Sunday, April 26, 2026
Home Blog Page 43

NOW THIS: School Asks New Students To Report With a Chicken As Requirement

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0
Image of a pupil with a chicken-Used for illustration purposes only.

Early this week, the Deputy Speaker of parliament asked the Ministry of Education to jump into action and regulate the hiking schools fees and requirements as the new term for this year has began.

The speaker was in parliament and reacting to cries of parents who were complaining of the sky rocketing schools fees especially in private schools where some are charging schools fees and requirements more than what universities are asking from Degree students.

Now in a rather dramatic turn of events, there’s this school which has included chicken among the requirements to be brought by new students, not a piece of chicken but a live chicken. Child Care Nursery and Primary School in Kabale District is where every learner is required to take a hen which is one of the requirement for those reporting for first term.

According to the Director Innocent Mbiine, parents resolved in 2019 to start up a poultry project to improve on the diet of their kids at school and they so far had 20 birds at the farm but needed more to kickstart this project and would also help management to rise some ka money.

Well, some schools ask students to report with a Wheel burrow, spade, a bag of cement, hoes among other requirements which every one perceives as weird but well more will be asked because the new curriculum has a lot to offer in terms of projects by students. A lot will be asked including piglets because New curriculum students are trained on project based education.

CREDIT: NTV UGANDA

If you have a story in your community or an opinion article, let’s publish it. Send us an email via ultimatenews19@gmail.com. Follow our WhatsApp Channel HERE and our Telegram Channel HERE to see more of our stories.

SHOCKING: Man Impregnates His Mother-In-Law, Says It Was By Mistake

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0

Netizens are left astonished after a man identified as Ibrahim in an interview with Afrimax revealed that he mistakenly impregnated his mother-in-law only to find out that it’s his wife who planned it all.

Ibrahim a Tanzanian Man who grew up from a humble background where his parents where not able to send him to school was earning a living with his Tuk Tuk which he was using to transport people and their goods to different destinations in his town is now trending for chewing his mother-in-law.

He however found this new client he has identified as Sharifa who became a regular client, they exchanged contacts. One thing led to the other and started dating and regularly went for outings.

“One particular day as i was busy working, i met a young lady Sharifa as a client after transporting her to her destination where we exchanged contacts, she became my regular client, transporting her goods daily and we became friends and she later asked me out”-says Ibrahim

He further says the two went out and had the best time together, he drove her back to her home but the beautiful Sharifa would ask Ibrahim to stay around for a night because she was single and only lived with her mother who had no issue with her daughter hosting visitors like him. Ibrahim immediately accepted the request.

AD: FOR THE BEST WEB HOSTING AND DOMAIN NAMES, CALL OR WHATSAPP +256758201313

According to this young man, after days of dating, Sharifa introduced him to her mother and he was welcomed home every time he wanted. He says they treated him well and he felt at home all the time he paid them a visit.

However, little did Ibrahim know that his new found love Sharifa had plans beyond friendship as their romance and chemistry continued leading from one thing to the other. Unusually, the woman proposed to Ibrahim and the two later tied the knot in a colorful function attended by few family members.

“They organized all the wedding ceremony and we had a wonderful wedding day to remember, with limited means, i moved into Sharifa mothers house and little did i know that this decision would set the stage for the bewildering sequence of events”-Ibrahim says.

The two now three lived happily together and he even had to quit his Boda boda job but couldn’t stay home to just sit because even his wife would go for work every day.

One day as he was away from home, Sharifa called informing him that her mother is not okay, he immediately rushed home to check on the sick mother only to find a scene that he recalls was the turn of events in his marriage. He says he found the mother-in-law bathing in the back yard.

“I hurried back home thinking something is wrong only to find my mother-in-law naked, taking a bath in the backyard, i quickly closed my eyes and turn back in respect not to see her and surprisingly she told me not to worry and that all was okay. Being respectful i quickly went back out of the gate but after a few minutes, my wife called and asked why i had gone out again”- Ibrahim narrates.

He further says that upon being asked why he had moved out again, he told his wife that he found the mother-in-law all good and not sick as earlier indicated and he later realized Sharifa had all along been setting him up into a love triangle where her mother would also share the same cassava she enjoys every night.

“One evening when we were at home, my wife acted as if she going to do some business as usual but took too long and later that night my mother-in-law entered and forced to me, and you know men are weak so we ended up having an affair”-Ibrahim narrates the first time he chewed the mother-in-law.

Ibrahim says he felt embarrassed after bonking his mother-in-law and because of guilt, he told his wife while apologizing and she instead told him it wasn’t a big and she unbothered and told me that he should take care of her mother.

“I told my wife all that happened while apologizing but the wife seemed unbothered as if that was normal and told that it was not a big deal and added that i should take care of her mother, i was shocked and disappointed at the same time. This kept happening as the she [mother-in-law] often visited our room and i ended up impregnating my mother-in-law”-Ibrahim further narrates.

The now confused man says he was so fearful after ballooning the mother-in-law and he even thought of ending his life. Events took another turn when a mysterious man came into the picture claiming that he was Sharifa’s father, to you reading this article, this man now would be Ibrahim’s father-in-law and at the same time a co husband to the mother-in-law he had bonked into cabbages and even impregnated.

Fearful of what might happen next if the man knew that his wife was pregnant and the son-in-law responsible, Ibrahim took a painful decision to escape from the link of confusion leaving his pregnant mother-in-law and his dear wife Sharifa behind.

In the interview that has elicited mixed reactions online, Ibrahim longs to re-unite with his wife but he’s still fearful with questions on what motivated Sharifa to do all she did and put Ibrahim in a cage of temptations where he ended up chewing the mother and the daughter and even managed to impregnant the mother-in-law.

If you have a story in your community or an opinion article, let’s publish it. Send us an email via ultimatenews19@gmail.com. Follow our WhatsApp Channel HERE and our Telegram Channel HERE to see more of our stories.

OWEYEGHA-AFUNADUULA: Is Uganda Really Too Poor To Pay It’s Civil Servants Well?

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa

By Oweyegha-Afunaduula

The following 45 countries were still listed as least developed countries by the UN as of December 2023 Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, East Timor, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia. Uganda is among them.

Although Africa is extremely rich in terms of natural resources, it is extremely financially poor compared to the other Continents. According to the World Bank’s latest data, the poorest countries in Africa by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita are mostly located in sub-Saharan Africa.

The top 10 poorest countries in Africa, according to the World Bank, are mainly those that have suffered from political instability, conflicts, and a lack of economic development. The have high poverty rates, low life expectancy, and poor education outcomes.

Country and their Gross National Income as seen below. 

1.Western Sahara $56
2. Burundi $220
3. Somalia $430
4. Central African Republic $480
5. Mozambique $490
6. Madagascar $490
7. Sierra Leone $500
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo $550
9. Niger $590
10. Eritrea $610

Therefore in terms of financial wealth Uganda is not so badly off. Her Gross National Income per Capita is $760 and her Gross National Product (GNP) is $ 884. In terms of GNI the country is ranked the 17th poorest, while in terms of GNP it is ranked 18th poorest. However, terms of natural resources, Uganda is one of the richest countries of the world.

Uganda has natural forests, although these are under the threat of false economic policies that are encouraging establishment of extensive plantations of oil palm and sugarcane, and of nomadic pastoralists that these days regard every inch of the lands of indigenous peoples as theirs.

Yet the lands God and Nature gave them are the Semi-arid and Savanna lands. Accordingly, the environmental and ecological  security of Uganda is being compromised. So is food security since food production in the country’s 7 or so agroecological systems depends so much on environmental and ecological security and by extension climatic security. Food insecurity can weaken farmers and lead to decline food and cash crop production.

The country will no doubt be impoverished towards displacing one of the poorest countries in the world. As if this is not bad enough the National Forest Authority (NFA) is playing the role of a biological desertification agent by encouraging and taking part in the degradation of natural forests and replacing theme with plantations of the hot desert plant of the Genus Eucalyptus and the cold desert plant of the Genus Cypress.

Uganda has the largest percentage of the world’s freshwater resources, which are unfortunately being degraded by leaking chemicals and oil in them. Her freshwaters are naturally productive, but their productivity is in danger of plummeting due to unwise policies and use of the land and natural resources such as oil.

I have written before that Uganda is extremely rich in minerals such as gold and mercury, and the rare earth minerals, which include cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium and lanthanum and are found in Busoga.

The country needs to be planned in such a way that her rich natural resources are used to nourish the economy rather than enrich foreigners from afar There is also need to rethink how government uses the scarce financial resources so that Ugandans benefit maximally in terms of social development.

Un fortunately it is President Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s policy choice that focus is more on infrastructural development than on environmental development, ecological development and social development, which are so tightly linked.

Right now these types of development are being grossly violated by environmentally, ecologically and socially deficient socioeconomic development choices and the failure of the government to control the marauding nomadic pastoralists, some from outside the country.

It is absolutely important that we rethink the way we plan for the country, lead and govern ourselves and our resources – natural and financial – so that there is justice for all. True we are poor because we are poor and because we are poor, we are poor, but injustice can breed even more poverty among the population groups most vulnerable to the vice of poverty.

With income injustice, the people may not think about the poverty of the country, but about the greed and selfishness of those who plan the economy and govern the resources, tending to allocate them so than only a few people benefit at the expense of the majority.

I have just been. Reading the Daily Monitor of 5th February 2024. I was attracted to the story “Museveni calls for socio economic transformation for government to increase public servants pay”. According to the story, the Presidents new stand about the disparities in incomes in the country is that public servants of Uganda cannot have their salaries raised until the country achieves socio-economic transformation so that government has the resources to do so.

The problem with transformation of anything is that it is a continuous process. It may be perturbed, decelerate or accelerate along the way, but no one can say now it has come to an end. Even countries such as USA, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, and China, which are developed are still under transformation of their economies, especially under the influence of the World Wide Web, which requires new ways of producing and managing knowledge and human resources.

They still need to continue innovating new ways of motivating their public servants and their people so that they fully and patriotically participate in the continuing socioeconomic transformation processes.

The problem with Uganda is that everything, including transformation of the country, is almost exclusively in the hands of our politicomilitary rulers. They want to develop and transform the country for the people not with the people.

Or else they have chosen to excessively pay themselves directly or indirectly while giving public servants peanuts in terms of salaries. Those connected to the rulers are scattered in various stations where they draw excessive salaries, even where they do no have the necessary experiences and qualifications compared to those who work below them.

President Tibuhaburwa Museveni has to rethinking his thinking about how a country develops and gets transformed. If he cares about the development, transformation and progress of Uganda, he needs to put the people at the centre of these processes, not outside them.

He must rethink how he treats our civil servants, doctors, professors, teachers because collectively they are the engine of development, transformation and progress of the country. Keeping them in poverty while making politicians and a few people connected to power excessively rich by giving them jobs earning them huge incomes, is undermining the country in the 21st Century.

The President has been behind building a middle class. However, the members of this class a grossly underpaid and spend their time trying to make their ends meet rather that contribute to the development, transformation and progress of the country. They are even turning to corruption to make ends meet, thereby undermining his now silent “Zero Tolerance Corruption (ZTC).

If we are true to the crusade of combating corruption, we must involve the middle-class people we so strenuously built. Let’s take them away from the temptation to steal public funds by giving them meaningful incomes. It is good government is almost implementing the amalgamation of its departments and ministries.

That should release some money that should go to improve the salaries of productive government public servants. But this should be accompanied by removing unprofessional, unqualifies workers from jobs that should be occupied by the right people. We cannot transform the country if we considerations suchas kinship, politics and power retention ahead of the transformation of the country and expect to transform the country.

In short, let’s value Ugandans and be honest with them. Let’s not leave them but fully integrate them in the project of Development, Transformation and Progress of Uganda. Motivation is critical to getting everyone involved in the project.

The project should be genuine should be done with every Ugandan not for them. Otherwise, transformation will remain a myth, not a reality. Then the leaders, governors and rulers will continue to move in one direction to prosperity while the rest of the people will continue to move in the opposite direction of continuous impoverishment.

For God and My Country.

Top Story: URA boss Accused Of Lying About Invesco South Sudan Cargo Deals

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0

Acting on behalf of his Principal or Master (K-Polygenese SAS Multinational), Edgar David Musoke Nsubuga (who heads their Ugandan agent Lincoln Logistics Ltd as General Manager) has broken the silence and accused URA Assistant Commissioner Julius Nkwasire Mponooka for accepting to be misled and used by the executives of a Ugandan company called INVESCO in the service of whose interests he ended up lying in a media interview last week.

In a New Vision story, Mponooka was quoted as saying things which had the effect of unnecessarily rasing the profile of INVESCO while exaggerating their cargo clearance-related dealings with the government of DRC.

The same media story, which the K-Polygene SAS executives now say was deliberately calculated to undermine them while raising the profile of INVESCO, deceptively indicated that K-Polygene SAS remains suspended from doing cargo tracking and importation clearing work for the government of South Sudan had been suspended for failing to do the job as contract. This is totally untrue because the short lived suspension was, in writing, lifted and brought to and end long ago.

In a widely circulated media statement this Monday, K-Polygene SAS executives castigated their INVESCO counterparts for deliberately misleading URA through AC Mponooka regarding the true position of things. That this was all deliberately meant to tarnish the image of K-Polygene SAS while making INVESCO seem greater than it actually is.

That the contract that was referred to in the New Vision story as existing between INVESCO and South Sudan through its Revenue Authority, regarding the handling of import and export or even transit good, actually doesn’t exist.

The K-Polygene media release of Monday challenges Mponooka and his INVESCO allies to publicize any if such contract actually does exist. They demand sanction against the rogue-minded actors involved for deliberately misleading both URA and the public.

It’s further clarified that even in DRC, INVESCO has no direct contractual relationship with the government of Kinshasa to do any imports and cargo-clearing errands there. That they are mere 3rd party actors having been sub contracted by TRANSCOM which was directly hired by the DRC government along with K-Polygene SAS Multinational, an internationally acclaimed company headquartered in France with combined joint ownership hailing from France and Canada.

That because of its globally acclaimed standards, reputation and capabilities, K-Polygene (which the New Vision story disparaged) is already doing plenty of cargo-related standards enforcement work in a number of countries where it deals directly with governments unlike INVESCO which is always brought in as a 3rd party with limited capacity, limited experience and professionalism.

The globally-acclaimed and easily visible K-Polygene is already doing large cargo and imports-clearance jobs on behalf of governments in countries like Benin, Gambia, DRC, South Africa, Congo, Guinea Bissau, CAR, Zambia, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda (through MS Lincoln Logistics Ltd) and Tanzania.

They are equally present and doing work in France, Switzerland, India, Canada, North America and Hong Kong. That in all these places, they have performed their contractual obligations in a manner that exceeded expectations of their clients who are chiefly governments.

The statement further explains that the temporary suspension preventing K-Polygene not to do work for South Sudan was an outcome of contractual breaches which had been committed by INVESCO which had been sub contracted by their other primary party to the contract with the government of South Sudan through its Trade Ministry.

That, encouraged by URA, INVESCO concentrated on militarizing compliance operations which caused long queues and endless heavy trucks traffic jams as business and diplomatic cargo got held up and thereby frustrating individual actors and entities that were meant to be served under the arrangement during the contracting period. Apparently, INVESCO used militarized operations to cover up for its staffing and professionalism-related inadequacies.

And gratefully, having established where the problem was emanating from, the Trade Ministry of South Sudan (through the actions and writings of Minister Kuol Athien Mawien and Under Secretary Mary Aketch Milla) has since reinstated the contractual relationship with K-Polygene SAS Multinational.

Following up on the earlier one, a South Sudan Trade Ministry letter of 27th March 2023 makes it clear that K-Polygene is the sole provider of imports and cargo-clearance-related services for the government of South Sudan relating to importation and exportation at all its ports.

In the same letter, the K-Polygene Director is asked by Aketch Milla to closely with the South Sudan Revenue Authority and its Commissioner General to carry out its compliance-related work besides Crawford Capital Ltd which is the other only mandated entity and no one else. The same South Sudan Ministerial directive, which is in writing, requires K-Polygene to effect the installation of scanners at Nimule border point and the Electronic Cargo Tracking Notes (ECTN).

The same K-Polygene, incorporated in France in 2015, is directed to work with the South Sudan Ministry of Roads & Bridges and the National Roads Authority to begin constructing the weigh bridges component of the contract across the country.

They are also directed to work with the Trade Ministry of South Sudan to commence on the construction of the dry port besides the establishment of Trade Facilitation Portal to facilitate international trade for the benefit of the economy of South Sudan.

The media statement also sets the record straight on the range of technological & functional solutions and services which the company (K-Polygene) offers in the different powerful countries of the world where it has a presence and operates from.

These include consultancy services to governments, system audits, data analysis, change management, project management offices, business intelligence digitization, GPS tracking, satellite tracking, custom automation and VAT & e-taxes collection. And remarkably, the company’s standards are globally comparable as is evidenced by the several ISO certifications which have been obtained over the years.

In the same media statement, K-Polygene raises a red flag by highlighting some of the problems likely to be encountered if the recent MoU between URA and INVESCO obliging the latter to carry out certification of all cargo originating from or transiting through Uganda and heading to DRC and South Sudan is allowed to stand. That the poor performance-related issues which prompted the government of South Sudan to suspend work some three years ago will most likely end up constraining this MoU’s effective operationalization.

That given its limited capacity and competence-related constraints, INVESCO will simply never be able to satisfactorily comply with the set trade facilitation guidelines and standards as stipulated by World Customs Organization. That this actually made whatever involvement INVESCO had into the South Sudan situation to become synonymous with being a non-trade barrier to trade as opposed to being an enabler of trade.

The K-Polygene executives further reject claims in the impugned New Vision story that merely because they are sub contractors of TRANSCOM, which has a direct contract with the DRC government, INVESCO has or will be having access to the database of all taxpayers in DRC which isn’t the case. That all this was said and corroborated by the URA Assistant Commissioner Mponooka in a bid to raise the profile and performance experience of INVESCO while downplaying the capabilities, reputation and good name of K-Polygene.

If you have a story in your community or an opinion article, let’s publish it. Send us an email via ultimatenews19@gmail.com. Follow our WhatsApp Channel HERE and our Telegram Channel HERE to see more of our stories.

Impressive Innovations Leave Katikiro Mayiga Enthralled At NARO Results

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, on Tuesday toured four institutes of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), during which he expressed admiration at the array of advanced research products.

From liquid soap, hand wash gels, pesticides, and animal feeds, all produced from cow dung, to facial and body scrubs, as well as body creams derived from coffee, the tour unveiled a remarkable spectrum of innovations.

The Katikkiro speaks to guests during his visit to NAROs livestock resources research institute in Nakyasasa

Accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Kingdom officials, the Katikkiro’s visit was part of an official tour of NARO facilities, aligning with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the research body and the Kingdom last year. The partnership focuses on collaborative efforts to leverage NARO’s expertise in advancing transformative agriculture in the Buganda region.

“If we aim for socio-economic transformation, we must concentrate on our country’s comparative advantage, which lies in agriculture,” remarked the Katikkiro, adding that it’s important to embrace scientific and research-based approaches to agriculture in today’s era.

The Katikkiro tours NAROs livestock resources research institute in Nakyasasa

“With the population explosion and the growing list of needs, we need the expertise of NARO, and when you visit you realize we have everything we need,” He said.

The Katikkiro visited the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI), where he witnessed NARO scientists showcasing innovative products like coffee powder, yoghurt, wines, chocolate, cookies, cakes, and various non-dietary prototypes including lip balm, aftershave, facial scrub, and body lotions and creams.

The visit also marked the launch of the annual Royal Coffee Day, to be celebrated every 30th January, highlighting the role of traditional institutions in promoting coffee production and fostering technology and value innovation.

NARO Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma (right) explains a point to the Katikkiro (center)

At the Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MuZARDI), the Katikkiro explored adaptive research results aimed at promoting local poultry farming, vegetable and legumes cultivation, fish farming, quality seeds, and proper agricultural management practices.

Impressed by the Zero Waste farm management practices at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), the Katikkiro observed how farm waste was utilized to produce various items, including biogas, Bio-briquettes, Biomethane, Bio-liquid, Bio-pesticides, bio-

fertilizers, Animal feeds, Bio-electricity, Carbondioxide, and Sulphuric acid. The institute also showcased high-quality cattle breeds recommended for zero grazing as well progress in developing an anti-tick vaccine, among other technologies.

At the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NaRL) in Kawanda, the Katikkiro visited the biotechnology laboratory, witnessing the generation of banana plants through tissue culture. The laboratory also showcased soil analysis for the greater Masaka region, while in the industrialization sector, the scientists demonstrated the transformation of banana fibers into quality hair extensions.

The institute’s exhibition extended to agro-mechanization, with the display of motorized and manually operated maize shellers and a motorized forage cutter, among other technologies.

Dr. Yona Baguma, the NARO Director General, suggested promoting four key technologies—coffee, banana, livestock, and local chicken farming—through the Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation (BUCADEF) to drive socio-economic change within Buganda.

He further advocated for the widespread adoption of high-density beans and sweet potatoes, specifically designed to address nutritional deficiencies in children and breastfeeding mothers due to their high Vitamin A content.

He urged the Kingdom to spearhead a purposeful initiative promoting the annual cultivation of a minimum of 100,000 trees in each county. This, he emphasized, would play a pivotal role in transforming Buganda into the jewel of Uganda.

Dr. Baguma proposed collaborative efforts with BUCADEF and Mutesa 1 Royal University to conduct outreach programs, facilitating the dissemination of NARO technologies throughout Buganda. Furthermore, he suggested exploring the integration of these technologies into cultural events as a means of enhancing their visibility and impact.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Trade, and Cooperatives in the Buganda Kingdom, Hajji Amis Kakomo, hailed the partnership with NARO as a monumental step. He expressed confidence in NARO’s ability to propel Buganda towards significant socio-economic development.

In response, the Katikkiro directed BUCADEF to initiate a program that disseminates NARO technologies to communities, aiming to spark rapid socio-economic transformation.

Veteran Politician Reveals Bobi Wine’s Only Weakness

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0
Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku

Veteran politician Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaku has sent a veiled message to the National Unity Platform (NUP) boss Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine sighting the top weakest points of the Magere man.

According to Mukaaku who one time wrote a dossier seeking clarification on the money that NUP as a party gets from donations, from the MPs’ contributions and from the electoral commission.

Mukaaku who was appearing on a local TV Channel Sanyuka, said in his opinion, Bobi Wine’s only problem is that he doesn’t value the contribution of others. The other problem Bobi Wine has is not listening and refusing to take advise from others.

The veteran politician says it’s the reason some people are ditching Bobi Wine to find political solace else where. Mukaaku who joined Bobi Wine’s outfit prior to the 2021 general elections with the DP block says Bobi Wine is still stuck in his star status which continues to follow him.

Mukaaku and other DP block members like Kasibante, Mabiike all ditched National Unity Platform even before the elections. It’s said the process of giving the NUP card to contestants locked out many who ended up back tracking on working with Bobi Wine.

If you have a story in your community or an opinion article, let’s publish it. Send us an email via ultimatenews19@gmail.com. Follow our WhatsApp Channel HERE and our Telegram Channel HERE to see more of our stories.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Wife Jailed For 14 Years

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0

 ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN: Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been jailed for 14 years, the second sentence handed to Pakistan’s former powerful Prime Minister in two days. The couple convicted of illegally profiting from state gifts just a week before a general election in which he’s barred from standing.

Khan, who was ousted as Prime Minister by his opponents in 2022 is already serving a three year jail term for corruption. He has said the numerous cases against him are politically motivated.

Wednesday’s court case revolved around accusations over state gifts that him and his wife received while in office, while Tuesday’s case for which he was sentenced to 10 years is for leaking classified documents. It is thought the two sentences will run concurrently although that has not been confirmed.

The court has also ordered the couple to pay a fine of about 1.5 billion rupees (£4.2m or $5.3m). Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also said that the sentencing further bans their leader from future political involvement and work: He will be disqualified for 10 years from holding public office.

Khan’s lawyers said they would be launching an appeal to Pakistan’s High court in both cases. His wife Bushra Bibi, who had been out on remand surrendered at the jail on Wednesday. She typically kept a low profile during their period in office. The Two married in 2018, months before Khan was elected  prime minister.

In the so-called Toshakhana (treasure house) case, both had strongly denied the accusations brought against them by the Pakistan’s Anti-Corruption watchdog that they had sold or kept state gifts received in office for personal profit. Such gifts included a jewelry set from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Facing Forward: Understanding Breast Cancer In Ontario

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0

Breast cancer remains a significant health concern in Ontario, impacting countless lives each year. While statistics paint a sobering picture, advancements in detection, treatment, and support offer hope for the future. Let’s delve into the current landscape of breast cancer in Ontario, exploring the challenges and the ongoing efforts to overcome them.



The Scope of the Challenge:

  • Prevalence: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Ontario women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2023, nearly 29,400 Ontario women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, representing 26% of all new cancer cases in women.



  • Mortality: Sadly, breast cancer also claims lives, accounting for 5,400 deaths in Ontario women annually, roughly 13% of all cancer deaths.
  • Age and Risk: While breast cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly with age. Over 83% of cases are diagnosed in women over 50.

Early Detection: A Crucial Pillar:

  • Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP): This vital program offers free mammograms to women aged 50-74 every two years. Early detection through regular screening significantly improves survival rates.



  • High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program: For women with increased risk factors due to family history or genetic mutations, this program provides more frequent screenings and specialized care.
  • Self-referral for Mammograms: Starting in Fall 2024, women aged 40-49 can self-refer for mammograms, removing the need for a doctor’s referral and increasing access to early detection.

Treatment and Beyond:

  • Advanced Treatment Options: Ontario boasts a robust healthcare system with access to cutting-edge cancer treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
  • Comprehensive Support: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer have access to a network of support services, including patient navigators, psychosocial counseling, and support groups, helping them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of the journey.



Challenges and Ongoing Efforts:

  • Affordability and Access: While OHIP covers essential healthcare services, some costs associated with treatment and support services can be a burden for patients. Advocacy efforts are crucial to ensure equitable access to care for all.
  • Rural Disparities: Access to specialists and advanced treatment options can be limited in rural areas. Telemedicine and mobile screening units are initiatives aimed at bridging this gap.
  • Research and Innovation: Ongoing research continues to push the boundaries of breast cancer detection, treatment, and prevention. Ontario is home to leading research institutions and clinical trials, offering hope for better outcomes in the future.

A Message of Hope:

Breast cancer remains a significant challenge in Ontario, but it’s important to remember that progress is being made. Early detection through regular screening, access to advanced treatment options, and strong support systems are all contributing to improved survival rates and a brighter future for those facing breast cancer. By continuing to raise awareness, invest in research, and advocate for accessible care, we can move closer to a world where breast cancer is no longer a life-threatening illness.

Remember, knowledge is power. By staying informed and engaged, we can all play a role in supporting those facing breast cancer and contributing to a future free from this disease.

Navigating The Crypto Frontier: Challenges And Opportunities In Illinois

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0

Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, is also becoming a land of cryptocurrency exploration. While the potential of digital assets is undeniable, navigating the world of crypto in Illinois comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Let’s delve into the current landscape of crypto in this Midwestern state.



Challenges:

  • Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory framework for crypto in Illinois remains somewhat unclear. While the state has adopted the Uniform Money Services Act (UMSA) to regulate money transmission businesses dealing with digital currencies, specific regulations for exchanges, wallets, and other crypto-related entities are still evolving. This lack of clarity can create uncertainty for businesses and individuals wanting to engage with crypto.
  • Taxation: Like all states in the US, Illinois follows federal tax rules for crypto. This means it’s classified as intangible personal property, subject to capital gains tax, income tax, and other relevant regulations. However, the specific tax implications for different crypto activities, such as mining, staking, and DeFi, can be complex and require careful consideration.
  • Consumer Protection: The rise of crypto scams and fraudulent activities poses a significant threat to Illinois residents. The Attorney General’s office has issued warnings about crypto scams and encourages individuals to exercise caution before investing in any digital asset.



Opportunities:

  • Innovation Hub: Illinois is home to a growing number of blockchain and crypto startups, research institutions, and venture capital firms. This thriving ecosystem fosters innovation and collaboration, paving the way for the development of new crypto-based solutions and applications.

  • Investment Potential: Despite the inherent risks, cryptocurrencies present potential for high returns, attracting investors seeking alternative asset classes. However, thorough research and a strong understanding of the risks involved are crucial before venturing into crypto investments.

  • Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies can potentially provide access to financial services for underserved communities, particularly those facing challenges with traditional banking systems. Exploring responsible and secure ways to leverage crypto for financial inclusion needs further investigation.



The Road Ahead:

The future of crypto in Illinois, and across the globe, remains uncertain. However, by addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities, Illinois can position itself as a leader in the responsible development and adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets. This requires collaboration between policymakers, regulators, industry players, and consumers to create a safe, transparent, and inclusive environment for crypto innovation and growth.



Remember, the crypto landscape is constantly evolving, and staying informed is key. Here are some additional resources to help you navigate the complexities of crypto in Illinois:

By staying informed and approaching crypto with caution and critical thinking, individuals in Illinois can explore the potential of this emerging technology while mitigating the associated risks. The future of crypto in the Prairie State is full of possibilities, and it’s up to all stakeholders to shape it responsibly and inclusively.

Canadian Real Estate: A Market Grappling With Challenges

By
Linda Njoroge
-
0

Canada’s real estate market has long been a source of pride for the nation, boasting stability and resilience through economic ups and downs. However, recent years have brought a new set of challenges, testing the market’s traditional strengths. This article will delve into some of the most pressing issues facing Canadian real estate today.



1. Affordability Crisis: The soaring cost of housing, fueled by factors like low-interest rates and high demand, has pushed ownership far out of reach for many Canadians. The average benchmark price for a single-detached home in Canada reached a staggering C$755,000 in 2023, making homeownership a distant dream for middle-class families. This affordability crisis is particularly acute in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where skyrocketing prices have priced out even established residents.



2. Supply and Demand Imbalance: The lack of available housing units, particularly in desirable locations, has exacerbated the affordability crisis. This supply shortage is driven by a combination of factors, including complex zoning regulations, lengthy approval processes for new developments, and rising construction costs. The result is a competitive market with bidding wars and inflated prices, further disadvantaging first-time buyers and low-income earners.



3. Rising Interest Rates: The Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate hikes have added another layer of complexity to the housing market. While higher rates may cool down demand and eventually lead to price stabilization, they also make mortgages more expensive, potentially pushing even more Canadians out of the market. This creates a delicate balancing act for policymakers, who must navigate the need to address affordability concerns while also managing inflation and economic stability.

4. Geopolitical Uncertainty: The ongoing war in Ukraine and global economic instability have injected a dose of uncertainty into the Canadian real estate market. While Canada’s economy remains relatively strong, a potential recession or other unforeseen events could trigger a market correction, leading to price drops and job losses in the construction sector.

5. Changing Demographics: Canada’s aging population and increasing immigration levels are also shaping the real estate landscape. The demand for senior housing and retirement communities is growing, while the influx of newcomers is putting pressure on housing markets in major cities. These demographic shifts require policymakers and developers to adapt their strategies to meet the evolving needs of the population.



Addressing the Challenges:

The challenges facing Canadian real estate are complex and require a multi-pronged approach. Some potential solutions include:

  • Increasing housing supply: Streamlining approval processes, investing in affordable housing initiatives, and encouraging development in under-utilized areas.
  • Promoting alternative ownership models: Exploring options like co-operatives, shared-equity ownership, and rent-to-own schemes.
  • Introducing targeted tax measures: Implementing policies that discourage foreign investment and speculation in the housing market.
  • Investing in infrastructure and public transit: Making it easier for people to live outside of major cities, reducing pressure on urban housing markets.
  • Supporting renters: Strengthening tenant rights and protections, investing in affordable rental housing, and increasing rental assistance programs.

Canada’s real estate market is at a crossroads. By acknowledging the challenges and taking decisive action, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable housing system for all Canadians.

It’s important to note that the Canadian real estate market is vast and diverse, and the challenges vary across different regions and property types. This article has provided a general overview of some of the most pressing issues, but further research is necessary to understand the specific challenges facing any particular market.

1...424344...174Page 43 of 174

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Ultimate News publishes Balanced, Factual and All round News From verified Sources From Uganda, East Africa and The World Over.

Contact us: ultimatenews19@gmail.com

FOLLOW US

©Ultimate News 2024, All Rights Reserved. DESIGNED BY ACCORD COMMUNICATIONS LTD