How lies, fatigue are derailing Uganda’s fight against pandemic Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | Ugandans no longer fear the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and that is very dangerous. Government officials in charge of fighting the spread of the disease are increasingly getting under pressure including from fake news. When Betty …
Read More »COVER STORY: Tough budget
What experts say about Shs45.4tn, debt, taxes Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE AND ISAAC KHISA | The 2020/21 national budget read on June 11 has been criticised by experts as weak on all fronts; from its stimulus and bailout programmes to the manner in which its figures were arrived at …
Read More »China races to find virus vaccine, put scandals in the past
Beijing, China | AFP | China has mobilised its army and fast-tracked tests in the global race to find a coronavirus vaccine, but its labs also have an image tarnished by past health scandals to overcome. Six months after the first cases emerged in the city of Wuhan, China has moved quickly to develop a …
Read More »Fresh virus cluster in China raises fears for pandemic control
Beijing, China | AFP | Lockdowns were imposed in parts of Beijing on Saturday to try and prevent the spread of a new coronavirus cluster, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead even for places where outbreaks are under control. It came as Brazil claimed the unenviable position of having the second-highest …
Read More »Cardboard cut-outs and Zoom parties: the new normal for Premier League fans
London, United Kingdom | AFP | From cardboard cut-outs in the stands to Zoom watch parties, the return of the Premier League will be a bizarre experience for locked-out supporters. The English top-flight resumes behind closed doors on Wednesday, with fans forced to adapt to an unsettling new normal due to …
Read More »Tightrope act for Canada circus students facing unemployment
Montreal, Canada | AFP | Students soon to graduate from Montreal’s esteemed National Circus School expect months of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed shows around the world and thrust their career prospects into doubt. Head upside down, feet pointed to the sky, Antino Pansa balances on a …
Read More »Keep your hat on… designers face tough times without Ascot payday
London, United Kingdom | AFP | From dress designers to hat makers to the hospitality sector, Royal Ascot is usually a lucrative source of income for a whole industry connected with one of Britain’s most feted social and sporting events. However, Queen Elizabeth II will be absent this year, dresses will …
Read More »From furlough to free-to-air: Premier League becomes a political football
London, United Kingdom | AFP | The green light for the Premier League’s return owes much to a political will for the national game to lift spirits in the country hardest hit by coronavirus in Europe. Suspected and confirmed deaths from coronavirus in Britain passed 50,000 according to analysis from the …
Read More »Gov’t to enhance digital, distance learning amidst COVID-19
Kampala, Uganda| AFP | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said government is discussing the possibility of having distance learning as the world battle the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Museveni was today speaking at the reading of the 45 trillion shillings national budget. The President said he is glad that the …
Read More »Gov’t delays taxes worth UGX 129.4 billion in business relief
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija has announced the postponement of taxes worth 129.4 billion as a short term emergency relief measure to businesses affected by coronavirus pandemic. The taxes postponed include corporate income tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and presumptive tax, which …
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