Ankole saccos commend Stanbic Bank for financial literacy tips
Saccos from Ankole sub-region have lauded Stanbic Bank for its dedication to empowering and educating their members through financial literacy initiatives.At a gathering at Tuzza Hotel in Bushenyi District, over 100 SACCO leaders participated in a financial literacy training organized by Stanbic Bank under its Financial Fitness Academy.The SACCOs represented districts including Rukungiri, Mitooma, Rubirizi, Sheema, Bushenyi, and Buhweju.Francis Karuhanga of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL) highlighted the bank’s mission to drive financial inclusion, recognizing SACCOs as key drivers of economic transformation by linking the bank with the unbanked population of over eight million Ugandans.“Through our disbursements, we’ve witnessed improvements in household incomes, greater access to education, higher farm yields through agricultural loans, and increased milk production through dairy cooperatives,” Karuhanga noted.He added that by enhancing financial literacy, the bank is contributing to the region’s and the nation’s economic empowerment.Bushenyi District Local Government Chairperson, Jafari Basajabalaba, praised Stanbic Bank for its unwavering commitment to Ugandans, particularly in the area of financial education.“Financial literacy is not just a skill; it’s a vital tool enabling us to navigate our economic landscape with confidence,” Basajabalaba said.James Junguru, Stanbic Bank’s Head of the SACCOs unit, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding training to more cooperative members.He emphasized that Ankole’s SACCOs are among the best performing in the country, citing the Shs101 billion disbursed to SACCOs last year.“Our focus on skilling and capacity building is driven by a long-term vision for growth and prosperity for all our stakeholders,” Junguru explained.He stressed the bank’s goal to build a sustainable financial ecosystem.Paul Turyamureeba Kahigi, Chairperson of Kyamuhunga People’s SACCO, expressed appreciation for the training, noting its impact on improving SACCO management.He urged Stanbic Bank to provide more financial experts at their events to enhance members’ financial understanding, especially during loan recovery processes.Kahigi also praised Stanbic for eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, noting that their partnership began with a Shs500 million loan, which has since grown to Shs3.6 billion at a competitive interest rate of 10%.Uganda has over 33,000 SACCOs, including those under the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).The training covered crucial topics such as budgeting, savings, investments, and effective loan management, equipping SACCO leaders with the skills to better serve their communities.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/ankole-saccos-commend-stanbic-bank-for-financial-literacy-tips/
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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.
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