Uganda Roundup: Justice, malnutrition, shooting of civilians

Soldier shoots civilians

A soldier from Uganda's Special Forces Command (SFC), identified as Pte Bony Ameny, is on the run after allegedly shooting three civilians dead and injuring three others in Agago District. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM in Ngora East village, approximately 15 kilometres from his deployment area. The deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Florence Ajalo, 52-year-old Akidi Santina, and her 19-year-old daughter, Sunday Apio. The injured include 45-year-old Charles Kidega and two others, who are receiving treatment at Dr Ambrosoli Hospital. Local officials stated the shooting stemmed from a dispute involving Ameny's wife, who had rekindled a past relationship, the Monitor reports.

Ghanaian firm under investigation

Ugandan authorities have launched an investigation into the Jospong Group of Companies, a Ghanaian firm, following allegations of procurement irregularities related to a landfill management contract. The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has suspended all activities at the Kiteezi landfill involving Jospong, which proposed to manage the site without cost to the Ugandan government. Concerns have been raised about the lack of an open bidding process and whether other interested investors were overlooked. As reported by Modern Ghana, The State Minister for Kampala insists that all legal procedures were followed in awarding the contract, while the IGG's investigation seeks to clarify these claims and the project's funding. The deal, aimed at addressing Uganda's waste management issues, is now under scrutiny for transparency and governance.

Justice in Uganda

Lady Justice Faridah Bukirwa has emerged as a symbol of justice in Uganda, known for her exceptional efficiency and commitment to the rule of law, notably closing 1,866 cases in a year. Her recent sidelining raises concerns about the government's dedication to women's empowerment and threatens to undermine progress made in gender equality. Many in the Busoga region and beyond are demanding her reinstatement, viewing it as essential not just for judicial credibility but also for the empowerment of women in leadership positions. Nile Post reports that the removal of Justice Bukirwa is seen as a step back from the advancements women have fought for in Uganda and calls for global solidarity to support her return. This situation highlights the intertwined battles for judicial independence and gender equality, underscoring the need for a united front in advocating for women's rights.

Malnutrition on the rise

Acute malnutrition is severely impacting Northern Uganda, particularly in Omoro and Otuke districts, where over 268,000 children are affected. Many families struggle to provide nutritious meals due to poverty, diseases, and inadequate resources. Parents, like Night Aloyo and Betty Awor, report spending significant amounts on treatment for their malnourished children, who often suffer from persistent health issues. According to the Monitor, while Uganda has made progress in reducing malnutrition rates, it is not enough to meet global commitments. Factors contributing to high malnutrition include inadequate food consumption, poor sanitation, and extreme weather events affecting agricultural productivity. Additionally, healthcare facilities face challenges due to shortages of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), essential for treating severe malnutrition.

Ugandan shilling selling price

The Ugandan shilling remained stable on October 21, 2024, with slight strengthening due to inflows from charities and remittances, trading at 3,760/3,770 compared to the previous close of 3,662/3,672, CBNC Africa reports.