AG Lawrence Semakula’s Dedicated Service Finally Gets Recognized – Ultimate News
Uganda’s Accountant General Lawrence Ssemakula has had his hard work, commitment, loyalty to Uganda, effectiveness and efficiency recognized by way of being nominated for inclusion and induction in the prestigious Uganda Development Champions Journal under the 2024/2025 edition.
Aimed at recognizing public officials who make outstanding contributors to Uganda’s transformation journey, the 2024/2025 Uganda Development Champions Journal is being worked on by Public Opinions, a reputable think tank whose patrons are none other than President Museveni and former Premier Amama Mbabazi.
With liaison offices globally including in the USA, Public Opinions has been doing surveys resulting into recognition of outstanding transformation contributors for more than 10 years now and they partner with several North American and EU Missions and Embassies in Kampala.
According to Public Opinions, Mr. Lawrence Ssemakula’s “recognition is a testament to his tireless efforts towards the social-economic transformation of Uganda.” A message posted on the group’s website adds thus: “With over two decades of experience in public financial management, Lawrence [Ssemakula] has been instrumental in various reform initiatives in government.TrendingOWEYEGHA-AFUNADUULA: Mysterious Deaths In Uganda Part II
He has chaired several task forces including the implementation of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), Electronic Funds Transfer system, Treasury Single Account (TSA) and salary decentralization. His expertise in public financial management has been recognized both nationally and internationally with presentations at various forums.”
The background to all this is that Mr. Lawrence Ssemakula’s career in public service began in 2001 as Assistant Commissioner Accounts in charge of Foreign Funds at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Under the mentorship of seasoned civil servants like Chris Kissame, Keith Muhakanizi and others, Mr. Ssemakula over the years rose through the ranks to become Commissioner Accounts and later Accountant General in 2014. And prior to joining government, he worked with Nile Hotel International for 11 years where he serves as the Financial Accountant before rising to become Financial Controller.
His professional qualifications include being a Fellow of ACCA (UK), Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, MBA from the prestigious Heriot-Watt University – Edinburgh Business School and Bachelors of Commerce (Accounting) from Makerere University.
He has also undertaken specialized training in debt management, public expenditure management and strategy policy planning. All these make him an invaluable resource and asset for the GoU whose treasury department he heads under the overall supervision of the PSST.
Lawrence Ssemakula’s contributions to public financial management have been recognized with various accolades including awards for innovation, hard work and time management. He is highly respected in the accounting profession and was a member of the East and Southern African Association of Accountants General (ESAAG) from 2017 to 2019.
As the Accountant General, Mr. Lawrence Ssemakula oversees the implementation of various projects including the Electronic Government Procurement project and the Resource Enhancement and Accountability Project (REAP). He is also the Chairperson of the Accountability Systems and Compliance in Budget Execution under REAP.
His nomination for the Uganda Development Champions Journal is testament to his dedication and commitment to the social-economic transformation of Uganda. Once inducted, he will be joining a list of prestigious and high-flying of individuals who have made significant contributions to Uganda’s development over the years.
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GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE: AG Lawrence Semakula’s Dedicated Service Finally Gets Recognized
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum