Britain’s Supreme Court is deliberating on a profoundly impactful case that could change the landscape of the nation’s immigration policy. The court is considering the legality of the government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, a decision expected to be made in mid-December. 

Case Urgency

The case’s urgency is at the heart of the discussion, with government lawyers advocating for swift action. These lawyers argue the need to proceed quickly with the deportation scheme, stating it as a crucial aspect in controlling the country’s immigration influx. However, the opposition has raised concerns about the potential for human rights violations and the welfare of those individuals being deported.

Critics Call Deportation Plan Inhumane

Opponents of the deportation plan have decried it as inhumane and potentially endangering vulnerable individuals. They argue that the government’s policy could put asylum seekers at risk, particularly those who might face persecution or violence upon their return to Rwanda.

Significant Implications

The Supreme Court’s decision will have extensive implications for the government’s immigration policy. A ruling in favour of the government could potentially pave the way for similar deportation plans. Conversely, a ruling against the government could set a precedent that may alter the way immigration rules are interpreted and applied in the future. 

Awaited Decision

The Supreme Court’s president has suggested that a decision could be made by mid-December. In the meantime, both sides of the argument are anxiously waiting for the ruling, which will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the country’s immigration policy and its treatment of asylum seekers.  by Ayesha Mumtaz, BNN

Governor Wavinya Ndeti has said Machakos County was ready to tackle disasters and emergencies linked to the El-Niño rains whose onset in the region is expected in a few days.

Wavinya said the county emergency teams have adequately been trained and equipped to offer rescue and evacuation services to residents who may be affected by the effects of heavy rains. 

The governor, who spoke on Friday, also that revealed some 105 officers have received specialized first responder training in live-saving medical care, emergency operations and pre-hospital care providers.

The training also targeted ambulance drivers, emergency dispatchers and fire engine operators. 

“As a government, we have taken it upon ourselves to deploy a proactive approach in dealing with the high possibility of extreme weather conditions, which most likely will trigger the need for emergency response,” she said.

Wavinya was speaking on Friday at her White House office in Machakos where she unveiled the county El-Niño multi-agency preparedness plan.

She went on: “El-Niño is bound to hit our region hard and even cause flooding and landslides in some regions within Machakos. As your governor, I am committing to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of all residents and that of their property.”

To effectively deal with the El-Niño effects, Wavinya said her government had engaged scientists and meteorologists to provide accurate forecasts and early warnings. 

“Their knowledge and expertise will guide us in understanding the potential risks and impacts of El-Niño in our county,” she said.

She also urged residents to observe and maintain high standards of hygiene in order to keep waterborne diseases at bay.

“Parents should also ensure the safety of their children and particularly warn them against swimming in swollen rivers and flooded areas. Motorists should also avoid approaching overflowing bridges and swollen river crossings,” Wavinya said.

Deputy Governor, Francis Mwangangi lauded the governor for taking a proactive approach in dealing with the expected emergencies.

“We laud the governor for not only showing the way but walking the talk in ensuring our teams are adequately prepared to deal with the challenge of El-Niño, which often comes with devastating effects,” said Mwangangi, pledging full support to the governor. 

County Director of Emergency Services, David Mwongela said an Emergency Operation Center  has been set up complete with standby first responders.

“Our emergency responders have been deployed to all the sub-counties, especially in likely hot spot areas that we have already mapped out. We have also released emergency call numbers to the Emergency Operation Centre which will be manned on a 24-hour basis,” said Mwongela.

At the same time, county director of nursing, Halima Aden said all medical staff across the 189 public health facilities have been activated ahead of the anticipated rainy season. “We have involved all our healthcare stakeholders including Community Health Promoters in advance to seal off any possible loopholes of disasters linked to El-Niño,” she said.

Various county government departments including Health, Water, Agriculture, Devolution and Trade exhibited various tools, equipment and master plans of dealing with emergencies and disasters. By Erastus Mulwa, The Standard

Uganda’s Finance Minister Matia Kasaija. PHOTO | NMG/Photo Courtesy 

Uganda is seeking funds for roads and a climate-smart agriculture programme, raising questions about its debt sustainability.

On Wednesday, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, tabled a request before parliament to borrow $650 million from different financial institutions. 

“These loans are not new. They were earlier considered and budgeted for, for this financial year,” Mr Kasaija said.

If parliament approves the said loan, Kampala’s public debt will increase to about $24 billion. Currently, the country owes more than $22.1 billion to both external and domestic creditors.

Uganda’s Public debt has been increasing, reaching 50.6 percent of GDP in nominal terms by the end of financial year 2021/22.

This increase of almost nine percentage points over the past two years was primarily driven by external borrowing, with almost two-thirds of outstanding public debt owed to external creditors, according to the International Monetary Fund.

By the time of the previous budget reading for the financial year 2023/2024, Uganda owed lenders about $23.6 billion which was almost twice the $14 billion announced for this financial year.

Although loan repayment is spread over many years, fears about debt sustainability remain amongst watchers since government‘s appetite to borrow never seems to stop.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the government is still within manageable limits with the country’s debt to GDP ratio standing at about 48.8 percent compared to the policy target of 50 percent of the GDP. By JONATHAN KAMOGA, The East African