Vice President Jessica Alupo lauds Stanbic contribution to social-economic transformation
Katakwi—The Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has expressed her gratitude to Stanbic Bank for its unwavering commitment to driving economic growth and transforming communities across Uganda.
She was speaking during an event over the weekend in which the bank donated medical equipment worth UGX35 million to Katakwi General Hospital in Teso sub-region.
Alupo said, “The donation is a beacon of hope, enabling the hospital to enhance its care quality and better serve patients and their families.”
The items included three patient beds, two delivery beds, two patient monitors, a baby incubator and warmer along with one hundred Mama kits.
Alupo, who is also the area Woman Member of Parliament, acknowledged the challenges faced by Uganda’s healthcare system, particularly in regards to the increasing population.
However, she expressed optimism that with support from corporate entities like Stanbic Bank, these challenges can be addressed.
Diana Ondoga, the Stanbic Head of Corporate Social Investment watering a tree planted by Vice President Jessica Alupo at Katakwi general hospital. Looking on is Usuk County MP, Hon Okiror Bosco (in pink), the hospital in charge Joseph Emuron and Katakwi district local government leadership.
Joseph Emuron, the Katakwi General Hospital Medical Superintendent described the donation as timely since the facility was facing shortages.
He said, “Referral cases of premature babies are going to reduce as the baby warmers and incubators are now in place. These referrals to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital have also been expensive for management, but with this donation, we are more than optimistic.”
He said the hospital manages over 4500 outpatients, four hundred inpatients and 250 deliveries monthly.
The Vice President also requested that the bank extends its presence in the district. She said this will enable people to avoid the trip to Soroti in cases where the Stanbic agent bankers cannot offer a specific service.
Alupo commended Stanbic’s impactful initiatives, noting that the bank has played a pivotal role in empowering local businesses, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment. This is in line with the National Development Plan IV and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto.
Diana Ondoga, the Stanbic Bank Head of Corporate Social Investment said the donation is part of the bank’s October L.O.V.E month campaign. During this interlude, Stanbic engages in several activities focused on giving back to different communities across Uganda.
“At Stanbic we say, ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth.’ Therefore, we have a commitment to our homeland of creating an impact in areas of education, maternal health, and environment. From the start of the year, we have donated maternal equipment to forty-five health facilities and still doing more,” Ondoga said. She rallied community members to join the drive by supporting the forthcoming ‘Together for Mama’ fun race.
Katakwi General Hospital was established in 1956 as a dispensary, but later elevated to hospital status in 2011. However, the elevation did not come with expansion of infrastructure. The hospital serves patients from Katakwi District and the neighboring districts of Amuria, Kapelebyong, Kumi, Nakapiripirit and Napak.
https://theinsider.ug/index.php/2024/10/15/vice-president-jessica-alupo-lauds-stanbic-contribution-to-social-economic-transformation/
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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