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Uganda: Eight Dead, 14 Rescued in Kitezi Landfill Tragedy

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Uganda: Eight Dead, 14 Rescued in Kitezi Landfill Tragedy

Kampala, Uganda – A tragic incident at the Kitezi Landfill in Kampala has left eight people dead and 14 others rescued, following a devastating collapse early on Saturday. The tragedy has prompted an extensive rescue operation involving multiple government agencies and local community members.

State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief, and Refugees, Ms. Lilian Aber, was among the officials who visited the site to assess the situation. She expressed her deep condolences to the families affected by the disaster, stating, “We are committed to working relentlessly alongside emergency response teams to ensure that we move faster and rescue our people.”

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), in coordination with the Uganda Police, Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, the Red Cross, and local residents, managed to evacuate 14 survivors. The rescued individuals were transported to Mulago and St. Steven hospitals for urgent medical care.

In a statement, the KCCA confirmed the fatalities and ongoing efforts: “With deep sadness, we confirm that eight people have been found dead, including six adults and two children. The rescue operation is ongoing, and we will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Among the deceased were six adults and two children. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined, but investigations are currently underway.

Authorities are also investigating a structural failure in the waste mass at the Kitezi Landfill, which is believed to have triggered the collapse of a section of the landfill, impacting nearby homes and livestock. Damage assessments are ongoing, and the area has been cordoned off to prevent further incidents.

“This is a developing story,” the KCCA stated, assuring the public that every effort is being taken to secure the area and ensure community safety. The KCCA and other involved agencies are working to prevent any future tragedies and provide support to those affected by this disaster.

nilepost.co.ug

Man Shot Dead at Awutu Bawjiase, Ghana, Amid Chieftaincy Dispute

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Man Shot Dead at Awutu Bawjiase, Ghana, Amid Chieftaincy Dispute

Awutu Bawjiase, Ghana – A violent confrontation in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region, Ghana has led to the tragic death of a man during a chieftaincy-related dispute in Awutu Bawjiase.

The incident occurred when a group of armed men, believed to be land guards, invaded the chief’s palace ahead of the planned outdooring ceremony for the newly appointed chief, Nai Nana Kwaku Osaraku (III).

According to police reports, several family members had gathered at the chief’s palace to prepare for the ceremonial event when the armed group stormed the location. In the ensuing chaos, a man, believed to be in his 30s, was shot dead.

The Awutu Bawjiase community has been embroiled in a chieftaincy dispute for over 25 years, which was only recently resolved by the National House of Chiefs earlier this year.

Many in the community had hoped that the resolution by the National House of Chiefs would bring an end to the longstanding conflict, making the sudden outbreak of violence all the more shocking.

In response to the incident, the Bawjiase District Police Command is currently working to restore order and maintain peace in the area, amid heightened tensions following the shooting.

The body of the deceased has been transported to the Police Hospital by the Bawjiase Police for further examination, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violent confrontation.

Many Nigerian Leaders Should Be in Jail, Says Obasanjo

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Abeokuta, Nigeria – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made a scathing critique of Nigeria’s leadership, suggesting that many of those holding public office should be behind bars. Speaking on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a visit by members of the House of Representatives, Obasanjo expressed deep concerns about the character and conduct of current leaders.

The lawmakers, alongside co-sponsors of a bill proposing a six-year single-term for presidents and rotation between the North and South, were in Abeokuta to consult with the former President at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. The visit was led by Ugo Chinyere, a former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum.

Obasanjo did not hold back in his assessment. “So, the very beginning is ourselves, yes system, yes we have to rethink our democracy but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, most of those in government should right now be behind bars or in gallows,” he declared.

The former President also lamented that successive governments had failed to build upon the foundation he had laid during his time in office. He emphasized that the true problem lies not just in the system but in the mentality and behavior of those in power.

The issue for me is if we get it right whether we have a single term of six years or two terms of four years is that we must decarbonize our brains and mentality,” Obasanjo stated.

He argued that whether a leader serves a single term of six years or two terms of four years, the critical issue is the quality of leadership. “Look if you give him a period of a single term of six years, he can go ahead and still do the evil he would have done in a case of two terms of four years. The only difference is that he would have done that within the period of six years and not four years and that is if he is not reelected for another four years.”

Obasanjo further stressed that the root of Nigeria’s problems is not the length of terms in office but the need for a fundamental change in leadership mentality. “To me, this is not our problem.

Our main problem is ourselves and until we take care of ourselves, if we like let us adopt a single term of six years, one term of four years among others with the same mentality and same way of doing things, nothing will change,” Obasanjo concluded.

His remarks have sparked discussions about the quality of governance in Nigeria and the need for a more principled and accountable leadership.

Team Nigeria Ends Paris Olympics “Medal Less”

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Team Nigeria Ends Paris Olympics “Medal Less”

Paris, France – Nigeria has concluded its participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics without winning a single medal, marking a disappointing end to what was hoped to be a more successful outing for the West African nation.

The country’s last hope for a podium finish was dashed early Saturday when Hannah Reuben lost in the Women’s Freestyle 76kg wrestling event. Reuben was defeated 5-2 by Mongolia’s Enkh-Amaryn Davaanasan in the round of 16, sealing Nigeria’s fate at these Games.

Team Nigeria entered the Olympics with high expectations, especially following some strong performances in the qualifying rounds. The nation registered athletes in 12 events, but like in previous Games, these efforts did not translate into success on the Olympic stage.

The team, comprising about 77 athletes, faced a series of disappointing losses, and various administrative challenges further compounded their struggles. This marks the first time Nigeria has finished an Olympics without a medal since the London Games in 2012.

President Bola Tinubu had allocated ₦12 billion for Nigeria’s participation in both the Olympics and the Paralympics, with ₦9 billion earmarked for the former and ₦3 billion for the latter.

Despite this significant investment, the return was less than expected, leading to widespread disappointment among sports officials and fans alike.

In the wake of Nigeria’s poor showing in Paris, Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, addressed the situation candidly. “Yesterday, I met with gentlemen of the press at the Nigerian Embassy in Paris for a debriefing following the country’s participation in the 2024 Olympics. As we go back home, we must do everything to prevent future occurrences of the Paris disaster and it will entail the review of how people are elected to lead our sporting federations,” Enoh wrote on his X handle on Saturday.

He also emphasized the importance of upcoming elections for sports federations, stating that they would be crucial in ensuring that the most qualified individuals are chosen to lead these bodies. “The elections for the federations are around the corner, and it will be the perfect opportunity to elect those who are most eligible to lead the various sports federations,” he added.

The disappointment in Nigeria’s Olympic performance was palpable. “Team Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country did not secure any medals, does not entail being addressed just by our participation at the Olympics, but it is a product of very many other things that need immediate attention,” Enoh said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting athletes, highlighting that every effort had been made to prepare them adequately. “We did everything as a ministry to prepare the athletes adequately and provide them with every financial support, but unfortunately, the performance did not produce any podium finish.”

Nigeria’s medal-less outing at the Paris Games mirrors past Olympic performances, particularly in 1952 Helsinki, 1956 Melbourne, 1960 Rome, 1968 Mexico, 1980 Moscow, and 1988 Seoul, where the country similarly did not secure any medals.

CHANNELSTV.com

Parents of 11-Year-Old Boy Killed by US Diplomat in Road Accident in Zimbabwe Urge Envoy to Say Sorry

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Parents of 11-Year-Old Boy Killed by US Diplomat in Road Accident in Zimbabwe Urge Envoy to Say Sorry

Harare, Zimbabwe – The grieving parents of an 11-year-old girl, who was allegedly killed in a road accident involving a US diplomat in Zimbabwe, have called for the diplomat to return to the country and personally apologize for the tragic incident.z

The accident, which occurred in June in the town of Dema, approximately 40 kilometers (24 miles) southeast of the capital, Harare, has left the family devastated and seeking closure.

The young victim, Ruvarashe Takamanyiwa, is believed to have been struck by a vehicle driven by the diplomat while she was on her way to school. Despite the diplomat’s diplomatic immunity, which protects him from prosecution, Ruvarashe’s parents believe that an apology might help them recover from their pain.

“We realize the US diplomat has diplomatic immunity, but an apology might help us recover from the pain and give us a sense of closure,” the family stated. A spokesperson for the US State Department told the BBC, “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the girl,” adding that the US Embassy in Harare is cooperating fully with local authorities. The embassy also expressed its recognition of the devastation caused by the accident, noting that it affected all involved.

Ruvarashe was walking to school with her best friend on that fateful Monday morning when she was hit by the car as she crossed the main road in Dema. Her mother, Juliana Vito, recounted how she learned about the accident from neighbors who ran to the scene. “I thought she was going to wake up. Till now I keep thinking it’s just a dream. I’m deeply hurt,” Vito told the BBC.

The diplomat involved in the accident was not present when Vito arrived at the crash site, and the family said they have not been contacted directly by the driver. However, the driver’s colleagues have apologized on his behalf, explaining that he was deeply affected by the incident. “He said he was really sorry,” Vito shared. “I wish he came directly so I could pour my heart out.”

Ruvarashe’s father, Silvester Takamanyiwa, told the BBC that they were given $2,000 by the US Embassy to help cover funeral expenses. The embassy spokesperson confirmed that the mission provided support to the family and that representatives attended the funeral to express their condolences. As the family continues to mourn the loss of their daughter, they remain hopeful that the diplomat will return to Zimbabwe to offer a personal apology, which they believe would help them find some peace in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.

Source: bbc.com

Italy’s Nadia Battocletti Breaks Africa’s Dominance on 10,000-Meter Podium with Silver in Paris

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Italy’s Nadia Battocletti Breaks Africa’s Dominance on 10,000-Meter Podium with Silver in Paris

Paris, France – For three consecutive Olympics, no non-African runner had managed to secure a spot on the podium in the women’s 10,000 meters, a race historically dominated by athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and other African nations.

However, Italy’s Nadia Battocletti ended that streak on Friday night at the Paris Games, earning a silver medal in an event that has been fiercely competitive and largely controlled by runners from Africa.

Battocletti’s potential became widely recognized earlier this year when she swept both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the European Championships in June. However, those victories came without facing the formidable African competitors. The Paris Games provided a different level of competition, with the world’s best runners from Africa present.

During the 5,000 meters earlier in these Games, Battocletti finished fourth. However, the race took a dramatic turn when Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon was disqualified for elbowing Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia, leading to Battocletti being upgraded to bronze. This incident signaled to the African competitors just how competitive the Italian runner was.

“After the 5,000, they started greeting me, appreciating me. I received lots of compliments from the Kenyan and Ethiopian girls,” Battocletti shared after the race. “I imagine they had a little bit of fear… I heard them talking in the last laps about who amongst them was about to sprint.”

In the 10,000 meters, it was Beatrice Chebet of Kenya who made the decisive move in the final 100 meters of the race, breaking away from the pack. Battocletti was the only runner able to keep pace with her, securing a hard-fought silver medal. Chebet crossed the finish line in 30 minutes, 43.25 seconds, successfully completing a sweep of the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Battocletti finished just 0.10 seconds behind her, while Ethiopian-born Dutch runner and defending champion Sifan Hassan came in third, nearly a full second behind the Italian.

“In the last 500-600 meters, I kept my eyes wide open and I told myself, ‘Don’t let her run away,'” Battocletti recounted. “I tried to be as smart as possible, like a fox.”

At just 23 years old, Battocletti’s success marks her as a rising star in long-distance running, proving that she can compete with the best in the world. Her achievement in Paris may be the beginning of a career that could see her continue to challenge the dominance of African runners as they mature into their peak years.

The Associated Press

Polish Diplomats Work to Secure Release of Students and Lecturer Detained in Nigeria During Protests

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Polish Diplomats Work to Secure Release of Students and Lecturer Detained in Nigeria During Protests

Abuja, Nigeria – Polish diplomats are actively working to secure the release of seven Polish citizens who were detained in Nigeria earlier this week. The group, which includes six students and a lecturer from Warsaw University, was participating in a program to study the Hausa language in Kano, a city in northern Nigeria.

The detentions occurred during protests in the area, with Nigeria’s secret service stating that the group was arrested for allegedly carrying Russian flags during the demonstrations. However, Polish officials have expressed skepticism about this claim, suggesting it may be a misunderstanding.

In an effort to resolve the situation, the Polish consul in Abuja met with the detained students on Friday. According to a statement from Poland’s Foreign Ministry, the students are in good health and are currently staying in a hotel in a well-regarded district of the city. “They are feeling well and in good condition. They are currently living in a hotel in a good district of the city,” the statement read. The ministry also emphasized that no formal charges have been brought against the students and lecturer, and that the investigation is ongoing.

Polish authorities are working closely with Nigerian officials to clarify the legal situation of the detainees. During the meeting with the students, the Polish consul conveyed that he believed their behavior might have been the result of a lack of familiarity with local customs, culture, and laws. The consul also appealed for their safe return to Poland as soon as possible. “No charges have been brought against them, and procedures are underway to conclude the investigation,” the Polish Foreign Ministry stated.

Wojciech Wisniewski, a senior Polish diplomat, commented on the incident, stating that he did not believe the students had been carrying Russian flags, a claim that has been at the center of the detentions. He expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved swiftly and that the students would be able to return home soon.

The situation is particularly sensitive given the broader geopolitical context. Pro-Russian sentiment is highly unusual in Central European nations like Poland, which has a history of resistance against Russian influence and currently strongly supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Polish authorities are keen to ensure that this misunderstanding does not escalate further and that the students are released without incident.

As the investigation continues, the Polish government remains committed to providing support to the detained citizens and working towards their safe and prompt return to Poland.

AP

Dangote Refinery Urges Nigeria to Enforce Crude Supply Laws for Local Refiners

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Dangote Refinery Urges Nigeria to Enforce Crude Supply Laws for Local Refiners

Lagos, Nigeria -The Dangote Oil Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery, has called on Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator to enforce existing laws that require crude oil producers to supply local refineries.

The refinery, built by billionaire Aliko Dangote on the outskirts of Lagos at a cost of $20 billion, has been struggling to secure sufficient crude supplies from domestic producers. Vandalism and low investment in Nigeria’s oil sector have further complicated the refinery’s efforts to operate at full capacity.

In a statement released on Friday, Dangote Refinery criticized the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for not enforcing the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO).

This law mandates that a portion of crude oil production must be supplied to domestic refineries. According to the refinery, international oil companies are not following these directives, which has significantly impacted its operations.

“Our concern has always been that the NUPRC is pushing, but the international oil companies are not following the instructions,” said Anthony Chiejina, a spokesperson for Dangote Refinery.

As a result, the refinery has had to purchase the same Nigerian crude oil from international markets at a premium of $3-$4 per barrel, which adds up to an additional $3-$4 million per cargo.

Dangote Refinery revealed that it was expecting 15 cargoes of crude for September, but only half of this allocation was supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The refinery also noted that while some producers cited operational challenges, others had committed most of their output to oil traders who export the crude, making it difficult to increase local supply without breaching existing contracts.

The refinery, which has a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day, requires about 325,000 barrels per day to operate at half capacity. However, since beginning operations, it has received only a fraction of this amount from domestic suppliers.

The DCSO was established under Nigeria’s 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to ensure that local refineries have access to crude oil. However, enforcement has proven difficult due to declining oil production and the financial strain on the NNPC, which has diverted much of its production to service crude-backed loans.

This situation has led to tensions between the Dangote Refinery and the upstream regulator, raising concerns about the viability of Nigeria’s domestic refining sector in an increasingly challenging global oil environment.

Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola Breaks Olympic Record to Claim Marathon Gold in Paris

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Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola Breaks Olympic Record to Claim Marathon Gold in Paris

Paris, France – Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, winning the men’s marathon at the Paris Olympics and ending Kenya’s long-standing dominance in the event. Tola crossed the finish line in an Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds, making history on the iconic streets of Paris.

Tola’s victory came after a hard-fought race where he managed to outpace his competitors in the final stretch. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi secured the silver medal, finishing 21 seconds behind Tola, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took the bronze, 34 seconds back. The 32-year-old Tola maintained a strong lead as he approached the finish line, even taking a moment to look back and savor the applause from the crowd.

Tola’s journey to the Olympic gold was unexpected. Just two weeks before the race, he was called up to replace his injured teammate, Sisay Lemma, in the Ethiopian marathon squad.

Despite being the reserve, Tola was fully prepared to seize the opportunity. “I was the reserve in the Ethiopian team, but when Sisay had injuries then I had a chance,” Tola explained after the race. “I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfill my dream. I am very proud, very happy.”

This gold medal marks Tola’s second Olympic medal, his first coming in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Games, where he earned a bronze. Since transitioning from track to marathon running, Tola has achieved significant success, including breaking a 12-year course record in last year’s New York Marathon.

“After I came from track, I achieved a lot in marathon,” Tola reflected, acknowledging the evolution of his career and his growing legacy in long-distance running.

Tola’s victory not only adds to Ethiopia’s rich history in marathon running but also signals a shift in the balance of power in East African athletics, traditionally dominated by Kenya. His record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the Games.

time.com

Malawi President Chakwera Secures Party’s Support for Second Term Bid

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Malawi President Chakwera Secures Party’s Support for Second Term Bid

Lilongwe, Malawi – Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has secured the backing of his party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), for a second term bid in next year’s election. However, his prospects for re-election could be uncertain, largely depending on the MCP’s ability to find a strong alliance partner following recent political shifts.

The MCP, which had been in an electoral alliance with the United Transformation Movement (UTM) since 2020, now faces a significant challenge after the UTM announced its withdrawal from the partnership. The decision followed the tragic death of former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, the leader of the UTM, in a plane crash in June.

Chilima’s leadership was instrumental in helping Chakwera secure an absolute majority in the 2020 election. Malawi’s political system requires a presidential candidate to secure more than 50% of the votes to be declared the winner, a threshold that could prove difficult for Chakwera to achieve without the UTM’s support.

Addressing delegates at the MCP convention, which endorsed his bid for a second term, Chakwera expressed confidence that his party’s support has strengthened since the last election. “This is no ordinary convention because it is the convention of the party that will win in 2025,” Chakwera declared in his speech on Thursday.

“We are growing in strength every day as more people from other parties join us, as the MCP’s founding families remain here, and as those who left the party are returning,” he added, signaling a renewed optimism within the party despite the recent setbacks.

The MCP, established by Malawi’s first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, is one of the oldest political parties in the country. After 26 years in opposition, the party returned to power in 2020 with promises to tackle corruption and revitalize the economy. However, opposition parties have criticized the MCP for not delivering on its promises, especially as the economic situation remains fragile.

Chakwera’s main challenger in the upcoming election is expected to be former President Peter Mutharika, who is likely to receive the nomination of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at their convention later this month. The impending battle between Chakwera and Mutharika is set to be a defining moment in Malawi’s political landscape, with both leaders vying for control over the country’s future.

As the election approaches, the MCP will need to consolidate its support base and possibly seek new alliances to bolster its chances of securing a second term for Chakwera. The political dynamics in Malawi are shifting, and the outcome of the 2025 election remains highly unpredictable.

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