SMS Mania

APPLE WINS BATTLE TO BLOCK SAMSUNG TABLETS

website@smsmedia.info (Administrator) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:42:08 GMT

An Australian court has temporarily banned the sale of Samsung Electronics' tablet computer in Australia, a victory for Apple in its global patent dispute with the South Korean company. Apple has accused Samsung of copying its touch-screen technology for its Galaxy Tab 10.1.

The two companies are embroiled in legal battles in nine countries. Samsung is one of Apple's biggest challengers in the smartphone and tablet industry. The decision by the federal court threatens to hurt Samsung's position in the Australian market, as it could miss the lucrative Christmas season.

The two companies have been locked in patent disputes since April, with each accusing the other of infringing patents. Apple has already won a victory in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, banning the sale of the Galaxy Tab 10.1. An appeal hearing is expected in that case.

MINISTER ONEK NAMED IN ANOTHER SAGA

website@smsmedia.info (Administrator) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:39:25 GMT

The committee probing the Energy sector over the alleged mismanagement of funds and inefficiencies has said that the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hilary Onek is yet to land into another trouble. Hon. Gabriel Ajedra one of the members on the probe committee told the media that Onek, when he was still the minister of Energy and Mineral Development he appointed the chairman board for Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) without following the authority’s guidelines. Ajedra says that they have also discovered that Onek appointed his business associate, Richard Opile as the board chairman of ERA.

Onek is among the three ministers battling accusations that they received billions of shillings as bribe from Tullow and Heritage oil companies which has led Parliament to ask them to resign.

I will Not Resign- Bobby Williamson

rolwenyi@smsmedia.info (Richard Olwenyi ) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:40:19 GMT

Events in the rundown to Uganda Cranes heartbreaking failure to qualify for the 2012 Africa Nations Cup cannot force Coach Bobby Williamson out of the job.

The 50-year old Scot for the first time in his four year stay in Uganda lost his composure in public on Saturday when a fan approached him in the middle of Mandela National Stadium pitch after the last whistle and tried to console him about the devastating failure.

“Don’t say that. How do I justify the lots of money and support invested in the players?” he shouted out to the fan. Asked whether he would resign after the Cranes second failure under him to qualify for the continental showpiece, Williamson said that: “no I will not. I love working for FUFA and I can’t resign.”

“I feel for everyone and I’m really sorry,” Williamson said later on after seeing his players Dennis Onyango, Brian Umony, substitute Mike Mutyaba, Nestroy Kizito, Geoffrey Massa and team captain Ibrahim Sekagya breakdown into tears after the match.

Williamson took up the Cranes job in 2008 and signed a three year contract extension in September 2010.

In a press release FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa issued yesterday, he thanked everyone for supporting the Uganda Cranes.

“We cannot blame anybody for this aborted mission, not even ourselves, the technical bench, the government, the players…but God’s plan has no appeal” Mulindwa said.

Uganda was among Saturday's biggest losers of the 2012 Nations Cup qualifier Nigeria, South Africa, Sierra Leone and Malawi despite their goalless draw against Kenya. Mali, Guinea, Zambia, Libya, Niger, Ghana, Angola, Tunisia qualified.

Uganda Cranes suddenly in the last week of the preparations got everybody’s extra-ordinary attention despite the cold shoulder they received earlier.

This yielded close to sh100m offer in cash and pledges aimed at imploring the team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nation to be held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next January.

But events in the rundown to the match that climaxed with the dismissal of lanky winger David Obua for indiscipline.

To one top FUFA official, who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the comments, Uganda lost the 2012 campaign in Angola when their 2-0 loss sparked off division between home and foreign based.

The home based players, who made it onto the squad continued to point fingers at some of their senior professional players, who dodged the Cranes camp in Nairobi to stay in Kampala only to turn the day the team left for Luanda.

Former V.P sent to Prison over Corruption

rolwenyi@smsmedia.info (Richard Olwenyi ) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:52:09 GMT

Ex- Vice President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has been remanded to Luzira Prison.

This follows the cancellation of bail previously granted to him by the Anti-Corruption Court.

Bukenya’s bail was cancelled after he was committed to the High Court for trial over fraud expenditure of CHOGM funds.

He is facing charges of abuse of office arising from a procurement deal for vehicles and motor bikes, ahead of the 2007 Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.

Prof. Bukenya is accused of ordering direct procurement of BMW cars from Motor Care Uganda Limited in an alleged hijack of the procurement process by stopping international bidding, leading to sh 6billion loss.

The former V.P Gilbert Bukenya is jointly charged with Motor Care Uganda; they have been committed to the High Court for trial.

The representatives of the company Moses Banturakyi from the finance section and Florence Sempebwa, an administration manager were however spared being taken to prison.

This is after their lawyers argued that they were only representing the company and were not personally liable.

Bukenya was taken to Luzira prison aboard his vehicle UG 0954C , a Land Cruiser, accompanied by prisons and police vehicles.

Security tightened a head of Entebbe polls

rolwenyi@smsmedia.info (Richard Olwenyi ) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:37:26 GMT

Entebbe residents are warned against inciting violence as they go to polls for the Municipality by- elections on Thursday.

The Police chief, Major General Kale Kayihura told journalists in Kampala that they have received information that some group of people intend to cause violence during the election. He says a well equip force have been deployed to guarantee peace and security.

“A well equipped anti-riot police will be available. We shall not tolerate any form of violence,” he warned.

Kayihura said some group of people intend to incite violence which include laying siege of polling stations to influence the way votes are cast and counted as well as steal voting materials enroute.

“Let me warn whoever intends to disturb the elections of Entebbe Municipality constituency that the Police supported by others security agencies, will deal with them”, Kayihura said.

He said Police is greatly concerned with some polling stations of Leisure Park, Kakeka, Katabi, Entebbe comprehensive, Mayors gardens, Children’s park and Kigungu. Police will also issue specific hotlines for this purpose.

The Entebbe Municipality parliamentary seat fell vacant after the High Court annulled the election of Muhammad Kawuma on August 3 basing on the fact that some results at some polling stations were not included in the final tally sheet among others.

The petition was filed by the NRM’s Patience Mubangizi.

There are four candidates in the race including Muhammad Kawuma (DP), William Wilberforce Seryazi (FDC), Patience Mubangizi (NRM) and Hawa Kibuli (independent).

Police however, assures all the candidates and their supporters as well as the electoral commission that they have finalized deployments plains to protect the process adequately to protect the process and ensure that voters go to the polls safely and freely and exercise their voting rights.

Lukwago sues Musisi over KCCA

rolwenyi@smsmedia.info (Richard Olwenyi ) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:00:15 GMT

Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago has dragged Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) executive director, Jennifer Musisi to court accusing her of usurping his powers.

Lukwago on today petitioned the High court in Kampala seeking a declaration restraining Musisi from interfering with the activities that should have been executed by him.

According to the petition, Lukwago accuses Musisi of making it extremely difficult for him to execute his duties as well as developing strategies and programmes for the city.

He cites Musisi’s proposal of KCCA top managers’ salaries which was forwarded to the ministry of finance without consulting him. Lukwago insist that he is the head of KCCA.

Lukwago now wants an order retraining Musisi from acting beyond her powers. He also demands that Musisi produces a report concerning the fraudulent sale of KCCA’s dispensary at plot 71 Nkrumah Road, since she is the one who frustrated efforts to carry out investigation into the same.

Lukwago last week threatened to resign his position, saying the Government has frustrated his efforts to streamline business in the city.

He said he was considering petitioning the constitutional court to seek clarification on his role as Lord Mayor, as provided for in the Kampala Capital City Authority Act, 2010.

“I am compelled to go to court to find out if I have no powers in the law. If court rules that I have no powers, I will pack and go home to the people who elected me,” he said.

Lukwago accused the government of deliberately refusing to recognise his powers in the management of the city.

He cited a letter from the Resident City Commissioner, Alice Muwanguzi dated September 13, advising Council not to discuss the recent eviction of vendors from city streets without consulting the Kampala minister.

The Lord Mayor accuses the minister in charge of Kampala, Kabakumba Masiko, for ignoring his numerous requests to meet political leaders in the Authority to resolve their grievances.

“Leaders are here to serve everyone. Why should we turn into beggars? I am not going to kneel for anyone because we all have statutory obligations according to the law,” Lukwago said.

Six Kenyan Villagers of Ruiru Die of Lethal Brew

rolwenyi@smsmedia.info (Richard Olwenyi ) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:14:23 GMT

Six people have died after consuming a lethal brew in Gitambaa village, Ruiru in Kenya. The latest deaths come just a day after 17 died in similar circumstances in Nyahururu and Ol Kalou towns Tuesday. Initial reports indicated that the six lost their lives in the space of the last three days. However, police accounts put the death toll at four but residents insisted six of their neighbours had died. Locals said the brew sells at Sh30 and is available at one of the resident's house. In Nyandarua County, six more people died Wednesday from the consumption of a killer brew bringing the total of deaths to 17. Three people died in Ol Kalau with the figure rising to seven while a similar number died in Nyahururu raising the number to ten, according to the Nyandarua North OCPD Jasper Ombati.

SPARTACUS STAR DEAD!

website@smsmedia.info (Administrator) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:58:34 GMT

Andy Whitfield, who starred in the hit series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," is dead. The 39-year–old star passed away yesterday, Sunday 11^th, in Sydney Australia, 18 months after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma", a type of blood cancer.

“…our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was." his wife, Vashti said.

Andy Whitfield was born in Wales and moved to Australia in 1999 when he was cast as the legendary Thracian slave in "Spartacus”. He appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season that aired in 2010, and was preparing to shoot the second when he was diagnosed with cancer. The series was an instant hit thanks to his turn in the classic role that had previously been filled by Kirk Douglas in 1960.

After his diagnosis last March, Whitfield began to undergo treatment in New Zealand, which led to the delay of the second season of the show and the filming of a six-part prequel, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," for which he provided some voice-over work. He was initially declared cancer-free a few months after treatment, but suffered a relapse later in the year that forced him to abandon the role, which was recast.

However, in January after Whitfield's condition grew worse, the network announced that another Australian actor, Liam McIntyre, would take over the role.

Whitfield's also starred in two other Australian TV shows "Packed to the Rafters" and "McLeod's Daughters."

May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace!!!

Kenyan activist freed on terror charges

rolwenyi@smsmedia.info (Richard Olwenyi ) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:58:18 GMT

Following the July 11, Kampala twin bomb attack – high court on Monday dropped charges against five suspects, including a Kenyan human rights activist, accused of involvement in 2010 bombings in Kampala, but court is expected to try the 14 others.

Human rights campaigner Al-Amin Kimathi, along with a fellow Kenyan, two Ugandans and a Somali national, appeared shocked but happy as they left Kampala’s High Court.

“The state has said we are not charging these people before court... they can walk free,” said Judge Owinyi Dolo, after the prosecution withdrew the case against them.

Twin suicide bombers struck bars in Kampala where people had gathered to watch the World Cup final on July 11 last year, killing at least 76 people.

The attacks were claimed by Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-inspired al Shaabab rebels in revenge for Ugandan military involvement in the African Union’s force protecting the Western-backed Somali government.

Kimathi was arrested in September last year while in Kampala to hear the cases against Kenyan suspects in the bombing, and rights groups have repeatedly called for his release on grounds that his arrest was arbitrary.

Kimathi appeared dazed and gave a wide smile as he embraced family members outside court, but did not make a statement.

“This is a very happy moment for all who want justice to be done,” said Kimathi’s Brother Onesmus Imanene.

“Justice has been done, it is a travesty that an innocent man be incarcerated for one year when he did nothing wrong.”

This was the worst terrorist attack in East Africa since attacks on the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998

Nairobi Slum Fire Claims Over 100 Lives

rolwenyi@smsmedia.info (Richard Olwenyi ) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:30:58 GMT

Rescue team at lungalunga a Nairobi suburb has counted 73 badly burnt bodies at the scene of a huge fire at a slum in Nairobi's industrial area.

According to Police sources, the toll of the dead are likely to reach 100 following fire triggered after a oil leaking from a pipeline spilled into the Sinai slum.

"We are putting the number of dead at over 100, we are waiting for body bags to put the victims into," said Thomas Atuti, area police commander.

The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) confirmed that 112 people were admitted there with third degree burns as of this afternoon.

The Sinai slums sit on top of a pipeline that feeds a fuel depot off Lunga Lunga road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.

NTV reporter Kaara Wainaina told Nation.co.ke that the fire covered a wide area in the slum. A detachment from the paramilitary General Service Unit (GSU) have cordoned off huge area affected by the fire and nearby roads have been closed to traffic.

Nearby buildings were evacuated and office workers asked to move away from the area.

Several ambulances were seen leaving the area ferrying away victims. They were taken to Mater Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Many residents were caught up in the blaze, and an AFP reporter at the scene counted scores of charred bodies around the fire.

"People were trying to scoop fuel from the pipeline," a Red Cross official told AFP by telephone, adding that the organisation had sent a team to the scene of the fire.

Firefighters sprayed chemical foam to try to contain the fire, while both police and GSU officers roped off the area and pushed people back from the area.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi later visited the scene.

"There had been a leak in the fuel pipeline earlier, and people were going to collect the fuel that was coming out," said Joseph Mwego, a resident.

"Then there was a loud bang, a big explosion, and smoke and fire burst up high."