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Source: APO – Report:

President Dr Patrick Herminie, on the second day of his visit to La Réunion, attended this afternoon, as guest of honour, a reception hosted by the Prefect of La Réunion, Mr Patrice Latron, in the gardens of the Hôtel de Préfecture, in celebration of France’s National Day.

The reception brought together the Prefect, the Ambassador of France to Seychelles, elected officials and other dignitaries from across La Réunion. President Herminie was accompanied by First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, along with Seychelles Ministers, Principal Secretaries and other guests present at the gathering. The event featured successive remarks from the Prefect and President Herminie, followed by a convivial cocktail accompanied by a musical performance.

In his toast, President Herminie, speaking in French on behalf of the Seychellois people and Government, expressed his profound gratitude to the Prefect and the authorities of La Réunion for the warm welcome extended to his delegation. He conveyed his warmest congratulations to President Emmanuel Macron, the French Government and the people of France on the occasion of Bastille Day, describing the values of liberty, equality and fraternity as a continuing inspiration to nations committed to peace, democracy and human dignity.

The President noted the particular significance of this year’s celebrations, coming only days after Seychelles marked the fiftieth anniversary of its independence, and as France and Seychelles simultaneously celebrate fifty years of diplomatic relations, first established in 1976. He reflected on ties between the two nations reaching back further still, recalling France’s role as the first colonial power in Seychelles and the shared origins of the Seychellois nation.

Building on this shared history, President Herminie underlined the privileged place La Réunion occupies in the France-Seychelles relationship, citing the cultural, linguistic and family ties that unite the two peoples, and reaffirmed Seychelles’ conviction that regional cooperation remains the surest path towards a safer, more resilient and more prosperous future, particularly on maritime security, climate change, ocean preservation and sustainable development.

He closed by reaffirming Seychelles’ commitment to deepening its partnership with La Réunion and France and invited guests to raise a toast to President Macron, to the French Republic, and to lasting friendship between France, La Réunion and Seychelles.

Earlier that day, Tuesday 14 July, President Herminie was the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations, marked by a military parade in which the Seychelles Defence Forces took part.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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President Museveni has declined to assent to the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2026 returning them back to Parliament for reconsideration, warning that some proposed measures would create unfair competition among businesses, encourage tax avoidance, and negatively affect the economy.

The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2026 were considered and passed by the 11th Parliament ahead of the budget reading and new financial year starting in July 2026.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who presided over the House sitting on 14 July 2026 said that President Museveni had raised objections to specific clauses in both bills, particularly provisions dealing with withholding tax on betting winnings and a sharp increase in excise duty on single-use plastics.

“The President is against the passing into law of Clause 11 of the Income Tax Amendment Bill, 2026,” Tayebwa said.

Clause 11 sought to introduce a withholding tax on winnings from betting and gaming activities but contained an exemption for winnings obtained from land-based casinos licensed under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016.

Museveni argued that the exemption would create an uneven playing field between different categories of gaming operators while opening opportunities for tax avoidance.

In his communication to Parliament, the President warned that exempting land-based casinos from withholding tax could encourage businesses to restructure transactions in ways designed to minimise tax obligations.

“The exemption creates opportunities for tax avoidance and revenue leakage,” Museveni said in his communication to Parliament.

He further questioned why two businesses engaging in substantially similar economic activities should face different tax treatment.

“There is no justification for exempting one category while taxing the other,” he argued.

The President was also against the proposed increase in excise duty on single-use plastics as provided for in the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Parliament had approved an increase from the existing rate of 2.5 percent or US$70 per tonne, to 25 percent or USS 1, 500 per tonne, whichever is higher.

While the proposal was intended to strengthen environmental protection measures and discourage plastic pollution, Museveni argued that the increase was too drastic and could trigger unintended economic consequences.

“The proposed increase is substantial and is likely to impose significant cost pressures on manufacturers engaged in the production and use of single-use plastics,” he said.

He warned that higher costs could affect production, investment and employment in the plastics sector.

Museveni also noted that Uganda’s manufacturing sector is not yet fully prepared to transition to alternative packaging materials. 

“Viable alternatives to plastic packaging are not yet readily available in Uganda,” he said.

The President recommended further study before implementing the increase as an environmental policy measure.

Beyond the substance of the tax proposals, Parliament also confronted procedural questions over whether the bills should be reconsidered by the new Parliament.

Bbale County MP, Hon. Charles Tebandeke wondered whether the two bills should not return through fresh legislative procedures having been originally considered by the previous Parliament.

“The law assumes that the 11th Parliament that was handling these bills was dissolved and the matter was overtaken by events,” Tebandeke said.

The Deputy Speaker Tayebwa rejected the claim that the President had delayed beyond the constitutional timeline. He reminded legislators that the Constitution provides that, the President must either assent to a Bill or return it to Parliament within 30 days after receiving it.

“The Constitution is very clear, 30 days from the date it is presented to him or her,” Tayebwa said. 

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

Source: APO

Parliament has passed a resolution urging the Government to review its university undergraduate sponsorship programme and increase the number of sponsorship slots allocated under the District Quota Scheme to improve access to higher education for students from poor, disadvantaged and rural communities.

Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi (NRM, Bardege-Layibi Division), who moved the motion during the House sitting on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, argued that the current allocation no longer reflects Uganda’s growing student population and has failed to address inequalities in access to public university education.

The resolution calls on Government to review the distribution of the 4,000 annual government sponsorship slots, particularly by increasing the share reserved for the District Quota Scheme, which currently receives 896 places out of the 1,000 slots allocated under the affirmative action schemes.

According to the motion, Government allocates 3,000 sponsorships, representing 75 per cent of the annual intake, through the national merit scheme, while the remaining 1,000 slots are shared among the District Quota Scheme (896), the Sports Scheme (40) and the Special Needs Scheme (64).

During consideration of the motion, members amended its heading to expressly include the Sports Scheme and Special Needs Scheme after concerns that the two affirmative action programmes had been omitted despite being referenced in the body of the motion.

Hon. Alex Ndeezi (NRM, PWDs), appreciated the proposal and called for amendments to ensure that persons with disabilities, and the sports scheme is taken care of. He also called for the proposal to be effected this year.

Hon. Laura Kanushu (NRM, PWDs Female) welcomed the motion and urged government to give greater attention to learners with disabilities.

“There can never be a vulnerable student more than that with special needs. If there are people who need a sponsorship at the universities more than anyone else, it is the students with disabilities. So we cannot afford to leave them out,” she said.

She also proposed that priority be given to students who attended public schools, particularly Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools.

“The children who go to the public schools are the most needy ones.”

Rubanda County West MP, Hon. Bruce Balaba said that evidence since the introduction of the District Quota Scheme shows that students admitted from rural schools often outperform their counterparts admitted with higher grades through the national merit system.

“There is evidence that the children from the rural schools who come with slightly lower grades… when they reach the university, they perform better than those with excellent grades from the other schools,” he said.

Balaba also proposed that half of all district quota sponsorships be reserved for science programmes, noting that about 90 per cent of students admitted under the scheme currently pursue humanities courses. He further suggested increasing the district quota allocation while reducing the proportion reserved for the national merit scheme.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, directed that implementation of the resolution should follow the Rules of Procedure, which require ministers to submit an action-taken report to Parliament within 60 days.

In the motion, Mapenduzi argued that although between 60,000 and 80,000 students qualify annually for admission to public universities, Government sponsorship has remained capped at 4,000 students over the past five years. He contended that the majority of the beneficiaries come from top-performing schools that are largely attended by students from well-to-do families.

Mapenduzi further argued that while the District Quota Scheme was introduced in 2004 to address inequities created by the national merit admissions system, its allocation of 896 slots based on district population disadvantages rural districts with smaller populations, leaving poor, disadvantaged and underprivileged students marginalised.

Parliament resolved to urge Government to review the programme and increase the number of slots allocated to the District Quota Scheme to enable more poor, disadvantaged and underprivileged students to benefit from government-funded university education.

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

Source: APO

President Dr Patrick Herminie and First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie last evening attended a reception hosted by the President of the Regional Council of La Réunion, Ms Huguette Bello, at the Domaine du MoCA, providing the President and First Lady the opportunity to experience La Réunion’s rich cultural heritage.

In her welcoming remarks, Ms Bello referred to the vibrant Creole culture that defines La Réunion’s identity, and of the challenges involved in preserving that heritage in a changing world. She underscored the importance of strengthened cooperation across the Indian Ocean region and voiced her support for developing the international dimension of the Creole Institute based in Seychelles so it can promote the Creole culture worldwide.

The evening featured a fusion of La Réunion’s cultural expressions, including performances of Maloya, the traditional music and dance form inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In a gesture of friendship, President Herminie and First Lady Herminie presented Ms Bello with a coco de mer, the iconic Seychellois nut, as a token of appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the First Couple and the rest of the Seychelles delegation.

In his own remarks on that occasion, President Herminie said the visit to La Réunion would remain forever etched in his memory, describing the moment spent in that place whose lush vegetation include a coco-de-mer palm, a symbol of the friendship between La Réunion and Seychelles, as one of the defining moments of his unforgettable stay.

President Herminie spoke of La Réunion as the point of departure for Seychelles, noting its contribution to the populating of his country and its lasting imprint on the Seychellois culture. The President paid tribute to the memory of the ancestors who built the bridges of the two nations’ shared destiny and thanked all those present working towards its continued realisation.

The President and First Lady later joined guests to watch the fireworks marking the culmination of activities marking the French National Day.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at Lusail Palace in Doha. President El-Sisi extended his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies on the passing of H.H. The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praying to Almighty Allah to bestow His vast mercy upon the deceased and to grant the brotherly people of Qatar patience and solace.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi affirmed that the Arab Republic of Egypt, both its leadership and people, stands in solidarity with the leadership and people of the State of Qatar during this painful time.

President El-Sisi paid tribute to the enduring contributions of the late His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in achieving the renaissance, progress, and prosperity of the State of Qatar. The President prayed to Almighty Allah to protect Qatar from all harm and to continue to bless it with security, stability, and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his deep appreciation for President El-Sisi’s visit and condolences. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad underscored the close fraternal ties between Egypt and Qatar, lauding the longstanding historical bonds between the two brotherly peoples. The Amir of Qatar also expressed his aspiration for Egypt and Qatar to continue working together to further strengthen and expand their bilateral relations in the period ahead.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi paid a fraternal visit to the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain to reaffirm Egypt’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain in light of the current regional developments.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that following his visit to Qatar earlier today President El-Sisi and his accompanying delegation traveled to Bahrain. Upon arrival in Manama, the President was received by King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and members of the Egyptian Embassy.

During the meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa, the President reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for the security and stability of the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain. President El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s rejection and condemnation of the unjustified attacks against the Kingdom, describing them as a flagrant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.

President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any attempts to undermine the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, or any other Arab countries. The President underscored Egypt’s full solidarity with these states and affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for all measures they undertake to safeguard their sovereignty and protect the resources and interests of their peoples, emphasizing that the security of the Arab states is an integral part of Egypt’s national security. President El-Sisi further commended the wisdom demonstrated by the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in preserving regional stability. In this context, the President affirmed that Egypt is exerting intensive efforts to preserve regional stability and reduce the current tensions and escalation, stressing the importance of resolving all crises through peaceful means.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa welcomed President El-Sisi to his second home, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s support and solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain and for the close fraternal ties the two brotherly countries share. The King of Bahrain also lauded Egypt’s steadfast support for the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states and the Arab countries, emphasizing the vital necessity to maintain close consultation and coordination between the two countries to preserve peace and stability in the region and address their common challenges. In this context, the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen joint efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and restoring stability across the region.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa bid farewell to President El-Sisi at the airport at the conclusion of the visit.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

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A conference aimed at expanding pre-primary and junior schools in the Southern Region, with a view to ensuring access to educational services, was conducted in Mendefera on 11 July.

​At the conference, in which sub-zone administrators and heads of educational facilities took part, Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, Governor of the region, said that strong efforts will be exerted to construct pre-school educational facilities through initiatives at the regional and community levels, aimed at enhancing the teaching-learning process.

Noting that the program is aimed at enabling children to access education in their places of residence, Mr. Habteab said that the regional administration, in collaboration with area administrators, has already prepared land for the construction of the school facilities.

Indicating that, over the past 10 years, the number of pre-schools stood at 131, with about 12,000 students, Mr. Hibtzgi Kidane, head of the education office in the region, said that, through the efforts exerted last year, new pre-schools have been established in 416 villages and the number of students had increased twofold.

The participants held extensive discussions on the implementation of the program and called for available resources to be channelled towards it.

Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the region, called on parents to send their school-age children to school and take advantage of the opportunities being provided.

There are 1,106 schools in the Southern Region, ranging from pre-schools to high schools, actively providing educational services.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.