Worst and Best Mps named: The 2010 parliamentary scorecard, a tool used to rate the performance of Mps has named best and the worst Mps and shows that the opposition MPs and independents beat their NRM counterparts. Rose Akol Okullu (NRM), Chris Byaromunsi (NRM), William Okecho (Independent), Stephen Tashobya (NRM) Willy Anokbonggo (UPC) and Tress Bucyanayandi (Independent) were among the best performing MPs in the period 2009 to 2010. The report which assessed the MPs on their contribution in terms of their attendance of parliamentary business, and how influential they are in committee and plenary debates will be presented today by the African Leadership Institute. 


80 arrested in anti EC demonstrations: Over 80 people were arrested in 12 different towns across the country taking part in demonstrations. The demonstrations were aimed at bringing the attention of the African Union to democracy issues in Uganda particularly the Electoral Commission and the struggle for a free and fair election next year. It was the first time the opposition group was mobilising a nationwide protest against electoral commissioners who were reappointed last year despite widespread complaints about their alleged lack of impartiality and their method of appointment. The demonstrations were organised by the National Alliance for Free and Fair Elections (NAFFE) and the main opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
AU summit closes: African heads of state yesterday adopted eight new resolutions on addressing maternal and child deaths across the continent including renewing an earlier commitment made in Abuja in 2001.Under the Abuja Declaration in 2001, the leaders had agreed to spend at least 15 per cent of their national budgets, excluding donor contributions, on health. However, only six countries of Botswana, Rwanda, Niger, Malawi, Zambia and Burkina are currently meeting this target. Mr Jean Ping, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, told journalists that it was agreed that a campaign on accelerated reduction of maternal mortality in Africa be strengthened. The campaign has so far been launched in 16 countries.
UN blocks Amisom mandate: The AU mission in Somalia will not change its mandate of peacekeeping in war-torn Somalia. Reports show that this is due to pressure from the United Nations as a Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Somalia Augustine Mahiga said that there was no need to change the current mandate. Mahiga was addressing a meeting attended by the presidents of Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Tanzania, prime minister of Ethiopia and other foreign ministers
Twenty two more suspects arrested over July 11 bombings: Twenty-two more suspects, mostly Somalis, have been arrested in Soroti over the July 11 bomb blasts which killed 76 people in Kampala city. The suspects are reportedly in Kampala where they were brought for interrogation. Reports indicate that the Somalis were picked up in connection with the unexploded bomb and the cell telephone which was also seized with it. It is not clear whether the Somalis had called or received calls on the phone. 


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