News from Uganda Nov. 7

Two former Ministers of Health on are on trial for misappropriating money designated for a child immunization program. Last week the defence lawyers walked out of court after their objections to how the prosecution was questioning the two went unheard. Many people here believe the trial is more for show, the government and courts showing the world they will not stand for corruption, even as more corruption occurs.


Lords Resistance Army (LRA) representatives are in Kampala to meet with representatives with the government to further discuss peace negotiations between themselves and the government forces. This is the first time some of these LRA members have been back to Uganda in 10 years, having been hiding across the border in DRC and Sudan.


In Alchoi Region, in the north of Uganda, MP’s okay use of small doses of DDT in houses for mosquito control. This was the original use of DDT, and it became known as one of the dirty dozen pesticides after widespread spraying began affecting the environment in North America.


An UPDF army private was sentenced to death by hanging after shooting his girlfriend 32 times. Dennis Omona Anywar said he killed her because she was stealing money from him and gave him HIV.


The European Union has decided to increase direct funding to Northern Uganda, thus cutting back on funding to NGOs. The 22 billion shilling grant (12.9 million US) is earmarked from those regions beginning to recover from the 18+ years of civil strife. The EU ambassador thinks the direct funding will strengthen local programs but is warning officials against embezzling the funds. Should be interesting to see how this works out.


Not exactly Ugandan news but important to Ugandans was Saturday’s match for Manchester United against Arsenal. They tied.