ISLAMIC STATE CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY OF KOMAMBOGO BOMBING
Islamic state claimed responsibility for a bomb attack that killed at least one person in Uganda’s capital Kampala on Saturday night, the militant group said in a statement posted in an affiliated Telegram channel late on Sunday.
The group said that some of its members detonated an explosive device in a bar where “members and spies of the Crusader Ugandan government were gathering” in Kampala.
The bomb, packed with nails and shrapnel, targeted a pork restaurant on the outskirts of the capital, police said on Sunday. read more
Information gathered indicated that three men, disguised as customers, visited the restaurant, placed a polythene bag under a table and left moments before the explosion, police said.
The explosion killed a 20-year-old waitress and injured three people, two of whom were in critical condition, police said, adding all indications suggest an act of domestic terror.
President Yoweri Museveni said the attack “seems to be a terrorist act”.
In 2010, the Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab killed dozens of people in Kampala in a bomb attack, saying it was punishing Uganda for deploying troops in Somalia.
Isis Claims Responsibility of Komamboga Bombing
Komamboga Explosion: Two Reported Dead!
Two people have been reported dead at one of the pork joints at Komamboga within the outskirts of Kampala. The death was a result of a blast that occurred at around 9PM at the famous Digida Pork Joints at Komamboga within the outskirts of Kampala.
According to reports from those who were at the scene when the blast occurred, a waiter and one customer succumbed to death and several people have been reported to be injured from the blast that occurred at around 9pm at a famous pork joint known as Ludigido.
Ludogido is frequented by Kampala revelers who dine and wine at the several pork joints arraigned at the place. The Uganda Police have responded the incidence that happened on Saturday night October 23rd 2021, at around 9 pm, at Ludigido eating point, in Kawempe Division, Kampala.
According to Fred Enanga the Uganda Police Force spokesperson, One person has been fatally wounded and 7 others rushed to Mulago National Referral hospital, with serious injuries.
However, reports from the scene indicate that two people only identified as Emily and Sam died on spot. The scene has since been cordoned off, and Security joint task teams from the bomb squad called to thoroughly document the scene, to help determine whether the explosion arose out of an intentional act or not.
“We ask the public to remain calm, as we establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident” Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said. Enanga added that any new developments will be communicated in due course.
The incident comes just days after the United Kingdom issued a terror alert to their citizens in Uganda. The UK asked their citizens to be vigilant as they go about their businesses and avoid crowded places as they could be victims in planned bomb blasts.
However, the Uganda Police asked people to remain calm as the alerts were not significantly imminent. “As the Joint Security Agencies, we do appreciate and take cognisance of the advisories to their respective citizens. Our Joint Counter Terror teams have subjected the respective alerts to a process of validation for specifics, to help determine whether these threats are imminent or not. These specifics are still not readily available.” Police’ earlier response to UK terror alert.
Gen Katumba Alleged Attackers Denied Bail
High court in Kampala has declined to release on bail one of the suspected General Katumba Wamala’s attackers on grounds that his sureties have no money to forfeit to the state in case he absconds.
Sheikh Yusuf Nyanzi is among the eight suspects named in the attempted assassination of General Katumba that left his daughter Brenda Nantoongo and Driver Haruna Kayondo dead on 1st June at Kisaasi.
Sheikh Nyanzi had applied before the High court to be temporarily released on bail pending his murder trial before the International Crimes Division of the High court saying he had substantial sureties to ensure his attendance in court.
However, while considering his bail application today, Justice Paul Gadenya has not agreed with Shiekh Nyanzi whom he has described as a flight risk because he is charged with a multiplicity of capital offences that attract a maximum death penalty.
The Judge in his ruling has explained that even though Nyanzi has faithfully answered his bail in the 2 murder offences before the ICD, he may this time round be tempted to flee the country once released on bail.
Justice Gadenya further ruled that even though Nyanzi’s sureties appear substantial, the court is not sure whether his wife Sumayyah Musa Namulindwa( housewife), brother -in Law Jamilu Ssebaduka(businessman) and friend Yusuf Semigabo(businessman) who stood for him have the means to each raise the bonded sum of 150million shillings in case the accused absconds.
According to the judge, this coupled with the negative record of the accused who has ever been granted amnesty for waging war against the government is not helpful factors for one to be granted bail.
Sheikh Nyanzi is now further remanded to prison with the rest of the suspects who were re-appearing in the Nakawa chief magistrates court for mention.
LDU Who Killed UBC Journalist Sentenced to 5 Years
A court martial has sentenced a Local Defence Unit personnel to five years in jail for killing Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) journalist Robert Kagolo.
The First Division Court Martial at Kakiri Barracks on Monday sentenced Rashid Mamuli, 25, after he confessed to shooting and killing Kagolo on April 29.
Mamuli was at the time attached to the Wakiso Battalion.
Prosecution stated that on April 29, while at Kasengejje Village in Wakiso Town Council, Mamuli while on guarding duties at the home of the late Sam Musiitwa shot and killed Kagolo.
A seven-member panel chaired by Col Sam Mugyenyi reduced the offence of murder to manslaughter, saying there was no intention on part of the convict.
“The convict was briefed that nobody should enter those premises without introducing themselves. The late Kagolo and the occupants of his vehicle never introduced themselves to the soldiers. They had not even communicated to those who remained at the home to inform the soldiers guarding that there were some people coming,” Col Mugyenyi said.
He held that if the late Kagolo had alerted the soldiers, this would not have happened. Col Mugyenyi cited an incident where a journalist was turned away upon introducing himself. The court consequently held that “failure to introduce themselves, forceful entry into the premises, created fear in the minds of the guarding soldiers.”
Uganda Launches Trial for Injectable HIV Drug
The Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) has started trials for the Injectable Anti-retroviral drug that is expected to largely replace ARV pills.
According to Dr. Cissy Kityo, the Executive Director at JCRC, they target to roll out the injectable drug to over 500 patients. However, only two have so far been injected with the drug.
Kityo says the trials will focus on the efficacy and safety of the drug as they seek to prove if it works well in the context of Uganda.
Experts think the injectable drug will help address the everyday tablet fatigue amongst HIV patients as the new HIV treatment requires one to get an injection every after eight weeks.
Most people living with HIV in Uganda are enrolled in HIV treatment and Dr. Kityo believes that new infections will reduce if the treatment is made easier.
In 2018, an estimated 1.4 million Ugandans were living with HIV, and about 23,000 died of AIDS-related illnesses, according to HIV and AIDS education organization Avert.
Accident at Pastor Kakande Church
The Uganda Police has confirmed an accident that has occurred at the construction works of the Pastor Samuel Kakande’s Synagogue Church at Kubbiri in Mulago.
Three people have so far been injured when a crane was used for construction works lost control and fell off causing fall of debris at the site.
The church authorities have also confirmed the incident and have advised people to disregard the earlier rumors that the church collapsed.
In a video that was circulating on social media, there were reports that scores of people died when part of the church building that was still under construction collapsed. However these were rumors and a video was fabricated!
KCCA authorities have also visited the church and construction works are still on going on.
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UCC Orders TV Gossip Shows to Air When Children are Asleep
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered all gossip shows on Tv to air between 10pm and 5am.
According to a directive which has been sent to several TV stations, any Tv station that fails to adhere to the directive, “the Commission shall proceed to institute other appropriate regulatory sanctions, including but not limited to suspension of your broadcasting license”. The directive takes effect on Wednesday.
It should be remembered that early this month UCC summoned lifestyle presenters of eleven television stations in Kampala over allegations of abusive language. UCC said that there are allegations that the language and statements the presenters use with their guests are often abusive, demeaning, derogatory and contain unsubstantiated claims against different personalities.
The programmes complained about included Spark TV’s Live Wire, NBS TV’s Uncut Sabula – Uncut Kalakata, Kingdom TV’s Kapyaki, Dream TV’s Tik-Tak Sesetula, BTM TV’s Access, BBS TV’s Round About and Baba TV’s Poko Poko. Others were Urban TV’s Short Circuit Sonsomola, Top TV’s Kachumbali, ABS TV’s Evening Zone and STV’s Select E- Buzz. It henceforth cautioned them and directed them to address the complaints raised about them.
However, after close observation of the shows, it has ordered that they should never air on Tv between 5am to 10pm. This is because “they contain adult content, sexual innuendos and profanity, with potential to disturb and harm some members of the public especially the children”.
It further adds that presenters of the program often appear on air when dressed indecently in skimpy outfits; the language and statements used by presenters and guests during the program are often abusive, demeaning, derogatory and contain unsubstantiated claims against different personalities.
City Lawyer Tony Ngobi Dies Following Bar Brawl
City lawyer, Tony Ngobi of Mukwatanise & Co. Advocates is dead following a fight in a bar. According to a statement by his friends, Ngobi passes on Sunday morning at Mengo Hospital.
He, succumbed to injuries that resulted into a stroke on his left side of the body and a blood clot on the head that affected his brain. A brain surgery was done on Friday but unfortunately he couldn’t make it out of the Intensive Care Unit.
It all began on the evening of Friday 8th October 2021, when Tony got in a heated confrontation with bouncers at T.I lounge/bar around Mengo close to LISA clinic where he was a patron.
“In a very unprofessional manner, the bouncer/s beat him up forcing him to land on his head uncontrollably on the ground. He was left unattended to and unconscious outside the bar where a Good Samaritan found him approximately an hour later. He was taken to Lisa clinic for first aid and later transferred to Mengo Hospital where he has been for the last seven days. We keep Tony’s family and friends in prayer and may his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Former UN Driver Killed by Mob Boda Boda Riders
FORMER UN DRIVER LYNCHED BY BODA BODA RIDERS
Police in Kampala are investigating the murder of a 40-year-old former driver with United Nations (UN) who was lynched by a group of boda boda riders in Mengo after knocking one of their colleagues.
It is alleged that Aziz Bashir was on Sunday involved in a minor accident with an unidentified boda boda rider who scratched his car, a Toyota Allex.
“He got out of the vehicle, but failed to agree with the motorcycle rider. It is from there that two motorcycles shielded the rider, who was involved in a traffic accident with Bashir. The rider left the scene but as the deceased pursued the alleged rider, he knocked another motorcyclist,” Deputy Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said.
According to police, Bashir was intercepted by a group of boda boda riders as he was approaching Lyna Primary School, pulled him out of the car and beat him to death.
Police say two suspects were arrested and detained at Old Kampala Police Station.
“We have embarked on viewing CCTV footages to identify the riders who could have carried out the criminal act. Two suspects have so far been arrested in connection to the murder.The motorcycle involved in the accident UEJ 515K and the deceased’s motor vehicle were recovered (vandalized) and are now parked at Old Kampala Police,” ASP Owoyesigyire added.
Bashir’s body was taken to the city mortuary at Mulago for a post mortem.
Guide to Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains of Western Uganda
Mount Rwenzori hiking is without doubt one of the most extra-ordinary adventure experiences Africa has to offer the world. Hiking or mountaineering is a prime highlight of all safaris to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda. Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains is a unique and lifetime adventure experience that ushers enthusiastic hikers to not only the Rwenzori Mountains’ snow-capped peaks but also through unique plant life/vegetation zones.
The plant life of Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon does vary from altitude to altitude and features the dense tropical rain-forests, montane forests, bamboo and alpine. These make up the diverse habitats that support diversity of the park’s primates, reptiles, amphibians, birdlife to mention but a few.
How was Rwenzori Mountains formed?
The history of the Rwenzori Mountain formation dates back to 3 million year back. The legendary mountain has a composition of 6 mountain massifs each of which is separated by the deep gorges and valleys. They also feature magical water lakes in between and lush vegetation. The Rwenzori Mountain massifs include Mount Baker 4843m, Mount Stanley 5109m, Luigi di Savoia 4627m, Mount Gessi 4715m, Mt. Emin 4798m and Mount Speke 4890m. The legendary Mt. Rwenzori extends 120kms long and 60kms wide.
Where is Mount Rwenzori located?
Mount Rwenzori is located within Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Western Uganda. It is set and the surrounding districts include Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kabarole. From Kampala, accessing Mount Rwenzori in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park takes from 5-7 hours’ drive. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the 10 National Parks in Uganda and it was designated as a National Park in 1991, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Why is Mount Rwenzori called “Mountains of the Moon?”
Mount Rwenzori was described as the Mountains of the Moon at the time when the Greek Explorers tried to locate the Source of the Nile. Diogenes asserted that the Source of River Nile came from a group of mountains that the locals often referred to as the Mountains of the Moon. The reference came considering the fact that Mount Rwenzori is snow-capped. However, the snow-capped whiteness has been on decrease and perhaps with time, it may disappear.
Is Mount Rwenzori a block or fold mountain?
Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon is entirely a block mountain regardless of its location along the Albertine rift valley region. The block mountain sits along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, occupying two parks; Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Congo. The largest portion of this legendary block mountain is in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
How long does it take to hike to Margherita peak of Mount Rwenzori?
Most Rwenzori Hiking Tours that aim the highest peak Margherita may require 9 days or more for hikers on Uganda safari to have a complete hike. The Margherita peak is on Mount Stanley at 5109 meters above sea level. Other than Margherita, Mount Rwenzori, Mountains of the Moon boasts of other numerous peaks including Savoia, Elena, Great Tooth, Weismann’s peak etc. There are trails demarcated purposely to lead climbers to the various peaks of Mount Rwenzori and these include Kilembe trail-head along the Southern Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon and the Central Circuit that is known to provide the most thrilling hikes.
How much is Rwenzori Mountain hiking?
Trekking fees for Rwenzori Mountains are pocket friendly but the cost may vary depending on how long you plan to spend exploring the Mountains of the Moon while on Uganda safari. Hiking fees/park entry costs USD35 and generally, there are other options to explore the mountain and park other than hiking to Margherita. There are simple and short treks that can be done along the forest walk trail taking nature lovers through the Munyamubuli river for great bird watching, exploring tree species etc.
When is the best time to book Mount Rwenzori safari?
Mount Rwenzori safaris can be planned at anytime of the year but the best or the most ideal time is the dry season. Trekking to the peaks can be strenuous and not to have challenges such as mud, slippery slopes etc, the dry months such as June, July, August, December, January, February offer the most excellent and memorable Rwenzori mountaineering adventure experience.
How can I book Mount Rwenzori safari?
Mount Rwenzori safari can be booked through a reliable tour operator on the ground or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority reservation team. Contact our team for great packages, planning your Rwenzori mountaineering adventure and reservations etc.
What should I carry for Rwenzori mountaineering?
Carry only essentials for your Rwenzori mountaineering adventure. The list is long but ensure that you have a good camera, strong hiking/climbing boots, rain boots, insect repellent, waterproof daypack, first aid kit or medical kit, plenty of energy boosters/snacks, drinking water, sunscreen, sunglasses, sleeping bags, waterproof hat, strong gloves, rain jacket, walking pole (find one at Rwenzori Mountains National Park).
Where can I stay on Mount Rwenzori hiking safari?
The accommodation options are plenty for hikers on Mount Rwenzori hiking safari to retire for the night. At the base, the available options include Trekkers Hostel, Hotel Margherita, Ruboni Community Camp, Equator Snow Lodge, Mihunga Safari Lodge. As you hike, all the trails have huts for visitor overnight stay including Elena Hut, Guy Yeoman Hut, Nyabitaba Hut, Bujuku Hut, John Matte Hut etc.
How do I get to Mount Rwenzori?
By road transportation
- Travel from Kampala via Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal City to Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon.
- Set off from Kampala through Mbarara city-Kasese-Mount Rwenzori. All these route options have something interesting for you to enjoy en-route and a 4×4 rental car is preferably the best to help get to Mt. Rwenzori.
By Air transportation
- Chartered/scheduled flights can be planned for and all fly in safaris to Mount Rwenzori start from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield. You fly up to Kasese airstrip for about one hour and half or 2 hours, then drive from the airstrip to Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
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