South Sudanese Pound’s Rollercoaster Ride: Analyzing its exchange rate journey against the Dominant American Dollar

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This comprehensive analysis explores the history and determinants of the South Sudanese Pound’s exchange rate against the American Dollar, providing insights into its fluctuations and implications for the country’s economy.

Author: Stephen Topua

Introduction:

Currency exchange rates play a crucial role in international trade and financial markets, reflecting the value of one currency to another. This data story delves into the history of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) and its exchange rate fluctuations against the mighty American Dollar (USD) since its introduction in 2012. We aim to provide valuable insights into the evolving relationship between the SSP and USD, shedding light on the factors influencing their exchange rate dynamics by analysing this trend over the past ten years.

South Sudan, a young nation that gained independence in 2011, introduced its national currency, the South Sudanese Pound, to establish its economic identity. Since then, the exchange rate between the SSP and USD has been a critical measure of the country’s financial performance and stability.

We use this trend to give a perspective of how this relationship has evolved over the last ten years until the present moment when the SSP is trading for over 900 for every USD. 

Background:

Exchange rate: the exchange rate represents the price of a national currency valued as a foreign currency. When the exchange rate for a currency rises so that the currency exchanges for more of other currencies, it is referred to as appreciating or “strengthening.” When the exchange rate for a currency falls so that it trades for less than other currencies, it is referred to as depreciating or “weakening. 

How are exchange rates determined?

Exchange rates, which reflect the value of a country’s currency to other currencies, are influenced by various factors. Inflation, interest rates, public debt, political stability, and economic health all play crucial roles in shaping the strength or weakness of a currency. Countries with low inflation rates and stable political environments tend to have stronger currencies, as they attract investors and inspire confidence. Additionally, a robust economy, positive balance of trade, and low current account deficits contribute to a currency’s appreciation. However, speculative activities and short-term market sentiments can also affect exchange rates.

Understanding these determinants helps in analyzing and predicting currency movements. Knowledge of these factors is vital for businesses, investors, and policymakers in making informed decisions in the global financial markets. It is important to monitor inflation rates, as low inflation tends to support stronger currencies. Interest rates influence the attractiveness of a currency to investors, and higher rates can strengthen exchange rates. Public debt levels, political stability, and economic health also impact exchange rates. Finally, trade balance and current account deficits affect a country’s currency value. By considering these determinants, stakeholders can navigate the complex world of foreign exchange and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Types of exchange rate systems:

There are four main types of exchange rate regimes. The first is the free-floating system, where exchange rates fluctuate constantly based on market demand and supply. Currency prices change dynamically, reflecting the forces of the foreign exchange market.

The remaining three types include fixed, pegged, and managed float systems. In the fixed system, a monetary authority sets a firm exchange rate for the currency to a foreign currency or a basket of currencies. This fixed rate remains constant over time. Under the pegged system, a country ties the value of its currency to a foreign currency or a specific unit of account. Although bilateral parity is maintained, the value of the home currency fluctuates in line with the anchor country’s currency. In the managed float system, the exchange rate is influenced by both market conditions and interventions by the monetary authority. The central bank actively participates in the foreign exchange market to manage and steer the exchange rate without committing to a predetermined path.

Understanding these various exchange rate systems is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of international trade and financial markets. Each system offers different degrees of flexibility and control over a country’s currency value, shaping economic outcomes and policy decisions.

The United States of America vs South Sudan Economies by Comparison:

The GDP is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. For comparison purposes, The GDP of both the USA and South Sudan are:

  • USA: 26.24 trillion USD 
  • South Sudan: 7.02 Billion USD

Evolution in the exchange rate of the South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) versus the United States Dollars (USD)

At the inception, the exchange rate was SSP 2.75 for every 1 USD. However, things quickly went downhill as the exchange rate is currently at 980 SSP for every 1 USD within years, peaking at 1001 SSP for every USD. This is highlighted by the graphs below.:

The first graph shows how the exchange rates have evolved between 2012 and 2023, offering the highs and lows in the process. The second graph displays daily changes in the exchange rates, showing drastic daily changes in the process, such as the highest daily exchange rate, highest gain and highest loss in value by the SSP on the United States dollar. 

The link to the visualisation is Here.

The link to the visualisation showing the daily difference in the exchange rate is given Here

Some insights emerge from the data, which we highlight below:

  • The most significant loss in value for the SSP against the USD was between 12 and 13 October 2020, when it went from 515 to 700 in a matter of 24 hours 
  • The biggest gain in value for the SSP against the USD was between 13 and 14 October 2020 and between 6  and 7 August 2022, when it went from 700 to 550 in a matter of 24 hours 
  • The highest-ever exchange rate was on 24 May 2023, when it stood at 1001 SSP for every USD

How do search terms related to Exchange rates compare in South Sudan for the past 12 months? 

In conclusion, we compare how searches are compared for four related topics: South Sudanese pound, USD, BoSS, exchange rate and FOREX. For this segment, we use Google Trends for the data collection and visualisation. Google Trends is a website by Google that analyzes the popularity of search queries in Google Search across various regions and languages. The website uses graphs to compare the search volume of different questions over time. We use this feature to analyse how the search patterns of the four topics emerge from July 2022 to June 2023. 

The graph below shows interest over the past 12 months. The research shows that USD is consistently the most searched term, indicating considerable interest in USD in the country. All the data was collected using GoogleTrends.

The graph below shows that the USD generated the most interest in the period lasting 12 months, followed by Exchange Rate. In contrast, BoSS and the SSP showed little interest in search volumes in the analysed period.

NB: the data was visualised using Datawrapper. 

This comprehensive analysis explores the South Sudanese Pound’s history and its exchange rate fluctuations against the American Dollar over the past decade. Factors influencing exchange rates, such as inflation, interest rates, public debt, political stability, economic health, balance of trade, and confidence/speculation, are discussed. The four main types of exchange rate regimes—freely floating, fixed, pegged, and managed float—are explained, highlighting their characteristics and implications. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding these determinants and exchange rate systems for businesses, investors, and policymakers to make informed decisions in the global financial markets. We also examined search trends related to exchange rates in South Sudan, indicating significant interest in the United States Dollar while providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics of exchange rates and their impact on economies.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fact-check: Resignation letter inauthentic, not from Ruweng Administrative Area chief

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The two-page resignation letter purportedly from Stephano Wieu Malek, Administrator for Ruweng Administrative Area, is false and dismissed as fake information by the area information minister.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

A resignation letter dated 14th June 2023 addressed to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, allegedly from Stephano Wieu Malek, Administrator for Ruweng Administrative Area, is false.

The two-page letter circulating in WhatsApp group chats claimed that Stefano Wieu was immediately stepping down from his role and declared allegiance to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).

What makes this letter inauthentic and, therefore, false?

The document header displays logo colours inconsistent with those officially used in letters issued by the Office of the Chief Administrator for Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA).

Unlike previous authentic letters, the date in this letter is underlined.

A notable difference is that the signature is left-aligned, while authentic letters from the office of the Chief Administrator are typically centre-aligned.

The grammar used in the letter is poor, with multiple spelling errors, including the misspelling of the names of the Chief Administrator.

Image showing an inauthentic letter allegedly from RAA chief

On the 20th of June 2023, the office of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youths, and Sports Ruweng Administrative Area, Panrieng, made a public statement on its Facebook page dismissing the claim which said that the Chief Administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area, His Excellency Stephano Wieu De Mialek has resigned from the SPLM party and as it’s Chairman in Ruweng- Panrieng.

“This is fake news of the year 2023, and such propaganda is purely the work of the enemies of progress of the Ruweng people,” the statement of the area minister said in part.

An example of an authentic letter from the RAA chief

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim in a two-page letter of resignation allegedly from Stephano Wieu de Mialek, Chief Administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area, false. The document is inauthentic and wasn’t issued by his office. 

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Did Volodymyr Zelenskyy mock African Presidents in Kyiv?

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The text alleged to have been written and signed by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, trying to mock African leaders about their African problems, is not authentic. 

Writer: Jibi Moses

A lengthy speech is making rounds on social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, allegedly of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s opening Speech when he met the African leaders in Kyiv on the 16th of June, 2023. 

The text, which does not have a clear source and date of origin, is alleged to have been written and signed by Zelensky, but this is false.

“Opening Remarks by President Volodymyr Zelensky while meeting African Leaders in Kyiv, Ukraine, 2023-6-16,” the text is titled.

“Zelensky to African Leaders: I am happy to host you here in the beautiful city of Kyiv. I know when u watch your TV in Africa, you get to know that Russia has destroyed the entire city of Kyiv according to Russia’s global propaganda machinery. Still, you have moved around Kieve, and you see how beautiful the city is with welcoming people doing their business; however, with imperialists Vladimir Putin dropping bombs..we have been intercepting most of them. Some we have failed,” partly reads the text.

Screenshots of the text being shared on WhatsApp

The document came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently led an African delegation. The leaders were on a mission in Kyiv to mediate peace between the two warring parties, where Russia was accused of attacking Ukraine.

211 Check did an internet search through the mainstream media to find out the exact speech and to validate whether this claim was valid, and below is what we found out.

The Media is awash with clear messages from President Zelenskys’ speech when he met the African leaders on the 16th of June 2023. Reuters, a news agency owned by Thomson Reuters Corporation, reported on the event with a story titled, “Ukraine tells African Leaders no peace talks with Russia,” written by Pavel Polityuk and Olena Harmash.    

“To allow any negotiations with Russia now while the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze everything: pain and suffering,” according to Reuters, Zelenskiy told a joint press conference with the delegation.

A similar report was made by Le Monde, a French daily afternoon newspaper, the leading publication of Le Monde Group, that covered the story with this heading, “Zelensky rules out talks with Russia as he meets African leaders in Kyiv.”

The delegation, including leaders of Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Comoros, was expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, according to Le Monde and AFP.

While an article by Al Jazeera English, an international 24-hour English-language news channel owned by the Al Jazeera Media Network, stated that Zelenskyy asked African leaders to push Russia on prisoner release.

Other news outlets that reported the story included, among others, Milford Mercury, CNBC, CNN.COM, and The New Times.

Screenshot of a picture of Zelenskiy with the African Leaders.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the text alleged to be written and signed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, trying to mock African leaders about their African problems, is false. The writer’s source and intention are not and can not be traced. However, it can fool the society into believing that it’s true. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Did Hamdan Dagalo visit Kenya for Sudan’s talks last week?

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Hemedti didn’t travel to Kenya last week. The photo of President William Ruto and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was taken on 05 December 2022 and used on 9 January 2023

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

The Facebook page Radio Dabanga-211 posted on 14- June-2023 that President Dr Willam Ruto is in action to stop Sudan’s conflict as Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, travelled to Kenya for talks. This claim is, however, false.

Radio Dabanga- 211, a page with 7,700 likes and 14,000 followers on Facebook, describes itself as Entrepreneur and was created in December 2021. The post attracted 75 reactions, 17 comments and 34 shares in just four days. 

“Breaking news. President Dr Ruto is in action to stop conflict as soon,” partially reads the post. 

A screenshot of a post used by Radio Dabanga-211. 

This claim came out immediately after the IGAD member states assembled in Djibouti to discuss the region’s future and the current situation in Sudan, where the member states decided to elect President William Ruto to lead the negotiations of the Sudan crisis, assisted by his South Sudanese counterpart, President Salva Kiir.

Did Hamdan Dagalo meet Kenya’s President William Ruto in Kenya on 14th June? Here is what we found out:

211 Check did a reverse image search on the pictures, and we found that the photographs were first used on Twitter by William Ruto himself on the 10th of January, 2023. This was after a political framework agreement was signed on December 5, 2022. 

 “Kenya fully supports the Political Framework Agreement signed on December 5, 2022, between the Transitional Sovereignty Council and the civilian political actors in the sisterly Republic of Sudan, reaffirming a strong commitment to a peaceful future of their country,” the Twitter thread partly reads.

Other screenshots in the same tweet by President William Ruto. 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, was in Nairobi for talks with President Ruto on 14th June 2023 as false and misleading. The images attached to the claim were first used on the 10th of January, 2023, in a tweet by Kenya’s President William Ruto. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: This recruitment exercise is not from NRA South Sudan

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These scams use harmful and phishing URLs to steal valuable information from people. We tell people to be careful when responding to these social media posts and to check the truth of any claims before acting on them.

Writer: Jibi Moses

On 16th June 2023, a post on Facebook claimed that an application was ongoing for a recruitment exercise by the National Revenue Authority, also known as the NRA in South Sudan, but this is false.

The claim has also been shared with a link in WhatsApp groups and private chats by unsuspecting individuals.

“Application is ongoing… hurry now!” partly reads a post on the little-known Info Data Facebook page. This post attracted over 120 reactions, 46 comments and 18 shares.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by Info Data. 

On clicking the link titled “APPLICATION FORM PORTAL,”  one is directed to a platform which claims to be for NRA, with classified jobs and the number of required applications. 

Screenshot of the first page of the link.

Opening the link on a protected gadget warns you not to continue the connection or risk giving your details. Strong anti-virus and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) play a crucial role in protecting us while online.

The link later on demands one to give his name and phone number to get the job. However, after this stage, one is asked to share with at least 15 individuals or five WhatsApp groups. This process lets the malicious link spread so fast as unsuspecting persons think this is the best option to get the job. Unfortunately, at this stage, people’s details are extracted, or this is where we give out our details to scammers.

Further screening on Virustotal, two security vendors flagged the URL as a phishing link and some others as Malicious links.

A malicious URL is a link created with the purpose of promoting scams, attacks, and frauds. When clicked on, malicious URLs can download ransomware, lead to phishing emails, or cause other cybercrime.

Graphically the link is being hosted in the United States of America.

Scammers don’t relax. This year alone, two different scams about jobs from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on social media have been investigated by 211 Check, as seen here and here. 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the advert claiming to be from National Revenue Authority South Sudan is false. These are scams embedded with Malicious and Phishing links intended to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: MTN not giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan

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The circulating WhatsApp message claiming that MTN is giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan is fake and being used by scammers.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

An advert making rounds on social media with MTN pictures claiming to give 10 GB of internet bundles to its old users who have at least one year above is false.

“MTN OLD SIM REWARD. Today we decided to reward all our old customers by giving them 10GB of Free Data,” the WhatsApp message reads in part.

The screenshot of the advert was shared in one of the social media groups.

Screenshot of the malicious webpage

The link has been shared widely with forty-two thousand shares, fifty-three thousand comments, and over 210 thousand reactions. This makes it suspicious. 

What truth does this hold? Is MTN giving 10 GB of free data?

211 Check ran a link scan using Virustotal, an online tool that helps internet users detect malicious links. Three security vendors flagged the URL as malicious. Meanwhile, one flagged it as suspicious. 

Screenshots of the virus total scan results.

MTN South Sudan, through its Facebook, also published a disclaimer with the heading FAKE PROMOTION ALERT and warned the public to stay woke. Previously a similar advert made rounds on social media from MTN Uganda, and 211 Check fact-checked it here.

Screenshot of the MTN South Sudan alert.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim as an advert purporting that MTN South Sudan is offering 10 GB of free data to old customers who have used their sim cards for more than a year false. These scams are embedded with malicious and suspicious links to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: President Museveni was not in ICU

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Museveni dismissed in a media address that he was never admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to COVID-19-related complications.

Writer: Kei Emmanuel Duku

A viral tweet shared by Tanzania Abroad TV claiming that Uganda’s President Yoweri. K. Museveni was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after contracting the COVID-19 Virus is false.

“Rais @KagutaMuseveni amepelekwa ICU chini ya uangalizi wa karibu sana kuhusiana na afya yake kubadilika gafla, Mwanaye Kainerugaba Muhozi ameitisha kikao cha Familia,” the tweet reads in Swahili.

Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 10:37 AM, the above tweet and a separate one posted at 5:34 PM the same day claiming that Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and the Presidential advisor on Special Operations, conducted a family meeting with relatives and high-level officers of the Ugandan army regarding the deteriorating health conditions of his father.  

Both tweets garnered 850,000 views, over 5,000 likes, 383 quotes, over 700 retweets and 97 retweets and more than 1000 likes, respectively, drawing mixed reactions from audiences.  

C:\Users\Emmanuel\Desktop\ICU.jpg
A screenshot of the posts with the false viral claim

Origin of the Claims: 

On Wednesday, June 07, 2023, while on a State of National Address, President Museveni at Kololo Grounds in Kampala, President Museveni while delivering his speech, said, “I am a suspect of Corona as I am standing here. That’s why you see Mama Janet (First Lady) coming in a different car.”

He said he decided to consult his medical experts after experiencing a slight flu-like fever but not as bad as the usual flu, roughness in the throat, headache and drowsiness, something usual since he captured power in 1986. 

Since testing positive for COVID-19, 78-year-old Museveni has been updating the public regularly about his health status; however, on Monday and Tuesday last week, he had not issued any information regarding his health, prompting speculation that he might be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).  

Social Media Reaction to the Announcement:

According to Google translate from Swahili to English, Milton Emmy Akwam retweeted, saying the president is recovering well and Tanzania Abroad TV should apologise to East African Communities

“In the spirit of the East African Community, Please apologise and take this down. The President appears to be on the road to recovery,” but Ankunda Barbra Kakama refuted the allegations and stated that Museveni is steadily recovering.  

It’s a common tendency for many people to use social media for various reasons without verifying content, and it’s on this ground that Mr Jardon, in his retweet, advised Tanzanian Abroad TV to confirm content before publishing.

“Kabla ya kushiriki habari, kawaida ni wazo nzuri kuangalia ukweli mara mbili!” …….. “Before sharing information, it’s usually a good idea to double-check the facts!” reads his Google-translated tweet.  

Claims of European Foreign Policies on Africa and Others:

Recently, President signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into Law, which attracted massive condemnation from the Western world MΔCMUG∆ in his retweet, attributed Museveni contracting COVID-19 to the signing of the Bill. In contrast, Cae Jay believed COVID-19 is a manufactured virus by the European countries intended to kill African leaders who go against the interest of the West. 

Both Sayyidi II and Vidzok said President Museveni made the mistake of signing the Anti-Gay law. Citing leaders like Gaddafi of Libya and Saddam of Iraq were killed because of the contriving policies of the Americans. 

This was not different from another tweep who believed the impact of signing the bill had a connection to the infection. “One man down. The war of homosexuality is to be fought scientifically and art,” reads his tweets. 

Change of leadership in Uganda: 

President Museveni has ruled Uganda for over 30 years since he came to Power in 1986. He is one of the longest-serving leaders in the continent. Many Ugandans, including others within the East African Region, believe he should step down before he dies, and they say this is the right time for Ugandans to experience a change in leadership. 

Too many opposition parties and citizens in Uganda see President Museveni as a dictator, particularly how, in the past, he has been cracking down on opposition leaders and their events, particularly in the last elections. Many believe there will be no peaceful power transfer even if he is ageing.

While both claims by Abroad Tazania TV and Nairobian Tea that President Museveni is admitted to ICU puts Ugandan Citizens in panic as the conditions of Museveni have deteriorated, Nickie, a tweep, is urging Ugandans to prepare as the time for a change of leadership has come, which is similar to Eugene Maritim‘s.

Evidence:  

After testing positive for COVID-19, President Museveni made jokes and said it is for the first time in more than 50 years that he is falling sick and the second time he is going on leave from office since he assumed powers at the State House and will go into isolation while observing quarantine and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will preside over the reading of the national budget on June 15, 2023, and perform other national duties. Still, barely a day, Primer Robinah Nabbanja also tested positive for COVID-19.

However, during the National budget presentation, the Speaker of the 11Th Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, during her opening remarks, condemned some Ugandans in what she described as “Insensitive comments” for wishing bad for Museveni.

Similarly, while appearing on Zoom from State Nakasero-Entebbe during budget reading, Museveni hit back at a section of Kenyans for preaching false information. He further noted that he is on his path to recovery and executing State duties, usually in isolation.

He said since contracting COVID-19, he had never been admitted to ICU, and so far, three tests have been carried out, and the results still show positive despite not showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Nation Media Group publication gazette Daily Monitor and Urban TV revealed this.  

Commenting on his absence from the Media, Museveni revealed he had been busy doing paperwork in his diary farm and has asked the public not to panic over his health status. He reaffirmed to the public should his health worsen, they will be informed, and there is no cause for alarm. 

However, he urged Kenyans from whom the news of his admission to the ICU emerged to pray for him. 

No, Uganda’s President Museveni was not in ICU. 

The claim made by Tanzania Abroad TV in a viral tweet that Uganda’s President Yoweri K. Museveni was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after contracting COVID-19 is false.

President Museveni and his Primer, Robinah Nabbanja, tested positive for COVID-19 on June 7 and 8, 2023, but none were admitted to intensive Care. Currently, the two leaders are in isolation and responding well to treatment. However, the false news created on social media was intended to cause panic among the local population within Uganda and the region.

No, COVID-19 was not sent as a punishment for ‘stubborn’ African leaders.

Many local populations thought COVID-19 was a punishment for stubborn African leaders like former President of Tanzania John Pombe Magufuile, who did not believe in COVID and did not listen to the West and subsequently died from Corona. Therefore by Museveni signing the Anti-Gay bill into law, they claimed that the West World also sent COVID-19 as a harsh punishment because he denied the rights of Gay people in Uganda, yet in a real sense COVID-19, foreign policies or internal administration has no connections.

While it is true that so many African leaders died of COVID-19, the related deaths have been associated with substantial changes in public health policy in cases where the response to the pandemic had initially been contested or minimal.

Did Muhoozi, President Museveni’s son, hold a family meeting?

The claims that Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Son of the President, held a meeting with the high command of the Army and his family is not valid but rather aimed at creating tensions between the army command and civilians. 

The claim’s background can be traced back to how Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been conducting himself on social media, parading himself as the next President of Uganda who will take over from his father or contest against him in the next general elections. 

However, according to the constitution of Uganda, Article 109 states that if the President dies, resigns or is removed from office under Article 109, The Vice President shall assume the President’s office until fresh elections are held, and a new President is sworn in. Article 109(4 and 5) respectively states that whenever the President cannot perform his functions of the President, The Vice President shall perform those duties until the President is again able to perform those functions. The Speaker shall perform those duties where both the President and the Vice President cannot perform those functions until a new President assumes office.  

We can conclude from the above constitutional provisions that President Museveni’s Son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, does not come closer to succeeding powers from his father should he die or resign from the presidency. Even in the military structure, Muhoozi Kainerugaba comes third and has minimum impact on decision-making about the governance systems of Uganda. 

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Uganda Ministry of Health has not refused to Pay Medical Interns

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The claim that Uganda’s Ministry of Health refused to pay pre-medical interns is false, as the ministry has been battling to deploy and pay more than 1,500 medical interns for their internship after graduating.

Writer: Kei Emmanuel Duku

Over the last year, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has been engaged in a fierce battle of deploying more than 1,500 medical interns for their internship after graduating.  However, others who have been deployed complain about unpaid arrears, salary disparities and poor welfare, while fresh graduates still complain of delayed deployment by the Ministry. 

On May 15, the Uganda Parliament directed the Ministry of Finance to release the money required to facilitate the deployment of medical interns by the Ministry of Health. Still, since then, no action has been taken by the respective ministries, but instead, the Ministry of Finance has threatened to scrape off allowance to medical interns, which proposal was rejected by President Museveni. 

Ideally, the current Cohort of interns should have been deployed on April 3, but since then, no action has been taken.  

Origin of the Claim, “not pay and deploy Interns.”

The claim originated from the earlier communication Dr Atwiine had made during a Zoom meeting, that some parents and students have met them and agreed to shoulder the internship cost as the Ministry of Health awaits funds from the national treasury. However, the pronouncement by Dr Atwiine doesn’t go well with some of the pre-medical interns. 

A document doing the rounds on social media, majorly Twitter, claims that Dr Diana Atwiine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, said that her Ministry would not pay for medical interns during their internship.

“We are not going to pay for Interns; let those who can afford to carter for their medical internship pick application forms and choose hospitals they would work in…,” reads part of the claim. 

Dr Atwiine was further quoted in the claim that the medical professional is not meant for the children of the poor and had asked the poor children to abandon the profession. https://twitter.com/ainbyoo

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Screenshot of the claim doing the rounds

What have we found out?

Such claims are uncalled for by any leader who holds such a magnitude position in any institution. It is on these bases that the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, in a separate, WhatsApp conversation shared by this publication between the Minister and one of the Medical Intern, Dr Chris denied the claims and assured the particular student of government assurance’s allowing all students to do their internship.

“This is not the position of the government. I don’t believe that she said this. I request you just to remain patient as the internship issue gets sorted. You will all do an internship,” he said in a WhatsApp message seen by 211 Check.

But during her communication on the 06th via Zoom to some medical interns, Dr Atwiine directed those interested students to apply online, hinting that the delay was caused by a lack of finance from the Ministry, as loudly pronounced by her in the video below.  

Both Dr Atwiine and Dr Chris’s statements were backed up by a Press Release issued on the 7th of June by Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Senior Public Relations officer of the Ministry of Health, reechoing the outcome of the Zoom meeting and stated that upon applying and deployment, interns would be paid arrears once money is disbursed from the Ministry of Finance. 

In the letter, he also expressed his displeasure with some students who went rowdy during the meeting. He conned false information regarding the out of the meeting and some individuals at the Ministry of Health. “……. Furthermore, some of the Pre Interns have embarked on Online Campaign distorting information and sharing abusive information on social media against The Ministry of Health,” reads the Press Release. 

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However, Emmanuel noted that the delay in deploying the intern had affected the internship cycles since many students will graduate and compete for the available few internship positions. 

Medical interns are doctors, pharmacists, and nurses who have already graduated from medical school but need a one-year placement in the hospital to get permanent practising licenses from their professional councils. 

Conclusion:

211 Check concludes that the claim of the students was false and contradictory to the outcome of the meeting at which the Permanent Secretary explained what caused the delay in deploying the students and what the next course of action should be for students and parents who can afford to pay for their internships in the respective health facilities where they will be deployed.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Explainer: Aflatoxins – What You Need to Know

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Aflatoxin is a dangerous toxin produced by fungi that grow on crops and can cause cancer, liver damage, and growth problems in humans and animals. It is a significant food safety issue in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

A media report by South Sudan’s Juba-based Eye Radio says the South Sudan Bureau of Standards has impounded forty containers of maize flour from Uganda at the Nimule border on claims that they are affected by Aflatoxin fungi according to preliminary laboratory tests.

“At least 40 containers of substandard maize flour were confiscated at the Nimule border,” said the South Sudan Bureau of Standards Chief Executive Officer, Mary Gordon.

‘’We found some substances in the food items, especially the maize flour from Uganda. It has not expired, but the chemical ( aflatoxin) acquired harms human consumption. Forty containers have been stopped from proceeding to Juba,’’ said the clearance Agents Association Chairperson, Daniel Deng

Courtesy image

211 Check takes a look at how this type of fungi affects food, and here is what we found out:

What is Aflatoxin?

Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi found on crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. The primary fungi that produce aflatoxins are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are abundant in warm and humid regions of the world. Aflatoxin-producing fungi can contaminate crops in the field, at harvest, and during storage.

People can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products (such as peanuts) or meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed. Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed by inhaling dust generated while handling and processing contaminated crops and feeds.

Image showing corn infected by aflatoxin

What are the common causes of aflatoxin?

Aflatoxin is caused by certain strains of fungi, such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi are commonly found in soil and can grow on crops such as peanuts, cottonseed, corn, and tree nuts, especially when stored in warm and humid conditions. The fungi produce aflatoxin as part of their natural metabolic processes, which can contaminate food and feed products. Factors that can increase the risk of aflatoxin contamination include poor storage conditions, improper handling and processing of crops, and insect damage to crops. Climate conditions such as drought or excessive rainfall can also contribute to higher levels of crop aflatoxin production.

What are the dangers of exposing people to aflatoxin?

Aflatoxin is a Potent Carcinogen that can cause liver damage, immune system suppression, and growth impairment in humans and animals. The health effects of aflatoxin exposure depend on the level and duration of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility. In acute high-level exposure cases, symptoms may include liver damage, vomiting, abdominal pain, and convulsions. Chronic exposure to low levels of aflatoxin over a prolonged period may increase the risk of developing liver cancer, particularly in populations with existing liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C infections. Aflatoxin exposure has also been linked to other types of cancer, including lung and colorectal cancer. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of aflatoxin, which can result in stunted growth, malnutrition, and impaired immune function.

Ways of preventing aflatoxin from contaminating food

Aflatoxin is a type of toxin produced by certain moulds, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. It can contaminate many crops, including grains, nuts, and seeds, and is a significant food safety concern worldwide.

There are several ways to prevent aflatoxin contamination in food:

  1. Proper storage: Aflatoxin-producing moulds thrive in warm, humid conditions. Therefore, storing food in excellent, dry places can help prevent the growth of these moulds.
  2. Good agricultural practices: Farmers can reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination by using good agricultural practices such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, and timely harvesting and storage of crops.
  3. Biological control: Several strains of non-toxic Aspergillus fungi can be used to compete with and displace the toxic strains that produce aflatoxin.
  4. Chemical control: Fungicides can be applied to crops to control the growth of aflatoxin-producing moulds.
  5. Screening and testing: Regular screening and testing of food products for the presence of aflatoxin can help identify contaminated batches before they enter the food supply chain.

It’s important to note that prevention is vital regarding aflatoxin, as there is no practical way to remove it once it has contaminated food. Therefore, taking proactive steps to prevent contamination is critical for protecting human health.

How can farmers reduce the risk of aflatoxin?

Farmers can take several steps to reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination in their crops:

  1. Crop management: Proper crop management practices can help reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This includes planting resistant varieties, using proper irrigation techniques, and ensuring that crops are harvested at the correct time.
  2. Pest control: Pests such as insects and rodents can damage crops and create favourable conditions for the growth of aflatoxin-producing moulds. Farmers can minimise pest damage through integrated pest management practices, which may include cultural, biological, and chemical controls.
  3. Drying and storage: Aflatoxin-producing moulds thrive in warm, humid environments. Therefore, farmers should ensure that crops are dried and stored in excellent conditions. This can be achieved using drying and storage facilities that maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
  4. Regular monitoring: Farmers should regularly monitor their crops for signs of mould growth and other indicators of aflatoxin contamination. This can involve visual inspections and laboratory testing samples from different farm areas.
  5. Training and education: Farmers can benefit from training and educational programs that teach them about the risks of aflatoxin contamination and the best prevention practices. This can include information on crop management, pest control, and proper drying and storage techniques.

Farmers can help reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination in their crops by taking these steps, leading to safer and healthier food for consumers.

Treatment for aflatoxin infection

The treatment for aflatoxin exposure depends on the severity of the illness and the specific symptoms exhibited. Hospitalisation may be necessary in cases of acute poisoning to manage symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, and convulsions. Supportive care may also be required, including intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and nutritional support.

However, there is no specific antidote for aflatoxin poisoning, and treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further exposure. In cases of chronic exposure, long-term monitoring and management of liver function may be necessary to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer. Prevention is the most effective way to reduce the risk of aflatoxin exposure, which includes measures such as proper storage and handling of food and feed products, regular testing for contamination, and strict regulatory controls.

Conclusion

It is essential to prevent or reduce aflatoxin contamination by implementing good agricultural practices, proper storage conditions, and regular monitoring of crops for aflatoxin levels. The Government has already started screening or examining food and non-food items imported into the country at the border.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fact-check: “Are you from South Sudan?” Job Scams

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These sites are malicious, masquerading as genuine ones, but they steal people’s information. 

Writer: Jibi Moses

If you are a regular Facebook and Messenger user, you must have encountered multiple sponsored Facebook job advertisements on various pages. The pages which run a series of these ads claim there are jobs in the US or Canada for people from South Sudan.

These pages, among others, are; Exact Grant (here, here and here), Jobs Global Center (here) and Study for You (Here).  

The adverts run with different headings, such as “Hiring Caregivers in the USA | jobs as a night carer for the elderly” and “Looking for jobs that are right for you.”

These posts claim that the jobs include housekeeping, elderly caregiving, driving, supermarket attendants, construction and painting. The pages make further claims about how people will be paid per hour, ranging from 25 USD to 50 USD, depending on what one intends to apply for, and every opportunity doesn’t require experience. 

Screenshots of one of the adverts from Exact Grant.

Investigation:

These adverts are everywhere on Facebook and are concentrated on South Sudanese. And many people were commenting, showing interest in applying for these jobs, which raised concern, and 211Check ran an investigation. However, on opening the site, they immediately lead one to  Home-care-jobs-usa-xyz.

This also has several other sponsored adverts, including, among others, Americanmobile.com, TravelNursing.com, and Travel Nursing Jobs. These are legitimate Nurse staffing agencies with enough experience in doing their work according to the detailed information on their websites and the whois details, all located and registered in the United States of America. Here are their whois details respectively. (Here, here, here). These three companies were registered long ago, the earliest in 1997 and the latest in 2001.

However, on scanning the link Home-care-jobs-usa-xyz using Virustotal, 211 Check found that it has a suspicious, as detected by Forcepoint Threatseeker.

As it operates, Forcepoint ThreatSeeker Intelligence: Monitors popular websites to see if they’ve been compromised or hijacked. Follows breaking news, trending topics and viral social media to identify additional content to assess.

A browser hijacker is a malware program that modifies web browser settings without the user’s permission and redirects the user to websites the user had not intended to visit. It is often called a browser redirect virus because it redirects the browser to other, usually malicious, websites.

Cybercriminals create malicious websites to steal data and plant malware such as ransomware. These websites often masquerade as legitimate ones and use phishing emails to lure visitors

Screenshot of the virus total results.

Conclusion 

The adverts running through different platforms claiming to offer jobs to South Sudanese are mainly false; these ads contain malware intentionally created to divert users to websites they don’t intend to use. These sites are malicious, masquerading as genuine ones, but they steal people’s information. 

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.