Past winners speak out as third edition of AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda is launched
Past winners of the AYuTe Challenges organized by Heifer International Uganda have hailed the awards for changing their lives.Speaking during the launch of the third edition of the awards in Kampala, John Charles Nuwagaba, 34 who was the first runners up in the 2022 challenges said the shs30 million he won gave him the much-needed push.“I manufacture solar water pumps, called Nature Now, using locally available materials like plastic, motors and metallic material. These pumps are made in Fort Portal, Kabarole.Apart from the cash grant, the AYuTe program has taught me how to pitch and how to work in a team. I have also learned a lot from fellow innovators across Uganda,”Nuwagaba said.He said he targets smallholder farmers who cannot afford to buy and maintain the expensive imported pumps.“To date we’ve served over 1,000 clients and their feedback so far has been good. They like the product, because it has helped them to at least double their production. Before I participated in AYuTe, we had only sold about seven pumps, but today I am glad to announce that we’ve sold over 300 pumps. Because the farmers share the pumps with their neighbors, at least 1,000 farmers have used our product and the numbers continue to grow.”Nuwagaba said they expect to at least serve more than 20,000 farmers by the end of 2026.Mike Segawa Ssali, 28 , the second runner-up in the 2022 edition said apart from the shs15 million prize money, he was trained.“I learned from the expert trainers, provided by Heifer that I was better off starting a company rather than operate as an individual. That is how Salinest Agribusiness came into existence, two years ago. It is now a duly registered company, employing 13 people. We are Mukono based but also operate across the country,” Segawa said.“We currently support over 300 farmers. Meanwhile, we have reached over 2,500 farmers through regular appearance on TV and radio talk shows. This has helped stimulate the market with over 300 farmers getting seedling supplies from us – including both open field and greenhouse growers.”He said with the construction of more greenhouses, they can reach a much bigger number because of the current demand.Speaking during the launch of the third edition of the awards, William Matovu, the Heifer International Uganda Country Director, William Matovu said. the previous editions have drawn participation from 443 youths from diverse backgrounds across the country who have in total won shs120 million.“This competition has showcased the innovative spirit of Uganda’s youth, highlighting their role in driving agricultural transformation. The AYuTe Africa Challenge will continue to demonstrate the potential of technology as an enabler for efficient agricultural value chain functioning; while fostering sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers,” said Matovu.He said the process for the third edition is now open until July 25, 2024 and that applicants must be Uganda-based innovators between the ages of 18 and 35 years, with start-up operations working with smallholder farmers, among other requirements.Top finalists will undergo a comprehensive incubation period and pitch events, culminating in a grand finale gala in September 2024, where winners will share a total of shs112 million in awards and other development support.“We are hopeful that these added initiatives will amplify Heifer’s commitment to agricultural excellence while providing further visibility to the competition’s impact. Heifer International remains committed to supporting past awardees through mentorship, business development services, and funding to scale their enterprises,” Matovu said.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/past-winners-speak-out-as-third-edition-of-ayute-africa-challenge-uganda-is-launched/
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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