After the proposed bill on Tobacco Control Bill 2014, this has left many tobacco farmers wondering where they could sell their tobacco.
Nearly 60,000 farmers from 25 districts in West Nile, Bunyoro, Mubende and North Kigezi have stormed Parliament demanding for a review of the Tobacco Control Bill, 2014.
The farmers, through their association have appealed to legislators not to pass the Bill in its current form. Saying some of the clauses would have an impact on tobacco growing which is their only main source of income.
The spokesperson of the Uganda’s Tobacco Growers Association said “tobacco farming provides all our members with a reliable source of income. For their school fees, food and medical bills. Any laws affecting tobacco industries will as well affect our live hoods.”
Head teacher who illegally increased school fees
Mr. Jackson Mugwanya, a head teacher of Kiwafu Primary School in Entebbe has been accused of fees increment without consultation.
Many parents said the head teacher’s decision of increasing school fees is not in line with the school rules and regulations. “This is a government owned school. Therefore fees increment should come directly from the Ministry of Education and Sports.”
Most parents said they can not afford paying Ugx62,900 the head teacher had asked for. However, the head teacher apologized for the increment without the knowledge of parents.
Karuma hydropower project on progress
Mr. Kabagambe Kaliisa, the Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary noted that the construction of the $1.3billion Karuma hydropower on River Nile is on going.
The contractor, Sinohydro has finished constructing staff and office camp facilities as well as the diversion channel. “This is a lot of work which requires money,” Kaliisa said.
Uganda will fund 15% of the project and the rest will come from the EXIM Bank of China concessionary loans. However, Sinohydro has been using its own money to perform preliminary works up to date.
The Karuma power project has total installation capacity of 600MW. The open earth excavation has started in the diversion channel.
The project will significantly enhance Uganda’s power supply and lower the costs of tarrifs for both industrial and domestic users. The project is expected to be handed over to Government in 2018.
Neymar injury worries Brazil
Brazil which will play against Croatia on Thursday in the opening match might miss their star Neymar. Neymar curtained an ankle injury during the training.
The Barcelona star rolled his ankle during the Selecao’s training session forcing him to receive treatment on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Brazil has been paying attention to their defence ahead of the opening match in 2014 FIFA World Cup against Croatia on Thursday 12th June.
