Category «National News»

By Moses Kyeyune Parliament has adopted amendments to the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, to remove the requirement for Parliamentary approval of regulations made by the minister. The Principle Act under section 93 (1) requires parliament to approve all regulations prior to their implementation. Under the new arrangement, the minister is free to come up with regulations in the media industry without seeking approval of the House. The law however provides that parliament may revoke the regulations or any particular provision of the regulations that may be found to be inconsistent with the Constitution. What the amendments mean: The Act grants the Minister powers to make regulations relating to among other things: ees payable upon the grant or renewal of a …

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Parliament has passed the Anti-terrorism Amendment (bill) 2017 after stiff resistance from law makers from all political sides. The bill which aims at combating terrorism in all its manifestation has now been amended for the third time after other amendments in 2015 and 2016, which intended to define terrorism, acts of terrorism in line with the United Nation’s Convention against terrorism. Now, with the new amendments seeking similar adjustments and to provide an interpretation for who may qualify for a “suspected terrorist,” members including Dokolo Souths Felix Okot Ogong and Butambala County’s Mohammad Muwanga Kivumbi posed resistance on grounds that he amendment would give high end powers to the minister of internal affairs and in turn be used against persons …

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By Damali Mukhaye. Controversial Makerere University research Dr.Stella Nyanzi through her lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde has rejected the disciplinary proceedings and her subsequent suspension for insulting the minister of education and First Lady Janet Museveni. Dr. Nyanzi was officially suspended from the university after she was accused of using social media to insult and castigate the minister despite warnings against the same. In a letter addressed to Dr Nyanzi dated March 30th from the Director Human Resources, she was suspended from the university on half payments following a directive from the university appointments board and was advised to appear before the board for further disciplinary action. In response on behalf of Nyanzi, the Center for Legal Aid has written back to …

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By Julius Ocungi The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama and five other commissioners including his deputy have pitched camp in Pader district, to ensure total transparency as the by-election for Aruu North County constituency gets underway.   Addressing candidates’ agents and other some stakeholders during a pre-polling meeting held at district council hall on Thursday evening, Justice Byabakama appealed to candidates and their supporters to maintain law and order as they go to the polls today. Responding to claims by independent candidate Henry Komakech that there were plans to rig the election through polling officials, the commission chairperson said they were there to ensure that the entire exercise is free, fair and transparent to avoid chaos. The race for the Aruu …

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