PRAY THAT UGANDA'S LEADERS DON'T GET HEART ATTACKS

Three more donor nations ask govt to return funds Publish Date: Jan 29, 2013 newvision By Vision Reporter Norway, Sweden and Denmark have followed Ireland’s lead and asked Uganda to return the money which was allegedly misappropriated by government officials. An investigation by the Auditor General found that $13.4m (about sh35b) in aid had been diverted from the northern Uganda reconstruction programme and misappropriated by officials in the Office of the Prime Minister. The principal accountant, Geoffrey Kazinda, has since been interdicted and charged. Scores of other officials have also been interdicted over the scam. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland and Britain froze their aid to Uganda after the scandal was revealed. The AFP reported yesterday that following Ireland’s announcement in November that Uganda had pledged to return four million euros of Irish funds, the three Scandinavian countries have all asked to be reimbursed by the Ugandan Government. AFP said Norway is only asking for a partial refund, since its aid was paid into a special account that made it easier to identify fraudulent transactions. “We have asked to be repaid 23 million Kroner ($4.2m) and we have been promised that we will be refunded,” AFP quoted Astrid Versto, a spokesperson for the Norwegian minister of international development, as saying. Unlike Norway, the other countries had transferred their funds into a joint account, making it harder to trace the money, she added. Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi last year promised that the Government would refund the stolen donor funds. Subsequently, the money from the Irish government was refunded.

WHILE LORD MAYOR LUKWAGO'S PROBLEMS ARE APPRECIATED ...

The Lord Mayor has cried out aloud given the challenges he faces in Kampala. However, Lukwago ought to have known that those challenges were anticipated. It is the NRM in Government, and Kampala is the focal point of money and business. No Head of State can sit back and leave an opposition candidate to run things as he (the Lord Mayor) would have loved. What Mr. Lukwago has to do is being smart. It is out of fashion to publicise with the "For God and My Country" when Lukwago sincerely want to do work for the people of Kampala. Mukyala Musisi is scoring for many who work in Kampala. The new market about to be opened is to her administration's credit. There were a few trucks for hire at the site, just visit the area and see the work of people who are planning. Lukwago talks about little pay, however, many people who are doing MORE WORTHY work for Ugandans like the Surgeons don't get anywhere to what he see's as little pay. For what reason does Lukwago really need more money than Jennifer Musisi - I see Jennifer putting in a lot of brains and a lot of risk and deserves even shs 50 million for her work. Lukwago may have made a mistake in taking up the role of a Lord Mayor. Those are positions for people who have made money and are not bothered by salaries, instead they are ready to make donations from their accumulations over the years. Lukwago should stop mixing his work with Kiiza Besigye if he wants to make any impact as Lord Mayor. Each has his 'lubimbi', it will be absurd to find Lukwago completing 5 years as a disgruntled Lord Mayor. The accountability he is asking from Jennifer Musisi could easily have influence from above where the poor woman may like many just have to take instructions, and she may not have many places to run to. The best Lukwago should do is to see that he makes lives for those within and those who work in Kampala better. His arguments and resorting here and there will not do much. he drives a very executive car. When Jennifer Musisi tries to discipline the taxi drivers so that they can pay, Lukwago instead says Musisi has a safe house! My friend Lukwago, better grow up. leave chaep politics. many can vote Musisi as an achiever given the so many hurdles there in Museveni's Uganda. William Kituuka Kiwanuka

A COUP IS POSSIBLE, BUT WOULD BE VERY STUPID AN ACT

COUP NOT POSIBLE, SAYS BRIG. GGWANGA Brig. Ggwanga. Brig. Ggwanga. By JOHN TUGUME Posted Tuesday, January 29 2013 at 02:00 In Summary Forget it. President’s adviser on security says coup won’t happen but the military will target the corrupt. Ggwanga has joined a growing list of senior officers who have denounced talk about a possible army take-over, saying problems of the 21st century need brains and not guns and bullets. Brig. Ggwanga, President Museveni’s adviser on security in Buganda, said people should not be worried about comments made by the Head of State that the army could take over if what he called “confusion” continues in Parliament. “We are in the 21st century. You just don’t talk about military rule. If you want to tangle with (US president Barack) Obama, talk about military,” Brig. Ggwanga told this newspaper during an exclusive interview he requested on Sunday. The President reportedly alluded, two weeks ago, at a ruling party retreat in Kyankwanzi about the UPDF taking charge of government. Brig. Ggwanga said: “We, the military taking over? No way. May be what the President did not tell you is that we [the military] will go after his people … may be the President was quoted out of context.” The senior soldier added: “We did our work, fought the war, and handed the government to civilians. But these civilians are betraying us through corruption. This is where we shall step in to lock up all those accused of misusing the taxpayers’ money.” Asked what he meant by Museveni’s people, Brig. Ggwanga said: “Look at those ministers siphoning money to private use. You think we are not watching? We have decided that whichever corrupt official gets bail, we shall take them to the military prison. They are let free to go and tamper with evidence and the next thing you hear is they are innocent.” Last evening, Presidential Adviser on the Media John Nagenda also ruled out the possibility of a coup. The army spokesman yesterday dismissed the take-over talk as “something manufactured by the Monitor boardroom”. “No one has talked about a coup,” Col. Felix Kulayigye said, before he hang up the phone. Brig. Ggwanga said like-thinking colleagues were anxiously waiting for the Ssimbwa Bill for them “to jump into action”. Makindye East MP John Ssimbwa has proposed in a private member’s Bill that whoever is found guilty of corruption should have their property or that of their immediate relatives confiscated to recover the abused funds. The Bill is yet to be discussed. Brig. Ggwanga said the NRM MPs are to blame for the poverty in the country. “Look at the NRM manifesto. Agriculture should be prioritised and more jobs created for our youth. The MPs have gone astray...” he said. “I hear them taking about punishing rebel MPs. That’s crap. Ugandans need food on the table, they don’t understand politics,” he added.

PHOTO IMAGES AS NABIRYE EGULANSI GONZA IS SEEN OFF

You can put the web address in your browser: http://goodgovernancepractice.blogspot.com/2013/01/photo-images-as-nabirye-egulansi-gonza_23.html

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP THE MANY WHO NEED MEDICAL SERVICES BUT HAVE NO RESOURCES?

The bringing out of the situation of Allan Ssempagala is commended. It is sad that after discharge, Ssempagala may not have a decent home to go to after the mother sold what they had to get him treated! What can be done about this problem. The efforts of those who come in to help genuinely the fundraising efforts of such needy persons are commended. The prayer is that Uganda Government gets priorities right. Such patients like Ssempagala should be able to get free treatment in a country where priorities are well set. Uganda needs more prayers. William Kituuka Kiwanuka Boy stuck in hospital over sh24m medical arrears Publish Date: Jan 28, 2013

Allan Ssempagala (left) before the operation and (right) before the operation at IHK newvision By Charles Etukuri A 13-year-old boy, Allan Ssempagala, is stuck at International Hospital Kampala (IHK) Namuwongo, over unpaid bills amounting to over sh24m that has accrued over the last seven weeks. Ssempagala’s mother, Lillian Nansamba, a widow, was forced to sell off their home to meet Ssempagala’s medical bills, following an operation at Mengo hospital. On Friday, the manager at IHK, Alex Alexander, confirmed that Ssempagala had been discharged, but was still at the hospital because his bills had not been paid and that the hospital had been duped by well-wishers, who had brought the boy to the hospital. Despite IHK having the Hope Ward that was built through donations to aid the disadvantaged, the hospital says Ssempagala did not fit in the class of the disadvantaged. “Throughout, we treated him knowing he had sponsors. If they had told us that they were unable to pay, we would have treated him through Hope Ward,” Alexander said, adding: “We need money to pay the surgeon who carried out the operation and the medicine spent on him.” A statement signed by Brenda Naluyima, a senior sales executive at IHK, reads: “Initial dealings were through a gentleman by the name of Moses Kalanzi. Moses disappeared in December and my understanding from one of our staff was that he had taken off with some money that had been advanced for the boy’s medical care by a donor.” “Stephen Mukasa then became the contact person at the beginning of January (2013). He (Mukasa) informed us that he would come to the hospital yesterday (Thursday) and make payments to ensure Ssempagala is discharged. He did not show up. Our staff made contact with him today, but he said that he is at a party and will not be able to make it.” The hospital insists that it does not wish to inconvenience Ssempagala or his family and, “we do appreciate their position, however, while there are some aspects of his treatment that we will waiver, it does remain that we require some payment to be made in order to recover some costs.” On Friday, Kalanzi refuted allegations that he had gone missing, maintaining he had sacrificed a lot for Ssempagala’s welfare and that he was still fundraising from well-wishers to clear the bill. When Sunday Vision visited Ssempagala at the hospital on Thursday, the first question he asked was whether we had come to take him home. At the hospital, Ssempagala is in the care of his 14-year-old sister, Jackline Nandawula. “We are forced to share a meal and yet he is on medication that requires him to eat a lot,” Nandawula said. However, it is the journey to trace Ssempagala’s family that further brought us to the stark reality of poverty. The family resides in the slums of Namungoona. After selling their home, the family was forced to move in with Ssempagala’s great grandmother. According to Nansamba, her son’s ordeal started at Mengo hospital where he was first operated. “Two months ago, Allan was a normal child, but things changed in December 2012, when Ssempagala returned home from school feeling pain in the stomach. I rushed him to a clinic in Nateete, but nurses there failed to handle the case and referred him to Mengo hospital.” Ssempagala was diagnosed with severe inflammation of the intestines and was admitted. “No scan was carried out and yet the doctor recommended an operation. As a lay person, I did not object,” a tearful Nansamba, says. After the operation, pus was oozing through the stitches. The mother immediately complained to the doctor, who ordered a second operation. Then, faecal matter started passing out from the intestines. “The bill was growing each day, but there was no sign of my son recovering,” she says. After pressure from the family, Ssempagala was referred to Mulago Hospital. “At Mulago, I was told that another operation could not be carried out until Ssempagala had put on some weight,” she adds. But even as they waited for Ssempagala to put on weight, he continued wasting away. Enter good Samaritans Nansamba ran to the media seeking help and some well-wishers offered help. “I was given food and money and they offered to take my child for further treatment,” she says. After scouting for a hospital a well-wisher offered to pay the admission fees at IHK. On admission, Ssempagala, severely malnourished to only 12kg, could not stand unaided and was put on an extensive treatment programme. After a series of operations by the doctors at the hospital, Ssempagala recovered. If you want to help, you can call 0784401172 or send an email to csr@newvision.co.ug

UGANDA IS INDEED A SICK COUNTRY

The Inspectorate of Government has halted the Karuma Dam Project over Bribery and Corruption allegations. The IGG, Justice Irene Mulyagonja acting on a tip off, has intervened to stop the allegedly abused procurement process that saw an incompetent Chinese firm- China International Water and Electric Corporation - CWE win the over 3 trillion shilling award contract. The link: http://www.ntvuganda.co.ug/general_page.php?id=7131

UGANDA SO UNFORTUNATE TO HAVE MUSEVENI AS ITS LEADER?

Kenya is surely millions of miles away from Uganda, and that is why it is registering positive growth. To have a leader of the calibre of Kibaki is what Uganda will continue longing for. The childhood dreams of Museveni which unfortunately worked out are the reason why Uganda has lag on. Surely, as long as Museveni imagines that he is the single BULL in Uganda's kraal, the more the country will be destined for a failed state. It is sad, but those are our leaders! William Kituuka Kiwanuka --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kibaki bids farewell to Kenyans Publish Date: Dec 19, 2012 newvision By Vision Reporter and Agencies Kenya president Mwai Kibaki has delivered his last address to Parliament at a special sitting as he heads into retirement, reports the Daily Nation. The speech was Kibaki’s last address to Parliament as head of state as he winds up his ten-year term as President since being elected into office in December 2002. "My name will not be on any ballot paper. I wish all of you (MPs) all the best as you vie for the various seats," Kibaki said in his speech. During the Jamhuri Day celebrations last Wednesday, President Kibaki highlighted his legacy including strengthening the economy and infrastructural development. As he concluded his speech he donated a book to parliament highlighting his political career, and thanked the electorate of "Othaya and Kenyans for their faith in my ability to lead them all these years." Kibaki hailed the parliament for their cooperation during his tenute of office. "Your legislative achievements have earned you (MPs) a place in Kenya's history," Kibaki said. He also left the electorate a message: "It is critical that Kenyans are led by competent leaders with high moral standards. I urge Kenyans to vote wisely for men and women who will sit in the Senate and the National Assembly," he said. Winding up his address, he said: "I extend my blessing to the next Parliament." Several MPs delivered speeches hailing Kibaki for the good work he has done leading the country and wished him a happy retirement. Kenya heads into general elections next year in March and the 81-year old leader will not be standing again. Kibaki Bids Tanzanians FarewellKENYAN President Mwai Kibaki has bid farewell to Tanzanians as he inaugurated the head offices of the East African Community in the city of Arusha. This was his final task in his capacity as chairperson of East African Community's heads of State Summit. President Kibaki inaugurated the newly constructed EAC building on behalf of the other four presidents, including Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete, who witnessed the inauguration event. Mr Kibaki will hand over the EAC Heads of State Summit leadership to his Ugandan counterpart, Mr Yoweri Museveni, during the 2012 Heads of State Summit Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, this weekend. Mr Museveni, as well as Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and Burundi's Pierre Nkurunziza, did not attend the Arusha function. The Kenyan Head of State is left with only three months in office. He will be replaced by a new president early next year when his country holds its general elections. Mr Kibaki, who has accomplished his maximum 10-year term in office will not contest. "The EAC building we are opening today should be an edifice of the several milestones that the community has undergone, including the accomplishment of the common market protocol, regional customs union and the expansion which saw EAC grow from three to five member states," said President Kibaki. He, however, pointed out that a lot more needs to be done including improving and adding more infrastructures such as roads, railways and electricity supply at regional levels. The just unveiled East African Community Headquarters' premises here has, on the other hand, set a record for being the first project to be realized in time with a saving of 3.3 billion/-. The planned budget for the construction of the state-of-the-art, East African Community Headquarters was 30.2 billion/- but the project works, according to the EAC Senior Estate Management Officer, Dr Phil-Makini Kleruu, has taken slightly over 26 billion/-. "The EAC headquarters' premises should go down the annals of history as an exemplary project which has managed to save 3.3 billion/- from the initially planned budget in addition to being completed in time," said Dr Kleruu. The new EAC structure consists of three wings and each block has four floors with a central podium that is intended to serve as the chambers for the East African Legislative Assembly but judging from recent sessions held there, the podium is already too small for the task. The building stands on a ten-acre Plot number 12 of Block 111 in the Sekei Ward of the city next to the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) which was coincidentally constructed by the former EAC which collapsed in 1977. Starting out as tenant to the now Parastatal Arusha International Conference Centre, the EA community secretariat used to pay annual rents amounting to US $450,000 which is nearly 600m/- to the Arusha International Conference Centre where it had set up a number of its offices. The EAC was also renting additional office space and paying additional rents to the New Safari Hotel Building and the Diamond Trust complex where it has outsourced tenancy due to limited space at the AICC. The Federal Government of Germany granted the community funds for the construction of its own premises when the project was announced back in 2006 but had to be shelved after it became apparent that the initial funding was inadequate and the EAC had to apply for more grants. Germany granted the EAC 14 million Euros equivalent to 30.2/- billion for the construction of the community's headquarters.

MANY TIMES I FIND IT SAD TO HAVE BEEN BORN IN A UGANDA WHERE MUSEVENI IS DRIVER

On a serious note, Uganda is a sad story. When it comes to a depreciated currency which makes efforts of many useless, Uganda has a Gold Medal! Talk of disguised owners of arcades while more important buildings housing our embassies are rotting away! It is no surprise that these fellows see it best to capture their own Government! Uganda is a sad story. I feel unlucky to have been under Museveni's leadership for so many years. His 'dreams' will get Uganda into a ditch which only God may help, otherwise many Ugandans in responsible positions have been compromised and it remains only PRAYER to help us out of the sad situation! William Kituuka Kiwanuka ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Uganda’s embassies waste away as mission staff plunder millions. Publish Date: Aug 10, 2012 Uganda’s embassies waste away as mission staff plunder millions. The building housing Uganda’s embassy in Washington. Most of Uganda’s missions are operating in buildings that have been condemned. By Moses Walubiri The state of Uganda’s 29 embassies in different capitals is an embarrassment to the nation, the Auditor General has revealed. In his report for the financial year 2010/11, the Auditor General lays bare not only a string of accountability and procurement flaws, but also the near condemned buildings housing Uganda’s missions abroad. The report highlights the challenges and indignity facing Ugandan Foreign Service officers operating from facilities that have long been condemned by the authorities in those cities. RISKS Ugandan missions in Brussels, Dar es Salaam, Ottawa, Copenhagen, Paris, Rome, Abuja, Pretoria and New Delhi are run in buildings that could be condemned soon, according to the report. It notes that Uganda risks losing prime property, if it fails to urgently repair its mission buildings in Ottawa, Copenhagen and Brussels. “The mission stands to lose property in Brussels if funds are not availed to construct a new building within a specified time period. The chancery building in Ottawa could also be demolished if repairs are not done urgently,” reads the report. The ambassador’s official residence in Rome at the time of the audit reportedly had no curtains and the furniture belonged to the landlord. The Auditor General noted that a huge chunk of foreign mission budgets is spent on rent, where Uganda does not own property. Efforts to develop plots donated to Uganda in prime locations in Beijing, Abuja and Riyadh have hit a snag due to financial constraints. In Dar es Salaam, one of the mission’s three properties that were swapped for properties in Kampala may be condemned soon. The report notes that a proposal by a private developer to build 24 apartments on the mission’s plot in Dar es Salaam, has not yet been cleared by authorities in Kampala. The developer proposed to give 10 apartments to the mission and sell the 14 to recover money from the investment. In Pretoria, the ambassador’s official residence requires $386,981 (about sh958m) for repairs. However, the ‘poster child’ of dilapidated missions seems to be the former chancery building in Kinshasa, which was vandalised during instability. Although the building does not have windows, doors and a sewerage system, the Auditor General says Uganda can rake in millions in rent, if it takes advantage of the construction boom in Kinshasa. OVER SPENDING The Auditor General expressed concern over accountability queries ranging from wastefulness of funds by mission heads through committing the Government beyond mission budgets, spending non-tax revenue without approval from the treasury and flouting procurement rules. One such questionable expenditure was the renovation of the official residence of the mission head in Washington at $1.2m (about sh2.4b), after the initial cost was estimated at $394,150 (about sh975m). The Auditor General also raised concern over $220,709 (sh546m), which was spent on furnishing the ambassador’s residence. Also in contravention of the Public Finance and Accountability Act (PFAA) 2003, a host of missions spent over sh2b in non-tax revenue (mainly from visa fees) at source. Accounting officers are expected to adhere to budget allocations per vote or obtain permission prior to making any amendments to the approved budget in line with the PFAA. The report cites the Washington mission as the biggest culprit in flouting the PFAA. The mission claims of having remitted sh1b in non-tax revenue to the consolidated fund was not backed by an acknowledgement receipt from the treasury. The embassies overshot their budgets by sh1.1b, with the mission in Kinshasa (sh341m) and Canberra (sh183m) being the worst offenders. FLOUTING RULES The report also noted that most missions flouted guidelines governing procurement. The guidelines require each mission to procure goods or services in accordance with its approved budget. Missions in London, Dar es Salaam, Ottawa and Moscow carried out ad hoc and direct procurements to the tune of sh301m. In Guangzhou and New Delhi, contracts of three officers, including a high commissioner, had long expired although they continued to execute their duties. In Berlin, the mission had two unqualified staff on the payroll. “Most embassies do not even celebrate national days, or fly the flag of the country. They claim there is no money, yet a few people get the money and abuse it,” said a source. GOVERNMENT REACTS Government has moved fast to crack the whip on erring Foreign Service officers by recalling them. “The Kinshasa mission accounting officer has been recalled over a host of issues. His case has been committed to the ministry’s disciplinary committee,’’ James Mugume, the Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs ministry, said. ‘‘If there is anything criminal, he will face the law,” he added. Sources told Saturday Vision that Foreign Service officers from six missions including Brussels could also be recalled to face disciplinary action over accountability issues. WAY FORWARD MP Jack Wamanga says replacing career diplomats with political appointees has messed Uganda’s missions abroad, adding that many of them do not know what they are doing. The foreign affairs committee chairperson, Alex Byarugaba, called for a sustainable source of funding and housing for the missions. Mugume said: ‘‘It is criminal to use non-tax revenue at source without approval of the treasury even amidst financial challenges.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Affairs minister decries state of Ugandan Embassies Publish Date: Jun 22, 2012 Foreign Affairs minister decries state of Ugandan embassies Oryem says it is hard to do his duty with the budget limited to domestic travel newvision By Mary Karugaba Any further cut of the ministry of foreign affairs budget will blight the already tattered image of the country, State minister of foreign affairs Okello Oryem has warned. Oryem stunned MPs on Budget Committee of Parliament when he narrated that it’s a daunting job to manage the country’s foreign affairs, with embassies abroad “dry on cash and the ministers’ budget reduced to domestic travel”. “Give us what is within the ceiling but that can allow me do my job,” Oryem told the committee discussing the supplementary funding to various government sectors. At the prompting of the MPs who were concerned about the poor state of Uganda’s missions abroad, the minister said the solution only lies in adequate funding. The minister appeared before the committee to defend an additional sh10b allocated to his ministry to save Uganda House in New York from demolition after it was condemned. MPs also reported that in South Africa, the ambassador sleeps with a basin in the bedroom because his house leaks. In Nairobi, the MPs said, the embassy curtains are torn while Kinshasa, India and Washington embassies are in bad shape. “The state of our embassies is wanting, the structures are old. We have no money even to celebrate Independence Day,” Oryem narrated as MPs quiet, listened. “If you could see the location of Uganda’s mission abroad, you cannot believe it,” he said adding that while embassies are supposed to be located in upscale areas (code A+), most of Uganda’s are not. “Foreign affairs is one of those major ministries but it’s left to whom it may concern. Because we are cadres, we get deployed and go on. ” Oryem told MPs that whereas he is supposed to shuttle between capitals of the world to monitor and secure Uganda’s interests, the travel budget for ministries has been cut. “My core job is to travel abroad. But how do you travel when the budget has been slashed and reduced to internal travel?” Oryem asked. He pointed out that when he travels abroad, his hosts chauffeur in limousines but get embarrassed when they visit and he is driving a squeaking seven-year old car. “In the plane, I seat in the business class when my colleagues in other countries are in first-class consulting.” Asked by Health Committee chairman Dr. Sam Lyomoki whether he had raised the issues in cabinet, Oryem answered in affirmative. “I have repeatedly told this to cabinet. I swore to always tell the President the truth. I have been a minister for long because I tell him the truth as it is.” The minister of finance, Maria Kiwanuka said she had also received the same concerns and was working out a way on how missions can prioritize their activities.

SMACK OB BRUCE KUTEESA KIKULE HAS PERISHED IN AN ACCIDENT A LONG ENTEBBE HIGHWAY

In the early hours of Tuesday, 22nd January 2013, as Bruce Kuteesa Kikule drove from Kampala and was reaching where the road to Katale starts, a Water tank truck which was ahead of him abruptly reduced speed to branch to join Katale road, and Bruce given his speed entered the truck and he died on spot!

I knew Bruce in the course of last year when he came back from Japan and was staying with his mother, Mrs Kikule. I feel attached to the Late Kikule's family given that Kikule was my godfather from my baptism. I therefore spare time and call on Mrs Kikule, more so that she gets health problems given her age.

I took interest in Bruce when I learnt that he was an Old Boy of St. Mary's College Kisubi. Less than a week ago, I called to see Mrs Kikule and I found Bruce out behind the main house. We had some good time, and since it had got dark, we entered the main house. Bruce's last words to me were, "Let me go and put the car into the garage."

Early Tuesday, I went to Entebbe to see a Doctor who is an Old Boy of SMACK. We had good time and the Doctor gave me a lift up to Kampala. Traffic was slow, and we realized that at Katambwa, there had been an accident. Little did I know that my OB and friend had perished there and then.

It is sad, more so that Bruce has been handy to help take her mother to a health facility whenever the mother has found her health in bad shape. She sincerely needs your prayers. The Golf car in which Bruce died was just two weeks old! The site of the car at the Police post next to Roofings tells all the story. The occupants could not have survived.

Bruce was making developments in estate and undertaking agriculture (growing vegetables) below is the vehicle he was using in the developments as well as the concrete works at his parents' residence at Bweya - off Kajjansi Trading Centre (8 miles Entebbe Highway).

We need to pray for the relatives of Bruce, more so that the burial had to be done quickly yet many are out of the country.

In the photo above, it is Canon Musiwufu, who happens to be a 'muko' (his wife the one he is with in the photo is a daughter of the Late Kikule and Mrs Kikule of Bweya) who said the last prayers by the grave side before Bruce Kutesa Kikule was put in his final resting place at the family burial ground at Bweya.

Bruce's final resting place "Bruce Kuteesa Kikule weeraba" 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 William Kituuka Kiwanuka

SCRIPTURES WHICH BRING HOPE John 11:25-26 (New International Version) 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 1 Timothy 6:7 (World English Bible) For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out Job 1:21 (English Standard Version) And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Romans 8:38-39 (English Standard Version) 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Lamentations 3:22-23 (New International Version) 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. You can refer to the link below by putting it into your browser: http://goodgovernancepractice.blogspot.com/2013/01/it-is-true-smack-ob-bruce-kuteesa.html

FROM BEING GERMANY AMBASSADOR TO UGANDA TO A PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR!

I find it difficult to believe that Ambassador Klaus Holderbaum would accept an appointment as Presidential Advisor to Museveni. Over the years, President Museveni has received lectures from donors of the do's and don't, and one area has been the ambigous Presidential Advisors who are seen in the lens of many as just increasing the administrative budget and could be avoided. I get concerned to see a former Ambassador from Germany accepting that appointment which some Ugandans who have a feeling for the country could just not take up! The former Ambassador could decide to retire in Uganda, but helping Museveni'a administration is tricky against the background that donor funding to Museveni's Government has played a key role in sustaining him in State House which he should have left at least a decade ago. William Kituuka Kiwanuka HOLDERBAUM APPOINTED PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON TOURISM Former German Ambassador to Uganda, Klaus Holderbaum, was recently appointed as Presidential Advisor on Tourism and Trade, after already serving previously as Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, as it was then known. Holderbaum served as Germanys Ambassador to Uganda between 1999 and 2003 and then retired from the German Foreign Service, opting not to return home to his native Germany but making Uganda his permanent retirement home. Not long afterwards he received his first appointment as advisor to the tourism ministry, renewed at a later stage, and his current job therefore comes as no surprise to those with insight into the workings of Ugandas inner political circles. A member of the Skal Club of Kampala, in his capacity as tourism advisor to the ministry (rtd) and now in his new capacity as advisor to the President, Holderbaum has remained a feature in Kampala, not the least for his towering size which has him stand way above the crowds, though never once looking down on anyone. Like this correspondent, Holderbaum is a Permanent Resident in Uganda, having been granted residency for life, and equally like this correspondent Holderbaum has joined the tourism industry, though after his retirement from the German foreign service unlike this correspondent with 37+ years under his belt in Kenya and Uganda. And in a further coincidence of sorts, Holderbaum too enjoys cooking and creating culinary delights, making for a sound friendship between the two since his arrival in Uganda 13 years ago. Congratulations to Klaus on his appointment and that good fortune may shine on all his does for the sector from here on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GERMANY CUTS AID OVER DEMOCRACY January 19, 2012 January 19, 2012 - Germany decided to cut its foreign aid to Nicaragua due to the EU’s concerns about serious irregularities in the reelection of President Daniel Ortega last November, according to German Ambassador Betina Kern in an interview with El Nuevo Diario. “We are not interested in who won, rather how the elections were won,” Kern told the daily. Starting next year, Nicaragua will only receive German aid for ongoing water-treatment projects. All other cooperation will be cut. Following Ortega’s reelection, Germany has downgraded Nicaragua’s status from a Group A country to a Group B, meaning it’s no longer eligible for other kinds of aid. Germany is the first country to officially adopt a new policy towards Nicaragua following last November’s electoral process, which was widely decried for being opaque and riddled with nondemocratic irregularities. “The Nicaraguan regime must assume the consequences of its increasingly autocratic form of government,” Germany’s Minster of Foreign Cooperation Dirk Niebel said. The Sandinista government is trying to convince itself that Germany’s decision to cut aid is due to the economic crisis in Europe, even though German officials are making their reasons as clear as they can. Kern said Nicaragua will once again be eligible for aid when it returns to some semblance of rule of law, with judicial independence, free elections and respect for human rights.

WHEN WILL UGANDA GET A PRESIDENT WHO GIVES US PRIDE AS OBAMA?

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WHAT DOES THE CONSTITUTION OF UGANDA SAY ABOUT THE POWERS OF ONE'S WILL?

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FDC IS STILL IN THE CONTEST WHICH THEY WILL LOSE TO FLORENCE NEBANDA ANDIRU!

The reading on the wall is now clear, the biggest hurdle was whether Florence Nebanda Andiruwould make it to become the NRM Party candidate for Butaleja Woman Member of Parliament. Now it is clear, Florence has to take the seat. The other contestants are simply wasting money. This is a matter of commonsense in Uganda today. Had it not been for the killing of Nebanda, she would possibly complete her term, at least it was no accident, and the people will definitely elect the most appropriate. It is absurd that we have party leaders who cannot see that! William Kituuka Kiwanuka NRM nominates six for Butaleja elections Publish Date: Jan 09, 2013 NRM nominates six for Butaleja elections Florence Andiru Nebanda, a sister to the late Butaleja district MP Cerinah Nebanda is among the six candidates nominated. PHOTO/Daniel Edyegu newvision By Henry Sekanjako & Shamim Saad Florence Andiru Nebanda, a sister to the late Butaleja district MP Cerinah Nebanda is among the six candidates nominated by National Resistance Movement (NRM) to contest in the NRM primary elections for Butaleja district woman member of Parliament. Andiru was on Tuesday nominated together with other candidates who include, Ida Hadoto Mukisa, Sarah Namusabi, Allen Wegulo, Mary Mboira and Betty Nesihwe. Speaking briefly after her nomination, the visibly happy Andiru said; it is public now, I have been nominated. I have come to develop Butaleja, to accomplish all the projects my sister Nebanda had started in Butaleja .I feel I am the only one that can fit in her shoes”. Andiru was accompanied by her Mother Alice Namulwa among other close relatives who came singing and dancing as they escorted her to the nomination room at NRM headquarters in Kyadondo. Some of her relatives were heard singing “Genda Mpola Nebanda, Genda Mpola Nebanda” while others were chanting NRM oyeeee flashing the NRM sign. However as other people were singing NRM oyeee, Nebanda’s mother Namulwa kept on saying Nebanda oyeee, Nebanda Oyeee. She appealed to the people of Butaleja to support the candidature of her daughter Florence Andiru as a way of accomplishing the projects her late daughter Nebanda had left uncompleted. “I ask all of you to put your trust in Andiru, we don’t expect her to lose,” said Namulwa. Asked why they had decided to bring Andiru on NRM ticket, Nebanda’s brother Richard Wandera said; “our family has always supported NRM, you don’t change parties like you are changing an under wear, we have children and one need to look at the future”. Among other candidates that spoke to journalists briefly after their nomination was Allen Wegulo who contested during the 2011 general elections and narrowly lost to the late Nebanda. She said; “I feel I have the qualities like those of the late Nebanda, she was a courageous woman and so I am. She fought for the people of Butaleja and I am ready to do the same, I have all their problems at my finger tip”. Other candidates pledged to lobby for infrastructural development such as roads, health, and education among other issues that affect the Butaleja community. According to NRM Electoral commission chairman, Professor Elijah Mushemeza, the successful candidate in the NRM primaries will be declared as the NRM flag bearer to contest with other candidates in the race for Butaleja district woman MP. “Joint campaigns begin on Thursday January 10 and will end on January 16, followed by the elections on January 18,” said Mushemeza. Mushemeza however warned all candidates against indiscipline and asked them to honor the results of the NRM primaries to avoid standing as independents. The elections to replace Butaleja district woman MP the late Cerinah Nebanda who died under unclear circumstances are expected to take place on February 18. Butaleja poll: Who will replace Nebanda? Friday, 04 January 2013 07:12 Written by Edward Ssekika EC sets February 11 as election date The police have vowed to crush any act of lawlessness in the by-election to replace the fallen Butaleja Woman Member of Parliament, Cerinah Nebanda, next month. The Electoral Commission has set February 11, 2013 as the date for the election. Eng Badru Kiggundu, the Electoral Commission chairperson, told journalists at the Commission offices yesterday that the commission has also set January 21-22 as nomination dates. “During the by-election programme, no fundraising activities shall be allowed in Butaleja. This is to allow a level-ground for all the candidates and all those found contravening the law shall be dealt with accordingly,” Kiggundu warned. After nomination, candidates will be allowed to campaign for 18 days between January 24 and February 9. Kiggundu also warned candidates against using hateful language that he said could plunge the by-election into chaos. Butaleja district, according to the EC has 87,641 registered voters and 151 polling stations. An update of the voters’ register, will be conducted from January 5 - 9 to enable Ugandans of 18 years and above to register or transfer to new polling stations. Battleground The EC’s press briefing was unusually attended by the deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP), Okoth Ochola and the director of operations Uganda police, Grace Turyagumanawe. On their part, police sent a stern warning against those planning chaos in the by-election. Ochola said there would be ‘abnormal deployment’ in the district during the by-election period. “We can’t accept anarchy in Butaleja. In addition to normal deployment, we are going to beef up security. We shall have both overt and covert deployments,” Ochola stressed. In addition to deployments, Ochola said the police would conduct community policing to avert lawlessness in the by-election. Grace Turyagumanawe, also weighed in, explaining that police has information indicating that there is a group planning to ferry people from other districts to cause mayhem in Butaleja during the by-election. “Our deployment is intelligence-led; so, we can’t take chances. We know when, where and how to deploy, that is our mandate,” he said, although he could not specify which people are planning to ferry goons to Butaleja to cause mayhem. Party primaries Meanwhile, the NRM party has announced that it will soon conduct internal primary elections to select a candidate, to run in the by-election. “We are still drawing up the programme. But we shall definitely conduct our primaries before January 20,” Prof Elijah Mushemeza, the party’s electoral commission deputy chairperson, said yesterday. Dorothy Hyuha, NRM deputy secretary general, who was once Butaleja Woman MP, has not indicated whether she will contest for the seat again. Hyuha lost to Nebanda in the 2010 party primaries. Florence Andiru, Nebanda’s elder sister, has already indicated she will participate in the polls. The UPC and Uganda Federal Alliance have already indicated that they will not present a candidate to challenge Andiru. It is still unclear if FDC will also back her or select another candidate. “FDC had a candidate in the previous election [Suzan Baluka], but I’m not sure whether she will participate in the by-election. Definitely we shall participate, if we don’t field a candidate, as a party we shall back one of the candidates” party, spokesman Wafula Oguttu said. ssekika@observer.ug Posted by Good Governance Practice at 1:44 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook No comments:

BENEDICT KASEKENDE FATHER TO ENGINEER MARTIN KASEKENDE HAS DIED!

It is sad to learn of the death of Benedict Kasekende, father to Engineer Martin Kasekende; Chairman Buganda Land Board. According to family sources, more so the widow, burial will be on Sunday, 20 January, 2013 at 4pm at Kiteezi.

All the sympathy to Engineer Kasekende and his siblings together with the widow. I remember the Engineer at the death of his friends father, the Late Ddamulira father to a schoolmate friend now the Late Dr. George William Mayanja. He was good comfort at the time; unfortunately, Mayanja left us! Now;we pray that the Engineer gets comforted by other friends through the trying time of such a loss. Dear Engineer Kasekende & Family members, I join with so many others in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing of your lovely father. Although it is little consolation at this sad time, it should be of some satisfaction to know that in his passing you can celebrate the end of a very long and productive life. The measure of a life well-lived is not in how much money one has or what possessions they have accumulated, but rather through the lives they touched and the sorrow they leave behind. If the outpouring of sympathy on his loss is any indication, and it most certainly is, you can proudly and confidently say that his indeed was a life well-lived. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him. In Sympathy, William Kituuka Kiwanuka NB About Engineer Martin Kasekende: http://smackobcontribution.blogspot.com/2012/12/19-smack-ob-contribution-engineer.html

IF IT IS TRUE THAT MUSEVENI TOLD THAT ARMY CAN TAKE OVER, HE CAN BE SURE HE HAS WASTED 27 GOOD YEARS FOR UGANDANS!

Museveni tells MPs: Army can take over By Monitor Reporters Posted Friday, January 18 2013 at 07:07 In Summary Swords drawn. President tells legislators at a retreat of the ruling NRM party that the military, of which he is the Commander-in-Chief, is watching political developments in the country closely and will not accept confusion in Parliament. President Museveni is reported to have warned the ruling party’s retreat in Kyankwanzi on Wednesday that if the “confusion” in Parliament persists, the military would not allow it. The President’s reported warning came days after Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga also delivered a veiled fear of a military intervention if MPs continue undermining public confidence in Parliament. It also comes at a time when the NRM leadership is reasserting its authority over members, some of whom have joined the crusade against corruption. Dr Kiyonga warned the House rules committee last week that soldiers were watching Parliament. “If the military feels the country is in the hands of wrong politicians, some officers might be forced to intervene in the name of refocusing the country’s future,” he said while not ruling out the possibility of a coup. The minister was testifying before the committee investigating the chaotic break-down in decorum which forced Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to suspend debate on the oil Bill late last year. Some of the sources at Kyankwanzi said Mr Museveni echoed his minister’s fears. However, the Daily Monitor could not independently establish what the President meant by the army, which is represented in Parliament, not allowing the confusion to persist. But caucus spokesperson Evelyn Anite accused the sources of “putting words in the President’s mouth”, saying the head of State only emphasised that action shall be taken against difficult party MPs. Simmering tensions between the two arms of government mounted after MPs signed a petition to force a recall of the House to discuss the controversy sparked by the sudden death of Butaleja MP Cerinah Nebanda. The petition drew the wrath of Mr Museveni. Fearing a threat to the country’s democracy, critics yesterday reminded Mr Museveni and Dr Kiyonga that Uganda’s government was elected by the people. Mr Haruna Kyeyune (Indep, Kyotera) and Ms Florence Namayanja (DP, Bukoto East) said the insinuation of a military takeover is intended to intimidate independent-minded legislators. Ms Namayanja said the government wants to suppress the right to free speech which is guaranteed by the Constitution. “The President needs to be reminded that we have rule of law, the Constitution which is clear on the separation of powers,” Mr Kyeyune said. Mr Livingstone Okello-Okello (former MP Chua) suggested that the country is headed for military government. But the President’s press secretary, Mr Tamale Mirundi, said “even if the President made the statement, why should the indiscipline in Parliament persist?” He said those criticising the President are fighting a proxy war and do not understand NRM politics. “The President fought for democracy, he is a strong believer of democracy and rule of law. One of his achievements is an independent Parliament and there is no need to capture this institution,” Mr Mirundi said.” Ruling out the possibility of military coup because of House indiscipline, Mr Mirundi said “a jigger cannot force you to cut off your toes.” Samuel Otada (Indep, Kibanda), Jack Sabiiti (FDC, Rukiga) and Abdul Katuntu (FDC, Bugweri), some of the senior members in the House, accused the President and Dr Kiyonga of blackmail. Laid bare “It is good news, the pretence is now over, none of these two gentlemen can claim to have democratic credentials. They do nobody a favour to have democratic institutions in place,” Mr Katuntu said.

IT DEFEATS MY UNDERSTANDING HOW KAJJANSI POLICE STATION HANDLED AN ABANDONED CHILD

On Sunday 13 January 2013 morning, an abandoned child was delivered to Rebecca a resident of Kawotto in Kajjansi (0783 736300). Those who delivered the child did so on grounds that they believed that the child belonged to a boy who calls Rebecca an aunt. The immediate action by Rebecca as done by Andrew (son of 0772 684533) was to go to the Police Station and report the matter. The madam in charge of family matters said that their obligation was to identify a relative and have the child there. She further said that necessary procedures would be handled the following day.

The Police did not take any effort to follow up to find how the child had been delivered to Rebecca and where the child had been left etc. The child in ill health would have been the concern of the Police to have the child taken to a medical facility and examined. On Monday, Rebecca called at the Police but not ready to have the custody of the child given that she is a widow and tries hard to support her two children who are still at school. Instead, Rebecca was given a letter to take to the Probation Officer at Ssisa Sub County Headquarters. At the sub county, the letter content showed that Rebecca was ready to undertake the custody of the child. The Probation Officer went as far as telling the group that they should have not in anyway have got in contact with the child without the Police undertaking their rightful duty. The group came back to Kajjansi with the custody of the child forced on to them. It is a fact that some Police Officers have interacted with the girl who dropped the child more than once. By yesterday, efforts to get the girl by the Police had not taken off. The girl in believed to be in her senses, she has her parents in Masaka but keeps around Kajjansi Trading centre. I got concerned when I learnt about this matter. I took my time to write to the DPC of Kajjansi Police Station, however, in a matter that Police normally uses, by yesterday, I had failed to get anywhere with the DPC who referred me back to the madam officer in charge of family matters. I went as far as telling the woman officer the name of a boda boda cyclist who could help in getting the parties who are responsible for the child abandonment, however, when I called on this boda boda guy in the evening (Bukenya near kajjansi taawo along Nakigalala road), he told me that the Police woman had not contacted him over the matter of helping to arrest the culprit. The purpose of this communication is to put the record clear of how Police can be frustrating, to the extent of leaving a child like the one in the picture without proper investigation and forcing the child on to the custody of a person who has no ability in addition to other facts concerning this matter. What is absurd is that at one time when the Police needed the girl around, it took no time ringing her and she arrived, this time they are not showing any seriousness in getting the girl and having a proper way forward. The child is less than 6 months old, which child should actually be in the custody of her mother. William Kiwanuka

JAMES SENKALI MULWANA HAS PASSED ON!

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OVER MABIRA DESTRUCTION: MUSEVENI IS LEADING UGANDANS INTO TEMPTATION!

Museveni either because he is a militarist, he mant times wants to tempt people. It is not clear how at this material time he could again come up with the idea of destruction of Mabira! What does Museveni want to achieve? What logic has he failed to get about factors that negatively impact on climate. We are already getting prolonged rains at the time when it should be dry season. Is he tempting us that we answer him rudely and he gets to act? What is wrong with Museveni? That is why I say he is tempting us. No man in his right senses can tamper with Mabira. Some people are saying that Ugandans go to a referendum over Mabira! This is madness. There is no referendum over the obvious. About over 70% of arable land is not in use in Uganda, let individuals grow sugar canes, but no man in his right senses should destroy Mabira beyond the destruction already done. William Kituuka Kiwanuka

DONORS SHOULD KINDLY GIVE MORE BOOST TO OUR HEALTH SYSTEM

I wish to appeal to the donor community to help our health infrastructure. Just the week that ended, I had the challenge to make an appeal for funds on behalf of Robinah Namukasa. Namukasa should be getting treatment from Uganda, but the facilities and may be man power are a problem. I see this as a critical area the donor community can help boost as well as salaries for the consultants who can do this type of operations. There are many people who need to be operated on and their cases need to be referred to India hospitals. It is terrible to see a desperate patient looking around to raise astronomical sums for treatment abroad. William Kituuka Kiwanuka Other content can be accessed at: http://goodgovernancepractice.blogspot.com/2013/01/donors-should-kindly-give-more-boost-to.html

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ANATOMY SHOULD THINK ABOUT CLIENTS OPENING ACCOUNTS WITH IT

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DR. SENTAMU DDUMBA'S ADMINISTRATION IS DELIVERING FOR MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

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POISON IS USED IN UGANDA SIMPLY BECAUSE OF CONDITIONS

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IS IT RIGHT TO TRANSFER TEACHERS WITHOUT THEIR WISH?

Those in authority in Uganda ought to realize that things are really different on ground. It is like a punishment to transfer a person from one area to another today in Uganda without looking at how it inconveniences him. Many people who are not corrupt cannot survive on what they get as salary or wage, hence do what is possible in form of other employment to survive and take children to school. Unlike old days when Government was paying a living wage, today, it is not only unreasonable to give people transfers anyhow because you think they should transfer. We need people in such sensitive positions to be in touch with the employees like the teachers, be considerate. At least if a teacher has made his/her strategy to survive at a given place, transfers should not be routine, because where you take him may mean his/her children do not go to school. Let us be reasonable in this country. let us stop using power for the sake of it. Let us be in touch with the people and not just make them suffer. William Kituuka Kiwanuka ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS 1,093 TEACHERS By AL-MAHDI SSENKABIRWA Posted Wednesday, January 9 2013 Weeks after transferring secondary school head teachers and deputies, the Ministry of Education has gone ahead to reshuffle 1,093 teachers in a similar move of trying to improve efficiency in public schools . According to Mr Francis Agula, the assistant commissioner secondary education, the majority of affected teachers have either overstayed in the schools and can longer perform while others do not have the required minimum work load of 24 lessons per week or have social problems. “Some of these teachers were under -loaded –meaning that they teach less than the required lessons yet there are schools with few teachers which need their services,” he said yesterday. Mr Agula said those who contest their transfer with sounding reasons, should report to their new stations and later appeal through their new supervisors. “By doing that, it will be evident that they have accepted the transfer and therefore, we can listen to their complaints,” he said. Background Last year, about 400 classroom teachers were transferred across the country but many continue to grapple with challenges of accommodation at schools where they were posted and a good number of them rent houses far from their work stations thus making them trek long distances to work. Last week, President Yoweri Museveni said his government had not given up on its promise to give decent accommodation to teachers and medical workers across the country and urged them to remain patient.

TALK OF POLITICS OF CROSSING: AT LEAST ALEX ONZIMA WOULD RETURN FUNDS HE GOT FROM FDC

Those days when I was for Dr. Kiiza Besigye (2001 up to 2006), I used to see Alex Onzima take millions contributed to by FDC supporters to his Constituents! After taking so much money paid in to see Museveni go, Onzima turns to NRM. I don't know whether this is not corruption. William Kituuka Kiwanuka ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NRM’s Onzima defies Museveni Wednesday, 10 November 2010 22:33 Written by David Tash Lumu Onzima at the NRM delegates conference New NRM convert Alex Androa Onzima has announced he will run as an independent in a bid to retain his Maracha county seat, a decision that puts him on a collision course with party chairman President Museveni. Onzima, formerly of FDC, told The Observer on Monday that he would stand as an independent because “I am popular.” President Museveni has consistently warned NRM MPs not to stand as independents in the 2011 general elections. The President even promised jobs to all those who lost in the primaries in a bid to dissuade them from standing as independents But Onzima says independents should not be fought because, at 37, they form a formidable part of the current Parliament. “They are close to 40. So, for me, I am going to stand as an independent even when there are flag-bearers,” he maintained. Onzima, one of the longest-serving MPs from West Nile, officially crossed from FDC to NRM on September 1 this year during a public rally at which Museveni launched the new district of Maracha. The former FDC vice president now heads the West Nile Elect-Museveni 2011 Taskforce—Maracha chapter. Maracha district was carved out of Arua district and its creation is behind the fallout between Onzima and FDC. Another FDC heavyweight, Kassiano Wadri (Terego) wanted the new district headquarters located in his constituency, and Onzima accused the FDC of failing to resolve that dispute. Eventually, Onzima got Maracha district, while Terego returned to Arua. “People are struggling to come to Parliament but, for me, I am already in the ninth Parliament,” he bragged, lashing out at losing ministers and MPs, who are busy seeking Museveni’s indulgence to salvage their political fortunes. Onzima, who didn’t participate in the September primaries, advised the losing NRM MPs to stand as independents or concede defeat. “If you are a true politician, you cannot cry foul by saying that you were rigged out,” Onzima said. “You are the people in the system. You have been a minister or MP for two terms; why do you say you were rigged out?” Onzima will be taking on NRM’s flag bearer, Richard Angualia, the former assistant commissioner in the ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Others in the race include Alice Mawaka and Denis Lee Oguzu. Commenting on his opponents, Onzima said it is not enough to be a flag bearer. “In 2006, Moses Ali and Zoe Bakoko Bakoru were flag bearers but what happened to them? They lost miserably to independents,” he pointed out. Former Deputy Prime Minister Lt Gen Moses Ali, in 2006 lost his Moyo East seat to then little known Santos Eruaga. Former Labour minister Bakoko lost her Ayivu seat to Margaret Angufiru. However, this time round Moses Ali has bounced back in the primaries after trouncing Eruaga. The losing MP petitioned the Kigongo committee, which was charged with resolving electoral disputes arising from the primaries. But Onzima says Kigongo is wasting time. “It is a futile exercise,” he said. On Monday this week, the Kigongo committee cleared 100 petitioners to stand as party flag bearers, including ministers: Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire (Trade), Emmanuel Otaala (State for Labour) and James Kakooza (State for Health). The NRM electoral commission also set November 18 for fresh primaries in some constituencies, while the national nominations for MPs are slated for November 25-26. The ministers still waiting for their fate include Aggrey Awori (ICT), Gabriel Opio (state for Higher Education), Ruth Nankabirwa (state for Micro Finance), Stephen Mallinga (Health), Serapio Rukundo (state for Tourism), Simon Ejua (state for Works), Sulaiman Madada (Elderly), Vincent Nyanzi and Aston Kajara, among others. Ephraim Kamuntu (Sheema South), on the other hand, was confirmed to have lost to Yorokamu Katwiremu. dtlumu@observer.ug

GOD, I PRAY THAT YOU STRIKE DEAD WHOEVER MAKES MY COMMUNICATION IMPOSSIBLE

I believe I am a good Christian, BUT when it gets to some people blocking my communication, which I am convinced is my right, then my prayer to God remains one that He strikes them dead. William Kituuka Kiwanuka ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMUNIATION - AN ESSENTIAL HUMAN NEED Communication represents an essential and very important human need as well as a basic human right. Without having the possibility to communicate and talk to other people, no individual, community, group or any other institution would be able to exist, or prosper. Strictly speaking the ability to communicate or the general right of communication make it possible to exchange opinions, thoughts and meanings. So it enables people to express themselves and show their own points of view. Consequently communication makes people who and what they are and particularly strengthens human dignity. By having the right to communicate and express personal thoughts, ideas, and opinions, people feel themselves treated equally – in other words: Communication validates human equality. Thus the protection and implementation of communication rights represents an essential part of the general topic of human rights. Strictly speaking there exist four central Pillars of Communication Rights. Each Pillar refers to a different domain of social existence, practice, and experience, in which communication generally represents a so-called core activity on the one hand and performs specific key functions on the other hand. The most important point considering the four pillars consists in the fact that each involves a relatively autonomous sphere of social action. So they are extremely necessary in order to achieve communication rights – a fact that means that everybody has the right to communicate about every single topic such as cars, poetry, plissee, music, school, etc. The Four Pillars of Communication Rights are the following ones: Communicating on the Public Sphere: The role of communication and media in exercising democratic political participation in society. Communication Knowledge: The terms and means by which knowledge generated by society is communicated, or blocked, for use by different groups. Civil Rights in Communication: The exercise of civil rights relating to the processes of communication in society. Cultural Rights in Communication: The communication of diverse cultures, cultural forms and identities at the individual and social levels. The Four Pillars of Communication Rights point out very clearly why the right to communicate is important for people in order to live in freedom, peace, justice, and dignity. So the right to communicate can be seen as a means to enhance human rights as well as to carefully strengthen the social, cultural and economic lives of people of different nations, communities, institutions and groups.

SURELY, NRM DOES NOT RUN GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALLY

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KAZINDA'S LAWYERS SHOULD GIVE HIS HEALTH MAXIMUM PRIORITY BECAUSE MANY MAY WANT HIM DEAD TO KILL EVIDENCE

It is not possible for Kazinda to have been able to get so much money without other people moreso senior to him knowing and hence being party to even a bigger loot. It is said that Kazinda's health is bad. The only way some of the people could go away with the loot is when Kazinda ceases to be. Though Kazinda did wrong to the people of Uganda, but it is only the Courts of law that have a right to decide a worthy sentence to him. At this time, what the lawyers could do is to get competent Medical examination as Kazinda could be finished off to kill evidence, and the trend od sickness as appears in papers could easily lead to. William Kituuka Kiwanuka ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KAZINDA MAY DIE IN COURT By Vision Reporters Geoffrey Kazinda could easily collapse and die in court if he is forced to stand trial in his state of health, the Prisons Doctor Alex Kakoraki told the Anti-corruption Court Tuesday. He said that the interdicted Office of the Prime Minister's Principal Accountant is too ill to stand trial and has been referred to Mulago Hospital for further examination and treatment. "Based on our assessment, I don't think he can stand trial at this point in time. My Lord, I don't want him to collapse before you…," Dr. Kakoraki told Justice David Wangutusi at the Anti-Corruption Court. He added that he cannot say how long this state will take but that the drugs that Kazinda is taking will begin to show results in three weeks. Kazinda is at the heart of the over sh40bn fraud in the Prime Minister's Office over which donors withheld aid from Uganda and the Government arrested him and several of his colleagues from his office, Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. Several other officials of the prime Minister's Office have been quizzed over the said corruption scandal. Wangutusi summoned the doctor on Monday to Court yesterday to explain the letter he had sent from Prison saying Kazinda could not appear for the commencement of his trial due to ill health. Dr. Kakoraki said that he found that Kazinda had abnormal sleeping habits coupled with incoherent speech. "Attempts to wake him up have not yielded any fruit. If he tries to stand he staggers as if he would fall," Dr. Kakoraki said. He said that Kazinda's condition prompted him to consult other doctors who found that he was depressed. Depression, he said, is a health condition characterised by sadness and anxiety and negatively impacts on the health and life of the patient. He said that all the basic tests found Kazinda without sickness. However at Mulago, a hospital staff who preferred anonymity said a diagnosis found that Kazinda had diabetes and goiter (malfunctioning thyroid). Dressed in the yellow prisons Uniform, Kazinda arrived at Mulago's private wing at 9.00 am under tight security by Prisons warders. In the trial whose commencement aborted on Monday, Kazinda faces charges of abuse of office, forgery and making document without authority. Prosecution alleges that Kazinda forged the signature of the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Pius Bigirimana between January and July 2012 intending to use it for fraudulent purposes. He allegedly also made computer generated serial numbered letters purportedly on Bigirimana's account. According to prosecution, Kazinda kept at his private residence, the forged computer generated letters and cash withdrawal authorization forms bearing the forged signature. Kazinda also faces separate charges of embezzlement, false accounting and conspiracy to commit a felon jointly with a number of other officials he worked with in the OPM. Fifteen witnesses have been lined up to testify in the case. The case was adjourned January 29, 2012 for mention.

MR. WAFULA OGUTTU, WE WANT NEBANDA'S STUGGLE KEPT ALIVE

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KINDLY HELP ROBINAH NAMUKASA RAISE SHS40M FOR TUMOUR TREATMENT IN INDIA

A few months ago, Robinah Namukasa was diagnosed with a Tumour as per the documents above. She needs to travel to India for treatment. However, Robinah has no funds and what she is doing is to fund-raise to be able to get the treatment which is overdue. The purpose of this communication is to kindly appeal to all of you who can give some assistance to help. Robinah is now at home and has meetings on Thursdays where she resides near Calendar Guest House - Makindye Kirundu Zone. The meetings have so far realized shs 11m and she is targeting about shs 40m, meaning that she still has to raise 29m in the shortest possible time in an attempt to see her life saved. Dr. Muhumuza of Mulago is the Consultant who is attending to the patient. Donations can be deposited on A/C No. 206200002891 in Finance Trust Bank - Katwe Branch (Kampala) in the name: Robinah Namukasa. She also has Mobile Money on Tel. No. +256 782 465464 Her efforts to see the amount raised have led to a decision to look for a buyer for a piece of land whose title is being processed. The land 100ft X 100ft is found in Ssisa Sub- County, Wakiso District at Lumuli near Hossana Estate.

Robinah is most grateful to all who have contributed money and all other support to see her travel to India for treatment. She welcomes all possible efforts by all to see her get the treatment. God Bless you all. Robinah Namukasa

IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE WHAT NEBANDA'S FAMILY GOES THROUGH AS MATTERS TURN TO MOVIE SCENES!

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UGANDA WILL NOT BECOME AN OPEN DICTATORSHIP IN 2013 SINCE IT IS ALREADY ONE!

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THERE IS NO GROUND FOR SUSPENDING DR. ONZIVUA

For anybody to suspend Pathologist Dr. Onzivua, he/she MUST have money on his account to pay the Doctor when the Doctor goes to court for a fair hearing of his case. We went to school to be responsible people. I would like to know what the authority who is suspending Doctor Onzivua would have done if he/she were in the Doctor's shoes. It was not the 1st time that Dr. Onzivua was doing that type of work, and because he knew what was expected of him, he approached his bosses in the Ministry of health who cleared him. 2ndly, the family was an interest party to know the cause of death as is the case when anybody dies in Uganda and the relatives call for a postmortem report. Third, the Doctor was cleared by Parliament who have authority even to fire the authority who wants to suspend Dr. Onzivua. In Uganda, let us be mature people. Many people cannot stand on their two legs for the truth. Dr. Onzivua, from the information availed to the press was executing his normal duties. The politics of third world countries is what we have to face in the case of Uganda. Let the President suspend the Doctor and NOT his administrators because in the circumstances the Doctor had no crime, and actually should claim for damages for what he has suffered so far. We are chanced to have the likes of Dr. Onzivua around, where some people who have looted Uganda are not bothered as with their loot they can afford to go abroad and get treated at times on tax payer money. Those of us who are for democracy and Human Rights will stand firm against the likes of Museveni until their conscious tells them the right thing to do. William Kituuka Kiwanuka

TIME TO VOTE FLORENCE NEBANDA ANDIRU

ON STOPPING PRE-INSPECTION OF GOODS FOR 6 MONTHS, MINISTER KYAMBADDE IS NOT SERIOUS

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BECAUSE MUSEVENI WENT TO 'HUNT HIS ANIMAL' UGANDANS ARE PAYING THE PRICE!

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SHOULD FORGET ABOUT EASY TIME AHEAD - WAYFORWARD IS CLEARLY COME OUT WITH ROAD MAP TO HANDLE OVER POWER

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TRAFFIC POLICE SHOUD GET A PERCENT OF THIER COLLECTIONS

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IT IS SAD TO SEE HOW SOME SCHOOL HEAD TEACHERS MANIPULATE SCHOOL BOARDS

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WHILE I SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO RT. HON. KADAGA, ...

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SENDING OFF OF NABIRYE EGULANSI GONZA

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OBSERVATIONS WHILE IN BUSOGA

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ORDER OF FUNERAL SERVICE THAT CAN GUIDE YOU

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FUNERAL SERVICE COMPANIES NEED TO OBSERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE DEAD

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WHERE DO PARENTS GET SHS 47M TO PAY FEES AT THE SOROTI CIVIL AVIATION SCHOOL?

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WHILE TEACHING ENTERPRENUERSHIP IS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, GOVERNMENT MUST ALSO LEARN NOT TO DEVALUE OUR CURRENCY

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IT IS SAD THAT MUSEVENI CAN NO LONGER FIT IN THE SHOES OF A MODERN LEADER!

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PEACE LOVING UGANDAN'S SHOULD PRAY FOR RT. HON. REBECCA KADAGA

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UGANDA NEEDS TO COME CLEAR OF HOW TO MANAGE BODA BODA TRANSPORT

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SENIOR MEDICAL PERSONNEL NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF MORE WOMEN HEALTH PERSONNEL

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WHETHER AS NRM OR INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE, FLORENCE NEBANDA ADIRU WILL TAKE BUTALEJA

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OBSERVATIONS WHILE IN BUSOGA

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SENDING OFF OF NABIRYE EGULANSI GONZA

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WHAT DO WOMEN HAVE TO SAY ABOUT LIPSTICK AND DUST

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WHILE I SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO RT. HON. KADAGA, ...

Right Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, thank God for the challenges you have gone through in 2012. The future has to be faced with a lot of determination and courage. I wish to appeal to you over the issue of Basoga having to dry cereals on bare ground. It should be criminal and unacceptable at this time to have people in Uganda manage cereals that way. This is an observation I have made on a number of times I go to Busoga and it is my conviction that you can do something to see the people dry the cereals the right way. Thank you. William Kituuka

IT IS SAD TO SEE HOW SOME SCHOOL HEAD TEACHERS MANIPULATE SCHOOL BOARDS

I have had opportunity to learn from some senior citizen of Uganda who happens to be on more that one school board. He told me that recently, the Head teacher came to the meeting with a resolution already made of adding some fee to what parents are supposed to pay. Actually, these board members were just to see this implemented! The authority Head teachers have when it comes to choosing and the operation of school boards needs to be re-visited. It is absurd to learn that Head teachers are at liberty to choose who to recruit on school boards. I for one cannot serve on a school board where the Head teacher comes with already determined positions for endorsement as this defeats the logic of the whole board where the Head teacher is secretary. William Kituuka Kiwanuka

TRAFFIC POLICE SHOUD GET A PERCENT OF THIER COLLECTIONS

TRAFFIC POLICE SHOUD GET A PERCENT OF THIER COLLECTIONS As we enter the year 2013, we must accept that we have great loss in the name of Road Carnage, and something can surely be done about this. The causes of traffic accidents in Uganda among others include: 1. Bad roads - currently along Jinja highway, a number of heavy trucks can be seen by the road side simply because of the weather (rain which makes the road side slippery); 2. Human error is a major cause of accidents; 3. Drunken driving; 4. Vehicles in poor mechanical condition; 5. Drivers who have not passed the drivers' test; 6. Driving under the influence of drugs; 7. Driving while on mobile phone; 8. Dangerously loaded vehicles. 9. Not respecting road signs; 10. Overspeeding; 11. The boda boda factor; The Traffic Police can play a crucial role in the reduction of accidents if they are given an incentive that may boost their income, that is getting a percentage of the Penalty Fines they give to motorists who don't observe the rules. It is a fact that the Traffic Police get money from motorists. When you are in some taxi's, you see the driver instructing his conductor the amount he has to pay to the traffic policeman. When this amount is paid, the errors on the vehicle are not handles, the next time, the vehicle is involved in some accident. The burden for caring for those affected by death and disability grows at a big rate in Uganda due to the road accidents. William Kituuka Kiwanuka Road Carnage Kills 2,954 persons in Eastern Uganda Drunken Driving key recipe to soaring accident rates in Uganda Close to 3,000 people in Eastern Uganda died in road accidents in 2010. The 2010 traffic report released recently By Kale Kaihura, the Inspector General of police shows that a total of 22,461 accidents occurred in eastern Uganda. Of these accidents, 2620were fatal, 9,866 were serious injuries, and 9,975 were minor accidents. Drunken driving has become a serious national concern, as road carnage statistics continue on an upward trend. About 42 percent of the accidents in Eastern Uganda are blamed on drunken driving while reckless driving causes 29.3 percent. Kaihura noted that the police have put in place strategic steps aimed at involving passengers, local leaders, and inspectorate of vehicles, drivers, transport managers, police and owners of the vehicles in the efforts to restore sanity on the roads.

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SHOULD FORGET ABOUT EASY TIME AHEAD - WAYFORWARD IS CLEARLY COME OUT WITH ROAD MAP TO HANDLE OVER POWER

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