The International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered a total of €52 million (about Shs 221 billion) compensation towards the thousands of victims of former Lord’s Resistant Army (LRA) rebel commander Dominic Ongwen.

In an amended decision made on Wednesday, the judges at the Trial Chamber IX noted that the reparation will be made collectively to the victims given the magnitude of the atrocities and the number of victims.

The judges noted that an estimated 49,772 direct and indirect victims of Ongwen’s atrocities will benefit from the reparation order.

Ongwen was convicted by the ICC to a 25-year jail term in 2021 for a total of 61 crimes comprising crimes against humanity and war crimes, committed in Northern Uganda between July 1, 2002, and December 31, 2005. He is currently serving his jail term in Norway where he was transferred in December last year.

The judges however in the reparation decisions noted that Ongwen is not in a position to pay the victims and asked the Trust Fund for Victims to foot the compensation cost.

The ICC registry has since been ordered to start the identification and registration of the victims for reparation in Northern Uganda within 30 days of the reparations decision.

The judges also rallied the ICC member state countries and well-wishers to financially support the Trust Fund for Victims which is currently cash-strapped.

Ongwen is the first senior LRA commander among the five indicted by the ICC in 2005 to have been captured, tried, and sentenced to jail over war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Northern Uganda. LRA leader Joseph Kony remains in hiding.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan last year however asked judges for authorization to hold a hearing to confirm the charges against Kony in his absence. Kony is suspected of allegedly committing 36 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity between 2002 and 2005 in northern Uganda.

The ICC has however terminated proceedings against Raska Lukwiya, Okot Odhiambo, and Vincent Otti who were involved in the arrest warrants.

The recent torrential rainfall at Kyambogo University not only drenched the campus but also brought down a venerable symbol of Uganda’s educational heritage: a majestic Canarium tree, affectionately known as Muwafu in central Uganda. This tree, steeped in over 150 years of history, held a profound significance as the site where pivotal moments in Uganda’s educational and cultural evolution unfolded.

Legend has it that beneath the sprawling branches of this ancient Muwafu tree, the 30th King of Buganda, Walugembe Muteesa I, once convened with the renowned American explorer Henry Morton Stanley. It was here that a historic letter was penned, extending an invitation to Anglican missionaries, a missive that would ultimately shape the trajectory of formal education in Uganda.

The fall of this historic tree not only marked the loss of a tangible link to the past but also stirred reflections on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering critical thinking. For archaeologists at Kyambogo University, the felling of the Muwafu tree served as a poignant reminder of the fragile yet enduring connections between the past and the present.

In 1877, inspired by Muteesa’s letter, the first cohort of Christian missionaries embarked on a journey to the Buganda Kingdom under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). Their arrival heralded a new era of educational enlightenment, as they introduced both Christian teachings and formal schooling to the region.

The significance of the Muwafu tree extended beyond its role in facilitating historical meetings and correspondence. Situated within the grounds of the Banda Palace, the tree bore witness to pivotal moments in Uganda’s history, including the famed encounter between Muteesa I and European explorers John Speke and James Grant in 1862.

Recognizing the profound cultural and educational legacy embodied by the Muwafu tree, stakeholders at Kyambogo University rallied to preserve its memory. Plans to construct a Teacher Technical Education Building were reconsidered, with calls for the site to be commemorated as a symbol of Uganda’s educational roots.

Prof. Elizabeth Kyazike, an archeologist at Kyambogo University, underscored the tree’s significance, emphasizing its role as a beacon of educational heritage. “We are proud of this tree because it is the beginning of our formal education,” she remarked, advocating for the preservation of its legacy.

Dr. Stephen Kasumba, who bore witness to the tree’s collapse, echoed these sentiments, calling for the establishment of a museum to honor its memory and safeguard its historical significance. His plea was echoed by Mr. Moses Jjuuko, President of the Kyambogo University History, Archaeology, and Heritage Students Association, who emphasized the tree’s broader cultural importance.

As efforts to preserve the memory of the Muwafu tree gain momentum, the university administration has pledged to replant a new sapling in its place. Additionally, plans are underway to study the fallen tree’s remains and collaborate with the Buganda Kingdom to ensure that its legacy endures.

In reflecting on the loss of this venerable symbol, Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga remarked, “That is the tree under which Kabaka Muteesa I sat when he was writing the letter to Queen Victoria in 1875.” His words serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the Muwafu tree and its pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s cultural and educational landscape.

Ugandan activists are up in arms over revelations that the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga, received a hefty sum of 500 million Ugandan Shillings as a ‘service award’ after just two years in office. This news has sparked outrage among citizens, who question the justification for such a large payout.

Who is Mpuuga?

Mathias Mpuuga is a Ugandan politician, lawyer, and teacher. He served as the Leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2024. Prior to that, he was a Member of Parliament for Masaka Municipality from 2011 until 2021. Mpuuga is currently the Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) political party, which is led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.

The Masaka Mukungwe legislature born on October 12, 1975, in what is now called Lwengo District in Central Uganda. He did very well in school. He got a degree in teaching from Makerere University. Then he got another degree in economics from the same school. He also got a law degree. After that, he went to the Law Development Centre where he studied law.

The decision to grant Mpuuga this substantial sum was made during a meeting of the Parliamentary Commission on May 6, 2022. Present at the meeting were key figures including Speaker Anita Among, Mpuuga himself, and several Parliament commissioners. The meeting aimed to review the benefits provided to elected officials, including the Leader of Opposition and backbench commissioners.

In addition to Mpuuga’s payout, the backbench Parliament commissioners were also awarded 400 million Ugandan Shillings each as a similar ‘service award’. It’s worth noting that one of the conditions of this payout was that it would remain unchanged regardless of the length of tenure in office.

This revelation has stirred controversy, with activists like Agather Atuhaire expressing dismay over the size of the awards. Atuhaire highlighted the stark difference between the outgoing officials receiving substantial sums and their incoming replacements receiving nothing from these funds.

The decision to replace Mpuuga with Joel Ssenyonyi as the new Leader of Opposition came amid public concerns that Mpuuga was too closely aligned with the ruling NRM party. However, it’s important to note that Ssenyonyi will not benefit from the same financial arrangements as Mpuuga, as the payout was specifically tied to the individual holding the position at the time.

This revelation has sparked debates about accountability and transparency within Uganda’s political system, with many calling for more oversight and regulation regarding such financial matters. The sizable sums awarded to outgoing officials have raised eyebrows and prompted calls for greater scrutiny of how public funds are allocated and disbursed.

One calm morning in Kagadi, something very sad happened. There was a bad accident on the usually quiet streets of Iguruka. The accident happened during a time when people were not happy with the way things were going in the town. Sadly, a young person named Magezi Tumuhaise, who was only 25 years old and came from Rwenzori Cell, lost their life in the accident. It was a really sad event that affected many people.

The genesis of this calamity lay in the fervent grievances of the local populace, residents of Muhoro, Bwikara, and neighboring areas, whose voices rose in protest against the ravages of nature and neglect. Deteriorated roads, rendered impassable by the relentless onslaught of rain, became symbols of their collective frustration. In solidarity, a group of boda boda riders joined their cause, amplifying their plea for attention to their plight.

As tensions simmered and tempers flared, the local government’s response was swift, with the area LCV chairperson and his team mobilizing to assess the situation. Yet, in the chaotic throes of the demonstration, tragedy struck with unforgiving force. A vehicle, bearing the registration UG 6998M and emblematic of the District Health Office, careened through the tumult at alarming speed. Behind the wheel, Tibihikira Stephen, a stalwart of the Kagadi local government, found himself ensnared in a fateful moment that would forever alter the course of multiple lives.

The collision proved fatal, robbing the world of Magezi Tumuhaise’s promise and potential. Amidst the chaos, the driver, gripped by panic, chose flight over facing the grim reality of his actions. Yet, the long arm of justice would not be denied, as Tibihikira Stephen was later apprehended, compelled to confront the consequences of his actions.

After this tragedy, a community grapples with profound loss and introspection. The vibrant spirit of Magezi Tumuhaise, silenced too soon, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the cost of unchecked haste. As his body finds its rest in the solemn confines of the mortuary, a call resounds for unity and dialogue. Community leaders urge their constituents to seek recourse through lawful channels, advocating for the pursuit of amicable solutions over the tumult of unlawful assemblies.

In the wake of devastation, the resilience of the human spirit is tested, and the bonds of community are forged anew amidst the crucible of shared sorrow. May the memory of Magezi Tumuhaise endure as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where understanding and empathy triumph over discord and despair.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of focusing on the prosperity of Ugandans during his address to district leaders at the closure of the Transformational Leadership Development Course at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) Kyankwanzi. He highlighted the historical challenges faced by the country, including political turmoil and wars, attributing them to misdiagnosed problems.

Museveni underscored the need for a shift away from identity-based politics towards principles that promote national prosperity, such as patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of all citizens, emphasizing the role of external markets in achieving economic growth.

The President outlined strategies for economic empowerment, including wealth creation through agriculture and the promotion of industries, services, and ICT. He stressed the importance of education and urged leaders to work towards the socio-economic transformation of their communities.

In response to the training organized by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, President Museveni assured support for local leaders and proposed the establishment of a SACCO to assist them. Additionally, he pledged to address infrastructure needs, such as upgrading health facilities and improving roads.

The event also saw participants expressing gratitude for government support and requesting further assistance, including the operationalization of Bunyoro University, increased emoluments for district leaders, and transparency in party structures. Notably, concerns were raised about the influence of Members of Parliament in decision-making processes and the need for active engagement of party structures beyond elections.

Overall, the gathering highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering local leaders and advancing socio-economic development in Uganda.

MV Mpungu, a novel freight transport ship, was launched from Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria on Thursday ahead of its maiden voyage in April.

The “roll-on roll-off” vessel which accommodates trucks driven on at the departing port, then off at their destination is intended to strengthen trade links between Uganda and neighboring Tanzania.

Musa Echweru, the state minister for Works, commissioned it on February 21 from the purpose-built Entebbe shipbuilding facility of SECO Marine (U) Ltd. He commended the project and thanked the people who put the idea together to fruition.

“I can assure you that your investment is safe. Maritime transport is very delicate, there are so many hurdles to be jumped, and we shall help you jump those hurdles. We need vessels to occupy our water bodies, there are many who have showed interest, but you have gone beyond that, by proving a presence. This lake will be full of reliable vessels in the years to come. I declare MV Mpungu officially launched, for God and my country!”

MV Mpungu will operate scheduled freight services between Port Bell, near the Ugandan capital Kampala, and Mwanza at the southern edge of the lake in Tanzania. The journey will take just 18 hours compared to the three or four days usually needed to transport goods by truck around the shores of the lake.

The Mpungu has a capacity for up to 1,000 tons of containerized cargo equivalent to 21 trailers. The 96-metre-long vessel was built in Entebbe over a period of 21 months by SECO Marine, part of the Kenyan-headquartered Alpha Group.

InfraCo Africa, part of the donor-funded Private Infrastructure Development Group, and pan-African logistics company Grindrod established a joint venture known as East African Marine Transport (EAMT), which commissioned the vessel. Grindrod will be responsible for operating the Mpungu.

Speaking at the launch, Xolani Mbambo, Grindrod’s CEO said: “The ferry operation aims to provide a reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution for businesses in the region, thereby promoting trade, and contributing to economic growth.”

InfraCo Africa’s regional asset management lead, Rodney Seema, told African Business that the costs of transporting goods to market can be “prohibitively high” for traders at present. “Freight transport across Lake Victoria is undertaken on an ad hoc basis and vessels sail only when they are full. This approach has economic and opportunity costs for businesses, particularly those working with time sensitive cargo.”

Seema adds that Mpungu is set to bring particular benefits for companies selling produce that is vulnerable to spoilage. “For those transporting time-sensitive fresh produce, the reliable, scheduled EAMT service will enable them to plan their shipments, saving time and the potential spoilage of produce and avoiding driver fatigue.”

General Katumba explained that the project has been delayed due to problems with getting land and compensating affected people. In Parliament, Speaker Anita Among asked General Katumba to start work on the Kampala-Jinja Expressway quickly.

She said, “We approved the loan in 2020, but nothing has happened since then. The problem seems to be with the people affected by the project.” General Katumba said the project stalled because it’s not easy.

It involves a partnership with private companies and many steps before it can start. “We need to pay more than 90% of the affected people. We also have to help those who can’t take the money, like the elderly.

This all takes time,” he explained. General Katumba mentioned that the Attorney General has got the last agreement needed to find a contractor. “Now we can look for a contractor because most of the problems are solved. We couldn’t do this before,” he said.

He also said that the government has bought all the equipment needed to maintain roads in the country. But there’s a problem with paying the full amount for the equipment. “We still owe Shs6 billion.

The supplier won’t give us all the equipment until we pay,” he added. MP Dan Atwijukire raised concerns about the government not providing districts with road maintenance equipment as promised. “The government promised Shs6 billion for equipment, but we haven’t received it. If they can’t pay, they should tell the public on local radios,” he said. Speaker Anita Among asked General Katumba to give a detailed report on road works in two weeks.

While Uganda is in the last preparations to host the Non-Aligned Movement and G77 + China Summits from January 15 to 23, the Uganda Police has issued comprehensive traffic guidelines and advisories to ensure the smooth flow of events. The summits are expected to be attended by President Yoweri Museveni and several other heads of state and government.

The main venue for the summits is the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, and the designated summit route spans from the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway to Speke Resort Munyonyo. This route will be tightly regulated with diversions and traffic control measures. Notably, the regulation of traffic flow will consider local and international flights, ensuring access to Kampala or the airport is not disrupted.

Several key diversions are outlined in the advisory. At Mpala, traffic will be redirected to Entebbe Highway, while at Kisubi, vehicles will be diverted to Nakawuka Road for access to Kampala city. The Kajjansi Flyover will also serve as a diversion point, directing traffic to Lubowa – Zana.

Additional diversions will be in place at Serena–Kigo traffic lights, Mutungo–Kitiko traffic lights, and Busabala traffic lights along the Munyonyo Spur. A security checkpoint at the Munyonyo roundabout will screen all vehicles, with diversions leading motorists to Salaama Road and Buziga.

For those approaching Munyonyo from Gaba road, diversions at UCB Road will provide access to Buziga – Lukuli. Along the Northern Bypass, diversions at the Busega Flyover and a slip road will restrict vehicles from accessing the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. Further diversions are planned at Sentema, Nansana, Bwaise, Kalerwe, Kyebando, and Kisaasi interchange, flyover, and slip roads.

At the Bwaise Flyover, traffic will be redirected to Sir Apollo Kagwa Road to access the city center. Traffic police will strategically regulate flow at various road junctions, access roads, and other points based on the movement of delegates.

Notably, motorcycles will not be allowed on the summit route from Entebbe Airport to Speke Resort Munyonyo. Some boda boda stages along the summit routes and hotels where heads of state will be residing will be relocated and absorbed into other stages during the summit period.

Travelers with flights at Entebbe International Airport are urged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid inconveniences or delays. The comprehensive advisory aims to ensure the successful and secure hosting of the Non-Aligned Movement and G77 + China Summits, with the cooperation of the public in adhering to the specified traffic guidelines.