NBS Television https://nbs.ug Accurate, Bold, Authoritative Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:41:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.7 https://nbs.ug/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cropped-NBS-TV-Favicon-32x32.png NBS Television https://nbs.ug 32 32 Next Media Journalist set to hold maiden Photojournalism Exhibition https://nbs.ug/2024/03/next-media-journalist-set-to-hold-maiden-photojournalism-exhibition/ https://nbs.ug/2024/03/next-media-journalist-set-to-hold-maiden-photojournalism-exhibition/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:37:47 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64567 Next Media‘s renowned photojournalist Isaano Musafili Francis is set to unveil his extraordinary talent at his inaugural Photojournalism Exhibition.

With an illustrious about four-year career capturing moments with unparalleled precision and detail, Isaano‘s lens has become a powerful storyteller, weaving narratives of light and shadows that transcend mere pixels.

Each image is a symphony of emotions, capturing the silent poetry hidden within the frame and leaving an indelible mark on the viewer’s soul. Isano’s photographs transcend the ordinary, informing decisions, shaping societal narratives, and showcasing a skill that goes beyond the realms of conventional photography.

Lovers of photography are called upon to mark their calendars for the monumental day on the 19th of April 2024, as Next Media Park becomes the canvas for this groundbreaking exhibition.

Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch, and you won’t want to miss the chance to witness the convergence of art, storytelling, and societal impact through Isano’s lens; an unforgettable experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional photojournalism.

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Uganda’s Patricia Ariokot locks in Guinness World Record https://nbs.ug/2024/02/ugandas-patricia-ariokot-locks-in-guinness-world-record/ https://nbs.ug/2024/02/ugandas-patricia-ariokot-locks-in-guinness-world-record/#respond Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:08:29 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64559 Following three interesting attempts, climate and environment activist Patricia Ariokot finally secured the bragging rights as a Ugandan female Guinness World Record holder specifically for the longest time to hug a tree by an individual. She is also the first record holder in this category at 16 hours confirmed by Guinness World Record.

GWR sent her an email confirming her as indeed the reigning record holder of longest tree hug individual standing at 16 hours and also posted her record on their website. But how exactly did Patrica Ariokot reach on these three attempts???

On 8th December 2023, she embarked on participating her way into a Guinness world record. Preparation and all was done for the record attempt to take place and also be recorded. The recording took place unfortunately in the process of recording, the camera got a glitch and the team was unable to account for a small fraction of the time. This invalidated the entry.

Intentional Patricia made her second attempt on 29th December 2023, the activity went on notably amidst a lot of encouragement and vouching evidenced by the posts made on social media. Unfortunately again, one of the camera persons mistakenly deleted the footage. I can confirm to you that these unfortunate events did happen.

The Guinness World Record team communicated the need for the attempt to be recorded from the beginning to the end uninterrupted and have it submitted. A valid submission cannot have missing time in the recording. In her specific attempt; it did not require taking a break.

The attempt was executed again on 16th January 2024. Her second was the most publicized attempt however to avoid controversy and back and forth from the public following two attempts that had unfortunate eventualities, the third attempt was silently executed and submitted, fortunately without any mishaps this time around.

Patricia executed the third attempt in the manner she did with the resolution that once the third attempt was approved, she would share the good news with the public as opposed to first telling the public of the intention of a third attempt.

Thorough preparations were made with extra camera crews deployed in the event of unforeseen eventualities; phones were also used in the recording to proof the third attempt of prior incidents.

Frankly, Patricia confesses that the three attempts have bitten hard in her pocket but she does not regret this because she is now a Guinness World Record holder. The record goes without saying that it shines an even brighter light on Patricia Ariokot’s initiatives including planting trees and environmental conservation.

During Patricia’s attempts to set the world record, many had mixed reactions to it however above it all. Patricia clearly echoes that in whatever one does, there will be criticisms. She shares that she took the positive feedback that came with it and ran with that through it all.

In the exclusive, when asked about the reaction of various stakeholders to the conversation of environment conservation, she shares that it is a work in progress. She confesses that she has walked into several offices and engaged with several prospects on how to be part of the environmental conversation, however notably, many promise to reach out to her but never do. This response has been quite a challenge on her end.

One of her particular experiences includes her walking to a bank to get on board as she attempted the Guinness World Record, one of the officials from the financial institution whose name she withheld asked while in the meeting, How does our bank benefit from trees?

Where does Patricia get all this fire in her bones, one would ask? Well…Patricia has been planting trees since she was 12 years old, with her father who also is a farmer and has served a greater part of Teso region with trees. Trees benefit us at the end of the day.

Patricia expresses her confidence and holds that she cannot be influenced by climate propagandists. Patricia appreciates all the support she has been getting, however calls upon people to participate for maximum impact.
She also underscores mindset change of individuals needs to improve if we are to attain the desired results. Many think that the question of environmental conversation is a government or NGO problem, and they think that it has nothing to do with them, which is not right. She shares that many do not recognise the tremendous power they have to be agents of change in the environment.

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NARO Initiates Development of Foot And Mouth Disease Vaccine https://nbs.ug/2024/02/naro-initiates-development-of-foot-and-mouth-disease-vaccine/ https://nbs.ug/2024/02/naro-initiates-development-of-foot-and-mouth-disease-vaccine/#respond Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:20:28 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64552 NARO has started the process of formulating and developing our own FMD vaccine.

The scientists have so far formulated two monovalent FMD candidate vaccines and are due for evaluation and further scrutiny by the country’s regulatory bodies (NDA and UNCST).

When the evaluation of the candidate vaccines comes out successful, NARO will be authorized to carry out trials for the determination of efficacy and safety.

If this level is also successful, the Government will further support NARO to produce for mass rollout as is happening with the anti-tick vaccine.

This revelation was made by Minister Frank Tumwebaze on the Floor of Parliament while presenting a statement on the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the cattle corridor and the resultant quarantine.

There are currently 36 districts in Uganda currently affected by Foot and Mouth Disease and under quarantine including Budaka, Bukedea, Bukomansimbi, Bunyangabu, Butaleja, Fortportal City, and Gomba, among others.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects all cloven-hoofed (two-hoofed) animals. The disease spreads very fast through close contact between infected and non-infected animals. Foot and Mouth Disease is transmitted through aerosols (fluid droplets) breathed out by infected animals and contact with affected surfaces.

The aerosols can be transported by wind to far areas. The affected animals get wounds in the mouth, feet, and teats in female animals.

Whilst NARO works on the vaccine, the government has ordered 2.3M doses expected in a few months to come. A notable challenge associated with procuring FMD vaccines is that they cannot be bought off-shelf since they are biologicals with a short shelf life. One ought to order and the manufacture is commenced. This has been reflected in the delay in their supply chain.

 

 

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Uganda’s Local Council Elections Postponed Due to Funding Constraints https://nbs.ug/2024/01/ugandas-local-council-elections-postponed-due-to-funding-constraints/ https://nbs.ug/2024/01/ugandas-local-council-elections-postponed-due-to-funding-constraints/#respond Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:22:35 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64544 The government of Uganda has once again postponed the local council elections, citing a lack of funds to conduct the electoral process. The elections, originally scheduled to take place, will now be delayed for an additional six months. This decision extends the term of office for current local council 1 and 2 officers until adequate resources are available for the elections. According to Raphael Magezi, the Minister of Local Government, an estimated 50 billion Ugandan shillings is required to organize and conduct the elections.

The announcement of the postponement was made by Minister Raphael Magezi during a press briefing in Kampala, where he explained that several challenges, including limited funding, compelled the government to make what he described as a difficult decision.

Incumbent local council chairpersons, such as Fredrick Owor from Bison Parish in Tororo municipality, expressed disappointment over the delay. Owor’s rival also voiced frustration, stating that substantial money had already been spent on mobilization efforts.

While the extension provides an opportunity for the incumbents to continue in their roles, it has generated mixed reactions from the public. Opposition political parties, aiming to field candidates in all elective positions and dominate local council polls, have received the news with suspicion.

 

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Speaker Among Urges Commonwealth Speakers to Foster Unity and Cooperation https://nbs.ug/2024/01/speaker-among-urges-commonwealth-speakers-to-foster-unity-and-cooperation/ https://nbs.ug/2024/01/speaker-among-urges-commonwealth-speakers-to-foster-unity-and-cooperation/#respond Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:09:42 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64541 The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, has called on speakers and presiding officers from Commonwealth countries gathered in Uganda for the 27th conference to prioritize commitments that promote unity and cooperation within the Commonwealth. During the opening of the standing committee meeting of speakers at Munyonyo Commonwealth Hotel, Speaker Among emphasized the importance of passing resolutions that contribute to a more equitable world for humanity.

With the 27th Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Conference set to commence, Speaker Among highlighted the significance of using the platform to address global issues and ensure fairness on the world stage. She urged conference participants to focus on resolutions that foster unity and cooperation among all Commonwealth member states.

In addition to advocating for unity, Speaker Among called for a reconsideration of the readmission of the Republic of Zimbabwe, which had been suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002. The speaker invoked Rule 21 of the standing orders to extend invitations to observers from non-Commonwealth countries in the East African Community. Other invited observers include members of the Ugandan Parliament, who will participate in the opening ceremony and dinner.

The Standing Committee, composed of 15 members, oversees the activities of the Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference. Chaired by the Speaker of the lower house of the jurisdiction hosting the next conference, the committee plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions and collaboration among Commonwealth nations.

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Next Media and UNDP Join Forces to Advance Uganda’s Development Agenda https://nbs.ug/2024/01/next-media-and-undp-join-forces-to-advance-ugandas-development-agenda/ https://nbs.ug/2024/01/next-media-and-undp-join-forces-to-advance-ugandas-development-agenda/#respond Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:44:10 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64538 Next Media and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have formalized a partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing Uganda’s development goals. The collaboration between Next Media and UNDP will focus on various areas, including the promotion of sustainable development goals, advocacy for climate change initiatives, content creation, and support for programs targeting youth and women.

The MoU signing ceremony, attended by Next Media Group CEO Kin Kariisa and UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah, marks a significant step in establishing a collaborative relationship that aims to contribute to Uganda’s development agenda. Next Media’s Deputy Group CEO, Joe Kigozi, expressed appreciation for the achievements made through the partnership and commended UNDP’s leadership under Elsie.

The two-year partnership is designed to enhance information and communication flows in Uganda, foster content creation, and provide support to initiatives benefiting women and youth, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The collaboration builds on the previous joint efforts of the two entities, which included projects such as the UNDP KOICA Project, UNDP Nakapiripirit Project, UNDP Owino Project, and UNDP Makerere Project, all contributing to the country’s development and capacity-building efforts.

This partnership highlights the commitment of both Next Media and UNDP to leveraging their respective strengths and resources for the greater good, emphasizing the importance of media engagement and development-focused initiatives in Uganda.

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President Museveni’s New Year Address Sparks Debate on Political Economy https://nbs.ug/2024/01/president-musevenis-new-year-address-sparks-debate-on-political-economy/ https://nbs.ug/2024/01/president-musevenis-new-year-address-sparks-debate-on-political-economy/#respond Tue, 02 Jan 2024 07:21:57 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64535 President Museveni’s 2024 New Year address has ignited a debate on the perceived role of the president in fueling the commercialization of politics in Uganda. Political players are pointing fingers at the president, alleging that his creation of numerous political units is seen as a reward system for areas he visits, contributing to the perception that politics is a lucrative source of income.

The president, in his address, expressed concern over the trend where many individuals are turning to politics as a means of earning a living. While the concern raised by the president is acknowledged, critics argue that the executive, under his leadership, has been actively involved in motions to create new constituencies, districts, and administrative units. This, they claim, has led to the bloating of the administration and increased financial strain on national resources.

Legislators, in response, blame the president for using the creation of administrative units as a form of reward and patronage, contributing to the monetization of politics. Some lawmakers suggest that the president’s concern about the commercialization of politics would be better addressed by refraining from the creation of more political units.

Political researcher Dr. Patrick Wakida questions the legitimacy of the president’s concern, highlighting the contradiction between the expressed worry and the continued creation of political units. The debate intensifies as the government plans to create more administrative units in the upcoming financial year, further influencing the political landscape and raising questions about its impact on service delivery.

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Uganda Plans New Media Law to Address Industry Challenges https://nbs.ug/2023/12/uganda-plans-new-media-law-to-address-industry-challenges/ https://nbs.ug/2023/12/uganda-plans-new-media-law-to-address-industry-challenges/#respond Sat, 09 Dec 2023 01:40:58 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64524  

The Ugandan government is working on a new media law to consolidate existing acts regulating the industry and tackle pressing challenges faced by media practitioners. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, disclosed this during the 24th Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The move aims to address concerns raised by media professionals and owners regarding stringent laws that have been perceived as disadvantageous.

Speaking at the NAB meeting, Dr. Baryomunsi stated that ongoing consultations are being conducted to formulate an effective law that benefits both the government and the media industry. The National Association of Broadcasters, through its former chairperson and the new chairperson of the board of trustees, Kin Kariisa, highlighted challenges faced by the industry, including financial burdens.

While the outgoing committee has achieved success in various areas, there is a call for the government to allocate budgetary provisions for media coverage, a task that the new committee will likely follow up on. The NAB elected a new executive committee with Dr. Innocent Nahabwe as the new chairperson, deputized by Joe Kigozi from Next Media.

Additionally, the association adopted amendments to its constitution and elected a board of trustees, with Kin Kariisa assuming the role of chairperson. The move reflects a collaborative effort between the government and the media industry to address concerns, fostering a more balanced regulatory framework.

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Uganda’s Supplementary Budget Faces Scrutiny in Parliament https://nbs.ug/2023/12/ugandas-supplementary-budget-faces-scrutiny-in-parliament/ https://nbs.ug/2023/12/ugandas-supplementary-budget-faces-scrutiny-in-parliament/#respond Sat, 09 Dec 2023 01:30:51 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64521  

Members of the Budget Committee in the Ugandan Parliament expressed surprise as they discovered that the supplementary budget, initially thought to be 3.5 trillion shillings, had escalated to 7 trillion shillings. The Finance Minister, Henry Musasizi, presented the supplementary budget, seeking approval for 3.5 trillion shillings, with an additional 3.39 trillion shillings labeled as necessary for statutory obligations. However, the committee rejected the 3.39 trillion shillings, deciding to focus on scrutinizing the initially tabled 3.5 trillion shillings.

The budget committee commenced its examination of the supplementary budget, with entities appearing before parliament to justify their funding requests five months into the financial year. Committee Chairperson Patrick Isiagi Opolot emphasized the critical nature of the approval, aiming to conclude the scrutiny swiftly ahead of the Wednesday plenary session.

Minister Musasizi outlined the supplementary budget, indicating that it consisted of a 3% legal limit, including 1.574 trillion shillings (Part one), and a prior approval by Parliament of 1.926 trillion shillings (Part 2). Additionally, the minister sought 3.393 trillion shillings to address statutory revisions made under statutory expenditures.

The committee engaged in a debate, with some members accusing the minister of introducing new items that inflated the supplementary request to 7.2 trillion shillings. Concerns were raised about the additional 3.393 trillion shillings allocated for statutory obligations. The minister clarified that it included payments for domestic debt obligations to the Bank of Uganda amounting to 2 trillion shillings, settlement of ICJ court rewards to DR Congo, and refunds to the World Bank, among other commitments.

The committee was perplexed by the minister’s withdrawal of parts of the supplementary budget, particularly the 12 billion shillings designated as arrears to the Association of Money Lenders. The receiver of this amount had reportedly changed from the Association of Money Lenders to the Uganda Consumers Association, leading the committee to question the justification for the request.

Minister Musasizi explained that funds under the 3% allocation, totaling 1.5 trillion shillings, had already been spent, attributing errors in capturing expenditures, such as 100 billion shillings intended for Uganda Airlines but erroneously reflected under the Ministry of Works and Transport, and 188 billion shillings (USD 50 million) under State House instead of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

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Uganda’s Justice System Addresses Challenges with Ambitious Plans https://nbs.ug/2023/12/ugandas-justice-system-addresses-challenges-with-ambitious-plans/ https://nbs.ug/2023/12/ugandas-justice-system-addresses-challenges-with-ambitious-plans/#respond Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:18:41 +0000 https://nbs.ug/?p=64515 The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in Uganda is seeking a budget of 103 billion shillings to construct approximately 4,000 prisons, aiming to alleviate the persistent issue of congestion in detention centers. This revelation came during the presentation of the Access to Justice Sub Programme Annual Report for the fiscal year 2022/2023. Despite the challenges posed by overcrowded facilities, the report also highlights advancements in addressing case backlogs through innovative approaches.

The annual report emphasizes the ongoing struggle with congestion in detention centers, prompting the ministry to request substantial funding for the construction of additional prisons. Robert Kasande, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, disclosed this information, indicating the pressing need to address the issue of overcrowding.

On a positive note, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, expressed optimism regarding the gradual reduction of case backlogs. He attributed this improvement to the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods, Plea Bargain, and reconciliation strategies.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including an outstanding rent expenditure of over 300 million shillings. Permanent Secretary Kasande mentioned that relief might come after the construction of the Justice Law and Order House.

Minister Mao used the opportunity to call on the police to refrain from using lethal force and emphasized the importance of officers identifying themselves during arrests. He also underscored the significance of maintaining the 48-hour rule, dismissing any discussions about constitutional amendments to change it.

This report comes amid ongoing challenges in the judiciary, including a substantial case backlog of over 40,000 cases and debates surrounding the size of Uganda’s judicial human resources, with 20 positions at the Supreme Court and 55 at the Court of Appeal.

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