MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

Parliament has approved a tax waiver for Fresh Cuts Uganda Limited relieving the meat exporter of Shs8.7 billion in tax arrears despite objections that the company had not sufficiently justified its eligibility.

The decision was taken during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth on Tuesday, 01 September 2026.

Members of Parliament presented conflicting views on whether the company satisfied the conditions for a waiver under the Tax Procedures Code Act.

The Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development had recommended a waiver of Shs8.73 billion after finding that Fresh Cuts met the financial hardship, impossibility of recovery and undue difficulty tests prescribed under Section 43(1) of the Act.

According to the committee, with a staffing level of 110 people, Fresh Cuts provides market for thousands of farmers however it has accumulated salary, Pay As You Earn and National Social Security Fund arrears.

The committee report presented by Hon. Max Ochai found that in 2022, the company’s liabilities stood at Shs28.66 billion against assets of Shs8.49 billion and as a result, a shareholder had written off a Shs20.82 billion loan in an attempt to revive the company.

Ochai said that the Uganda Revenue Authority’s recovery measures however, worsened the company’s financial difficulties adding that the tax body reportedly froze the company’s  bank accounts and confiscated computers and staff records in 2015, forcing operations to stop.

“The company subsequently lost three containers auctioned at Mombasa Port after failing to access funds from its frozen accounts,” Ochai said adding that, ‘the aggressive tax recovery efforts by URA negatively affected the company’s operations, plunging it further into financial distress’.

Despite the committee’s justifications for a waiver, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division MP, Hon. Gyaviira Ssebina objected arguing that a waiver would not address the governance and decision-making shortcomings behind the company’s problems.

“The tax waiver under consideration is not the appropriate remedy to enabling Fresh Cuts Uganda Limited to satisfy its tax obligations. It does not address the underlying issues affecting the company,”  Sebina said.

Sebina noted that the owners acquired Fresh Cuts without adequate due diligence and therefore, suffered its historical tax liabilities. 

He cited Shs2 billion in bank loans, unpaid salaries exceeding Shs1.5 billion and mortgage obligations to DFCU Bank of Shs4.016 billion and US$520,767, saying, ‘this confirms that the company has liquidity challenges which the waiver cannot cure’.

Jinja South Division West, Hon. Timothy Batuwa proposed a policy reversal where government through Uganda Development Bank (UDB) takes over such companies.

“Whereas this company is useful to Uganda, helping in exportation of animal products, what we need is to swap debt with equity so that UDB helps us to run this company and maintain its strategic benefit,” said Batuwa.

Kabula County MP, Hon. Enos Asiimwe tasked government to urgently table a tax expenditure report for Parliament to understand the burden of tax waivers and determine whether the policy should continue to exists.

In a related development, the House also approved a waiver of Shs2.518 billion waiver for Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) which cleared its principal liability under a 2017 agreement with URA.

IPA voluntarily disclosed a principal liability of Shs2.063 billion in March 2017 and completed instalments by November 2018. 

The committee report on IPA faulted URA for waiting until 2024 to recommend the waiver, six years after the organisation had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement.

According to the committee, the delayed action by URA reduced donor funding and the loss of two United States-funded projects had left the non-profit organisation unable to pay the accumulated interest and penalties.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has completed its internal consultations with South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Amb. Anil Sooklal, relating to the situation involving former President Jacob Zuma’s private visit to India from 25 to 27 June 2026.

Scope of logistical and protocol support

On 19 June 2026, the Presidency informed DIRCO of the forthcoming private visit by former President Jacob Zuma to the Republic of India and requested assistance with the necessary protocol and logistical arrangements. In accordance with the established practice applicable to all former Presidents, DIRCO subsequently notified the South African High Commission in New Delhi and requested that the customary protocol support be provided.

Information provided by the South African High Commission in New Delhi indicates that the Mission did not facilitate any substantive engagement between former President Jacob Zuma and Mr Ajay Gupta during the visit. The assistance rendered formed part of the established protocol, administrative and logistical support ordinarily extended to former Presidents through official channels, including ceremonial lounge arrangements, airport courtesies, liaison with host government authorities, and related travel facilitation.

Upon arrival, the former President was received by the South African High Commissioner and a designated Mission official in accordance with established protocol, with similar assistance provided upon departure.

High Commissioner’s attendance at the Haridwar event

Regarding the religious event attended in Haridwar, the High Commissioner attended in his capacity as Head of Mission following a separate invitation from host organisers. He did not accompany former President Zuma or Mr Gupta, and although Mr Gupta was present among approximately 1 000 invited guests, the High Commissioner reported no direct interaction with him.

Departmental assessment and official position

The Department’s assessment is that the Mission’s role was confined to ceremonial reception and departure arrangements, as well as attendance at a public religious event for which the High Commissioner had been independently invited in his official capacity. The information available indicates that the Mission did not arrange, facilitate or participate in any private meetings involving former President Zuma and Mr Gupta. The government position remains that routine assistance to former Heads of State does not constitute authorisation to former Heads of State to represent the Government of the Republic or advance official interests.

Government remains firmly committed to the Constitution, the rule of law and accountability. Whilst Mr Gupta is not subject to an extradition request by South Africa, DIRCO continues to facilitate cooperation between South African law enforcement authorities and the Indian authorities in respect of mutual legal assistance requests and other ongoing legal processes involving members of the Gupta family.

DIRCO has recommended a mechanism that will enable the State to ensure that engagements of this nature are assessed for potential reputational, political, diplomatic or security risks.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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Ahead of the final appeal hearing at Tunisia’s Court of Cassation on 3 September in the unjust “conspiracy case”, which is a chance to overturn the convictions of opposition figures jailed solely because of their peaceful political opposition, Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International said: 

“Tunisia’s authorities must seize this opportunity to rectify a travesty of justice that has upturned the lives of 34 prominent opposition figures, human rights defenders and lawyers who were convicted on unfounded charges in a mass trial marred by due process violations. These defendants were targeted with politically motivated charges and should have never been imprisoned in the first place. Many of them have been languishing in jail with deteriorating health problems, with recent successive heatwaves further worsening detention conditions inside poorly ventilated cells. 

“The authorities must overturn these unjust convictions and sentences and release all those arbitrarily detained in this case. It is time to put an end to this pattern of instrumentalizing the justice system to target dissent. Authorities must ensure that prison conditions across the country comply with international standards and that all detainees have regular access to their families, lawyers and adequate healthcare. “ 

Background 

On 18 April 2025, following a mass trial based on unfounded charges and marred by a litany of fair trial rights violations, the Tunis Criminal Court of First Instance convicted 37 individuals, including prominent politicians, lawyers and human rights defenders, on spurious “State security” charges and sentenced them to terms of imprisonment ranging from four to 66 years. 

On 27 November 2025, the Tunis Court of Appeal upheld the convictions of 34 defendants and imposed prison sentences ranging from five to 45 years, following proceedings marred by serious violations of fair-trial rights. Those imprisoned include Ayachi Hammami, Chaima Issa, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, Issam Chebbi, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj, Khayam Turki and Abdelhamid Jelassi, Sahbi Atig and Said Ferjani. Several defendants have been arbitrarily detained since February 2023 solely for exercising their human rights. 

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO

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For young people in Djibouti, sporting skills and passion could translate into new professional opportunities.

Those opportunities extend beyond professional athletes to coaching, education, management, marketing, events and entrepreneurship.

This was among the areas discussed when a delegation from the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) visited IFM-Sport Djibouti on 31 August. The delegation was led by Zuzana Schwidrowski, Director of the Socio-Economic Development Division.

IFM-Sport is Djibouti’s first specialized institute dedicated to training and professionalization in sport.

The visit was part of ongoing consultations for ECA’s Economic Report on Africa 2027, titled Shaping Africa’s Future of Work: Youth Employment, Growth and Fiscal Resilience.

Discussions with IFM-Sport Director Mohamed Osman Abdourahman and his team focused on the institute’s efforts to turn sporting skills and passion into professional opportunities, including through youth employability, sports entrepreneurship and new career pathways.

The ECA delegation also met young footballers at the institute who spoke about their ambitions to pursue professional careers and potentially compete internationally.

Djibouti has also been investing in the development of its sports sector and in opportunities for young athletes. In football, for example, the country is one of 10 in Africa with an operational FIFA Talent Academy, supported by a development network reaching around 300 children across six regional centres.

But building a sports economy means looking beyond the athletes themselves. Coaches, educators, managers and administrators are needed, alongside businesses working in areas such as talent representation, marketing, sponsorship and event management.

These are among the opportunities that could widen the range of careers available to young people through sport.

There is also a gender dimension. In separate discussions with the Ministry of Women and the Family, the ECA delegation explored the importance of expanding economic opportunities for young women.

The visit to IFM-Sport highlighted how sport could provide additional opportunities for girls and young women, while developing confidence, teamwork and leadership.

At a continental level, the sports economy accounts for only about 0.5 per cent of Africa’s GDP, compared with a global average of approximately 2 per cent, pointing to considerable room for growth.

Sport can generate jobs, businesses and value added across training, health and well-being, events, tourism and infrastructure. For Djibouti, this presents opportunities to build on the passion, talent and skills that already exist among its young people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Source: APO

The vibrant sounds of traditional songs, colourful cultural performances, and the energy of hundreds of community members filled Kamhlushwa Stadium in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, as South Africa commemorated African Traditional Medicine Day 2026. The event brought together traditional health practitioners, government leaders, health professionals, researchers and community members to celebrate the enduring contribution of African traditional medicine to health and wellbeing.

African Traditional Medicine Day is observed annually on 31 August and marks the anniversary of a landmark decision by African Ministers of Health in 2000 at the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The day recognises the vital role traditional medicine continues to play in healthcare systems across the continent, where an estimated 80% of the population relies on it for some of their primary healthcare needs.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “Reflection on Research and Development Efforts of Traditional Medicine Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the African Region.” The theme resonated strongly throughout the day’s discussions, highlighting the growing importance of research, innovation and collaboration in strengthening traditional medicine’s contribution to accessible, people-centred healthcare.

Leading the commemoration, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, emphasised the government’s ongoing engagement with traditional health practitioner associations and other stakeholders on the future of traditional medicine in South Africa. He highlighted discussions to strengthen the profession by developing recognised practice areas, including traditional midwifery, traditional surgery and general traditional health practice.

Representing the Mpumalanga Health Department, Deputy Director-General for Clinical Health Services, Ms Duduzile Mdluli, highlighted the province’s efforts to strengthen collaboration between traditional health practitioners and public healthcare facilities. In Mpumalanga, traditional practitioners have received training in basic health screening skills, including blood pressure measurement, blood glucose screening and the identification of tuberculosis symptoms, thereby strengthening community-based health promotion and referral systems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) joined the commemoration and reaffirmed its support for integrating evidence-informed traditional medicine into broader health systems. In a message delivered by Dr Kevin Makadzange on behalf of WHO South Africa Representative Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, participants were reminded that traditional medicine remains deeply rooted in African culture and continues to be a trusted source of care for many communities. The message underscored the need to strengthen research, regulation, safety, quality assurance and innovation to unlock the full potential of traditional medicine and support progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

The day began with a symbolic 5-kilometre community walk, followed by an aerobics session promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity. Participants also visited health screening stations and mobile clinics, where they received screening and testing services and health information from healthcare workers.

A highlight of the event was the exhibition area, where traditional health practitioners from all nine provinces showcased medicinal plants, traditional remedies and indigenous knowledge systems passed down through generations. The displays underscored the richness of Africa’s traditional healing heritage and its continued relevance in addressing today’s health challenges.

The event concluded with a clear message from speakers and participants alike: traditional medicine is an important part of Africa’s health landscape and a valuable cultural asset deserving recognition, protection and scientific exploration. Investments in research, innovation, regulation and partnerships can help transform traditional knowledge into evidence-based solutions that contribute to healthier communities and more resilient health systems.

As South Africa joined the continent in marking African Traditional Medicine Day, the commemoration served as a powerful reminder that achieving Universal Health Coverage will require drawing on all available strengths, including the rich heritage, knowledge and practices that have sustained African communities for generations.

Together, the message was clear: Africa’s traditional knowledge can help shape a healthier future for Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

Although the UN and its partners have scaled up their response, a $1.1 billion funding gap remains as the DRC grapples with the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.

During the first 100 days of the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 635 cases and 399 deaths across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

In the first 100 days since the DRC Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak was declared on 15 May, there were 5,515 cases and 2,642 deaths.

By Monday, local authorities had reported 6,100 confirmed cases and 2,950 deaths, with more than 5,000 cases recorded in Ituri Province alone.

“The response is growing and has been scaled up, but the virus is moving faster,” relief chief Tom Fletcher said. “And unless we scale up urgently, more lives will be lost and the threat will grow.”

Cautious success in Uganda

Mr. Fletcher commended the DRC Government and UN partners for their efforts to contain the epidemic.

He pointed to Uganda, where the WHO last week declared an end to the country’s latest Ebola outbreak.

Uganda succeeded in containing the virus through rapid case detection and confirmation, contact tracing, isolation and clinical care, infection prevention and control, community engagement and strengthened surveillance, according to WHO Africa.

The UN’s migration agency, IOM, has also conducted nearly 23 million health screenings in the DRC and neighbouring countries, helping monitor population movements, identify potential cases and reduce the risk of transmission across borders, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

Mr. Fletcher has allocated more than $57 million from the UN’s donor-supported Central Emergency Response Fund to Ebola response and preparedness efforts in the DRC and neighbouring countries.

But the response is unfolding against the backdrop of an already severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in eastern DRC, where conflict between Government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has displaced communities and complicated efforts to reach people in need.

“It is not simply a health emergency,” Mr. Fletcher said. “It is also a humanitarian emergency layered onto many existing humanitarian emergencies.”

The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, recently responded to clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces, Uganda soldiers and suspected members of the so-called Allied Democratic Forces, an Islamic State-affiliated insurgent group based in the east – the epicentre of the record outbreak.

MONUSCO is also expanding programmes that have helped more than 60,000 people safely access farmland and schools in Djugu territory, supporting protection efforts and helping create conditions for displaced families to return home, Mr. Dujarric said.

World must prioritise Ebola response

Mr. Fletcher urged governments to ensure humanitarian workers can reach people in need and to keep the battle against the runaway outbreak high on the international agenda, which he said is essential to preventing the virus from spreading.

Closing the funding gap and bringing the outbreak under control will require sustained political commitment and a coordinated international response, he said.

“We have the experience, the tools and extraordinary people risking their lives to stop this epidemic. What we need now is political will, access and resources,” Mr. Fletcher said. “We have beaten Ebola before, and we can do it again.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).