Picha Maalum Kutoka IKULU:Rais Jakaya Kikwete Arejea Nchini na Afya Tele Akitokea Nchini Marekani Kwenye Matibabu,Apata Mapokezi Makubwa 

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na mmoja wa abiria wakati ndege aliyopanda ilipotua katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na Katibu wa Rais Bw. Morris Mbena baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete na Mama Salma Kikwete wakiwa na Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es salaam baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokeaMarekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na baadhi ya wafanyakazi katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam baada ya kuwasili akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akiwapungia mkono wafanyakazi  katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam baada ya kuwasili akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na Mkuu wa Majeshi Jenerali davis Mwamunyange baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi IGP  Ernest Mangu baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na Kamishna Jenerali wa Magereza John Minja  baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Idara ya Usalama Bw. Rashid Othman baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na Mama Maria Nyerere baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akikumbatiana kwa furaha  na Mama Maria Nyerere baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akimshukuru  Mama Maria Nyerere baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

  Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na viongozi mbalimbali baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

  Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na viongozi mbalimbali baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Mama Maria Nyerere akiongea na Mama Salma Kikwete katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam baada ya Rais Kikwete kuwasili akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leoNovemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete na Mama Salma Kikwete wakiongea na Mama Maria Nyerere aliyefika kuwapokea katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

 Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akiongea na waandishi wa habari na viongozi mbalimbali waliokuja kumlaki baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere jijini Dar es salaam akitokea Marekani kwenye matibabu leo Novemba 29, 2014

TANGAZO LA MSIBA WA KEPTENI-SP. KIDAI SENZALA KALUSE 

Mrakibu wa Polisi-Captain Kidai Senzala Kaluse enzi za uhai wake. 

Helkopta hiyo ilivyo haribika. 

-- 

 Familia ya Mzee Senzala Kaluse wa Kimara Mwisho Dar es Salaam, inasikitika kutangaza kifo cha mtoto wao KIDAI SENZALA KALUSE kilichotokea Novemba 29, 2014 Saa 4 asubuhi kwa ajali ya Helkopta huko Kipunguni B, Moshi Bar Dar es Salaam.

Mipango ya mazishi inafanyika nyumbani kwa baba yake Mzee Kaluse, Kimara Mwisho. Habari ziwafikie, Ukoo wote wa Warutu, Ukoo wa Kaluse, Ukoo wa Mroki, Familia yote ya Timothy Nathan, Ukoo wa Kajiru na Taluka, Wakamba wote wa Ugweno Msangeni, Bibi wa Marehemu Mary Nathan wa Kinyenze- Morogoro, Familia ya Tarimo ya Ukonga Mombasa, Omary Msuya wa Moshi, Abdalh Mgonja wa Gonja Maore, Hosea wa Arusha.

Taarifa pia ziwafike maofisa wa Jeshi la Polisi Tanzania, Askari wa Kikosi cha Polisi Anga, Ndugu, Jamaa na Marafiki popote pale walipo.

Misa ya kuaga Mwili wa Marehemu itafanyika nyumbani kwao kuanzia Saa 6:00 kabla ya safari ya kuelekea Gonja Maore, Wilaya ya Same Mkoani Kilimanjaro kuanza na mazishi yatafanyika Jumatatu Kijijini Kwao Gonja Maore.  

Mawasiliano zaidi: 

Mroki Mroki- +255 717002303. 

 MATAYO 5: 4 

HERI WENYE HUZUNI; MAANA WAO WATAFARIJIKA

New guard takes charge of UPDF in new changes 

Maj Gen Wilson Mbadi being decorated 

Maj Gen Wilson Mbadi, UPDF’s new Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS), and Number 4 in the army hierarchy, has enjoyed quite a dramatic rise to the top.

Until his appointment as President Museveni’s bodyguard in 2007, Bwambale worked as a junior officer in the Chieftaincy of Logistics and Engineering. He was a captain attached to the Directorate of Barracks and Stores under Major Okori. Col Fred Bogere was Chief of Logistics, deputised by Lt Col Steven Oluka.

Mbadi also served briefly in the Masaka-based Armoured Brigade, before rising to command the Alpine Brigade 507 in the Rwenzori Mountains. From there, he got promoted and was appointed President Museveni’s bodyguard. A graduate of Sandhurst in the UK, one of the world’s most prestigious army academies, Mbadi attended this course at around the same time as Brig Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son.

At the time, few would have taken note of this young officer who hails from Kasese, but his rapid promotion over the last couple of years now shows he was always being destined for big things. A blue-eyed boy of the commander-in-chief, Mbadi has in seven years jumped from lieutenant colonel, to colonel, brigadier, and now major general. However, his most dramatic career growth has come in the last five months.

On December 1, 2012, Mbadi, until then Museveni’s ADC, was promoted to brigadier and appointed 4 Division Commander. Before he has settled in Gulu, where 4 Division is based, Mbadi is now a major general and Joint Chief of Staff. His former immediate bosses, such as Col Bogere, Col Oluka and Lt Col Okori, among others, have suddenly become his juniors who must salute him. In politics and public service, that is normal, but in the army, it can be humiliating.

Besides, the Joint Chief of Staff is technically the employer of soldiers. That means bush war veterans who are still serving in the army, such as Maj Gen Joram Mugume (in charge of UPDF land), Col Gyagenda Kibirango (heads casualty unit in Mubende), Maj Gen Pecos Kutesa (in charge of army doctrine), Maj Gen Benon Biraaro, Brig Geoffrey Muheesi, Brig John Mugume Chaaga and Brig Steven Kashaka, among others, have to salute and pay homage to Mbadi, their new boss.

Many have argued that this would not be strange, citing Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, now FDC president, who was elevated from colonel to major general, jumping one rank, upon being named army commander in 1989. But put in context, Muntu had been Director of Military Intelligence and was deeply involved in NRA’s guerrilla war heroics alongside his comrades.

New brooms

Mbadi’s story is not much different from that of his colleagues, major generals Fred Mugisha, David Muhoozi and Brig Leopold Kyanda. Fred Mugisha, who joined the army in 1984, later headed the Artillery unit at Masindi from 2005-2011.

He was later promoted to major general and deployed in Somalia where he is reported to have performed exceptionally well. Upon his return from Somalia last year, he was appointed Joint Chief of Staff, replacing Maj Gen Robert Rusoke. The latest appointment makes him head of a previously non-existing National Counter-Terrorism Centre.

On his part, Brig Leo Kyanda was, by 1994 Lt Gen Ivan Koreta’s driver. He was later absorbed in the then Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB), where he rose to become its commander, before moving on to another prestigious job as Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI).

When he was removed and sent to the US as a military attaché, many commentators believed he had fallen out with the commander-in-chief, but he returned a couple of years later to take up a new appointment as Chief of Personnel and Administration. Now he is Chief of Staff, Land Forces.

Maj Gen David Muhoozi, now commander of Land Forces (number 3), joined the army in 1985. A lawyer, Muhoozi rose through the ranks to command the Mechanised Regiment in Masaka and later the newly-created Air Defence Division in Nakasongola. Both units fall under the Special Forces Command (SFC).

The feeling in the army is that one of these rising stars, i.e. Maj Gen Wilson Mbadi, Maj Gen Fred Mugisha, Maj Gen David Muhoozi and Brig Leopold Kyanda, in addition to Brig Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is being groomed to become Chief of Defence Forces. Because of his age, which places him outside the new generation of leaders taking charge of the army, and the fact that he didn’t participate in the NRA bush struggle, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala is considered a safe but transitional choice.

With David Muhoozi as Commander of Land Forces, Kyanda as Chief of Staff (Land Forces) and Mbadi as Joint Chief of Staff, the bush war veterans have all but exited army leadership. A new team of younger generals has taken charge and they owe maximum loyalty to President Museveni - the kind of loyalty he is unlikely to get from bush war historicals such as Sejusa, Henry Tumukunde or Elly Tumwine, who nurse a certain sense of entitlement, having fought alongside the president in the bush.

Moreover, not only are Kyanda and Mbadi, in particular, of the same generation as Brig Muhoozi Kainerugaba, they have both served as Museveni’s aides, which brings them even closer to the commander-in-chief.

Aronda exit

For these new brooms to come in, the likes of Gen Nyakairima and Ivan Koreta had to give way. The outgoing CDF, one of the young graduates who joined the bush war in the early 1980s, was reportedly unhappy at the conduct of Brig Kainerugaba, among other things.

Following a donor-funded restructuring exercise, UPDF was divided into three service forces – Land, Air and Reserve. However, along the way, President Museveni added another service - the Special Forces Command (SFC), which his son was appointed to command. As overall commander of the army, the CDF calls meetings with the commanders of these forces, who until the latest changes included Katumba Wamala, Sam Turyagyenda and Muhoozi.

But our sources in the army indicate that Muhoozi  at times arrived after the CDF, which is considered irregular in the army, given their ranks, and this didn’t go down well with the boss.

A year or so ago, Aronda asked to retire. It was not clear why. His situation became even more complex when Gen Sejusa, in his controversial missive, claimed that Aronda was one of the top officials that were not supportive of the “Muhoozi project” and thus targeted by purported assassins. As CDF, Aronda came out strongly to deny Sejusa’s claims.

Meanwhile, as Aronda’s military star appeared to fade, Police chief Gen Kale Kayihura’s shone ever brighter. An NRA-era army officer, whose loyalty can still be counted on, hence the promotion to general. In fact, Kayihura was widely expected to replace Aronda. However, the leaking of the Tinyefuza outburst could have forced a change in tact on the part of the appointing authority.

The overall head of the army, Gen Katumba Wamala, and his deputy, Lt Gen Charles Angina, served in Obote’s UNLA. They are both fine professionals and their experience blends well with the younger officers mentioned above.

Besides, Wamala and Angina help Museveni answer critics who have been claiming the military is headed by westerners. In reality, however, the army leadership has shifted from commanders of the bush war-era to commanders of the Brig Muhoozi-era.

Who is who? List of UPDF top brass and what they do

Gen Katumba Wamala is the Chief of Defence Forces, the highest position in the Ugandan military 

By RISDEL KASASIRA

Posted  Thursday, November 27  2014 at  02:00

IN SUMMARY

Ministry of Defence’s wage bill increased this financial year to Shs429b from Shs353.7b. However, that is not all the money needed as the army chief, Gen Katumba Wamala has announced retiring a number of officers

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With last week’s promotion of at least 1,300 officers, the number of soldiers getting elevated in ranks continues to go up and significantly impacts on the wage bill of the UPDF.
Although soldiers are among the poorly paid government workers, 40 per cent of the defence budget goes to wages.
In the financial year 2014/15, Shs1.13trillion was allocated to defence and Shs429.29b for wages, while Shs265bn is non-wage and Shs220b was allocated to development. Gen Katumba Wamala said recently that at least 1,300 soldiers of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) are set to retire unanimously in the next financial year. Many officers have clocked retirement age but the army says there is no money to retire them.
Ministry of Defence needs at least Shs5trillion to pay pension, gratuity and retirement benefits of retired soldiers including those in all previous regimes.
A UPDF four- star general earn Shs2m as monthly salary while a private earns Shs380, 000. There are nine four-star generals, five Lieutenant Generals, 12 Major Generals, and 56 brigadiers. Below, we name all generals in UPDF.

The breakdown of the generals:

Yoweri Museveni
1. He is Ugandan president and commander-in-Chief of armed forces. He and 42 others, with 27 guns launched an armed rebellion against the government of former President Obote in 1981. He captured power in 1986 and has been president since then.

Salim Saleh
2.He is a special presidential advisor on defence affairs. In 1976, at the age of 16, he joined his brother Yoweri Museveni in exile in Tanzania and participated in the 1979 Kagera war that brought an end Amin regime. During the war, he fought under FRONASA, commanded by his brother Yoweri Museveni. He joined NRA in late 1981, months after NRA had attacked Kabamba. During the bush war, Gen. Saleh commanded the mobile brigade that fought many and fierce battles against government troops. He was army commander for a year, from 1988-89 before he was sacked and replaced by Mugisha Muntu. 

Elly Tumwine
3.He shot the first bullet on February 6, 1981 during the foiled attack on Kabamba barracks that marked the beginning of the five-year NRA guerilla war in Luwero. Gen. Tumwine is a member of parliament representing UPDF. He was the first army commander after NRA captured power in 1986. He did cadet in Munduli in 1979.

David Sejusa
4.He is in exile in London after falling out with President Museveni’s regime in 2013 after authoring the infamous letter that claimed there was a plan to assassinate some senior government and military officials perceived to be against purported scheme by President Musevni to have his son, Brig Muhoozi Kainerugaba replace him as president. Before fleeing into exile, Gen. Sejusa was the Coordinator of intelligence agencies. He joined police after the University but defected joined NRA in 1981.

Aronda Nyakairima
5.Gen Aronda is Internal Affairs minister. He served as Chief of Defence Forces from 2003-2013. Before 2003, he had commanded Operation Iron Fist in Northern Uganda and South Sudan. Gen Aronda also worked as the intelligence officer in Presidential Protection Unit, now Special Forces Command. He joined NRA in 1982 soon after leaving Makerere University.

Katumba Wamala
6. Gen Wamala is the Chief of Defence Forces, the highest position in the Ugandan military. Prior to his current appointment, Gen. Katumba was Commander Land Forces. He has previously worked as Inspector General of Police. He joined NRA in 1986 after serving in UNLA that was pushed out of power in the same year.

Kale Kayihura
7.He is the police boss and has served in that capacity since 2005. Before then, he had served in DR Congo. He joined NRA in 1982. He has been criticised by human rights activists for cracking down on demonstrations by the opposition.

Jeje Odong
8. He is State Minister for defence. He was arrested in February 1981 after the NRA attack on Kabamba for collaborating with the rebels. He was taken to Luzira Prisons for five years. He joined the army in 1979.

Moses Ali
9. He is a lawyer and politician. Gen. Ali is the Third deputy prime minister and East Moyo Member of Parliament. The flamboyant general served Minister of finance under Amin regime.
Lieutenant Generals
Ivan Koreta-He is the former deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Ambassador-designate.

Charles Angina-He replaced Koreta and is the current Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.

Andrew Guti-He is the commandant of Seniour command and Staff College, Kimaka

Robert Rusoke-He is Uganda’s ambassador in South Sudan

Jim Owoyesigire-The former boss of Uganda Air Force was sacked by the President after four Ugandan choppers destined for Somalia crashed, leaving seven soldiers dead. He is not deployed.

Major Generals
David Muhoozi-The commander of Land Forces, joined the army in 1985.

Fred Mugisha- The former commander of African Union troops in Somalia was appointed commander of Anti-Terrorism Center in 2013, which has never taken off.

Nathan Mugisha-He is Ugandan deputy ambassador in Somalia. In 2010, he commanded African Union troops in Somalia.

Julius Oketta- He is the director of National Emergency and Coordination Operations in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Levy Karuhanga-The first commander UPDF commander of Amisom troops in Somalia is the current Chairman of the Court Martial.

Francis Okello- He was the second commander of AMISOM from 3 March 2008 to the end of his tour of duty in 2009. He commandant of UPDF Military Rapid Deployment

Wilson Mbasu Mbadi- The former presidential bodyguard has rapidly risen through ranks and is Joint Chief of Staff.

Pecos Kutesa- The NRA bush heroe, is the UPDF Chief of doctrine.

Joram Mugume-The former deputy army commander works under Ministry of defence Land department.

Matayo Kyaligonza - He is Ugandan ambassador in Burundi and the NRM vice Chancellor, western region.

Sam Turyagyenda- He is the commander of Air Force

Geoffrey Muheesi-Deputy Amisom Force Commander.
Brigadiers
1. Charles Bakahumura- Chief of Military Intelligence
2. James Mugira-Managing Director Luwero Industries.
3. John Mugume-Chief of UPDF shop
4. Dick Olum-just returned from Somalia
5. Michael Ondoga-on trial in UPDF court martial
6. Joseph Musanyufu-Chief of Personnel and Administration
7. Francis Chemonges-Commandant Kalama Armoured Warfare Training School(KAWTS)
8. Joseph Ssemwanga- He is the commander of Armoured brigade in Masaka. He joined the army in 1995.
9. Deus Sande- Chief Instructor Artillery
10. Geofrey Katsigazi-under Artillery division
11. George Igumba
12. Tom Tumuhairwe-Service Brigade
13. Geofrey Taban- Defence attaché in Congo
14. Joram Kakari-Chief of Pensions
15. Sam Kavuma-Commander Uganda Contingent in Somalia
16. Peter Elwelu-Second division commander
17. Paul Lokech-Defence Attaché in Russia
18. Innocent Oula-UPDF representative in parliament
19. Lucky Kidega-New commander of Regional Task Force hunting LRA
20. Nakibus Lakara-Third Division Commander
21. Henry Tumukunde-Not deployed
22. Muhoozi Kainerugaba-Commander
Special Forces
23. Chris Kazoora-Commander Reserve Force, Central region
24. Stephen Kashaka- Defence attaché in South Africa
25. William Oketcho-Reserve Force
26. Elly Kayanja-Coordinator NAADS
27. Eric Mukasa-Reserve Force
28. Dennis Asiimwe-Commandant University Military Science and Technology, Lugazi
29. Stephen Rwabantu-under Reserve Force
30. Phenehas Katirima-Member of parliament and Chief Education and Sports
31. Moses Diiba Sentongo-Chief of Civil-Military relations
32. Joseph Oracha
33. Jim Willis Byaruhanga-Chief of Training
34. Ramadhan Kyamulesire- Chief of legal services
35. John Lorot-Fifth Division Commander
36. Dr. Emmanuel Musinguzi-
37. Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi-Director of Medical Services
38. Yowasi Kiiza- Retired
39. Leopold Kyanda-Chief of Staff Land Forces
40. Silver Kayemba-Military Attaché in Washington 
41. Ronnie Balya- Director General, Internal Security Organisation
42. Kayanja Muhanga-Fourth Division commander
43. Sabiiti Mutebile-Chief of Construction
44. Jacob Musajjawaza-Chief of Production
45. Gowa Kasiita
46. Mathew Gureme-Chief of Staff of Rapid Deployment
47. John Mateeka-Chairman First division Court
48. Moses Rwakitarate-Not deployed
49. Proscovia Nalweyiso-senior Presidential advisor on defence and security 
50. James Okidingi-Commander Artillery division
51. Julius Chihanda-Under Foreign Affairs
52. Garvas Mugyenyi-Air defence boss
53. Fred Tolit-Ugandan Defence Envoy at African Union
54. Brig. George Etyang-Military Attaché in India
55. Augustine Kyazze. Under Logistics
56. Charles Otema Owany-Chief of Logistics

UPDF Salary structure
General 
2,074,496

Lieutenant General
1,908,496

Major General
1,892,520

Black unemployment at record low

Employment for people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds has reached a record high with unemployment falling across all ethnic groups, according to new official statistics.

The figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that there are 166,000 more people from BME backgrounds in work compared to this time last year, bringing the total number to a record high of more than 3 million. The employment rate has also hit a new record high of 62.5%, a 2.3 percentage point rise over the last year.

Thanks to a range of government schemes designed to help people into jobs, more than 50,000 opportunities have already been taken up by people from BME backgrounds. These include schemes that offer work experience, employer-led placements, or help starting up a new business – however Ministers and advisers recognise that a gap still remains compared with the rest of the population, which is why Jobcentres will continue to deliver tailored support specific to local communities.

Unemployment has fallen across all ethnic groups, including people from a Black, African and Caribbean background as well as those from a Chinese, Pakistani and Mixed backgrounds.

“I warmly welcome these latest figures showing record employment rates for people of black and minority ethnic heritage. And along with reductions in the number of young people not in training, education or employment, this shows our long-term economic plan is delivering for people of all backgrounds and ages,” Prime Minister David Cameron stated.

“Over 160,000 more black and minority ethnic people are in work today compared to this time last year, with more than 50,000 opportunities being taken up on government-backed employment and training schemes designed to help people into jobs.  Alongside this our enterprise scheme has helped budding entrepreneurs from black and minority ethnic backgrounds set up over 6,000 new businesses – this is not just great news for those individuals and their families, but it’s great for businesses and the economy too.

“That is why this government is committed to go further still and make sure barriers are lifted and opportunities are opened to people of all backgrounds. This is how we will truly ensure we have a brighter and more secure economic future.”

Minister for Employment Esther McVey added: “We’ve seen record numbers of people share in the improving jobs market as the economy continues to grow – and this includes people from all backgrounds and all regions across the country.

“More and more people are having their lives transformed by moving into work and having the security of a regular wage. From government schemes that give people the skills and experience they need, through to help setting up in business, we’re working hard to ensure that everyone is a step closer to the job that could change their life.

“We know there is more to do to ensure people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds have the same opportunities as everyone else, which is why we will continue to follow our long-term economic plan to help businesses to create the jobs that people need.

“We also know how important role models are – especially for young jobseekers or budding entrepreneurs, and we’d encourage more successful business leaders to step forward and work with us to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation.”

The figures show that:

• The employment rate for people from a Black, African and Caribbean background has risen by more than 3 percentage points on the year – it now stands at 63.4%, the highest employment rate seen for this group since 2010.
• People from a Chinese background have seen an increase in employment rate  of nearly 6 percentage points on the year.
• The employment rate for people from a Bangladeshi background now stands at a record high of 57.1%
• The unemployment rate for people from a Bangladeshi background has fallen by a 7 percentage points over the year.

Sector-based work academies offer people a package of pre-employment training, work experience placements and a guaranteed job interview in specific industries, such as hospitality. Almost 21,000 placements on work academies have been picked up so far by people from BME backgrounds.

People on Jobseeker’s Allowance can also find work experience through Jobcentre Plus, giving them up to eight weeks to learn new skills in a new industry. Over 32,000 work experience placements were started by people from BME backgrounds.

The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) scheme, which is supported by Levi Roots, founder of Reggae Reggae sauce, offers jobseekers with a business plan financial support and mentoring to set up on their own. 15, 720 opportunities have been picked up by people from BME backgrounds where they have worked with mentors to make the first step in starting up their own business and through NEA, the Government has helped people from BME backgrounds to start up 6,540 new businesses.

Melody Hossaini, the former Apprentice star, is now the face of the  #firstjobs campaign, a campaign designed to inspire by hearing about surprising celebrity first jobs and the benefits that it can bring. Surprising responses have included footballer Ian Wright working as a builder, chef Lorraine Pascale working in an iron monger with Melody herself starting working life in a supermarket.

The diversity of the UK means Jobcentres take an approach that focuses on individual job seekers, rather than defining people’s needs by their ethnicity. However, each of the 700 jobcentres has the freedom and flexibility to tailor schemes based on local need, which could include where people from an ethic group share a common barrier to finding work.

Ghana issues UK ‘cocaine scandal’ challenge

Ghanaians both at home and in the UK have been gripped by the saga of an alleged drug trafficker arrested in the UK who is reported to have links to the West African nation’s presidency.

Nayele Ametefe, also known as Ruby Adu Gyamfi was found entering the UK with 12.5kg of cocaine

Nayele Ametefe, also known as Ruby Adu Gyamfi. was arrested on November 10 at Heathrow Airport for carrying 12.5kilos of cocaine in her hand luggage.

After the arrest, she was arraigned before the Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday November 11 and charged for drug trafficking. She was subsequently remanded in Police custody to reappear today, November 27, when she will appear before Isleworth Crown Court.

Meanwhile, a total of 12 people have been arrested in Ghana in connection with the case. They include Nana Akua Amponsah and Sadalia Sandra Nuhu, who reportedly travelled with Ms Ametefe but absconded after the latter was apprehended.

Ghana’s opposition has called for a parliamentary inquiry into allegations that the suspected cocaine trafficker had access to the presidential lounge at the country’s main airport. At least three Ghanaian government officials are thought to have also been arrested.

On Tuesday, Dominic Nitiwul – a senior member of Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) – appeared in parliament with three bags of rice, weighing around 13kg (28lbs). Displaying the bags, Mr Nitiwul questioned how a similar amount of cocaine could have evaded customs and security officials at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport.

Mr Nitiwul kept up pressure on the government on Wednesday by calling for a bipartisan parliamentary committee to investigate the conduct of officials.

“How did it become possible for the [alleged] cocaine lady to use the VVIP [presidential] lounge of Kotoka International Airport? By what arrangement was she [allegedly] able to get the cocaine into the plane without being detected by all the security operatives at the airport?” Mr Nitiwul said, at a press conference.

‘Ruby’ is believed to be connected with high-profile politicians in Ghana and known in government circles. Though the British High Commission to Ghana have issued a statement denying any prior knowledge of Ms Ametefe’s intentions, her arrest is widely believed to be as a result of police intelligence, though it is unclear how long the passenger had been under observation.

British authorities are said to have side-stepped the usual courtesies accorded diplomatic passport holders and approached Ms Ametefe on her arrival with a view to conducting a body search, which yielded negative results. The consignment of cocaine was discovered during a subsequent search of the passenger’s hand luggage where 12.5kg of the class A drug was neatly concealed.

Ghana authorities have denied any involvement in what local media has dubbed “the cocaine scandal”. President John Mahama has also strongly denied reports that Ms Ametefe was linked to his family and, via one of his ministers, has challenged UK authorities to disclose whether she indeed had a diplomatic passport in her possession.

Minister of Communications, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah said on Accra-based Radio Gold on Saturday: “Let the British High Commission stand up and be counted… did she travel to Britain on a diplomatic passport or did she have a diplomatic passport in her possession?”

On Friday, the British High Commission in a statement denied claims by Ghana’s Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) that it helped the UK security agencies in the arrest..

“Any potential drug trafficker to the UK from Ghana is arrested here in Ghana and not permitted to board a flight in order to traffic drugs,” the statement clarified. It further stated that UK authorities had no prior knowledge of the “intentions of Ms. Nayele Ametefeh (sic) before flying from Accra to London on 9/10 November,” but fell short of making any categorical statement whether the lady had a diplomatic passport.

Dr. Omane Boamah in response said: “Why the British High Commission failed or refused to comment on whether the lady was arrested with a diplomatic passport in hand, I cannot understand (…) if they didn’t speak, it [would have been] a different ball game altogether, they have spoken, they should stand up and be counted…,” he shouted repeatedly.

The British High Commission in their statement on Friday explained that Ms. Ametefe’s case is an ongoing Police investigation and as such the Commission will not be commenting on the details.

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea,  Nov 2014: Under the theme of “New Model of Partnership for the Strengthening of Sustainable Development and Integration”, Heads of State and Government from Africa and Turkey will meet at the Second Africa –Turkey Summit to strengthen their future cooperation on the 21^st of November. To prepare for the summit, a meeting of senior officials meeting was held today at Sipopo Conference Center, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Organized by the African Union Commission and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three-day summit aims to forge the two sides’ future cooperation and further develop their strategic ties. The African and Turkish governments will consider the Joint Implementation Plan of Africa –Turkey Partnership 2015-2018, and discuss the way forward regarding the proposed key priority projects of plan.

Speaking at the opening session of the high officials’ meeting, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission said that Africa and Turkey have developed a strategic partnership that creates a framework for cooperation at all levels. “Our gathering here today will develop business opportunities and forge partnership between Africa and Turkey”, he added . 

The Deputy Chairperson stressed the need for working together in areas of mutual interest between the people of Africa and Turkey, and to be the  first beneficiaries of the this cooperation,  which started with the 1st Africa- Turkey  Summit which was held in Istanbul in 2008.

Ambassador Hamadi Meimou of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Chairperson of the African Union Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) highlighted in his opening remarks, that on the African side , the general belief is that more needs to be done and achieved regarding the implementation of this partnership at the continental level.Nevertheless, he said it is encouraging to note the importance of this partnership between the African countries and Turkey at the bilateral level, he said.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Ali Kemal Aydin, Deputy Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey in his opening remarks emphasized  that his country and Africa will conduct a useful exchange of ideas and achieve fruitful results that will pave the way for the adoption by the Foreign Ministers of the "Malabo Declaration on Africa Turkey Partnership", as well as the joint implementation plan of the Africa-Turkey partnership 2015-2108.

This Summit is a follow-up to the first Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit, which was held in Istanbul, in August 2008. The Summit adopted “The Istanbul Declaration on Turkey-Africa Partnership: Cooperation and Solidarity for a Common Future” and “Cooperation Framework for Turkey-Africa Partnership”, spelling out the areas of cooperation between the two parties. It also established a follow-up mechanism.

The Second Summit is expected to follow up on the Africa-Turkey partnership projects and to further consolidate and develop areas of cooperation at all levels and in all areas; examine the progress of the partnership, and discuss common achievements as well as implementation challenges. It is also expected to map out the future direction of the partnership based on the lessons learnt.

At the end of its deliberations, the senior officials’ session will submit its report to the ministerial meeting for adoption on 20^th November.

AMT/