Uganda Roundup: Corporal punishment, vaccine manufacturing, parliament chaos

Uganda among eight nations pursuing legislation against corporal punishment

Eight countries, including Uganda, have committed to pursue legislation against corporal punishment at a conference in Bogotá, Colombia aimed at protecting children from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Approximately 1 billion children globally experience some form of violence, with only a small fraction receiving help. WHO emphasises the need for effective interventions, such as parenting support and anti-bullying programmes, to reduce violence against children by up to 50%. Despite existing measures, progress remains slow, and many forms of childhood violence, like corporal punishment, are still legally permitted in numerous countries. The conference gathered over 1000 participants, including government officials, children, and civil society, to discuss specific actions to enhance child protection. 

Two Kenyans sentenced for death of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat

Two Kenyans, Peter Ushuru (30) and David Ekai (25), were sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, who was killed on December 31, 2023. The Eldoret High Court judge, Reuben Nyakundi, cited strong scientific evidence and CCTV footage showing the accused following and fatally stabbing Kiplagat. Despite defence requests for leniency and a 20-year sentence, the judge emphasized the brutality of the crime and the lack of remorse from the accused. Kiplagat's family expressed satisfaction with the sentence, though they initially sought a life term. Justice Nyakundi noted that no punishment could replace the lost life, urging the family to find reconciliation. The accused have the option to appeal. 

Uganda urges vaccine manufacturing to avoid hoarding

Uganda's Ministry of Health is urging African countries to collaborate on vaccine manufacturing to avoid future vaccine hoarding, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Africa Special Convention on Diagnostics, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine emphasised the need for cooperation to better prepare for outbreaks, highlighting the urgency of quicker actions against virus mutations. She advocated for a common database for laboratories across Africa to facilitate data sharing and rapid epidemic response. President Yoweri Museveni was recognised for his support of disease diagnosis initiatives and stressed the importance of investing in diagnostic capacity, which underpins 70% of health decisions. 

President Museveni discusses Sudan conflict with US envoy

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni met with U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, to discuss the conflict in Sudan and peace strategies. The ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has displaced over 5 million people. Museveni emphasised Uganda's support for African-led solutions and dialogue, aligning with the African Union's and UN's calls for a ceasefire. He expressed readiness to mediate the conflict if both parties agreed, urging them to cease hostilities and return power to the Sudanese people. 

Ugandan parliament passes coffee bill amid chaos

The National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed by Parliament amid chaos, with Speaker Anita Among dismissing calls for her recusal over conflict of interest allegations. The law reassigns the functions of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority to the Ministry of Agriculture. The session, marred by disorder, saw the suspension of 12 MPs due to misconduct, highlighted by a violent altercation between two members. Security operatives forcibly removed suspended MPs and journalists from the chambers.  Among defended her position against the conflict of interest claims, asserting that the applicable rules do not pertain to her role as Speaker.