Failure to plan is planning to fail. Project Manager | Engineer | Entrepreneur
kampala
Joined June 2013
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Katumba Ivan retweeted
Withdrawal of Ugandan Troops Forces Hassan Sheikh into an Emergency Trip to Kampala.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Uganda tomorrow to ask the Ugandan government to postpone the withdrawal of Ugandan troops serving under AUSSOM who are stationed in strategic areas of the Lower Shabelle region.
Exclusive information obtained by Somalia24 indicates that the Ugandan military command has informed the Somali government of plans to withdraw its troops from Barawe, Buulo Mareer, Qoryooley, Janaale, Gooleyn, Daniga Baalow, and other areas.
This comes at a time when most Somali forces stationed in those areas have been redeployed to operations in the direction of Buurhakaba, further increasing concerns about security in the locations from which Ugandan troops are set to withdraw.
The president’s expected trip appears to be a diplomatic effort aimed at delaying the troop withdrawal, although it has not yet been confirmed whether Uganda has accepted the request.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
GDP Growth masquerading as Development; Corruption masquerading as Wealth; UPE masquerading as Education; Centre IVs masquerading as Health! xitter.cf/dfkm1970/status/924179…
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Like I told the Committee on 12th October, SGS, which had been contracted to undertake periodic motor vehicle inspections, invested approximately USD 20 million in establishing a nationwide vehicle inspection infrastructure.
This included the acquisition of about 4 acres of land in Namanve, 4 acres in Kawanda, 1 acre in Namulanda, 1 acre in Nabbingo, sites in Gulu and Mbale, and approximately 4 acres in Mbarara.
They were fully constructed, equipped with specialised inspection equipment and software customised for Uganda,operational, and visibly deployed across the country. The investment resulted in a functional national inspection network with substantial physical assets already in place.
In addition, they acquired 3 Mobile Vehicle Inspection Centres (Equipment). All at a cost about of about USD 20 Million. Now here we are saying USD 25 Million for just software as cheap.
To fully comprehend the fraudulent nature of this contract, one must first understand who is speaking here. The gentleman in question is not a permanent and pensionable employee of @MoWT_Uganda. He was hired on a two-year contract in 2015 and, rather than being absorbed into the established Ministry structure, has remained on continuous contract renewals for over a decade.
More importantly, he is not even part of the Ministry's official ICT Section. He operates within a parallel ICT unit established outside the normal organisational framework and dedicated to a specific purpose. That distinction matters because questions about authority, accountability, institutional oversight, and whose interests are ultimately being served.
When assessing the credibility of claims surrounding this contract, the public should first understand that the individuals most aggressively defending it are not necessarily part of the permanent structures mandated to safeguard government interests. That fact alone should make every Ugandan concern.
🇺🇬 “25 million is cheap?”
@hon_mpaka questioned a US$25 million software valuation under Uganda's 2021 Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) agreement with Russian firm Joint Stock Company Global Security, which covers digital number plates and vehicle tracking.
An official from @MoWT_Uganda defended the amount, arguing that it covered software modules developed over 10 years.
The exchange occurred before Parliament's Committee on Physical Infrastructure, chaired by Mwine Mpaka (Mbarara South Division).
Katumba Ivan retweeted
I am going to KFM Hot Seat show tonight to discuss the Besigye case. Did Besigye conspire a violent overthrow of Uganda government? Did he plan to kill Museveni in cold blood? I will play all the audios. If it were a television I would the videos.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Dear IGG, at what point are you going after Jim Muhwezi for that digital number plates heist?
How many things will he get away with?
Katumba Ivan retweeted
If a customer’s identity is misused and that person is later blacklisted, what process exists to prove they were a victim rather than the offender? There needs to be both stronger protection of customer data and a meaningful appeals process for those wrongly affected.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Let’s face reality.
When you list the world’s most unstable economies, South Sudan, DRC, Palestine, Syria, Ukraine and realize their currencies are holding more value than ours, it's no longer an economic debate, it's a leadership failure.
This is not about global shocks. This is about economic governance. A currency is a reflection of confidence, productivity, and leadership. And right now, ours is reflecting failure.
You have failed to protect the purchasing power of Ugandans. You have failed our people. @rggoobi @NRMOnline
Katumba Ivan retweeted
A woman explains how city tycoons, such as Ham Kiggundu, have acquired their wealth in Kampala.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
So, Uganda passed a law that risks restricting money flowing into the country while allowing capital to flow out, then the same people are wondering why the economy is struggling!
You cannot restrict money / investment inflow and then expect the economy to thrive. Come on.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
If some officials were strapped of housing & fuel allowance they’d think better for this country.
Because I still don’t get why you’d increase tax on fuel well aware of the global fuel crisis & a shrinking shilling.
Only a person that doesn’t directly buy fuel would do that.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Sometimes Government leadership acts as though it is completely detached from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. I have served in the Public Service for 26 years, and throughout that time, the travel allowances for civil servants have remained virtually stagnant for nearly two decades. But over the same period, allowances and benefits for Ministers and Members of Parliament have steadily increased.
Whether I personally benefit from these decisions is beside the point (I have got allowances like twice in six years). The real issue is that Government appears increasingly disconnected from the daily struggle of ordinary Ugandans who are battling soaring prices, stagnant incomes and an ever-rising cost of living. That is the hallmark of leadership that is losing touch with the people it is supposed to serve.
Timing in governance is everything. Just over the weekend, the PSST, @rggoobi, announced expenditure cuts and urged fiscal discipline. Yet this letter makes a mockery of his message. It undermines that call for austerity and risks reducing future appeals for sacrifice to mere rhetoric. Citizens are being asked to tighten their belts while Government appears determined to loosen its own.
The contradiction becomes even more glaring when one considers that the Uganda Shilling continues to come under pressure against the US Dollar, yet Government is increasing foreign travel allowance rates denominated in dollars. How can leaders credibly ask citizens to embrace austerity when they are not visibly embracing it themselves?
The problem is not the announcement but the credibility gap. If the PSST says fuel budgets have been cut by 50%, it means nothing because expenditure can simply be shifted to other budget lines. On paper, expenditure may have been reduced. In practice, the public sees little evidence of sacrifice at the top.
Ugandans want to see leadership by example. If austerity is necessary, it must begin with those in positions of power. If Government expects citizens to bear the burden of economic hardship, then Government must demonstrate that it is bearing an even greater share of that burden itself.
This government desperately needs a complete overhaul because there are so many entrenched methods of wasteful expenditure that need to be uprooted.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Funny thing about the Sovereignty Act is that Ugandans were really good at raising foreign monies for startup businesses & NGOs.
In sub-Saharan Africa it was only SA, Kenya, Nigeria & Ghana that were probably doing better.
What happened? Someone was like 'we don't like this'!
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Central Bank @BOU_Official Governor warned about this catastrophe. As usual arrogance and failure to listen took centre stage.
Uganda is tapping its nearly $7 billion in reserves to lessen the blow of a plunging shilling, which is the world’s second-worst-performing currency this month after Iraq’s dinar. bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Blaming the Ugandan shilling’s troubles entirely on the global oil crisis is like a student coming last in class and blaming the teacher.
Granted, the teacher may be bad. But he’s teaching the whole class. Why are you the one coming last?
Then again, as the Baganda say, when chasing a man, leave him an escape route.
So perhaps we should let them have the oil crisis.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
The way Ugandan doctors are helping us here, is something you can hardly imagine. They’ve established an Ebola treatment centre in Kasenyi, on the Congolese side of Lake Albert, and many positive cases are being referred there.
The work they’re doing is truly appreciated. 🙏🙏🙏
Katumba Ivan retweeted
There is a loud silence about the contribution of the assault on civil society organisations and the ongoing gross human rights violations in Uganda to the current struggle of the economy, the unprecedented weakening of the Uganda shilling, and the rising cost of living. Yes, there is Ebola stuff and all, but there is also this loud factor in the country’s face. Pretending about it won’t address it.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
During the ongoing Molly Katanga trial in Uganda, after confirming that DNA from the blood swab on the ceiling was attributed to Molly, @mubirua1, @PoliceUg Ag Director of Forensic Services, was asked how blood leaves the body. He replied, “You can urinate it as well.” Asked whether a woman could urinate on a ceiling, he said, “The last time I checked, I’m not a woman—you can ask them.” hmmmmm!
He later said he couldn’t speak to the activities that caused the DNA to be deposited. This is the Director of Forensic Services, for goodness’ sake—a man who boasts of an 80% conviction rate. How many poor Ugandans may be languishing in prison after investigations conducted to this standard just because they couldn’t afford good lawyers? @igp_ug1, is this the face of @PoliceUg you want to be remembered for? Right about now, only God can help Uganda.
ICYMI: ACP Andrew Mubiru, Uganda Police’s Director of Forensic Services Tries to Downplay Domestic Violence Suffered by Mrs Molly Katanga.
On this day, Mr Mubiru said Mrs Katanga’s blood, found allover the room, might have been due to her urinating there! Judge advised him to stop “making outrageous statements”
Mr Elison Karuhanga of Kampala Associated Advocates was leading the cross examination of the state’s Star Witness, Mr Andrew Mubiru. Presiding Judge was His Lordship Isaac Muwata. This was before he was indisposed and was replaced by Her Lordship Rosette Comfort Kania
Verbatim reporting: 👇🏾
Judge Muwata inquiring into labeling of exhibit XX: (Is it) blood on the floor of the master bedroom?
EK to AM: You found blood on the floor of the master bedroom belonging to Molly Katanga? The one (exhibit) you corrected..
AM: Yes, that’s XII, exhibit labeled 2…
EK: So, that’s blood on the floor belonging to Molly Katanga?
AM: We received a swab, obtained from the floor near the eastern door to the master bedroom
EK: And it had blood?
AM: Yes
EK: And it had Molly Katanga’s blood?
AM: It (the blood) had DNA which was attributed to…
EK: Molly Katanga?
AM: Yes
EK: So it’s Molly Katanga’s blood?
AM: You can infer
EK laughs, as if in disbelief that Mr Mubiru can’t bring himself to say “this was indeed Molly Katanga’s blood”.
He then goes ahead with his cross examination: You also have blood on the western wall of the wardrobe of the master bedroom
AM: Yes, that’s exhibit labeled A
Judge Muwata: A? Blood on where?
AM: That is a cutting from the blood swab from the western wall of the wardrobe in the master bedroom near the door leading to the washroom and dressing room.
EK: You have another H.
AM: Yes
EK: And you explain that this is because on the part where the hair was recovered from, there was a lot of blood
AM: No. No, no, no. What I explained here is that when we received this item H, this H was within the same packaging as…aaah, it was near…
EK: You had told us it was on the side of the wall and that wall had a zone marked H. Are you changing your evidence?
AM: That’s not what I said
EK: Okay
Judge: But where were we? We have exhibits
EK: We have 2 exhibits marked H. H and then H, the same mark, the same letter
AM: Yes
Judge: Was there A, also?
AM: Yes
Judge: So now…?
AM: This was another H labeled specimen 6H2Y23S025-1.
EK: So, that’s blood again on the wall of the master bedroom?
AM: Yes, this was a swab which was together with another swab called G obtained from part of the wall between the southern master bedroom door and the washroom door.
EK: Then you have the next one which is also blood on the door curtain. Am I right?
AM: You’re speaking to exhibit labeled 22-1 where we draw a specimen 682Y23S027
EK: Am I right, that’s blood from the door curtain?
AM: Swabbing from the door curtain to the balcony of the master bedroom
EK: Molly Katanga’s blood?
AM still refuses to mention her name and simply says: “this was also attributed to the person in question.”
EK: You then have blood on the ceiling, correct? Which is exhibit C1-1
AM: Yes, that’s specimen S228; that is cutting from the blood swab from the concrete ceiling near the lightbulb.
EK: The blood on the ceiling was for who?
AM: This particular specimen, the DNA was attributed to the person in question.
Mr Mubiru still refuses to explicitly name Mrs Katanga as the person whose blood he found on the ceiling.
EK insists: No, was to who? (The blood he found)
AM finally cracks: it was attributed to Molly Katanga
EK: So, Molly Katanga’s blood is on the floor. Correct?
AM doesn’t answer
EK: You have Molly Katanga’s blood on the floor, correct?
AM: I have her DNA on most of these exhibits
EK: Do you have her DNA on the blood on the floor?
AM: I wasn’t there
EK: Do you have a blood swab with Molly’s DNA on the blood on the floor?
AM continues to vacillate: Yes, I have a blood swab. It says “cutting from the swab of the concrete ceiling near the lightbulb”
EK isn’t having it: Mr Mubiru, do you have her blood on the floor?
AM: My Lord, I didn’t put her blood on the floor so what’s the question?
EK: I think let’s first go to your duties, yah?
AM: Yes
EK: According to you, if you look at paragraph 36 of your report, yah?
AM: Yes
EK: You say what you understand your role in this court to be. Can you tell us what it is?
AM: Yes
EK reads Mr Mubiru’s own statement in his report: “Your role in this court overrides your obligation to the party to whom you’re engaged. Correct?”
AM: Yes
EK: You’re here to give this court full and frank answers, correct?
AM stutters
EK: Are you here to give this court full and frank answers?
AM: Yes, my Lord
EK: So answer the questions you’re asked without being evasive. Did you find Molly Katanga’s blood on the floor?
AM: I found Molly’s DNA on a swab which was recovered from the floor
EK: On the wardrobe…
AM: I found Molly’s DNA on a swab which was attributed by o having been recovered from the wardrobe.
EK: On the curtain…
AM: I found Molly Katanga’s DNA on a swab which was recovered from the curtain
EK: On the ceiling…
AM: I found Molly’s DNA on the swab which was recovered from the (blood) stain on the ceiling
EK: In the bathroom…
AM: I found DNA which was attributed to Molly on the swab which was recovered from very many swabs on door frames as attributed in the report
EK: So, they were all characterized by the police as blood swabs. Correct?
AM: Yes, they were characterized as blood swabs.
EK: So, they swabbed blood. Does that mean they took blood?
AM: I’d imagine so.
(Runkyakore translation)
EK: You found it (blood) on door frames of all the doors; the bathroom, the master bedroom, the nearby bedroom.
AM: My Lord, the DNA is on the swabs and those swabs are attributed to have come from those areas
EK: And those are blood swabs
AM: They’re blood swabs
EK: And they tested positive for blood?
AM: Yes, we tested them and they tested positive for blood.
EK: And the DNA in that blood belongs to Molly Katanga?
Judge Isaac Muwata: Yes?
AM answers: Yes
EK: Okay. So, it would be fair to say that Molly Katanga was subjected to the worst and most horrendous form of domestic violence in that room on that fateful November morning, correct?
AM: My Lord, that is the work of court to determine.
Judge Muwata was having none of that. He said to Mr
Mubiru: “No….Do you know or not?”
AM: My Lord….I don’t know
EK: But I said is it fair to make that conclusion?
AM: My Lord I’m not in that position to make that judgment.
EK: How does blood leave the body? It just gets out?
AM: You can urinate it as well.
(Courtroom laughs…)
EK: Did you find urine?
AM: You can bleed, you can urinate…
EK: Did you find urine?
AM: I was not the one at the scene, so….
A visibly angry Mr Karuhanga asks Mr Mubiru: Can you urinate on the ceiling?
AM: My Lord, I don’t know.
EK: Can a woman urinate on the ceiling?
(More courtroom laughter).
Mr Karuhanga seems uninterested in whatever is making the courtroom laugh. He seems to be getting rather angry at the answers he’s getting
AM: My Lord, the last time I checked, I’m not a woman so, you can ask them (women).
EK: You don’t even know that?
AM: My Lord I’m not a woman.
Judge Muwata intervenes: Just answer what you can. If you don’t know, say so, otherwise you (end up) saying outrageous things.
Judge to Mr Karuhanga: Anyway, he doesn’t know..
EK: He doesn’t know….
EK then says to AM: According to the state’s evidence…the state’s accusation, there was a violent confrontation in the bedroom that day. Would this DNA speak to that violent confrontation?
Mr Mubiru remains silent and looks at the prosecutors’ area.
EK: Don’t look at the state for answers…Would this DNA speak to a violent confrontation?
AM: My Lord I’d need to appraise myself with the characteristics of a violent confrontation…some violent confrontations…
EK: No, no, no. Would this DNA (speak to a violent confrontation)? Just say yes or no or I don’t know.
AM: No, the DNA cannot speak to that because my Lord this question I’ve already answered. I cannot speak to activities that led to the deposition of DNA
EK: Okay, fine. But you were at the scene….
UgandaVsMollyKatanga resumes soon after the Judges are done with electoral petitions.
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Last week, Kenya announced an increase in PAYE exception from 30,000 Kshs to 32,333 Kshs.
At the current forex rate of 33, that means people earning the equivalent of 1,066,989 UGX in Kenya will NOT 'PAYE'.
In Uganda, PAYE exception stands at 335,000/= - almost THRICE AS MUCH as Kenya!
Katumba Ivan retweeted
Here is Prof Eli Katunguka the VC of Kyambogo University boosting about expelling the then guild president comrade Akiso Benjamin and 16 others from the university simply because they are activists.
Prof you ruined their future because they challenged your fake policies. Activism is not a crime. I repeat activism is not a crime.