Uganda, Mozambique forge stronger economic ties through JPC
Ambassador Richard Kabonero outlines Uganda’s commitment to strengthened bilateral relations with Mozambique during Joint Permanent Commission talks.KAMPALA — Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Mozambique as the second session of the Uganda-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) kicked off today.The JPC, established in 1987 and reinforced in 2018 with a cooperation framework signed in Maputo, aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors. Kabonero noted that the commission is built on the strong historical bonds forged during the liberation struggles against colonialism, and reinforced by recent high-level visits by Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Filipe Jacinto Nyusi.“We share a strong foundation, and it is our duty to build upon it,” Kabonero stated. He highlighted the need to update progress on presidential directives and conclude bilateral agreements, particularly in political, security, and economic areas.Amb. Kabonero expressed confidence that strengthened bilateral ties would yield economic and social advancements for both nations. “Through our enhanced bilateral ties, both countries will achieve significant economic and social progress,” he said.The Ambassador also emphasized the significance of the JPC in fostering a robust trade and investment relationship between Uganda and Mozambique.H.E. Amb. Ermengildo Caetano, Director for Africa in the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and head of delegation of the Mozambique technical officials said that have been identified to include politics and diplomacy, defence and security, veterans, environment and wildlife, agriculture, transport and communication, infrastructure and public works, mineral resources and energy, among others.He encouraged the senior officials present to appreciate the strong historical bond and recent developments in collaborative efforts, and to find common ground to conclude more bilateral agreements.The three-day meeting will focus on key areas, including trade, investment, and economic cooperation.The Commission’s outcomes are expected to have significant implications for regional economic cooperation and development.Analysts view the talks as a critical step towards deepening Uganda-Mozambique relations, particularly in the context of growing economic cooperation within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).Uganda and Mozambique have a significant trade relationship, with Mozambique having a large net trade with Uganda in 2017. The main products exported from Mozambique to Uganda include buses, cars, and iron fasteners, totaling $8.75 million in 2022. In return, Uganda exports various products to Mozambique.The two countries have a strong historical bond, which was forged during the liberation struggles against colonialism.Recently, they have reinforced their bilateral relations through high-level visits by their presidents and the establishment of the Uganda-Mozambique JPC.In terms of specific trade data, Uganda imported $60 worth of tools from Mozambique in 2011, and $1.74 thousand worth of other vessels in 2016.The trade relationship between Uganda and Mozambique is active and diverse, with both countries exchanging various goods and products.Relatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/news/2024/09/uganda-mozambique-forge-stronger-economic-ties-through-jpc.html
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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