What’s Happening Today?

Sultan’s Birthday (Brunei).  Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th and current Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei, as well as the Prime Minister of Brunei, making him one of the last absolute monarchs.

After Queen Elizabeth II, the sultan is the world's second longest-reigning current monarch. On 5 October 2017, the sultan celebrated his Golden Jubilee to mark the 50th year of his reign on the throne.  His birthday is one of the most important holidays in Brunei.

National Give Something Away Day. Most of us have the benefit of having more than we need to live. National Give Something Away Day on July 15 gives us an opportunity to share some of our bounty.  

Whether we choose to buy a meal for someone serving our community, donate new shoes or a coat to someone less fortunate or give flowers to brighten someone confined to their home, giving something away will have a positive impact.

As the COVID-19 lockdown continues, many people are going without. We can use this day to share the little we have with others.

What Happened Today?

1. In 1910, Emil Kraepelin gave a name to Alzheimer’s Disease in his book, Clinical Psychiatry. He named the disease after his friend and colleague Alois Alzheimer.

2. In 1980 in Uganda, a five-person electoral Commission was appointed to oversee the 1980 Presidential Election. The Commission oversaw the election of Apollo Milton Obote as President in an election which future President, Yoweri Museveni discredited as being fraudulent and compelled him to go to the bush and fight the Obote government.

3. In 2006, Twitter was launched. The social media platform is one of the most visited websites with world leaders and celebrities using it to pass on official information and make key announcements. As of 2018, Twitter has more than 321 million monthly active users.

Birthdays

1. 1923 - Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu, Ugandan Bishop. Served as the second bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Masaka, in Uganda, from 11 November 1961 until 10 January 1998. 

2. 1961 – Forest Whitaker, American actor, producer and director who starred in The Last King of Scotland, an Oscar-winning film depicting former Ugandan President Idi Amin.

Sources: Wikipedia, checkiday.com, bornglorious.com & University of Central Arkansas.

Picture credit: Facebook