Correction of factual Inaccuracies by The Observer News Paper concerning Ernst & Young (EY) as the auditors of Crane Bank (17.07.2017)

Uganda Law Society Statement on Attacks on Lawyers in Line of Duty (18.07.2017)

OAG Muwanga explains in two reports problems and errors within the Petroleum Industry!

The Auditor General has two reports on the Petroleum Industry and the issues of Petroleum Data and the Petroleum Fund. The errors of the state, the PAYE of the tax to URA. Proves that the monies earmarked for the Petroleum Fund, ends up in the Consolidation Fund. This is proof of the problematic use of the added taxes before the oil adventure really takes off and the drilling of the explored blocks in the Lake Albertine Basin. Where already different international companies have come to drill and the state is making a petroleum pipeline to Port Tanga in Tanzania. Therefore, these vast resources and possible taxes created by the industry and within the Republic. Still, the default problems that the Auditor General address can be fixed. It is just a matter of morals and actually following guidelines. Some are even set in the Public Finance and Management Act of 2015, so if for instance URA follows it, the problems of transactions into wrong fund can create payment arrears and also future problem of spending by the state. Since the misuse of funds and taxes can be allocated to other than what they was expected, as the Consolidation Fund has other uses than the Petroleum Fund. Just take a look!

Petroleum Fund:

For the six months ending December 31, 2016, the Fund received non tax revenue worth UGX 922,348,854 (USD270,900) as surface rental fees from Tullow Uganda Operations Pty and Total E & P Uganda” (OAG, P: 7, 2017).

It was however noted that monies collected by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) under the income tax on income derived from petroleum operations such as PAYE, VAT and WHT is not being remitted to the Uganda Petroleum Fund. This contravenes the Public Finance and Management Act 2015” (…) “In their opinion PAYE is not tax charged on income derived from petroleum operations but paid by the employees and as such it had been excluded from the definitions of petroleum revenues. Arising out of the above it was established that UGX.l1,390,530,053 collected through the commercial banks and remitted to the consolidated fund should have instead been transferred to the Petroleum Fund. Management has promised to remit it to the Petroleum Fund before closure of the financial year 2016/17” (OAG, P: 10, 2017).

During the period under review, the fund received USD 270,900 (Two hundred seventy thousand, nine hundred dollars) in respect of surface area rentals consisting of USD 113,400 (One hundred thirteen thousand, four hundred dollars) paid by Total E& P Uganda for the development areas of Ngiri, Jobi-Rii and Gunya and USD 157,500 was paid by Tullow Uganda Operations Pty Ltd for development areas of soga, gege, Kasemene, Wahrindi, Nzizi-Mputa & Waraga, and Kigogole- Ngara Unrealised foreign exchange gains worth UGX 15,093,435,449 have been recognised in the Statement of Changes in Equity. These arose from translating the USD opening balances and revenue collected during the period into UGX at the closing rate for reporting purposes” (OAG, P: 14, 2017).

Petroleum Data:

The oil companies did not fully comply with submission of reports relating to their drilling, exploration activities and operations as required. Delays and non-submission of reports results in an incomplete database which may reduce the effective use of the database in petroleum resource management” (OAG, P: vi, 2016). “The shortcomings in the management of petroleum data by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development may affect the completeness of the data on the existing petroleum potential, extent of reserves, and amount recoverable thus reducing Uganda’s ability to maximally exploit and benefit from its oil and gas resource potential. A thorough understanding of the resource base and its geographical distribution informs key decisions on the rate of exploitation and potential future revenues” (OAG, P: viii, 2016).

This should all be worrying that the State and the Industry isn’t sufficiently ready for the activity, as the URA cannot even allocate funds correctly. This is even before the Petroleum Data is taken care of and made sure that the exploitation and drilling happens where the best well is within the block. Secondly, the real value of the reports and the licenses that the state would offer to the companies. That because the flow of data and the status of it wouldn’t be where it could be. This is losses created by maladministration and lacking will of institutionalize the knowledge. Instead, the Petroleum Industry is controlled and has just a few handshakes away from the State House. That is why the URA might have delivered the funds to the Consolidation Fund instead of the Petroleum Fund. All of the potential might be wasted in the lack of protocol and care of resources management that is needed in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MoEMD).

The recommendations and the looks into the issues should be taken serious by the Petroleum Industry and the MoEMD. So the state could both earn more on the industry and also create more positive growth through the provisions that is already made in Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 2015. So time will tell if they will be more reckless, if they will listen to the OAG or if the Presidential Handshakes will steal it all for keeping the NRM cronyism at bay. Peace.

Reference:

Office of the Auditor General Uganda – ‘REPORT OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PETROLEUM FUND FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED 31sT DECEMBER 2016’ (07.06.2017) – John F.S. Muwanga

Office of the Auditor General Uganda – ‘Management of Petroleum Data by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development’ (December 2016) – John F.S. Muwanga

RDC: Tribunal de Grande Instance – Lubumbashi – “Ordonnance de Fixation de date d’Audience” – Moise Katumbi Chapwe (18.07.2017)

Opinion: What use has a bulletproof coffin?

“Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger.” Ben Okri

I just have to ask, I know it is a foolish question, but ever since hearing that former Kenyan Minister Nicholas Biwott recently buried in a bulletproof coffin, what is the value of it? The person is beneath six-feet deep and cannot be touched. Unless, someone dig up the remains and start grave digging, which is not really respecting the dead. Alas, here we are at a situation where a former dignitary had it in his will. Just take a look!

“Former Powerful Minister, Nicholas Biwott, will be buried in a gold bullet proof coffin to protect him from enemies. In a will, Biwott said even in death enemies would be all over him. He therefore demanded that he be buried inside a bullet proof coffin so as to scare away people aimed at him. He also told his beloved ones to bury him in a golden coffin, to symbolize his social status. The tycoon’s coffin has been ordered from USA after it was established that a casket of this nature could not be found in Kenya. Anytime this week the coffin will arrive in the country under maximum security. Biwott was a man who constantly feared everyone and anyone. He was afraid of death. A secretive man, the former Minister never allowed any person near his compound unless it was a close family member. Even in death, it was his wish to be protected” (KenyaBytes, 16.07.2017).

He should have written in his will a nuclear safe bunker or a big tunnel inside a mountain, because who will shoot bullets into dirt and hope to hit a skeleton. Unless, he where he be buried with a fortune of bobs and get swarms of people digging for cash. However, that is not the case; apparently, he is buried with a bulletproof casket. A special design and kind, it amaze me.

Since he has already left for the afterlife. Not like he ghosts or the spirits cannot pass through a special made coffin. They can penetrate or reside wherever they like and that is within their power. Not as if the soul on its journey through the afterlife can decide its fortune, that is all up-to the almighty. If he grants salvation or whatnot. The bullets of the past, which is something a person has to answer for in eternity and it, is not changed by the special burial ground.

Clearly, either I have misunderstood something, the value or grandeur effect of such an investment, such a buy for eternity. That someone would go that far and order, fix and import such an artifact. Still, it boggles me, the misuse of resources mixed with the fear the person must have. Certainly, also the wealth and the stature as he can afford while living to buy such a thing.

If it was a bulletproof hat, a bulletproof car, bulletproof vest or bulletproof windows at someone’s station, as an executive, president and higher official, I can understand that to certain degree. That is while still breathing. Breathing and living, while avoid being killed. However, when you are already dead, these measures seems rather used up and has no meaning. Like you can have the nicest palace and biggest bank account. That will not be a part of your casket, but will be part of your legacy. That is what you leave behind to the next generation.

That is just me though, the simple-minded man I am, what about you?

Maldives: Opposition Parties Condemn Unlawful Arrest of MP Faris Maumoon (17.07.2017)

Jubilee government are afraid for the Post-Election since they prepare for massive demonstrations!

There is something rare about election and preparations to them. The decisions made in the days, months before really sends signals to what is important, and what is needed for the safety of the Republic. Now, it’s revealed, that it was not just whistling out of his mouth, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Joseph Boinnet, did yesterday. He and his organization, the security operations of the Police has purchased and prepared itself for massive demonstrations. As if they are prepared for an uprising, since the results might differ to the actual voting. Which in some regions should be in favor of NASA instead of Jubilee. However, alas, that is why the IGP have been busy with the Minister of Interior to get new merchandise and make ready for mayhem. The Police who are there to serve and protect, do not trust the citizen they are working for! Therefore, they have ordered dozens of new Armored Vehicles from South Korea, tons of tear-gas and other equipment to make sure the citizens stay behind closed doors and behave. Just look!

At least a dozen new South Korean made riot control vehicles arrived in Nairobi at the weekend, increasing to more than 30, the number of water canons for police use to quell chaos. The fleet of new armoured vehicles with advanced features is in addition to a new consignment of anti-riot gear including teargas canisters, batons, anti-riot wear and guns that have come through the port of Mombasa. Security sources explained the new anti-riot gear has been distributed to various parts of the country in the past month alone as authorities prepare to secure elections and deal with violence should it break out” (Ombati, 2017).

“The vehicle, according to the manufacturer’s website, has capacity to mix the chemical from the cabin while water gun shooting. It has a nozzle of shooting distance of minimum of 25 metres and maximum 70 metres with an elevation of 90 degrees and rotation of 320 degrees. Each of the new trucks has two water cannons on top of the cabin. It also has a fully automated and centralised control system, a cabin protector and can carry seven crew at a time” (Ombati, 2017).

“Tonnes of tear gas canisters are also among resources that have been mobilised and sent to various places ahead of the polls” (Ombati, 2017).

It seems like the Jubilee government are afraid, they are nervous of the aftermath of the election. They seem to be on edge and wondering how it will go, since they have to threaten, spread fear and buy all of this expensive equipment to silence possible demonstrators. They do not trust the public and their will, when they are super prepared for violence, even when there is no reason to be alarmed. It is supposed to be peaceful elections, right?

It is right that the opposition has hold dozens of demonstrations against the Electoral Body of the Republic and the amendments concerning legislation towards the election. Not that the Jubilee did give much way, only the needed steps to stop the leadership from making their supports continue to rally. Still, the attempt of distrust and disengage the public. Seems very obvious, since instead of being in dialogue with the local leadership at the possible hot-spots. They are coming with tear-gas and anti-riot gear. Not talking, but planning to suppress the distrust from the public towards the Central Government. That is what the planned effort looks like. Not like Jubilee took time to talk and engage, but rather bought expensive riot-gear from South Korea. Like that going to solve the possible problem, if it there and known about.

The only thing it will do, it will quell the demonstrations and possible aftermath of the election, but the wounds are still there. This is not patching up the hurt. Instead, it is spreading fire, with more fire and hope it stop it. It could work, but what cost? When the left behind is burned land and no seedlings of hope for the future.

Shouldn’t the government have worked for a better solution and also had more faith in their citizens than expecting violence and demonstration, that is if the government and electoral bodies we’re prepared for a free and fair election, and not a rigged one. Time will tell, time will only tell. Nevertheless, these signs of possible oppression from the National Police Service does not give me green light. More of the red light and concern of the outcome. Since the Police and the authorities already prepare to use massive force against civilians. Peace.

Reference:

Ombati, Cyrus – ‘More tear gas, guns arrive to deal with mass protests after August elections’ (17.07.2017) link: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001247838/more-tear-gas-guns-arrive-to-deal-with-mass-protests-after-august-elections

RDC: Lucha – “Urgent: Appel a des manifestations pacifiques le lundi 31 juilet 2017, sur toute l’etendue de la RDC” (17.07.2017)

Kid Rock’s Senate Race in 2018 in Michigan would be yet another celebrity into politics!

In a not to distant future the world has to all remember the legacy of men like reality star and real-estate supposed tycoon becoming President of the United States, that being Donald Trump winning the election in November 2016. That after a two year stint of campaigning and doing whatever he could become the Commander-in-Chief. That actually happen by all reach of margins off the electoral college and getting the position. So now in Michigan, there is seemingly a new type of race going to happen possibly between the Democrat Senator Debbie Stabenow and against Republican Robert James Ritchie aka Kid Rock.

There are some different reports on Kid Rock’s candidacy, let’s look at them:

At least since “Devil Without a Cause”—his breakthrough LP, from 1998, which sold more than eleven million copies in the U.S.—Kid Rock has self-styled as a patriotic iconoclast, a rebel cowboy on a rampage against anything effete, élite, or soft. He is particularly enraged by rules or customs that might be construed as infringements on personal freedom, such as the choice to meld rap and rock into a shouty, bullish pastiche. He did not invent the right-wing-outlaw archetype—he’s preceded, in music, by the rock guitarist and N.R.A. activist Ted Nugent, the country singer Hank Williams, Jr., and others—but he nonetheless revels in its actualization” (Petrusich, 2017).

If Rock is really preparing to run for Senate, it’s news to the Michigan Republican Party. The Michigan GOP has “not had any contact with him at all,” spokeswoman Sarah Anderson said Thursday, “so I can’t speak to the validity of it.” Although the state party does not endorse in Republican primaries, potential candidates typically talk to GOP leaders and activists around the state before launching campaigns. Rock caused an uproar Wednesday when he tweeted a mock image of a political lawn sign and said his website is “absolute YES” for real” (Gerstein, 2017).

He also responded to incumbent Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who’d tweeted, “I know we both share a love of music. I concede he’s better at playing guitar and I’ll keep doing what I do best: fighting for Michigan.” His take? “I concede she is better at playing politics than I am, so I’ll keep doing what I do best, which is being a voice for tax paying, hardworking AMERICANS,” said Rock, who hasn’t kept his Trump-supporting ideology under wraps” (…) “ The “Kid Rock for U.S. Senate” website diverts from the typical parameters associated with campaign-affiliated sites in a number of ways. For example, campaign sites must confirm that potential donors are U.S. citizens before completing any transactions” (Czachor, 2017).

Now that we see this, it wouldn’t be shocking in the state of affairs in the United States that Kid Rock would suddenly become a politician. There been certainly a dozen other public figures who became politicians in the United States, even Ronald Reagan was in commercials before becoming President. Therefore, the legacy of the American Democracy would not be destroyed, but would be more of a show. Since the President of the current day is a former reality star and that is showing in his persona.

That this would be a special election in Michigan and the state would certainly become galvanized by such a candidate. As the Democrats knows the volatile state after other election losses of late. Not that the Republicans are Teflon, since the scandals surrounding the President keeps them more hurt and less to show for in their time as majority. Especially considering the devastating legislation’s trough the Congress. This will not benefit a Republican candidate in Michigan and the rest of the Senate races, but a wild-card might help. Certainly, a Kid Rock would be a wild-card and would be something else. After a while, the public see what something does as President and they want to vote for safety instead.

Time will tell, if it is a PR Campaign, if it is real start of campaign as the settling with FEC to become candidate has to happen. Also where he disclose what needed to the state before becoming a candidate. Clearly, he needs also to connect with the Republican Party. If he is not planning to run as an independent. But then the musician turned candidate will work against the two biggest parties. Than, he can’t only run on his celebrity status, but has to show that he is a genuine candidate.

Time will tell if he is a real candidate, who will follow protocol and become a possible senator. If he decides to do so, then the Michigan race will be special for the Senate in 2018. Peace.

Reference:

Czachor, Emily Mae – ‘Kid Rock for U.S. Senate? ‘It’s not a hoax,’ he says. ‘It’s a strategy.’ (14.07.2017) link: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-july-kid-rock-1500056630-htmlstory.html

Gerstein, Michael – ‘Kid Rock amps up Senate tease with expletives’ (13.07.2017) link: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2017/07/13/kid-rock-senate-run-comments/103678072/

Petrusich, Amanda – ‘Kid Rock’s Senate Run Is a Terrifying New Normal’ (13.07.2017) link: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/kid-rocks-senate-run-is-a-terrifying-new-normal

SSNCA orders the Internet Service Providers to block/ban several media houses in South Sudan!

Today Radio Tumazuj, Upper Nile Times, Nyamilepedia and Sudan Tribune has been blocked by Internet Service Providers in South Sudan. This has been done with provisions done by the South Sudan National Communication Authority. Also the director of South Sudan Broadcasting Company (SSBC) Adil Faris Mayat have been arrested for not properly broadcasting his speech earlier in the month. Clearly, the civil war between rebels and government has gone to a level where the reporting are taken as hostages and under threat. If they don’t comply with the government orders and message.

Certainly, the government cannot handle the reporting of the battles in the different provinces, the different comments and statements made by former SPLM/A personnel, who has fled to opposition forces. Secondly, the current famine and fleeing citizens show’s the lacking governance. Where even reported that villages flee when they hear the government army are coming. Instead, of fleeing when the rebels are coming and they are giving food to rebels. This show’s the concerning state of fights in different parts of South Sudan.

That President Salva Kiir Mayardiit and First Vice-President Gen. Taban Deng-Gai feels more alone, most been seen with the attempt to silence media reporting from the battle-lines. Foreign reports has also been banished and been taken out of service in the recent months for their expression of the current conflict. Clearly, the President and the regime cannot manage reporting on the situation. The lack of control from the Central Government and the problems of their conduct. Must be the reason for doing this. Since they want the message that are made correctly for the vision of the President.

All of the media has now to be gagged and silenced, this is worrying. That they can suspend the Internet Service Providers to see certain media houses and newspapers. Also, can arrest journalists and editors. Like it has done in the past. The SPLM/A has to man-up for their crimes and the violence that has been created, they have done lots of it and the same has the rebels. That is why the National Dialogue is currently useless as SPLM/A-IO under Dr. Riek Machar is not participating, which is run by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He is the weapon brother of the South Sudanese President. So surely, that must be reason why SPLM/A-IO and Machar doesn’t trust it.

The same shows the media, who the is there to report on injustice and on the violence, who is not allowed or trusted to do so. Are now gagged and silenced by many. The ISP are directed by the SSBC to not show their content in South Sudan, because of their reverse propaganda against the state. This shows that the state cannot handle reporting or articles critical to their agenda. The civil war is taking a toll on their moral and the need for freedom of expression in South Sudan. Peace.