Author: Simon Mbago
Busoga district local governments, in collaboration with non-profit organizations advocating for the well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWD), successfully organized celebrations on Tuesday to mark the International Day of PWDs. This globally recognized occasion is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of individuals living with disabilities. The significant commemoration held at Jinja city’s Busoga Square grounds attracted several stakeholders, including government authorities and civil society organizations, to celebrate and recognize the contributions of PWDs towards the development of societies. The annual event serves as a platform to advocate for rights and opportunities, accessibility, and the removal of barriers that…
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pressing concern in the Busoga region and beyond, manifesting in various forms and impacting vulnerable groups such as women, girls with disabilities, older persons, refugees, and migrants. Of particular concern is Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including rape and defilement, leading to unwanted pregnancies, pregnancy complications, and sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS. To address this alarming trend, the Uganda Police, in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), is spearheading the 16 Days of Activism, an annual international initiative aimed at raising awareness and sensitizing communities to combat GBV effectively. The event, scheduled for December…
As International Human Rights Defenders Day is commemorated, State Minister for Agriculture, Animal, Industry, and Fisheries, Hon. Fredrick Bwino Kyakulaga, has lauded the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government as the foremost promoter and protector of people’s rights. Representing the Third Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda at the event organized by the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U), Hon. Bwino emphasized the government’s role in fostering peace, protection of human rights, and establishing institutions like the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC). The retired Major General highlighted the government’s efforts in investigating human rights abuses and the establishment of the…
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Busoga are calling on the government to reduce taxes on electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones, to enhance their participation in the digital realm. The leaders of PWDs stressed this concern during a media briefing at Jinja City Hall, emphasizing the need for effective digital access to raise awareness and market products. The plea comes in anticipation of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 12, 2023, with the theme “The Role of Innovation in Disability Inclusion.” Ms. Elizabeth Kaynga, Executive Director of Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA), highlighted that disability inclusion…
Jinja: In a distressing turn of events, police in Buwenge, Jinja district, are currently holding two individuals—a village leader and a primary school teacher—on accusations of defiling minors. The alleged perpetrators, Godfrey Babalanda, the chairperson of Kabaganda village, and Eram Waiswa Nseko, a teacher at Blended Junior School, Kyerinda, are facing grave charges of sexual abuse. Babalanda, a 45-year-old married man with two wives, stands accused of defiling his own 15-year-old daughter. Shockingly, it is reported that he broke his daughter’s virginity on the verandah of their house and allegedly intended to make her his third spouse. The reprehensible act…
Jinja: The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) is set to mark International Human Rights Defenders Day 2023 on December 7 and 8 in Eastern Jinja city. The event, themed “Reinforcing the protection and promotion of HRDs and their work,” aims to celebrate, empower, and raise awareness about the pivotal role played by human rights defenders (HRDs) in Uganda and beyond. Mr. Robert Kirenga, the Executive Director of NCHRD-U, highlighted the significant roles of HRDs in safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals during a press conference at Jinja City Hall on Monday. He called…
Jinja: Dr. Frank Nabwiso, the former Kagoma county Legislator in Jinja district, has raised concerns about politicians disconnecting from the local people who voted for them, particularly during the off-campaign season. Nabwiso, a staunch member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), voiced his apprehensions after reports of politicians avoiding calls from voters by turning off their known telephone numbers. During an address to parents and management at Ray of Hope Nursery and Primary school in Mafubira, Northern division of Jinja city, Nabwiso highlighted the disheartening trend of politicians neglecting their constituents to prioritize personal matters. He expressed disappointment in…
December 1st marked World AIDS Day, an annual global event aimed at raising awareness and expressing solidarity with individuals affected by HIV. This year’s theme, “Let Communities Lead,” highlighted the pivotal role of communities in the ongoing fight against HIV. In Kamuli district, Uganda, an event organized by the local government in collaboration with the Jinja Area Community Federation (JIACOFE) at Buterimire Primary School in Kamuli municipality saw stakeholders address the pressing issue of increasing HIV cases among the youth. Ms. Rose Birungi, the Kamuli Resident District Commissioner (RDC), presided over the function and voiced her concern about the rising…
In a heartwarming initiative aimed at empowering the girl child and fostering educational growth, Phoenix Girls Initiative (PGI) recently made a significant donation of scholastic materials to Kigulamo Primary School in Bugweri district. The donation, comprising books, pens, sanitary pads, clothes, shoes, and liquid soap, reached over 300 pupils, marking a crucial step in uplifting the educational experience of young learners. PGI, a community-based organization in Jinja, is dedicated to promoting skill education among young people, with a particular focus on providing sanitary pads through various school projects. The organization’s impactful programs have extended to schools such as Density College…
In a significant move towards enhancing emergency health services, the leader of Uganda’s government business, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabanjja, launched the distribution of 116 ambulances procured by the Ministry of Health. The event, held at the National Records Center and Archives in Kampala, marked a pivotal moment in bolstering emergency response capabilities across regions and constituencies. The prime minister underscored the government’s commitment to establishing an Emergency National Ambulance service, aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s 2021/26 manifesto. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to transforming the health sector in Uganda, addressing critical gaps in emergency services. Nabanjja revealed…