FOREIGN

Uganda’s medics demand mental checks for presidential candidates

Published

7 years ago

December 19, 2017

Uganda’s medical doctors have recommended that all presidential candidates are subjected to mental and medical checks to assess suitability to execute the duties of the highest political office in the land.The recommendations submitted by the Uganda Medical Association were part of the medics submissions to Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee which sought a medical opinion on whether an individual can still effectively execute the office of the president at 75.

Ugandan legislators debate the age limit proposals to extend President Museveni’s stay in power today.President Museveni is 73 years old and under the current constitution of Uganda will not be eligible for re-election when his term fifth term expires in 2021.For the greater part of this year, Ugandans have been polarised by debate on whether the Article 102(b) of the constitution that provides for presidential candidates to be between the ages of 25 and 75 should be amended.

The legal affairs committee was tasked to study the proposal and submit a report to be debated by Parliament.After interviews with several experts and stakeholders on age and constitutionalism respectively, the committee submitted two reports to the Speaker of the Ugandan parliament last week.

The majority report of the committee, which approves the amendment of the constitution reportedly, includes a proposal for the current term of legislators to be increased from 5 to 10 years, a proposal that was suggested by President Museveni when he met the committee at State House.

Opposition legislators have vehemently resisted the proposal saying it is a selfish attempt to prolong Museveni’s stay in power. 7 out of the 8-committee members who authored the minority report against the proposal to amend the consitution are opposition legislators.

On two occasions this year, legislators from the ruling party and the opposition physically fought in parliament and were even forcibly removed from the August House by the elite security force that protects the president, when the issue came up for debate.

It is widely expected that parliament which is dominated by Museveni’s ruling NRM party will adopt the majority committee report and pass the bill that will allow Uganda’s longest serving leader to contest in 2021.But the debate of the day will also deal with other constitutional amendments proposed including;

Article 61 (2) The Electoral Commission shall hold Presidential, General Parliamentary and Local Government council elections within the first thirty days of the last one hundred and seventy two days before the expiration of the term of Parliament.”

There are also proposals for amendments regarding determination of the period to hold presidential, parliament and local council elections.While legislators from the ruling party are determined to amend the constitution before Christmas this year, their opposition counterparts have already called for a week of national protests against the amendment.

The battle lines have been drowned; it plays out on the floor of parliament where the ruling party is expected to win. The opposition will be hoping to take the battle to the streets where the ordinary Ugandan is generally thought to be opposed to the amendment.

Guardian

FOREIGN

Bruno Mars Breaks All-Time Spotify Monthly Listener Record For The Second Time

Published

3 days ago

November 13, 2024

Reporter

Bruno Mars Breaks Spotify Monthly Listener Record | fab.ng

Bruno Mars now commands 130 million monthly Spotify listeners, shattering the platform’s previous record.

The Grammy winner achieved this milestone following the release of his recent collaborations: ‘Die With A Smile‘ featuring Lady Gaga and his appearance on Rose’s track ‘APT’.

These new singles mark Mars’ first musical releases since his collaboration with Anderson Paak on their Grammy Album of the Year-winning project ‘An Evening With The Silk Sonic’ in 2021.

The stellar performance of these tracks has propelled him past The Weeknd’s previous record of 120 million monthly listeners.

The Weeknd had previously made history as the first artist to attract 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The Canadian superstar then broke his own record by reaching an impressive 120 million listeners.

As of November 13, 2024, Bruno Mars leads the Top 20 highest Spotify monthly listeners, demonstrating his enduring appeal and growing global fanbase.

His achievement reflects both the success of his recent releases and his consistent ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

The record-breaking numbers showcase the expanding reach of streaming platforms and Mars’ commanding presence in the digital music landscape.

Top 20 highest Spotify monthly listeners as of November 13, 2024.

Bruno Mars – 130,612,563
The Weeknd – 120,522,043
Lady Gaga – 113,953,989
Billie Eilish – 107,253,116
Coldplay – 90,585,988
Taylor Swift – 91,295,938
Rihanna – 86,078,987
Ariana Grande – 83,774,575
Justin Bieber – 82,045,938
Eminem – 76,795,897
Sabrina Carpenter – 79,022,469
Ed Sheeran – 77,551,483
David Guetta – 75,488,878
Drake – 75,105,070
Post Malone – 73,161,311
Travis Scott – 71,637,037
Kanye West – 66,703,503
Shakira – 65,974,570
SZA – 65,804,982
Dua Lipa – 64,136,480

Bruno Mars, a global pop icon, has achieved a remarkable feat, solidifying his position as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century.

His music has resonated with millions worldwide, leading to record-breaking sales figures that cement his status as a commercial powerhouse.

With over 36 billion streams on Spotify, Bruno Mars boasts an impressive 14 songs that have surpassed the one-billion-stream milestone.

This remarkable achievement places him in close proximity to the record held by Canadian superstar Drake, who has 16 songs with over a billion streams.

Check out more music updates here.

FOREIGN

World Number One Jannik Sinner Withdraws From The ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2024

Published

3 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

Reporter

Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters 2024 | fab.ng

Tournament organizers announced on Tuesday that world number one Jannik Sinner (23) will not participate in the Paris Masters indoor event due to health issues.

The 23-year-old tennis star, who secured his position as year-end world number one in mid-October, suffers from an “intestinal virus contracted before he arrived in Paris.” French player Arthur Cazaux has moved up from qualifying to take Sinner’s place in the tournament draw.

Cazaux will compete against either fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or American Ben Shelton in his second-round match on Tuesday.

Sinner now focuses on the upcoming Masters in Turin, scheduled for November 10-17, which will feature the year’s top eight players. The Italian champion plans to defend his country’s title at the Davis Cup finals the following week in Malaga, Spain.

This is not an easy announcement to make. My team and I arrived early to prepare as best as possible, but unfortunately, I started feeling unwell during training and saw the doctor on Sunday. It turns out I’ve come down with a virus. I’m feeling better now, but I’m still not… pic.twitter.com/TjE1a3KZQu

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 29, 2024

The tennis star has dominated the 2024 season, claiming his first two Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open. His impressive performance includes seven tournament wins since the season began, with three Masters 1000 titles in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.

Recent developments have cast a shadow over Sinner’s achievements, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has filed an appeal that could result in his suspension. The doping case emerged several weeks ago and remains unresolved.

Sinner’s relationship with the Paris indoor tournament has proven complicated. Last year, he withdrew from the competition before his second match, establishing a pattern that continues with this year’s withdrawal.

This latest setback interrupts what has otherwise been a remarkable year for the young Italian player, who has firmly established himself among tennis’s elite competitors through his consistent performances and major tournament victories.

Get more sports news here.

FOREIGN

Award-Winning Actor James Earl Jones, Voice Of Darth Vader, Mufasa, Dies At 93

Published

2 months ago

September 10, 2024

Reporter

James Earl Jones, Voice Of Mufasa, Dies At 93 | fab.ng

Legendary American actor James Earl Jones has passed away at 93. The internet buzzed with the heartbreaking news late Monday, September 9, 2024. Reports indicated that he died that morning, surrounded by family at his home in upstate New York, as confirmed by his representatives to TMZ.

Born on January 17, 1931, Jones captivated audiences for decades with his iconic deep voice and presence. His long career in film, television, and theatre made him one of the most recognizable and respected actors in Hollywood. He gained widespread fame for voicing Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise, King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming to America”, and Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King”.

James Earl Jones dead - the iconic Darth Vader, Mufasa voice actor was 93 | fab.ng

Jones also made a name for himself on stage, earning a Tony Award for his lead performance in “The Great White Hope”. He continued to shine in theatre with significant roles in plays like “Fences” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. His contributions to television included appearances in series like “Roots” and “The Big Bang Theory”.

James Earl Jones was one of the few performers to achieve the coveted EGOT status. Also, he has won two Emmys, a Grammy, an Honorary Oscar, and three Tony Awards. His theatre career flourished with standout performances in “The Great White Hope” in 1969 and “Fences” in 1987. His voice became a staple in pop culture, even being featured in “The Simpsons” and early episodes of “Sesame Street”.

Jones also took on many iconic Shakespearean roles, including Othello and King Lear. Beyond acting, he served in the United States Army’s 75th Rangers Regiment, adding to his legacy as a dedicated and multi-talented individual.

James Earl Jones leaves behind a towering legacy in both the entertainment world and beyond. May he rest in perfect peace.