Zimbabwe waiting the results of its landmark elections|Vok News

Zimbabwe is awaiting the results of its landmark elections, with both frontrunners saying they are confident.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he had received extremely positive information but opposition leader Nelson Chamisa said his party was winning resoundingly.
Observers say the race between Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF party, and Chamisa's MDC Alliance, is extremely tight. Both men are among 23 candidates running for president. Both have today hinted on victory but said they were waiting for electoral commission to make the announcement.
European Union and US election monitors have been allowed into the country for the first time in 16 years to assess whether the elections are free and fair.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairwoman Priscilla Chigumba said she was satisfied there was no cheating.  Previous polls have been marred by allegations of widespread rigging and intimidation.

Kilembe Hospital Yet to Recover from 2013 Floods|Vok News

Newsroom story|voice of kamwenge

Kilembe Mines Hospital, Kasese district, is yet to recover from the floods that damaged the facility. Kilembe was hit by floods in 2013, 2014 and 2015 leading to the destruction of 86 units of the staff quarters, two patients' wards, the attendants' shelter, the hospital chapel and mortuary drive. 

This has since compelled the hospital staff to seek for accommodation from Kasese town which is a distance away from the hospital.

Onesimus Kibaya, the hospital administrator, says the hospital is grappling with fuel costs resulting from transportation of the hospital's staff from their homes to the health facility. According to Kibaya, the hospital spends 7 million shillings on fuel and vehicle repairs per month which could have been used to purchase drugs and carry out maintenance work of the facility. 

Kibaya says that they are soliciting for financial support to construct new staff quarters.  Kilembe Mines Hospital is the district's major and general hospital. It also offers specialist services especially in orthopedics in the entire western region.

Cabinet approves Dr Jotham Musinguzi as the new Chairman of the board of directors at National Medical Stores (NMS)|Vok News.

Mr vybs|voice of kamwenge

Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr Jotham Musinguzi, as the new Chairman of the board of directors at National Medical Stores (NMS). The public health physician now replaces Dr Phillip Byaruhanga who has been at the helm of the NMS board since 2015.

Dr Musinguzi, who currently serves as Director General the National Population Council (NPC), will lead a board of 15 members, among them former health minister Dr Christine Ondoa, Dr Medard Bitekyerezo the head of the National Drug Authority Board,  Laban Mulamuko and Beatrice Amongi Lagada.

The other members of the board include Dr Samuel Orochi Orach, Dr Hanifah Namaala, Justinian Niwagaba, Kenneth Paul Omoding, Kate Nalukenge, Dr Richard Mugahi, Naomi Kibaaju, Emmanuel Osuna, Shaban Abdullah and Dr Timothy Musila.

These were vetted and approved during a cabinet meeting held yesterday at State House Entebbe.
National Medical Stores was established as a statutory corporation in 1993, with a mandate to procure, store and distribute essential medicines and other medical supplies to public health facilities. The role of the board is to oversee the operations of NMS in executing its duties.

Prosecution Lines up Five Witnesses in Entebbe Murders as missing boda boda rider in Kamwenge town found dead|Vok News

Newsroom story|Voice of kamwenge
The state has lined up five witnesses to pin three suspects accused of murdering Rose Nakimulu, a resident of Mpala village, Katabi town council in Entebbe municipality in Wakiso district.
The suspects are Ivan Katongole, Hellen Nabaggala and Andrew Kizito. They were arrested on July 24th last year and were arraigned before the Entebbe chief Magistrates court for murdering Nakumuli, one of the victims of famous Entebbe murders.
The Entebbe Chief Magistrate's court committed the trial before High court on June 14th this year for trial. However, the State Prosecutor, Babirye Sarah told the trial judge Moses Kazibwe that they didn't have witnesses to pin the accused and asked for adjournment.
Today, Babirye told court that they had received five witnesses to pin the suspects. The suspect's lawyer, Evans Ochieng pleaded with court not to allow prosecution to bring the five witnesses.
In his ruling, Justice Kazibwe asked prosecution to present the witnesses for a fair trial of the accused. He cautioned the prosecution against any delays brought about in court, saying the accused need a fair and speedy trial in line with article 28 of the constitution. 

Missing boda boda rider in Kamwenge found dead|Vok News

Story by Busobozi Peter Kadoori

The boda boda rider in Kamwenge town who has been missing for six days has been found dead. Sunday Evalisto (28) was found by residents in the bush in Bukonderwa village, Kitonzi ward of Kamwenge town council.

Sunday disappeared on Tuesday last week and since then residents together with bodaboda riders alongside police have been searching for him. It is suspected that Sunday, was killed by assailants who took a way his motorcycle.

Byaruhanga Didas the Kamwenge District Police Commander says that 7 people are being help to help in
investigations.

Police to Deploy 3000 Officers during Buganda 'Jubilewo' Celebrations|Vok News

At least 3000 police officers are to provide security during Buganda Kingdom Jubilee celebrations scheduled for Tomorrow. They include Traffic, Operations, and Field Force Police, and Canine, Counter terrorism and Crime Intelligence Personnel. 

The police officers will be reinforced by operatives from sister security agencies like the Military Police, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence and the Internal Security Organization. The deployment plan was finalized last week by commanders of the various units under Kampala Metropolitan Police and the security team from Buganda Kingdom.

Some of the officers, especially crime Intelligence and Counter terrorism personnel have already taken position at Lubiri Palace and its surrounding areas. Moses Kafeero, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, has asked the celebrants to be security alert and inform police in case of any suspicions.

The police medical service has also deployed about 10 nurses to man 10 ambulances in case of any emergency cases during the celebrations. The Counter terrorism teams will be in charge of all entry points to the palace.

The Silver Jubilee celebrations mark 25 years since Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi ascended to the throne.

Pedestrians biggest victims on road accidents, annual crime and road safety report say|Vok News

Newsroom story|voice of kamwenge

The 2017 Annual Crime and Road Safety Report, has revealed that pedestrians were the biggest victims of road accidents. At least 1,319 out of the 3,500 people killed in road accidents last year were pedestrians while 2,135 of the 10,420 injured persons were pedestrians. Drunkards, minors and school going children being the most affected.

In second position are boda boda riders followed passengers in other vehicles. Charles Ssebambulidde, the Police Traffic and Road Safety Spokesperson, says the situation has been repeating itself for so many years
The Director Traffic and Road Safety, Stephen Kasiima says they are in consultations with different stakeholders like Uganda National Roads Authority and Kampala Capital City Authority to find a way to separate walkways from the roads and to construct Pedestrian fly overs.

The Deputy KCCA Spokesperson, Robert Kalumba, says the Authority is in the process of constructing walk ways a cross Kampala to resolve the problem. Our reporter couldn’t get a comment from Uganda National Roads Authority as the calls the spokesperson couldn’t pick calls from our reporter for three days.

High turnout in first post-Mugabe poll in Zimbababwe|Vok News

Former Zimbabwe president R. Mugabe ahead of polls

Voter turnout was high in Zimbabwe’s first general election since long-serving ruler Robert Mugabe was ousted, officials say.

Foreign observers have hailed the election as an opportunity for Zimbabwe to break with its repressive past.  The presidential election is expected to be a tight contest between the incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa and his main rival Nelson Chamisa.

In Domboshawa village, about an hour’s car ride north of the capital, Harare, many had been in the queue even before sunrise. The first groups of voters were mainly elderly people but there were some youngsters too.

Crowds whistled and broke into chants of Chamisa when the 40-year-old MDC leader cast his ballot on the outskirts of Harare, amidst a media scrum.                                In contrast, Mnangagwa, thought to be 75, voted in a quiet polling station at a school in the central city of Kwekwe.

11 confirmed deadin a Kabale-Kisoro road motor accident|Vok News

Newsroom story|Voice of kamwenge

Eleven people have been confirmed dead and several others injured in a motor accident that occurred along the Kabale-Kisoro road earlier today.

The accident occurred when a motor vehicle registration number UAW 739M that was carrying traders, sacks of Irish potatoes, crates of soda and beer, failed to negotiate a sharp corner and hit guard rails in Kanaba hills.

Deus Tumuranze, one of the survivors says that the vehicle from Mengo in Muko Sub County, Rubanda district was heading to the daily market in Kisoro Municipality. Tumuranze says the dead were hit by guard rails, while others were hit by their goods.

John Baptist Twinomugisha, an Ambulance attendant at Kisoro hospital, says most of the casualties were in bad condition with broken legs, arms, and deep wounds in the chest stomach and heads. Kisoro District police Commander Charles Okotto says that police traffic rushed at the scene to manage the situation.

Kamwenge town council councillors in war with area health inspector for harrasing low income earners|Vok News

Chapati place along kamwenge-Mbarara road. Photo by Mr vybs

Vian Orishaba|Voice of Kamwenge

A cross section of Kamwenge town council councilors have castigated Tugume Elastus the area Health Inspector for failing his mandate resorting to harassing low income earners.

On Thursday last week, Tugume assaulted Mudoogo Faizo accusing him of preparing chapatti along Kamwenge- Mbarara road beyond the recommended time. It all started after Tugume found Faizo preparing chapatti after 8:00am in the morning. Before he could defend himself, Tugume boxed Faizo in the chick and in retaliation, the chapatti man also exchanged back.

Using his authority, Tugume rushed to police and recorded a statement. Police swung in action and arrested Faizo over allegations of assaulting a public servant. He has since been released on police bond.

However, the action of Tugume has not gone well with some councilors who are casting him for failing his mandate and resort to harassing low income earners. Councilors say that Tugume had no mandate to chase a way food vendor along the street since they were allowed by a council resolution.

Enock Kakuhikire the town clerk Kamwenge has refused to comment on the matter saying it’s before police.

VOK NEWS LIVE: Kabambiro NWSC hired workers storm offices for delayed payments|Vok News

Kabambiro youth who worked for National Water and Sewage cooperation showed grief and unhappy moods and stormed offices in Kamwenge town. Some of the youth said  they were to stay at the offices til they got their money. They are storming NWSC offices for their 2.8M shs.

Health News: National Drug Authority Bans Sale Of Herbal Enhancement Pills|Vok News

In Health news, the National Drug Authority has stopped the sale of herbal enhancement pills on the market that do not meet the required standards.

Male Enhancement pills are pills that claim to enhance pleasure during sexual intercourse, erection size or stamina in men.                                                                        

The move comes following the authority's decision to revoke marketing permits of 18 herbal products after it was revealed that the herbal products were adulterated with a synthetic pharmaceutical ingredient which contravenes the body's regulations.                                           

In a circular addressed to all herbalists dated July 5^th 2018 signed byHellenByomireNdagije, the NDA Director for Product Safety, says the banned products are contrary to the body's act which prohibits the sale of adulterated drugs.                                                                     

The banned products might have serious health implications such as bleeding of the brain that can lead to sudden death in extreme cases according to NDA.

"Student's concern touches on the right of access to information as in the Constitution and Act of Parliament"-Kadaga| Vok News

Meanwhile, Rebecca Kadaga the Speaker of parliament has confirmed that she would be convening the House on Wednesday, July 11 so that Parliament can start a review on the taxes. Kadaga said that the Student's concern touches on the right of access to information which is enshrined in the Constitution and further highlighted in an Act of Parliament.

The students also condemned the tax on mobile money arguing that often, their parents use the service to send them upkeep from upcountry. Samuel Obedgiu says the tax on Mobile Money threatens their livelihood. 

Another section of Mobile Money dealers led by Boaz Byamukama described the new mobile money tax as not accommodative. 

Kadaga equally assured the mobile money dealers that the taxes are to be discussed further by parliament on Wednesday.

Parliament to reconvene to review the social media and Mobile money tax|Vok News

Parliament will reconvene next Wednesday to review the social media tax and mobile money tax that has caused a nationwide uproar.  The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadagahas announced the programme after receiving petitions from Makerere University Students and Mobile Money dealers.

The two groups appealed to parliament to reconsider removing the 200 Shillings on social media and the 1 percent deduction on mobile money transactions which came into effect on July 1, 2018.

Led by Samuel Obedgiu, the student Minister for Culture and Mobilization at Makerere University, a section of students described the social media tax as double taxation considering that Ugandans are already subjected to a 15 percent indirect tax on airtime.  

Abel Eseru, another student from Makerere University said that several students access scholarship opportunities on social media and that the new tax will stand in their way if it's maintained.  

Marion Kirabo, a law student from Makerere University said that many students and youth use social media platforms to market their products and for exposure.

Makerere Council Approves 15% Tuition Increment|Vok News

Makerere University has finally approved a 15% fees increment. The decision was made on July 6th during a Council Meeting after they agreed to the conditions set by the Student leaders. Among the demands, students wanted an assurance that funds will not be misused as has been previously reported under the Auditor General's reports.  

Salim Papa Were, the Guild President says they agreed to an increment after receiving assurance from the university that money will be put to proper use.
Were Salim, says that unless students see a change, they will call for scrapping of the increment when they have the annual reviews. 

In a tweet earlier today, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe confirmed the University Council approval of the proposed 15% tuition increment for the undergraduate students starting 2018/19 financial year.

Kyotera DPC Loses Gun To Thugs|Vok News

The Kyotera District Police Commander, Musa Kayongo has lost his pistol to unidentified thugs. The incident occurred last week on Thursday night at Bwasa Village in Kalisizo Town council. According to information obtained by our reporter, two armed thugs donning military uniform stopped Kayongo's private car at around 3am claiming to be operatives from the Special Forces Command.                       

They reportedly persuaded Kayongo to surrender his pistol to help them in their operation since President YoweriMuseveni was expected in Kyotera the following day. According to Kayongo, the thugs introduced themselves and presented their identity cards, which gave him confidence to surrender his firearm thinking they were genuine operatives.                                                       

He however, says after surrendering his pistol, the thugs disappeared mysteriously leaving him stranded. Kayongo reported that incident Kalisizo police station where he recorded a statement. LameckKigozi, the Masaka Region Police Spokesperson has confirmed the incident, saying they are still handling the matter at an administrative level.                                                                               

According to Kigozi, they are still questioning Kayongo to get more facts to aid the ongoing investigations. No suspect has been arrested in connection to the incident. His account has left detectives wondering how a senior officer would surrender his gun to unknown people.

7PM NEWS: Joram Kabuye news live, Mobile money tax war and LC 1 Polls| Vok live

Government has declared July 10th a public holiday across the country to allow all Ugandans to participate in the village council elections.

The Minister of Local Government has urged citizens to turn up in big numbers to vote in the upcoming Local Council elections.

The Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola has directed the reinstatement of three ranks that were abandoned more than ten years ago.

Broadcasters have pledged to clean up their houses and do the right things in order to improve and develop the broadcasting sector.

Four mobile money agents have been arrested by Police in Kampala for protesting against the Mobile Money tax.

                          And

Equatorial Guinea's president has declared a general amnesty for all political prisoners.

Equatorial Guinea declares amnesty for political prisoners|Vok news

Equatorial Guinea's president has declared a general amnesty for all political prisoners.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema's decree was read on national television.
Opposition parties had demanded the release of political detainees as one of the conditions for taking part in what the president has called a national dialogue.
Earlier this year, Equatorial Guinea's main opposition party Citizens for Innovation was dissolved by the authorities and 21 of its members were given long jail sentences following what the government said was a coup attempt by mercenaries.
Obiang seized power in a coup in 1979.