among, citing alleged property ownership and financial activities in the UK. President Museveni expressed skepticism regarding these claims, particularly questioning their absence from Speaker Among’s official declarations.

Further complicating matters are the sanctions imposed by the UK government on Speaker Among and two former Karamoja Affairs ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu. These measures, including travel bans and asset freezes, were justified by the UK government as responses to perceived corruption. However, Speaker Among swiftly returned government-provided assistance in the form of iron sheets, signaling a willingness to address any impropriety associated with the allegations.

The President’s decision to involve the Inspectorate of Government and the Ethics ministry underscores his commitment to thorough investigation and accountability. He articulated broader concerns about the moral implications of acquiring wealth abroad, particularly when the needs of Uganda remain pressing. Through his directive and actions, President Museveni is sending a clear message that integrity and transparency must underpin public service, and baseless accusations will not go unchallenged.

Business Expert Chris Diaz Appointed Executive Chairman of Pan-African Adili Group

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Uganda Today
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Pan-African Adili Group has appointed business growth expert Chris Diaz as its executive chairman, tasked with overseeing the expansion of its law firm, ALN, across the region. Diaz will focus on Africa’s growth, including enhancing business in Uganda.

Karim Anjarwalla, ALN board director, and ALN Kenya senior partner, expressed confidence in Diaz’s global perspective and extensive experience, emphasizing his role in refining strategy and approaching new markets.

ALN, based in Nairobi, is an integrated alliance of leading full-service corporate law firms spanning 15 African countries. Diaz brings 33 years of executive experience and a proven track record in business growth strategies across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

His appointment signifies a strategic move towards integrating client services across Adili Group’s businesses, leveraging technology and Diaz’s expertise in business leadership and growth initiatives.

Chris Diaz, a business growth expert, has been appointed as the executive chairman of Pan-African Adili Group, tasked with expanding its law firm, ALN, across Africa. His extensive experience and global perspective will drive strategic growth initiatives, leveraging technology and innovative solutions to empower clients and solidify Adili Group’s position as a premier corporate advisory firm in Africa.

Diaz’s deep understanding of international markets positions him as a leader in innovation and market strategy, aligning with Adili Group’s vision for expansion. His role as Executive Chairman entails providing insights to clients, managing business risks, and driving strategic direction to solidify the group’s position in Africa’s corporate advisory landscape.

He aims to leverage the strengths of the ALN alliance to empower clients and drive growth amidst complexity. Adili Group, through ALN, extends its reach beyond the four regional countries into 14 African nations, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering legal expertise and strategic business solutions across the continent.

Museveni Addresses Traders’ Taxation Concerns

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Uganda Today
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni contested the claim put forth by certain traders alleging that Uganda imposes an excessive tax burden on them. President Museveni refutes claims of excessive taxation by traders in Uganda, citing deliberate tax policies that support local growth. He emphasizes the government’s efforts to facilitate trade and urges a shift towards local production. Stakeholders discuss concerns over taxation and the implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) during a meeting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

“Assertions of an overbearing tax regime in Uganda lack merit, and I’m here to engage with you on this matter,” he declared. The President made these comments on Tuesday during a gathering with traders from Kampala and various districts at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. President Museveni’s discussion with the traders follows protests regarding what they perceive as unjust taxation by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the perceived uneven application of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS).

EFRIS, a system instituted by the URA, aims to enhance compliance by monitoring invoices and receipts issued by specified taxpayers in Uganda. According to the President, the government’s tax strategy is deliberate, preserving what “nurtures Uganda’s growth” while imposing reduced taxes where appropriate. “Upon assuming office, export taxes on coffee and other products were eliminated. Currently, there are no taxes on exports from Uganda, nor are there individual taxes. The focus is on facilitating internal trade without imposing excessive charges,” he stressed.

President Museveni clarified that import duties solely pertain to goods brought into Uganda, urging traders to contemplate local manufacturing and exporting for optimal business outcomes.

“There exist various types of traders—those promoting local products, exporters, and importers. Domestic traders, distributors, and exporters either benefit from tax exemptions or face minimal tax obligations. Importers are taxed based on the nature of their imports,” he elucidated. He encouraged traders to transition from importing to local production, citing successful instances in sectors like dairy, where local value addition has flourished. The President also addressed concerns about double taxation, asserting that the tax system aims to prevent redundancy and protect local industries. Regarding EFRIS, he urged stakeholders to address concerns regarding its effectiveness and fairness, emphasizing the necessity for constructive dialogue. Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, expressed appreciation to President Museveni for engaging with the traders and pledged their readiness to adhere to tax regulations once sensitized. Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) Chairperson, Dr. Thadeus Musoke Nagenda, welcomed the opportunity to tackle challenges encountered by traders and emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making platforms. Federation of Uganda’s Traders Associations (FUTA) Chairperson, Mr. John Kabanda, echoed concerns about high taxes and advocated for annual consultations with the President to address business-related matters. United Arcade Traders Entrepreneurs Association (UATEA) Chairperson, Mr. Edward Ntale, expressed willingness to participate in local industrialization efforts but pointed out existing barriers to entry. KACITA Spokesperson, Mr. Issa Ssekito, raised concerns about the absence of an appeal mechanism in EFRIS, stressing the importance of a fair and transparent tax system. The meeting also saw the presence of Prime Minister, Rt.Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Commissioner General of URA, Mr. John Musinguzi, and other government officials.

Masese Landing Site Submerged by Lake Victoria High Water Levels

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Uganda Today
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KAMPALA: Lots of people at Jinja City’s Masese Landing Site residents have been forced to relocate due to the rising water levels in Lake Victoria.

The owners of numerous homes and kiosks that were used as stores had to evacuate since they were swamped. Many people in the neighborhood are afraid that hard times are coming and there seems to be no plan in place for them.

“We last registered this kind of rise in water levels at Masese in 1997 but it didn’t reach this level,” said Bumaali Kidoma a local member of the affected community. According to the Lake Victoria Basin Commission report, in May 2020, the water level in Lake Victoria reached a new record of 13.42 meters, above the 13.41 meters which was recorded in 1964.

The rise in sea level reached 13.32 meters in 2021.  Water levels were 2.18 meters above this baseline during the height of the peak, according to the Global Reservoir and Lake Monitor, a NASA and US Foreign Agricultural Service-sponsored study.

For four of the past five years, heavy rainfall during the rainy season has posed a threat to the fishing communities that live near Africa’s largest lake.

During the lengthy rainy season (March to June) in the region, government authorities issued warnings to lakeside villages due to the rising waters surrounding Lake Victoria in 2020 and 2021. The Jinja power dams have some control over Lake Victoria’s water levels.

Furthermore, homes were submerged by floodwaters, which also forced tens of thousands of people to flee their properties. Besides, the Masese market has already been moved this time around since as the entire area is flooded.

Yet to be confirmed rumours suggest that residents of many islands in Jinja Southern Division, such as Lwabitooke and Kisima I and II, are also facing similar circumstances that have driven many of them to escape to the mainland.

Since a large number of people have been displaced, the locals are pleading with the government to provide food assistance. The bulk of people are seeking safety at Masese Landing Site Street as they have no food due to the flooding of their houses and gardens. For those who cannot afford to live in town, they have been left homeless.

Francis Magala , the local Masese leader called upon the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness to act quickly to assist the afflicted residents of the town.  The National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) director, Dr. Winnie Nkalubo, ascribed the rising water levels to the heavy rains at Lake Victoria’s basin.

“We have so many rivers and tributaries in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda which pour in Lake Victoria coupled with the rainy season that’s the reason the lake shores have flooded, there is too much water into the lake,” Dr Nkalubo noted. However, she believes that in the near future, Lake Victoria’s fish stocks particularly those of tilapia will rise.

“The lake shores have widened and tilapia lays eggs on Lakeshores, hence if it is not disturbed by illegal fishing we are most likely to have an increase in the stocks of tilapia this year,” she said

According to experts, the present water levels have risen over the 13.42 m historical level that was reached in 1964 at 14 m onto the mainland.

Explore Murchison Falls National Park

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Uganda Today
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The Spectacular Murchison Falls

Explore Murchison Falls National Park which is a Uganda’s oldest national park and it is still the largest national park with 3,893 km², the park sits on the shores of Lake Albert in the north western Uganda. The park is well known for its Murchison Falls formed that flows from Jinja and the connects up to this park until it flows into the Lake Albert at the Delta point that is s much known as great spot of the rare shoe bill stork.

Most of the tourist taking Uganda tours starts from this park and after either visit the north eastern where you find Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Mount Elgon National Park etc.

The Victoria Nile River that surges through a narrow gap hence flowing on a cliff of about 50ft therefore the park got its name from this park. The park is mostly wanted by tourists due to its herds of animals plus a flat terrain that enable game drives around the park, adventuring Murchison falls national park will grant you with the following stunning see-able features plus animals,

Murchison Falls National Park

this is one of the best tourist attractions and this is a major component of Murchison Falls National Park. The park has been visited by Earnest Hemingway plus Winston Churchill.  The falls was named after a president of the Royal Geographical Society and is the main attraction feature within the park together with River Nile that crosses the park hence forming two parts of the park and the level at which this Nile flows through the park brought up the formation of Murchison Falls.

Launch Cruise

Launch Cruise is another great opportunity that make the park unique is the river Nile that facilitates launch cruise which takes you to the stream to observe the waterfall, this is another chance to have a look at the herds of wild animals that flock around the river for water and some which are permanent residents at the river banks. This activity is done in sessions and the first trip starts at 09:00am and the second one is done at 02:00pm every day. The full trip takes around 3-4hours of sailing around the waters. This enables you to go down stream in the papyrus up to where the Nile joins Lake Albert forming a Delta hence allowing you to see the shoe bill stork in the wetland.

Game Drives

this is part of the activities done here, the park is endowed with different animal species that have always provided a nice stunning opportunity to the visitors to view most of the big five animals in their natural setting, this can be both day and night game drives. The park has got nice path routes well maintained to enable 4X4 vehicles to access the several animal spotting points within the park. Animals such as antelopes, giraffes, leopards, lions, duikers, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs and some primates including chimpanzees at Budongo forest, black and white Colobus monkeys and baboons are seen on a large scale hence rendering the park worth to visit.

Birding

Bird Watching is another activity done here in the park, Murchison falls national park has got over 451 bird species and these ranges from Albertine bird, savannah birds and the water birds hence making the park more interesting with shoe bill stork being the most major attraction among the birds. The best time for bird watching is during January-March during dry season but birding is done all year around except during April and May which is a heavy rainfall period and watching becomes somehow difficult due to slippery foot paths.

Most of the bird species spotted here includes the, Shoe bill, African Darter, Giant Kingfisher, Osprey, Long-toed Plover, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Veracious Dove, Black-headed Lapwing, Abyssinian Ground Horn bill, Rock Pratincole, Yellow-fronted Tinker bird, Black-billed Barbet, Long-tailed Night jar, Weaver Birds, Yellow-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, Silver bird, Gray crowned crested crane, Sandpipers, Pied Kingfishers, Standard-winged Night jar, Malachite Kingfishers, Blue-headed Coucal and Denham’s Bustard.

Accommodation

The park has got various accommodation facilities including lodges, camping sites, hotels and Guest houses, these facilities have got eco-friendly facilities. Budget accommodation includes the Kaniyo Pabidi Camp and Red Chili Camp. Upper market accommodation around the park includes the Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge and Sambiya River Lodge among others.

Ugandan Parliament Pays Tribute to People killed in Kenya Floods

By
Uganda Today
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Parliament of Uganda

KAMPALA: Speaker of Ugandan Parliament, Anita Among has led the house in paying tribute to the over 100 people that are reported to have lost their lives in the Kenya floods 2024 that happened in Nairobi-Kenya and asked Government to make preparations in case such a disaster occurs in Uganda.

Various parts in East Africa are witnessing devastating floods during the ongoing heavy rains, for example in Kenya, the rains have not only destroyed the vast property and infrastructure, but also claimed lives. I condole with my brothers and sisters in the region,” said Among.

Anita Among made the remarks on Tuesday April 30, 2024 during a plenary session at Parliament in Kampala. According to Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesperson the estimated death toll was 103 people, “with the Rift Valley being the worst hit”. In a post on X, Mwaura said 185,297 had been displaced adding that search and rescue operations were ongoing as well as efforts to support people as the Kenya floods kept on.

People could be heard screaming as the packed boat sank, and onlookers gasped in shock as the footage was broadcast on television and shared online. Because there are already parts in Eastern Uganda experiencing floods. The Speaker urged government to make preparations incase the disaster expedited.

“In Uganda, some parts of Eastern Uganda like Elgon, Teso sub-region are currently suffering with floods and disruption of livelihood. There is need for us to prepare for any disaster that is both coming, we need to get prepared for that disaster and ensure that our people don’t suffer the same,” said Among.

Flooding incidents have been registered among countries in the Eastern African region, and on Sunday, a woman and her baby died in the Rwandan capital, Kigali when heavy rainfall caused their house to collapse, police said.

Scientists say Climate change is causing more intense and frequent extreme weather events. In the March, UN, meteorological Organisation said that the latest El Nino was one of the five strongest ever recorded.

Minister Judith Nabakooba Giveaway 774 Land Titles in Kamwenge

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Uganda Today
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Judith Nabakoba

The Minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development Judith Nabakooba has handed in 774 land titles to beneficiaries in Kamwenge district. These were processed under the systematic land adjudication and certification component (SLAAC).

While addressing the stakeholders from Rwamwanja playground, the lands Minister on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, explained that giving land titles to the communities hosting refugees was in essence for ensuring that they have security of tenure of their land.

She said that because of ignorance of Land Tenure Systems, the communities that directly border Refugee Settlements and those that host the refugees were ignorantly and increasingly losing out security on their own land, where many residents were selling their land outrightly to refugees, and subsequently getting poorer and poorer and even getting displaced on their own land.

“The laws of Uganda do not allow foreigners (that includes refugees) to hold land in the Customary tenure, Mailo tenure, and the Freehold tenure, so selling the land to them was against the land laws, but it was also making the communities lose their right on their land hence impoverishing them in the process,” Judith Nabakooba said.

She encouraged them to hold their land dear, and ensure they financially benefit from it through leasing it for those who wish, or getting support from financial institutions for them to improve their incomes and grow businesses.

Under the program has also been a subcomponent of physical planning, where sub counties hosting refugees have physical development plans (PDP).

The Minister said the PDP for Nkoma sub county was ready, awaiting approval by the National physical development board, “and once they are approved, the plans will guide development in the Subcounty towards a planned, orderly and sustainable development through optimal use of the limited land.”

She was flanked by the Minister of Agriculture Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Frank Tumwebaze, who is also the area Member of Parliament (MP) of the District, and the woman MP Sylvia Bahereire, as the Minister commenced the commissioning of projects in Kamwenge district.

The commissioned projects include the market sheds, a taxi park, Nkoma resource centre and playground and others all amounting to 24 billion shillings funded by the World Bank.

Kamwenge is one of the districts that hosts a large number of refugees and according to the program manual, the support to the 11 refugee hosting districts was intended to enhance security of tenure, physical planning and small scale infrastructure, which is for strengthening interaction between the Refugees and host communities and making the infrastructure especially making roads motorable through out the year.

In his report to the Minister, the LC3 chair of Nkoma Katalyebwa Subcounty, Ivan Kuniihira said they had no complaints and no shoddy work reported through out the work projects.

The Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development – Additional Funding (USMID-AF) program has supported the construction of 3 resource centers, 2 markets, a taxi park, roads, and a stadium among others.

This program is implemented by the Ministry of Lands. Kunihira however listed some of the other priority projects that had gone unconstructed because of budget shortfalls and asked for consideration on the future project that is intended to commence in 2025.

He listed 4 km of Kinyonza -Damasco road, 3kms of Nyamuchwa-Mutwe road , Nkoma- Kasasa cost sealing road,  Nkoma- Butimba 3kms, Nkoma Kyamwera, Baguta Mahani rd, Kayalyebwa Kagasa road, Bulegyeya Mukihihi and Bulegyeya Bututumira road of 7km.

At the commissioning, the district LCV chairman Joseph Kalungi said the projects, great and important were creating an imbalance in the district as they were all in one constituency even as Kamwenge has 3 different constituencies.

“Our appeal is that the next phase of the program should consider the other two constituencies,” Kalungi said.

He also appealed to the Minister to support the district in acquiring their loyalties from the Dura quarry which he said had been stopped for a long time with reasons that the quarry was situated in another district of Kitagwenda yet Kamwenge is equally entitled to 5 percent of the loyalties

He also said the projects under USMID have in essence started creating social cohesion between the refugees and local communities.

Kalungi stated that people already socialize blend and there is no gap between the two communities. This was a testament to the day’s occasion where a football match had taken place between the refugees and the local communities.

Last week on April 26, Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba handed over 320 land titles out of 954 to beneficiaries in Mubende District.

Background

On April 17, 2024, the lands Minister launched the National Physical Development Plan, a 20 year  guide that will inform the planning for the country’s land resource. Uganda joins the few African countries with such a guide.

Helen Paul Announces New Management

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Uganda Today
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Famous International comedienne, actor, singer and now a professor, Helen Paul has appointed renowned Entertainment expert, show promoter and CEO of Akinlolu Jekins & Co Ltd in person of Akinlolu Jekins as her new manager.

After working together for 5 years, she made it official her new management to be Akinlolu Jekins & Co Ltd. She made this official on her Instagram page.

‘The Return of Jenifa ’ star is now with Akinlolu Jekins & Co Ltd, a UK based Events and Entertainment Company which is headed by Akinlolu Jekins.

Akinlolu Jekins is regarded as one of the superlative brains when it comes to managing entertainers in Nigeria and the diaspora. This website is reliably informed that he has worked with several Nigerian entertainers including Sammie Okposo, Tim Godfrey, Tope Alabi, among others.

” Helen is an amazing person, we have worked on so many projects and I must say this, she’s a hard working human. I will do my best to seek her interest and handle all her affairs’ to be a successful manager,” Jekins stated.

Jekins has held key positions in a lot of Diaspora organizations and is the brain behind most of the successful organized Comedy and Musical events in the United Kingdom for entertainment industry heavyweights like; Akpororo, Broda Shaggi, MC Lively, Mr Patrick, Ali Baba, Julius Agwu, Senator, Gordons, Kenny Blaq, Sinach, Sammie Okposo, Tim Godfrey, Tope Alabi, Testimony Jaga and many other Nigerian stars in the United Kingdom.

Kampala-Masaka Road Section Submerged, Traffic Flow Slowed

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Uganda Today
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KAMPALA: A section of Kampala-Masaka highway between Busega and Kyengera sunk in due to heavy rains hence pouring the water into the road. This same thing happened just a few months back when the same road section caved in December 2023.

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) spokesperson, Allan Ssempebwa said that they were mobilizing materials and all the necessary equipment to clear the situation as soon as they could.

“We are experiencing a failure at the section of the highway as the drainage system collapsed, what we are doing right now is mobilizing materials and other necessary equipment to intervene as quickly as possible.” He also advised on the new traffic flow for vehicles coming from Masaka to Kampala.

“Vehicles coming from Masaka will use Budo-Kasenge road to Nateete to join Kampala.” He said. Traffic Officers have been diverted from Kampala to Masaka so that the Busega Road joins the Nsangi Road and Buloba Road joins the Kampala Road for better access.

By that, here is a list of the new route systems that the motorists should use in this period of the failed drainage system along the Kampala-Masaka Highway.

Motorists from Kampala-Masaka road are advised to use Nakawuka road-Budo junction on Kitemu to access Kampala-Masaka highway or Mityana road-Buloba and Nsangi to access Kampala-Masaka highway. Then Motorists from Masaka to Kampala should use Kitemu or Budo-Nakawuka to access Kampala or Nsangi-Buloba to Mityana to access Kampala.

The Director of traffic and road officers ASP. Micheal Kananura appeals to the general public that to be patient as the road network is fully restored for easy access again. As UNRA further explained that, this damage would take them three or more days to get done.

“I appeal to the general public to be patient as teams from traffic police access the damage in a short period.”

Furthermore, it should be known that, Masaka road is in the central region of Uganda connecting the capital city of Kampala to the southwestern town of Masaka district and more than 10 of western Uganda’s districts.

Buganda Kingdom at 50 Years in Clan Tournament While fighting HIV/AIDS

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Uganda Today
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KAMPALA: Buganda Kingdom in partnership with The Joint United Nations Program (UNAIDS) came out with an idea of organizing football and netball tournaments with the major strategy of fighting HIV/AIDS in the youths since 1974 up to date.

Buganda is making up 50 years in this program and indeed they have taken a step onto achieving their cause as Fifty Six Clans that make up Buganda Kingdom all got engaged in the football and Netball tournaments.

In support with Majestic Brands, St Lawrence University and The Joint United Nations Program adhere youths to protect them selves from HIV/AIDS and also receive treatment for those who are positive. This program encourages youths to test themselves and also not be afraid of knowing their HIV statuses.

Buganda Kingdom commends youth to create togetherness among them selves so that they end inequalities by 2030. Dr. Masaba Wakoko Charles, the Vice Chancellor of St Lawrence University and Salongo Robert Serwanga, the Buganda Minister of Youths, Sports and Art are in accordance with this organization of fighting HIV/AIDS via arranging the mentioned tournaments.

This program is running from 20th April 2024 to 8th June 2024 at St Lawrence University with the major theme of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030. Furthermore, Buganda Kingdom is intended to raise awareness and strengthen the efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in both genders.

This year marks the second year in three that Buganda dedicated itself in fighting HIV/AIDS. With the recent event of Kabaka Run being themed against HIV/AIDS too.

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