Uganda Roundup: Central bank hacking, landslide, plan to reduce drowning deaths

Hackers steal $17 million from Uganda’s central bank

Hackers successfully breached Uganda's central bank, resulting in a theft of approximately $17 million. The hacking group, known as "Waste," has been identified as responsible for this cyber incident, which included transferring a portion of the stolen funds to Japan. As investigations proceed under the Criminal Investigations Department and the Auditor General, the Bank of Uganda has not yet confirmed the breach. Still, it is pending a police report and has managed to recover over half of the stolen amount. According to The Express Tribune, allegations of potential insider involvement have arisen, prompting President Yoweri Museveni to call for a comprehensive investigation, as concerns over cybersecurity in the nation's financial institutions escalate.

Landslide leaves several dead

The Bulambuli district of eastern Uganda has been struck by a devastating landslide, with the death toll now at 17 and over 100 individuals reported missing due to the incident triggered by heavy rainfall. The landslide buried numerous homes, causing widespread destruction. As reported by the Sight, rescue operations initiated by the Uganda Red Cross alongside local authorities are ongoing, with survivors engaged in desperate searches for their loved ones. Local lawmaker Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi noted personal losses, including his niece and her newborn. Observing the increasingly volatile weather patterns, the government had previously alerted residents to the dangers during the rainy season, recalling past disasters such as the fatal avalanche in 2010, further emphasising the region’s vulnerability.

Uganda unlocks value from honey by-product

A promising project spearheaded by Deborah Ruth Amulen from Makerere University has unveiled the significant health benefits of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, which remains largely untapped in Uganda. With an annual production potential ranging from 325 to 870 tons, beekeepers' focus on honey and beeswax leads to substantial revenue loss, estimated at $3.5 million annually. Sci Dev Net reports that the research team has innovated a four-stage extraction process, resulting in high-value products including propolis-infused teas, ointments, and sweets. Despite facing challenges related to equipment accessibility and intellectual property rights, the project is committed to commercialising these products and extending the initiative's model across Africa, supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI).

Uganda aims to reduce drowning deaths by 25% in 2025

In a proactive measure against drowning incidents, Uganda is implementing a Drowning Prevention Project to lower drowning fatalities by 25% by the year 2025. This initiative arises in light of a disconcerting report noting 2.5 million drowning deaths over the past decade. Eng. Sowed Sewagude from the Ministry of Water and Environment has stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts to enforce water safety protocols and educate youth about aquatic dangers. The initiative, driven by Reach a Hand Uganda in collaboration with Makerere University and Design Without Borders, addresses Uganda's alarming drowning statistics, particularly within lakeside communities where unreported incidents are frequent, The Independent reports. Planned strategies include designating safe swimming zones, implementing swimming education, and enhancing community rescue skills, particularly aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations such as children.

Promoting emission-free mobility

The European Union is fostering a partnership with local authorities in Kampala to advocate for emission-free mobility, specifically promoting cycling as a viable alternative to fuel-powered transportation. EU Ambassador Jan Sadek highlighted the initiative's dual objectives: reducing air pollution and alleviating traffic congestion. This project forms part of the Green Diplomacy Week, which encompasses other renewable energy ventures, notably the rehabilitation of the Nalubale-Kiira hydropower plant in Uganda. Notwithstanding the infrastructural obstacles hindering cycling in Kampala, authorities are endeavouring to incorporate cycling-friendly designs into upcoming road projects in regions such as Nakawa-Naguru and Bukoto-Ntinda, aligning with a broader movement toward sustainable urban transportation solutions in Uganda, PML Daily reports.