President Museveni and First Lady Flag Off Team Uganda for Paris 2024 Olympics
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, officially flagged off Team Uganda for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The games are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
During the ceremony at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni expressed his pleasure at seeing many young Ugandans emerging as promising athletes. He highlighted the numerous benefits of sports, including fitness, character development, entertainment, employment, and publicity. Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of discipline for athletes to achieve their goals.
“Strictly good living is very important to be able to reach your potential. Of course, the sports period is very short, and you need to use that time well,” he advised.
President Museveni also mentioned the government’s increased investment in sports to enhance the sector. He credited the peace in the country for enabling athletes from regions like Kapchorwa to train without disturbances. He reiterated the government’s commitment to free education, which helps in identifying and nurturing young talent.
Furthermore, the President encouraged athletes to consider careers in the army, police, and prison services to secure a stable income and training time.
Maama Janet Museveni congratulated the athletes on their significant achievement of representing Uganda on the world stage. She urged them to embrace their roles as ambassadors with humility and resist the pride that comes with such opportunities. The First Lady also praised President Museveni for his unwavering support for sports in Uganda.
“You have championed the improvement of our sportsmen and sportswomen. You have been true to your word that as our revenues improve, we shall see more investments in sports,” she noted.
She also highlighted the government’s funding of the National High Altitude Training Centre at Teryet in Kapchorwa and the development of world-class stadiums in Hoima and Lira cities, which will facilitate the growth of various athletic disciplines.
The French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Xavier Sticker, assured President Museveni that France is prepared to host a successful Olympic Games.
The President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Dr. Donald Rukare, announced that Uganda will be represented by a team of 25 athletes in Paris, the same number that competed in Tokyo 2021. He acknowledged the progressive support for sports from the government.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Ministry of Education and Sports Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ketty Lamaro, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, Mr. Ambrose Tashobya, among others.
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President Museveni and First Lady Flag Off Team Uganda for Paris 2024 Olympics
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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