Kampala, Uganda | Isaac Khisa | Ecobank Group, the Pan African Bank, has contributed about US$3 million to the fight against COVID-19 across its footprint in Africa which also include Uganda. Ade Ayeyemi, Group CEO, Ecobank Group said with their knowledge of Africa, and to compliment various government efforts, the lender has …
Read More »High Courts steps in, stays release of Sh10 billion for MPS
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The High Court has granted an interim Order staying self-appropriation of UGX 10 billion by Ugandan Members of Parliament. Ntugamo MP Gerald Karuhanga and Erute North County MP Jonathan Odur went to court, challenging the decision by Parliament to allocate itself 10 billion …
Read More »Italian PM to unveil reopening plan
Rome, Italy | AFP | Italy’s Prime Minister said on Tuesday that by the weekend he would reveal the steps the country will take to loosen restrictions, reopen the economy and emerge from the coronavirus crisis. Italy, which has reported more coronavirus deaths than any other European country, has been under …
Read More »Kalungu district opts for loudspeakers to reach out to learners
Kalungu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Education authorities in Kalungu district have resolved to use megaphones also known as Bizindalo to reach out to learners because of the COVID19 lock down. David Bbaale, the Kalungu District Education Officer, says whereas the mainstream broadcasting platforms including television and radio stations are doing their best …
Read More »Wakiso petitions finance ministry over UGX165m for COVID-19 fight
Wakiso, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Wakiso COVID-19 task force has protested the disbursement of 165 million shillings to districts for the fight against COVID. The district taskforce which held an emergency meeting at the district headquarters on Monday argues that the funds are inadequate. Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the LCV Chairperson, …
Read More »Coronavirus pandemic ‘amplifies press freedom threats’
Paris, France | AFP | The coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating threats to press freedom around the world, with authoritarian states including China and Iran suppressing details of the outbreak, activists said on Tuesday. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in its annual press freedom rankings the pandemic was “highlighting and amplifying the …
Read More »Trump says to ban immigration as US protestors demand lockdown end
Washington, United States | AFP | Donald Trump said he would temporarily ban immigration to the United States because of the “Invisible Enemy” of the coronavirus, as angry Americans took to the streets to demand an end to crippling lockdowns. In just four months, the virus has turned the world upside …
Read More »17,000 sign petition against COVID-19 allocation to Parliament
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Up to 17,000 People have signed an online petition challenging the allocation of 10 billion Shillings to members of parliament, to allegedly fight the spread of Coronavirus Disease-COVID-19. The petition, initiated by former minister Sarah Kiyingi, says that whereas she does not doubt the important …
Read More »Humans to blame for spread of coronavirus and other ‘zoonoses’
Paris, France | AFP | Whether it came from a bat or a pangolin is not certain, but one thing is: the coronavirus outbreak that has killed tens of thousands and turned the world upside down comes from the animal world. It is human activity enabled the virus to jump to …
Read More »Homeless taste ‘luxury’ at Geneva hotel during pandemic
Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | Sofiane Rahmani can hardly believe his luck. After several years of living on the street and bouncing between shelters, he now has his own hotel room, personal bathroom and all meals provided. “It’s true luxury,” the 16-year-old Algerian illegal migrant told AFP at the three-star Bel …
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