After a memorable Afcon qualification fete on 3rd September, Cranes now face another audacious task to rub shoulders with the Continent’s most powerful footballing nations in a bid to secure a 2018 world cup spot.

They face an unpredictable Congo Brazzaville on Saturday in the second match day.

Cranes fought hard to earn a blank draw in Ghana last month, the Red Devils lost 2-1 to Egypt in Kintete despite Férébory Doré’s early 24th minute goal. Both teams have never been at the global stage.

Head to Head

The two nations have met only six times in records since 1965 with each side taking an equal share of victories and loss with no draw.

The last time the two met was in the AFCON 2013 qualifiers. Congo won 3-1 in Pointe-Noire courtesy of Fabrice Ondama, Prince Oniangve and Mael Lepicier. Only the latter is currently absent.

Mike Sserumaga consoled Uganda.

Congo’s boat capsized in Kampala during the return leg when Mwesigwa, Walusimbi, Massa and Okwi scored each to mastermind a 4-0 thumping.

Massa’s memorable 63rd minute thunderous shot ‘miraculously penetrated’ the back of the net.

21 Jul 1965: Congo Brazzaville 2-1 Uganda
12 Nov 1965 Congo Brazzaville 2-1 Uganda
26 Jan 1973 Uganda 3-1 Congo Brazzaville
06 Mar 1978 Uganda 3-1 Congo Brazzaville
29 Feb 2012 Congo Brazzaville 3-1 Uganda
16 Jun 2012 Uganda 4-0 Congo Brazzaville

Form guide

Uganda- LDLWDW

Congo Brazzaville- LWLLDD

Cranes enter the game at the back of a 1-0 loss to Zambia in buildup friendly.

However, one simple fact is that Uganda has not lost any of the past qualifiers preceded by a friendly.

In records, Uganda has won eight world cup qualifiers since 2000, drawing six and twelve losses translating to a 23% win rate.

The Cranes have not lost an opening home world cup qualifier since a 2-0 defeat against Angola in June 1996.

They have gone to beat DR Congo and Niger 1-0 in the subsequent games before pegging to a one all stalemate against Senegal in the road to Brazil.

The last world cup qualifier match was against Senegal September 7th 2013 in Marakech.

Sadio Mane’s 85th minute goal ended the country’s hope in a game Godfrey Walusimbi was shown matching orders.

Second choice keeper Robert Odogkaara was in goal with Onyango absent.

Team news.

First keeper Dennis Onyango is still nursing injury and coach Micho confirmed he won’t be part of the game.

Odonkara, Jamal, Ochan and Watenga are all in camp. Sweden based Ronald Mukiibi is likely to earn his debut in defense ahead of Isinde who was a bit calamitous against Zambia.

“None can under rate a team like Congo, they have been a formidable side under experienced coach Claude Le Roy and Pierre Lechantre is also a respectable coach,” Micho said.

Lechantre promised to pick results from Namboole and insists his side is fighting for the ultimate prize despite laying at the bottom.

“We are going to compete, it’s just one game played and five remaining. That’s a lot in football. We have to be positive in every game henceforth,” he said after loss to Egypt.

The Red Devils will miss the services of forward Thievy Bioufuma who picked up an injury last week.

First choice goalkeeper, Gildas Mougabi was also ruled out of the game after picking an injury in training on Thursday at Nakivubo stadium.

Possible cranes lineup: Odongkara, Wadada, Mukiibi, Ochaya, Mawejje, Aucho, Miya, Luwagga, Massa, Walusimbi

Parliament Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has ordered the Uganda Police Force to produce within 14 days the Kawempe Police station land title which is currently missing.

This was during interface between the MPs and police bosses on Friday as they appeared to answer queries that were raised in the 2014/ 2015 Auditor General’s report.

It was highlighted in the report that since the 2012/ 2013 FY, the land title was missing and little has been done by police to secure it.

However in response, the police Accounting Officer, Rogers Muhirwa sought Parliament’s help noting that they have done all the needful but failed to get response from the Uganda Land Commission (ULC).

Kawempe Police Station

Muhirwa asked Parliament to summon the officials of the Land Commission as the only way that would help recover the land title.

“The land title of Kawempe Police Station was handed over to the Uganda Land Commissioner as the custodian of all public land with original copies of transfers. We later wrote a letter to ULC requesting for a certified copy of the title since we wanted to plan for it and we were told that the title was missing,” Muhirwa told committee members.

“We instituted an inquiry into the missing land title but up to date, we haven’t received any positive response from the commission; we have written several letters to them with the latest dated September,” Muhirwa said.

The police bosses went further to explain that the only response so far got from the commission was to the effect that they would go slow on the said title since they are only users of the land.

The committee Chairperson, Angelina Osege asked police to explain whether they thought there is need to recover the title despite being just users to the property.

“We need the original land title if not its duplicate within 14 days, you look so reluctant and that’s why you have not done much; since you think you are just users of the land,” Osege ruled on the matter.

The Commander-in-chief of the armed forces Gen Yoweri Museveni has received a classified intelligence report on a Shs 2bn fake arms deal in the UPDF, Chimp Corps report.

This website recently broke news of a Polish firm known as BPM Poland being conned from the boardroom of the UPDF General Headquarters in Bombo.

The firm was informed that UPDF needed armour, tanks and surveillance vehicles. Yet, this matter had never been discussed by the UPDF High Command or any relevant organ.

A fake 12M Euros contract was later signed before the Polish contractors were told to release Shs 500,000 Euros to prepare for paper work.

Upon receiving money, the Ugandan army officers and a conman known as Sam Simbwa switched off their phones and cut off communication with the Polish contractors.

The aggrieved party decided to report a case of fraud at the Police Special Investigations Unit under Mark Odong.

Simbwa was arrested but a senior army officer reportedly ordered Odong to release him.

On learning about the development, President Museveni tasked Col Herbert Mbonye, the Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence, to investigate the matter.

Telephone analysis

Highly placed sources told ChimpReports that Mbonye, who was assisted in the investigation by Captain Joshua Karamagi, recently handed their investigation report to President Museveni for action.

The dossier, according to officials, pins the UPDF Chief of Staff Land Forces Brigadier General Leopold Kyanda as one of the masterminds of the fraud.

Col Herbert Mbonye who led the investigation

“The key in the investigation was the telephone analysis,” said a top source who is knowledgeable about the matter.

“The telephone numbers of Sam Simbwa and Brig Kyanda were confirmed to have been in constant contact,” the source added.

In a recent interview with ChimpReports, army spokesperson Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said he was not aware about any investigation into the matter.

He also contacted Brig Kyanda who denied ordering Odong to release Simbwa.

Brigadier Kyanda further denied knowing or dealing with Simbwa in any defence transaction.

ChimpReports went ahead to contact the head of Military Intelligence in the UPDF, Brigadier Charles Bakahumura on the fake arms deals.

“Muhame, that’s a procurement issue. I don’t handle procurement. You are asking a wrong person,” said Bakahumura before hanging up.

Intelligence

Despite all these denials, we have authoritatively established that the Mbonye investigation proved that Kyanda indeed called Mark Odong on the date when Simbwa was released from Kireka.

“Mark Odong also confirmed to the investigation team led by Col Mbonye and Capt. Joshua Karamagi that he was instructed by Brig Kyanda that Simbwa should be released because he had to travel for special state operations abroad,” said a source.

“That’s how Simbwa was released and his passport given back to him.”

Simbwa, who is not known as a member of security or government, has two passports – one ordinary and another Official.

Museveni was informed by Mbonye that on the day the Polish investors were in Bombo the mobile phone records of Simbwa and Kyanda also showed them to have been in the area.

Simbwa posing for pictures with Polish contractors after signing a bogus defence contract (Source: Courtesy Photo)

Asked how the conman and Polish investors accessed Bombo Military Headquarters Boardroom, the source said the group got special clearance from the Chief of staff.

“The officers who have offices near the boardroom saw the Bazungus and Simbwa and other people but they didn’t know what they had come to do,” a source added.

President Museveni is expected to take action in regard to the probe findings. Usually, the president gives the accused a chance to defend themselves before cracking the whip.

“Kyanda’s fate remains unclear. What we know is that the President is so ruthless in enforcing discipline in the armed forces. Senior army officers are frustrated and disgusted by the latest scandal,” said a senior government official.

Kyanda Profile

This is not the first time Kyanda is being accused of facilitating a crime.

In 2008, Kyanda’s former aide, Lt Bob Drani stormed DHL offices in Kampala where he grabbed a parcel containing illicit drugs.

Police had sealed off the Clement Hill-based courier company following a tip-off by an informer.

Before police could lay their hands on the drug parcel, Drani took it away.

At the time, Kyanda served as Military Intelligence chief.

Instead of helping police investigations by handing over Drani for interrogation, Kyanda ordered Captain Julius Mbaine, then Director of Counter-Intelligence, to put Drani under ‘house arrest’.

This angered Kyanda’s deputy, Lt. Col. Dominic Turwomwe, who had preferred a tougher stance on Drani.

A few days later, Kyanda suspended Mbaine, replacing him with his former aide Jimmy Asizuwa.

Basing on this development, President Museveni decided to send Kyanda to United States as a Defence Attaché – which was seen as a demotion.

On return to Kampala, Kyanda asked to be close to the First Family so as to build his spirituality through prayer – a request that was granted.

Convinced that Kyanda had reformed, Museveni in May 2013, appointed him Chief of Personnel and Administration in the UPDF.

The former Presidential Guard Brigade Commander was later elevated to UPDF Chief of Staff Land Forces, replacing Major General Charles Angina – who was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda.

“Many thought Kyanda was a changed man. He became so prayerful and excelled in his assignments. But it appears this was not the case and the President is not impressed,” said a deep-throat source.

In 1994, Kyanda served as then Brigadier Ivan Koreta’s driver before joining the PGB which he would later commanded.

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has revealed that the Kapeeka water works project is already 90 percent complete and will be finished by December.

The revelation was made on Saturday morning as the State Minister for Water, Hon. Ronald Kibuule was inspecting the project works.

Hon. Kibuule, NWSC officials and local leaders in Kapeeka at the site

Hon. Kibuule lauded NWSC for fast tracking works citing that it will come as an early Christmas gift for the people of Kapeeka.

The minister said he was further impressed that the project is internally funded by the Corporation.

“This shows that NWSC is building capacity to do things on its own and I further commend NWSC for the rapid execution of the project. This is an early Christmas gift for the people of Kapeeka, Semuto and the surrounding areas,” he said.

The project will benefit areas in Kapeeka, including Singo Army Barracks

The project which aims to serve safe water to the communities of Koona Kirak, Kyelerezi, Singo Army Barracks, Kapeeka town and the proposed Industrial Park in Kapeeka, encompasses a water intake, water treatment plant, storage reservoirs and associated transmision and distribution pipelines.

According to NWSC officials, the project will cost the Corporation Ushs 10 billion, financed internally from the money paid by customers who pay their bills promptly.

Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chaired by Soroti Woman MP, Angelina Osege has threatened to cut down the budget for the Uganda Police which was recently raised, over accountability queries as raised within the Auditor General’s report of 2014/ 2015.

The police team headed by AIGP Edward Ochom, Dr. Steven Kasima, Andrew Serowen, Felix Kawesi and others including the Accounting officer, Rogers Muhirwa was facing the committee members yesterday.

The committee was first stunned to find out that Police couldn’t explain the monies that were presented before the committee as arrears and payables. The figures presented were found contradicting with what was discovered by the Auditor General in his report.

The payables under question include; UMEME, Water, Garage bills, House rent, medical drugs, urban water bills and other utilities.

The police accountant, Rogers Muhirwa requested for time to reconcile the figures claiming there was a mistake while transferring the figures from the accounts to the documents that were presented before Parliament.

Due to other irregularities raised, the committee asked for an immediate forensic audit by the Auditor General into the police account to issue a new report before the year ends.

Police was further put to task to explain the mismatch of a sum of Sh148m that was committed by the accounting officer despite being denied to further the move by the Ministry of Finance.

The police accountant, Rogers Muhirwa

“You defied the PSST recommendations not to go ahead and transfer such huge amounts to cater for expenses that were not budgeted for; could we know categorization of these critical activities were funds were allocated,” charged the committee chairperson.

In his response, Muhirwa noted that , “ a sum of Sh33M was spent for retrieving a body of a fallen officer, AIGP Sharita who passed on from New York, 68.4 was impressed   for the training school and the rest of the fund was transferred to feeding police officers deployed in places of emergency.”

Members wondered how police would rush to request for a supplementary of Sh39.5bn to pay for utilities but neglected asking for a supplementary that would cater for emergencies such as taking care of the training school.

“We shall cut your budget because you are becoming wasteful, you should even be apologetic because we don’t even know your agenda no creating such mismatches which are illegal,” Osege noted.

The executive director ACODE Dr. Arthur Bainomugisha has blamed the raging dry spell and famine in Isingiro district on residents who have destroyed the environment there.

Dr. Arthur said Isingiro’s natural disaster – the dry spell in a purely rainy season — is a punishment from God.

“Why are we facing this crisis, I was told Isingiro used to have many forests but they were cut down when fighting tsetse flies. What this generation has done is to destroy the forests and wetlands” he asked

Arthur said the poor leadership in the area has contributed to famine as the leaders were splashing out money to win elections.

“Most of the leaders today sold all their property to win elections; now they have no solution to offer,” he added.

The western district is currently receiving food relied from groups of well wishers, following reports that people there were starving to death.

The ACODE boss also blamed government for its lack of a proper food security plan, even with the existence of such plans as Operation Wealth Creation.

“In the primitive time of Idi Amin there used to be silos; we wouldn’t have come to this if such positive programs were not dismantled.

Members of the opposition Uganda Peoples’ Congress are unsettled by the delayed signing of a Memorandum of Understand (MOU) between them and President Museveni.

UPC under the leadership of Lira Municipality legislator, Jimmy Akena entered into an informal cooperation with the ruling NRM government during the election period which they are seeking to formalize.

The work relations culminated in the appointment of the party members to some government positions including Betty Amongi to head the Ministry of Lands.

This raised a lot of contention as the move was criticized as a selloff of the party to president Museveni.

In June, President Akena told Chimpreports that the party cabinet sat and resolved to come up with an MOU that would streamline the cooperation. They were to use the avenue to restructure and prepare for the 2021 elections.

“I will appoint a negotiating committee that will come up with how UPC is going to interact with government at different levels; we are not only looking at Ministerial positions as you are all aware but we want to be more involved in several other areas,” he then told us.

Reliable sources have since told this website that in July, UPC drafted an MOU and presented it to Government for President Museveni’s to append his signature so that it becomes a binding document streamlining the cooperation.

The source added that initially the president preferred to hand pick a few individuals and give them position in government which members found “casual and unreliable” hence pushing for an MOU.

“The party handed over the draft MOU to government and the Prime Minister was on the team that received it. It highlights the different Ministries and positions in the country that we feel when put under our control could be made better,” a source noted.

“We were promised that within two months, government would get back to us so that we can best negotiate but it’s now four months and no response has come to that effect,” added the source.

Seeing no response, some party members have began pushing to recall the Minister of Lands, Betty Amongi citing high levels of mistrust on the part of government.

It’s still not clear when government will consider formalizing its working relationship with UPC.

The East African Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament, Chris Opoka Okumu is set to become one of the Commissioners of the new electoral body to be constituted after the expiry of the current one this month.

ChimpReports has exclusively learned that President Yoweri Museveni has sent the name of Opoka who is a strong opposition Uganda People’s Congress party member, to the security for vetting.

According to a source who preferred anonymity, Museveni made the move early this week and he is expecting to get the report next week.

“The collection of data about the subject started this week and concluding next week. If all goes well count him as the Commissioner already,” a source privy to the development told ChimpReports.

Article 60 (2) of the 1995 Constitution as amended demands that seven members of the commission should be persons of high moral character, proven integrity and who possess considerable experience and demonstrated competence in the conduct of public affairs.

The UPC and the ruling National Resistance Movement party entered a discreet alliance last year during the preparations for 2016 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.

ChimpReports broke news of the silent alliance on 11th September 2015 and indeed UPC did not present a candidate for president.

If appointed, Chris Opoka is going to be the third UPC member to be appointed in the high ranking government position.

The wife of UPC President, Jimmy Akena is already serving as the minister of Lands Housing and Urban development.

Betty Amongi was appointed together with Ruth Acheng as state minister for Fisheries but the latter’s designation nosedived when NRM members from Lango sub-region stormed State House Entebbe.

When contacted on phone, Akena said he is not aware the new development and declined to comment.

Demobilised Congolese movement, M23, has refuted reports that the outfit’s military commander, Brigadier Sultan Makenga, has escaped from Uganda.

“When Makenga reads such reports; he is laughing,” said Bertrand Bisiimwa, the M23 political leader.

In a telephone interview with ChimpReports on Sunday, Bisiimwa said “Makenga is at his house here in Kampala; ignore those rumours.”

North Kivu Governor Julien Paluku this Saturday alleged that Makenga had “vanished” and that “Ugandan security services are not aware about his whereabouts.”

Paluku further said DRC had intensified border patrols to ensure Makenga does not stoke tensions in the area.

Ugandan Defence officials who talked to us on Sunday were worried of commenting on the story, saying it would give undue attention to Paluku’s allegations.

Makenga’s M23 emerged from the CNDP led by DRC warlord Bosco Ntaganda.

Makenga would later lead his forces to capture North Kivu’s capital, Goma, threatening to continue to Kinshasa.

He was compelled to abandon Goma by the international community and regional leaders including Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Paul Kagame.

M23 accuse the DRC government of reneging on its commitment to address the plight of the people of Eastern Congo including resettlement of refugees, extension of social services and creating a conducive atmosphere to allow political parties freely contest for power.

The movement, which was defeated by a combined force of troops from Tanzania, Malawi, DRC and South Africa, further lays blame on Kabila’s government for torturing and killing M23 members who voluntarily returned to their home country after the war.

The development comes against the backdrop of concerns that President Joseph Kabila would not hand over power at the end of his term this year.

Dozens of opposition activists have been killed in recent political protests challenging Kabila’s hold on power.

Observers say the DRC opposition remains divided, leaving Makenga as the remaining threat to Kabila’s political ambitions.

Bisiimwa said Paluku was employing diversionary tactics “because he has nothing to tell his people.”

He added: “That guy (Paluku) will always use M23 to divert people’s attention from issues that affect them. He will blame us for every wrong thing there.”

Asked to comment on Makenga’s health, Bisiimwa observed: “He is okay. He is in good health.”

The Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom has commended President Yoweri Museveni for creating more administrative units in the Kingdom, which he said has extended services nearer the people.

Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru was addressing his subjects on Friday at Model Primary School in Kagadi District, at the launch of CNOOC Masaza Cup tournament.

The king was happy with the new districts of Kagadi and Kakumiro in the kingdom, which he said have eased service delivery.

He also appreciated the good cooperation between the kingdom and CNOOC, the oil company operating in Bunyoro region.

Meanwhile, the kingdom Prime Minister Norman Lukumu who accompanied the Omukama encouraged the kingdom subjects to produce more children saying Bunyoro kingdom is still under populated.

The Bunyoro Counties participating in the CNOOC Masaza Cup 2016 tournament are Buyaga East and West, Buyanja , Bugangaizi East and West, Kibanda ,Bugahya Buhaguzi among other counties in Bunyoro region.

Fourteen people were arrested on Thursday night and 27 motorcycles that were abandoned by the owners were impounded, during an operation mounted against suspected criminal gangs in Kabale district.

The suspects were picked from of Bomboocha Pub, New California, T & J pub, Mist Club, Oasis pub, all in Kigongi cell, central division in Kabale Municipality following a public outcry on the increasing number of robbers, often disguising as motorcyclists (boda-boda).

Elly Maate Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson says several complaints had been lodged by travelers who have lost handbags, phones and other valuables and others whose vehicles were broken into. All complaints were against boda-boda cyclists, some of who were also accused of rape.

Maate says police was equally perturbed that often, boda-boda cyclists connive with criminals and help them escape when they are being pursued by security.  He says all persons netted in the latest operation were motorcyclists who have not been authorized to operate during night hours.

However, some of the arrested people denied involvement in crime and faulted police for undertaking arrests indiscriminately.

In one of the latest incidences, two cyclists identified as Ivan Ampaire, a resident of Nyanga cell and Owen Owomugisha alias Baletoli from Rwakaraba cell Northern Division in Kabale municipality were arrested for robbing James Akanyijuka of his laptop, digital camera national identity card and 350,000 Shillings.

A group of youth loyal to former Prime Minister and 2016 presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi known as NRM Poor Youth has resumed political activities around the country, Chimp Corps understand..

The group who now call themselves National Youth Activists for Change on Monday morning told journalists in Kampala that as members of the ruling NRM party, they could not sit behind and watch  as things go ‘astray’ yet they can do something to save the situation.

“We are fundamentally and ideologically members of the ruling NRM party who are against the injustices and machinations in this nation,” said the group coordinator Vincent Kaggwa.

“We can’t sit as Makerere University has now been turned into a police barracks yet it is supposed to be a centre for academic excellence.”

They said they were not satisfied by the closure of the university on orders of President Museveni, stressing he had no powers to do so.

Museveni shut down the campus following weeks of unrest that threatened stability in the capital city .

Crane Bank

The group said it could not allow the sale of Crane Bank saying it is not right as this would ensure that the ‘ghost’ share holders would now be sharing the taxpayers’ money.

The group vowed to register members throughout the country as part of their activities meant to ensure they oust President Museveni.

According to the Youth Activists for Change, the way the economy is being run is not the best and that its their duty to ensure things move in the right direction.

“We are starting a campaign named ‘Kisanja Hakuna Mchuzi’ in a bid to cause change of government in Uganda.”

President Museveni at the start of this term launched what he termed as ‘Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo, a Kiswahili statement for serious work.

The group said this was a do-or-die campaign, adding they would not rest until they have achieved their goal of ousting President Museveni.

The group last year launched a series of activities including demonstrations in the city and storming of foreign missions  as some  of the ways they sought to express the discontentment with the ruling NRM government.

The outspoken parish priest of Kihani in Kikyenye, Ibanda district, Rev Fr  Ponsiano Betunguura was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon at Nyamitanga Diocese in Mbarara.

Fr. Betungura passed on last Thursday 11th November 2016 at 10:30am at Ibanda Hospital.

His body was taken at Ibanda Priests’ House from where it was transported to Nyamitanga Diocese in Mbarara where he was laid to rest.

Thousands of mourners poured at the diocese for the grand sendoff. Among these was former opposition presidential candidate Col Dr Kizza Besigye.

Speaking at the burial service, Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga said the Church had “lost a father of all churches,  who’s works in spreading the word of God will be greatly missed.”

Others in attendance included Minister Mary Okrut Karoro who represented President Tower Museveni, and former minister of general duties Tarasisi Kabwegyere.

From the funeral, Dr. Kizza Besigye and his team of FDC top officials proceeded to Ibanda district on a fundraising function for the FDC offices in Ibanda municipality.

Born in April 1956, Late. Fr  Betunguura went to Nyakishojwa primary school, Mbarara junior school, Kabira Boys before he joined  St. George’s T.T.C.

He later attended Katigondo National Seminary and was ordained a diaconate at Nyamitanga Cathedral Parish.

He served in different parishes including at Nyamushekyera Prison as a chaplain.

While serving as the Kihani  parish priest, Betunguura suffered a cancer related ailment and underwent a number of operations in Kampala and Ibanda  where he died last week.

UPDF’s Chief Political  Commissar Col. Felix Kulaigye has been cleared of all wrongdoing in the recent gold related scandal and reinstated back to his office.

Kulaigye was suspended by the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Katumba Wamala in August over his alleged involvement in the Shs200million bad gold deal.

He was suspected to have ordered an armed raid on the offices of a city gold dealer, who had a misunderstanding with one of his relatives.

After his suspension, the CDF constituted an inquiry committee to investigate Kulaigye who was accused by businessman, Richard Kamugisha of storming and looting his premises in the city suburb of Ntinda.

The investigators finalized their work and it was presented to the CDF last week.

When contacted on phone on Saturday evening, Kulaigye confirmed to ChimpReports that he had been cleared and the CDF and instructed to resume his office duties.

It was alleged in June this year that gold dealer Kamugisha, engaged in a transaction with Kulaigye’s niece Brenda Birungi and another Congolese national.

The transaction of 2kgs of gold valued at $60,000 or Shs2000m ended badly when Ms. Birungi felt cheated by the Congolese with help of Komugisha’s company.

Birungi reportedly took the matter to her uncle Kulayigye who is also an army Member of Parliament.

According to Kamugisha, Kulaigye reacted by invading his premises, beating his employees and kidnapping them, grabbing cash and other  precious items.

Kulaigye however denied the claims saying he advised his niece to report the matter to police who indeed carried out the operation.

The National Resistance Movement party has planned to strategically support a candidate or two from the opposition Uganda People’s Congress party in the coming East African Legislative Assembly election.

The move is to edge out candidates from the biggest and the official opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change, who are equally eyeing the same positions.

ChimpReports on Sunday published an exclusive story of UPC’s Chris Opoka`s name being sent to the security for vetting to gauge if he can become the Electoral Commission’s Commissioner.

We have also learnt that the vetting, looking into his local popularity will determine two things.

According to sources close to the development, if Opoka is to be found a political darling in his community and meets other qualities, he will take the Electoral Commission job. If the agents on the ground realize that his popularity is not what is expected, he will be supported to retain his seat at EALA.

EALA GAME 2017

Uganda has 9 seats in the EALA headquartered in the Tanzanian city of Arusha. The election takes place at Parliament and the unwritten custom is that NRM as the biggest party has 6 seats, the entire Opposition 2 and the Independents one seat.

The last election in 2012 was dramatic when FDC boycotted protesting the lion’s share always going to NRM. The UPC and DP immediately grabbed the chance and subsequently Chris Opoka and Fred Mukasa Mbidde ended up in Arusha.

The FDC felt betrayed by the two parties and the then Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Nandala Mafabi reacted by sacking all the UPC and DP MPs from the Shadow Cabinet.

ChimpReports understands FDC is not ready to continue with the boycott and has already within the party circles, lined up a number of candidates including former MPs, Kasiano Wadri, Alice Alaso and Geoffrey Ekanya to be candidates in the coming EALA election.

On the other side, NRM that is cocksure of its 6 slots thanks to its numerical strength at Parliament is also looking at securing for UPC a slot from the 2 seats for the entire opposition.

UPC has only 6 members at Parliament and literally cannot face FDC with 36 members unless NRM butts in.

“FDC has continued to be hostile to us and we now have a friend called UPC. Courtesy demands that we support UPC and that’s the case for EALA,” a source in NRM who asked not to be named told our reporter.

According to the plan, the NRM MPs are going to be briefed before the event and on the Election Day they will all know what to do.

“Our (NRM) members understand the party values and vision. They won’t let us down,” the same source added.

When contacted on phone, the Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa who is currently in Morocco, told ChimpReports that the development has not yet reached her desk and she would not want to speculate.

“I cannot say anything for now. The party is yet to sit and decide on what to do,” Ms. Nankabirwa said.

Meanwhile the UPC Whip at Parliament, Santa Alum told us on phone that the importance of NRM members in the EALA elections cannot be ignored by anyone or any party.

“I am hearing it as news from you but we all know what it means when it comes to EALA elections. All MPs are important during that time and NRM has the biggest number,” Ms. Alum said.

ChimpReports also understands that the NRM is comfortable with Opoka, Mbidde and Susan Nakawuki from the Independent who is also in EALA.

An unidentified man has been electrocuted at Kalambi House opposite the head offices of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change.

The building in Najjanankumbi used to house the offices of the former Rubaga South legislator John Kenny Lukyamuzi.

The victim who has been rushed to the hospital was severely burnt and his clothes ripped by the electricity.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim was trying to paint the iron sheets of the behind building  and he brushed the power cables.

Relatives and friends on Tuesday morning thronged Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church in Mbuya, for the requiem mass of Kenneth Watmon Akena who was fatally shot on Saturday.

Speaking during the requiem mass, Fr. Polino Mondo said it was sad of the life of such a loving man to be cut short this way.

“Everyone who he always came across mattered. Whenever he came here at church, he never passed without greeting everyone,” Fr. Mondo said.

“His death took everyone by surprise.”

According to Dr. Dan Gotto from ACODEV where the deceased worked, Akena lived a simple life and he always loved peace and solving problems amicably.

Relatives and Friends mourn

“I am not surprised that even on the fateful day, he moved out of the car to negotiate. I wish the killers knew at least an inch of his nature and they would not have done it,” Dr. Gotto told mourners.

He said described the deceased as one who loved his job and was closing in to be introduced by his girlfriend in February in Western Uganda.

Gov’t Blasted

Mourners at the service lambasted government for what they termed as increased lawlessness and illegal guns held by people in society.

“Last time it was killings door to door in Kitgum and again our very own has also been killed. This is not business as usual because the hand of the evil is looming everywhere,” Kitgum Municipality MP Hon. Beatrice Anywar told mourners.

Akena was described by workmates a Peaceful man

“We should not give space to government. They ought to tell us where these illegal guns come from.”

The Member of Parliament said that for over 2 decades Northern Uganda was affected by war, and that such incidents revive the memories of the Kony war.

Anywar implored government to ensure that investigations are done to the conclusion so that justice prevails for the deceased.

“We should not jeopardize investigation with tribal sentiments on social media but whoever has information should give it to investigators,” she urged.

Hon Beatrice Anywar (White Necklace) pays her respects to the body of Akena

Fr. Mondo urged police and other security organs involved in investigations into the murder to ensure they are not compromised but see that justice prevails.

“Investigators should not shy away. They should leave no stone unturned in looking for those responsible. We need to see justice prevail,” the man of God said.

Aruu County Member of Parliament Odonga Otto warned government over failure to conclude investigations as this would jeopardize the matter.

“In case investigations fail to yield anything, we shall exhume the body and take it to Kanyamunyu’s home,” Odonga Otto warned.

Biography

Born on November 29,1983 to Eng. Francis Xavier Omona and Mrs. Suzan Omona Tiperu, Kenneth Akena was the 5^th born of the family’s 7 children.

The child protection specialist at AODEV who was shot dead on Saturday at Forest Mall in Kampala will be laid to rest on Wednesday at Gangdyang in Kitgum town.

Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Major Gen Kahinda Otafire has argued the people of Ibanda to be cautious and elect leaders that will lead them to their desired aspirations in the coming Municipality polls.

Gavious Katafiire passed on aged 105

The minister warned yesterday that some FDC leaders countrywide are in the practice of crossing to NRM during the election season and once they are successful they cross back to the leading opposition party.

Kahinda warned that voters must be cautious about these groups of people, especially now as the new Ibanda Municipality closes in on voting for its Parliament representation.

The Minister was representing President Yoweri Museveni at the burial service of former civil servant Gavous Katafire who died at the 102 years.

Otafiire in remarks was making reference to one Bishanga Tarsis Rwaburindore, one of the Municipality Parliamentary contenders, who according to reports is purporting to cross into NRM yet “at night he is seen hobnobbing with FDC officials including Mbarara party chairman Stanley Katembeyi.

The outgoing Electoral Commission Chairman Eng Dr Badru Kiggundu on Tuesday made his last press address as the head of the electoral body, listing the various ups and downs hat he went through during his decade and a half tenure.

Dr Kiggundu named some of the huddles he faced at the commission intolerance and electoral violence, which he said remain the greatest threats to free and fair elections in Uganda.

“Others included late enactment or amendment of enabling laws, funding shortfalls, persistent negative perception of the commission as partisan demoralizes staff, commercialization of politics  voter apathy, poor remuneration of the Electoral Commission staff , poor office facilities and marginal capital development allocation” he said

While addressing the media at Imperial Royal hotel, Eng Kiggundu asked the government to set up institutes that can train people to handle electoral management.

“Electoral management is not formally taught in any institution in Uganda. We need such institutes; that is why I am asking government to put up an institution to help solve this issue.”

Dr Kiggundu was nominated by the President in 2002 as the chairman of the electoral commission and again in 2009 up to 2016. He worked alongside two teams one from 2002 to 2009 and from 2009 and 2016.

At the press address, Eng Kiggundu who recently scooped a new job in the energy sector, dispelled common talk that he more than often leaned toward the ruling NRM party.

“As a person, I don’t support any political party or affiliated to any party colors. May be l will make a decision now that my contract is done. Uganda is young in terms of democracy; it is still growing and we have a lot of hope in it,” he said.

“I wish the incoming team the best so that they can serve Uganda to their best”.

Opposition Democratic Party (DP) has called upon government to come up with stronger laws and guidelines governing the possession of firearms by civilians in the country.

This follows the recent murder of a one Kenneth Akena by yet to be determined assailants over the weekend.

DP spokesperson, Paul Kenneth Kakande told the media on Tuesday that this is not the first time Ugandans are misusing firearms citing the alleged murder by Andrew Desh Kananura and DPC Aaron Baguma.

“As a party we are greatly touched by the impunity that is going on in the country. We have noted with great disappointment that there are people who have fire arms just because they are connected to those in power,” Kakande noted.

“The manner and ways in which they use these guns has put lives of many Ugandans at risk. A case in point is one which happened recently in Lugogo,” Kakande said.

“We need laws which are very tough on people who possess fire arms and guidelines which must be followed by those who give out guns to civilians or the manner in which men in uniform are using these guns.”

Kakande noted that government should prevail on some Ugandans who feel they are bigger than others and take the law in their hands.

“We call upon government and those in charge of security not to allow this situation to deteriorate because if they do people might begin taking laws in their arms.”