Category: MIL-OSI

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Commission to brief media on election timetable  

Source: Government of South Africa

Commission to brief media on election timetable  

With just hours to go before the midnight deadline for South Africans to register or update their details online ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, the Electoral Commission is set to provide an update on key dates in the election timetable.

Electoral Commission Chairperson, Commissioner Mosotho Moepya, will  brief the nation today on key dates in the election timetable as the country marches towards the 4 November polls.

In a post on social media platform X, on Thursday, the Commission said: “Your vote starts with registration. Proclamation on 7 August [at] midnight. Online registration closes then.”

Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes. 

The registration portal can be accessed on: https://registertovote.elections.org.za 

Voters can also register via WhatsApp. To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification, and voting-station confirmation.

Citizens can register from the age of 16, although only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.

The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.

Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.

The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.

In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a municipality’s five-year term.

The proclamation and gazetting of the election date will result in the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Energy Republic unveils NOG Energy Week 2026 Special Edition

Source: APO

The Energy Republic (https://TheEnergyRepublic.com) is proud to announce the release of its NOG Energy Week 2026 Special Edition, a publication designed to spotlight the ongoing developments, groundbreaking innovations, emerging trends, investment and project opportunities shaping Africa’s energy sector.

Published as a post-event report for NOG Energy Week 2026, the special edition provides comprehensive insights from industry leaders, with exclusive interviews, articles, a special report, stakeholder commentaries and expert analysis on emerging trends that will influence the future of African energy.

The NOG publication also captures the evolving dynamics of the global energy sector, highlighting the growing role of technology such as AI and quantum computing, including sustainability, local content development, and the evolution of the global energy transition coupled with geopolitical tension amid the Middle East conflict.

This year’s NOG Energy Week (www.NOGEnergyWeek.com) marks  its 25th anniversary, celebrating Nigeria’s energy journey and the future of the African energy sector. For twenty-five years, the event has been catalyzing partnerships that strengthen energy security, attract investment, and encourage collaboration among governments, financiers, technology providers, and energy companies.

The NOG special edition stands as a valuable platform for organizations to showcase their innovations, achievements, products, and services to a highly targeted audience and subscriber base on our database, as well as a broader global audience through The Energy Republic’s platforms and partner networks.

Download your complimentary copy via the link below:

https://apo-opa.co/4wVVw0s

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Energy Republic.

Media contact:
For advertising inquiries, editorial contributions, or partnership opportunities, please email us at: info@theenergyrepublic.com

About The Energy Republic:
The Energy Republic is a leading publication and business platform focused on delivering industry updates, insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and strategic industry coverage across the global energy sector. Through its publications and digital platforms, The Energy Republic publishes country reports, business opportunities, interview content, articles, press releases, feature stories, and training programs, including the sharing of market information for public–private sector partnership (PPP), marketing and advertorial content for companies and global investors. 

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Women’s Month: protecting women and children

Source: Government of South Africa

Women’s Month: protecting women and children

As the country moves to celebrate Women’s Day, the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to profile the work of female officers who give their all to protect the nation.

Sergeant Ilze Fan, an investigator attached to the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Northern Cape, has a passion for investigating crimes committed against women and children.

The 43-year-old began her policing career in 2006 as a constable at Victoria West Police Station. Recognised early on for her ability to take quality statements and conduct thorough investigations, she pursued a career in the detective environment. 

It was there that she discovered her passion for investigating crimes committed against women and children, leading to her transfer to the De Aar FCS Unit.

Among her many career highlights, one case stands out above the rest. In March 2024, the De Aar Regional Court sentenced 47-year-old Coert Botha to 66 years’ imprisonment on 13 charges, including rape, sexual violation, exposing and displaying pornographic material to children, causing a child to witness self-masturbation, and attempted sexual violation.

Between 2019 and 2021, Botha lured young boys between the ages of nine and 14 to his home, where he sexually assaulted and raped them.

The matter was assigned to Sergeant Fan for further investigation. Leaving no stone unturned, she meticulously gathered and analysed the evidence, building a watertight case that ultimately secured the offender’s conviction and lengthy prison sentence.

In another notable success, the De Aar Regional Court, on 29 January 2026, sentenced 26-year-old Hilton Jafta to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for kidnapping, rape and statutory rape. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

On 26 October 2024, Jafta forcibly took his girlfriend to his home in Sunrise, where he assaulted and raped her. Community members alerted police after hearing the victim’s cries for help, leading to Jafta’s immediate arrest.

During the investigation, Sergeant Fan established that Jafta had fathered a child with the victim while she was still a minor. This crucial discovery resulted in an additional charge of statutory rape being added to the case.

A mother of two, Sergeant Fan says she is proud to serve in the South African Police Service because it gives her the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims.

“Every case docket that lands on my desk is an opportunity to restore the dignity of a victim, identify the perpetrator and ensure that justice is served. Our women and girl children deserve to live and walk freely in their communities without fear,” Sergeant Fan said.

Fan’s unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable, pursuing justice and serving with integrity embodies the professionalism, accountability and service excellence that lie at the heart of the SAPS Reset Agenda.

The SAPS  Women’s Month campaign, “Women Leading the Reset Agenda,” honours women in blue.

This year’s campaign recognises the dedication, resilience and professionalism of female police officers who protect women, children and other vulnerable groups while advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda through ethical leadership, accountability, service excellence and professionalism.

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month annually in August to honour the 1956 Women’s March, when 20 000 women walked to the Union Buildings in protest against apartheid pass laws.

The country will celebrate Women’s Day on Sunday, 9 August, 2026.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

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NSFAS opens theft case against former board member

Source: Government of South Africa

NSFAS opens theft case against former board member

Employees of the National Student Fund Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have opened a case of theft against a former board member for stealing laptops earmarked for under-resourced schools in the Eastern Cape.

The board member, who was leading the scheme’s delegation, kept ten laptops instead of delivering them to the already identified schools during the Eastern Cape Donation Drive in March 2026.

NSFAS said the 30 laptops were earmarked for distribution to six high schools, with each receiving five laptops for communal use.

“It is shocking that, particularly a board member of an organisation designed to alleviate hardships from economically deprived communities, would be responsible for such an act,” NSFAS Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, said on Thursday.

Mathebula added that he was pleased that NSFAS’s employees have decided to pursue justice on behalf of the voiceless learners, noting that “criminality can only thrive when witnesses turn a blind eye to such matters.”  

Mathebula also emphasised that the scheme must only be associated with a certain calibre of leaders and employees.

“This act by our colleagues is exemplary. It testifies to the fact that we are turning the corner as an organisation, as employees are reclaiming their organisation from the grubby hands of those who have been manipulating it for their own self-enrichment while our children suffered the indignity wrought on by poverty.

“Children from impoverished backgrounds need all the help they can get from all of us. It is therefore appalling to learn that someone used his position of privilege, being a board member, to steal from the same needy children. It does not get worse than that,” Mathebula said.

Mathebula expressed his full confidence in the South African Police Service to speedily secure justice for the intended beneficiaries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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NSFAS Administrator submits stabilisation plan to restore governance

Source: Government of South Africa

NSFAS Administrator submits stabilisation plan to restore governance

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, has submitted the Administration’s Stabilisation Plan to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Kgwaridi Manamela, for consideration.

The submission, which follows the requirements of the relevant Government Gazette, was made this week in the presence of the two Deputy Ministers, the Director-General, Deputy Directors-General, and Ministerial advisors.

Mathebula explained that the plan is a product of a collaborative effort between the Administration and management team, who have forged ties to produce the work. 

The plan details a carefully considered catalogue of interventions for NSFAS, which has been systemically hollowed out to the extent that its resources have been stripped of required robust institutional safeguards. 

“Co-creation is the only path for my Administration, as our tenure is only for a specified period. This means that management and staff must have enough acumen to lead NSFAS post our time,” Mathebula said.

He said the stabilisation approach will be practical, sequenced and evidence-based. It will distinguish between immediate containment actions, diagnostic work, remedial implementation, monitoring, escalation and the transition back to ordinary governance.

Mathebula said his Administration has therefore endeavoured to steer clear of analysis paralysis and focus on results-oriented actions, stating that NSFAS cannot afford to remain trapped in endless cycles of diagnosis.

The Administrator emphasised that “the time for implementation is now”, noting that a governance structure premised on workstreams has been created to drive execution throughout the organisation.

The workstreams have been tasked with carrying out specific responsibilities to address key risks, implement corrective measures and resolve critical operational challenges.

“The top priorities include governance, audit and consequence management, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), data integrity and analytics, student support, appeals and fair access, TVET colleges, reconciliation, student accommodation and stakeholder confidence. This state of our organisation is parlous, which has facilitated selfish interest to take root.

“Therefore, my Administration’s decisive actions against the rot have provoked spirited opposition from those whose interest is being threatened. We have witnessed an emergence of media attacks which are fueled by the so-called internal sources who are unfortunately manipulating the sacred journalistic tradition to drive their own agendas of looting the resources earmarked for our children,” Mathebula said.

He added that President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa’s intervention via the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) was an apt acknowledgement of NSFAS’s governance failures, with both Supply Chain safeguards and Internal Audit capacity being significantly eroded.

“NSFAS has 66 major audit findings with a disclaimer audit opinion from the Auditor-General and 115 overdue internal audit findings, respectively. Special Investigation Unit findings are a matter of public record.

“There are nine material irregularities: Deceased Funding, Income Threshold Breaches, Academic Progression Ignored, Duplicate Grant Payouts, Unresolved Appeals, Procurement and Tender Maladministration, Data Verification Breakdowns, Accommodation Contract Breaches, Accommodation Contract Breaches and Weak Consequence Management,” the Administrator said.

According to Mathebula, ICT is NSFAS’s biggest operational risk, as it is fragmented, manual and not fit for purpose.

“It holds everything up to peak frustration of students and partners, including institutions.”

The Administration said he is prioritising data analytics measures that directly improve funding accuracy, payment reliability, fraud prevention, audit readiness, and student service outcomes.

“Student accommodation has also been identified as a high-risk area both operationally and reputationally. It requires tighter controls, clearer visibility, faster claims processing and stronger provider oversight. Students deserve a financial aid scheme that not only meets but exceeds its stated mandate,” Mathebula said.

He also called on stakeholders to work with the Administration to rebuild NSFAS, strengthen accountability, and restore public confidence in the institution. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Gabon : Le Président de la République poursuit sa visite en Côte d’Ivoire sous le signe de l’innovation, des infrastructures et du développement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En marge de sa visite en République de Côte d’Ivoire, le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a consacré cette nouvelle journée à la découverte de plusieurs projets structurants signe palpable du dynamisme économique et du développement urbain de la Côte d’Ivoire.

Le Chef de l’État s’est tout d’abord rendu sur le site destiné à accueillir la future résidence de l’Ambassadeur du Gabon en République de Côte d’Ivoire ainsi que les logements de certains diplomates gabonais. Cette visite lui a permis d’évaluer l’état des lieux d’un projet engagé par le passé mais demeuré inachevé. Soucieux de doter la représentation diplomatique gabonaise d’infrastructures modernes et adaptées à ses missions, le Président de la République a instruit la démolition complète des ouvrages existants et le lancement d’un nouveau projet conforme aux orientations qu’il a définies, afin d’offrir à la diplomatie gabonaise un cadre à la hauteur de l’image du Gabon.

La délégation présidentielle a ensuite visité l’usine SCHIBA, première unité ivoirienne spécialisée dans la fabrication de sacs en papier kraft, d’emballages et de contenants divers pour le marché local et régional.

Entièrement financée par des capitaux ivoiriens, cette infrastructure industrielle témoigne de la capacité du secteur privé national à accompagner la transformation économique du pays. Au cours de cette immersion, le Président de la République a découvert les différentes unités de production et échangé avec les responsables du groupe sur les perspectives de développement industriel et les opportunités de coopération avec le Gabon.

Le Président de la République s’est également rendu à la Tour F de la cité administrative de Côte d’Ivoire, appelée à devenir le plus haut immeuble d’Afrique subsaharienne. Saluant cette réalisation emblématique, le Chef de l’État a félicité le Président Alassane Ouattara pour les importantes transformations engagées à Abidjan, tout en soulignant que le Gabon est également sur une dynamique de modernisation et de développement et que l’Afrique entière demeure en marche.

La visite s’est poursuivie au 4ᵉ pont d’Abidjan, infrastructure majeure de mobilité urbaine reliant plusieurs communes de la capitale économique. Le Chef de l’État a notamment découvert le dispositif de péage intelligent, le centre de supervision ainsi que les différents mécanismes de gestion du trafic et d’interventions d’urgence, illustrant l’intégration des nouvelles technologies au service de la mobilité et de la sécurité des usagers.

Enfin, le Président de la République s’est rendu sur les sites d’aménagement destinés au recasement des populations concernées par les grands projets d’infrastructures, notamment ceux liés à la construction du 4ᵉ pont. Cette visite lui a permis d’apprécier les solutions mises en œuvre par les autorités ivoiriennes afin de concilier développement des infrastructures et amélioration des conditions de vie des populations.

À travers cette journée de travail, le Président de la République réaffirme sa volonté de s’inspirer des expériences africaines réussies afin d’accompagner la mise en œuvre des grands projets structurants du Gabon. Cette démarche s’inscrit pleinement dans la vision d’une diplomatie de résultats, tournée vers le partage d’expériences, le renforcement des partenariats et la transformation durable du pays au bénéfice des populations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

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Seychelles: Cabinet Business, Thursday 6 August, 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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President Dr Patrick Herminie chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 5th August, during which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.

Cabinet approved Seychelles, jointly with Mauritius, entering into and signing a Multi-Client Seismic Survey Agreement with Viridien for the acquisition of geological and geophysical data within the Joint Management Area of the Extended Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau Region. The survey will improve understanding of the area’s seabed and subsoil resources and support evidence-based decisions on their potential, while ensuring that any activities are undertaken in accordance with applicable environmental, legal and regulatory requirements.

Cabinet approved the proposal to remunerate the Accounts Receivable Irrecoverable Debts Write-Off Committee and the Irrecoverable Government Loans & Debts Write-Off Committee in accordance with the Government’s existing remuneration framework. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight, due diligence, transparency and accountability in the assessment and write-off of irrecoverable government debts and loans, with the associated expenditure to be accommodated within the Ministry’s approved budget and available budgetary provisions.

Cabinet approved the policy options presented by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment to address the conflict between the Immovable Property Tax Act and the non-discrimination provisions of certain Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), particularly the Seychelles–South Africa DTAA. This includes the temporary exemption of South African nationals and nationals of countries with similar provisions, pending the renegotiation of the affected DTAAs, and the implementation of the necessary legal, policy and administrative measures.

Cabinet approved in principle Seychelles’ hosting of the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) Annual General Meeting and Broadcasters Convention – Southern Africa, scheduled for 22–26 October 2026, with the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) serving as the Host Institution. The necessary preparatory and inter-agency arrangements were also endorsed to facilitate the successful hosting of the regional event, which is expected to bring together senior broadcasting and media stakeholders from across the SADC region and enhance Seychelles’ regional profile and engagement in broadcasting.

Cabinet approved the Approved the designation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora as the custodian Ministry for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Seychelles. The Ministry was also mandated to establish and operationalise the APRM National Structures, with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies directed to support the process to strengthen good governance, transparency, accountability and Seychelles’ engagement within the African Union governance framework.

Cabinet approved the proposed organisational structures for the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) and the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI), effective August 2026. The approved framework establishes clear governance and reporting arrangements, separating national policy leadership from programme implementation to strengthen accountability and coordination. The decision will enhance the delivery of science, technology and innovation initiatives, support research and entrepreneurship, and reinforce Seychelles’ transition towards a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, in line with the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2025.

Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Integrated Governance System to strengthen coordination, collaboration and implementation of science, technology and innovation initiatives across Government, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders. The new governance system, established under the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI) Act, 2025, will provide a structured framework for improved policy coordination, enhanced institutional linkages, and more effective delivery of the national STI agenda in support of Seychelles’ socio-economic development.

Cabinet discussed the findings and recommendations of the 2026 La Digue Transport Assessment, including proposed policy, regulatory and enforcement measures to strengthen the management of the island’s transport system. It was agreed that the proclamation of roads should proceed, with the public informed accordingly; the arrival of approved buggies and pick-up vehicles destined for La Digue should be allowed onto the island, while no new applications for additional buggies or electric vehicles would be approved until further notice. A scientific carrying capacity study will also be undertaken to determine the island’s sustainable limits for vehicles, tourism and future development, and to guide future policy decisions.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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East African Community (EAC) Secretary General calls for stronger public-private partnership to boost regional competitiveness and intra-EAC trade

Source: APO


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The East African Community (EAC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships to unlock the region’s trade and investment potential.

The call was made during the EABC CEO Trade and Investment Roundtable held in Dar es Salaam on 5th August, 2026 under the theme “Enhancing Competitiveness in the EAC to Boost Intra and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment.” The forum brought together business leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to deliberate on practical solutions for strengthening East Africa’s competitiveness and expanding trade opportunities.

The EAC Secretary General, Hon. Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi, underscored the central role of the private sector in driving the region’s economic transformation and deepening regional integration.

He noted that while the EAC has grown into one of Africa’s largest integrated markets, with a population of more than 331 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately US$357 billion, intra-EAC trade remains below its full potential.

According to EAC trade statistics for 2025, the Community recorded total trade of US$156.7 billion, comprising US$137 billion in trade with the rest of the world and US$19.7 billion in trade among EAC Partner States. The Secretary General noted that these figures highlight significant untapped opportunities within the regional market.

He attributed the low levels of intra-EAC trade to persistent non-tariff barriers, regulatory inconsistencies, infrastructure bottlenecks and limited access to finance, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

“Expanding intra-EAC trade remains one of the Community’s foremost priorities,” the Secretary General said, recalling the EAC’s ambition to increase the share of intra-regional trade to 50 percent by 2030. 

He emphasised that achieving this target requires stronger partnerships between governments, regional institutions and the private sector, alongside sustained implementation of regional commitments.

He called on business leaders to develop practical, innovative and measurable solutions that strengthen regional value chains, attract investment, enhance the competitiveness of East African enterprises and improve the overall business environment.

The Secretary General further announced that recommendations emerging from the Roundtable will inform the Annual EAC Trade and Investment Climate Report, which will be launched during the forthcoming EAC Investment Forum in September 2026. The report will provide further insights into improving the region’s investment climate and strengthening private sector participation in regional economic development.

Looking ahead, Amb. Mbundi emphasised the importance of harnessing East Africa’s demographic dividend by investing in the region’s youthful population, which accounts for more than 75 percent of its people. He called for increased investment in skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and access to finance to position East Africa as a globally competitive manufacturing, services and investment destination.

In concluding his remarks, the Secretary General reaffirmed the EAC Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with Partner States, the private sector and other stakeholders to deepen regional integration through the free movement of goods, services, labour and capital, the removal of barriers to trade and the implementation of policies that promote a competitive and integrated regional economy.

He challenged participants to move beyond identifying constraints and focus on actionable recommendations that will help bridge the gap towards achieving the Community’s 2030 intra-EAC trade target.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

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Uganda: Members of Parliament (MPs) shocked over 10,000 unreconciled cars in expressway toll records

Source: APO

Members of Parliament were stunned after an internal audit report revealed that 10,446 vehicles could not be reconciled in toll records for the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.

The report showed that 586 vehicles could not be accounted for in November 2024, resulting in an estimated revenue shortfall of about Shs407 million, 2,860 vehicles were missing from toll records in December 2025, and over 7,000 in May 2026 translating into suspected revenue losses exceeding Shs1 billion.

With the revelation, legislators on the Committee of Physical Infrastructure have tasked the Ministry of Works and Transport to explain discrepancies in the expressway toll revenue collections, unaccounted-for vehicles and the management of billions of shillings invested in Uganda’s first toll road project.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, on Thursday, 06 August 2026, questioned officials from the ministry led by the minister, Hon. Minister Fred Byamukama, together with representatives of expressway operator EGIS and contractor Pinnacle, as lawmakers examined findings contained in the Auditor General’s Report for the Financial Year 2024/25.

The revelation questions the integrity, reliability and security of the electronic toll collection system.

Hon. Byamukama revealed that the Government secured a US$350 million (about Shs1.2 trillion) loan in 2021 to finance the construction of the expressway.

MPs investigated whether taxpayers were receiving value for money after the ministry revealed that since tolling commenced, approximately Shs129 billion has been collected in toll revenue while about Shs122 billion has already been paid to the contractor responsible for operating the tolling system.

Hon. James Waluswaka, (Bunyole West County), asked whether government could justify the expenditure considering recurring operational deficiencies highlighted by auditors.

“When almost as much money goes to the contractor as what Government collects from motorists, Parliament must ask whether Ugandans are obtaining value for money from this investment,” he argued.

The ministry explained that payments under the performance-based maintenance contract vary depending on whether contractors meet agreed Key Performance Indicators.

According to the ministry, deductions have been imposed for failures including non-functional street lighting, damaged guardrails, defective road signs, poor road cleanliness and delayed implementation of the overload control system.

Officials disclosed that approximately Shs55 million has consistently been deducted because the overload control system remains incomplete.

The committee further questioned why Shs1.6 billion allocated for installation of weigh-in-motion bridges had never been utilised.

Isaac Wani, an Engineer at the ministry attributed the delay to unsuitable terrain near existing toll plazas, explaining that the funds had instead been rolled into a subsequent contract to facilitate installation of fixed weighbridges at the toll plazas and weigh-in-motion equipment along the Northern Bypass.

He argued that axle-load enforcement is essential for protecting the structural integrity and lifespan of the expressway and questioned why such a critical component had been deferred while other infrastructure was completed.

The committee also demanded accountability over vehicles exempted from paying toll charges and probed whether such exemptions complied with the law without supporting statutory instruments, warning that discretionary exemptions without proper legal backing could undermine transparency.

Another area of concern involved transactions through the Automated Payment Collection Unit account, established to temporarily receive electronic toll payments before remittance to the Consolidated Fund.

The ministry Undersecretary, Barbara Namugambe, requested additional time to reconcile the records. “I need more time to compile and submit all the factual reports required by this committee,” she said.

Deputy Chairperson of the committee and MP Ayivu Division East, Hon. William Tiyo, questioned why the ministry spent over Shs200m for training in India despite the supervising contractor being a French company and demanded evidence that the training had improved management of the toll road.

The committee directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report detailing beneficiaries, training modules, expenditure and measurable outcomes before Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Government – GK Partners: A Decade of Diaspora Partnership

Source: APO – Report:

His Excellency President Adama Barrow today received a delegation from GK Partners at the State House, where he was briefed on their latest activities and progress in diaspora investment initiatives.

During the audience with Professor Gibril Faal, Programme Director of Migration and Sustainable Development in The Gambia Project and the delegation, President Barrow underscored the vital role Gambians in the Diaspora play in nation-building. He encouraged them to invest and contribute to advancing the country’s development, noting that such efforts create mutual benefits: “While government is playing its role in national development, others can also come in to complement our efforts.”

The President commended GK Partners for their innovative use of data to shape policy, stressing that, “Policies should be informed by reality, and data helps in planning and project establishment. With digitalisation advancing data collection, it is the way forward.” He cited how digitalisation has improved revenue collection without raising taxes, providing evidence-based support for policy decisions.

President Barrow concluded by calling for unity and patriotism, urging all Gambians to help sustain peace and stability in the country. Since partnering with the Government in 2017, GK Partners has worked with various ministries and institutions to support policy development aligned with national programmes. Over 220 projects have been implemented, mostly in rural areas, with a strong focus on empowering young people.

Professor Faal presented a new publication documenting the “Methodology of Measuring Diaspora Contributions to National Development,” using The Gambia as a model. GK Partners has successfully developed and tested the Government–Diaspora partnership framework and now plans to expand the model to other countries.

He further commended President Barrow’s steadfast commitment to strengthening Government–Diaspora relations as a driver of national development.

– on behalf of Office of The President- Republic of the Gambia.

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