18/05/2013
-The Government is considering removing all tax levied on retirement benefits for employees in the formal sector.
The move will come as relief to many employees in organisations whose occupational retirement schemes have been subject to a 30% income tax.
Although direct government employees receive full packages upon retirement, benefits for people in parastatals and private organisations are often subject to tax.
Established retirement schemes exist in the public service, military and armed forces, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and companies’ in-house arrangements.
Andrew Kasirye, the chairperson of the Uganda Retirements Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), said the tax exemption would ensure that savers get decent pay, and restore their confidence in the sector.
“There have been concerns that what savers take home with all the deductions is small. We are proposing the removal of the tax to make the pay more appealing,” Kasirye stated.
With the Retirement Benefits Sector Liberalisation Bill 2011 bill, the Government seeks to attract new players and provide savers with the choice on which institution can manage their funds.
The regulator is also proposing to lower the threshold of five employees, while allowing anyone employed in the formal sector to save.
Kasirye said the reforms in the sector were intended to protect workers’ savings, promote innovation, and provide a favourable local environment for investment.
NSSF’s acting executive director, Geraldine Ssali Busulwa, said the acquisition of their six-month provisional license would help the Fund to increase its market space and range of services.
“We are considering handling mortgage, maternity and health insurance. Individuals will also be welcome to save with the Fund,” she said.
URBRA acting chief executive officer, Moses Bekabye, said the regulator was keen on attracting more savers and people working in the informal sector.
“There are about 12 million in gainful employment, but less than 10% of them are covered under pension schemes,” he said.
-District leaders in Katakwi in eastern Uganda have said they are frustrated by the uncertainty surrounding the future of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS)
Katakwi agricultural officer James Epilo said NAADS programmes, that might be scrapped by government, had helped farmers and they were in a dilemma how to explain the change of course to them.
“The staff of NAADS is working with fear and frustration. They don’t know the fate of NAADS,” Epilo told members of parliament on the Parliamentary Forum on Agriculture, Food security and Population.
Epilo was backed by district NAADS coordinator John Olupot who said district leaders did not know whether or not to renew the contracts of the extension workers.
“The chief administrative officer (CAO) is at loss becasue soon there might be no agricultural extension workers operating in the villages unless NAADS secretariat makes a statement,” Olupot added.
The MPs are on a spot assessment of the food security situation in the district where NAADs is the leading recovery programme.
-Mubende Hospital senior accountant, who allegedly siphoned funds amounting to over sh55m, has been charged with fraud.
Henry Okumu Okori appeared before anti-corruption court magistrate, Michael Lagara, who sent him on remand in Luzira Prison.
He was charged with two counts of embezzlement and causing financial loss to government. He however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Okumu was charged together with Aston Kyonya Kasangaki, Peter Okot, 38, both accounts assistant of the Hospital and Joseph Okello, 51, of Butabika Hospital.
Okori was denied bail because the court had no jurisdiction to grant it.
“The offences you are charged with are not bailable by this court because the case involves colossal sum of money and therefore considered grave in nature,” Lagara said.
The magistrate however, advised the accused to apply for bail in High Court, saying it’s the only court which can grant them bail as they proceed with the hearing.
“Bail is a constitutional right and it can be granted if you produce substantial sureties,” he said.
Prosecution alleges that the senior accountant during financial year 2010 / 11 with intent to defraud, stole sh61m, a property of Mubende Hospital and used it for personal use.
The charge sheet also adds that Okumu failed to maintain financial records and up-to-date books of accounts within the accounts department, hence leading to loss of money amounting to sh490m.
The case was adjourned June, 29, 2013.
-The parliamentary committee on budget chaired by Kayamuswa county MP Tim Lwanga has observed that polythene bags have continued to be manufactured and others imported into the country despite the resolution by parliament to ban their use.
The MPs say that polythene bags negatively affect the environment.
The committee also observed that some of the manufacturers have installed recycling machines to reuse the polythene bags and save the environment.
The committee further recommended that government bans the importation of polythene bags of less than 30 microns and Uganda Revenue Authority stops clearing them.
The committee however recommended that all the polythene bags manufacturing companies install recycling plants and report to the ministry of Trade and Industry every year on the acceptable polythene bags produced and those recycled.
--Applications are invited from eligible candidates to pursue programmes offered at Mbarara University of Science and Technology beginning August 2013 on Private Sponsorship on paying an application fee of shs.27,500/= for Ugandans or US $ 50 for international students which is non refundable.
The applicant should:
(i)Hold the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent with credit passes in at least 6 subjects obtained at the same sitting.
(ii)Have obtained at least 2 advanced level passes of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent taken at the same sitting, secured in the current year or previous two years
(iii)For the Postgraduate programmes, applicants must have a good honours degree or its equivalent from a recognized University.
The courses and their specific ‘A’ level requirements are:
1. Undergraduate courses:
1.1 Direct entry:
a) Bachelor of Science with Education: (Course duration is 3 years)
At least 2 principal passes in Mathematics and Physics or Biology and Chemistry. .
Course fees (for a, above):
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.1,400,000= p.a. $2,200 p.a.
Functional fees Shs. 552,000= p.a. $ 600 p.a.
b)Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Course duration is 5 years.)
At least 2 principal passes in Biology and Chemistry and at least Subsidiary Pass in either Physics or Mathematics.
c)Bachelor of Pharmacy (Course duration is 4 years)
d)Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Course duration is 4 years)
e)Bachelor of Nursing Science (Course duration is 4 years)
f)Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Course duration is 3 years)
Admission requirements for c, d, e and f same as in (b) above
g)Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (Course duration is 4 years)
At least 2 principal passes in Physics & Biology and at least a subsidiary pass in Chemistry.
Course fees (for b, c, d, e, f and g above)
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.2,688,000= p.a. $4800 p.a.
Functional fees Shs. 552,000= p.a. $ 600 p.a.
h)Bachelor of Computer Science (Course duration is 3 years)
At least 2 Principal Passes one of which MUST be in Mathematics and the other in any of the following subjects:- Physics, Chemistry, and or Economics.
i)Bachelor of Information Technology (Course duration is 3 years)
A credit in Mathematics at ‘O’ level (UCE)
At least 2 principal passes in any ‘A’ level subjects.
j)Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (Course duration is 4 years)
Two advanced level passes in Mathematics and Physics and at least a subsidiary pass in Chemistry or Economics.
Course fees (for h, i & j)
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.2,000,000= p.a. $2,200 p.a.
Functional fees Shs. 552,000= p.a. $ 600 p.a.
k)Bachelor of Business Administration (Course duration is 3 years)
l)Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance (Course duration is 3 years)
Requirements:
At least 2 principal passes either in Economics or Mathematics in UACE and a credit in Mathematics at UCE.
OR
Holds UDBS or ODBS or HFM Diploma recognized by the University or completed at least level one of CPA, ACCA, or CIMA.
Course fees (for k & l)
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.1,960,000= p.a. $2,200 p.a.
Functional fees Shs. 552,000= p.a. $ 600 p.a.
m)Bachelor of Gender and Women Health (Course duration is 3 years)
n)Bachelor of Planning and Community Development (Course duration is 3 years)
At least 2 principle passes at UACE
Course fees (for m & n)
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.2,000,000= p.a. $2,200 p.a.
Functional fees Shs. 552,000= p.a. $ 600 p.a.
o)A 2 year Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Course fees: 1,706,000= (p.a.)
Entry requirements:
Either should hold an Advanced Certificate of Education or its equivalent.
With a principal pass in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
And a pass in Mathematics obtained from Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent.
OR
A Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology with at least a credit pass or its equivalent from a recognized institution plus 2 years’ experience.
p)A 2 year Diploma in Counseling (Full time & Distance)
Entry Requirements
A candidate should hold the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent and either, A’ level (UACE) with one principal pass in any subject done at the same sitting or its equivalent.
Or a degree/s in any field from a recognized university.
Or a diploma in any field of study from a recognized Institution.
Or those who fulfill requirements of mature age entry scheme of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Course fees
Tuition fees 1,454,600= p.a.
Functional fees 552,000= p.a.
q)1 year Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology
Entry Requirements:
A credit in two Science subjects i.e. Chemistry and Biology or Physics.
A pass in Mathematics and English. Course fees: 1,372,000=
2. Postgraduate Courses
a.Institute of Interdisciplinary Training and Research
i)Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies (1 year, offered evening only)
ii)Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology (Course duration is 1 year)
Should at least be a holder of a good first degree from a recognized University.
Course fees for (i,ii)
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.1,000,000=/1,500,000=p.a. $1000/$2,200 p.a
Functional fees Shs. 552,000= p.a. $ 600 p.a.
iii)M.A in Development Studies
A candidate must hold a good Bachelors’ degree in any development related discipline. A postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies from Mbarara University of Science and Technology will be an added advantage.
iv)M.A in Local Governance and Planning
A candidate must hold a good Bachelors’ degree in any development related discipline. A postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies from Mbarara University of Science and Technology will be an added advantage.
v)M.A in Conflict Analysis & Inclusive Development
vi)MBA
A candidate must hold a good Bachelors’ degree.
Have 2 years of postgraduate work experience.
Passing the Graduate Admissions Test (G*T) of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
b.Faculty of Science
(i)Master of Science in Biology
A candidate must have an Honours degree of at least Second Class Lower Division from a recognized University in Botany/ Zoology/ Ethnobotany/ Forestry/ Agriculture/Veterinary Medicine.
Have an undergraduate dissertation in areas especially related to Biology for the non Botany/Ethnobotany applicants.
Applicants of Zoology/Botany who offered 3:2:2 will have an added advantage.
(ii)Master of Science in Mathematics
A candidate must have an Honours degree of at least Second Class-Lower Division from a recognized University majoring in Mathematics.
(iii)Master of Science in Physics
A candidate must have an Honours degree of at least Second Class-Lower Division from a recognized University majoring in Physics.
(iv)Master of Education (Educational Administration and Planning)
(v)Master of Education (Educational Psychology)
(vi)Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
A candidate must have an Honours degree of at least Second Class Lower Division from a recognized University in BA/Ed or BSc/Ed.
A candidate must have BA or BSc (2.2) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
c.Faculty of Medicine
(Course duration for (i), (ii), (iii), iv, v and (vi) below is 2 years)
(i)Master of Science in Anatomy
(ii)Master of Science in Physiology
(iii)Master of Science in Pharmacology
(iv)Masters of Public Health (MPH)
(v)Master of Science in Microbiology
(vi)Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
Requirements for (i, ii, iii and v) above,
A good Bachelors’ degree in Medicine and Surgery or its equivalent from a recognized University.
A Bachelors’ in Health Sciences i.e. Human Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry or Nursing and at least 2 years of relevant field experience.
In addition, for MPH only, a degree in Social Sciences e.g Social work, Sociology, Economics, Demography with at least two years of relevant field experience, a degree in the Biological Sciences such as Statistics, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Laboratory Sciences and at least two years of relevant field experience are eligible to apply for MPH.
For (vi) above, A good Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or its equivalent from a recognized University.
Course duration for (vii, viii, ix, x, xi, xii, xiii,xiv,xv,xvi,xvii and xviii below is 3 years)
(vii)Master of Medicine in General Surgery
(viii)Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine
(ix)Master of Medicine in Paediatrics & Child Health
(x)Master of Medicine in Dermatology
(xi)Master of Medicine in Anaesthesia
(xii)Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology
(xiii)Master of Medicine in Obstetrics/Gynaecology
(xiv)Master of Medicine in Community Practice/Family Medicine
(xv) Master of Medicine in ENT
(xvi) Master of Medicine in Radiology
(xvii)Master of Medicine in Pathology
(xviii)Master of Medicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Requirements for (vii, viii, ix, x, xi, xii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xvii and xviii) above
Be a holder of MBChB or its equivalent and should be registered with Uganda Medical & Dental Practitioners Council.
Have a recent certificate of good standing issued to the candidate by the registering authority.
Documentary evidence of Internship training indicating the disciplines and dates.
Evidence of professional experience in a recognized institution for at least 2 years since full registration.
Fees (for Masters Degree Programmes)
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.2,800,000= p.a. $ 3,500 p.a.
Functional Fees Shs.1,002,000= p.a. $ 1,150 p.a.
Laboratory fees Shs.300,000= p.a. (For Science based courses) $ 300 p.a
Except;
MPH
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.3,500,000= p.a. $ 4,500 p.a.
Functional Fees Shs.1,002,000= p.a. $ 1,150 p.a.
Laboratory fees Shs.300,000= p.a. (For Science based courses) $ 300 p.a.
MBA
Ugandans Foreign Students
Tuition fees Shs.3,500,000= p.a. $ 4,500 p.a.
Functional Fees Shs.1,302,000= p.a. $ 1,425 p.a.
d.Doctor of Philosophy in relevant fields.
Requirements:
- A good Master degree from a recognized University.
Fees the same as for Masters.
Application Forms may be obtained from the:
Academic Registrar OR Liaison Office, Room 407
Mbarara University of Science and Technology Makerere University, Main Building
P O Box 1410, Mbarara P O Box 7062, Kampala
Completed applications must be accompanied with photocopies of academic certificates, transcripts, birth certificate plus a passport size photograph. Closing date: 31 May 2013.
Diploma in Community HIV & AIDS Care and Management (Validated by Mbarara University of Science and Technology)
The course aims at building the capacity of both health and allied care workers to explore, plan and implement appropriate interventions for people living with HIV and their families in a community context.
The course develops particular skills through the following modules: Community Issues in HIV and AIDS care, Holistic care among people living with HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy, Therapeutic Communication, Teaching and Learning in Practice, Project Design and Management.
Eligibility: A multidisciplinary course for Health and Allied Health Professionals – Medical Officers, Clinical Officers, Nurses, Midwifes Counselors, Social Workers, Development Workers, etc.
Start date: 22nd July, 2013
Functional fees: 552,000/=, Tuition: 601,000/= per module (3,608,000/= in total), Application fee: 20,000/=
Application forms are available at Mildmay Uganda & on request via email at [email protected]
A filled application form must be submitted accompanied by a detailed C.V, copies of academic/professional qualifications & other testimonials, names of 2 referees & their addresses to the university.
-A chef was killed for allegedly preparing bad food.
The chef from Japan is said to have been killed for preparing a meal of noodles and diners said it was poorly cooked. The 57-year-old chief, Miki Nozawa working in Germany, died on Monday.
He is said to have died from injuries he sustained after being beaten by diners at a restaurant on the North Sea island of Sylt, according local media. It is believed that he was stacked by two men who said they “didn’t like” the meals he served and in this case, it was a dish of fried noodles with beef and vegetables was a point of contention.
Nozawa’s ex-wife, who was not named allegedly told local media that her husband died of “severe brain injuries and internal bleeding” he sustained during a Sunday night altercation. “My ex-husband was not aggressive, absolutely good-natured man,” she was quoted as having said. “He never would have started a fight. We have heard that the men wanted to get back their ten euros for the food. We see this as a racist act.”
Nozawa was a celebrity chef who was famous for his Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine, according to Bild. He has served the likes of Mikhail Gorbachev, Denzel Washington and Phil Collins.
