Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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Maternal deaths annually recorded at Kawempe National Referral Hospital have been slashed over the past three years from 200 to 60, Members of Parliament have been told. 

The revelation was made by the hospital’s Executive Director, Dr Emmanuel Byaruhanga, while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) of Parliament on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

His remarks followed probing by MPs on whether patients receive free services at the health facility.

Byaruhanga told the MPs that services at the hospital were generally offered free of charge, except for radiology that includes x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI services, whose charges constitute the hospital’s non-tax revenue.

The only charge levied on c-section operations, Byaruhanga clarified,  is done at the hospital’s six-bed private wing at Shs2.5 million.

Committee chairperson, Hon. Gorreth Namugga, questioned the charges levied on expectant mothers who go through the caesarean section mode of delivery.

“Can a woman walk into Kawempe Hospital and find the c-section operation free? The women out there need to know this and they must be sensitised so that they do not pay for what is supposed to be at zero cost,” Namugga said.

Hon. Hope Nakazibwe (NUP, Mubende District Woman Representative) put the hospital administration to task on whether items like mama kits are offered without a cost to mothers expecting to deliver from the hospital.

“Is there an instance where the theatre or the hospital itself runs out of some of the health supplies and they have to charge patients who come for either an operation or any other medical service?” Nakazibwe asked.

Kalungu West County MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, alluded to the many  pharmacies situated around the hospital, which he said patients are often referred to buy essential medicines for treatment.

“Doctor, confirm to this committee that a patient will come to Kawempe (hospital) and get all those services without spending a single penny. When you move around Mulago hospital, you will notice that it is surrounded by pharmacies. Why is that? it is business,” Ssewungu noted.

“All services in Kawempe (hospital) are 100 per cent free except for radiology. I have heard of patients who were charged but this is not official. Several times we follow up with these patients, but they cannot give us the information,” he said.

He added: “There are pharmacies around the hospital, but this is totally out of our control. There is even a mini hospital about one kilometre from the hospital, but this is out of my control. I think they are registered by KCCA.” 

The hospital team appeared before the Committee to answer queries arising from the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending 30 June 2025.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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HE Prime Minister of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire Robert Beugre Mambe has met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the country Mubarak bin Hussein Al Marri.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Qatar and Cote d’Ivoire. 

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, received in audience H.E. Alfredo Miranda, Ambassador of Mexico, followed by Honourable Minister Jack Chambers, Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalization, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

The meetings form part of the Commission President’s ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, deepening bilateral relations, and enhancing partnerships with international stakeholders.

During discussions with Ambassador Miranda, who is at the end of his mandate, both parties explored avenues for increased collaboration between ECOWAS and Mexico, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, trade, and shared global priorities. The engagement underscored the importance of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that support regional development and integration.

During the meeting, discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in public sector reform, infrastructure development, and digital transformation between ECOWAS Member States, Ireland, and the European Union. The dialogue highlighted Ireland’s experience in governance innovation and the potential for knowledge exchange to support ECOWAS Member States in enhancing institutional efficiency and service delivery.

Dr. Touray reiterated the ECOWAS Commission’s commitment to promoting regional integration, peace, and security, while strengthening collaboration with both Member States and international partners. He emphasized the strategic importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities for development across West Africa.

The ECOWAS Commission continues to engage with key global partners to advance its mandate of economic integration, stability, and prosperity for the region.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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Trade expansion, institutional cooperation, and the implementation of existing agreements were at the forefront of discussions this morning as the Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Sebastien Pillay, received Hon. Christine Nkulikiyinka, Special Envoy of President Paul Kagame, during a courtesy call at State House.

During the engagement, the Vice President spoke of the strong and longstanding ties between Seychelles and Rwanda, noting the shared values and mutual respect that continue to underpin relations between the two countries.

Discussions centred on advancing cooperation in key sectors, including education, tourism and agriculture. In this regard, the Vice President proposed the establishment of a designated focal point of contact to facilitate coordination and enhance the implementation of joint initiatives.

Trade and export opportunities were also explored, with particular emphasis on opening new avenues for Seychelles’ maritime products in the Rwandan market.

The exchange also addressed collaboration in public service delivery, institutional capacity building, and the sharing of expertise, reflecting a common ambition to strengthen governance and drive sustainable development.

During the 2023 State Visit of President Paul Kagame to Seychelles, a comprehensive framework for cooperation across key sectors, including health, agriculture, tourism, investment and security, was established. Among these was a visa waiver arrangement aimed at facilitating the movement of people between the two countries, alongside strengthened collaboration in law enforcement and institutional capacity building. The ongoing engagement signals a shared commitment to advancing the implementation of these initiatives while exploring new avenues for partnership.

Vice President Pillay conveyed Seychelles’ appreciation for the continued engagement and partnership with Rwanda, noting the importance of sustained dialogue in advancing common development objectives.

Hon. Nkulikiyinka, who is also Rwanda’s Minister for Public Service and Labour, conveyed warm greetings from President Paul Kagame and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and fostering closer cooperation with Seychelles.

The courtesy call reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations and their mutual dedication to promoting good governance and regional collaboration.

Before concluding the visit, the Vice President invited the Minister to take the opportunity to experience Seychelles’ natural beauty and visit key sites of interest during her stay. 

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, on Wednesday set the tone for transparency in public office by becoming the first to submit his declaration of assets to the Anti-Corruption Commission Seychelles (ACCS), leading a coordinated exercise across the country’s highest offices.

The President’s submission was followed by the Vice President, Mr Sebastien Pillay, and members of the Cabinet ministers, with all 14 completing the process, underscoring a collective adherence to the principles of good governance and ethical leadership.

The move reflects the government’s continued efforts to uphold public trust and strengthen institutional accountability, as senior office holders fulfil their legal obligations under the asset declaration framework.

The legal framework for the declaration of assets in Seychelles was formally established with the enactment of the Public Persons (Declaration of Assets, Liabilities and Business Interests) Act, 2016, introduced as part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption in public office. The law requires designated public officials to declare their assets, liabilities, and business interests, and establishes a mechanism for oversight.

In the years that followed, the legislation underwent several amendments, reflecting evolving policy priorities. Notably, in 2021, significant changes were introduced, including the transfer of oversight functions to ACCS and the removal of the requirement for public officials to declare the assets of their spouses and immediate family members; a-move that sparked debate over transparency and accountability.

Subsequent reforms have sought to revisit and strengthen aspects of the law. Recent legislative proposals and amendments, including those in 2025, aim to reintroduce provisions relating to the declaration of assets of immediate family members and refine definitions within the Act, signaling a continued effort to enhance the effectiveness of the asset declaration regime.

The coordinated submission of declarations by the country’s leadership highlights a unified approach to reinforcing transparency and ensuring that public office is exercised in the interest of the people of Seychelles. 

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.