Today in Pictures - Tuesday, December 2

Uganda begins quest for 2023 World Cup

Jersey captain Charles Walter Perchard won the toss and elected to have Uganda bat first in the first match of the inaugural ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Challenge, a 32-team qualification pathway to the 2023 World Cup.

Uganda put on 248/8 in 50 overs after coach Steve Tikolo left out youngsters Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa and Richard Agamire at Al Amerat Stadium in Muscat, Oman.

Captain Charles Walter Perchard of Jersey and Brian Masaba of Uganda following the toss. Courtesy Photo

Promoter Bajjo remanded

Music promoter Andrew Mukasa alias Bajjo was on Monday further remanded by Judge Marion Mangeni until January 13, 2020, in the case where he is facing charges of inciting violence and offensive communication against the President.

Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Stellah Amabilisi had previously threatened to dismiss the case after the prosecution said the case file was still at Police. She gave the state the last adjournment, warning that failure to present witnesses at Monday's hearing would lead to dismissal of the case.

The prosecution alleges that in June 2019 at various places of Masaka, Mbarara, Ibanda and Kampala, Bajjo incited members of the public to carry out violent acts against the person of the President.

It is further alleged that Mr Mukasa with intent to disturb the peace and privacy of the president recorded a video and posted it on social media containing messages that he would overthrow the government before 2021.

Music promoter Andrew Mukasa in the Buganda Road Court dock. Photo by Ruth Faith Nakanwagi

Court upholds convictions from bicycle scam

The Court of Appeal has sent the former permanent secretary in the ministry of local government, John Muhanguzi Kashaka, back to Luzira Prison after the panel of three justices — Elizabeth Musoke, Hellen Obura and Cheborion Barishaki — ordered Kashaka to serve the 10 years and 10 days handed to him earlier by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire over the LC1 bicycle scam.

Kashaka was indicted over the scandal alongside principal accountant Henry Bamutura and both challenged their jail sentences for causing financial loss to the government.

Kashaka other co-accused; Robert Mwebaze was sentenced to 10 years for abuse of office and neglect of duty, Sam Engorot sentenced to 13 years, Timothy Musherere sentenced 3 years and 4 months.

All the 5 suspects were out on bail since 2014 whereas Mwebaze died while awaiting judgement on his appeal.

The appellants were in 2016 convicted by then Anti-Corruption Court judge Catherine Bamugemereire for corruption and causing government a financial loss of sh4.6b in a shoddy deal of procuring 70,000 bicycles to be distributed to LC1 officials ahead of the 2011 presidential polls.

John Muhanguzi Kashaka (brown suit) pictured at court ahead of the ruling. Photo by Nicholas Oneal

Regional army chiefs meet in Kampala

Army commanders of partner states in the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) on Monday convened in Kampala to discuss the role and deployment of civilians in their peace support missions.

The week-long meeting began with the expert working group assessing the development of the human resource policy for employment and deployment of civilians in the EASF peace support missions.

The meeting will address a range of issues on regional peace and security, including change of EASF leadership from Burundi to Comoros.

Delegates of the East African Standby Force who attended the policy and planning meeting on Monday during the opening at Skys Hotel. Photo by Maria Wamala

Maj. Gen. Sam Kavuma and director East African Standby Force (EASF) Abdillahi Omar Bout. Photo by Maria Wamala