Uganda Roundup: Earthquakes, crime, investments

Earthquake

An earthquake of 4.9 magnitude hit the border areas of South Sudan and Uganda were hit by an earthquake with 4.9 magnitude on Monday evening, the United States Geological Survey has said. According to Uganda’s The Observer which reported the incident, the earthquake hit the area at a depth of 8.4km and didn’t cause any significant damage. The tremor was felt in the districts of Yumbe, some 52km from the epicenter, Moyo, 63km away, Adjumani, and 87km away.

Fires

Hundreds of residents were left homeless at the Luwero Island in Buvama District on Lake Victoria after a fire razed several structures in the area on Sunday November 12, 2023, The Monitor in Uganda reports. The fire which cause is still yet uncertain, reportedly spread around many of the structures, trapping residents.

Bilateral cooperation

Uganda’s president Yoweri Musevini has engaged in bilateral talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on issues regarding investment, renewal energy and sustainability and development, local news outlet, New Vision has reported. The President who visited the UAE ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the presidential palace also extended an invitation to the Arab leader ahead of the Non-Aligned Movement summit, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. The event is slated for January 2024 in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

Science investments

Uganda will see investment from some 70 companies, the country’s Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Monica Musenero has said. According to The Observer, the investors reached out after the exhibition of innovative works by over 200 entities in the country at the Science Week at the Kololo ceremonial grounds in Uganda’s largest city and capital. The development will assist with the transformation of the innovative ideas into final products.

Criminal arrests

Police in Mityana, a town in the Central Region of Uganda have arrested a man described as the country’s “most wanted conman”. According to local news outlet New Vision, the suspect, Moses Kwebesa, a resident of Maddu Trading Center in Gomba district has been accused of consistent bank impersonation at the Centenary Bank, Mityana Branch. A footage from the bank’s CCT camera led to his arrest.