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    Impressive AGM: Umeme Jumps out of Covid-19 Frying Pan with UGX139Bn Harvest, Sets UGX88Bn for Shareholders

    Impressive AGM: Umeme Jumps out of Covid-19 Frying Pan with UGX139Bn Harvest, Sets UGX88Bn for Shareholders

    Oulanya Substitute: EC issues Campaign plan and Polling Day for Omoro County Parliamentary Seat fill 

    Oulanya Substitute: EC issues Campaign plan and Polling Day for Omoro County Parliamentary Seat fill

    Intelligence Xclusive: Gen. Muhoozi eyes Premier Peter Mayiga for Vice Presidency, Chairman Norbert Mao for Prime Minister

    Intelligence Xclusive: Gen. Muhoozi eyes Premier Peter Mayiga for Vice Presidency, Chairman Norbert Mao for Prime Minister

    Must Read Big Story: Tycoon Patrick Bitature Floors South African Loan Sharks in Fraudulent UDS30M Transaction

    Must Read Big Story: Tycoon Patrick Bitature Floors South African Loan Sharks in Fraudulent UDS30M Transaction

    EC New Home Panic: Ugly Encumbrances emerge on Butabika Land, IGG Strips Self Naked as Ownership gets questioned

    EC New Home Panic: Ugly Encumbrances emerge on Butabika Land, IGG Strips Self Naked as Ownership gets questioned

    Salim Saleh: The General who Rejected to be President but Elected Playing Second Fiddle and diffusing Poverty from Society!

    Salim Saleh: The General who Rejected to be President but Elected Playing Second Fiddle and diffusing Poverty from Society!

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    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    Outgoing PRAU President Cynthia Mpanga (right) hands over the key to new PRAU President Sarah Kagingo as PRAU Patron Min. Frank Tumwebaze looks on

    Hon. Frank Tumwebaze graces PRAU Governing Council Handover Ceremony

    UG Pineapple at B&W

    It was Blankets and Pineapple Waragi as SA’s Distruction Boys entertain Kampala

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

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    Cindy Sanyu to headline Eastern Megafest

    Vincent Omoth – Marketing Manager Fresh Dairy (L) hands over 20 classroom desks to Head Teacher Kirinya Catholic School

    Fresh Dairy donates classroom desks to Kirinya Catholic Primary School

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    3rd ‘BAT’ on Target: Uganda Cricket Women National Team’s Kevin Awino Snatches 3rdfor Victoria Pearls but…

    3rd ‘BAT’ on Target: Uganda Cricket Women National Team’s Kevin Awino Snatches 3rdfor Victoria Pearls but…

    Stanbic Uganda Cup: The Rivalry is down to Two Clubs’ Trade affairs with either BUL FC or Vipers SC to gloss on Top

    Stanbic Uganda Cup: The Rivalry is down to Two Clubs’ Trade affairs with either BUL FC or Vipers SC to gloss on Top

    The Victory-ia Pearls Cricket Team Thrashes ICC’s High Ranking Women Nepal side, goes Chest-thumping

    The Victory-ia Pearls Cricket Team Thrashes ICC’s High Ranking Women Nepal side, goes Chest-thumping

    Jumping to the Topmost: Nansana Galaxy Club Currently enjoying the Top Spot of the 2022 ULF top tier Ludo League

    Jumping to the Topmost: Nansana Galaxy Club Currently enjoying the Top Spot of the 2022 ULF top tier Ludo League

    Deservedly Honoured: Hasifah Nassuuna Receives a Standing Ovation on scoring her 100th goal, Setting a historical Record

    Deservedly Honoured: Hasifah Nassuuna Receives a Standing Ovation on scoring her 100th goal, Setting a historical Record

    More Clout: Crested Cranes Welcome Two Professionals, set to face Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti at Women Championship 

    More Clout: Crested Cranes Welcome Two Professionals, set to face Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti at Women Championship

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    Expert adds Scientific Angle to NCS’s Witchcraft Scandal without Dismissing the Vice as a Big Pass time for Africans

    Expert adds Scientific Angle to NCS’s Witchcraft Scandal without Dismissing the Vice as a Big Pass time for Africans

    Covid-Funds-Theft Records: Top Health Ministry Officials Stuck with UGX52Bn Loot as Districts Jam to Account for Air 

    Covid-Funds-Theft Records: Top Health Ministry Officials Stuck with UGX52Bn Loot as Districts Jam to Account for Air

    National Water and Sewerage Corporation Technical Staff’ Skills Enhanced for Better Service Delivery 

    National Water and Sewerage Corporation Technical Staff’ Skills Enhanced for Better Service Delivery

    The Story: How Nabilah’s Sobbing Husband Ssempala Left a Hole into which Barya Slipped and Filled

    The Story: How Nabilah’s Sobbing Husband Ssempala Left a Hole into which Barya Slipped and Filled

    U`re Hypocrites: Ugandan Socialite Zaituni Kirigwajjo aka Zari Freezes her Appearances on all Uganda Events 

    U`re Hypocrites: Ugandan Socialite Zaituni Kirigwajjo aka Zari Freezes her Appearances on all Uganda Events

    Kudos Guys: NBL Keeps Mum as Mwiiri OBs and MACOS Respond to SOS Call and Raise UGX16M for Sick Shem Ssemambo

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    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    UG Pineapple at B&W

    It was Blankets and Pineapple Waragi as SA’s Distruction Boys entertain Kampala

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

    Cindy Sanyu

    Cindy Sanyu to headline Eastern Megafest

  • 2021 Uganda Elections
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    Impressive AGM: Umeme Jumps out of Covid-19 Frying Pan with UGX139Bn Harvest, Sets UGX88Bn for Shareholders

    Impressive AGM: Umeme Jumps out of Covid-19 Frying Pan with UGX139Bn Harvest, Sets UGX88Bn for Shareholders

    Oulanya Substitute: EC issues Campaign plan and Polling Day for Omoro County Parliamentary Seat fill 

    Oulanya Substitute: EC issues Campaign plan and Polling Day for Omoro County Parliamentary Seat fill

    Intelligence Xclusive: Gen. Muhoozi eyes Premier Peter Mayiga for Vice Presidency, Chairman Norbert Mao for Prime Minister

    Intelligence Xclusive: Gen. Muhoozi eyes Premier Peter Mayiga for Vice Presidency, Chairman Norbert Mao for Prime Minister

    Must Read Big Story: Tycoon Patrick Bitature Floors South African Loan Sharks in Fraudulent UDS30M Transaction

    Must Read Big Story: Tycoon Patrick Bitature Floors South African Loan Sharks in Fraudulent UDS30M Transaction

    EC New Home Panic: Ugly Encumbrances emerge on Butabika Land, IGG Strips Self Naked as Ownership gets questioned

    EC New Home Panic: Ugly Encumbrances emerge on Butabika Land, IGG Strips Self Naked as Ownership gets questioned

    Salim Saleh: The General who Rejected to be President but Elected Playing Second Fiddle and diffusing Poverty from Society!

    Salim Saleh: The General who Rejected to be President but Elected Playing Second Fiddle and diffusing Poverty from Society!

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Tech
    • All
    • Apps
    • Gadget
    • Mobile
    • Startup
    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    Outgoing PRAU President Cynthia Mpanga (right) hands over the key to new PRAU President Sarah Kagingo as PRAU Patron Min. Frank Tumwebaze looks on

    Hon. Frank Tumwebaze graces PRAU Governing Council Handover Ceremony

    UG Pineapple at B&W

    It was Blankets and Pineapple Waragi as SA’s Distruction Boys entertain Kampala

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

    Cindy Sanyu

    Cindy Sanyu to headline Eastern Megafest

    Vincent Omoth – Marketing Manager Fresh Dairy (L) hands over 20 classroom desks to Head Teacher Kirinya Catholic School

    Fresh Dairy donates classroom desks to Kirinya Catholic Primary School

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Sports
    3rd ‘BAT’ on Target: Uganda Cricket Women National Team’s Kevin Awino Snatches 3rdfor Victoria Pearls but…

    3rd ‘BAT’ on Target: Uganda Cricket Women National Team’s Kevin Awino Snatches 3rdfor Victoria Pearls but…

    Stanbic Uganda Cup: The Rivalry is down to Two Clubs’ Trade affairs with either BUL FC or Vipers SC to gloss on Top

    Stanbic Uganda Cup: The Rivalry is down to Two Clubs’ Trade affairs with either BUL FC or Vipers SC to gloss on Top

    The Victory-ia Pearls Cricket Team Thrashes ICC’s High Ranking Women Nepal side, goes Chest-thumping

    The Victory-ia Pearls Cricket Team Thrashes ICC’s High Ranking Women Nepal side, goes Chest-thumping

    Jumping to the Topmost: Nansana Galaxy Club Currently enjoying the Top Spot of the 2022 ULF top tier Ludo League

    Jumping to the Topmost: Nansana Galaxy Club Currently enjoying the Top Spot of the 2022 ULF top tier Ludo League

    Deservedly Honoured: Hasifah Nassuuna Receives a Standing Ovation on scoring her 100th goal, Setting a historical Record

    Deservedly Honoured: Hasifah Nassuuna Receives a Standing Ovation on scoring her 100th goal, Setting a historical Record

    More Clout: Crested Cranes Welcome Two Professionals, set to face Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti at Women Championship 

    More Clout: Crested Cranes Welcome Two Professionals, set to face Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti at Women Championship

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel
    Expert adds Scientific Angle to NCS’s Witchcraft Scandal without Dismissing the Vice as a Big Pass time for Africans

    Expert adds Scientific Angle to NCS’s Witchcraft Scandal without Dismissing the Vice as a Big Pass time for Africans

    Covid-Funds-Theft Records: Top Health Ministry Officials Stuck with UGX52Bn Loot as Districts Jam to Account for Air 

    Covid-Funds-Theft Records: Top Health Ministry Officials Stuck with UGX52Bn Loot as Districts Jam to Account for Air

    National Water and Sewerage Corporation Technical Staff’ Skills Enhanced for Better Service Delivery 

    National Water and Sewerage Corporation Technical Staff’ Skills Enhanced for Better Service Delivery

    The Story: How Nabilah’s Sobbing Husband Ssempala Left a Hole into which Barya Slipped and Filled

    The Story: How Nabilah’s Sobbing Husband Ssempala Left a Hole into which Barya Slipped and Filled

    U`re Hypocrites: Ugandan Socialite Zaituni Kirigwajjo aka Zari Freezes her Appearances on all Uganda Events 

    U`re Hypocrites: Ugandan Socialite Zaituni Kirigwajjo aka Zari Freezes her Appearances on all Uganda Events

    Kudos Guys: NBL Keeps Mum as Mwiiri OBs and MACOS Respond to SOS Call and Raise UGX16M for Sick Shem Ssemambo

    Kudos Guys: NBL Keeps Mum as Mwiiri OBs and MACOS Respond to SOS Call and Raise UGX16M for Sick Shem Ssemambo

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Game of Thrones
    • MotoGP 2017
    • eSports
    • Fashion Week
  • Opinions
    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    UNBS closes Sunshare factory over failure to comply with Standards

    UG Pineapple at B&W

    It was Blankets and Pineapple Waragi as SA’s Distruction Boys entertain Kampala

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

    To Connect the Unconnected with Innovations towards Inclusive Growth

    Cindy Sanyu

    Cindy Sanyu to headline Eastern Megafest

  • 2021 Uganda Elections
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COVID-19 funds grabbers unmasked: Presidential advisor Dr Musenero’s Ghost Agency sucks UGX.31BN out of national revenue pool

September 19, 2020
inCrime, Local News, News
COVID-19 funds grabbers unmasked: Presidential advisor Dr Musenero’s Ghost Agency sucks UGX.31BN out of national revenue pool

Dr. Monica Musenero has been at the fore front of fighting epidemics in Uganda; just as she was vital in battling Covid19 (Courtesy Photo)

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Investigation Exclusive: Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, government agencies have invented genius ways to splash taxpayer’ bills. Many a time neither accountability nor follow-up reports have been given after money is released.

How exactly the UGX21Bn was expended on locusts is still a mystery. Oh! The UGX10Bn supplementary budget for parliamentarians pay-out; how did that end? This has been the norm in the country. Complacency of the resigned public has created state leeway to operate without consequence.

Perhaps not shockingly, we have authoritatively learned that a ghost agency is claiming UGX31Bn from the consolidated fund. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has liaised with an unknown entity called the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE) instigated by the Senior Presidential Adviser on epidemics, Dr Monica Musenero, to finance ‘research’ projects related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

MOSTI, acting as the legal accounting entity in the agreement, has earmarked the handsome sums to allegedly be utilized for projects that will be approved by PRESIDE for developing vaccines, diagnostics and drugs for Covid19. It can be seen from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties that this ghost entity will monitor and evaluate the projects it approves.

Oddly, PRESIDE will essentially be overseeing projects that are already running and fully funded! In our possession is an MoU between the Ministry and PRESIDE. Under para 2.3 of the same, the latter has allegedly been constituted and authorized for operational implementation, supervision and management of the projects related to the pandemic.

Yet, the president has not made any public mention of this entity. When we reached out to the MOSTI Permanent Secretary, Mr. David O. O Obong, he promised to get back to us. However, our relentless reminders passed in vain. The Senior Press Secretary to His Excellency, Mr. Don Innocent Wanyama, laughed off the possible existence of any such entity; noting that we sounded like ‘civil society guys.’

MOSTI Permanent Secretary, Mr. David O. O Obong (Courtesy Photo)

This stands out especially because the son of Kaguta has made it habitual to brief the country about any developments regarding the virus and entities entrusted to curb it. The absence of press coverage for a non-military initiative that will cost government a staggering UGX.31Bn is diametrically opposed to the government policies of transparency.

Perusing the MoU, we observe that whereas PRESIDE has been awarded UGX.15.7Bn for equipment costs as well as UGX.15BN for operational costs, the ministry too, retained UGX.3Bn and UGX.5Bn for equipment and operational costs for the same Covid-19 related research. A further UGX.7.9Bn was allotted for a textile manufacturing unit.

Among the projects to be ‘handled’ by PRESIDE is a self-amplifying NRA by Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) which was slated to get UGX.700M. Yet, there is already an ongoing research project by the Imperial College London at UVRI doing exactly the same.

In addition, a research project for Immune Therapy Convalescent Plasma at Makerere University is already underway and funded by the university innovation fund. However, the PRESIDE budget shows that it will grant UGX.700M for the same research project to be run by Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) at the same premises – Makerere.

Also, JCRC is to get an additional UGX.500M to conduct an antiviral Covid -19 therapeutic intervention research which is included in a bigger research project that is also already funded.

Despite the budget allocation discrepancies by this ghost agency, the Solicitor General has, questionably of course, approved an application to clear the MoU between PRESIDE and the ministry.

One’s curiosity is peaked! There are billions of taxpayer monies at stake. What justification can be given for the existence of this mystery entity? Why are astounding billions being allocated to projects that are already running and well-funded? Why is there a lack of press coverage for this entity?

It is quite likely that we may get a remake of the UGX.10BN saga; wherein the perpetrators fire-fight as they grapple for justification of creating the ghost agency! The official in charge of PRESIDE, is a Presidential Adviser whose influence over how the President proceeds with the situation in Uganda cannot be overlooked.

Dr Musenero is one of President Museveni’s oversized list of ‘advisors’ on whether to protract the lockdown or not. They are the same that may influence the factors considered to evaluate the Covid19 infection graph. It is noteworthy that numerous sums will be thrown at Covid-19 research as long as the virus poses a threat to the public. Simply, it is the new lake in which to dip the net!

Seeing as this is not information that is protected by law from public knowledge as having national sensitivity, the public would be entitled to know of it. This entitlement is made more definite by the fact that a great deal of money is being fraudulently issued. There is a need to maintain transparency in government operations considering the developing trend of wasteful expenditure.

In a not so dissimilar manner from corrupt operations, the gradual release of the UGX.31BN would result in unaccounted for funds. Their expenditure will be shadowed behind the projects that are already financed while the actual money is consumed by the mafias’ wallets!

Shakespeare wittily noted in King Lear, ‘Like flies to the wanton boys we are to the gods; they kill us for sport!’ It often seems like the wanton Ugandan government makes us, the citizens, Shakespeare’s flies. We are helpless creatures at their mercies! Hold the line…

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Joel Kenneth Ndawula
Joel Kenneth Ndawula is a Student of Law at Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi. He is an inspired writer, the editor and author here; a blogger of sorts.
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