In the early hours of December 19, an unfortunate incident unfolded in Kyabandara Parish, Kamwenge District. Around 2:00 a.m., attackers believed to be associated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) targeted the area.

Reports from the police confirm that at least 10 civilians lost their lives during the assault, and local shops were looted before the assailants escaped towards the forest. As of now, there is no claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Resident District Commissioner for Kamwenge, speaking with the Uganda Today, provided details on the victims. The casualties included five men and five women, all civilians. The attackers struck at 1:00 a.m., according to the commissioner, and the security committee chairperson added that security forces are actively pursuing the assailants within the confines of the nearby forest. While the exact number of injuries remains unclear, several people were reported to have been harmed during the incident.

Recent military updates indicated that two ADF rebels met their demise, and a commander sustained injuries in Kibaale Forest. The forest, which extends into Kamwenge, has become a focal point in the pursuit of rebel elements.

President Yoweri Museveni highlighted that some rebels had entered the country, taking advantage of the situation in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. The combined efforts of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and the DR Congo have been engaged in hunting down these rebels since 2021.

The recent attack underscores the ongoing challenges in the region, prompting increased security measures such as checkpoints, patrols, and searches. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, and further security operations may lead to localized transport disruptions, especially in areas with a heavy security presence.

The General Court Martial in Makindye has remanded a Sheikh Yasin Ssenyonga, aka Babyesiza after being found in possession of live ammunition during a security operation in his house.

Sheikh Yasin Ssenyonga was arrested in May by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), the intelligence arm of the Ugandan army over links with Allied Democratic Forces.

Ssenyonga was on Monday set before the army court in Makindye charges of unlawful possession of ammunition contrary to section 3(1) and (2) (a) of the Firearms Act.

“On or around May, 2,  2023 while at Mbiko in Buikwe District, the accused  was found in unlawful possession of two magazines containing 23 rounds of live SMG ammunition, the said ammunition ordinarily being the monopoly of the defence forces,” the army prosecutor told court on Monday.

He said the 47-year-old sheikh who is also an herbalist and Imam at Hidaya Masjid Salaf in Mbiko is a person subject to military law by virtue of section 119(1) (h) (ii) of the UPDF Act 2005.

Section 119 of the UPDF Act relates to persons not otherwise subject to military law but are subjected to military law when they aid and abet persons subject to military law.

Section 119 (h) (i) and (ii) mandates the UPDF to arrest, detain and try in a military court martial any person found in unlawful possession of arms, ammunition or equipment ordinarily being the monopoly of the defence forces or other classified stores.

The army prosecutors told court on Monday that investigations into the matter have been completed.

The army court chairman, Brig Robert Freeman Mugabe remanded Ssenyonga to prison until February, 27, 2024.

The Uganda Police has confirmed the death of Paddy Sserunjogi, alias Sobi, in a land dispute within Maddu, Gomba district. Sserunjogi gained notoriety for his involvement in violent crimes such as robbery in Kampala and engaging in illicit activities like assassination and abduction and later collaborating with security agencies.

Killing and stealing became prominent actions that fueled the rise of turmoil in Kampala and its neighboring areas. These actions were accompanied by the torture of individuals within uncertain Kampala state houses. The perpetrators formed a fierce and violent group that clashed with the police during various assessments.

Sobi’s tragic demise resulted from a land conflict in Kibale, Kigguumba, located in Maddu sub-county in Gomba District. The dispute centered around a piece of land believed to be owned by Kaliisa Samuel, a local resident of the area who continues to assert his ownership of the land.

Kaliisa reportedly gathered a sizable group of over 50 energetic youths to safeguard his property. Armed with sturdy sticks and sharp machetes, they were entrusted with the protection of his land. The acquisition of this land dates back to 2007 when Kaliisa is said to have purchased it for an approximate sum of 100 million Ugandan Shillings. Initially, he made an initial payment of 20 million, securing a land parcel equivalent to one square mile.

As per police investigations, an alternative claim to the land emerged from the family of the late Kiibi Paul. This group, led by Deborah Nagadya and Kiweewa Button, asserted their right to the land, alleging that Kaliisa’s land title had been stolen during the course of the property acquisition.

After assembling a group of gang star fighters from Kampala Kisenyi, these two opposing factions engaged in a fierce battle. In the midst of the conflict, one individual lost his life, identified as Ssobbi, while others, such as Gerrald Katumba and Andrew Mateeka, suffered severe injuries.

Magidu Karim, the spokesperson for Katonga regional Police, clarified that the deceased, Paddy Sserunjogi “Sobi,” was transported to a hospital in Gomba, while the wounded were promptly taken to nearby medical facilities.

Earlier this morning, a security operation was conducted in Gomba, systematically gathering comprehensive evidence and scouring the land and dense vegetation to determine if additional individuals succumbed in the wilderness as a result of the altercation.

Nakamya Harriet, the Residential District Commissioner (RDC) of Gomba district, has affirmed the continuation of the search to ascertain the existence of any survivors who may have perished or are still unaccounted for.

She proceeded to reveal that a confidential gathering with the security entities in Gomba is imminent to assess the aftermath of the recent violent encounter.

Expressing her dissent towards the prevailing public opinion and those infringing upon Uganda’s constitutional laws, RDC Harriet declared the scheduled meeting for this morning. The primary objective is to devise effective solutions to address the aforementioned challenges.

One of the encampments affected by the conflict has observed a reduction in their numbers, prompting the police to initiate a comprehensive search operation. Meanwhile, in Gombe Hospital, located in Butambala, reports have surfaced indicating the discovery of an additional trio of lifeless bodies, all succumbing to machete-inflicted injuries.

Nabakka Marium, Nagaddya Deborah, and Kiweewa Button continue to assert their claim to the land, maintaining that Samuel Kaliisa is a land grabber who has failed to provide clear documentation proving ownership. According to Hajji Njuki Mbabari, he stated that they have repeatedly asked Kaliisa Samuel to produce the title deeds for the land, but he has yet to present any concrete evidence of ownership.

Hajji Njuki Mbabari emphasized that, over time, there has been no satisfactory proof from Kaliisa Samuel regarding his entitlement to the land. The conflict, marked by clashes resulting in collateral damage and bloodshed, awaits the government’s intervention for a peaceful and amicable resolution.

It’s worth noting that in the Gomba district, specifically in Gomba East Constituency, Kanoni sub-county, Nkwale parish, land disputes have surfaced. The involvement of Col. Edith Nakalema played a crucial role in resolving similar conflicts in the area, restoring peace.

One person has been confirmed dead in a fire outbreak at the renowned City House in Central Kampala. According to the Uganda Police statement signed by Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, one unidentified person in a fire was engulfed the fire that caught the City House building along Luwum Street this morning.

The devastating fire erupted at 8.00AM resulting in one confirmed fatality.

The fire broke out in the building located near the central bank of Uganda early Monday morning and it has destroyed properties worthy of millions.

According to the Police, the deceased body has been transported to the City Mortuary Mulago for a postmortem.

When the fire broke out, several people of different ages, some half naked, others in towels, were seen fleeing for dear life and scaling the wall of the building. Others escaped through the window and others were seen using ladders outside the walls of the building.

By press time, the Police Fire Brigade was yet to establish the cause of the fire, but some reports indicated that it was caused by a charcoal stove considering that the place has been home to several restaurants.

The City House is the home to the one of oldest political parties in Uganda; The Democratic Party.

The Ugandan government has rejected the opposition’s request to transfer Ugandan citizens from military courts to civilian courts.

This decision has sparked criticism from human rights committees and opposition members who argue that it goes against the principles of fairness and the constitution. They claim that the trials are unjust and unconstitutional, calling for the release of those affected and their transfer to regular courts.

Yesterday, the opposition faction in parliament, headed by the leader of the opposition, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, presented a petition to the plenary. The request focused on the release and liberation of all supporters affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) who had been detained and taken into custody by security entities based on directives from the Ugandan government.

Nevertheless, the government staunchly opposed the opposition’s plea to retract the individuals implicated, who had been brought before the court-martial.

A group of 40 or more individuals affiliated with the National Unity Platform, including Olivia Lutaaya, who have been subjected to court martial proceedings since 2021, are expected to be released. The charges against them remain unclear.

Interrogating citizens in court martial has been criticized by human rights organizations, who argue that this practice is unlawful. These advocates assert that such actions constitute oppression and other forms of injustice. They have reminded the government that these issues were central reasons for the NRA movement taking to the bush in 1980. The movement aimed to restore peace and stability in Uganda.

Dr. Sarah Bireete, a political advocate and human rights activist, expresses concern over the disparity in the treatment of individuals arrested by security forces. She finds it disheartening that those responsible for the tragic incident of mass killings of tourists on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park are tried in civilian courts, while citizens apprehended by security organs undergo detention and interrogation in the court martial. This inconsistency, she argues, reflects an unfair and unjust system.

“Sarah Bireete expressed concern about the court martial of Sylivia Lutaaya and other NUP supporters who are being prosecuted. She emphasized that if they face additional charges, they should be tried in civilian court. Bireete pointed out the contrast with the case of ADF leader Jamir Mukulu, who is facing charges in a civilian court despite being a rebel and a terrorist. According to her, it is unjust and impractical for NUP supporters, who merely demonstrated their affection for their president, to be tried in a military court martial.”

The Minister of Internal Affairs in Uganda, Gen Severino Kahinda Otafire, emphasized that individuals involved in civil unrest, categorized as rebels or terrorists, were apprehended without possessing weaponry.

He clarified that those arrested did not claim to be armed, leading them to face proceedings in civilian courts. According to Otafire, the decision to take someone to court depends on the nature of the charges, with individuals caught with weapons like grenades or machine guns directed to face court martial, while those apprehended for other offenses are dealt with in civil courts.

He claimed that Jamil Mukulu escaped being labeled a terrorist due to the absence of weapons; he was not in possession of any firearms. However, individuals caught with military items are subject to court-martial proceedings.

The opposition continues to call for the complete release of NUP supporters who were primarily apprehended by the police and military personnel.

The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Dr. Edward Katumba Wamala, has challenged management of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to up its game and aim for global excellence in the aviation industry.

The minister noted that though Uganda Civil Aviation Authority scored 72.17% in the just concluded Universal Safety Oversight Audit program-continuous monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA) conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), there is need for all aviation industry stakeholders not to rest on their successes but work harder in preparation for the next audit.

“While it’s an uphill task ahead, management should be able to draw inspirations from the 2017 international security audit in which Uganda scored an excellent 81.8%. Therefore, you have the capacity to excel.”

“A lot more is needed to be done and go beyond the global region. Our national airline can grow if tourism flourishes in the country. I pity those who say the airline is not making profits but I would like to inform them that it’s not for making money but it’s just an infrastructure.

Gen. Dr. Katumba, who officiated the Aviation week stakeholders’ engagement breakfast meeting held in Kampala on Tuesday 5th December, 2023, noted that his ministry attaches a lot of importance to the aviation sub sector on grounds that it guarantees the country direct international access thereby promoting tourism, trade and socio-economic development.

“Given the great value my ministry attaches to the aviation sector, the ministry has undertaken several steps by signing a Bilateral or more Bilateral Air services Agreement with other countries so as to develop an air transport that will connect Uganda to other major cities in the world. The most recently signed Bilateral Air services agreement was signed between Uganda and Saudi Arabia on November 10,203 in Riyadh on the sidelines of the Saudi -Africa summit to facilitate scheduled air services for airlines from both countries.

‘’The ministry I head is also working hand in hand with management of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority in liaison with other stakeholders in tourism and trade to work out a mechanism for establishment of a trade hub at Entebbe International Airport,” said Gen. Katumba.

Gen. Katumba also revealed that his Ministry is overseeing the development of a second international Airport -Kabalega International Airport in Hoima district to support the oil and gas sector.

“We also plan to improve and upgrade facilities of five out of the 13 upcountry aerodromes managed by UCAA to international status in order to support the development of the tourism industry in the country. The aerodromes include Kidepo, Arua, Gulu, Pakuba and Kasese. ‘

Gen. Katumba implored management of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to play its part in arrangements to ensure smooth passenger experience for the expected 5,000 delegates who will come to Uganda through Entebbe International Airport to attend the Non-Aligned movement (NAM) and G77 + China summit slated to take place next year from January 15th to 23rd January 2024.

The chairperson Board of Directors UCAA, Dr. Steven Kavuma also the ex- Deputy Chief Justice, revealed that the International Aviation week was first celebrated in 1994 on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Chicago convention, which led to the establishment of ICAO and since then, the day and entire week has been celebrated annually.

“It’s worth celebrating Aviation week because we have implemented a number of innovations in the aviation sector. We also have the will and commitment to do better. There is no reason why Uganda should lag behind in the region hence we should wake up or else we are destined to lose it all, “Dr. Kavuma warned UCAA management.

The Director General UCAA, Fred Bamwesigye, informed stakeholders on the increased number of commercial passengers from 1.4 m to 1.5m passengers between 2019-2023.

‘The aviation industry recovered sooner than expected following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward for sustainable recovery. Overflights increased by 145.7%. In October alone this year, we recorded 171,978. Eight airline operators were awarded licenses this year including Badr airlines.

“Progress work for expansion and upgrade of Entebbe International Airport is at 88% . Currently our passengers’ capacity is at 2million every year but we intend to enhance it to 3.5m passengers by July 2024.”

Bamwesigye further revealed that this year UCCA posted a number of milestones including winning the crisis management award where UCAA emerged winners at an awards ceremony held last month at Nile resort hotel in Jinja. He however said despite attaining these milestones, the authority is grappling with some challenges including unpaid debt of Shs 108.4 billion, difficulty in attraction and retention of technical staff and inadequate funding for upcountry aerodromes.

On the other hand, Dr. Barry Kashambo, an aviation specialist and consultant, said the capacity of Entebbe International Airport is still wanting as opposed to other international airports in the East African region.

“A lot of effort is required. The government should enhance aviation security and facilitation in a sustainable manner. Management of UCAA should ensure to meet and comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization annex 17 and annex 9.  Increase investment and prioritize aviation as a stimulant and catalyst to National and economic development. In terms of Aircraft accident investigations Uganda is at 3%.

Dr. Kashambo however says for Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to enhance its efficacy, there is need to intensify capacity building programs for its staff, separate the regulator from the airport, think outside the box to grow the tourism sector, enhance salaries of its staff, clear the debt to zero balance in addition to improving aircraft accident investigations among other solutions.

The High Court in Kampala has fixed March 7th, 2024, to decide on the case in which former Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund, Richard Byarugaba, is challenging the decision not to renew his contract.

On Monday, Civil Division Judge Musa Ssekaana fixed the date for judgment after the lawyers representing the parties appeared before him to ascertain if they had complied with his previous directives regarding putting in written submissions.

Wanyama Kodoli, the state attorney, represented the government; Augustine Edoti represented the managing director of NSSF, Patrick Ayota, who is the third respondent; and Anthony Bazira, Byarugaba’s lawyer.

When the matter came up, Bazira told the judge that they had not filed a rejoinder to the respective defences filed by the respondents in this case because they had been served late.

“Your lordship, as per the schedule of this court, we have not been able to file our submissions in rejoinder because of the late service of the submissions on the respondent’s counsel. I have spoken to my learned friend from the Attorney General, and I have not yet spoken to counsel for the third respondent (Ayota’s), and I was praying to file our submissions in a rejoinder in a week,” said Bazira.

Bazira asked to be given more time to make a rejoinder.

Consequently, Justice Ssekaana granted Byarugaba’s lawyer more time as per his request and fixed March 7th, 2024, to decide the case.

The evidence before the Court indicates that in August 2023, Byarugaba filed a petition against the Attorney General and the Gender and Labour Minister, Betty Amongi, seeking court orders for Amongi to fulfill her statutory duties and complete his reappointment as the NSSF MD, as recommended by the Board and required by law.

Byarugaba’s argument is based on procedural irregularities and the decision leading the Minister to the Board’s recommendation for his reappointment. He said there was a violation of his legitimate expectations by not affording him a fair hearing.

He further went on to say that Patrick Ayota, his successor, was not fit to head the NSSF.

Byarugaba had served as the NSSF MD since August 1, 2010, and his second appointment, which began on November 29, 2017, expired on November 30, 2022.

Byarugaba contends that even before his second contract could run its course, Amongi attempted to prematurely end it by stating that he should have retired upon reaching 60 years of age. He adds that only with the intervention of the Attorney General was he able to complete his second term of office.

The NSSF Board of Directors had recommended renewing the contracts of both Byarugaba and his then-deputy, Ayota.

However, Amongi renewed only the contract of the Deputy MD and deferred Byarugaba’s appointment, citing various allegations, including financial impropriety, collusion with contractors, defiance of presidential directives, and corruption.

Despite meetings at State House on December 6, 2022, and receiving guidance from President Yoweri Museveni to conclude Byarugaba’s appointment process, Amongi did not follow the guidance.

Byarugaba argues that this, along with ignoring the February 2023 report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the state of affairs at NSSF, where he was cleared of financial impropriety allegations, makes the decision not to renew his contract illegal, irrational, and procedurally incorrect.

According to Byarugaba, the decision also disregarded the Inspector General of Government’s report, which cleared him of allegations and supported the Board’s recommendation based on his previous performance in office.

However, as the matter was pending in court, Amongi elevated Ayota and appointed him as the managing director of the fund.

Byarugaba asked the court to allow him to amend his petition and include Ayota as the third respondent so that he could be given a fair hearing and defend himself over the allegations. His application succeeded, and Ayota was consequently placed as the third respondent in this case so as to determine issues at once.

After adding Ayota, Byarugaba told the court that Ayota was appointed on August 18th, 2023, while holding the substantive statutory position of Deputy MD for a fixed five-year term, making him ineligible for the MD-up appointment.

Through his lawyer, Bazira, Byarugaba requested the court invalidate Ayota’s appointment and issue a permanent injunction to prevent Ayota from acting as the MD of the fund.

After being listed as a respondent, Ayota swore a 38-page affidavit firing back at his former boss, saying that he (Ayota) has all the requisite competencies and work experience to serve as Managing Director of NSSF.

He said that the interests of the entire countrywide membership of the fund override any purported interest that Byarugaba has in a leadership position that he was found unfit to occupy.

Ayota says that, in the interest of justice, Byarugaba’s appointment should not be granted. He argued that if granted, there would be a leadership lacuna that could put the whole fund in limbo without a substantive accounting officer to safeguard members’ savings.

According to Ayota, his appointment was done lawfully, is valid, and was not done to defeat the present application for judicial review, as alleged by Byarugaba.

Ayota further stated that the 18 trillion shilling fund is at risk of misuse and stagnation and warned that it would be against the public interest for the fund to go without strategic leadership.

He says in the interest of justice, fairness, and equity, Byarugaba’s application should be dismissed with costs for lack of merit and to favour the stability of the fund.

Records indicated that the NSSF, under the stewardship of Byarugaba and his then-Deputy Ayota, currently has 2,000,000 members and assets worth 18 trillion shillings, and based on this performance, Byarugaba wants the decision not to renew his contract to be set aside.

It’s against this background that the court is set to deliver its decision next year.