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Tag: Uganda

  • Uganda tourism board, airline makes inroad into Nigerian market

    Uganda tourism board, airline makes inroad into Nigerian market

     Uganda Airlines has begun flights into the Nigerian airports.

    This was after months of planning, checks and fulfilling the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s  (NCAA) requirements,

    This was part of the aggressive marketing programme by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to woo Nigerians to patronise the airline and visit Uganda as a tourist destination.

    The Uganda Airlines will be having three-weekly flights to Lagos with the Nigerian government further granting approval for operations to Abuja and Kano airports in line with the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM).

    The development is well-received by the Nigerian travelers clamoring for cheaper airfares, shorter flight time to East Africa and ease connectivity for Europe, Middle East and Asia from West and East Africa.

    Excited at the seamless connectivity milestone, Jenifer Bamuturaki, chief executive officer, Uganda Airlines, noted that the journey to connect Africa more has begun with about a three and half hours flight from Entebbe to Lagos.

    According to her, with shorter flight time, Nigerian passengers connecting to Mumbai or Dubai do not have to go 10 hours across directions, as Entebbe offers faster route to their destinations.

    However, the inaugural flight is most welcomed by the Uganda Tourism Board, the country’s agency responsible for marketing and promoting the country, which is nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Africa’, especially her tourism to the world.

    Speaking in Lagos, after the inaugural flight Samora Semakula, Quality Assurance Manager, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), noted that the importance of a national air carrier cannot be over-emphasized in destination marketing as it ensures seamless connectivity and inflow of tourists, business travellers and  corporate organisations to the country to explore its tourism offerings.

    Semakula, who spoke to the Nigerian travel media at Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, noted that Nigeria is one of the five source markets for Uganda Tourism Board and the connecting flight between the two countries would ensure smoother and more robust tourism, cultural and business exchanges between the two countries.

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    According to him, with three and half hours flight from Entebbe to Lagos, and cheaper airfare, Uganda is a better offer for the Nigerian holidaymakers, pilgrims and business travelers and even those seeking to connect the world through East Africa.

    On visa, he noted that Ugandan visa regime has always been friendly, but with the flight and more passengers set to flock the country, Uganda has put in place a smoother visa processing system, which offers visas within 24 hours, amid efficient online processing for visitors on-the-go.

    With all these going for Uganda, Semakula welcomes Nigerians to The Pearl of Africa, while highlighting the numerous tourism offerings and potential that abound in the country.

    Talking about reasons for Nigerian tourists to visit Uganda,   the UTB executive said: “Uganda the Pearl of Africa because of its diverse natural endowment and beauty. Some of Africa’s most sought-after species live in Uganda, like the Big Five, we have the highest number of the world’s gorillas and the chimpanzees are there too.

     “Uganda is also the source of River Nile, the longest river in the world, and home  to Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa.

    It has a diverse culture across 56 tribes, and there is harmony among the people, while the country is peaceful, politically and economically stable. You need to visit Uganda,” he explained.

  • Ooni meets Uganda’s President Museveni to discuss African economic prosperity

    Ooni meets Uganda’s President Museveni to discuss African economic prosperity

    In continuation of his parley with world leaders across the continent to foster bilateral relationships, cultural exchange, and promotion of peace and stability, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II CFR is currently on a 7-day working visit to the Republic of Uganda.

    The monarch was in Uganda on the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Mrs Janet Museveni to celebrate the couple on their wedding anniversary and vow renewal in the president’s hometown; Rukungiri, Uganda.

    After attending the ceremony, Ooni Adeyeye met privately with President Museveni at the State House in Entebbe to discuss unity and strengthening bilateral relationships among Africa.

    Ooni alongside his entourage which comprises his wife Olori Temitope Ogunwusi and Alara of Ilara-Epe kingdom Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo woos the Ugandan Leader on the need to foster more trade and business relationships between Nigeria and Uganda, while making a case for more investment, need for economic stability across Africa.

    He, however, noted that traditional rulers and their institutions across Africa should bridge the gap between the populace and the government.

    He also laid emphasis on traditional rulers acting as catalysts for change influencing sociocultural development and economic emancipation within their domain.

    Ooni disclosed that when the general populace is happy with the policies of government with enough investment in infrastructural deficit, creation of Jobs and employment, ease of doing business, and investment in education, healthcare, and social amenities it will further rekindle the strong hope the people have in democracy.

    Read Also: Ooni congratulates Olajide John on emergence as CCA chairman

    He said: “It is interesting to be here and also to celebrate with His Excellency on the occasion of his wedding anniversary. As a traditional leader and the Progenitor of the Oduduwa race, it is essential to speak on the need for peace and economic liberation among Africans. As leaders, we need to prioritise our people’s welfare and also have it in mind that there can never be a leader without followers.”

    “I want to thank President Museveni for prioritising his people and speaking in one voice with other African leaders on issues affecting the growth of Africa. Africa must rise to the task ahead and maintain a stable economy. As leaders, we must promote more trade activities among ourselves and also give room for more investment to drive the change so Africa can be self-sufficient in all ways.”

    “The borderless African continent is an unexploited asset that is critical to unlocking the economic potential of African countries. The vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagships for the continent’s shared wealth and economic boom. It is a game changer that can provide a tariff-free framework that should have been in existence since 1957 when Ghana became the first African country to achieve independence from colonial rule. It is time to build the “Africa that We Want,” not as a slogan, but as an epic movement that restores Africa’s honour, pride, and reverence, from aid to trade.”

    Ooni further harped on the Global Peace Agenda and his Ojaja Pan-African Business Initiatives currently extending its tentacles outside the shores of Nigeria and his pursuit of welfarism for people of African descent, unification of African people globally for peace and economic stability. He is also ready to partner with the Ugandan government to invest more in sectors that need to be revitalized.

    The monarch stated: “I am here to let you know that Ojaja Pan African initiative is ready to invest in Uganda to further enhance social cultural and economic ties amongst Africans. We Africans are so close to one another but very far in our dealings and relationships. Nobody will help us bond and bind together but we Africans. Let’s keep using what connects us much more than what divides us to Foster peace and continental economic enhancement.”

    President Museveni also thanked His Imperial Majesty for honouring his invitation and disclosed his readiness to work with his majesty on the need to drive more trade and investment opportunities to Uganda.

    The monarch added: “I am pleased to have you here your majesty and I am a great admirer of you and what you have been doing most especially women and youth empowerment and your promotion of culture and trade across Africa and outside the continent. We Ugandans are open to more partnerships. We are open to synergizing with you and the Nigerian people. We are brothers and we are bound by one ideology as Africans so we must always remain one regardless of anything that happens. My door is always open for you and your team. We will work with you and ensure a robust bilateral relationship between Uganda and Nigeria.”

  • AFCON 2019: Uganda’s Desabre targets knockout stages

    Uganda head coach Sébastien Desabre has revealed his ambition for this year’s continental showpiece. The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations officially kicks-off in Egypt on Friday with Uganda in action a day later against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Cairo.

    Desabre’s men are paired alongside the host nation, while Zimbabwe round off what is a competitive Group A.

    While Egypt are clear favourites to progress as group winners, the other three teams are all very closely matched. The Cranes, who lost to the Pharaohs in Gabon two years ago, will be desperate to improve on their showing at the 2017 tournament where they finished bottom of the group.

    Read Also: Eaglets must beat Uganda U-17 — Nwosu

    “The camp where we prepared for the African Cup of Nations was the first step for us as we spent two weeks in Abu Dhabi, and I am very happy to be here in Egypt and I hope to achieve the title,” Desabre told EN Sports.

    “Egypt is a big team, but there are other big teams in the tournament and we can not ignore them. Our focus will be on Zimbabwe and Congo because all the games are tough. Winning two matches in the group stage means qualifying for the next round.”

     

  • 17 killed in Uganda after heavy rains, flooding

    At least 17 people – mostly children – died after heavy rains in eastern Uganda caused by flooding, police said on Tuesday.

    The rains hit the districts of Kamuli and Buyende during the night, with some people drowning in the flood waters and others hit by collapsing walls, the region’s police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said.

    “Many of the children could not quickly run away from the floods and it’s probably the reason why they died in large numbers,” he said.

    More than 50 injured people have been taken to hospital and police say they expect to retrieve more bodies.

    Read Also: Uganda understudies Nigeria’s pension model

    In October 2018, at least 34 people were killed in mudslides triggered by torrential rains in a mountainous area of eastern Uganda that is prone to such disasters, Red Cross spokeswoman, Irene Nakasiita, said.

    People were killed by boulders and chunks of mud rolling down hills following a sustained period of heavy rains Thursday afternoon in the district of Bududa.

    Houses were destroyed in at least three villages, and in some cases only body parts of the victims have been recovered from the mud, she said.

    “We expect the death toll to increase as some people are still missing,” she said. “It’s really bad.”

    In March 2010, at least 100 people died in similar mudslides in Bududa, and injuries or deaths have been reported every year since then during the wet season.

    Efforts by Uganda’s government over the years to relocate people have not succeeded.

    NAN

  • Eaglets play out 1-1 draw against Uganda, to face Guinea in semis

     

    World cup bound Eaglets Saturday played out a 1-1 draw with their Ugandan counterparts in the last group match of the ongoing Under 17 Nations cup in Tanzania.

    The Ugandan who desperately needed a win to hazard a chance of progressing shot into the lead in the 68th minute of the match through substitute John Alou. The Eaglets however came from behind to level up in the 74th minute thanks to Ibraheem Jabaar who got a timely assist from Olakunle Olusegun.

    The Ugandans who afterwards mounted a lot of pressure with intent to increase the tally failed to achieve the dream as the Eaglets stood their ground but wasted some begging chances that would have handed them outright victory to ensure three wins in three matches.

    The team nonetheless finished the group stage on high, topping the group with seven points above Angola who finished in the second position thus showing both hosts and Uganda the exit doors.

    Eaglets will await the outcome of the ties between Guinea versus Morocco and Cameroon versus Senegal on Sunday.  Cameroon lead group B with 6 points going into Sunday’s match while Guinea occupy the second position with three points going into Sunday’s match.

    Morocco and Senegal have already crashed with just a point each. Eaglets are likely to face Guinea in the semifinals while Cameroon who will be looking to consolidate their lead Sunday will face Angola in the second semifinals on Wednesday. The finals of the championship take place on April 28 at National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

     

     

     

     

  • Amuneke leads Taifa Stars to first AFCON in 39years

    Tanzania ended their 39-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance as former Super Eagles’ winger Emmanuel Amuneke guided the Taifa Stars to automatic qualification for Egypt 2019 courtesy a 3-0 home win against Uganda.

    The erstwhile Golden Eaglets manager took charge of the East African side in August and was tasked with the responsibility of developing football in the country with little expectation of making it to AFCON 2019 as Uganda and Cape Verde were rated as Group L favourites.

    However, the Nigerian did the unthinkable as he inspired the team to qualify for their first AFCON since 1980. Coincidentally, the last time the Taifa Stars played at the Africa Cup of Nations was in Nigeria.

    Tanzania went into the final group match against Uganda, knowing that a win against Cranes will take them through to the 2019 AFCON while hoping Lesotho fails to win away to Cape Verde.

    Simon Msuwa gave Tanzania a first half lead against Uganda and six minutes into the second half, Erasto Nyoni scored a penalty to make it 2-0 before Aggrey Morris completed the rout. The victory was made even sweeter as news filtered in that the Lesotho versus Cape Verde match had ended goalless.

    Uganda had never conceded any goals in the group before the game against Tanzania and it was refreshing for fans that Amunike led the Taifa Stars to a comprehensive victory in a derby game which earned them an AFCON ticket.

    Uganda finished on top of Group L with 13points, Tanzania came in second with eighth points, Lesotho sit third with six points and Cape Verde is bottom with five points.

  • Uganda deports MTN chief executive

    Uganda’s security agencies and immigration department have deported the chief executive of the largest telecommunications company in the country over security reasons.

    MTN Uganda yesterday confirmed the deportation of Wim Vanhelleputte.

    “MTN has not been notified of the grounds for the deportation,” the company however tweeted.

    Vanhelleputte, a Belgian national, was deported to Belgium late on Thursday over circumstances of threatening national security, said police spokesman, Fred Enanga.

    Vanhelleputte is the fourth employee of the South African multinational company to be deported in the past several weeks, following the deportations of a French, Rwandan and Italian employee.

    Read also: How MTN impacts lives of Nigerian youths

    MTN has appointed Gordian Kyomukama, currently chief technology officer, as acting chief executive to ensure business continuity.

    When he recently met Rob Shuter, chief executive officer of the MTN Group, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, said he had warned the company against “under-declaring calls’’ and “cheating government of revenue,” noting that the government had bought machines to track calls.

    Museveni insisted that the company must list its shares on the local stock exchange to enable Ugandans to own part of it.

  • Customs to partner Uganda on electronic cargo tracking – Col. Ali

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to partner Uganda Customs on the implementation of electronic cargo tracking system in the monitoring and management of goods in transit within and outside the borders of the country.

    The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), retired Col. Hameed Ali, revealed this in his interaction with newsmen at a lecture organised by the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, “The Nigeria Customs have reached some understanding in the area of electronic cargo tracking which is a flagship project of the Uganda Customs Organization, which is effective in monitoring goods in transit and in the transfer of containers from one port to the other without the fear of illegal diversion.

    “Our research and development department have been charged to look at all proposals and to figure out what we really need to get electronic cargo tracking in place. We hope to reach all stakeholders to get their buy-in.

    “It is our hope that if all things work out fine, by next year, if the finances are given and we reach an agreement with our technologists and service providers, we should be able to start something even if it is in a small scale and expand as we go on.

    “The Electronic tracking system is not only a matter of the technology but we also must put in place the enforcement for it to be effective.”

    Read Also: Two Ugandan peacekeepers killed in ambush in Somalia

    Ali also added that: “We also have frank discussions on anti-corruption strategies based on zero tolerance; we are ready to deploy appropriate strategies which focus on addressing the basic human needs of officers and fight and bring to the barest minimum systemic corruption.”

    He therefore urged officers of the NCS to work for the interest of the Customs and extricate every form of illegal acquisition of riches and stand for what is right even if it is not a popular decision.

    According to him, “Monetary inducement is not motivation. No amount of money is ever enough. Inner motivation (pride) is what gets you doing your job not the external motivation (money) you receive.”

    The NSC boss urged officers to be leaders who are firm in their decision and not seek to be nice and people pleasers.

    The Commissioner of Customs, Uganda Revenue Authority, Mr Kateshumbwa Dicksons, in his address said: “I am here because of the close collaboration between the Uganda Customs and the NCS. Both countries as members of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the African Union (AU) play significant roles in the affairs of Customs at the local and international level.

    “Our political leaders have given us direction towards implementing the Africa Continental Free Trade agreement which is now the latest flagship initiative across our continent. For us to be able to implement that, it demands a lot of harmonization across administrations and Customs.

    “This is an opportunity to strengthen our administrations by working together. We are collaborating in terms of sharing experiences and capacity building.

    “All countries across the world are competing for investment. If you have a country with a lot of red tape procedures, difficult environment and high cost of living, investors will move to countries that have good investment climate. So, we have to put in place the right procedures and the right people to implement those procedures.”

  • Balogun out of Nigeria, Uganda tie

    Super Eagles’ defender Leon Balogun has been ruled out of Tuesday’s international friendly between Nigeria and the Cranes of Uganda in Asaba.

    NationSport gathered that Balogun sustained a knock while on duty for Nigeria in a 2019 AFCON qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg last Saturday and had to return to England for further treatment.

    The Brighton central defender will, therefore, join Kenneth Omeruo as the two players excluded from the 23-man squad ahead of the friendly on Tuesday.

    As the Super Eagles, Uganda has also qualified for next year’s AFCON in Cameroon after they pipped visiting Cape Verde 1-0 at home on Saturday.

    The Nigerian delegation arrived in Asaba yesterday on a chartered flight ahead of the friendly on Tuesday.

  • Uganda understudies Nigeria’s pension model

    Ugandan pension regulatory body, Uganda Retirements Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), is eyeing Nigeria’s pension model, the Contributory Pension Scheme, with a view to adopting it.

    The coutry’s pension regulatory body, led by its Chairman, Andrew Kasiriye is in the country to understudy the scheme, a statement by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), has said.

    PenCom’s Head, Corporate Communications, Peter Aghahowa, who received the delegation in Abuja, said in a statement, that PenCom is showcasing its pension model to the visiting delegates.

    “The Commission received a delegation from URBRA comprising the Chairman, Andrew Kasiriye, Secretary to the Board, Rita Nansasi Waswa and Daisy Linda Nabakoosa.

    “The four-day visit will avail the delegates insights to Nigeria’s pension system with particular interest on the Commission’s model of the Micro Pension Plan for the informal sector.”

    Kasiriye said the Ugandan pension regulatory body is looking to introduce micro pension to the informal sector in Uganda.

    During the visit, the URBRA delegates will review several aspects of the Nigerian pension system including the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) for the pension schemes, he said.