Category «National News»

President Kenyatta defends changes to electoral laws

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has defended the proposed controversial changes to electoral laws amid spirited opposition from various quarters. Addressing a campaign rally in Busia this evening, Kenyatta has told Jubilee supporters that these changes would help prevent future mistakes by placing criminal responsibility on electoral officials who fail to follow regulations. Mr Kenyatta argues that mistakes realized in the August polls will be prevented by amending the law. The proposed changes have drawn criticism from the opposition National Super Alliance, whose candidate Raila Odinga accuses the ruling party of changing the rules of the game at a wrong time.

Housing deficit in Uganda has increased

By Benjamin Jumbe: The housing unit deficit in Uganda has increased in the last one year from 1.6M to 2M housing units. This has been revealed by the state minister for Housing Dr Chris Baryomunsi ahead of the world habitat day due next week. Addressing journalists at Media Center minister Baryomunsi attributed this to among other things the high population growth rate in the country and rapid urbanization as he elaborates The world habitat day is to be held on Monday next week with national celebrations to be held in Mbale under the theme “Housing policies and affordable homes”

Over 6000 receive free yellow fever vaccination

By Ritah Kemigisa: Over 6000 people have been immunized in the three day free yellow fever campaign organized by the National Medical Stores and the ministry of health that ends today to reward tax payers. Speaking to Kfm at Kololo independence grounds on the last day of the URA tax payers appreciation week, the NMS General Manager Moses Kamabare says by the end of today more than 10,000 people are expected to be immunized and issued with yellow fever cards. Kamabare says due to the overwhelming turn up of people the ministry of health together with NMS have decided to add more five days for the free services adding that come next week the services shall still be offered to …

Parliament asked to constitute committee to review fracas

By Ritah Kemigisa The Uganda Law Society has described the intrusion of military personnel and police into the chambers of parliament as witnessed on Wednesday as a surrender of the parliamentary supremacy to the executive. In a statement, the society vice president Alice Namuli says the intrusion was uncalled for since according to the law any matter that arises concerning the parliament is supposed to be ruled by parliament and not elsewhere. Namuli thus says the intrusion of military personnel to handle the unruly legislators is a violation of the principles of separation of powers similar to the black Mamba siege of the Judiciary. She is now calling upon parliament to constitute a select committee of both NRM and Opposition …

Museveni voices EAC concerns on EPAs to EU commission chief

President Yoweri Museveni has asked European Union Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to address the concerns raised by East African Community (EAC) member states on the Economic Partnership Agreements. Leading a delegation of EA trade ministers to the meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels, President Museveni, who is also Chairperson of the EAC, noted that the bloc sought several clarifications before making a final decision on the EPAs. Key among the concerns is the question of strategic industrial development, the denunciation process, development agenda, the rendezvous, joint declaration and domestic support. On strategic industrial development, President Museveni noted that once the trade pact is signed, up-to 65% of imports (mainly machinery and raw materials for industrialization) from the EU to …