Nehemiah Moseti

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt has sent a cable to greet His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, on the occasion of celebrating Christmas.🇪🇬

🇪🇬 The text reads:
" Your Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, On the occasion of celebrating Coptic Christmas, it is my pleasure to convey to Your Holiness and to all our Coptic brothers my heartfelt greetings and sincere wishes for a Merry Christmas, asking Allah to return it with all goodness and happiness.

🇪🇬 I seize this pleasant occasion to praise the strength of cohesion and interconnectedness between the people of Egypt , both Muslims and Copts, in our journey towards the desired future of this dear country. Egypt is the cradle of divine messages, which has been and will remain to be a source of pride for this great country throughout history.

🇪🇬 Our message to the current and future generations is that our national unity is our main pillar for development and progress, and the cohesion of the national fabric of this great people is its protective shield and impenetrable fortress. The nation needs the concerted efforts of all its people as it embarks on development and construction for a better and brighter tomorrow for our children.

🇪🇬 I ask Allah Almighty to protect Egypt and its people, and to bless it with lasting security, progress, and prosperity.

🇪🇬 As the new year begins, I wish our Coptic brothers and sisters a year full of success and prosperity in which their hopes and ambitions are fulfilled, and for our dear Egypt and all its people more prosperity, progress and prosperity".
—————
🇪🇬 President El-Sisi also greeted the Coptic expatriates, conveyed by the Egyptian embassies and consulates around the world, in which he expressed his sincere and heartfelt greetings on this occasion and his sincere wishes for success and prosperity, and for our dear Egypt and all its people for continued progress, progress and prosperity.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni honoured with a monument for his immense contribution towards the development of Greater Ankole region. 🇺🇬

🇺🇬 The monument, which was erected in Rushere Town Council, Kiruhura District by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineers Brigade, is aimed at recognizing President Museveni's efforts in educating cattle farmers in the cattle corridor to adopt dairy farming, stop nomadism, settle down and live in one place for their socio-economic transformation.

🇺🇬 President Museveni was happy with the gesture and noted that it was a good idea to set up the monument in Rushere since it is where he started his gospel of educating farmers towards the end of 1966.

Read More: 👇 https://www.nrm.ug/blog/president-museveni-honoured-monument-his-contribution-greater-ankole 🇺🇬

Ethiopian Heritage stolen from Magdala Restituted. 🇪🇹
_____________________

🇪🇹 Some historical artifacts looted shortly after the battle of Magdala between Ethiopian and British armies in 1868 have been returned to Ethiopia.

🇪🇹 The returned historical artifacts include two silver-plated cup trophies,a horn cup, letters, a shield, and the hair of Prince Alemayheu Theodros.

🇪🇹 The Ethiopian Ambassador in the UK, H.E. Ambassador Teferi Meles, handed over the heritage to the Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, Mr. Abebaw Ayalew.

🇪🇹 Ambassador Teferi said that the recovery of the artifacts is a diplomatic victory for Ethiopia.

🇪🇹 The Ethiopian Embassy in the UK, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Heritage Restitution National Committee and the Scheherazade Foundation, played a role in returning the artifacts.

🇪🇹 The Government is said to continue its diplomatic efforts to recover the artifacts that were looted from Ethiopia.

OPERATION ON CONTRABAND MILK POWDER. 🇰🇪

🇰🇪 As the crackdown on contraband milk products continues, five more suspects have been arrested today at Eastleigh in Nairobi and several recoveries made.

🇰🇪 This followed an undercover operation by Kenya's DCI officers tasked to flush out identified criminal syndicates releasing substandard and harmful products to the market, illegal ventures that not only cause unfair competition with genuine sellers but also put consumers' health on the line.

🇰🇪 Folding sleeves for the assignment, detectives identified Abdullahi Mohamed, a notorious broker who secured a deal to sell them 50 bags of the milk powder each weighing 25Kg at a price of Sh16,300/= per bag.

🇰🇪 They were directed to Halgan Store located along Captain Mungai Street off 4th street Eastleigh where loaders were waiting to start the job, but not before the "buyers" paid the full amount of the agreed Sh815,000.

🇰🇪 The officers who were only armed with a "down-payment" requested the then furious sellers to let them make a call and request for the balance, getting a chance to call in the action team that apprehended the suspects and seized the consignment which was actually short of the agreed load.

🇰🇪 Said Ali Yussuf, Abdinoor Rashid Mulsal, Abdullahi Mohamed (broker), Abdirizack Said Ali and Ahmed Abdirizak Adan await arraignment Monday 8.

🇰🇪 The exhibits seized at the store include 14 bags each weighing 25Kg full of cream milk powder branded FRESH DAIRY product of Brookside Uganda covered in sacks (packaging in deplorable condition), 77 containers each weighing 800gm of APTAMIL breast milk product of United Kingdom (some of the milk powder containing fungi) and 20 containers each weighing 400gm of NESTLE NAN OPTIPRO product of Mexico.

🇰🇪 Investigations ongoing to establish the main suspect.

𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆’𝐔𝐋𝐀 𝐑𝐄 - 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐂 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 🇰🇪

𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐚, 𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has been elected as Africa bloc representative in the Standing Committee of the CSPOC.

Speaker Wetang’ula was appointed by consensus to serve a second term in the Committee due to his exceptional leadership ability.

Speaker Wetang’ula was returned to the Committee to serve second term during the Africa Region Geo - Political meeting held at the sidelines of the 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 (𝐂𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐂) in Kampala, Uganda.

Notably, the Africa region has three representatives in the CSPOC Standing Committee hence Dr. Wetang’ula will represent Africa along with the Speaker of Ghana and the Speaker of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The Speaker of Uganda automatically remains the Chair for the reason of having hosted the conference as stipulated in the rules of CSPOC that the host Speaker remains a member of the Standing Committee for institutional memory.

During the meeting, participants discussed emerging issues affecting the Africa continent in particular climate change effects, legislation affecting the Africa clusters, unity in Africa as well as nomination of African Representatives to the Standing Committee of CSPOC.

Hon. Wetang’ula, together with his Senate Counterpart, the Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffa Kingi attended the 27th CSPOC convention held at the Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo, Uganda.

The convention which attracted thirty-three Speakers and Presiding Officers from more than 25 Commonwealth Parliaments across the globe addressed an array of issues affecting Parliaments both in plenary and committees geared towards enhancing Parliamentary Democracy.

During the convention, Speaker Wetang’ula delivered a high level key note address on climate change; a topic his passionate about and was highly recognized and commended by the forum attendees.

“As Parliaments, we have the power of legislation. Our Parliaments therefore need to keep pace with the fast-transforming world where the philosophy of green competition is gaining traction and is going to determine growth and development of the future”, said Speaker Wetang’ula.

Dr. Wetang’ula stated that it was critically important to safe guard natural resources for a proper eco-system existence in a natural manner.

He underpinned the role played by legislators in representing their electorates indicating that Parliaments should prioritize climate change as an emergency that needs to be tackled with the seriousness it deserved.

Notably, other diverse matters touching inclusive Parliaments, security for Members of Parliaments, Health and Well-being of legislators, gender and youth governance were tackled during the conference as priority issues that needs to be addressed.

The Conference was opened by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri K. Museveni who told Speakers to consider formulation of positive legislations that are focused on developing the continent.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda who was also hosting the conference commended Parliaments attending the conference noting that it was a show of togetherness in the spirit of nurturing Parliamentary democracy.

The CSPOC conference brings together the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Parliaments and Legislatures of the Commonwealth focusing on the sharing of experiences and collaboration. The CSPOC body was created in 1969 by Hon. Lucien Lamoureux, 27th Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons to focus on the role of Speakers within parliamentary institutions and CSPOC is a separate independent organization, although many of its participants are also members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

CSPOC operates on a two-year cycle, holding a conference every two years. The next host for the 28th biennial conference was elected to be the Parliament of India in January 2026.

KAMATI YA BUNGE LA TANZANIA YA UTAWALA YAANZA KUPOKEA MAONI YA WADAU 🇹🇿

🇹🇿 Kamati ya Kudumu ya Bunge ya Utawala, Katiba na Sheria leo tarehe 06 Januari, 2024 imeanza kupokea maoni ya wadau mbalimbali kuhusu Miswada minne ya Sheria.

🇹🇿 Kamati hiyo inapokea maoni ya wadau kuhusu Miswada iliyosomwa Bungeni kwa mara ya kwanza wakati wa Mkutano wa Kumi na Tatu wa Bunge. Miswada hiyo ni pamoja na;

🇹🇿 Muswada wa Sheria ya Uchaguzi wa Rais, Wabunge na Madiwani wa Mwaka 2023;

🇹🇿 Muswada wa Sheria ya Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi wa Mwaka 2023;

🇹🇿 Muswada wa Sheria ya Marekebisho ya Sheria Mbalimbali (Na.5) wa Mwaka 2023 [The Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No.5) Bill, 2023]; na

🇹🇿 Muswada wa Sheria ya Marekebisho ya Sheria za Vyama vya Siasa wa Mwaka 2023 [The Political Affairs Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023].

🇹🇿 Vikao vya kupokea maoni ya Wadau vinategemewa kuendelea tarehe 8 hadi 10 Januari, 2024 katika Ukumbi wa Msekwa Bungeni, Jijini Dodoma.

WAR ON CONTRABAND GOODS HEIGHTEN AS DETECTIVES IN KENYA NAB OVER 32 TONNES OF MILK POWDER🇰🇪

🇰🇪 An intelligence-led operation conducted by the Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives to nab cartels selling contraband milk powder has led to the seizure of over 32.5 tonnes of the same at a godown located along the Eastern Bypass.

🇰🇪 In the sting operation, an unsuspecting known broker in Eastleigh by the name Ali Noor directed an undercover hawkshaw to Kamakis area along Eastern Bypass, after he (officer) posed as a potential buyer.

🇰🇪 On arrival, a KBP 480A Mitsubishi truck loaded with an agreed 150 bags each weighing 25Kg arrived. The agreed price was Sh16,500 per bag, translating to Sh2,475,000 in the transaction.

🇰🇪 The truck was under the es**rt of the consignment owner one Joseph Waweru who was driving a Toyota Prado Reg. No. KDN 573V and who is believed to be the main supplier to business people within Nairobi.

🇰🇪 Other detectives who were stealthily following pounced on the two suspects (Joseph Waweru and Ali Noor) but the youthful truck driver beetled off like a terrified rat.

🇰🇪 After interrogation, OSU team managed to trace the godown of the main suspect (Joseph Waweru) which is located at Twin Industrial Park Godowns within Ruai area off Eastern Bypass.

🇰🇪 Gaining access in the presence of the suspect, they recovered another 1150 bags each weighing 25Kg of milk powder (5brands) and 289 bags each weighing 25Kg of Maize corn starch.

🇰🇪 Also inside the godown was a truck Reg No. KDG 087Z with 17 empty drums suspected to be used to transport Ethanol.

🇰🇪 The brands of the milk powder include: 181 bags branded Fresh Dairy product of Brookside Uganda, 421 bags branded Gardo product of New Zealand, 485 bags of Non Dairy Creamer product of China, 56 bags branded SAMA product of New Zealand, 6 bags branded Lato product of Uganda and 289 bags of Maize corn starch product of India.

🇰🇪 The suspects have since been placed in police custody as further investigations continue.

BIBLE STUDY CORNER: ROMANS CHAPTER TWELVE

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‭-‬21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

[3] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

[4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,

[5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

[6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

[7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

[8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

[9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

[10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

[11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

[12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

[13] Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

[14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

[15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

[16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

[18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

[19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

[20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Don't stop reading. 👇
https://romans.bible/romans-12-1

Pan African Parliament Acting President congratulates President Tshisekedi on his re-election. 🇨🇩

Hon. Dr. Ashebir W. Gayo, Acting President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), has conveyed the Continental Parliament’s congratulatory message to H.E. Felix Tshisekedi following his re-election as the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On December 20, 2023, millions of voters in the DRC participated in the synchronized general elections to choose national, provincial, and local public representatives. Hon. Dr. Gayo described President Tshisekedi’s re-election as a clear vote of confidence by the people of DRC in his leadership.

“Your re-election is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo have placed in your leadership. We commend your dedication to public service and the progress achieved under your guidance during your first term,” says Hon. Dr. Gayo.

He added: “We believe that under your visionary and strong leadership, the Democratic Republic of Congo will certainly consolidate and expand the gains made during your first term in office for the benefit of your people and the African continent.”

The Acting President led the Pan-African Parliament delegation that formed part of the African Union observer mission (AUEOM) to last month’s elections in DRC with the aim to support the democratization process, and to ensure the consolidation of democratic governance, peace, and stability. In this regard, Hon. Dr. Gayo has pledged the Parliament’s support to the people and government of DRC.

“As you embark on your second term, may your vision for a united, prosperous, and stable Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to guide your efforts. The Pan-African Parliament looks forward to witnessing the further development and growth of your nation under your leadership.

“We remain committed to fostering unity and cooperation among African nations, and we express our desire for continued collaboration between the Pan-African Parliament and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he concluded.

23 MIB COLOURS RETURN TO UNIT AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF STATE DUTIES. 🇰🇪

🇰🇪 23 Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB) Presidential and Regimental Colours were returned to Unit at the Laikipia Kenya Defence Force Range in Nanyuki following a year long deployment on state duties.

🇰🇪 The Unit undertook various parades and Guard of Honour (GoH) duties for visiting Heads of State among them King Charles III of the United Kingdom (UK) and during the celebrations of Independence Day for the Union of Comoros in July 2023.

🇰🇪 During the Return-to-Unit ceremony, the troops matched their Colours in pomp and colour from the main gate where they were received by their Commanding Officer (CO) Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy Rubithia. The military clergy led the troops in prayers to thank God for the successful tour of duty.

🇰🇪 In his welcoming remarks, the Commanding Officer commended the troops for their steadfast and unwavering commitment to serve the nation.

🇰🇪 “As your Commander, I take great pride in welcoming you back home after an outstanding performance in the Guard of Honour parade duties for a whole year. I am proud of the achievements you have made through hard work, discipline, commitment and dedication,” assured the CO.

🇰🇪 He also conveyed his 2024 best wishes to the soldiers as they embark on other military duties in defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic and urged them to continue upholding military core values.

🇰🇪 The CO further relayed the 8 Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier Davis Chesire goodwill message, and congratulations to the troops for their exemplary service, discipline, and commitment to duty throughout the year.

🇰🇪 23 MIB was presented with both the Presidential and Regimental Colours on 12 December 2022 by His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces.

🇰🇪 The Colours are the pride of a Unit and bear the battle honors and badges granted to the Unit in commemoration of the gallant actions performed by the Unit troops.

🇵🇭 Philippines' President H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pleased to welcome His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, for his upcoming official visit to the Philippines, scheduled on 9-11 January 2024.

🇵🇭 The Philippines and Indonesia, both founding members of ASEAN, are close neighbors and partners that have enjoyed longstanding and robust cooperation in a wide range of areas in the political, economic, and people-to-people relations.

🇵🇭 President Marcos Jr.'s meeting with President Widodo on 10 January 2024 is anticipated to take stock of the progress in Philippines-Indonesia relations following the successful state visit of President Marcos Jr. to Indonesia on 4-6 September 2022.

🇵🇭 The two leaders are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to deepening and expanding Philippines- Indonesia ties, especially as the two countries will celebrate their 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations in November 2024.

President William, "Kenya appreciates the commitment by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in ending the conflict in Sudan through dialogue.

The ongoing Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) talks should bring about a political settlement that would effect a lasting peace in the country. We are looking forward to nothing but a peaceful resolution and a stable neighbour."

The President held talks with the RSF Leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, State House, Nairobi.

RAILA ODINGA SPEAKS.

WE WON’T MANAGE EDUCATION SECTOR THROUGH LIES:

In his New Year address, Hon. William Ruto openly lied to parents, teachers and the children of Kenya that his administration had increased allocations to the education sector and enhanced capitation for all learners.

Well, on Monday, learning will resume in primary and secondary schools to a very different reality.

The truth is that at the end of the Third Term of the 2022/2023 Financial Year alone, government subsidy for Free Day Secondary Education fell way below requirement. The government’s own data indicate that the country had 3,690,376 learners who required Ksh82, 088,723,744 in funding. But the government approved only Ksh. 64,421,865,698. Of this approved amount, only Ksh. 64,421,850,160.01 was actually disbursed to schools, leaving a deficit of 17,666,873,584. This left some 794,231 students without any form of funding.

In the Financial Year 2022/2023, the Ruto administration disbursed only Ksh.17, 339.00 instead of Ksh. 22,244 per child. Ruto owes each child on this programme some Ksh.4, 905.00. The total money owed to schools from the Financial Year 2022/2023 is Ksh. 18,101,294,280.

In the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the Ruto administration disbursed only Ksh3, 327.87 per child instead of Ksh.22, 244, a mere 14 per cent of the required amount. He owes each child some Ksh.18, 916, 13 or 85 per cent of what is needed. Ruto owes secondary schools a total of Ksh 69,807,632,165. It is not even clear whether the paltry 14 per cent said to have been disbursed has actually been discharged. There is a big disconnect between what the government says and what is actually implemented.

It is not true that the Kenya Kwanza administration has enhanced any funding for free education. To ensure that every Kenyan child has a right to access free and compulsory basic education and that all students in secondary school are funded to complete their basic education, the government of Kenya began the Free Day Secondary Education programme in 2008, with the granting of capitation per learner.

In 2008, the rate per learner was Kshs. 10,625. This was increased to Kshs. 12,870 in 2015 and then to Kshs. 22,244 in 2018. Public secondary schools were also prohibited from charging tuition fees. Ruto has added noting to this limit.

As schools await opening, most parents are struggling with the reality of increased school fees of between Ksh 40,000 and Ksh 90,000 in the fee structures they have received from government secondary schools. The school fees bill is way beyond the reach of most parents.

At the same time, head teachers are struggling to meet the basic resourcing needs of their schools.

So, which funding did the Kenya Kwanza government increase? If funding has been increased, why is the Medical (NHIF Eduafya) program running into trouble? Is the regime funding corruption or learners? Is Kenya Kwanza funding real or ghost learners and schools?

Failure to release full capitation to all schools is effecting learning differently across the country. While schools with developed infrastructure and functional non-government support can survive with the shortage, poorer schools can’t.

Denial of full capitation is therefore eroding fair and equitable access to education which in the fullness of time will result in disparity among regions.

Underfunded education system, low pay, overcrowded classes and lack of resources for special education and support staff is stealing the future of children and communities at a time government officials are wallowing in luxurious living, unnecessary globetrotting and showing off millions of bundles of cash at public events.

This funding shortage for public schools is not inevitable. It's the direct result of corruption and deliberate and harmful political choices. It is also a deliberate continuation of a policy of suppressing regions seen to have no shares in Kenya Kwanza. It is discrimination and marginalization by another means and name. It must be resisted and government forced to deliver money to schools.

How does a government put money on so-called affordable housing but refused to finance the education of our children? Only 100 per cent funding of public schools will guarantee every child and region every opportunity to succeed. It is the only way to close achievement gaps between students from different backgrounds and we must join hands in demanding it for Kenya’s children.


Therefore:

1. The government must release all the monies owed to schools. It must also release capitation at the approved rate of Ksh22, 244 per child for the financial year 2023/2024.

2. In the absence of strong unions to stand up for our schools, we urge all Parents Teachers Associations and school Boards of Management across the country to rise to the occasion and demand full end equitable sharing of education funding. We will support such demands.

3. We appeal to religious leaders and civil society organizations to take up the cause of our children, call out the Kenya Kwanza administration and force it to fund the future by paying school fees.

4. I instruct our members of parliament and county assemblies to prioritize basic and higher education spending. Our legislators must embark on active steps to force the government to release public education funding, both at the Primary and secondary levels before schools resume. Money must reach schools ahead of Monday.

January 1, 2024
Addis Ababa 🇪🇹

🇪🇹 Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the President of Somaliland Muse Bihe Abdi have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding in Addis Ababa.

🇪🇹 The Memorandum of Understanding for Partnership and Cooperation, between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland, is intended to serve as a framework for the multi-sectoral partnership between the two sides.

🇪🇹 The Memorandum of Understanding shall pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports. It also strengthens their security, economic and political partnership. Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding also indicates the pathway to bolster their political and diplomatic relations.

🇪🇹 The Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the principled position of the Ethiopian Government to advance mutual interests through cooperation on the basis of reciprocity. The Memorandum of Understanding ushers in a new chapter of cooperation and has a huge significance for regional integration in the horn. It also enables Ethiopia to enhance its role in maintaining regional peace and security.

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT FELIX OF CONGO. 🇺🇬 🇨🇩

Fellow Ugandans and, the fraternal people of the Democratic Republic of Congo;

I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Ugandans, to congratulate H.E Felix Tshisekedi on winning the electoral contest in Congo, as announced by the Electoral Commission.

H.E Tshisekedi has positively contributed to the efforts of the region by bringing Congo into the East African Community and by allowing us to work with the Congo Army in dismantling the ADF in Eastern Congo.

We look forward to more brotherly cooperation with the People and the government of Congo.

Signed:

Yoweri K. Museveni
Gen (Rtd)
President of Uganda. 🇺🇬

𝐀𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝. 🇸🇱


🇸🇱 The past year has been one of resilience and determination. We have faced challenges head-on, demonstrating the strength and unity that define our nation. Through it all, the spirit of Sierra Leone has shone brightly, fueled by the unwavering hope that resides within each of us.

🇸🇱 In this new year, let us carry forward that same spirit. Let us build upon the foundation of progress, work together to overcome remaining hurdles, and strive towards a brighter future for all. We must continue to champion education for our children, empower women and girls, and foster a society rooted in compassion and justice.

🇸🇱 With the steadfast support of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the Office of the First Lady remains committed to playing its role in building a stronger, more equitable Sierra Leone. We will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable, champion initiatives that uplift communities, and work alongside you to realize our shared aspirations.

🇸🇱 May this New Year be filled with joy, prosperity, and renewed hope for our beloved nation. Let us walk hand-in-hand, united and unwavering, as we build a Sierra Leone that shines ever brighter on the world stage.
.......................
Strategic Communications Division,
Office of the First lady,
Republic of Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱