PROSPECT INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS

A PRESS RELEASE
SUBJECT: PROSPECT INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS

BIO – DATA
My name: William Kituuka Kiwanuka
District of Birth: Wakiso
Age: 51
Nationality: Ugandan
Parents: The Late Besuel Kiwanuka and Penina Kiwnuka of Ssisa Busiro – Wakiso district.
Grand Parent: Late Lazalo Ssebayizzi of Ssisa Busiro.
Clan: Mamba
Qualifications: B. A. (Hons) Economics/Rural Economy degree of Makerere University; Banking; Good Governance Training; Computer Literacy.
Working Experience: Commercial Banking; Teaching; Writing for public consumption; publishing; Career Guidance; Project writing ; Restructuring undertakings; Website designing; General Innovative Consultancy Service Provision.
Residence: A Children’s Home
Box No: 33917, Kampala.
Telephone: +256714981628
Email: wkituuka@myself.com

WHY INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE?
I have all along been an advocate of the opposition party coalition arrangement with a clear agenda under the Inter Party Cooperation (IPC) , however, when nominations for the Presidential candidates was made, it is when my eyes were opened to what I think is a wrong way forward. I advocate for such cooperation where the IPC and not individual party comes out in the final picture; which is equated to one party whether small sort of absorbing others. My belief is that before nomination, the parties under the arrangement would have first convened a conference where members would agree on the way forward including a manifesto, what I see is a diffuse arrangement that may be worse than the Moshi arrangement.
There are therefore no clear ideas of what the IPC is fronting which is going to be different from the current Government’s arrangement for this should be clear from the word go.
Given number 1 and 2 two above, I see it best an opportunity to offer myself as an Independent Presidential Candidate for 2011 General Elections for I think I have a Vision for the way forward for Uganda which we can jointly build on to see our country to prosperity.
I have all along seen some of our failures as a country coming from accepting to be on the receiving end of ideas from those countries and bi – lateral and multi – lateral organizations, instead of coming up with our own agenda and giving it to them for funding and as a basis of our cooperation with them, it is this experimentation that is partly responsible for our under development and constant beggar mentality.
It is also clear that as part of the way forward for Uganda, there is need to build consensus, we should stop this winner takes all mentality and have a win win position for all Ugandans if we see ourselves as a united people in diversity. It is against this background that I wish to advocate for a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation where all parties will play a role and have a feeling of belonging.
It is unfortunate that there has developed a culture in Uganda where able bodied people who would make serious investments in the country are looking to politics as a life long career and only means to survive. This has been witnessed in the on going NRM party elections for positions. It is absurd to see people exchange bitter words to the extent of involving fire arms in mere party elections when they are not even sure that come 2011 general Elections, the voters will accommodate them. This culture has to be reversed so that politics is seen as a sacrifice for one’s country and not a means to milk the taxpayer for one’s welfare irrespective of his/her qualifications which would call for rendering one’s energies elsewhere.

THE INNOVATIONS I AM FRONTING FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENTOF UGANDA
A VIRTUAL CLEARING HOUSE
EMPLOYMENT OF ALL PEOPLE OF UGANDA
FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR ALL
QUALITATIVE ; PRACTICAL EDUCATION FOR ALL
UNIFORM FEDERAL GOVERNANCE IN UGANDA
ENSURING A LIVING WAGE
RNSURING A BALANCED DIETY FOR ALL
CONTROL OF BIRTH THROUGH EDUCATION & FAMILY PLANNING
PUTTING IN PLACE MEASURES TO MINIMISE CORRUPTION
BOOSTING AGRO – PROCESSING INDUSTRIALISATION
BOOSTING OUR EXPORT BASE
FIGHTING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
ENSURING REGIONAL POLES OF GROWTH
IMPLEMENTING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS
CATERING FOR THE ELDERLY
IMPLEMENTING A STUDENT LOAN SCHEME FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
SCRAPPING GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP
PROMOTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN ALL AREAS POSSIBLE.
ENSURING LITERACY FOR ALL AND TEACHING OF RIGHTS
ENSURING THAT GOVERNMENT OBSERVES HUMAN RIGHTS
THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE PREVAILS.
PROMOTION OF A SAVING AND INVESTMENT CULTURE
REDUCTION OF VAT RATE AND TAXATION RATES WHICH ARE ON THE HIGH HENCE MAKE BUSINESS UNCOMPETITIVE INTERNATIONALLY; FOR EXAMPLE ON FUEL
ABOLISHING TAXATION ON GOVERNMENT
WHEN SHALL I LAUNCH MY CANDIDACY?
I am offering my ideas to the people of Uganda as an Independent candidate who has a wish to work with all the elected people’s representative who believe that we need a common destiny for Uganda which is peace and prosperity as well as unity in diversity. We should out grow that fear that once such a Government is out of power, then for us as a group or tribe we
shall be in danger. This peaceful co- existence and brotherhood is what I am advocating for and would wish to nurture given opportunity. I can therefore only launch my candidacy if endorsed by a group of Ugandans who on endorsing my ideas should come forward with financial resources to see to implementation hence the launch.

ERABORATING ON THE INNOVATIONS I AM FRONTING FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENTOF UGANDA

A VIRTUAL CLEARING HOUSE
The biggest investment challenge by the Government I have in picture is managing the innovation of a Virtual Clearing House. This will be an arrangement where all people previously unemployed will fit when work is thought for them. The 1st beneficiaries here should be those who hold qualifications in Business Administration and Management; those trained in information technology and those with accounting/auditing /banking and financial management skills. These will form the basic staff in the Virtual Clearing House.
This arrangement is to have branches from the village level to the National Clearing House. This arrangement is to be installed with the equivalent of cards where each beneficiary will have information concerning him/her a is with bank ATM cards.
The arrangement is to open up equivalent of Grocery shops in each village where the beneficiaries with the Virtual Clearing House will do most of the shopping for the basics of life.
The Virtual Clearing House will operate like credit cards do. Someone will offer a service, for which credit will go to his or her card, and this person will be able to get goods and services basic with the use of this card.
Because Government will be employing people who other wise would not be in employment, special rates will be implemented and upgraded as the economy is boosted by the activities taking place nation wide.

EMPLOYMENT OF ALL PEOPLE OF UGANDA
All people with qualifications should get employment, but their arrangement to be organized under the Virtual Clearing House.
When this is implemented for instance, it will not be necessary to have a carer for a patient admitted to a government health unit.
Those who can train in literacy will be recruited to see that all people who don’t know how to read or right are taught.
Government shall get into understanding with people who have land and are not able as of now to utilize it. This under the community scheme in the Virtual Clearing House arrangement will have members of the community cultivate these areas in line with the guidance of agricultural personnel with a dual objective of increasing agricultural production mostly for processing and eventual export as well as increase food availability to cater for the balanced diet needs of the people.
Those with equipment that can be hired including vehicles shall also be employed in the communal scheme under the Virtual Clearing House arrangement so that they provide services as shall be needed; for instance, if members of the community are to construct school blocks under education for all, the locally available vehicles shall be utilized for the services.

FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR ALL
Uganda wastes a lot of resources which would go into free treatment of her people. By 1974, it was possible to go for example to Grade B Entebbe Hospital without someone to care for you and without a coin and leave having got satisfactory service and cured without getting a coin from your pocket. This service shall be rejuvenated. You can only have a productive population when the people are healthy. This however will be in Government establishments
Capacity to be catered for through the Virtual Clearing House where people from the community near to the establishment shall offer their labour including brick making, fetching water, labour to build to have enough capacity for the projected users of the facility.
Trained personnel in own practice will be taken on board and experts working outside the country will be encouraged to come back with good incentives.
A formula to be thought in handling complex cases where cost sharing may be necessary.

QUALITATIVE; PRACTICAL EDUCATION FOR ALL
Efforts to be made to ensure that all who don’t know how to read and write are taught. This may be at existing Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools or other area deemed convenient. This is an initiative where all the illiterates will be mobilized to ensure that they get functional literacy as a pre requisite for development.
Through the community initiative, the people will get involved in building school blocks and as such, shortly there will be no problems of having many children/students but little capacity. These will still have to be cleared for their services by the Virtual Clearing House.
It will be a strategy to see that teacher incentives are put back to the levels before the income was watered down by inflation. Refresher courses to be enhanced and regular.
All Government primary schools shall ensure that they teach practical gardening and capacity shall be enhanced for vocationalisation.
Quality teaching shall be enhanced and regular inspection effected.
UNIFORM FEDERAL GOVERNANCE IN UGANDA
It is not news that at least 60% of interviewed Ugandans wish for a federal system of governance. Time is ripe to see regional governments take shape in Uganda and use this as an avenue to see that poles of growth are seen throughout the country instead of a few places like ear Kampala and that people of which ever area of the country benefit through retaining a potion of the government revenue generated in their areas.
There is need to lessen pressure on people eying joining the National Parliament, and this is possible when the regional parliaments take off under the federal arrangement which is the wish of many people as of now.
Come up with Parliamentary Legislation of a uniform federal arrangement for Uganda federal regions.

ENSURING A LIVING WAGE
Corruption has been given a chance because many earn pea nuts given the cost of living, and it is one reason why many skilled ad unskilled people have looked for greener pastures elsewhere.
A living wage is possible using a strategy to see reduced taxation (that is VAT and on fuel) among other things, and the free medical services.
When agro – processing takes off, this is one area where it is hoped that the country will base its increased export base hence income to boost the welfare of the people.
Reducing on wastage and duplication can be a big saving to the country as well as increasing production to work at full capacity as more consumption of goods and services sis enhanced.

RNSURING A BALANCED DIETY FOR ALL
When the Virtual Clearing House takes off, many currently unemployed will have some income, with the income, improved diet will be priority.
When the Virtual Clearing House takes off, communities will be involved in communal gardening and part of the produce will go to enhance improved nutrition; and the people shall be taught the advantages of eating a balanced diet.
It is a fact that many of the medical cases we have today are due to poor nutrition; hence the balanced diet is extremely important in being incorporated in the national programme priorities.

CONTROL OF BIRTH THROUGH EDUCATION & FAMILY PLANNING
Current population growth figures in Uganda are a real cause of worry
A lot of effort has to be made to make parents appreciate the need to embrace family planning.
There is need for women to take more responsibility in the support of their children hence this will make them realize that they ought to have a smaller number of children whom they can cater for.
Family planning services should be offered free of charge to many who are poor.

PUTTING IN PLACE MEASURES TO MINIMISE CORRUPTION
Delay in providing services which leads to queuing is partly responsible for corruption where clients end up paying for services for which Government employees are duly paid to execute.
Offices which don’t put up clearly the various official charges which clients have to pay to benefit from the services.
Paying one’s way when in the wrong where the official penalty is high and the culprit opts to pay a bribe.
Measures to counter the above are extremely necessary and appropriate prosecution of culprits.

BOOSTING AGRO – PROCESSING INDUSTRIALISATION
Uganda is an agricultural country and the way to maximize from agriculture is to invest in agro – processing industrialization.
Government has to realize that creating a conducive environment for business is nor enough , in this respect Government has to put in money to ensure this industrialization a reality.
Attract investors into agro – processing more so after making favourable the various factors which make such investments unattractive to prospect investors.
Put the right manpower into research for markets for agro processed products in export markets.

BOOSTING OUR EXPORT BASE
It is not news that increasing the export base and value of these exports is crucial in boosting the export revenue.
Need to get technical manpower to help boost strategies for increased exports.
Get a variety of other products which have traditionally not been for export including crafts, herbal medicine to mention a few.

FIGHTING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
It is a big disappointment that those who are well educated and have got financial resources have ended up big sinners in the environment degradation.
Reclaiming of swamps must be fought.
Local efforts to see that forest trees are planted must be a reality throughout the country.
Gazetted forest areas must remain so
Soil erosion should be checked not only at garden level but also elsewhere countrywide.
Encroachment on swamps and forests must be prosecuted.

ENSURING REGIONAL POLES OF GROWTH
A lot of pressure has been put on land in the centre because of lack of balanced growth strategies throughout the country.
Realizing regional potential which may be on both natural resources exploitation and agriculture are possible strategies to boost regional potential.
Investments in other undertakings as identified by the region can go a long way in attracting people around those investments instead of having them migrate to other areas for employment opportunities.

IMPLEMENTING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Schools are emphasizing academics; time is now to ensure that children leave school with some skills which are employable.
Schools should have gardens where the children can practice scientific gardening.
Poultry. Cattle and goat management as well as fish farming where possible should be undertaken.
Vocational training including carpentry should gradually take off in schools.
Art and craft are areas which are neglected in most of our schools
Computer appreciation and learning of basic packages should take off in primary schools not forgetting Internet appreciation.
After primary school, appropriate vocational training should be implemented including technical drawing, foods and nutrition, art and crafts at more advanced level.

CATERING FOR THE ELDERLY
Uganda needs to open up homes for the elderly where people specially trained can cater for them.
The elderly more often than not lack company and appropriate care so it is appropriate to have them into homes for better care and nutrition as well as leisure.
The homes for the elderly to be constructed in their communities through a community arrangement.

IMPLEMENTING A STUDENT LOAN SCHEME FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
It is unfortunate that A Student Loan Scheme is yet to be realized in Uganda.
Serious mobilization to be done to get sound funding given the demand
SCRAPPING GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP
There is enough evidence that the want to get Government sponsorship is highly responsible for the drive to cheat in national examinations.
Many of those who qualify for the Government sponsorship eventually prove incompetent or average performers in courses they offer.
Many beneficiaries to the government sponsorship are those from the well to do families hence those who need assistance end up disadvantaged.
If Government sponsorship is scrapped and the funds instead put on the welfare of the teaching staff and facilities, it is possible to reduce the tuition being paid by students in public universities.Instaed, it is possible to create avenues to help the orphaned children who have no body to pay their fees.

PROMOTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN ALL AREAS POSSIBLE
One reason why some people are able to cheat/steal Government funds is because we are yet to fully appreciate and incorporate information technology in our undertakings, why should we have collection accounts for Government revenue in commercial banks; this is a loophole which gives some people chance to cheat/steal this money. All money when collected and balanced, at the end of the business day should be remitted to the consolidated account there and then.
When we better appreciate information and communication technology in our undertakings, then we shall be set on the real journey for growth.
We should establish ICT centres in close proximity to where people are, these should include Internet centres incorporated with library facilities and newspapers.
Training in basic ICT should be at primary and secondary school level.
All Government operations to be computerized.
Part of our lagging behind is because we are yet to appreciate the use of ICt in our undertakings.
ENSURING LITERACY FOR ALL AND TEACHING OF RIGHTS
Teaching of literacy skills should be a right for all the illiterate.
Literacy skills to go hand in hand with skills in various aspects including business.
All the people should be taught their rights and this will help check abuse.
Knowing rights is positive in boosting local economic development as people become players in matters that affect their well being.
It is a fact that due to the level of literacy. Women have bigger families, they are greatly abused and many seek non professional medical services. Boosting literacy and specifically having it Functional for the women can greatly boost welfare of the Uganda population.

ENSURING THAT GOVERNMENT OBSERVES HUMAN RIGHTS
‘”THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE PREVAILS”
Ugandans should graduate from the ranks where Government operatives take it as a right to abuse the rights of the people.
There is therefore the need to have a more civilized Government which respects the rights of the people but not dictating to them.
Listening to the pleas of the people, We would like to see a Government of the people by the people for the people whereby if a situation arises as of now where many sections of the population are not happy with the existing Electoral Commission, it is simply fair to disband it, and that is the type of Government I would love Ugandans to see in place.

PROMOTION OF A SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT CULTURE
It is not news that Ugandans need to boost their savings and hence investment culture. This will be easier more so when the Virtual Clearing House takes shape.
More education to avoid waste where people earn but spend instead of saving.
REDUCTION OF VAT RATE AND TAXATION RATES WHICH ARE ON THE HIGH HENCE MAKING BUSINESS UNCOMPETITIVE INTERNATIONALLY; FOR EXAMPLE ON FUEL
Many in the business undertakings tell of unfavourable climate due to high taxes in place.
An overhaul of the taxation structure to ensure that local businesses can do their undertakings competitively.
Fuel tax to be reduced as it greatly contributes to high production costs and uncompetitive ness of locally produced products in foreign markets.
Stop the payment of ledger fees which students pay when making deposits to the banks. It is the one who operates an account with a bank on whose account ledger fees is charges. There is no way that ledger fees is paid the way currently it is done.

ABOLISHING TAXATION ON GOVERNMENT
It is not clear why there is need to pay tax on government undertakings.

RECENT ROLES
I see myself as one person who can offer himself as an Independent candidate for the sake of forging national Unity and Reconcilliation where all ideas would be welcome.
I am very serious and therefore kindly appeal for support to get moving. My strategy is among other things to use Information and Communication Technology.
Those who have been through Makerere University have known about Makerere University Private Students' Parents' Association (MUPRISPA) which has been in existence since 2001. because of my efforts, fees remained unchanged till 2009 when our pleas failed as the University is badly in debt and private students were seen as the avenue to raise the funds.
I have been an advocate for the Students' Loan Scheme since 2001; and actually have work to the effect, evidence at Minisrty of Education and Sports. Unfortunately, up to now, the scheme has not taken off!
My writings are self explanatory, I have always offered another view to Government positions in news papers and other fora.
Some of my works are accessible on:
www.williamkituuka.blogspot.com
www.jckiwanuka.blogspot.com
www.stmaryscollegekisubi.blogspot.com
http://kituukachogm2007works.blogspot.com