Kenya

Ruto appoints 8-member team to audit public debt

President William Ruto has gazetted the Presidential Taskforce on Forensic Audit of Public Debt. The President has appointed Nancy Onyango as the chairperson and Luis  Franceschi as the vice chairperson. He also appointed the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya(ICPAK), Philip Kaikai, Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) President Shammah Kiteme and  Vincent Kimosop to the taskforce.

(The Star)

Uganda

Museveni finally signs Appropriation Bill 2024

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has finally assented to the Appropriation Bill that Parliament passed in April. The Appropriation Bill is the other name for the budget that lays out how the government is going to raise money and how it intends to spend it.

Last week, President Museveni declined to assent to the Bill, accusing the Members of Parliament of altering his government’s priorities by reallocating Shs 750 billion. On Tuesday, Members of Parliament, amidst sharp resistance, amended the Bill to take care of the President’s interests.

A statement from the Presidential Press Unit noted that Museveni signed the Bill today. “PPU wishes to inform the general public that the President…has signed the Appropriation Bill, 2024 (reconsidered) into law. The President assented to the bill today, Thursday, 4th July 2024,” the short statement reads.

There were worries that the country had entered a new financial year that began on July 1 without an approved budget.

(The Independent)

Tanzania

Tanzania assures UN of environmental rights protection

Tanzania has asserted its position during the 56th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, emphasising that it has implemented various measures to safeguard environmental rights.

Environmental rights include the protection of natural resources, the right to a safe and healthy environment, and equitable access to natural resources.

“We are here in Geneva to inform the public and the world at large about the steps Tanzania has taken on the issue of human rights and the environment,” stated Constitution and Legal Affairs Minister Pindi Chana in a video clip posted on social media from Geneva.

(Daily News)

Rwanda

Are Rwandan youth ready to answer the call of duty?

President Paul Kagame delivered a heartfelt speech on Liberation Day, particularly inviting the youth to step up to the plate, telling them, “We are counting on you, the liberation generation, to take us further.”

The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force made the call during a historic speech in front of tens of thousands of people at the significantly upgraded Amahoro Stadium in Remera, Kigali, where national Liberation celebrations were held amid pomp and colour.

It was a rousing speech that gave an account of the country’s transformation journey since the Rwanda Patriotic Front/Army halted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and rallied the youth to step forward and be counted.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia

PM says Ethiopia’s policy towards neighbouring countries anchored on collaboration, Mutual Dev’t

Ethiopia’s diplomatic policy towards neighbouring countries is based on collaboration and mutual development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated. 

Highlighting Ethiopia’s diplomatic priorities to the 36th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives today, he noted the government’s determination to resolve disputes with Sudan and bring internal peace to Sudan through negotiations.

The Sudanese people are peace-loving, and they have strong social bonds with the Ethiopians, the Premier said.

He also cited the strong relations with Ethiopia’s neighbours, mentioning their shared history, cultural ties and longstanding diplomatic relations.

(ENA)