News
From first woman finance boss to riots
Uganda police disperse youths at the height of the Kampala riots. Over 25 people died in the riots and about 80 sustained injuries. Property, including Natete Police Station, was destroyed in the riots. Photo/FILE
Posted Monday, December 28 2009 at 00:00
The long awaited 21 kilometre Northern Bypass meant to decongest Kampala city was opened in October.
Work on the EU-sponsored project that started in 2005 and was meant to be done within a year saw its costs rise to Ushs100 billion ($50.1 million) from Ushs87 billion (43.6 million).
The Uganda National Road Authority said the additional cost incurred from delays would be paid by all parties involved. The road’s life span is estimated to be 15 years.
Single opposition candidate
The Forum of Democratic Change, Uganda People’s Congress, Conservative Party, Justice Forum formed the Inter Party Cooperation in preparations for the 2011 general elections.
They have agreed to field one candidate.
The Electoral Commission also announced that over 1,000 new polling stations will be created for the forthcoming general elections.
It projects that close to 13 million voters up from about 10.4 million that voted in 2006.
Towards the end of year a Member of Parliament, David Bahati, introduced a private member’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill that was eventually passed.
The Bill has generated a lot of criticism from countries and organisations that promote human rights and democracy.
The Bahati bill wants to impose a life sentence on homosexuality and the death penalty on aggravated homosexuality.
In sports, Uganda won back-to-back the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup after beating Rwanda 2-0 in a thrilling final on December 12 in Nairobi.
The victory at Nyayo National Stadium was Uganda’s 11th title in 15 final appearances since the inception of the tournament in 1973.
Uganda returned home with the top cash prize of $30,000. Rwanda won $20,000 while third-placed Zanzibar was awared $10,000.
Aggravated homosexuality is defined as sex with a minor or a disabled person, where the offender is HIV-positive, a parent or a person in authority over the victim, or where drugs are used to overpower the victim.
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