Author: admin

He died at Kampala Hospital for an injury sustained during the Nile Special Rugby Premiership fixture between Buffaloes Rugby Club and Kampani Eagles RFC on February 8, 2025, at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala.

'It is with deep sorrow that the Kampani Eagles RFC and the Uganda Rugby Union announce the passing of Kayondo Ronnie, a valued member of the Kampani Eagles RFC,' the statement read.

The statement, signed by Adam Kabalega, Chairman of Kampani Eagles Rugby Club, and Godwin Kayangwe, President of the Uganda Rugby Union, further expressed grief over the loss of the young player:

'The Uganda Rugby Union, Kampani Eagles RFC and the wider rugby community mourn the loss of this promising young player, who had so much more to offer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ronnie’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.'

While comprehensive statistics on rugby-related fatalities in Uganda are scarce, the sport has witnessed tragic incidents in the past. In 2012, a Kenyan women’s rugby player Lillian Shikoyi died after sustaining a spinal injury during a match at Kyadondo.

Globally, rugby union is recognized as a full-contact sport with a relatively high risk of injury, including fatal and catastrophic spinal injuries.

The Ugandan rugby community has expressed an outpouring of condolences for Kayondo, whose passion and dedication to the sport were widely recognized. His passing is a heartbreaking loss, and he will be remembered for his contributions to Kampani Eagles RFC and the sport in Uganda.

'May the soul of the dearly departed rest in eternal peace,' the statement concluded.

Ronnie Kayondo died at Kampala Hospital for an injury sustained during the Nile Special Rugby Premiership fixture.

Kayondo was a a valued member of the Kampani Eagles RFC.

IGIHE

This was due to registered businesses that never operated or ceased operations for various reasons. The closure of these accounts led to a reduction of nearly 100,000 small taxable businesses.

Jean Paulin Uwitonze, the Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications at RRA, told the national broadcaster (RBA) that the decrease resulted from technological reforms that enabled the identification of registered businesses and taxpayers that were not actually operational.

“With the adoption of digital systems, RRA was able to access information that was previously unavailable, allowing us to make informed decisions. For instance, some young graduates eager to become entrepreneurs would register businesses and receive TINs, but later, many found formal employment, leaving their TINs unused with no tax payments, no imported goods, and no business transactions within the country,” he explained.

Previously, RRA’s digital system imposed penalties on these inactive accounts as non-compliant taxpayers. However, after thorough investigations confirmed that these businesses never operated, the authority opted to close the TINs instead.

Additionally, some TINs were either closed or suspended due to businesses that had been active but later ceased operations.

“There were TINs that were once used for tax payments but later became dormant. After a period of inactivity with no indication of ongoing business operations, some owners even approached us to explain that they had secured employment and stopped running their businesses. Should we continue treating them as taxable businesses? In such cases, we closed or suspended their TINs,” Uwitonze added.

He emphasized that this move was aimed at ensuring that only those required to pay taxes are taxed, clarifying that it does not indicate a decline in the number of taxpayers.

The decision also relieved individuals who had inactive TINs from penalties for non-compliance, despite no longer engaging in business.

In the past fiscal year, RRA closed over 40,000 tax accounts and suspended more than 130,000 others. As a result, the number of taxable small businesses dropped from 465,378 to 382,318, while the number of taxable medium-sized businesses declined from 842 to 786.

More than 40,000 taxpayer accounts and their corresponding Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) were closed in the past fiscal year.

IGIHE

The decision, reached during a meeting of the EALA Commission and Committee Chairpersons on February 6, 2025, comes as the Assembly struggles with financial constraints linked to delayed contributions from some East African Community (EAC) Partner States.

'This decision was reached during a Sitting of the EALA Commission and Committee Chairpersons held on the 6th February 2025, to review the Assembly’s calendar,' EALA stated in a statement.

The cash crunch has been an ongoing issue, with some Partner States failing to remit their financial obligations on time. In recent years, South Sudan and Burundi have been among the worst defaulters, with South Sudan alone owing over $22 million in past contributions, as reported in late 2022.

The financial instability has forced EALA to suspend legislative sessions and other critical activities in the past.

In response to the crisis, Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker of EALA, has initiated discussions with key EAC leaders to resolve the matter.

'The Speaker of EALA has initiated a follow-up discussion with the Hon. Beatrice Asukul Moe, The Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, and H.E. Veronica Mueni Nduva, the Secretary General of the East African Community, to urge Partner States that have outstanding contributions to remit their dues promptly to enable the resumption of activities,' the statement added.

A review of the financial situation is expected within the next three weeks. In the meantime, the Assembly has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering regional integration despite the setback.

'EALA remains committed to its mandate of promoting regional integration through Legislation, Oversight, and Representation. We are optimistic that the ongoing consultations will yield positive outcomes, allowing the Assembly to resume its critical functions as soon as it is practicable,' EALA assured in its statement.

The financial challenges facing EALA point to the broader issue of funding sustainability within the EAC. Without timely contributions from Partner States, the regional legislative body risks further disruptions, which could hinder the progress of key legislative and oversight functions necessary for deepening East African integration.

The decision, reached during a meeting of the EALA Commission and Committee Chairpersons on February 6, 2025, comes as the Assembly struggles with financial constraints linked to delayed contributions from some East African Community (EAC) Partner States.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The comfort zone is more than just a place of security; it is a psychological state where routine and predictability reign. While it offers a sense of stability, it can also become a barrier to taking risks, exploring new possibilities, and reaching one’s full potential.

Dependence on the comfort zone often manifests in subtle patterns that can hold individuals back. Identifying these behaviors is the first step toward breaking free and pursuing meaningful growth.

While routines help structure daily life, an overly rigid schedule can stifle creativity and limit experiences. When every day unfolds in an identical manner, it may indicate a reluctance to step into the unknown.

Signs of being trapped in a routine include difficulty adapting to change, discomfort with unpredictability, and a gradual decline in problem-solving abilities.

One of the biggest barriers to growth is an aversion to risk. Many people avoid stepping outside their comfort zones due to fear of failure, judgment, or discomfort.

This hesitance can lead to excessive over planning, missed opportunities, and an unwillingness to embrace challenges that could lead to personal or professional advancement.

Yet, true progress often requires stepping into uncertainty and trusting the process of learning through experience. In reality, overcoming obstacles fosters resilience and paves the way for greater satisfaction.

Many equate staying in their comfort zone with peace and fulfillment, but real growth often comes from facing challenges. The belief that avoiding difficulties leads to a content life can be misleading.

More to this, comfort zone dependency can suppress creativity and hinder innovation. When individuals become too accustomed to the status quo, they resist adopting new ideas or approaches.

This is especially evident in workplaces where employees hesitate to embrace evolving technologies or strategies, limiting both personal and organizational progress. The fear of making mistakes often holds back breakthroughs that could lead to significant achievements.

Another consequence of remaining in the comfort zone is the underutilization of talent and skills. Those who avoid new challenges may find themselves stuck in career stagnation, leading to dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfillment. Without taking initiative to grow, opportunities for career advancement remain limited.

When individuals prioritize comfort over progress, personal and professional goals often take a backseat. The safety of routine can lead to procrastination, with aspirations left unfulfilled. A deep attachment to familiarity may prevent people from taking necessary steps toward success.

Ironically, those who stay in their comfort zones often struggle with impatience when they do attempt growth. Expecting instant results, they become frustrated with the gradual nature of development.

This mindset can make it difficult to embrace the process and appreciate the small victories along the way.
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a conscious choice that requires effort and persistence. It involves embracing uncertainty, taking small but deliberate risks, and being open to challenges.

A strategic approach to breaking free includes setting incremental challenges, building resilience through exposure to discomfort, surrounding oneself with a supportive network, and celebrating progress, no matter how small.

Shifting one’s mindset is key to overcoming the limitations of the comfort zone. A growth mindset fosters the belief that challenges present learning opportunities rather than obstacles. By viewing discomfort as a necessary part of development, individuals can push past their fears and unlock their full potential.

Recognizing the restrictive nature of the comfort zone and taking proactive steps to move beyond it can lead to a life filled with growth, fulfillment, and success.

The path to personal and professional advancement begins with the willingness to embrace the unknown and challenge oneself to evolve.

Comfort zone dependency can suppress creativity and hinder innovation.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The decision, which Trump announced in an exclusive interview with the New York Post, is part of his broader crackdown on his most vocal opponents.

Among those affected are Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Biden’s Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and attorneys Andrew Weissmann, Mark Zaid, and Norm Eisen.

The move follows Trump’s decision to revoke President Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings just a day earlier.

Revoking these clearances means the individuals may be unable to enter key federal buildings, including courthouses, prisons, and law enforcement facilities. This could impede their ability to carry out official duties, particularly for those involved in ongoing legal cases against Trump.

Trump has made no secret of his animosity toward the targeted individuals. In reference to Blinken, he told the New York Post, “Bad guy. Take away his passes.”

Blinken played a key role in the infamous “Dirty 51” letter, which dismissed the contents of Hunter Biden’s laptop as Russian disinformation ahead of the 2020 election.

James and Bragg have both been instrumental in legal actions against Trump. James pursued a civil fraud case that resulted in Trump being ordered to pay over $450 million, while Bragg oversaw the “hush money” case involving Stormy Daniels. Trump has vowed to ensure both are treated “exactly the same” as Biden in terms of clearance restrictions.

The revocation also affects key figures involved in Trump’s past legal troubles. Sullivan, who was Hillary Clinton’s chief foreign policy adviser in 2016, is among those targeted. Monaco, who oversaw the Department of Justice’s response to the January 6 insurrection, has also been affected.

Weissmann, known for his role as lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s investigation into Trump’s alleged ties to Russian election interference, is another high-profile individual impacted.

Meanwhile, attorneys Zaid and Eisen, who were involved in Trump’s 2019 impeachment, have also had their security clearances revoked.

Trump’s decision is seen as retaliation for Biden’s 2021 move to block him from accessing intelligence briefings, a courtesy typically extended to former presidents. At the time, Biden cited Trump’s ‘erratic behaviour’ and concerns about his handling of classified information.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and several prominent Democrats are facing significant restrictions after former President Donald Trump revoked their security clearances.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The training, which lasted four and a half months, was designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to serve as professional company commanders, platoon commanders, company sergeant majors, and platoon sergeants.

RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh presided over the graduation ceremony on Saturday, February 8. He lauded the trainees for their dedication, discipline, and sacrifice, which enabled them to reach this significant milestone.

At the same time, General Mubarakh stressed the importance of continuous military training in ensuring operational effectiveness and readiness to address evolving security challenges.

'It is the norm in any military that, to operate effectively, officers and NCOs must undertake rigorous training continuously. Military training prepares individuals to effectively perform physically and mentally demanding tasks at the highest possible levels of proficiency. Training pays off with significant achievements in theatre and routine force duties. This is in line with leadership guidance as constantly stressed by the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF,' said General Mubarakh.

He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the training in their respective roles while upholding discipline as a core value of the RDF.

The comprehensive program focused on enhancing military skills, tactical planning, leadership, and administrative management, reinforcing RDF’s commitment to professionalism and preparedness for present and future security challenges.

The completion of this training marks another step in the RDF’s mission to strengthen the capabilities of Rwanda’s security forces, ensuring they remain well-equipped to maintain national and regional stability.

RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh presided over the graduation ceremony on Saturday, February 8.

The graduates included senior and junior officers, as well as other ranks, from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police (RNP), and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).

The comprehensive program focused on enhancing military skills, tactical planning, leadership, and administrative management, reinforcing RDF’s commitment to professionalism and preparedness for present and future security challenges.

IGIHE

Nujoma rose to head the lightly populated southern African country on March 21 1990 and was formally recognized as 'Founding Father of the Namibian Nation' through a 2005 act of parliament.

He was a longtime ally of Zimbabwean strongman Robert Mugabe, backing Mugabe’s land seizures from white farmers, though at home Nujoma stuck to a 'willing buyer, willing seller' policy.

'The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken. Our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma did not only blaze the trail to freedom, but he also inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors,' the presidency posted on X.

The presidency said Nujoma had been hospitalized for medical treatment over the past three weeks, adding: 'Unfortunately, this time, the most gallant son of our land could not recover from his illness.'

Nujoma served his three terms as president from 1990 to 2005 and sought to project himself as a unifying leader bridging political divides. In a country scarred by the legacy of apartheid and German colonial rule, Nujoma’s SWAPO party oversaw a national reconciliation programme under the motto 'One Namibia, One Nation'.

In his speeches, Nujoma made a point of repeating the phrase: 'A united people, striving to achieve a common good for all members of the society, will always emerge victorious.' His achievements included establishing democratic institutions and prioritizing reconciliation.

Nujoma was born in a village in northwestern Namibia in 1929, when his country was under South African administration. SA had controlled Namibia since World War 1 after a brutal few decades of German colonial rule remembered for the genocide of the Herero and Nama people.

As a boy he looked after his family’s cattle and attended a Finnish mission school, before moving to the coastal town of Walvis Bay and then the capital Windhoek, where he worked for South African Railways, according to a biography posted on the website of Nujoma’s charitable foundation.

Nujoma left his job on the railways to focus his energies on bringing down the apartheid system. In the late 1950s he became leader of the Owambo People’s Organisation, a precursor to liberation movement SWAPO, organizing resistance to the forced relocation of Black people in Windhoek that culminated in the police killing 12 unarmed people and wounding dozens more.

Nujoma was charged with organizing the resistance and arrested. In 1960, he went into exile. He travelled across Africa before reaching the US, where he petitioned the United Nations for Namibia’s independence.
Made SWAPO leader in absentia, Nujoma established its armed wing and in 1966 launched a guerrilla war against the apartheid government.

It took more than a decade of pressure from Nujoma and others before a UN Security Council resolution in 1978 proposed a ceasefire and elections, and another decade for the ceasefire deal to be signed and elections held in late 1989.

SWAPO won a majority in those elections, and Nujoma took office in March the following year.

Namibia’s founding father Sam Nujoma led the country’s independence from South Africa.

IGIHE

In the latest adjustments, the maximum retail price for gasoline (Premium Motor Spirit) has increased by Frw 59 to retail at Frw 1,633 per litre, up from Frw 1,574. Diesel (Automotive Gas Oil) has risen by Frw 71 to a maximum retail price of Frw 1,647 per litre, up from Frw 1,576.

The new maximum retail prices take effect from 6:00 AM on February 9, 2025, and will remain in place for the next two months.

“These adjustments are primarily based on recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices,” Evariste Rugigana, the Director General of RURA, explained in a statement released on Saturday night.

The revision comes at a time when many economies worldwide are grappling with volatile fuel prices, influenced by global supply and demand dynamics. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has particularly affected energy supplies from Russia, a major exporter, since the war broke out in February 2022.

In the latest adjustments, the maximum retail price for gasoline (Premium Motor Spirit) has increased by Frw 59 to retail at Frw 1,633 per litre, up from Frw 1,574. Diesel (Automotive Gas Oil) has risen by Frw 71 to a maximum retail price of Frw 1,647 per litre, up from Frw 1,576.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The summit, held on February 8, 2025, focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where clashes between a coalition fighting alongside the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group continue.

Footage from the Tanzanian President’s office showed Faki attending the summit’s official opening alongside heads of state and representatives from various organizations.

He had been invited by Kenya’s President and EAC Chairperson, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, representing a key bloc in the discussions.

However, before the summit moved into a closed session, the Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) requested Faki to leave.

A diplomat attending the summit told Kenyan Foreign Policy that Faki complied but raised concerns about who had instructed the M.C. to make the request.

Jevin Pillay Ponisamy, SADC’s Ambassador to the AU, said it is customary for invited guests to leave once the closed-door discussions begin.

Although this protocol was cited, Faki’s exclusion created unease among some participants, leading organizers to invite him back.
According to the diplomat, Faki initially refused to return.

The DRC government recently expressed disagreement with Faki regarding his views on security in the country’s eastern region, after he suggested engaging in dialogue with a “political group with a military wing.”

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, has been asked to leave a closed-door session of the extraordinary summit of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

IGIHE

Speaking at the EAC-SADC joint summit held in Tanzania on Feb 8, 2025, Kagame stressed the need for a lasting solution, pointing out that Rwanda’s concerns have been dismissed.

'We can’t go on forever massaging problems. What is happening there is an ethnic war that has been brewing for a long time, denying people’s rights and then attacking Rwanda,' Kagame stated.

He made it clear that Rwanda cannot be expected to remain silent while facing security threats emanating from DRC.

Kagame criticized the approach taken by DRC’s leadership, stating that despite numerous engagements, Kigali’s concerns have not been addressed.

'We have been begging DRC and its leaders for a long time, we have shared our issues and asked DRC to address them, and they have refused,' he said.

Kagame argued that the crisis is not of Rwanda’s making but has instead been imposed on the country, with DRC shifting responsibility.

The joint EAC-SADC summit, that was preceded by a ministerial meeting, sought to assess the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.

'This war was started by DRC and not anything from Rwanda. It was just brought and put on our shoulders and we were told to own it. We can’t own it. There is no question about it,' he said.

Kagame urged the participants to take the matter seriously and ensure that the meeting leads to actionable solutions rather than becoming another in a series of unproductive discussions.

The summit follows recent escalations, including the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group. M23 resumed fighting in 2021, citing the protection of Rwandophones and Congolese Tutsi communities.

President Tshisekedi, despite earlier confirmations, did not travel to Tanzania and instead attended the summit virtually.

Tshisekedi has repeatedly been urged to engage in dialogue through various processes but has remained reluctant to negotiate with M23, despite his army suffering continuous setbacks.

The Congolese government has also accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, an allegation Kigali strongly denies.

Instead, Rwanda has accused the DRC of working with the FDLR, a militia composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Reports suggest indicate that Burundian and SADC forces have joined the coalition supporting the Congolese army, even as Kinshasa has issued threats to invade Rwanda.

The summit also comes at a time when SADC countries, particularly South Africa, are facing scrutiny over their controversial involvement in the DRC conflict, with their troops suffering casualties during offensives against M23.

The EAC-SADC Joint Summit, called for a peaceful resolution to the DRC conflict and directed the merger of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

To strengthen the merged process, the summit emphasized appointing additional facilitators from across Africa. It also urged the resumption of direct negotiations with all state and non-state actors, including M23, under this framework.

Additionally, the summit called for the implementation of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) of the harmonized plan for neutralization of FDLR as agreed in the Luanda process.

The meeting was co-chaired by Kenyan President Wlliam Ruto who doubles as the Chairperson of EAC and Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and current Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

President Paul Kagame has called for a decisive approach to resolving the ongoing security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The EAC-SADC joint summit took place in Tanzania on Feb 8, 2025. it was preceded by a ministerial meeting held on Friday, February 6.

Théophile Niyitegeka