Watchdog Uganda
The Diplomatic Conference will be attended by Ministers in charge of Intellectual Property from the 20 ARIPO Members States, Heads of Industrial Property and Copyright and Related Rights Offices from the ARIPO Member States.
Today, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon.Henry Oryem Okello, the Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi & the URSB Registrar General, Mercy Kainobwisho addressed a media briefing about the upcoming conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.
The Diplomatic Conference will be preceded by an Experts’ meeting that will bring together Copyright experts from the ARIPO Member States on 20 and 21 August 2021 and the 11th Extraordinary Session of the Administrative Council of ARIPO from 22 to 26 August 2021.
Hon. General Jeje Odongo while delivering his remarks said there were many opportunities for Uganda to reap from hosting the conference. ‘As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are hopeful that the conference will enhance Uganda’s cooperation with Member states on issues related to Intellectual Property and Copyright. Studies by the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) show that the creative industry contributes greatly to GDP as well as employment to countries’ the Minister said
The Attorney General on his part said the adoption of the protocol would support the country’s nascent creative industry. ‘It is very timely for Uganda to host this conference on copyright because the outlook is changing and the choices of employment are also different. We have a young population that has devoted itself to the arts and creativity industry. Through adoption of this protocol, Ugandans shall be able to have their works registered and protected internationally, benefit and earn from their works, enable Government to maintain a register of voluntary copyrighted works which ultimately will lead to better appreciation of the role of the creative industry in promotion of socio economy development’
The Protocol will establish a Regional Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, create and maintain a Regional Database for Copyright and Related Rights for the ARIPO Member States.
The Registrar General on her part said having a regional voluntary registration of Copyright and Related Rights in Africa will contribute to a conducive environment to ensure respect for the copyrighted works. ‘Adoption of this protocol in Kampala gives visibility to Uganda and is also in line with the Government’s sustained plans to grow intellectual property & related rights for economic growth. As you may recall, Cabinet approved and passed the National Intellectual Property Policy in May 2019, and it was officially launched by H.E the President in September 2020. Realization of the objectives of the National IP Policy 2019 is very key. URSB has been engaging all stakeholders and providing knowledge needed as part of the implementation process’.
The regional voluntary registration of Copyright and Related Rights will also enhance cooperation between national copyright offices to achieve the Protocol’s purpose. The national registration systems often hold valuable information on creativity from legal and economic perspectives and provide statistics on authors, performers, right holders, and their works, recordings, and productions in their countries. The statistics are important to be included in the regional database thus contributing to the regional statistics on creative industries.
The ARIPO 20 Member States are Botswana, The Kingdom of Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, The Kingdom of Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
]]>ALDRINE NSUBUGA SNR: Tribute to golden Peruth Chemutaihttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/op-ed/20210804/118633/aldrine-nsubuga-snr-tribute-to-golden-peruth-chemutai.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:16:14 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118633“And now the Nile Special beers will be flowing all over Kampala in Uganda I can tell you…†the lead commentator concluded.With 2 laps to go, the same commentator had almost ran out of superlatives as he poured praise after praise on the American â€" Courtney Frerichs â€" who had led the race up until the final 300 meters. He described her lead as “one of the bravest pieces of front running I’ve ever seen.†He said Frerichs was “tearing apart a field full of world class athletes †and that her performance was a “piece of sporting historyâ€
All he could say about our very own Peruth Chemutai who was in close 2nd throughout, was; “Oh now Chemutai has taken over and Frerichs looks tired.†Even with 100 meters to go with Chemutai 4 meters ahead, the commentator only paid attention to the race between 3rd and 4th, raising his voice when the Kenyan Kiyeng Hyvin got into 3rd. I was livid.
By this time Chemutai was at least 8 meters ahead. Realising that only the electronic scoreboard and history now stood between her and her chasers, she raised her left arm and pointed in eternal space. With a cheer and smile that seemed to say “Look who is champion. I am the girl. The best in the world. The gold winnerâ€
It’s only then that the commentator remembered to use phrases like “absolutely phenomenal†in reference to her victory. He wanted to sound professional. His partying shot summed up his attitude against the unfancied Ugandan however. “The Nile special beers will now be flowing on the streets of Kampala.†True though it may be, it was with a bitter taste in the mouth.
Who cares? Chemutai has now joined Uganda’s pantheon of greatness. As she moved from athlete to athlete shaking their hands to congratulate them for the part they played in writing her history, she turned to look in the stands for a familiar flag or colour. There were only a handful. One offered the national flag which she wrapped around her lean figure with glee.
The golden girl waved but to imaginary countrymen and women. The seats were empty. Her nostalgic moment wouldn’t be shared with her own and it hurt. I shed a tear. She deserved better.
Thankfully back home, on Tv sets and mobile phones throughout the country, millions were cheering and celebrating with her. A rare sight of the Ugandan flag being waved to billions across the globe by our very own â€" as humble â€" as they come. Yes, Uganda is on top of the world even if it were for just minutes. The national anthem was played hurriedly but I will take that.
At office; I walked about chest thumping and punched the air while shouting “Yes!†It was a proud moment. Being Ugandan at last meant something. My foreign colleagues understood and gave me some sheepish smiles. I didnt care. Thanks to Chemutai, covid and death talk can take the back seat. For now. It was too depressing.
And for those Europeans who still find it hard to accept â€" like the day’s leading commentator â€" that “world class athletes†can also include Ugandans, we can’t help them. Peruth Chemutai is the new Olympic champion. A world class athlete. The one wearing gold. The phenomenon. GOLDEN Chemu. Golden Uganda. Who is Frerichs? I wonder.
]]>We have engaged the Turkish Embassy on the arrest of blogger Fred Lumbuye- Bobi Winehttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118621/we-have-engaged-the-turkish-embassy-on-the-arrest-of-blogger-fred-lumbuye-bobi-wine.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:01:04 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118621The National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi famously known as Bobi Wine has condemned the arrest of controversial political activist Fred Kajjubi Lumbuye.Reports about the Turkey based blogger started making rounds last night. Lumbuye was arrested in Turkey from where he was broadcasting his hard hitting youtube and Facebook videos targeting government of Uganda and Buganda Kingdom officials.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Bobi Wine said the news of Lumbuye’s arrest is a great concern to many Ugandans who support freedom both home and abroad.
“For now, we are working around the clock to establish the facts, and I am grateful to all those who are doing everything to support his case, including our diaspora leadership teams. Our leadership team at home has also engaged the Turkish Embassy on the matter,†the musician turned politician said.
“We all must be very concerned about this development, because as we know many Ugandans only feel safe to criticise the regime in Uganda from a safe distance in countries abroad. The governments of the world ought to protect the rights of political dissidents and exiles who have sought refuge in their countries. Ugandans abroad ought to feel safe,â€he added.
Its alleged that unknown people arrested Lumbuye on Tuesday evening. Charges against Lumbuye are yet to be revealed but friends and fans have said he is wanted in Uganda on hateful propaganda against President Museveni’s government.
Lumbuye is the blogger who announced Kabaka Mutebi of Buganda and President Museveni dead, leading to speculation on the health of the principals.
Addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem said Lumbuye was not a special person and should not expect to be treated exceptionally if he broke the law.
“I heard that he has been arrested. And if he’s arrested because of a crime he committed, then he deserves to be arrested because of that crime. Anybody who commits a crime in any country whatsoever will pay the price for committing for breaking the law, including in Uganda. That person you’re talking about is not a special person. Who is he that he can be above the law irrespective of where he’s he is! The law is very clear in all countries; you break the law, you pay the penalty. So if he broke the law then he will pay the price,†the Minister said.
“And I would have thought that every single one of you would be jubilating that this person committed a crime and he’s been arrested and being brought before the court of law but now it seems you’re sympathizing with him.â€
Oryem, however disclosed that by morning the Uganda Embassy in Ankara was yet to receive official communication from the relevant law enforcement institutions of Turkey in regard to Lumbuye’s case.
]]>Police officers equipped with gender based violence response skillshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118618/police-officers-equipped-with-gender-based-violence-response-skills.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:43:33 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118618The Department of Child and Family Protection has embarked on training of 22 call takers on how to respond to cases of Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Children in a three day workshop at Police headquarters, Naguru.The workshop was on Tuesday opened by ACP Hillary Kulayige, the Deputy Director Chief Political Commissariat, who urged the officers to be courteous and have customer care as they talk/ receive calls from the victims/reporters of Gender Based Violence cases.
According to SSP Atuhaire Maureen, the Ag. CP Child and Family Protection Department, the toll-free helpline was established during the lockdown to enable increased reporting of GBV and VAC cases, provide psychosocial support to the victims, provide telephone counseling services to the clients and link clients in need of care and protection to services or service providers, following up of reported cases with the area police commanders and to raise awareness to the public on human rights, and collect data for policy formulation.
In May 2020, the Uganda Police Force with support from UN Women established a Gender Based Violence (GBV) Toll free Helpline (0800199195) through its line Department of Child and Family Protection.
Important to note is that the movement of people had been restricted and made it difficult for victims of GBV and VAC to report cases to police. Since it’s inception in May 2020 to June 2021, a total of 2040 cases have been reported and responded to.
On a positive note, men are also using the helpline to report Domestic Violence Cases. The UPF management has plans to establish GBV helplines both at the regional and district levels in a bid to extend services closer to the victims/survivors of GBV and other members of the public.
]]>Uganda’s land issues shouldn’t rotate around Kabaka and Museveni only, all citizens must get involved â€" Makerere University’s Prof Ndebesa https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118611/ugandas-land-issues-shouldnt-rotate-around-kabaka-and-museveni-only-all-citizens-must-get-involved-makerere-universitys-prof-ndebesa.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:09:24 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118611A senior lecturer of History at Makerere University Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa has warned that the issues of land disputes in Uganda are very wide and should not be zeroed on only two people; the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.Prof Ndebesa who was reacting to the Kabaka’s Tuesday meeting with President Museveni said on Wednesday said that Uganda is sitting on land injustices everywhere and only two people cannot solve them alone.
President Yoweri Museveni and Kabaka Mutebi yesterday at State House Lodge Nakasero where they discussed a number of issues probably even the highly contegious Mailo land tenure system.
Prof Ndebesa says that the two can not solve land issues alone given the fact that the entire country is full of land injustices.
“I’m not against the two principals to meet but with the issue of land in Uganda I don’t think we must be zeroed on these two. We are all concerned as Ugandans and it should not be discussed between two people only. The discussion must be broad after all during the 28th celebration of his coronation Kabaka Mutebi put it right that the problems of land originate right from the time of colonialism,†Prof Ndebesa said.
He added that there are land conflicts in Rwenzori, Bunyoro, Acholi and the worst land conflict that most Ugandans don’t see is in Karamoja where land is not only being grabbed and taken away by wealthy people but they are also taking away the minerals under that land.
“Land is broader than President Museveni and Kabaka Mutebi, therefore this issue must be drafted and be discussed by all Ugandans including Parliament but also citizens where a need be. It should be put to a referendum. Otherwise, these two principals are not going to resolve land issues in Uganda. The colonialists failed to resolve it, the other successive government failed, NRM too has failed and therefore it should go beyond Buganda, Museveni, and Kabaka Mutebi,†he said.
“It’s everywhere and most of the questions that are arising in the contemporary period are involving elites from; government, Civil servants, Military and Political class. Therefore let’s not reduce the whole land injustice and land saga to Buganda only or President Museveni and Kabaka Mutebi. All Ugandans must be involved because it can easily be used as a political tool by other people to meet their agenda instead of finding a conclusive solution.â€
]]>MPs to probe Emyooga fund utilisationhttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118608/mps-to-probe-emyooga-fund-utilisation.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:01:34 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118608Legislators have been tasked to appraise the impact of Emyooga funds in their constituencies within a week prior to commencement of the much anticipated Shs 490 billion Parish Development Model (PDM).The Emyooga, a presidential initiative on wealth and job creation, was rolled out in October 2020 to support among others, market vendors, welders, taxi drivers, boda-boda riders, women and restaurant owners who come together in form of savings and credit co-operative societies.
“We have just approved the parish model but we cannot implement it before we know what the Emyooga funds have done.
That will be continuous waste of money and then you say government is not doing anything to help the people. Let us help government to help the people,†the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, told the House sitting on Tuesday, 3 August 2021.
The PDM is meant to eradicate poverty through execution of development activities at the parishes.
“Much as we approved funds for Emyooga in the 10th Parliament. This money was disbursed to various districts and they received. Unfortunately, these funds have not been put to proper use,†the Deputy Speaker added.
The 10th Parliament approved Shs170 billion for Emyooga funds as part of the Shs3.7 trillion supplementary budget, which was passed.
“When you go to the constituencies, you need to find out the criteria used to disburse the funds. Are the beneficiaries real or they are ghosts? Are there businesses that have been set up using the funds?†she said.
Among directed the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to provide each district with a breakdown of disbursed funds.
Upon return from their constituencies, MPs are expected to submit sub-regional reports on their findings to the House.
]]>Olympics: Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai wins goldhttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118599/olympics-ugandas-peruth-chemutai-wins-gold.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:36:39 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118599Ugandan athlete Peruth Chemutai,22, has on Wednesday won gold in the women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase final during the 2020 Olympics games taking place in Tokyo Japan.The 22-year-old Ugandan timed 9min 01.45sec at the Olympic Stadium, outsprinting American Courtney Frerichs with 250 metres to go to win comfortably.
Frerichs claimed silver in 9:04.79 with Kenyan Hyvin Kiyeng taking bronze (9:05.39).
She also becomes the first Ugandan to win a medal at the ongoing games.
Uganda has now won three medals in Tokyo with Joshua Chetegei (Silver) and Jocob Kiplimo (Bronze) winning the other medal, both in the Men’s 10000m.
]]>Sarah Kagingo Named Principal Press Secretary to Speaker of Parliamenthttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118597/sarah-kagingo-named-principal-press-secretary-to-speaker-of-parliament.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:28:20 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118597Kagingo, a Public Relations guru and Managing Director of Soft Power Communications has been named Principal Press Secretary to Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah.The appointments were announced on Tuesday by the Parliament Director of Communications, Chris Obore.
“Welcome on board Sarah Kagingo, Joseph Sabiti (Media for Deputy Speaker) and Sadab Kitata (Leader of the Opposition). Enhancing parliament communications. Congratulations,†Obore tweeted.
Profile
An old girl of Mt. St. Mary’s Namagunga, Kagingo is one of the most famous former Guild Presidents of Makerere University.
The calm communicator renowned for using her big online following to promote Uganda’s tourism and positives about the country, has served in various Public Relations and Communication capacities in the country.
In April 2021, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) organised a football match and other activities to mend relations between the forces and the media, culminating into a dinner held in Mbuya. During the dinner, Kagingo, the CEO of SoftPower News, was one of the media personalities who received an award from the former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen David Muhoozi in recognition of her contribution to fostering better relations.
Sarah Kagingo is also credited for digitising President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s communications.
Between 2011 and 2014, Kagingo served as Special Presidential Assistant for Communication relaying real-time updates of the President’s works.
Between 2015 and 2017, she was in charge of communications and public affairs at Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
In 2016, she had also managed communications for Uganda’s bid to chair the African Union Commission where she was tasked with handling internal and foreing media relations on behalf of Uganda’s candidate for the African Union Commission.
The immediate past president of the Public Relations Association of Uganda(PRAU) is also a board member at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda(PSFU) representing professional services and a member of the exco of the National Association of Broadcasters(NAB).
]]>Suspended Uganda Airlines bosses are already fired, their crimes are beyond repair, Minister Ecweru revealshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118518/suspended-uganda-airlines-bosses-are-already-fired-their-crimes-are-beyond-repair-minister-ecweru-reveals.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:19:58 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118518The State Minister for Works and Transport Musa Ecweru had told the Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure last week that the top bosses of the national carrier who were suspended a few months ago will not return to their jobs because the preliminary investigations conducted so far indicate that the crimes they committed are beyond repair.Ecweru informed the committee that President Yoweri Museveni had already ‘shared a preliminary report with his boss [Gen Katumba] and that it was very shocking’.
“His Excellency the President received the investigation report on the suspended Uganda Airlines top bosses and he has already shared it with my boss (Gen.Katumba) and the report is bad, we can’t allow them to return, that’s a closed chapter, now we’re looking at how we’re going to move forward,†he noted.
“We shall do everything possible to ensure that the next management board is composed of professionals. In fact, we’re now engaging the Attorney General’s office and the office of the President to ensure that we do everything in the right way not to give chance to the suspended group in case they go to court, and in case they do, we must ensure that we’re on the right side of the law, but they’re not returning.â€
According to the preliminary report, amongst the biggest ‘grey’ areas the President is angry about, is that the former Chairman board, Mr.Perez Ahabwe was allegedly being paid fat monies three times more than he was probably supposed to get.
This, according to the report, was possible because, in return, Ahabwe also okayed the top honchos including CEO Cornwell Muleya to ‘award’ themselves hefty sums of monies and their Chairman wouldn’t whip them into line since they would first wet his beak.
It’s worth noting that President Museveni in May 2021 suspended the Airlines top managers including Muleya, a Zambian national, and then ordered for investigations on a number of allegations, among them; using a national carrier to smuggle alcohol into Somalia, an Islamic state, nepotism and corruption.
â€You see that team of Muleya and his managers had created a complicated working environment for any employee who tried to intercept their deals and had the President not intervened by showing them an exit gate, today we would be with a different story for Uganda Airlines,†a highly placed source at the national carrier revealed.
]]>Tororo District Grapples with Increasing Teenage Pregnancieshttps://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210804/118588/tororo-district-grapples-with-increasing-teenage-pregnancies.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 10:17:47 +0000https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=118588By Salume AmongTororo district is grappling with increasing cases of teenage pregnancies, alcohol and drug abuse.
Dr. Okoth Obbo, Tororo District Health Officer says the district average prevalence for teenage pregnancies stands at 26% down from 14 % in the last two years. The current average is higher than the Ministry of Health’s national average of 25%.
He says the rate at which more children are produced by teenagers since 2020, is worrying communities in Tororo district.
“it is okay children are at home, but this is a reproductive health challenge, †Dr. Obbo says while demanding for collective interventions to ease the cases of teenage pregnancies in Tororo district.
Among the most affected areas include Iyolwa, Kwapa, Apetai, Petta and Kisoko, where teenage pregnancies are higher than the district average of 26%.
Close to 80% of parents in Tororo district are worried about the rate of teenage pregnancy as the country battles the coronavirus pandemic according to a survey released by Twaweza in July 2021.
The research findings presented to the Ministry of Health indicate that eight out of ten citizens (79%) say teen pregnancy has become a bigger problem during the Coronavirus pandemic, and half say physical (51%), emotional (51%) and sexual (46%) violence has got worse.
Twaweza’s Sauti Za Wanainchi survey was done in Tororo, Kampala and Kyotera. The findings reflect concerns around the country during the two lockdown periods since 2020.
Marie Nanyanzi, a senior Program officer in charge of Twaweza Sauti Za Wanainchi survey says citizens are also reporting an increase in alcohol consumption (58%) and drug abuse (49%).
According to Nanyanzi, the data being shared were collected in December 2020 from 1,590 respondents and from 768 residents of Kampala, 639 residents of Kyotera and 622 residents of Tororo in June 2021.
Assistant Commissioner Reproductive and Infant Health at the Ministry of Health ministry, Dr. Richard Mugahi said the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted service delivery affecting mothers, children and teenagers. He says the issue of teenage pregnancies remains a big challenge across the country when girls are not at school.
“The COVID-19 lockdown data shows young girls are better and safer at schools, †Mugahi says.
But Demeter Margret Namuyobo, Medical Coordinator Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) says that with the help of funds from United Nations Funding for Population Activity (UNFPA), together with Tororo district administration, several sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) camps are going to be conducted under strict COVID 19 guidelines. The camps will entail health education, counselling, cervical cancer screening, HIV/AIDS testing and enrolment to family Planning for those who are sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant among other things.
“In order to ease the teenage pregnancy problem with the support of UNFPA, we are going to conduct SRHR camps to target teenagers, young people women, girls and the people with disabilities in Tororo district, †Namuyobo says.
Jane Acham, a youth focal person in Tororo district says several factors a leading to teenagers getting pregnant during the COVID 19 pandemic and lockdowns.
She cites young girls lured by materials incentives by men in the communities, some girls are promiscuous and some girls were caught off guard after parents sent them to vend merchandise at trading Centre’s in the evenings.
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