Ugandans-At-Heart

A letter to Kiiza Besigye after the Karamoja tour

November 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS)
Tags: willy Kituka

I wish to make an appeal to RTD (Col) Dr. Kizza Besigye to stop campaigns for FDC and embark on joint campaigns; agreements; and strategies which will see the Inter Party Cooperation (IPC) in power after the 2011 elections. We have so many mistakes done and should learn from them. For instance the Doctor ought to understand that having people who can handle the military in case President Museveni got relieved of the Presidency is the biggest problem which needs right strategies done early. We have to learn from the likes of Moshi Spirit which were not on firm ground. The time is now. Ugandans are aware of the countries which were behind Uganda by Independence, today because of bad leadership we are nearly the leader in whatever is bad that is corruption; name it.

Dr. Kizza Sir, can you kindly concentrate on:

A strategy not of who becomes Presidential candidate for the IPC, but having the binding document which will seal the deal for the cooperation or coalition whatever it may be called.
A strategy on how the constituencies will be shared by the IPC member candidates and ensure understanding on fielding a single IPC candidate in all the constituencies.
A strategy to see that the IPC takes all possible LC V Chairmen seats.
A strategy to see that all possible LC III Chairpersons are from the IPC.

The above when done early enough can ensure Uganda of a change that my be fruitful. Secondly, it is clear that getting to understanding on many of these is likely not to be that easy as individuals will be interested in contesting for the positions of their interest but in national interest; need to be convinced to help the change to take place.

Dr Besigye and other Opposition party leaders ought to realize the problem of the NRM infrastructure and that not a single party can help the country change, we need cooperation and sacrifice to do away with the NRM which is determined to get many of us to stone age times as a few make it.

Willy Kituuka

How to alleviate the current censorship state of the media

November 17, 2009 at 10:44 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Diaspora, MEDIA, legal issues)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow Ugandans,
One of our forumists wrote a question a few weeks ago as to what we could do to alleviate the current state of the media in country, and as I pondered about the question, I soon realized that the “Americans first amendment” has withstood many legal challenges since inception.
I wanted to highlight a relatedness that exist between our “Bill of rights”article 29 of our constitution and the “American Bill of rights” in the hope of encouraging those among us who are lawyers to seek American jurisprudence to amicably resolve our current censorship dilemma, which seems unconstitutional as it was handed down.
Measure for measure one finds inescapable reality in the duality that exists of both “spirit of intent”, and “worth of word” in print, between America’s “First Amendment” and our own bill of rights in Article 29 of our 2005-constitution both written below.
The two articles that bind us to a common destiny of protecting our freedoms as embodied in the letter of law can be used with the same duality of purpose to bring instructive court precedent to bare and provide relief to many journalist and media outlets that were gagged in the recent clamp down by the government.
Our courts need to seek out help with existing “First Amendment” jurisprudence from those who have travelled this road for 218 years. To constitutionally restore and boldly make a stand up for our freedoms like no other court has in the history of our nation. We need to defend against attempts to restrain and censor our freedom of speech and press. There is a need to address all the other draconian restraints that were recently imposed upon us by the government of Yoweri Museveni, in clear violation of constitutionally mandated freedoms.
Those 45 words first coined by James Madison, should be tabled with urgency, for us as during the December 17th 2009, meeting of tribes from the many regions of Uganda,which is slated to take place in Buganda.
I would urge those who are meeting, to force as outcome ,a universally acceptable “open meeting law” for each tribal state. The open meeting law, if adopted, will foster a more business like culture, an atmosphere of the highest ethical standard even with our cultural institutions. We are saying that every meeting that is deemed to affect the public, should be open to media and communicated to the public, even if it is convened by two as a way of reducing corruption.

All Ugandans saw first hand, the importance of having one aspect of a free media as a watchdog over our affairs, when we received first class utube video, news and photos of the murder scene of an important General in the history of our nation, I hope those that are advocating for the throttling of the media have been given enough reason for pause.
Americans’ first amendment to the U.S. constitution
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
~The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
The freedoms that they sought to protect on that day December 15th 1791, fifteen years after the signing of their “declaration of independence”, included freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition; these are the very freedoms we are trying to protect below in our own constitution article. These words were embedded in the first ten amendments of the American constitution to make up the “American Bill of rights”.
Here is our own article in our2005- constitution speaking of the same protection of rights of individuals, our own bill of rights.
29. Protection of freedom of conscience, expression, movement, religion, assembly and association.
(1) Every person shall have the right to—
(a) Freedom of speech and expression which shall include freedom of
the press and other media;
(c) Freedom to practice any religion and manifest such practice which shall include the right to belong to and participate in the practices of any religious body or organisation in a manner consistent with this Constitution;
(d) Freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition; and
(e) Freedom of association which shall include the freedom to form and join associations or unions, including trade unions and political and other civic organisations.
~Part of Ugandans’ Bill of rights in the 2005 constitution-~
I find many congruences in wording and meaning in the two articles to allow our constitutional lawyers to proffer similar arguments in our courts and to bring legal challenge to those who are currently violating our constitutionally awarded freedoms.

There is no illusion that many press censorship advocates tend to use a broad sweeping brush while trying to punish a few in violations of state laws. The use of “strict scrutiny” standards should not be used by government to make sweeping changes while in pursuit of content-based restrictions.
The danger arises when one man abuses such freedoms without applying due process as expected of all democratic societies, who practice a strict adherence to the rule of law as stipulated by their constitution.

We have to register our protests in the loudest manner possible to hold accountable our lawmakers and the judiciary alike and to show our displeasure with the add hock, intermittent convenient adherence and interpretation of our constitution by President Museveni.
He has used a very narrow interpretation to clamp down on citizens, a practice that has damaged the credibility of our elected officials. It also directly affects the growth of our politics and culture, taking us back to an era which we all are not too fond of; where such curtailments brought on gross abuses of human rights, unreported and behind closed doors.
I might as well add that those 45 words, embody an eluded civility that we have died for and now trying to grope for, in darkness, long after our independence. Like ones with impaired growth or gripped with Alzheimer’s, these simple words continue to dodge many emerging market nations, while their captive audiences look on as if those protective words, were inscribed in a magic mirror (“now you see it, now you don’t”), guarded only by a wand of their leaders, who are bent on torturing and abating their hope and optimism.

We must forge a petition of agreement, to break the curse of the magic mirror once and for all a consensus must be reached or a universal agreement, to remove all the barriers that have been prohibiting us from adopting and exercising these very rights, and we can include it in our “tribal engagement rules” charter.

For years many Supreme Court judges in America have taken a stub at interpreting it, and the first Amendment has stood the test of time: Here is but a few excerpts of opinions handed down, from those high profile cases that put the first amendment to the test.

“if there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein,” as Justice Robert Jackson wrote in the 1943 case West Virginia v. Barnette.
Justice William Brennan wrote in New York Times v. Sullivan in 1964, “the First Amendment jurisprudence has long recognized that prior restraints are incompatible with the notion of a free press. That hostility toward gag orders on the press stems from the news media’s critical role in ensuring that the public has sufficient information to monitor its government, as well as the centuries-old commitment to “uninhibited, robust and wide-open “debate”. New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 270 (1964).
On “strict scrutiny”
At footnote 10 of its opinion, the panel recognized that the purpose of applying strict scrutiny to regulations burdening speech is to protect a person’s right to “decide for himself or herself the ideas and beliefs deserving of expression, consideration, and adherence, .. . Government action that stifles speech on account of its message . . contravenes this essential right.” Rangra v. Brown, 566 F.3d 515,520 n.10 (5th

I would like to acknowledge the death of an icon,a civil rights activist and journalist Jack Nelson, who died a couple of weeks ago. He was an avid supporter of the free press and he has created many agencies that we can get help from to promote the same levels of protections that our American friends enjoy.Also check out these sites for guidance.
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/about.aspx?item=about_firstamd
http://www.rcfp.org/news/documents/index.php
Tendo Kaluma
Uganda in Boston

Where did the Nubians in Uganda come from?

November 16, 2009 at 7:55 pm (CULTURE, History, Land matters)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

Dear Ugandans at heart,

Nubians come from Nubia. You remember the ancient kingdom of Nubia, which was originally Christian and later converted to Islam. It covered Upper Sudan and Lower Egypt. The Nubians are now divided between Egyptians in Swan, and the Sudanese, southwards. l have ever visited their ancient city of Meroe. The late Marshal Jaffir El Niemery was a Nubian. They were brought to Uganda by Sir Sameul Baker, Charls Gordon and Emin Pasha, and later Capt. Fredrick Lugard. But in Uganda, we don’t have those original Nubians. Much of what we have is a mixture of West Nilers due to intermarriages. They are also in Kenya. But in West Nile, the North and North East, if one converts to Islam, he is reffered to as a Nubian. It is the same in Nyanza Province in Kenya. In Nairobi, if one converts to Isam, he becomes a Muswahili. In South Western Uganda, if one converts into Islam, he becomes a Muganda. That is real.

I would also like to state that most of the killings in Mbarara in the 1970s were done by Nubians. It was the same in Masaka. Unlike Mbarara which could not differentiate a local Muslim and a Nubian, the Masaka people never avenged on local Muslims. The Nubians had already fled. In 1977, they killed 70 Christians over the death of Haji Kaloddo. But Bannabuddu never killed a single Muslim. They knew local Muslims had nothing to do with the Nubian mercinaries. However killers have not been Nubians only. They even did not kill the way other people killed later. But they killed and some Nubians dont want us to mention it. Let’s be honest even when we are talking about our Muslim friends. They were talking about Shaban Nkutu. Who killed Nkutu? Idi Amin! Wasn’t he his fellow Muslim? Should we keep quiet because Amin was a Muslim. Who killed the late Sheikh Obeid Lutale and detained Sheikh Obed Kamulegeya? Iddil Amin. Should we hide away from it? Nubians have good people and bad people, so are other people and we should talk about them.

Like I stated that “In South Western Uganda, when one converts into islam, he becomes a Muganda” I meant areas such as Ankole and Kigezi sub regions, and to an extent Tooro and Bunyoro in mid western Uganda. Please vist places like Mbarara municipality, Isingiro, Bukanga, Kajara. You will find Baganda immigrants after Chritian victory over Muslims there, with kiganda and kinyankore names. An example is Balinda who was a Deputy Minister in Obote l Government , Sulamain Matojo (a concorcotion of Matovu), Station Manager of Radio West, to mention but a few. Do you know that some of the muslims slaughtered on orders of Edward Rurangaranga and Yowasi makaru, their crime was not being Muslims, but being Baganda, on Ankole soils!

There was love-hate relationship between Baganda Muslims and Nubians when the Britsh were still running the country.Who does not know that most of Ugandan Muslims are Baganda? Is the late Sheikh Saad Ibrahim Luwemba, originally a musoga or a Muganda? The moment we talk about atrocities committed by Nubians, most of which they did in Mbarara, and run away, and Banyankore avenged on their fellow Banyankore/Baganda Muslims, some Nubians today come out in defence of Nubians as if they did not kill people. We know what was done by Faruq Minawa, Ali Toweri, Juma Ali Butabika , Hiseein Malera, to mention but a few. Yet there were very good Nubians like Col. Khamis Safi.

Every region has its own jargons. For example, after the religious wars, Muslims wrere not called human beings or Baganda. They used to say “Nsanze abantu babiri n’omusiraamu.” We had a Munnabwera person in our village of Nnambiriizi, Mawogola, called Biwagalo. He used to say “Kale nga mmwe Abasiraamu, ate nga ffe Abaganda…” But they died away.In Ankole sub region now, , as l stated yesterday, most of the Muslims are Baganda, thus even new converts are labeled Bagsnda. It is no crime. In northern Uganda and Nyanza Province, the Muslim converts are called Nubians. If it is in Central Province or at the Coast, they are called Waswahili. In my cattle corridor home area, most Balokole are called pastoralists, because they were the pioneers in that. Even when l was studying in Ssembabule C/U which used to be called “Kirokole’ we were all called Balokole/ Balaalo, etc…Those things are there. What do you want to hide?

Haji Ntege Lubwama is around and he came back to Uganda recently from exile in UK. Who does not know that Chris Rwakasisi and David Oyite Ojok wanted to finish him off? Even UPC people like Mzee Samwiri Mugwisa, whom l respect very much, can help us on this. Secondly, we should not twist things. We are not saying that all non Muslims hated Muslims or vice versa. Neither are saying that all Catholics hate Protestants vice versa. But we are recalling a historical reality so that we can forge ahead as one country, one people, to borrow from one of our parties.
Otherwise, all religions would have perished if believers in them had participated in the conflicts. The majority did not. They even used to hide one another. But what l have learnt from this debate, is that even intellectuals are narrow as far as our country’s history is concerned. Let’s all sing with
Osagyefo: Forward ever, backward never.

Ahmed Katerega

UAH forumist/ journalist

For more information, visit the following link:

http://semuwemba.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/who-is-a-nubian/

Why Betty Kamya failed coz she is not a critical thinker

November 15, 2009 at 2:19 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Federalism)
Tags: Herbert Buhanga

Betty Kamya is not a good communicator and that is what lacks in Uganda’s education system. They do not teach people to communicate effectively and as a result, people fail to put the message across even when they have a good point.

For example; Betty Kamya had a good point of advocating for federal. But instead, she used emotive techniques of appealing to her audience’s feelings, desires and fears by presenting herself to them as a person who was being persecuted by Kiiza Besigye. Now that is a weakness.

She mixed up issues of internal democracy within FDC and the issue of tribalism with the issue of the importance of federal in Uganda.

All that is poor communication or, lack of critical thinking. Betty Kamya also encouraged complicity to her audience by directly involving them in her issues instead of simply persuading them to accept her main issue of federal. If she was a critical thinker, she should have persuaded Ugandan to agree or to buy the federal system by means other than using emotive language of tribalism which produces fear.

For example; she cried foul that Baganda were being persecuted in FDC. She was using words like “we” “you” and “us”. By so doing, Betty Kamya stupidly acted as if the audience were already part of a group of like-minded thinkers and she thought that this was a powerful way of enticing the audience into agreement with her. Instead, this weakened her argument.

If one compares the way other politicians e.g Nambooze and Kiiza Besigye address their audience, he or she could find that they do not mix their personal grudges with the issues of national interest.

These two individuals are badly treated by Museveni but still they address poverty , insecurity, corruption, abuse of power etc as issues of national interest. But when it comes to persecution, they challenge it as a separate issue and only link it to their political affiliation or ambitions later or after ensuring that their main issue is understood by the audience.

Museveni too has this weakness. He refused the Kabaka to go to Kayunga simply because he (Kabaka) doesn’t answer his phone calls or because he did not attend CHOGM meeting. Well, this not critical thinking. It is foolishness. People should be taught how to separate issues and how they should present themselves to their audience.

Buhanga Herbert

London

NRM has not given enough political cake to Muslims

November 13, 2009 at 2:10 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

In Uganda, we have seven constituional offices: President, Vice President, Speaker, Chief Justice, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Chief Justice and Prime Minister. None of those offices is occupied by a Muslim or has ever been occupied by a Muslim since NRM came to power. Al Haji Moses Kigongo was a deputy speaker, and Moses Ali only stopped as First Deputy Premier. If that is what we can got, here Kivejinja is and where Abu mayanja was, it is a consolation. I can support ejection of Kivejinja if l am assured of another Muslim replacing him, or even being appoiinted to a real constitutional office. We cherish and support so much this system, but as it was in the past, even at Mmengo, we are branded uneducated, Amin’s men, terrorists, ADF etc…Yet Kony is a Catholic fundumentalist, Lakwena was a Christian, Peter Otai, William Omaria ,Amon Bazira , Duncan Kafeero etc..But only Jamil Mukulu, Juma Oris and Ali Bamuze leads to a general suspicion of a community. But we are recovering from it.

The late Prof. Yusuf Lule was forced to abandon Islam and embrace Protestantism in order to get admitted at Ings College Buddo. He was a Christian convert.

l and you don’t attend cabinet meetings, NRM Historicals and others. But KK played a role in establishing IUIU. He is a Muslim revolutionary socialist oriented. He is not a tribalist . He is not sectarian. He may be a poor performer in one way or another, but l can not advocate that he is replaced by another unless l am assured that there will be another Mislim in cabinet. Cabinet is very important in Uganda and it has to be national in character, not in terms of regional and tribal reperesentation, but also in other areas like religion.

Ahmed Katerega

UAH forumist/Journalist

A glimpse of composition of NRA in luwero

November 13, 2009 at 1:51 pm (1980 elections, Obote and UPC, UPDF and Iddil Amin)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

I think the most accurate point of reference for assessing the the extent to which the NRA relied on Luwero for manning is not January 1986, but December 1984/January 1985 when the transition from guerrilla to conventional operations was effected, with the opening of the Western front. At that point of expanding the zone of operations to beyond Luwero, anything up to 70% of the membership of the NRA may have been Baganda. Note that there were also other Buganda-based rebel groups like Fedemo and UFM. The important point is not that they were under NRA command, but that they were also ranged against the UPC government. In anycase, they all ended up in NRA eventually. Note that the “Western” component of the NRA shot up from early 1985, when the Luwero phase was finished.

In any case, the Luwero Triangle was not exclusively Luwero in geographical terms. It spanned across the central zone of the cattle corridor (Singo, Kiboga, Buwekula, Bulemezi, North Bugerere) and this zone is extremely multiethnic and most of it is not part of the Buganda heartland. It is a zone of transhumance for the nomadic pastoralists many of whom are Bahima, and at the time, Batutsi.

If you look at the census figures for Buganda just before independence, Baganda were a mere 54.9%, Banyarwanda were 11.8%, Barundi were 7.5%, Banyankore were 4.8%, Banyoro were 3.9%; the rest were 17.1%…including the Nubians etc as Mr Mulindwa may very well know (read census report 1959, P.36). So, what would be wrong with having Banyarwanda being represented in NRA in its Luwero phase of existence?…Of course I am also aware of your mix up between Banyarwanda and Rwandese….

Some people are saying that 80% of NRA should have been Baganda. Why, when the Baganda are only just about 55% of the population of Buganda residents? Worse still, the triangle is not part of what are called the “Home counties”: Mawokota, Busujju, Kyaggwe, Busiro, Buddu, Butambala, Gomba…that are inhabited by majority ethnic Baganda.

“Mind games, befuddled mind, facing facts, re-inventing history”: let it not appear like a jaundiced eye is seeing yellow in everything.

Otto Patrick

POLITICAL MURDERS AND COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY

November 11, 2009 at 5:58 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Kampala, Kayiira Death)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

General Otaffire was quoted in the media urging the police to find out whether Ms Draru acted with others in murdering Kazini.

In high profile murder cases, shit happens. Let me take cover in Kenyan example. I have heard some journalists on this forum say that political murders do not take place in Uganda. That Ugandan leader do not murder their opponents. Well in Kenya, political murders happened. Not anymore under Mr Kibaki.

The best case is one about the late Dr Robert Ouko. Dr Ouko was murdered on the orders of Mr Nicholas Biwott apparently on the night he was on his way to Uganda to begin his exile. Mr Biwott was then Moi’s most trusted minister who ran the Kalenjin mafia. Hell broke literally. However, in Kenya unlike Uganda such suspicious deaths are probed so Mr Moi set up a Judicial Commision of Inquiry -their current Chief Justice was a member-but on the eve of what Mr Moi felt could deliver a bombshell, he dissolved the Commission of Inquiry.

To cut to the issue relevant to Ms Draru, under pressure, Mr Moi arrested Minister Biwott and put him in police custody. That was a real shock. He also ordered the once fomer PS of internal Security Mr Hezekiah Oyugi from South Nyanza who is believed to have worked with Biwottt to kill Dr Ouko arrested. The then Nyanza PC Mr Kobia was dismiised.

Now things took a turn for the worse. Mr Biwott left prison. But all the suspects including Mr Oyugi, Mr Kilonzo who was the Police Commissioner at the time, Mr Kobia the former PC and other suspects or those who knew something about Dr Ouko’s death all died under mysterious circumstances. Was it a mere coincidence? You read between the lines.

Being Vice President in Africa is not easy. This story may shock some of you, but it is apparently true.

Again, Kenya-where else- in the early 80s. The kalenjin mafia had come up with a plot to blow up then VP Mr Mwai Kibaki on a plane while on official visit.

Mr Kibaki’s allies in the intelligence system got wind of the plot which had all but been finalized. So the then Director of intelligence Mr Kanyotu, a Kikuyu from Kirinyanga and Mr Shaw a muzungu police reservist who also taught at Starehe centre and others swung into action.

The next day Mr Kibaki was to travel abroad. But if he boarded that plane that would be it. He would be brown up.

So his allies wrestled with the big question: how to stop their man from boarding that plane without laerting the plotters that they had become aware of the plot? Something drastic had to be done in the middle of the night.

Mr Kibaki’s father, Mzee Githinji had to die to save his son. So in the wee hours, he was murdered because that was the only way to stop Mr Kibakii from boarding that plane and be brown up by the Kalenjin mafia.

To fool the mafia, Mr Kibaki showed up at the airport ready to board that early morning flight for his overseas trip. The mafia were salivating and almost celebrating that their plot was about to work.

Then all of a sudden, Mr Kibaki was pulled aside by among others Mr Shaw-this Shaw used to shoot to kill thieves in Nairobi-and told that his father had died. His convoy pulled away and that particular plane flight was aborted.

Hard to believe, the death and cancellation of trip happened. His father was murdered in the wee hours when he was about to make an official trip abroad.

The political murders in Kenya caused political instability big time. They divided the ruling elite. The murders of Mr Tom Mboya and JM Kariuki in particular shook the Kiambu mafia. The only cabinet minister at the time to attend both funerals was Mr Mwai Kibaki. No other minister could dare attend a) for fear of Kenyatta’s reaction, b) the mourners would have pelted them.

Mr Moi made sure that the entire cabinet went to Kisumu to attend Dr Ouko’s funeral, but protected with a very heavy GSU presence.

It is actually nonsense for some of our fellow UAH members to claim that political murders never happen in Uganda.

About women who kill, the demenour of Ms Dralu is funny. The police is doing a good job letting her look presentable. She is not the monster woman who is the talk of ugandan everywhere. I bet you some Ugandan men desire her more!

WBK

Kazini’s death needs to be investigated further

November 10, 2009 at 9:14 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Kayiira Death, Police)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

Namuwongo is no joke. General Kazini survived Kishangani and more only to end up being killed in Namuwongo over sex. Mr Mirima Henry should investigate more about what makes Namuwongo attractive to military and no nonsense. In the 1960s, it was the late Minister Kakonge who had his Hqws shuttered by then Sgt Kayongo’s bullets. Yes, over a woman.

Under normal circumstance the state would want to establish beyond a doubt its innocence in Kazini’s murder. They would do the following

a) Order for an observed post mortem with General Kazini’s family fully represented by their own pathologists and lawyers.

But by the look of things Uganda may not have a chief Government pathologist who performs such sensitive post mortems. It seems they rely on the police surgeon.

b) set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry presided over by a distinguished high Court Judge. I would recommend the same for the late Mr Brian Bukenya (RIP) because there are certain things that need to be clarified under oath. A lot needs to be fuound out from the Iron Lady Lydia Draru. Could she have been acting on orders from somewhere else?

Where was the late’s driver and ADC? What about body guards and so on.

That said, the government has lost a scapegoat. I do not know what to make of the crocodile tears being shed by top military officials.

I keep asking: under what circumstances are suspicious deaths ever probed in Uganda?

It is a disgrace. It seems all big men do in Uganda is drink and womanize and spread HIV/AIDS. The late General moved from one bar to another drinking.

He was reckless and has paid with his life. Given all the powerful forces and interest aligned up against him, one would have expectedd him to be extra careful. But wapi. He played into their hands and is dead.

WBK

UAH forumist in USA

11 Comments

The ideal solution to corruption in Uganda

November 9, 2009 at 7:00 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow Ugandans,

In aggressively combating corruption within governmental agencies, I would like to suggest to the administration and the current IGG to appoint a special prosecutor, the likes of Faith Mwondha, to carry out televised trials which could highlight the damage to society, caused by the common practice of cooking books in highly sensitive ministry positions. I’m highly doubtful that the perpetrators of these graft crimes are fully aware of the impact and crisis of scarcity that their actions bring on in our poor communities.

Since we are the only country bent on employing all the folks of the EA community, in accounting, procurement, military, police, farming, health and other sensitive positions charged with direct or indirect oversight of life or death issues of our citizens. We need a better vetting process to find out whether a hired employee is not there to malice a region or the entire country through their impropriety, as key providers in a public office.

It behooves our legislatures those native Ugandans in charge of all hiring and firing to have all employees go through patriotism classes and the signing of some oath that lists consequences if folks are ever charged with dereliction of duty.

What would really work as a great public agency self audit is the adoption of a “Graft mitigating plan for each agency” which would include the kick in, at any whiff of suspicion of corruption within an agency. One of my favorite items would read like this: All critical employees charged or not charged with impropriety, have to enroll in patriotism training and a series of classes on ethics deemed as mandatory training for the entire agency to fulfill their “fitness to serve”, quota.

If folks in that public offices are trained and in-serviced as part of public and corporate governance, we could see a reduction in dubious transactions, it would definitely help bring on a heightened awareness of the progressive discipline process.

On the technology front, I would like to see a uniformity of accounting services to make auditing easy for upper management and any oversight committee.

There is no reason why an item that repeatedly tips all the cost scales on the ledger, such as the “CHOGM ROADS” should not have a trigger, that requires the sign off by the IGG-until the country gets out of this corruption crisis. Many companies in America require the signature of upper management including the CEO, to release big project amounts. I would hope that our legislatures would set the limit amounts and required signatories including the IGG’s office for good accountability.

Moving to an ERP system such as PeopleSoft, can help run the accounting for the entire nation as is done in many corporations. These ought to be court mandated implementations to halt graft and to permanently alter the prevailing conditions in our service sector where lack of accountability has resulted in loss of lives.

I cannot emphasize enough the need to sensitize public employees and to show them first hand the impact of impropriety and abuse of public office has on the poor people of Uganda.

If these symptoms of graft are left untreated, I’m afraid the danger of resentment tribally will continue to build up as under currents within the non-ruling tribes.

Tendo kaluma

Uganda living in Boston

NRM is not a real political party

November 9, 2009 at 5:11 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

NRM is a party that does not facilitate its own cadres and mobilisers but it gives a lot to its real and imaginary enemies and opponents. That will greatly contribute to its fall though not in a near future.

l know many NRM who have gone to FDC and other opposition parties so that they can be invited back to NRM. Do you know that even former rebels behave princely inside NRM than many those that have suffered from it right from inspection! There may be a few of the elites who have crossed to NRM without material gain. Those who crossed with their hearts and minds are rural peasants and urban workers but the elites, l doubt.

NRA and now UPDF is a people’s army as its name is. But NRM , the political organisation, has not transformed itself into a political party. It behaves as a guerillar force or an intelligence organisation. It can foot bills like that of my sister Betty Nambooze , it can bribe all real and imaginary enemies but its own cadres will die of starvation. Such is the NRM. Worse still, it has been infiltrated by the corrupt. To eat from NRM , you have to decapaign it. Then it will be scared and they will invite you for a tea party or send you an aide. If it does not graduate from that, it will fall from within.

Nevertheless, we cannot label former kadogos and all those that join NRM even before it captured state power as people that were financially expectants. Despite all the disappointments, they are still in NRM. Yet many of the looters, were on the other political and military side, during the war, and were motivated to cross at Constitutional Square after material promises. NRM should get rid of the corrupt. They are a liability. It should motivate its own pepole, “bribing” opponents and enemies did not prevent UPC from falling from within.

NRM is not a traditional political party but a Mass Movement Organisation.Yes, Sam Kuteesa was some how, some where, a FRONASA in external wing (Nairobi), and helped in the struggle (more in UFM with Balaki Kirya, Kafumbe Mukasa and Yoweri Kyesimira)again in the political wing at least through Sweden where Mrs. Janet Museveni was, and his contribution was more when it was battling the Okellos military junta, Kuteesa remained a DP until Constituent Assembly elections of 1994. As for Saleh, he has been a Movementists since secondary school days. But to be rich does not mean to be corrupt. But those who are corrupt, if convicted, let them be punished.

People should know that NRM was formed in 1981 as a guerrilla or rebel organisation. So, it is not strange if it remains the same in some form and substance. Just like some rebel organisations that were originally political parties. NRM behaves like an intelligence organisation when it does not allow the press to cover its caucus meeting and NEC conferences Yet those are big meetings. For example, Buganda Cacus right from C.A. days could allow us in. For NRM to always think real and imaginary opponents and enemies first before its own cadres, mobilizers and supporters, is very suicidal and l can repeat it in any forum. But as we turn into party politics, things will be changing gradually.

There was more corruption during Obote ll where the Army Chief of Staff who also doubled as Chairman Coffee Marketing Board, was pocketing hard money Uganda earned from coffee exports, with impunity. But this time there is freedom of the press and the corrupt are exposed. My only problem that the state allows us to expose, but it just ignores us, without taking actual action on the corrupt. Let those convicted , their property be confiscated and taken to court.

It is true there are looters in the country now but we have not yet reached that of Obote ll. Yes there were some drugs in government hospitals in Obote ll but that was the time medical personnel started having their own. What we should do is to guard those drugs before they are stolen from hospitals because they are sent from Uganda Medical Stores Entebbe.

Ahmed Katerega

UAH forumist/Journalist

How did Brig.Gen.Yorokamu Tizihwayo disappear during Amin’s regime?

November 6, 2009 at 3:53 am (UPDF and Iddil Amin)

The disappearance of Brig. Gen.Yorokamu Tizihwayo is hard to understand. Let me try to remember how the situation under his command was.
         When Lt.Colonel John Onah was Commanding Officer of the 2nd Paratroopers’ Battalion in Fort Portal, Yorokamu Tizihwayo was a Major and 2nd In Command. In 1974 Lt.Colonel John Onah was made a Cabinet Minister and Major Yorokamu Tizihwayo was promoted to Lt.Colonel and assumed the Command of the 2nd Paratroopers Battalion. Captain Moses Gala was promoted to Major, posted to Fort Portal and became 2nd in Command.
        In 1975 Lt. Colonel Yorokamu Tizihwayo was called to the Command Post by President Amin. None of us knew what was going on. Major Moses Gala was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel and made the Commanding officer of the 2nd Paratroopers’ Battalion. Moses Gala was a cousin brother of President Amin. Captain Juma Ayiga was promoted to the rank of Major and made 2nd in Command.
        A few weeks later Yorokamu Tizihwayo was promoted to the rank of full Colonel and given the task to head the Western Brigade. He was posted to Kasese to build the Brigade Headquarters. Later that year, Lt. Colonel Moses Gala and Major Juma Ayiga, both Commanding the 2nd Paratroopers’ Battalion of the Western Brigade, of which Brigade Colonel Yorokamu Tizihwayo was the Commander, organized a”congratulatory” party for the new Brigade Commander in Fort Portal town. However, the party turned out to be a trap to assassinate Colonel Yorokamu Tizihwayo. He managed to escape unharmed during the commotion. He went to the Command Post and reported the matter to the President. Many of us believed that the two Commanders of the 2nd Paratroopers’ Battalion would be Court Martialed and probably dismissed. We were wrong. Instead Colonel Yorokamu was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and his assassination attempt was never even mentioned.
        In 1977 Lt. Colonel Moses Gala was accused by the Catholic Church to have raped a Catholic Nun. He was retired from the Army and sent back to his home in Arua.
        At the Western Brigade Headquaters in Kasese, the Brigade Major was called Major Ismail Tiko. He was the second most Senior Officer. The Western Brigade Sports Officer was called Captain Ali Alichama. The Brigade Commander was very friendly to me and always went to his residence to chat with him whenever I happened to be in Kasese. I think my closeness to the Brigade Commander made the Brigade Major and his close friend, the Brigade Sports Officer very unhappy. In 1976 I went to inspect the Western Brigade Boxing Championships and nearly fell into an assassination trap by the Brigade Major and the Brigade Sports Officer. I returned to the General Headquarters in Kampala unsure about why I was to be assassinated. Later when Brig. General Isaac Maliyamungu told me that I should not be scared into converting to Islam, did I suspect that my assassination attempt was for that purpose and not for being close to the Brigade Commander.
       There was envy and jealousy among the troops from West Nile who seemed to feel that they should dominate the Command of the Uganda Armed Forces. Obviously, they were not happy for the promotion of Brigadier General Yorokamu Tizihwayo. The theory that the State Research Bureau (SRB) might have killed Yorokamu with the orders from President Amin, is completely unfounded. President Amin showed much trust in him on many occassions and that is why I believe, Lt. Colonel Moses Gala and Major Juma Ayiga tried to assassinate him.
      During the 1978 / 79 war, Brig. Gen. Yorokamu was arrested by the members of the State Research Bureau and beaten. They were accusing him of colaboration with the enemy. President Amin personally ordered his release and assumption of his Command. Many of the troops under his Command fell into ambush by the enemy forces. I learnt later that he escaped from the front line and entered Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo). I tried to find his whereabouts, but the many people from the former Western Brigade that I asked after the war, claimed that he fled to Zaire. I regarded him as a friend, despite his very powerful position he held.
     Rehema, the rumour that Brig. General Yorokamu Tizihwayo is dead, is because of his silence and the fact that he has not returned to his home in Ankole. However, many people have chosen to keep a very low profile and he might as well be one of them.
                                                                       BJ. Rubin.

Plain Political Prostitution from the likes of Butime and Kamya

November 4, 2009 at 4:59 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS)

Plain Political Prostitution
These are interesting times. These are disconcerting times. The political space we are in now is called the window of opportunity, but in reality, it is the window of opportunism. It is time for politicians to march for offers from the highest bidder.
party crossing is not appropriate for consolidating democracy in our country. What we are witnessing is the liquidation of democracy. It is actually enguzi -crossing because people are made all kinds of secret offers. Councilors and Members of Parliament who have no integrity sell themselves into a system of enguzi. They are in the bedroom with their enemy. The likes of Hon. Olanyah, Mr. Aggrey, Ms. Maria Mutagamba, Kamya, Omara Atubo, etc.

This are thieves. They steal and use property that is not theirs for their own selfish ends and personal aggrandizement. Voters in this country vote for Parties not enguzi crossers. Floor crossing encourages corruption and self-interest. It violates the electoral right of the voters. The voters mandate is treacherously betrayed with impunity in the name of democracy which means political prostitution pass as democracy.

Floor crossing is entrenching corrupt politics in Uganda and will eventually destabilize this country. People will lose confidence in the democratic process and resort to illegal means of struggle.

May. A. Uwe matovua@yahoo.com

UAH forumist

Use of boda boda to deliver exams and the Kajjansi swamp

November 4, 2009 at 3:36 pm (Agriculture, Education)
Tags: william Kituka

It is shocking to learn that UNEB can allow the transportation of national Exams by boda boda. At least one accident was reported involving deliveries of exam papers on the 1st day. Assuming the exam papers had got damaged? UNEB must be extra careful in ensuring that transportation of papers is by motor vehicles to ensure greater safety in delivery and that the drivers are cautioned to drive carefully so as to get to the destinations safely.

It is news that at least two girls delivered in the course of the papers and good enough, else where 4 girls were allowed to sit papers though pregnant. Much more needs to be done to ensure that primary schools girls don’t get pregnant while still at school.

There is a school where examination papers were less than the number of candidates and papers had to be got from neighbouring schools. The issue here is whether these are not cases where papers are stolen and given out to the cheats.

Also noted was a sound bite on one FM Radio where a child was concerned as the exam papers had some similarity with what had recently been reviewed. The truth is that with the rampant corruption, UNEB cannot fill all the loopholes that can be used by the exam cheats.

Lastly,Basoga are not only known for making chapati’s some of which are half
fried but have gone a step to encroach on a swamp found at Kajjansi as you travel towards the airstrip. This is surely the generosity of Baganda, however, the authorities should move very fast and see a stop to this development. Papyrus is being cleared very fast for rice planting.

Willy Kituuka

UAH forumist

Review of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act needs to be serious

November 4, 2009 at 3:30 pm (Education)
Tags: willy Kituka

It will make a lot of sense if among the reviews about the above law the handling of finances is given priority. I was told by some body at Makerere University that fellows who had been given the assignment to generate financial reports on a daily basis failed and left the work incomplete. The University ought to get the finance department from the academics. People who are financial managers should be entrusted with a centralized financial system with one centre where balances can be accessed as well as handling of financial obligations. Many academicians excel in other disciplines but are not good at financial management. It is absurd to learn that a well managed
establishment can have billions accumulated in unpaid bills to UMEME! We have advised time and again that the University should divest itself from investing funds paid by students to infrastructure development, but the people in control just continue on, and at the end of the day some body has the courage to tell the public that the University has over shs 20bn in unpaid bills.

The law should also focus on a Convocation which is much more in the arms of the University Administrators where the University Academic Registrar is the Secretary. The review should focus on encouraging more participation of Old Students by getting the organization out of the direct umbrella of the University; that way chances of managers capable of implementing policies that can help efforts to raise funds may be better enhanced.

Willy Kituuka

UAH forumist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqB4WWu3TKc

Why and How Obama Supports Museveni and Other Despots in Africa

November 4, 2009 at 1:37 pm (2009 -2011 elections, World history and politics)
Tags: lawrence mukasa

Al Jazeera special report exposing the contradictions of U.S. foreign policy in Uganda including link between U.S training and funding of special forces for Museveni and other dictators at the expense of development and human rights in Africa, in America’s pursuit of OIL, MINERALS and INFLUENCE.

YOU HAVE TO WATCH the on-camera reaction of the AFRICOM commander, Gen. William “Kip” Ward, when asked about this (7:56 into the video).

Segment about Uganda runs after that reaction

The first 5 minutes and a half are about Nigeria and Cameroon.

Some of the world’s poorest countries are also some of the richest in natural resources, among them Nigeria, Angola or the Democratic Republic of Congo, as they suffer from the “resource curse”.

Oxford University’s Nobel prize-winning economist Paul Collier in his Natural Resource Charter states that: “Angola alone received in oil and mineral revenues more than double the entire aid ($26 billion in 2008,) inflows to Africa. For all that, the UN’s Human Development Index ranked Angola 162nd out of 177 countries in 2007-08.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqB4WWu3TKc

Enjoy the series…A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy… in full: http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/witness/2009/09/2009910121135544650.html

Please forward the email.

Ssemagulu

Ugandans should join either NRM or FDC and forget old parties

November 4, 2009 at 1:06 pm (1980 elections, 2009 -2011 elections, Obote and UPC, POLITICS)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

Dear Ugandans at heart,

Amin was personally close to Maama Miria Obote and it was one of the reasons why she was not hurt during and after the coup until she escaped to Tanzania. Obote and Amin were close friends when one was Prime Minister and President and the other was Deputy Army Commander, Army Chief of Staff.

Since 1966, removal of Obote government was justified so by 1971 it was over due. But had Obote handled Amin well, probably nothing may have happened.

As for Besigye and Museveni, there is no doubt that they have their own personal grievances, which other people from South West exploited to ensure that the power base does not shift to Buganda or else where. l will not be party to those who want President Museveni to be succeeded by his clansman Kizza Besigye.

Surat Yasin in the Quran says that The Almighty God causes things to happen and they do so. So NRM , like any other, which had a beginning, will have an end. But the end of NRM will be the beginning of another Movement from inside NRM. You better join in or its extension FDC not PRA or PPP. The earlier the better

If one claims that Obote, Amin, Binaisa, Muwanga, Okello and Museveni were UPCs, and that only Ben Kiwanuka and Yusuf Lule were DPs, and that changes have been UPC infighting, and that many from other parties have not benefited from those changes, can you accept it?

The 1971 coup, brought in new UPC leaders including Idi Amin , Wannume Kibedi, Henrty Kyemba, Huseein Malera, Isac Maliyamungu, Paul Etiang, Edward Rugumayo, Abu Mayanja, Apollo Kironde, William Naburi, and many others. The 1979 change brought in Godfrey Binaisa, Edward Rugumayo, Paulo Muwanga, Yoweri Museveni, and many others. 1980 elections brought back Milton Obote, Paulo Muwanga ,Otema Almadi, Peter Otai and many others. 1985 coup brought in Tito Okello ,Wilson Toko, Paul Muawanga, Abraham Waliggo etc…1986 change brought in Yoweri Museveni, Samson Kisekka (he had crossed from KY to UPC and later UPM), Stanislas Okurut and others.

Other parties were on the periphery. Like the short lived term of Ben Kiwanuka as Chief Justice, the same was with Wako Wambuzi under UNLF. Yusuf Lule for only 68 days, Paulo Ssemogerere as Internal and later Foreign minister under Okellos and Museveni etc….

Hence, in case FDC had defeated NRM in 2001 and 2006, that would have been a change within NRM unlike in 1996 if Ssemogerere had won, or if JEEMA’s Mayanja Kibirige had won in 1996 and 2001.

Therefore either Ugandans join NRM directly as l see those in press reports, or you join its extension in FDC or PPP, you will be left out. Don’t be tempted to join rebel activities “tojja kumalako.”

Ahmed Katerega

UAH forumist/ Journalist

Uganda Uprising videos

October 31, 2009 at 11:58 am (World history and politics, conflicts)
Tags: kaye martin

Hello

Please click on the links below to watch a delightful documentary about Uganda in general.

Uganda Rising Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENnSAGhWgPI

Uganda Rising Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk6I2zkgGvo

Uganda Rising Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpwFb3gM-Sk

Uganda Rising Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn0hoqE4dBk

Uganda Rising Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EtwEXry0FU

Uganda Rising Part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I82rETzONWo

Uganda Rising Part 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NlJKrwlYl0

Uganda Rising Part 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eWp3qmDc6s

Uganda Rising Part 9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxciN4YNSS4

Hope you enjoy it.
Kaye Martin

Butime was a spy in FDC

October 29, 2009 at 12:27 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS)
Tags: christopher Muwanga

Summary: Butime’s “return home” was not un-expected by close observers of our Political dynamics today. He has put to work his perennial threats of quitting, if not removed from “Katebe” – non-functional deployment as a “do nothing” and of not being privy to the inner workings of the party. That is intellectual honesty of sorts, on his part.

1/4. Butime said it all himself last year. For him, it was/is a matter of “intellectual honesty”. The colleagues suspected him to be a mole all along, especially after he said, in the press, that he was willing to server the NRM.

2/4. Alas, their fears have been vindicated. And he has “gone home, where he belongs”. It is the same man that caused the internal rebellion of Beti Kamya, who cannot be chased but who, on the other hand, cannot cross to NRM (not directly, at least). So, if Butime was a mole, as he was suspected to be all along, he has not gone without a “mission accomplished” tick.

3/4.On NRM cadres’s claims that people are flocking to the ruling Party, they should learn how to interpret peoples’ actions. In these days of inflation, it would be a ‘blind man’ that would not earn thousand in one hour, from his taxes, by appearing before the SG of the ruling party for a minute! That must be the highest paying occupation anywhere. BUT, how will the crosser vote??

4/4. Finally, on his current tour of Buganda and the earlier one of the East, the FDC chief is reported to be welcoming floods of NRM faithful to his party [read today 29th October reports]. How does NRM cadres interpret this??

Christopher Muwanga,

Nakasero,

Kampala.

Besigye,Museveni and Kagame are all the same

October 28, 2009 at 12:15 am (2009 -2011 elections, Federalism, KINGDOMS, Kayiira Death, POLITICS)
Tags: lusoke willy

Ugandans at heart,

Please go slow on FDC and Federalism together with Kabaka AND Buganda issues. With all due respect, I have never gotten any impression that Besigye and Kagame are different from M7,at least from an ideological perspective.

Why?

From my experience with the three men during “the struggle” – I call it so because it was indeed a struggle for survival of the fittest – none of these men ever advocated for ‘Kabaka’ and Buganda in general. They only used to make fun of Kabaka that “he enjoys Banyarwandakazi”!!!! And that Baganda are ‘just empty tins and eternally scared by nothing” None of these guys has respect for Kabaka. It is true that for political reasons Kagame and Besigye threw some weight to Mengo and Kabaka i.e Kagame helped to send the ‘Prince’ to the military academy, etc and Besigye has been ‘an advocate’ for Kabaka of recent. I believe this is just to look for temporary allies!!! Those of you who were in Luweero and other areas during the struggle, you know the stories we used to hear and run about the Kabaka. By the way, the long run intention for sending the Prince to the academy is not positive for Buganda and Kabaka. It was planned. I do not want to go into this!!!!!!!!!!!

Guys, if Besigye had been different from M7 and he indeed supports the Baganda, why doesn’t he tell Baganda what befell their men like ‘Afande’ Kayira etc… is it because he (Besigye or Kagame) does/do not know the real story? Why doesn’t Besiigye tell Baganda what they did to Baganda during the Luweero war? Why doesn’t he tell Baganda what they did to Baganda in Masaka and Mpigi who were ‘UPC’ – remember the ‘kabazi’ which they told you it was Nkwanga doing it. Pure lies. It was not Nkwanga men. It was M7!!! Didn’t Besigye join the ‘camp’ in Kikoma to foresee the ‘Kabazi’ project in Masaka!!!!! How many Baganda perished? Was there any Munyarwanda save for the other guy of Villa – Maria called Muwonge who was hit from his own sitting room with an ax he had fixed the very evening!!! Has Besigye ever told you his position over Kabaka in the Gulu meeting which he attended?Anyway, fool yourselves!!! You will again be disappointed!!!

Concerns about FRONASA are valid but Ugandans may not get a lot about it for the time being until somewhere in May 2010 or even after when all that stuff will be out in form of a book.Be sure, the world will have lots of information from this work.But again, we posted a lot of it on “radio Katwe”. You might have to consult this source for some pieces.

Banange, mundeke. Naye, do not take things for granted. We took things for granted with our Kagame and now some of us regret!!! ‘It is not gold’!!!OK.

LUSOKE WILLY

UAH forumist and former Luwero bush fighter residing in USA

Role of Traditional Leaders-What is the government’s strategy?

October 26, 2009 at 5:53 pm (2009 -2011 elections, CULTURE, Diaspora)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow Ugandans,

Interesting speech from the president especially now in the aftermath of the Riots-note the time; August 2, 1993. At the opening of Mengo’s Lukiiko, why has the sharing of power with the Lukiiko not been such a good experience for the president?

Is he expecting too much from them or has this body been rendered a toothless tiger, mandated to lead but left virtually powerless. They were given all the titles to function as a regional government, but with no money and power to carry out their jobs effectively.

A couple of years ago, I ran into one attorney general of Buganda-who was young and full of brilliant ideas, my interest in meeting him was purely from the stand point of finding out what crimes being committed on Buganda soil to warrant his presence.

I wanted to know whether he had the powers to arrest a simple thief found stealing stuff in Buganda, and to my surprise he didn’t. Well some of our legal experts on this forum will cite the constitution and claim that it is binding and he as a regional attorney general, he is supposed to look the other way when a crime is being committed in his region!

So I will try to wear my not so dumb hat -and ask the question: why would you create a title for a man that every one recognizes automatically, as the keeper of the law and make him toothless? Why would the kalangala courts carry jurisdiction while the one legitimately recognized is rendered useless.

You are damn right ,we still have lots of work to do, especially with the kingdoms and the main regional of Uganda.

There among us folks who are all “gang ho” about East African federations, we will be eaten alive an a huge federation, if we are not able to put our own house in order. Putting our house in order will have to start at the ethnic village level and some way of finding an assembly that gives us one voice in UNISON-without inter tribal disputes in the overtone.

And now I see the president discovering newer kings within integrated ethnic tribes and something in me wants to warn them-and say don’t do it, you have just become another ladder in an NGO: Because he has not provided the support structure to give life to all those titles on paper as witnessed in Buganda.

Yet the people have placed so much faith in them as time tested structures to resolve a slew disputes including land, family and inter-clan misunderstanding. I hope his strategy is not to have as many stooges as possible to be used to resist inter clan reforms necessary to have a solid block.

If we cannot resolve democratization issues at the tribal level, what makes us think we can make progress when we merge with folks who bring a whole new baggage of problems.

There are issues such as the Nomads problem, that could be solved in a joint East African manner since we’d be looking at a huge chunk of land for grazing from each member, but house cleaning work has to be done by us first, and I’m not impressed with the half measures and effort that we have done in this realm.

The president seems to be undoing work on the tribal level that was done by ancient kings, and in doing so he is arming new kings with ammunition to bring about war within large integrated tribes like the Baganda.

I’m saying this of the entire country and it’s collective groups, not to exclude those original 15 tribes. There is incredible preparation work necessary to co-join and form unions for either a local or bigger federation, if that is the plan. Some of our folks don’t even know the budgetary requirements of their region or a constitution in place to protect them from the ill effects of any federation.

We could take a lesson or two from the recent forming of the European union. Countries were asked to carry out the necessary reforms that bring about ease of integration. When you look at us, we have been seating in this East African club of nations for some years now, but no memo has come from our top leaders there to give a heads up at the tribal or ethnic level or to provide with the required tenets, in preparation for the bigger thing.

People cannot be herded like that, they need time to get organized and structures need to be put in place to make such moves. We need communication from honorable kategaya, as to what they are planning for us in the future. Do you honestly think Rwanda is training all these IT folks without a plan ?

I’m afraid this preparation requires years not months. If this is happening now, it is being done so secretly that only a few people are made aware of it-but one cannot move 30 million people into an organization(East African federation) without preparing them, even cows going into a kraal in the evening need time otherwise they resist the rush.

Tendo Kaluma

Boston Residence and a Ugandan

Letter to President Barack Obama

October 26, 2009 at 5:10 pm (2009 -2011 elections, Diaspora, POLITICS)
Tags: lugwema FN

Modify the attached letter as appropriate and send to your Congressmen and other people. I just sent mine to Senators Robert P. Casey and Arlen Specter here in “rural” Pennsylvania. I will be sending the same letter every week until I get a response from one of the two senators.

Don’t ever give up, even as the US gives more aid to Uganda.

*13 Uganda Federal Union States*
AcholiAnkoleBugandaBugisu-Sebei
BukediBunyoroBusogaKaramoja
KigeziLangoTesoTooro
West Nile-Madi

Open letter to the Leader of the free World
Mr. Barack H. Obama, President of the United States
Dear Mr. President,
When you delivered that historical speech in Accra, Ghana, Africa „hang‟ on your everyword – in fact many of us still do! In that speech you acknowledged the tragic past that has haunted Africa, and reminded us that the West is not responsible for the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy over the last decade, or wars in which children are enlisted as combatants. Indeed, African leaders must take responsibility for the atrocities meted on the peoples of Africa.

Mr. President I am happy to inform you that efforts to take responsibilities for our own future have taken root in Uganda. However, the major concern is in respect to the United States‟ foreign policy towards Museveni which differs fundamentally from its foreign relations with other Sub-Saharan African countries. Indeed, despite Museveni‟s one-party style of governance,human rights abuses, the wanton killings of unarmed citizens, the United States continues to be supportive of his regime through aid which is said to be close to 50% of his budget. Moreover, the “soft-approach” to Museveni‟s regime taken by the United States in democratising Uganda is problematic and counter to the political democratization of the country and the responsibilities to the peoples of Uganda that Museveni should have assumed over the years. If this relationship continues, the United States would gravely be implicated in the gross human rights abuses that characterize Museveni‟s regime.

Over the last 23 years, Museveni has demonstrated that he cannot be trusted to open up the political space for a true multi-party system and for the rule law to emerge in Uganda. In addition, he amended the constitution to remove term-limits so that he can run indefinitely. Should Ugandans be concerned that the United States national interests would continue to impede Uganda‟s efforts to democratise? Such questions continue to boggle our minds but confident that you will ensure that they are dealt with appropriately.

The other most precarious human rights situation which exists in Uganda, and perhaps in the world, is the continual brutality being inflicted on the people in Northern Uganda. Therelentless war between Museveni and Kony has affected this part of the country for 19 years.

The issue of “ghost soldiers” made it very clear that Museveni had no intention of protecting people living in this region. What is not clear though, is why the United States continues to support Museveni irrespective of these irregularities. It would be comforting to learn from United States‟ actions that Uganda, the country, is important to the United States – not just Museveni; and hope that US foreign policy with Uganda will not act as an impedimental factor to enduring governance reforms that Ugandans seek.

May the Lord keep you safe for the good of humanity.

Christine Nabukeera

Let Njuba and others write books for future generation

October 26, 2009 at 2:33 pm (2009 -2011 elections, POLITICS)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

People;

Let all those Ugandans who played some role put their thoughts in writing. Let Hon. Sam Kalega Njuba write a book about his experience for future posterity. There are many others who should write their memoirs, people such as, Dr Ssemmogerere, Mzee Byanyima, Mzee Cuthbert Obwangor, Mzee Adoko Nekyon, Mzee Tiberio Okeny, Mr Bidandi Ssali, Dr Rugumayo, Mr Nabudere, Professor Ssentenza-Kajubi, Mzee Mayanja-Nkangi, Mr Samuel Wako Wambuzi, Dr Martin Aliker, Mr Chris rwakasisi, Mzee Badru Wegulo, former education Minister under Amin, Brigadier Barnabas Killi-how did he do such a better job than today’s lot-Justice Kanyeihamba, Justice Mulenga and many ways and others.

These and others know a lot about the troubled events in Uganda’s history. For the good of Uganda, they should share their views with the future generation. Time to write is now. Their books/memoirs do not have to be long. They could motivate their thoughts in 100 pages or less less the way the former Enganzi did. The media and political folks who have access to these lucky Ugandans should plead with them to write books about their experiences.

Uganda’s history will be poorer if these men and women too take their experiences to heaven. There are some women who know a lot about Ugandan politicians in many ways. They too should write about their experiences. For Uganda’s future, they should be urged to write books. If many feel their revelations could be earth shaking, they could opt to publish them posthumously. They also be encouraged to donate their papers to their alma mater’s for future research.

WBK

Instead of a regional tier lets try a new ethnically balanced senatorial structure to bring about a balance of power

October 23, 2009 at 7:33 am (2009 -2011 elections, CULTURE, Federalism)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow Ugandans,

Buganda took a long view of the regional tier and decided that it was dead on arrival. Fellows who have Buganda at heart like Katikiro Dan Mulika, view it as yet another gimmick that would eventually provide an additional power edge to the majority party.

Due to the sheer numbers and an unfair advantage of NRM officers in government ,any proposal to bring about a balance in the decision making machinery will require a genuine shift in paradigm, designed on pure proportionality of ethnic numbers(numerics) to be viewed as meaningful by all players in the huddle.

A long view on Ugandan issues of power these days is generally centered around a single cow kyozi which has gulped up all the fields as the saying goes. The problem of checks and balances both in terms of political numbers for legislation and other organs of the state vital to decisions making is currently a magical funnel with the NRM party at the obvious end that holds most of the volume.

The tipped balance as is currently evidenced has brought in un sustainable levels of bias in the system, completely ignoring inherent loops designed for feed back and stability. What we have built is a completely unstable system which has shown signs of fatigue and chaotic behaviour due to lopsidedness.

How do we solve the chaos that surrounds us in an unbiased manner?

The answer lays in looking at other alternative structures of governance with a capability of instituting the missing balance. The regional tier though good for inter regional commerce is not among them, it is too simplistic to provide a lasting solution to a range of complex structural issues of not only service delivery, but graft and trust by the majority of Ugandans to provide lasting change.

The arguments forwarded for the regional tier were not convincing enough for it not to be viewed as yet another round robin structure designed to feed to an already overwhelmed hub of the NRM party. We need devolution in a more realistic sense and the answer lays in ethnicity thus the idea below.

A few weeks ago upon hearing about the revival of the regional tier, I hinted on a system of ridding the state of ministers who have been ineffective on delivery in their respective ministries, in lieu of a more ethnically proportionate balanced senatorial body filled by ethnic senators from the 15 original tribes of Uganda. This elite body will assume the administrative tasks now run rather inefficiently by the permanent secretaries of each ministry.

This proposed group of senators will form the necessary committees to run the affairs of the state efficiently with veto power to compliment the current parliamentary body and a similar ethnically balanced judiciary.

I further proposed a similar proportionately balanced ethnic structure for our supreme court, and any regulatory body that has to make decisions that impact the majority of the people.

It is my hope that Majority tribes like the Baganda, Iteso and others will need to come up with the necessary formula that reflects their size to represent the will of their people. I hope any Buganda negotiations with the central government will be geared towards an improved structure of governance for all the people of Uganda and not just those with powerful cultural leaders.

I hope all interested Ugandans can start to look at this very simple but necessary adjustment in the structures of governance as steps that we can implement to arrest not only corruption that has become rampant, but as a way of returning our central government back from the malaise of a single ruling ethnic group of the time.

I’m not sure where we lost this senatorial structure, perhaps during 1967, when the president then was more interested in controlling the administrative structures. After the abrogation of the constitution and removal of all kingdoms; he deliberately chose not to enhanced the existing system with a senate (or house of the Lords) thus causing the systemic failure as observed.

When one looks at the current adopted system this missing structure sticks out like a sore thumb, and it’s absence is witnessed in many of the constitutional gaffs of our time.

Parliament will remain as it is, where folks of all walks of life from dominant and non dominant political parties can convene and deliberate about our issues of the day, however qualification to the senate will require a more elite cadre. The choice of who is sent to the senate will remain purely in the hands of these 15 original ethnic groups.

Tendo kaluma

Ugandan in Boston

The Regional Tier versus Federalism

October 23, 2009 at 5:42 am (Diaspora, Federalism)

By Joseph Senyonjo

New York, New York

The Regional Tier versus Federalism

The New Vision reported on July 3^rd, 2004 that the Uganda Cabinet had proposed a regional tier system for regions that desire it. The districts of Buganda would be deemed to have formed a regional tier. The central government would give some powers to the regional tier and to the districts. Districts would form a regional council.

The proposed regional tier system may at first glance seem to give way to de facto federalism. Indeed, while announcing the proposal, the government statement conceded one of federalism advocates’ major points: it pointed out that some districts are too small, and that the regional tier would enable them to pool resources.

Wherein lies the difference between Federalism and the proposed Regional tier? The fundamental difference lies in the conception and the spirit, as well as, the structural and constitutional underpinnings of the proposed system.

Structural and Constitutional Issues

There are two structural and constitutional issues that distinguish the proposed regional tier from genuine federalism.

First, the regional tier and the districts would essentially be mere agents of the central government. In genuine federal Systems such as those of the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada and Australia, among others, jurisdiction is constitutionally demarcated among the three levels of government: Federal (central), State (regional) and local (districts, counties, cities) in such a way that none of the levels derives its fundamental powers from any of the others. None of the levels can arbitrarily infringe on the other’s jurisdiction. In the proposed regional tier these powers and privileges would be contingent on the central government’s goodwill. Worse still, the proposed regional tier would be dependent on the ability of the districts to work cooperatively with it while they, simultaneously, report to the central government. Federal systems have no room for the central government agents in local politics, at either regional or local levels, yet all Uganda’s districts have Presidential appointees, the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), charged with overseeing the districts.

Second, federal systems are designed to ensure national stability through regional checks on powers of potentially autocratic central governments. Consequently, federal regions are indivisible, that is, they cannot be broken apart. Their boundaries are inviolable. The Uganda cabinet’s proposed regional tier system, on other hand, stipulates that districts could withdraw from the regional tier by votes of two-thirds of the district councils. Such an arrangement would be a recipe for instability and disaster due to the inevitable acrimony among the different levels of government. The system would render the regional tier hostage to the districts since districts could threaten to withdraw from the system. In effect, the regions and the districts would be powerless to check on the excesses of the central government, since they would ultimately be consumed in petty power plays among themselves.

The Conception and the Spirit of the proposed regional tier

The proposed regional tier further falls short of federalism in that it was clearly conceived as a stopgap measure designed to contain Buganda’s federalism demands. The abiding spirit within the cabinet was clearly that of the unitary status quo rather than genuine empowerment of all Uganda’s people through powerful regions that would work in concert with the central government to address Uganda’s chronic under-development. If it were otherwise, the cabinet would not have ignored submissions to the Constitutional Review Commission from Acholi, Bunyoro, Busoga, and West Nile that also requested implementation of a federal system of government for Uganda.

The Example of the American Founding Fathers

When the U.S. ‘founding fathers’ started their campaign for federalism, they set out to educate the people on the benefits of federalism despite the fact that not all American regions at the time understood, nor appreciated the need for federalism. Some political elites from the various regions preferred a confederacy that essentially left most of the powers to the states with the central government having very little power; others preferred a unitary system. The founding fathers were far-sighted enough to ensure that the new constitution would be grounded on a system that would ensure its stability. They choose federalism– over a both a confederation and a unitary system– based on the fact that it ensured that all regions could advance many of their economic and political interests without interference, or veto of the central government, while simultaneously ensuring that the central government was powerful enough to guarantee the unity and harmony of the country. Federalism ensured that all of America’s regions had a stake in the integrity of the constitution since it empowered them to protect their interests.

Major components of a genuine Federal constitution

First, there would be a national federal constitution that gives equal powers and privileges to all regions while allowing for regional differences in administration within the bounds of the national constitution.

Second, there would be states / regions with capitals and regional constitutions.

Third, there would be elected regional legislatures in which all the districts, or counties, in each region would be represented. Kingdom regional legislatures could have upper chambers specially representing cultural interests such as clans, and ethnic minorities.

Fourth, the governors of the regions, including the Katikiro in Buganda, would be elected officials. In kingdom regions, the candidates for election as governor, or Katikiro, in Buganda, would go through a nomination process with the involvement of traditional rulers. The traditional rulers would be the constitutional heads of areas where they are wanted, but would not be involved in partisan politics.

Fifth, the national legislature would have two chambers: the lower house, representing constituencies, and the upper house, similar to the senate in the United States, representing each of the regions. While in the lower house more populous regions would have more seats, in the Upper House all regions would have an equal number of representatives to guarantee that all regions small or big have an equal chance to protect, or advance their interests.

Sixth, the federal equalization concept would constitutionally ensure that funds are redistributed — via pre-established formulas — to less privileged regions to help them achieve and maintain standards of living which are, at the very least, comparable to the national average. The federal government would help ensure that social services such as roads, schools and hospitals in less privileged regions are built up to a desirable national standard.

In conclusion, unlike the proposed regional tier, or the 1962 constitution, a genuine federal system for Uganda would encompass all of Uganda’s regions. The architects of the system would have to transcend a 1962-like semi-federal arrangement, which many Ugandans mistakenly believe is representative of true federalism in a Ugandan context. The 1962 arrangement was not a genuine federal arrangement for Uganda. Under the arrangement, one region was heavily favored, because it was sophisticated and organized enough to strongly negotiate for a certain level of self-determination, while most other regions were content to cede much of their power to the central government. The system was so imbalanced that it exposed Buganda, the only true federal region at the time, to envious talk of being a state within a state.

In Federal Uganda all the regions would have equivalent constitutional powers to raise and mobilize resources locally, nationally and internationally, without undue interference from the central government. There would be elected regional assemblies and governors, along with special accommodation for the role of cultural leaders. Once empowered, by the federal constitution, all Ugandans regions would jealously guard it against encroachment. The Ugandan nation-state would for the first time in its history gain legitimacy in the minds of all Uganda’s people — leading to lasting stability and prosperity.

Long Live Federalism!

Visit www.federo.com, and check out the report that Ugandans in the Diaspora presented to Constitutional Review Commission regarding federalism.

Joseph Senyonjo

UAH forumist residing in USA

WITCHCRAFT IN UGANDA

November 19, 2008 at 2:52 am (CULTURE)
Tags: Henry Ford Mirima

Dear Netters Senkindu,Senyonjo, Mulindwa, Jessica, etc.

Thanks for responding to the subject of witch-doctors intimidating and causing untold fear amongst the Uganda population to the point of believing lies and tricks of witch-doctors in attracting people to believe that human sacrifice of calousily killing young girls and boys in the unfounded hope of acquiring wealth from such barbaric acts.

One characteristic of all the respondents is that nobody has hit at the effective solution. Nobody has agreed that practitioners of witch-craft are basically honest, genuine people but who act ignorantly.

Only education of their minds will remove their ignorance. And this can only be carried out in the education system begining in the prirmary, secondary and at university level.

The press can play an effective role, but people like Kalundi Serumaga fear to antagonise witch-dcotors. Killing innocent young girls and boys should invite sympathy but Serumaga has never presented a programme to condemn this practice for fear of antagonising witch-doctors.

Most netters are saying that witch-craft be criminalised and the Police Force be awakened to take strong action against practitioners of witch-craft.
The laws against witch-craft are there, but are they enforced.

The great weakness of these proposals is that the majority of Ugandaans, including the Police Force and the judiciary are all of them believers in witch-craft hence they cannot take action against witch-doctors.

In addition to that, and we have established these facts in our book UNVEILING WTICH-CRAFT these people are intimidated into fearing the repurcusions of witch-dcotors. Fear of witch-doctors makes law enforcers, the Police and the Press, to fear to take action against them. They fear to be cursed and to be possessed by the devil, they fear to be be-witched by witch-doctors.

This fear is based on ignorannce of the highest degree.

The only solution is to remmove fear from our people. Fear can only be removed if they are convinced from the bottom of their hearts that the witch-doctor has not power to send spirits to attack anybody. We have established that there are no such spirits known as amayembe, lubaale, emizimu, ebyookoola, ebyomunju, etc.

In our book we demonstrate very clearly the basis of how witch-doctors claim to possess such powers. We have converted hundreds of thousands of witch-doctors who have spilled the beans on how they deceived and trick people.

Netters have asked me whether we have approached the ministry of education and other law makers to educate the population about these lies and tricks of witch-dcotrs.

Yes, we have approached the highest authorities in Uganda. We have written letters to H.E. President Museveni, and the MInister of Presidential aAffairs, Hon Wabudeya, and the PPS in the President’s office, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde. The latter had even made an appointment for us to meet the President but some how it did not materialise.

We have approached Makerere University and delivered complimentary copies to relevant departments like that of Sociology, Psychology, Education, Anthropolgy, Religious Affairs, The Faculty of Law,etc

The Presidents office invited us to meet Canon Ruhunda who is incharge of Religious Affairs in HE’s office. We carried two ex-witch-doctors to his office, and all the spirits and other paraphernalia witch-doctors use in the spirits shrines and demonstratred how they tell lies and how they change their voices to sound like spirits and how they make horns (amayembe) walk about and how they make them talk.

WE were invited at Makerere Institute of Languages where the department of Anthropology operates from and we carried two ex-witchdoctors who demonstrated how they make spirits (horns) and lubaale, talk and walk about.

Briefly, we showed how witch-doctors capitalise on the gullibility of the population to deceive them.

At this stage Ugandans should be abhorred by the story of the young girl who was so calously placed in a ditch, alive and watching every activity going on, sand poured over her and made her die a very painful death.

In civilised societies such a story would prop up in Parliament and the Minister of security would be put on the carpet, indeed, the Government would be forced to resign if the culprit is not found and prosecuted.

Briefly, the solution is to criticlly read that book and analyse it and see how our findings can help educate the minds of the people so that they no longer succumb to witch-doctors lies and tricks. It is only after fear of witch-doctors has been removed that we can face them and refuse to kill young girls and boys for their body parts to prescribe medicine for acquiring wealth.

We also approached the Minsitry of Education and donated five books to all the ministers in that ministry and their commissioners.

But, dear netters, we have never even received a letter acknowledging receipt of our donations. And this subject has never been even mentioned in the minisrtry.

Our suspicion is that these officers are themselves believers in witch-craft hence they cannot take action that will remove what they believe in. Or, they are so effectively intimidated by the thought that witch-doctors will attack them if they take action.

Henry Ford Mirima

Old politicians should groom the youth to take over leadership

November 19, 2008 at 3:02 am (POLITICS)
Tags: Abbey.K.Semuwemba

Old politicians should groom the youth to take over leadership

I agree with an article in a local magazine criticising President Museveni over his utterances against young people in politics. It is sad that the old politicians in Uganda have not considered grooming young people to take over their positions.

Milton Obote died without a young man taking over UPC. The party has brilliant young brains like Joseph Ochieno who are just being wasted.

A politician like Mr Bidandi Ssali, who has been in politics for ages, will not surprise us if he emerges as PPP’s presidential candidate when there are many brilliant young men in the party. The oldies want to stay on till when both their feet and brains develop wrinkles.

The NRM, a party initially blessed with a crop of young leaders including Dr Kizza Besigye, should never have allowed the Besigye’s to leave it. They should have been nurtured to take over leadership now instead of fighting them. The old people in the NRM are constantly fighting each other over the succession issue. For instance, one reads in the papers about the battles between Prof. Gilbert Bukenya and Mr Amama Mbabazi.

Mr Museveni does not want to leave power yet he is not grooming anyone to take over from him. This kind of politics compels young men and women to participate in politics only if they expect immediate gains.

Ugandans should admire the political environment in America where a young man like Barack Obama has been given a chance and is likely to become the next US president. Obama, 47, is not only the first African-American presidential candidate of a major party in the US but he is also a first term Senator to vie for president. He is a model and motivator for all the Black race worldwide.

Old people should give a chance to the youth to take over political leadership in Uganda. May be we need a party for young men and women to strongly send this message out there.

Abbey K.Semuwemba,United Kingdom
abbey@semuwemba.freeserve.co.uk

Is banyarwanda a tribe in Uganda constitution?

March 3, 2009 at 2:57 pm (POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Dear People,

Why don’t you push for an ammendment to the constitution?

You really must have missed out in the whole exercise of the review of the 1995 constitution carried out by the Constitutional Review Commission headed by none other than Prof Alfred Ssempebwa, a mulangira! The views you are expressing were expressed by many others as the Sempebwa report shows under section 11.6. I am sending you the link to that report: http://www..ugandaonlinelawlibrary.com/files/constitution/Commission_of_Inquiry.PDF

The report’s recommendation on the issue of the Banyarwanda was clear. Sempebwa states:

‘In our view, the existence of the Banyarwanda as an indigenous community in Uganda by 1926 is not in dispute and should be recognised. It is not for other communities to impose a name on this community.’ [here he was referring to the name 'Bafumbira' which was given to the Banyarwanda when Kisoro district was transferred from Belgian to British jurisdiction in 1926]

Note that, Banyarwanda who were left out of the Republic of Rwanda after the post-Berlin partition were named after the volcanic ranges close to which teir community lived. Those near Mufumbira ranges in present day Uganda were called ‘Bafumbira’, those near Mulenge hills in present day DRC were called ‘Banyamulenge’, those near Masisi hills also in present day DRC were called ‘Banyamasisi’ and those from Rutshuru hills are called ‘Banyarutshuru’. All those people are BANYARWANDA, the people of the old Rwanda Empire that was cannibalised by the British, Belgians and Germans. They were named after those hills to give them a new identity in their ‘new’ countries otherwise ETHNICALLY, they are Banyarwanda. DO NOT confuse them with Banyarwanda that are citizens of Rwanda, i.e., the RWANDESE. It is the Banyarwanda of Uganda who have sought to make a break by repudiating the derogatory name after some hills and asserted that they are Banyarwanda. This became particularly urge

The confusion with Banyarwanda is a result of coincidence between the name of their ethnic group and the name of a colony. That confusion never arises with other ethnic groups that are split between other neighbours just because those neighbouring countries do not share their name with an ethnicity. For every Alur in Uganda there are 2.5 in DRC (the so-called Lendu), for every 1 Mutoro in Uganda, there are 2 in DRC in Boga. There are Banyoro in NW Tzania, Itesot of Kenya elect Eimormor in Soroti etc. Imagine if Southern Sudan was called Acholi. What would have happened with the Acholi in Uganda? Or if Mao engineers a secession of Acholi, what would happen with the Acholis in Parajok and Kit in Equatoria province in Sudan.

They are saying they are Banyarwanda, but not Rwandese. Additionally, let us not confuse the ethnic group, Banyarwanda,with castes, the Batutsi, Bahutu and Batwa. Those were just socioeconomic classes just like Buganda has Balangira (equivalent of Tutsi) and Bakopi …the Hutus. Membership to those castes was not fixed. If you acquired alot of cattle, you could be dehutuised, and promoted to being a Tutsi, likewise if you were a Tutsi and lost your cattle like used to happen following outbreaks of rinderpest etc, you would be downgraded to a Hutu. They were not fixed groups like ethnicities tend to be. It is the Belgians that bastardised them into tribes: because Belgians have Walloons and Flemings as their two tribes, they wanted to recreate that arrangment in Rwanda and Urundi….with disastrous consequences…..

Likewise, in India there are similar castes, the Brahmans (Tutsi), Sudras (farmers..Hutu), the Dalits or Harijan (the untouchables…Batwa). The caste of Batwa similar meant ‘the to be spat on’ …you know how you spit: ‘Khroo, twa…’

[In India, later on they got the caste called 'Thugs' the Hindu word which entered English in 1839...they were violent robbers who murdered their victims according to specific rituals, prescribed by the Hindu goddess 'Kali' (from which we got the Swahili word kali or tough)].

So, compatriots, let us broaden our perspectives a bit to avoid interahamweist rhetoric.

Yrs sincerely,

L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

UPDF Officer

Family planning:Children out of rape or incest

November 21, 2008 at 12:06 am (HEALTH)
Tags: Add new tag, WB Kyijomanyi

I know this is taboo but here I go.

Actually, abortion would not be necessary if women did not use it as a form of family planing. Some people sleep around carelessly without taking precaution. One would expect such fornicators to take matters in their hands and religiously use the contraceptive pill-best protection. If they did, 995 they would not conceive. And without conception, there is no need for abortion. It sounds simple and common sense.
But matters related to sex are not that simple in patriarchal societies such as Uganda. That is where family planning comes in. I am not saying women should not please their men or than men should not love their wives/lovers. That is none of my business. What women should do is use their agency and go for family planning. If they can’t deal with the daily pill, they should go for other means to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies. To their credit that is what white women realized since the 60s. They can have their cake and eat it too. They not only sue the pill religiously, they also insist on condom use.
They may be liberal, but nobody get it without the condom period. Why can’t it be the same among Ugandan or African women for that matter? Teenage pregnancy among people of African descent in North America is 30%, way higher than the national average. Why? Because African parents have failed and failed miserably to teach their daughters and sons the dangers of fornications. They pretend that their daughters and sons are angels. Wowe. On the other hand white parents do not. They know and even encourage their teenagers kids to be sexually active. but to take the necessary precaution.

Girls are told to use contraception to void pregnancy. Both girls and boys are told to use the condom to protect themselves against sexual diseases. in many ways, the women who use the pill and insist in condom use have two and not one protection. Needless to say, they are not likely to get pregnant even in cases where they fornicate without the condom. In Uganda and I don’t want to sound harsh, it is the other ways round. fornicate endlessly and find out later. That is a disaster in country where abortion is banned.
No, abortion should not be legalized. What should be encouraged and promoted is family planning coverage all over the country. If family planning services are affordable and available to all the women who need them at a reasonable cost or even free in a country on the population brink such as Uganda, there would be no need for legalizing abortion. The women of Ugandan should know that they can have their cake and eat it too.

Take charge of your lives dear wowen. You and you alone can avoid unnecessary pregnancy without sacrificing the ‘fan’ of sex. Moderate sex is even good for us so we are told by experts. And it can be enjoyed without worries about pregnancy. Folks, the pill works very well.

And why would women want to endure the emotional torture of abortion?. Abortion is not an easy decision. It is emotionally draining. The good news and should I say common sense thing is that unwanted pregnancies can be prevented. If they can be prevented, then there is no need for abortion. It would not arise in the first place.
Now and this pains me. In Uganda today incest is on the rise. In such cases, abortion should be allowed to save the victims and those are true victims of such horrors. The other areas include rape. Those victims too should be allowed to procure an abortion legally. It would at least eliminate the evidence to perpetuate the stigmatization of victims of rape or incest.

Now, you see, there is nothing controversial written here. What I have said is that choices for women in the form of family planning services should be increased. Women should be provided with family planning services for free to ensure that all those who want them get them. Married couples who are faithful-yes there are still many-should be encouraged to use either the pill or natural planning method. Natural family planning is not effective for casual fornicators. Those should go for the pill and if they can’t remember to take the pill, they should go for an injection. Some will retort that the pill is dangerous. I say very minimally. The pill is safe. It works. It is effective and above all saves women the agony of an abortion.

If the women used the pill and men used condom, Uganda would be safer place. there would be fewer babies and certainly less poverty than is the case today. There would also be fewer HIV/AIDS carriers. It is common sense people. Why it is that we refuse to do the right thing? If women or girls decided that they want to fornicate, then they should go for the pill to guard against unwanted pregnancy. I don’t which is more dreaded: unwanted pregnancy or HIV/AIDS or both? The good news is that both are can actually be prevented.
Talk of legalizing abortion should be avoided. It will simply inflame the debate about women’s reproductive rights. There are safer and lesser controversial choices for women. Prevention prevention people.
WB Kyijomanyi

Children out of rape or incest are innocent and need protection

November 21, 2008 at 12:17 am (HEALTH)
Tags: Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

There is now a suspected relationship between abortion and mental illness according to the available research. Here in the UK, following the publication of a report by the House of Commons’ Science and
Technology Committee, at the Government’s request, The Royal College of Psychiatrists is currently in the process of pulling together its research on the subject.

The move to update research in the field brings into question the longstanding assumption in Britain that a woman’s mental health is at greater risk from continuing with an unwanted pregnancy than from the possible emotional or psychological backlash of ending it. This sensitive new ground highlights the importance of the work that counsellors do in this field, both with women considering a termination, as well as with those coming to terms with having had one.

UK has got two organisations (Marie Stopes International (MSI) and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)) offering counselling services and advice to women planning to do abortion in the UK.
According to data from these organisations, abortion affects a lot of women such that some feel as if they have lost a real child. There are so many women that end up in mental health hospitals as a result of abortion.

One may argue that a child born out of rape needs to be aborted because of the obvious reasons people but I again beg to disagree on this. Some women grow to love the children they got after being raped. The child is always innocent whether he was manufactured as a result of rape or incest and this child needs our protection and love as a society.

Yes, I agree that the decision to have an abortion should be a matter of individual conscience but individuals need to be guided on what is right and wrong when it comes to abortion. Some people argue that religion should not be a basis to help one make a decision regarding abortion but I think they are wrong. Religion is a way of life for some people and when one goes against it, one feels guilty most of the time. Religion should form a basis of decision making. As a Muslim, I will never support abortion except in fatal situations. So religion should be allowed to trump individual conviction.

The most important thing in all this discussion is to allow women to be entitled to safe pregnancy, safe delivery, and safe abortion. Clinics in Bwaise(Angola Zone) should not be allowed to be places
where women got for safe pregnancy, safe delivery or safe abortion. So the streamline of any abortion law should clearly be looking into this area other than legalising abortion. For instance, South Africa
reformed the abortion law in order to improve the health of women and prevent deaths among women. Abbey .K.S

Does Uganda care about its children?

November 24, 2008 at 7:04 pm (POLITICS)
Tags: Henry Ford Mirima

You have asked a proper question. Does Uganda care about its children? The answer is; No it does not. This is my observation. It is based on the fact that the killing of innocent children for ritual sacrifice has taken on the angle of tacit acceptance/approval by the state. Even Uganda parents who should normally be abhorred by reports of children being sacrificed, are also silent in a gesture that shows they also approve of the ritual killings of children.

If the state had cared about its children the current rampant kusaaddaaka of children including the calous one where a girl of 12 years was killed in a very painful manner where she was placed in a ditch and a mixture of concrete poured over her, even ignoring her cries, then state should have mounted a nationwide search for the tycoon who killed this girl.

But even Parliament has shown no concern otherwise the cabinet should have brouhgt a motion to outlaw witchcraft and stiffen laws against ritual sacrifice.

The possibility is that the people who should implement these laws are themselves believers in ritual sacrifice, believers in witch-carft, and most probably their huge buildings we see in Kampala are standing on the skeltons of these chlidren.

Henry Ford Mirima

Does Uganda care about its children(Asuman)

November 24, 2008 at 9:00 pm (POLITICS)
Tags: Balaba Asuman

State of child welfare in Uganda

By Balaba Asuman Student Makerere University P.O.Box 7062 Kampala

+256752536771, +256775519571

How child friendly is your country? Should parents or the state be held accountable for the well being of children? Does a country’s wealth guarantee better welfare for children? Should the state interfere in the how parents treat or bring up their children?

In Africa and the world at large, it is the responsibility of the nationals and the government entrusted to power, to create an enabling environment geared at safeguarding child rights and well-being of children because they are the future governors of the next generation. To answer the above question I will base on the NGOs findings and general observation of the situation in Uganda.

African Network on Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) had frequently reported a high level of child abuse in districts of Uganda. ANPPCAN, research reveals child abuse despite wide exposure by the media and other research institution.

Children have been abused physically, sexually and neglected in that out of 16,800 cases of child abuse 95 percent were committed by male aggressor and 5% by female. The sexual abuse takes (82.9 percent) 13,929, physical abuse (9.9 percent) 1670 and neglect with (2.6percent) 450, while a total of (4.5percent) 751 cases were not classified.

The compiled report from judicial proceedings totaled 1808 cases with Lira having the highest of 221 cases, followed by Mbarara 182, Mubende 136 and Moroto , Buganda Road and Masindi had few cases, 2, 5 and 6 respectively.

On regional level out of 8681 cases, western had 31.1%, followed by central 29.1%, eastern 22.7 and northern with 17.7%. District level, out of 3103 Jinja had 509 with the highest figure, followed by Masaka 419, Pallisa 399, Lira 359, Kira Rd ( Kampala ) 339 and Mpigi 312.

The cause of child abuse has been brought by cultural practices like early marriage with the desire to get dowry, inheritance of the deceased which is found out that most people donʼt use the responsibility entrusted of taking care to children. Also ignorance about the existence of laws to the public has been instrumental hence lagging the effective implementation of ANPPCAN objectives.

There also challenged with limited funding from government in that more emphasise is on child health care like fighting Malaria, Polio among others and little is forwarded to stop child abuse.

ANPPCAN does advocacy work targeted to policy makers to steer the programmes into force like enacting laws to punish the culprits involved. Giving children skills in decision making, build confidence and creating awareness to the public is essential to be focused on, but it wonʼt be possible if there is no proper implementation of policies and law to enhance child rights.

There is need for law enforcers to deal with the aggressors without favouritism promoted by corruption, as well dealing with parents, Guardian or authorities who at times settle matters in the curtain intentioned to bribes given.

Protection of children is everyoneʼs responsibility, for a better Uganda, tomorrow and forever.

ANPPCAN Uganda chapter was established in 1992 being part of the continental Pan-African movement with offices along Kira Rd to advocate for the rights of children and it work with other NGOs like Uganda human rights commission (UHRC), FIDA (Uganda women lawyers association), and Media in the country.

Those abused are in the age bracket of 8-17 and cases ANPPCAN had taken action includes defilement maintenances, parental neglect, child starvation, indecent assault, abandoned, alleged child sacrifice and giving support to former child domestic workers like education.

Nkunda war in DRC

November 27, 2008 at 12:53 pm (Africa)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega Mussazi-newvision

it’s true Nkunda was part of government, but unlike Baganda, Basoga, West Nilers, Banyankore and Acholi, who were in UPC when their people were being victimised by Obote, Nkunda (like John Garang) abandoned governmwent and joined his people in rebellion. His demands are not many. He wants Banyamulenge and other marginalised people to be recognised by Congo. But remember that DR Congo is supposed to be a federal state so it is better for Nkunda to be Governor of Kivu both south and north other than a minister or senuior military officer in Kinshasa. According to press reports here, both Kabila and Kagame are soon agreeing on a joint operation against Intarehamwe and Hutu militia’s safe heavens in Congo. We should not dismember colonial states, we should go for regional integration. Fortunately Khartoum and Juba have applied for membership of East Africa Community. In the first community, Zambia, Ethiopia and Somalia applied and we hesitated to admit them. May be the community would have been spared from personal clashes between Nyerere, Amin and Kenyatta.

l think DR Congo should not be broken up. You remember Ethiopia was broken up but that did not stop wars between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Even if Southern Sudan becomes independent, it will not stop war in Darful or Kassala. If we start breaking the colonial states, Africa will be no more because with the tribalism that has been rekindled, we may go back to pre-colonial nation states. Some of us are lucky we had some, but there are those that were still in bonds! If Kabila does not accept to integrade Nkunda and his rebels, and to chase away negative forces, let’s remove him.

Ahmed Katerega Musazi

(NewVision newspaper)

Where has the aid gone?

November 30, 2008 at 9:05 am (POLITICS)
Tags: Henry Ford Mirima

Everybody knows where aid money has gone. But nobody wants to face facts. The late Kisekka made the following comment, “Banayuganda sibategeera. Balaba ekintu ekikyamu bo kye bakola” That I do not understand Ugandans, they see something wrong and that is exactly what they choose to do.

The article in The Monitor of last week which showed how Uganda is paying clossol amounts of money, billions every month, to maintain Presidential Advisers, and the chairman of the ruling Movement party, who do nothing but spy on the population on behalf of the Office of the President, should be an eye opener.

The money paid to Presidential Advisers should be used to build schools and to pay a decent salary to teachers so that teachers in rural areas can be motivated enough to do their duties like urban teachers who perform well to the extent that their school perform very well.
The devourers of aid money are the innumerable political patronage personnel found in every aspect of Ugandan establishment. These people are appointed on just one merit, to push the interests of the politicl party in power. They virtually have no skills to talk about but they are appointed to high ranking positions where they do unprofessional things.

Like today we have a minister of finance but he does not have the ability to know that the economy of the country is suffering because the ordinary person fails to get change when buying merchandise. Failure to get change has caused indescribable suffering to low income earners, but Presdsent Museveni’s ministers cannot see this.

Go to the ATM machine where you are given 50 thousand Shilling notes. You go to buy goods with it you will spend a whole day without finding somebody who can change it into small denominations which the ordinary Ugandan peasants use. You need to travel by taxi and you are required to pay seven hundred shillings but you have a note of fifty thousand shillings. The taxi driver will punish you by either taking you another two miles away from yur destination in search of change or you will not be taken.

The point is , why cannot President Museveni appoint a minister of finance who knows what he is doing. The answer is ,he appoints only political patronage personnel who have no professional capacity to think out such things.

Some ten years ago the UNO put aside billions of dollors to specifically fund economic development in Africa like it was in Europe after World War Two when the USA gave Europe a mere 112 million dollors in the famous Marshal Aid programme.

The Europeans used that money intelligently and today all European countries are extremely prosperous.

But the billions given to Africa by the UNO were spent wastefully (or stolen), like Global Fund and Valley Dam money, it all vapourated into the air. That money did not do the kind of miracle the Mashall Aid money did to Europe. As a result Africa is still as poor as it was before aid money was offered. Indeed, we are so poor and ignorant you find Ugandans dying from giggers on their buttocks and armpits.

I have been tempted to conclude that Africans are of a low IQ but then there comes Barack Obama who has displayed a rare IQ in outwitting the whites. You listen to Obama talking and yoou know you have an intellectual. But will our people follow Oboma’s examples? I doubt.

Briefly, the aid money we get is spent in making plans, including rigging elections, to keep the ruling parties in power.

Henry Ford Mirima

Bunyoro Kingdom spokesperson/journalist/writer

Who is Moses Kigongo

January 4, 2009 at 12:59 pm (POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)

Brothers,

If you knew what Kigongo is capable of, you would cry for ever from today:

A few samples:

1/9.During the “presidential limit removal” machinations, the 5M was being distributed from his Guest House [called Mosa Courts], just after Sheraton Hotel, to the right, if approached from High Court side, eastwards.

2/9.In the Bush, he mobelised business men’s contributions, food acquisitions (by force), etc.

3/9.Most important, in our days, he is the CUSTODIAN OF THE IMPORTANT EXTRA BALLOT PAPERS. For every constituency, an estimate of, for example, how many votes Mzee should get in a certain district are calculated in advance of the election date.
4/9.Since the printers of the votes [usually in South Africa] are indirectly linked to M7’s men, these people are given extra money for extra votes for deliverly to Kyadondo Road [Kigongo's office] or any other safe house.

5/9. Trusted teams are selected and placed in different houses to ‘pre-tick’ the ballots in favour of the desired candidate [in rare cases, of a non-NRM plant, where cheating for an NRM would look stupid].

6/9.The next day, over the pre-election night, pick-ups are loaded with ballot papers in boxes, to pre-determined locations/voting booths. In many case, ?un-gazetted’ polling centres are opened and closed, unknown to the opposition.
7/9.The problem remains: Suppose , all the same, M7 gets embarrassingly low tarries, despite the ‘cheating’? In such cases, the results on the summary sheets are read by phone, fax, etc to Kigongo’s centre, where they are doctored before they re given to the Electoral commission. This is how, for example, the Supreme Court was shocked to learn that where Besigye got 340 votes against Museveni’s 20 [a booth in the east], the results reached the Electoral commission with Besigye having ZERO votes and Museveni having 80.
This way, Mbarara Municipality with 10-12 thousand voters, which Eng. Byanyima always won with 8-10,000 votes, ended up being said to have given Besighye about 9,000 votes and M7 about 19 thousand votes in 2001. This means that 20,000 ballots had to be ‘manufactured’ and that is how Kigongo’s team comes in.

8/9.Kigongo commands a very big team of computer data processors to achieve this, mobelised months in advance for the exercise. For example, their estimate/desire was to give ‘Mzee’ 60% of the tarry last time. They did their thing but were shocked to find that their man failed to make 50% of the vote [which would mean a re-run] (source say Besigye go 47% and M7 got 48%, despite the cheating and intimidation, register alteration, etc]. This was not acceptable to the Kigongo boys [mainly ISO agents] so, 57% was ‘manufactured’ for ?Mzee’ and the rest is history.

9/9.Pity Uganda. All the money from the privatisation of public enterprises, ?free’ land investment, etc, is being used to sustain such machinations and Kigongo and his buddies are at the centre of it. Do not be surprised if the NSSF loot was not meant for such satanic activities.

Christopher Muwanga,
Nakasero,
Kampala.
2.1.09.

Islam,slavery and N.Uganda

January 4, 2009 at 4:13 pm (CULTURE, History, Uncategorized)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega Mussazi-newvision

It is true both Christians and Muslims were involved in slavery and slave trade for centuries while Christianity and Islam are opposed to it. It is like Western Christians mad with capitalism when Christianity is opposed to it. As for Arch Bishop Jenan Luwum, Amin is blamed for killing the religious man before he was tried in a competent court of law. Otherwise there was enough evidence that rebels based in Tanzania had smuggled in guns to stage a coup on January 25th 1971. The plot was master minded by some Acholi and Langi. This is even admitted by the late Kigezi Bishop Festo Kivengere in his book, l LOVE IDI AMIN (1977) after he and Arch Bishop Yona Okoth, survived narrowly Amin’s killers. However Amin did not kill Luwum because the former was a Muslim and the latter a Christian. Amin killed even Muslims like Shaban Nkutu, Commerce Minister in Obote l government, Sheikh Asadu Lutale, father of Sheikh Abdul Obeid Kamulegeya, to mention but a few. We should stop stereo type labeling a section of our population bad or good according to what Baganda call “OMULYAMMAMBA ABEERA OMU N’AVUMAGANYA EKIKA.”

However l sympathise with you, Islam has not yet penetrated the North especially Acholi and those that should have done it are at Kibuli and Old Kampala fighting for a few Muslim property. Otherwise in Buganda where Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Greek Orthodox, 7th Day Adventists, Pentocoscals and even Lubaalism (African Traditional Religion) are strong, we are tolerant of any religion so long as it is not a destructive cult like Kibwetere’s or Bushara’s.By the way, l am a Luo Mubiito, your relative, who happens to be a Muslim by accident of my birth, descent and heredity.

There are things we can not agree. For example l know that religious leaders in Uganda are not only political but also partisan. It is true as Amin faced isolation, he become more close to Muslims. But Ugandan exiles and a section of Uganda Army were to stage a coup on January 25^th 1977 and the Arch Bishop knew about it. What Amin should have done, was to put the Arch Bishop under trial. Can you deny that the late Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga was an NRA? But if Obote had touched, him, he would have been condemned. Even castration story l don’t buy it since l am a regular visitor of Middle East and l see Black natives even in countries like Saudi Arabia.

What is true is both Muslims and Christians were involved in slavery and slave trade despite the fact that Islam and Christianity condemn it. I will advise some Muslim agencies to concentrate von mass elimunization (evangelization) of Acholi sub region, were some of my brothers may even think that Muslims are sub humans.

English,Luganda,China and Development

January 4, 2009 at 4:33 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

1. It is true that USA has got no official language. It is again true that official languages are those designated by the law. However, a language can be considered to be de facto official language, meaning that although a language may have no official status in a particular country, it is the most commonly used language in that country and the one usually used in official settings. In other words, English is the de facto official language of the USA. It is considered the official language in practice if not in law. The US constitution and all federal legislation are also written in English. 30 of the US states already have got official languages. US naturalization laws standardize English.

2. It is also true that the US Senate voted in favour of making English the national language in 2006 according to the BBC(2006) (internet: available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4996512.stm ). 83% of the population of USA speak English. What I’m trying to say is that English is both the ‘official’ and ‘national’ language of USA whether it is endorsed by the law or not. It has got the hallmarks of both an official and national language of USA. That’s why I stated in my earlier message that Ugandans don’t need government legislation if they want to support Luganda as the national language. All they need is to promote it in their homes and the rest will just be a piece of cake.

3. Swahilli is already one of the official languages of Uganda, but like I stated, the decision was just political. Swahili does not qualify to be an official language of Uganda if we are to look at the basis of an official language. English is rightly the No 1 official language of Uganda and Kenya and I hope this status quo remains forever.

4. It is true that Swahili has got a bigger following in Sub Sahara Africa than Luganda. On the other hand, Luganda is more spoken than Swahili in Uganda. If we are looking for something national, then Luganda fits the bill very well.

5. In terms of technological advancement, this is just business by Microsoft. Both Swahili and Luganda are being technologically promoted in East Africa and Uganda respectively. Last year (2008), African software and language experts launched a project to translate Mozilla’s Firefox web browser into the local Ugandan language of Luganda.I also read something techological about Luganda in Bukedde in 2007,i guess.

6. A-China will always be on board with or without our people learning Chinese languages. China itself is promoting English for strategic reasons. Angola and DRC are some of the African countries that have got China as a strong key economic partner but they have got Portuguese and French as their official languages respectively. Angola president’s second visit to China in five months in December 2008 was an example of the strong partnership that exists between the two countries. Angola is now China’s largest-supplier of crude oil. The DRC government has also signed a series of landmark asset-backed deals with China, totaling around US$9.25 billion.

B-However, Language is a concern for foreign patent applicants. Both Chinese and English are the official languages of the Hong Kong SAR and it is only necessary to provide limited information in Chinese. In Hong Kong, traditional characters are still used, but in mainland China an application for a patent must be in simplified Chinese characters. Further, while some patent offices allow applicants to file in their own language and submit translations later, the Chinese Patent Office does not allow this.

7. Fifty-Five countries in the world have got English as their official language. So it’s not a delusional for any country to get on the band wagon anymore. So probably Rwanda is on the right track. Again, the politics between the current Rwanda government and France are very complicated just like the tensions between Tutsi and Hutus. So I don’t want to read much into why Lunyarwanda did not directly replace French. Kagame is really making the right decisions so far. Remember Rwanda was the first to come up with the idea of free primary education before Uganda.

English,Luganda and Morbid Jealousy

January 4, 2009 at 4:48 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS, Uncategorized)
Tags: Mugulusi

Let me start off by clarifying some information: 1) U.S doesn’t not have an official language 2) it is not true that in 2006 the U.S voted in favor of English as a national language. Let us not engage in a discussion of disinformation. In 2006 the U.S Senate (not the U.S) considered and voted on two amendments on the Immigration Reform Act, both Amendments avoided the word “official.” The two amendments, one sponsored by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) intended to “preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language of the United States of America” and the second sponsored by Sen. Ken Salazar ((D-CO) Obama’s appointee for Secretary of Interior) intended “to declare that English is the common and unifying language of the United States, and to preserve and enhance the role of English language.” The verdict – “Senate sends mixed signal on English.”

Also, adopting Swahili as an official language does not mean the end of English. English can still be offered as any other language and it will remain with us for ages. It is interesting that you use English’s global reach as a reason to maintain it as an official language yet you don’t even mention the regional reach of Swahili. If your reason to maintain English as an official language is because many people in different countries speak it; then you should use this same reasoning to have Swahili and not Luganda as our national language. Swahili is also technologically ahead of Luganda; in 2006 Microsoft launched a Swahili windows and office programs. Microsoft (pursuing market share and profits) recognizes the potential of the Swahili language, what about us? Let us take initiative and develop our languages, particularly those that have an edge over others. Swahili is an African language – a unique language with unifying potential.

Luganda as Uganda’s national language is a bit tricky; personally, I am not opposed to the idea. However, I would seriously consider the opinion of non-bantu language speakers in Uganda i.e. their opinion weighs more. It is easy for me to understand (speak, write etc) Luganda even though I have never had formal training or even resided in Buganda but I have seen the difficulty some of my Itesot family friends have with Luganda. I have noticed that most non-bantu language speakers that I know have difficulty with Luganda. So I am interested and would listen to their opinion on this issue.

If federalism were realized in Uganda, I would not compromise in my support for Luganda to be instituted as an official language in Buganda state.

As for China demanding more English, that is not surprising considering that China has become a major global political and economic player – a rising superpower, as some would argue. However, the traffic is not one-way, those other economic giants have also increased their demand for Chinese. In the U.S, demand for Chinese language study is at an all time high. See the following stories: “As China booms, so does Mandarin in U.S. Schools” By Elizabeth Weise, USA Today at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2007-11-19-mandarin-cover_n.htm Also, “With a Changing World Comes An Urgency to Learn Chinese” By Lori Aratani, Washington Post at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/25/AR2006082501418.html.

If we want to be strategic we should emphasize Chinese language study more than English!

Brother Abbey, I was tickled when you said with respect to the advanced (global reach) English language, “we cannot afford to dilute all these efforts because we want to feel more Arab-African.” No, it is not the unnecessary “Arab-African” comment that tickled me; it is the following words, “WE” and “EFFORTS.” By “WE”, I understand you mean “Africans” and by “effort” you mean the work and resources that were invested to make English a language with an expansive global reach. We never put in any effort; this was purely the work of the British and later on the Americans. Initially, it was through colonialism and later the through the British Council, DFID, USAID, State Dept. etc.

We on the other hand, have continued to promote these languages because 1) we can’t agree on “our” own languages, 2) are not willing to invest the resources and energy required, 3) we have this delusion that we need a language (e.g. English) that is globalized. Rwanda’s misguided shift from French to English provides an example of how “we” are not willing to put in the “effort” to develop our own. Rwanda is not like Uganda; they have a language (Kinyarwanda) shared by all Rwandans. If a shift is necessary, it should be from French to Kinyarwanda. Also, Rwanda just joined the Jumuiya Afrika Ya Mashariki, where Swahili is the official language. So a shift to Swahili from French would be more strategic and forward looking.

Mugulusi

Weaker pound sterling good for Ugandans?

January 4, 2009 at 4:56 pm (Finance)
Tags: WBK

A weaker pound means a strong Uganda shilling. For those in the UK it is good because they can get more shillings from the pounds they send to Uganda. So Ugandans in the UK in particular win. Winners too are their families/friends /relatives who receive funds from the UK.

Other winners are UK exporters and Ugandan importers (due to identity relationship). UK exporters are winners because it is cheaper to send they products to Uganda. Ugandan importers win because it is relatively cheaper to import goods from the UK now that the it takes fewer shillings to buy pounds. Now is the time for Ugandan importers to purchases their dream products from the UK. Ugandan tourists/visitors-those lucky enough to get visas-to the UK are also big time winners.

But there are also losers. The biggest losers are Ugandan exporters in that Ugandan products are now more expensive in the UK due to a weaker pound. UK importers and travelers are also losers because it is now more expensive to import stuff into the UK or travel abroad because the pound fetches less of other currency.

Overall, it is hard to say whether Uganda is better off with a strong shilling/weaker pound. Why? Because it depends on whether Uganda has more exporters and visitors to the UK or more importers and tourists/visitors from the UK. But a stronger shilling is not in Uganda’s long term economic interest. The value of the currency should reflect overal economy wide fundamentals. It is hard to tell for Uganda. Yes, the macro economic fundamentals are okay, but the micro aspects are not that good.

This may account for the disparity you allude too on the ground in Uganda. But for the folks who travel to Uganda, it is certainly cheaper if you bought the tickets in Uganda.

Why is there still a huge disparity between the pound and the Euro? Because there are interest rate differentials between UK and the EU. The EU has cut further than the UK. That should be the fundamental factor. For those investors seeking for some relief, they are pouring their money into the UK and fleeing the Euro zone.

In Uganda too the pound is better known-more in use-than the Euro so it may have to do with sentimentality and the overal fundamentals of the Ugandan economy.

WBK

Israel is a terrorist state

January 7, 2009 at 9:38 am (RELIGION)

If the terrorist and racist State of Israel cannot tolerate co-existing with the State of Palestine. It should be wiped out. And it will be wiped out as kingdoms of Israel and Judea were once wiped out. Remember they survived on blood of indigenous Palestinians.

l have broken my taboo the second time. Which God of the Bible? How many Gods are there? There is only one living God. He is for all of us although we call him different names in different languages. The Jews and Arabs called him Allah. In the actual fact, in Aramaic, the language Jesus Christ spoke, He is called Allah and Jesus himself called him so. In Luganda we call him Katonda. As Jews call him Yahweh, El Shadai and others, we also call him Dunda, Lugaba, Liisoddene, Omukama, Omutonzi, etc….God is for us all not for the Bible.

Moreover Jews don’t believe in The New Testamanent and don’t recognize Jesus. We should be objective in analyzing Middle East conflict other than being religious fanatics. Abraham came from Ur in Iraq and in Canaan in Palestine, he found there natives, whose rights must be respected. If Jews are God;s people why were they cursed by Romas after Christianity had become a State Religion of the Roman Empire? Why did the Pope kept quiet as Adolf Hitler was slaughtering them? Why didn’t the Papacy made an agreement with Benedicto Mussolin which is still respected today? Were the crusades declared by popes to capture Jerusalem from Muslims, for the purpose of restoring the holy city to Jews or to Christendom? Remember these wars were fought before Christinity broke out into Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Let the rights of Palwesnians, the natives, and Jews, the immigrants, be respected and they co exist.

It is true US is the godfather of Israel but it is not the first super power. One time Pharaoh was very powerful as he is mention in Bible and Qur’an, then Alexander the Great, the Perian Empire, the Roam Empire, The Muslim Emire under Umayyads and Abbasids, Spain and Portugal, Turkey, Britain, France, Germany, US and USSR and now US as the sole power. It will crumble as many have crumbled and Israel will perish as it has ever prerished and Jews enslaved. However if both groups agree on co existence, they may survive.

If it is the will of God Israel will perish and it ever perished not once, not twice. Do you remember the rise of the kingdom of Israel? Then division of Israel and Judea? Then the fall? Then how these people were enslaved in Egypt and in Babylon? And how they were cursed by Christians after Christianity had become a Roman Empire’s state religion, the way they were treated in the West , the climac being Adolf Hitler’s genocide, Zionism, etc… Any thing can happen, if it is the will of God.

Ahmed Katerega Musazi

New Vision

Israel will never disappear

January 7, 2009 at 2:17 pm (CULTURE, RELIGION)
Tags: John Okello

Try and find out how the stae of Israel was formed amidst ALL kinds of hostilities including the British colonial hostilities to their settlement in Palestine. At some point they were offered Uganda, of all places on the planet, but they themselves rejected it. Why? There were a number of incidents that pointed to the fact that all British colonial govts up to end of 2nd world war and beyond never ever wanted the Jews to settle in Palestine. Fieldmarshall Montgomery was sent to Israel just before the British Colonial govt in Palestine pulled out unceremoniously amidst stiff guerilla war fare mounted by the Jews organised by the likes of Menachim Beagin. Montgomery reported to the labour govt of Attlee that if the British pulled out, the Jews would hold to their land in Plaestine for a mere 6 to 7 days only after which they would be totally overun and completely demolished by the Arab population. They were wrong.

Indeed when the British pulled out without much warning to the Jews, they were seriously attacked by 7 Arab armies. Despite lack of food, guns and amunitions, infrastructure and ill-preparedness on the part of the Jews fighting against the well trained and well equipped Arab armies of the day, the Jews won that war. They did not have much help from any govt in the world at that time including America. This is a point that has amazed so many historians up to today – a miracle you could call it and many still believe it was.

I am not condoning what is happening in Gaza battles today especially the suffering of the civilians. Anybody in their right mind would not condon it. We all know that and we all know what transpired before the incursion by the Israeli army into Gaza. However, I also think that the only thing that can happen in that part of the world is for the Jews and Palestinians to coexist but the Arabs will not succeed in chasing away the Jews out of Israel. It will be the greatest miracle of all times. I have not read the Qouran but the Bible clearly states that God dispersed the Jews out of Israel for a reason but He also promised to resetlle them back in the same promised land of their forefathers – Abraham etc without intervention from us the mortals of this world.

john Okello

UAH forumist

”Gomesi” as a national dress of Uganda?

January 8, 2009 at 1:56 am (CULTURE, POLITICS)
Tags: Otto Patrick

1/8 Gomesi started being with us in 1940s when it was adapted as the dress for boarding schools in Uganda, starting with Gayaza. Gayaza, as we know was founded by Christian missionaries ‘…to train girls especially the daughters of chiefs in those skills that would make them better wives’.

2/8 Initially, the ladies of the school donned the basic Kiganda ladies’ attire of the day: a sheet of cotton cloth wrapped around the breasts and tied to the waist with a smaller strip of cloth. This left much of the torso exposed and there were often some accidents with that attire especially when the ladies went to work in the school shambas. The missionary tutors found the exposure of the ladies’ torsos and breasts indecent and sought to craft a dress code that was a compromise of their own fashions and the bed sheet-like sash with which the ‘natives’ draped themselves (see attached picture, from Speke’s journal of the ‘discovery’ of the Nile).

3/8 They enlisted the services of a tailor from Gayaza trading centre, an Indian called Fernando Gomes. Mr Gomes was from Goa, an Indian province formally under the Portuguese. The people there like Mr Gomes and the Pintos, Almeidas etc adopted Portuguese names.

4/8 In designing the new Gayaza uniform, Mr Gomes maintained the extravagant sash, very much like the oriental Kimono or West African Obi that was to form a massive skirt. On to this, he stitched a quasi blouse with a square neck with two buttons opening on the left. The new dress was named after him, hence, gomesi. This became the first uniform for all girls in boarding schools (hence ‘boodingi’) and when they went back home for holidays, the traditional authorities were impressed by the new fashion, turning it into the ‘traditional’ dress.

5/8 Mr Gomes was later to be evicted from Gayaza by the Anti-Asian rioters in the late 1940s. A fifth generation Indian Raj Vajrakaya Gomez has recently come up to claim that he is a grandchild of Gomes and wants the ‘bodingi’ to be patented to benefit the family of its designer. His claim can however be doubted because his name, Gomez is Spanish where as the Portuguese version given to the Goans has a letter‘s’.

6/8 The gomesi dress symbolises the ostentation and conspicuous display and extravagancy of feudal society where value for money is an alien concept. From one gomesi, a contemporary designer can make at least 3 size 12 ladies’ dresses….let alone the ‘Kikoyi’, and ‘Kitambala’ that accompany that courtly attire.

7/8 The gomesi can only be a ‘national dress’ (hopefully for ladies only) if the nation’s life is going to be confined to the slothfulness, lethargy, flamboyance, splendour and vanity of the feudal court. An active, productive, non-parasitic, bi-cycle riding, boda-boda mobile female population cannot manage in that cumbersome garb. A mukiga lady will not wear it, and never wears it, and in much of the West, the less cumbersome two-piece dress and sheet remains popular: it makes it easy to shed off the sheet, which for the gomesi, is the entire garb.

8/8 To think that ‘Gomesi’ is a traditional dress is a bit problematic when we do not even have a vernacular name for it and at the very moment when some of us are agitating for a ‘national’ language. Looking at the name Gomes itself, its Portuguese origin makes the naming of the attire for our women even more problematic. Gomes or Gomez in Spanish derives from ‘Guma’ meaning a man or male, or masculine….i.e., Mwami/Ejakait/Ladit. A name that refers to masculinity, for a dress that embodies femininity is a comical contradiction in terms!

Beti Kamya doesn’t represent Baganda

January 15, 2009 at 1:37 am (CULTURE, POLITICS)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

Kamya is a product of regional integration as the father is from Uganda and the mother from Kenya. Beti should not be allowed to glorify tribal sectarianism as it will set a bad precedent in this multtribal and multi religious colonial state.

We are all with prejudices. We, Bannabuddu from the south of Buganda, think that Bannakyaggwe, from the east of Buganda are night dancers and man eaters may be because of the infamous Kawuulu case. But Baganda proper think the same of us Bannabuddu and Bannakyaggwe. So Baganda and southerners have their prejudices against Northerners and vice versa. Otherwise my neighbouring parish in Mijwala sub county, Mawogola county, is Kidokolo, which was base for road constructors whose staff was predomknantly Bakokolo probably from Dokolo county. Although UPC was an anti-Buganda party before, during and after a marriage of convenience with Kabaka Yekka, our leaders have not been as tribal as Beti Kamya portrays herself and them. FRONASA had people like Akena P’Ojok and Fr.Okoth. NRM had people like Ronald Batta. UFM’s Chief of Staff originally was Maj.Oboma. So there no anti northern agenda. However UNLA which predominantly Acholi and Langi, and to an extent Teso in Special Force, has a bad genocide record in Luwero Triangle and West Nile. It is factual. L am not a tribalist that is why lam proud of being a Luo Mubiito.

We have five constitutional offices. President, Vice President, Speaker, Chief Justice, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Chief Justice and Prime Minister. Gilbert Bukenya, Edward Srekandi, Leticia Kikonyogo and Aplo Nsibambi are Baganda. Benjamid Odoki and Rebeca Kadaga are easterners and only Museveni is a Westerner. Unfortunately, there is no northerner nor a Muslim. Probably Moses Ali should have been the one.

In the forces, they only parade Chief of Defence Forces, Inspector General of Police and Commissioner General of Prisons. But we are a land locked country and the post that made Idi Amin and Oyite Ojok powerful is occupied by Lt.Gen.Edward Katumba Wamala.I think meritocracy is better than tribal and religious awards.Even politically one wonders for Ugandans to look at Besigye and Muntu as alternative to Museveni. All are westerners

I think l stated that Princess Rebecca ALitwala Kadaga and Justice Benjamin Odoki are easterners. Baganda are foresighted and they don’t condemn the enitre government unless it has turned against them. That is why they worked with the British and they gained copared to our Bunyoro cousins. Thay only turned against Obote because he abolished their kingdom. But l agree with you some Baganda and other Ugandan leaders are working for their stomachs and not for their country. We shall weed them out, God willing. Tribalists and nepotists are also still there, we shall eject them one by one. Let’s be hopeful. By the way hadn’t Obote antagonised Bganada no body was bothered whether the army is Northern dominated. People start raising who is who in government and army when they have griavances that are not addressed.

Why Amin Killed Father Kiggundu of Muno Newspaper

January 16, 2009 at 2:43 am (History, MEDIA)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

Father Clement Kiggundu, Munno Editor, was murdered in January 1973. His body was found burnt in the wreckage of his car. Tomorrow, it will be exactly 35 years from the date.He died around the same time Mr Kalema disappeared, plus others like Dr Sembeguya,Jolly Joe Kiwanuka, Paul Bitature

Immediately after 1971 coup d’etat, Idi Amin hosted journalists and gave a bull to Rev.Fr.Clement Kiggundu, for exposing excesses of Obote l regime. In reply, Kiggundu told Amin, that the relative tolerance under Obote regime allowed him to expose those excesses. He prayed that Amin should do better. But when Munno Newspaper continued exposing detention of civilians in military barracks which provoked Amin operatives to burn Father Kiggundu inside his car in Namanve!

Fr.Kiggundu was succeeded by Serwaniko, who later switched to Ngabo/Star newspapers and was replaced by the late Kamya who died of natural causes. Serwaniko went back to Munno and presided over the demise of the newspaper after management under Michael Kaggwa and the late Anthony Wagaba Sekweyama, chased away veteran reporters; Tamale Mirundi, the late Teddy Babirye, Herbert Lumansi, and Annet Namukasa and also Kimbowa who was a photographer. While Tamale Mirundi started his Lipoota Luganda weekly, Babirye, Namukasa, Lumansi and Masengere joined Bukedde in 1994. Babirye is dead, Annet is with KFM, Lumansi is Bukedde’s Photo Editor and Masengere Bukedde’s Copy Tester.

It is so heartening that an established paper like Munno could fail, followed by Ngabo, Uganda Eyogera, Lipoota , Njuba Times, Ngoma, Saba Saba and many other Luganda papers. Had it not been Bukedde, Luganda would not have a daily in fact tehere is not even a weekly..

Mr. Serwaniko is breeding CRUDE waragi at his home at Luwafu in Makiindye Division. You can pass via Salaama road or Luwafu road both bantunized. He also worked with Tamale Mirundi in Lipoota as his editor, and they started an English paper funded by Sam Kuteesa through Moses Byaruhanga. This died during presidential and parliamentary elections of 2001.

The truth about Amin murders

January 17, 2009 at 4:10 am (History, MEDIA)
Tags: Jonny Rubin

Fellow Ugandans,
I have followed inquiries about the death or disappearance of Journalists, Priests, Politicians, Common people (Abantu baabulijjo) on the UAH forum, but it seems the answers given by some members , are either not satisfactory or simply unbelievable. I think that the people who know the truth are either scared to come forward with it,simply because they want to forget the past or are silent to protect themselves from the ”Political or Military Heavy Weights” who may fear being incriminated in those cases. I may also add that during the rule of Idi Amin most people inside Uganda knew much less of what was actually happening than those out of the country. In the beginning the killings were not so secret, but with the support of the people Idi Amin enjoyed, even those who could have condemned the killings were convinced that ”Amin was killing Obote’s people”. The soldiers themselves were terrified as they did not know who among them would die next. Oh yes, they were pointing fingers at each other and the Acholi and Langi were the most vulnerable. It was commonsense that Amin inherited a Professional National Army, but the dominance of the forces by the Acholi and Langi scared him. Given the manner he liquidated them, one may conclude that he (Amin) feared that these two tribes would overthrow his regime and re-instate Milton Obote.
In 1973 I went to Nairobi, Kenya with the Uganda National Boxing team for the then annual Millington Drake Boxing Tournament. We were staying at the Brunners Hotel, about opposite Six-Eighty Hotel. One day I received a telephone call in my Hotel room. I was requested by the receptionist to come to the Reception and that there were two ”gentlemen” who wished to talk to me. When I arrived at the Reception I was introduced to two men who identified themselves as Captain Aswa and Mr.Jolly Joseph Kiwanuka. Immediately, I realized that I was talking to the man who actually announced the coup that brought Amin to power. About the other man, I often heard his name as ”Jolly Joe Kiwanuka” and had something to do with Express Football Team, which the fans called ”e Team Y’Abantu”. I was now confused about why these two wished to talk to me in particular. Mr.Kiwanuka told me that he was a business man and that he was temporarilly in exile and that he would ‘’soon return home”. Captain Aswa told me that he wished to talk to somebody ”who comes from Fort Portal” and that he had been told by the Ugandan Team Officials that I am the one who ”comes” from Toro. He requested me to convey a message to his brother, Regimental Sergent Major of the 2nd Paratroopers’ Battalion, Apollo Ezati, which I said I would. When I returned to Uganda I decided to shut my mouth. I suspected that he could have betrayed me for promotion as a loyal soldier, at which point he could have reported me as someone who was in touch with the ”enemies of the 2nd Republic” and wanted to involve him. Many people lost their lives, not because Amin had sanctioned their death, but because of personal feud,,jealousy or envy.

The people in Uganda relied on the Radio Uganda, UTV and Newspapers to know what was happening around the country. Amazingly, the people seemed to trust the press. People were dying, but the press would announce that ” He has run to his imperial master”. By 1975 fear was everywhere including in the armed forces barracks. Idi Amin had re-enforced the State Research Bureau (SRB) by transfering many ”Nubians” from Army and Air Force Units to the Bureau. After the struggle for the office of the Chief of Defence Staff by the then Military Police Chief Brig. General Hussein Malera and the Chief of Defence Staff Brig. General Charles Arube in which Brig. General C. Arube died, it was apparent that Amin was losing power. Amin was scared of everyone. Brig. General Hussein Malera was retired and sent back home to Southern Sudan. Colonel Mustafa Adrisi was transfered from Bondo Regiment in the North and made Acting Chief of Staff.
One morning, ( I’ve forgotten the exact date.) shortly after 0600 AM I heard on Radio Uganda (Ebiraango) that ” Hajjat Affua Namuddu abikka mutabaniwe Charles Lwanga, yafudde” ( Hajjat Affua Namuddu announces the death of her son Charles Lwanga). I thought I was dreaming because I had been with Charles Lwanga the previous day and he was inviting me out ” to enjoy” with him. Charles Lwanga was my brother-in-law and a brother to Halima Namakula, the singer. Halima came to my residence and told me that Charles had been short dead by the members of the State Research Bureau. I immediately went to the SRB Headquarters, Nakasero and told the Adjutant Lieutenant Jackson Kyalikunda what his people had done to my brother-in-law. He promised to inform the Director of the SRB, Lt. Colonel Francis Itabuka and that they would investigate and bring the ”culprits” to justice. I knew that the ” Law of the Land ” at the time was a firing squad, but I was not concerned with the type of purnishment. I only wanted to know who had killed not only was he my brother-in-law, but also my sincere friend. Later while on leave in Fort Portal I was infomed by the Acting Adjutant of the General Headquarters, Uganda Armed Forces, Lieutenant Ali Kaunda Vuni that a mutual friend and colleague, Uganda Marines Captain John Mule had been short dead at Kamwookya. The killers were thought to be members of the SRB. Capt. John Mule was also a childhood friend of mine. He was Kakwa, but grew up in Toro and spoke excellent Runyoro/Rutooro. As in Charles Lwanga’s case the killers were never found. I later learned that one of the tactics of war agaist Amin was to discredit his government in every way possible. Amin and his government had to be seen as killers who did not respect human life whatsoever. Some killers were in fact Ugandans who were sent to pose as members of SRB and harrass people or even kill. As the imposters were hard to discover, the Secret Service turned against itself so that they did not trust each other.

Although Kiswahili was the language normally used in the security and defence forces, it was gradually replaced with Kinubi. This brought about a feeling of alienation of the people from other areas of Uganda, but West Nile and Southern Sudan. I escaped assassination several times, but always thought it was mistaken identity, until Brig. General Maliyamugu told me, ” Batakuduupa ngu ofooke musiraamu. Nobu barakutiinisa oyijuke ngu nyowe ndi Mukristo Isaac, nkabalema” ( Don’t be deceived and convert to Islam. Even when you are scared remember I am a Christian Isaac, I defeated them.) After talking to him I realized that the attempts on my life were not ” mistaken identity ”, as I had thought. Some days later, I encountered Major Farouk Minawa in the Republic House. Although we were engaged in a friendly talk with other officers, the Major was suddenly hostile to me, an act that surprised me. I had to think fast how to get out of trouble. I kept quiet for a while and then told him that I have been thinking about converting to Islam, but did not know what to do about it. He looked at me with a broad smile, but somehow as though he had misunderstood what I had just said. I repeated what I had said, but this time confirming that I was converting to Islam. He jumped up and lifted me as he danced around with me saying repeatedly ” Allah Akbar……”. After a while he rushed out of the building saying that he was going to inform the President. Later that evening of 1976 Radio Uganda and UTV announced that I had converted to Islam. The following day President Amin called our office. He was asking for Captain Ali Bamuze ( now Lt.General retired.) He asked whom he was talking to and when I mentioned my name, he laughed almost uncontrollably, as he congratulated me. That saved my life and gave me a possibility to investigate what was actually going on. I realized that the regime was weak and that Amin had a paranoia, so that he trusted nobody and seemed to fear everybody, hence the dreams in which he claimed Allah told him when and how he would die.
” N’azina obulungi ava mu diiro” ( even a good dancer leaves the floor ), so the Baganda saying goes. My hope and wish is that we should be more open here at the Forum so that we can educate each other about what has transpired in our country that has brought us to where we are. The killings went on after the fall of Amin’s government and I am not surprised that the killings continue up to this day. I believe that it is the opennesss and sincerity that will bring an end to the killings and other forms of inhumanity. We must not be deceived to think that all killings are sanctioned by the President or by the Government. In all the chaos we can perhaps agree that it is the mismanagement and neglect of State affairs that is to blame.
I believe that the truth will heal our hearts and I pray for courage for all those who may need it to share what they know that will free us from this never ending-anger.
May God Bless Uganda.
Byaruhanga, Jonny Rubin.

Brief Insight into Ugandan’s Army Commanders(1986-2009)

January 22, 2009 at 12:34 am (POLITICS)
Tags: Ahmed and Otto

lam not a professional soldier and l will avoid petty wars at Bombo as who is a good and bad army commander. Each had strong and weak points. We interact with soldiers who praise Kaziini as we interact with others who praise Aronda. On professionalism, Aronda is more credited as he is now and then sending officers some of which were on katebe for years, for training here and abroad in preparation for promotions. In my opinion, Muntu was a good administrator but not a sound commander like Yoweri Museveni, Salim Saleh, David Tinyefuza, James Kaziini, Aronda Nyakairima etc…..He njoyed good times with Sam Nannyumba, who was also an experienced administrator not a commander.

On Muntu, l think he was more of an administrator than a commander. He is credited for not being corrupt but he was never a filed commander. He was good in reconnaissance. Muntu’s weakness was an arm chair army commander, not a filed commander like Salim Saleh, David Tinyefuza and James Kaziini. He can not be personally responsible for what happened in the battle field

UPDF National Army?

We are all sympathetic with the conditions of our civil servants and soldiers serve in due to their numerical strength; police, army, teachers, nurses. Our economy cannot make for them havens. Unlike UA and UNLA, UPDF is a people’s army which has successfully transformed from a guerrilla force to a professional army. They are political but not partisan, so they know from where we have come from, where we have reached and where we are going. Some People seem not comfortable with the name NRA. But let me remind them that when DP wanted to change UNLA name to UA. UPC led by Defence Minister Paulo Muwanga refused. Fortunately UPDF was a consensus in Constituent Assembly since the army was NRA, the draft recommended for UAF and they all agreed with UPDF. Initially Sebaana Kizito was not comfortable with it because of the word people which, he said would reminding him of UPC and its atrocities. The army and the media are so crucial in the politics of Uganda and else where and those who are hostile to them will never see the gates of State House.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces is composed of the regular force; Land Forces, Air Force where Marines is a Unit, support forces like Mechanised Regiment, Motor Unit and others. Then the Reserve Forces including veterans and our LDUs. It can not be 100% percent one tribe. However on a surface, most senior officers hail from south western Uganda . For example yesterday on NRM celebrations(26/Jan) at Kololo, the Chief of Defence Forces (Gen. Aronda Nyakairima), the Inspector General of Police (Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura) and Commissioner General of Prisons (Dr.Byabasaiza) escorted the president when inspecting a guard of honour. They are all from South West. Yet in a land locked country, the most powerful man is Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala. That was the position that made Idi Amin and Oyite Ojok powerful over Opolot and Tito Okello. So long as officers and men/women of UPDF and other forces are national in character, l don’t mind a few historicals mostly from one region who are phasing out. Can.Lt.Gen.Elly Tumwine, Salim Saleh or David Tnyefuza become chief of defence forces or Commander of Land Forces again? No. They are phasing out.

One of the stupid things President George Bush was to dismantle the Iraqi army, one million strong. It has taught him and his occupiers a lesson. A similar mistake was made by Tanzanians in 1979 when they banded Uganda Armed Forces as Idi Amin’s personal army. They regrouped in the Sudan and DR Congo and almost went with Obote and Okello Lutwa’s heads in Koboko in 1980. Ask Barig.Robert Rwenhururu.They became a prey for Isaac Lumago, Moses Ali, Faruq Minawa, Lutakome Kayiira and Yoweri Museveni’s recruitment against Obote ll regime. Brig.Kasirye Gwanga has been giving testimonies to that effect. Therefore any politician abusing UPDF will never step into power even for a day.

Ahmed Katerega

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Gen. Muntu served as Army Commander for 8 years. Before him, Gen. Tumwiine served for about 3 years, and Gen Akandwanaho for about 1 year. After him, Gen. Odongo served in that post for about 4 years, JB Kazini for just less than two years.

Administration…is one of the ten principles of war….you can not be a good commander when you are not a good administrator. When Gen Muntu was the Division Commander 05 Div from 1989 to 1990 he was merely the in-charge of reconnaissance? From there he was promoted to Major General, from Colonel (two levels up) to be Army Commander. Was that a reward for his predilection for the arm chair?

A good commander should make a good Army Commander: the latter is just a particular type of commander. Was the chap called James Kazini a good Army Commander?

Even as a mere Lance Corporal, I can confidently counsel you against that mechanical dichotomy between command and administration……It is like talking of a ‘good journalist but a bad writer’; or ‘a good scribe who pays no attention to detail.’ To be one, you have to be the other. Short of that, you are neither!

The point is, there is a difference between a giraffe in a China shop and a good commander. Check out Kisangani , and check out the circus at Bombo UPDF Hqs particularly from November 2001 to sometime in 2003. If, in the field you just bungle and blunder around, you will do so even in administration. Do not confuse poor administrators who take refuge in ’fieldism’, for good commanders.

UPDF National Army?

When you say:‘Uganda People’s Defence Forces is composed of the regular force; Land Forces, Air Force where Marines is a Unit, support forces like Mechanised Regment, Motor Unit and others. Then the Reserve Forces including veterans and our LDUs. It can not be one percent one tribe.’

What are you actually telling us? Does UPDF’s technical heterogeneity imply ethnic representativeness? Your argument is what is called a non sequitur : an argument consisting of an absurd conclusion that has no logical connection to the premises on which it is based. Example: Mr Kateregga is a graduate of Political Science; he is a mulangira from Buddu. Therefore it is going to rain tomorrow. The arms and services you have listed are the ‘tribes’ of the military as an organisation. They tell us nothing about the ‘tribes’ of the membership. Do they?

New Vision always covers recruitment exercises. In your archives, there should be data on national recruitment, showing the turn-up of recruitment candidates in various localities. You could even quote the law (if any) stipulating ethnic quotas and showing that it is not possible for one ethnic group to dominate the UPDF. You could even quote for us data from the personnel department of the UPDF showing the force’s membership by ethnicity.

Then you go on to tell us that: ’However on a surface, most senior officers hail from south western Uganda .’What does that statement actually mean? Do you mean, on the surface they are from the south, but when you scratch them deep they are from Karamoja? I remember reading a New Vision article some time in 2000 where you hero, James Kazini was quoted saying that, at that time, Nyabushozi county had a UPDF membership of 6,000 individuals. Do you remember that article? I think he was hosting a party for Mary Mugyenyi Rutamwebwa who was intending to contest for the Nyabushozi seat.

Otto Patrick

what happened to Rwanda’s King?

January 23, 2009 at 8:37 pm (Africa, CULTURE)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega Mussazi-newvision

Rwanda had a revolution led by George Kaibanda, with the help of the French and Catholic Church that deposed King Kigyeri to Uganda and Muteesa gave him land in Mawogola where he settled and his people. During UPC/KY alliance, Obote hired Kigyeri and some of his people to work in General Service Unit. They continued even in State Research Bureau under Amin. However a section led by Fred Rwigyema were in FRONASA with Museveni. While many led by Ndugute were in Uganda Army. Since independence in 1962, Rwanda is a republic not a monarchy. Last year Kagame told Kigyeri to go back to Rwanda as a private citizen. Kigyeri refused and said that he wanted to go back as a king. He lives in New York .

Kigeri lost power in 1959 and his grandfather had lost power first to Germans and later to the British. Kagame fought and captured state power in 1994 and he is therefore the legitimate leader. He also organized elections and he won it. So somebody with political and military power and with the legitimacy of the people, he can direct a former king. Rwanda is not yet with a law allowing traditional leaders. Kigeri may be back like our own kings here in Uganda. It is the same with the family of the Sultan of Zanzibar, an extension of the Sultan of Oman. Then the former ruling dynasty of Burundi which was deposed in 1966, then that of Ethiopia swept away in 1974. The Banyamulenge king of former Zaire is a businessman in Kampala but Kabila is the one with power even if Kabila is a commoner. That’s life mwattu!!!

Banyoro and Bakiiga live peacefully

January 23, 2009 at 8:56 pm (CULTURE, History, POLITICS)
Tags: Henry Ford Mirima

Bunyoro-Kitara is the only kingdom in Uganda where everybody is welcome unreservedly. Just go to Masindi you will find Luos in Cope who even have their own Luo-speaking MP, OTADA AMOOTI who owns a flourishing Bus company by his name, OTADA BUS COMAPNY.

Bagungu in Buliisa DISTRICT and elsewhere in Bunyoro-Kitara are very happily integrated into Bunyoro-Kitara cultures and traditions. Even the Masindi Disitrict chairman, Stephen Biriija is a Mugugu. But Bagungu, Alurs, etc. and Banyoro live very happily together. Come to Kibaale District, out of four MPs two are Bakiga.

In 1965 the whole Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, Sir Tito Winyi officially invited Bakiga to come and settle in Kibaale and they were allocated a whole sub-county, RUTEETE. My own dad, the late Joseph Kazairwe played a major role in re-settling them.

And in 1992 Bugangaizi MP, the Ssali Sekitoleko in agreement with President Y. Museveni transplanted over 30,000 Bakiga from Tooro and settled them in Bugangaiizi County at Kisiita.

Banyoro are so hospitable the migrant Bakiga were given 12 acres of Bunyoro land free of charge. And later they were given Shs 12 million by the High Court. Where in Uganda do you find such hospitality and generosity.

Today the areas where Bakiga Bafuruki are settled are more prosperous than the ones where Banyoro are in the Majority. The Bakiga Bafuruki even changed the names of our sub-counties, for example BURORA was changed to RUGASHARI, ETC. We have Bakonjo and Bamba migrants in Kibaale living happily with Banyoro.

One must read Bunyoro-Kitara history and the Uganda Constitution. These documents show you that there are major historiclal atrocities which were committed against Banyoro and the Uganda Government has the moral and physical responsibility to rectify them.That’s why President Musevein called Parliament in 2003 and sought permission from the august house to ask for permission to unseat a Mukiga, Fred Rulemeera, to step a down and make sure a Munyoro replaces him and becomes Kibaale District chairman.The Uganda Constitution says these historical wrongs against Banyoro must be addressed and when this is done it will not mean that Banyoro are more human than others.

Henry Ford Mirima

ALL OF UGANDA FACTIONS ARE STERILE BUBBLES: NOT JUST FDC

January 23, 2009 at 9:51 pm (Africa, POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

1/9 UPC, DP, PPP, NRMO, CP, JEEMA, FDC, JF, UGP, NDF (plus Vicks Kingo!) and on and on…probably heading for the 623 of the evening of Mobutu’s Zaire , when that country was the most vibrant multiparty democracy in the world. But the question is, where does factionalism end and where does pluralism begin? When one looks at the random harvest of Uganda’s political elite, all one sees are individuals that are exactly the same, but struggling to be different. They struggle to differ because of the narrowness of the ‘panya’ that leads to the coveted throne where some ruling clique of the day dishes out patronage, lubricated mostly unearned income that is tossed at us in form of aid.

2/9 Let us take a closer look at Uganda ’s demographics. We are just over 30 million. Of that, about 27 million, i.e., 90% are peasants. Let us take another country like France in the past. In 1789 on the eve of that country’s revolution, the French were 25 million and of that, 23 million i.e., 90% were peasants. Yes, one could argue that, that was France , and the year was 1789.. In other words: different locales, different epochs. But in socio-historical terms, Uganda 2008 = France 1789: 90% peasants and that tells a huge story about our capabilities across the board.

3/9 But of course you know that when France had the same proportion of peasants like we do now, they did not have political parties. Is it because the French were blind to the virtues of pluralism, and we, Uganda are cleverer? Is it a historical accident that when the earlier modernisers had similar demographics like Uganda ’s now they were ruled by monarchs (Mono: single person; archs: rulers)? And I am not a monarchist please….but, with our 90% peasants, the rest being – let us be honest – a lumpen bourgeoisie, a functional liberal democracy seems to be a negative dream in Uganda, as the purposeless jostling between and within our factions clearly demonstrates.

4/9 Attempting to cheat social development will not take us anywhere, because the gravitational pull of our social reality seems to always pull us towards our historical station: mediaevalism: 20, 30, 40 yrs in power by the rulers, just like the Hapsburgs and Tudors; and Hohenzollerns and Shoguns of the earlier modernisers.

5/9 Historically, political parties have always emerged as structures for forming and conveying group interests in VERTICALLY DIFFERENTIATED SOCIETIES whose structure is the outcome of the transformation engendered by the industrial and agricultural revolutions. In societies where political parties emerge, wage labourers at the base, bureaucratic elites in the middle and merchants, owners of capital, financiers, industrialists and land at the top (I am reminded here that, 70% of the land in Britain is owned by 0.7% of the population). In that kind of set up, a labourer in a factory will not give a damn about the ethnicity of a factory manager. What the wage labourer wants is a decent minimum wage, low income tax and acceptable working conditions. The head of his trade union can be any religion or lineage, as long as he is vocal enough to squeeze maximum benefits from the factory owner.

6/9 In those societies, political parties are nothing but the committees that manage the interests of those classes.. For example in Britain which colonised us, the interests of the top third are taken care of by the Conservatives, those of the middle third by the Liberal Democrats (the fence sitters) and those of the bottom third are managed by the Labour Party. Tell us: whose class interests do UPC or DP or PPP or NRM or CP or JEEMA or FDC or JF or UGP or NDF etc manage? Whose interests does Nzaana, Semuwemba, Ochieno, Wambuga, Nsubuga part I, Nsubuga Part II, Nsubuga, Adhola and…..er, L/Cpl Otto represent? Do we speak for wage labourers, landlords, financiers or what? Which class do we speak for?

7/9 Uganda now is a society that is HORIZONTALLY DIFFERENTIATED. The only groups known to the predominant ‘class’ (the 90% peasants) in Uganda are ethnicities, clans, sub clans, lineages, families, castes etc. The consciousness of the 10% (or even less) pseudo elite (one of whom you and I are) is false consciousness arising from what we see across the fence in the global north.

8/9 Now; people, when you impose the structures of interest aggregation and articulation of vertically differentiated polities onto horizontally differentiated countries like Uganda, IT IS AS IF YOU ARE FORCING A PAWPAW TREE TO GROW LIKE A PUMPKIN. That tree will either die off outright, or become a disastrous weed as it struggles to conform to alien territory: the undulating contours of that horizontal social template of pre-industrialism. This is what Mr Adhola tries to rationalise by stating that, I quote, ‘This is what UPC and DP for instance are about. DP seeks to improve the status of status of the identity of catholics, and UPC that of certain nationalities or tribes.’
That sums up the basic pathology of Uganda’s politics today. Uganda with political parties is like a porcupine in a kanzu.

9/9 The fact is that, political parties are not merely creatures of, but are an upshot of industrialism. We are not there. What political dispensation propelled the industrial, vertically differentiated polities to liberalism? It was not multipartyism! Just like a pawpaw tree cannot grow like a pumpkin, or kalitusi can not grow like lumonde, liberal democracy cannot thrive in our mediaeval conditions. We may need to go back to the drawing board!…..Look at what other preindustrial countries had to do to create the infrastructure for liberal democracy.

L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

THE FDC BUBBLE

January 23, 2009 at 10:06 pm (POLITICS)
Tags: Yoga Adhola

During a recent radio talk show discussing multi/party politics, a discussant, Dr Golooba made a rather startling comment on FDC. “……The only people who practised some kind of multi party politics were Miria and Sebaana. I dont even know what FDC represents.” The implication here is that FDC may not be having anything to articulate or represent and may therefore not even be a political party.

Before this remark, Bidandi Ssali had been quoted in The Daily Monitor of January 21 2006 as saying: “I don’t see a future for FDC after Museveni is out of the way, either through resignation or defeat. Most of the FDC leaders are in there for various motives.” In other words, apart from resistence to Museveni, there is no single thread which binds them. It is therefore not a political party in the true sense of the words.

What then is FDC?

Condintions that give rise to social and political struggles basically fall into two categories. First, is the search for economic advancement. One cannot postulate that FDCs share a common economic fate, and that it is that which binds them. Or that as a group they are seeking to improve their economic situation.

Secondly, there are those struggles which arise out of issues concerning identity.We all belong to various identities. They may be religions, schools, professions, etc. We are proud of these identities, and invest a lot of emotional resources to their well being. We also work hard to improve their status vis a vis other identities.

This is what UPC and DP for instance are about. DP seeks to improve the status of status of the identity of catholics, and UPC that of certain
nationalities or tribes.

FDC does not fall into any of these categories.Prior to the formation of FDC, Dr Besigye was a senior member of the NRM. To put forward this arguement is not to negate the possiblity of one belonging to a political party or organisation, and being able to transcend the limits of that organisation, and then move on to higher plane.

Rather it is to argue that Dr Besigye is ideologically not different from that of Museveni. He has not shown anywhere that he has transcended the ideological position of the NRM. This arguement is reinforced by Dr Besigyes own ealier arguement that Museveni had renaged from the original positions of the NRM. In other words all Dr Besigye needs is to bring us back to the the origial NRM. Initially he also sought to reform the NRM. It will be recalled that it is this urge to reform the NRM which initially led him to form and lead an organisation called Reform Agenda.

However, despite its limited scope and purpose, FDC seems to have garnered a lot of support. How do we characterise and expliain this

I would like to submit that the apparent support for FDC is a bubble. That is to say it is based on totally unrealistic expectations, and when reality reveals itself, the bubble will burst. Another way of characterisng FDC is to view it as a balloon. A fully blown balloon will look big. however, if you pinch it with a sharp pin, it bursts and shrivels into almost nothing.

In the financial world, the bubble means those stocks which come up and are highly rated well beyond their true value. With that kind of rating stock buyers rush to buy such stocks thinking they are making a good buy. However when the stocks assume their true value, the exagurated value collapses and the stocks assume their true market value which should be much lower than what most buyers would have spent. This is what in stock markets are called the busting of the bubble.

What do I mean?

A sizeable portion of the the population are opposed to Museveni. In their quest to rid themselves of Museveni, they thought FDC and, in particular its leader, Dr Besigye could do the job.

They viewed Dr Besigye as a very courageous man who could take up Museveni. They also saw him as a miltary man who should have the miltary support with which to checkmate Museveni’s miltary support.

Further Museveni himself gave Dr Besigye a tremendous boost by appearing to be terribly scared of him. Dr Besigye was not only locked up but several charges were brought against him.

Now that Besigye has “lost” the elections, those from other parties who supported him will take a review. It is during that review that the bubble will begin to burst.

Dr Besigye has also gone to court to protest election irregularities. There is a real posiblity that the Court could agree with his petition.

If the Court upheld the petition, and nullified the recent elections, that is to say knocked out Museveni, the problem of Museveni would have been solved.

In such a sitution, just as Bidandi Ssali had earlier said, FDC would have no objective necessity to continue existing. FDC would splinter, and those who had supported Dr Besigye in the belief that he is the only one who has the wherewithall to combat Museveni would review their position in the light of a sitution of Museveni out of the fight.

On the other hand, there is the cynical view is that the Courts cannot pass any judgement against Museveni. Should that be the scenario, then Besigye’s failure in court would further accelerate the bursting of the bubble. Many of his erstwhile supporters do expect him to carry the day in court. They feel they were cheated at the polls. A failure at the Courts would totally dash the residual hope and send them reviewing their political affiliation to FDC.

In the long run too, the FDC has no future as Bidandi Ssali says. It is no inkling as to the tasks which have come to the fore at the present phase of our history. It is just reacting to events, and particulalrly the person of President Museveni.

Resist power-sharing deals

January 31, 2009 at 9:47 am (POLITICS)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

to ugandans-at-he.

People:

I am not a fan of the fads taking shape in Africa in the form of power sharing deals. It is a reversal of whatever little gains had been made in democratization. My Nigerian and Ghanaian friends laugh at us -East African and South Africans-for buying into power sharing deals. I hear Ugandans are excited about the propect of sharing power come to 2011. Bad idea period.

Take Kenya. ODM ministers have proven to be the most corrupt. It true. Actually Kenya is on the brink of a famine because ODM buddies colluded and sold maize to Sudan while their folks are about to starve. But those ministers can not be fired. So who is encouraging corruption in Africa? Is it not those who impose such power sharing deals.

Then there is the case of that spectacle in Zimbabwe. A political moron if there can be one. I shudder at the prospect of him as prime Minister. What has Africa come too folks?

It goes to show that even the opposition is not socialized to accept democratic outcomes. If they can mobilize goons to kill innocent women and children, they can scare the West to impose power sharing deals. So why bother to make efforts?

We need vibrant opposition not the maziwa lala type to put the govt to task. We do not need power sharing deals in Africa. They are anti-democratic. They breed corruption. Each part should “eat what they kill”. That is what will spur democratization in Africa. Oh yes, even Nigeria will eventually get it right.

WBK

SEKADDE SUCCESSION

January 31, 2009 at 9:58 am (History, MEDIA, POLITICS)
Tags: Robert Nviiri

1. Namirembe used to have heavyweights as bishops, what happened? True, those were real heavyweights of those hey days but remember our Jjajjas said that ‘Enswa bw’ekyuusa amaaso ….’ What has happened now after the two favourite Nsubugas (Namirembe and Lubaga) is that the white ants are no longer regular in their flight operations, so the traffic controllers (read heavyweights) have to adopt new procedures and regulations. It is a game of Chess where bbugu bbugu ssi muliro.

2. The candidates are ranked by the Electoral College by means of evaluating their CVs and theology ratings. Of course interpersonal relating is also vital.

3. One does not necessarily have to be a Canon in order to be elected bishop. You might be a Canon but not qualify to be bishop material. To be a good bishop one must have good Shepherd skills and qualities. Take an example of a person with a masters degree that fails to run a company yet there might be an undergraduate being capable of turning around the company. Look at our State’s history and judge for yourself after several comparisons.

4. The House of Bishops is bound by the rankings of the Electoral College by Protocol because the Electoral College membership is vetted by the Synod. However, there shouldn’t be any difficulties in the House of Bishops unless political interferance creeps in.

5. It is absolutely out of question to redo the nomination process unless political interferance takes over. The nomination process has its own Protocol such that by the time the final nominees reach the level of being vetted upon by the House of Bishops, there are supposed to be no nuances.

6. The Archbishop has no influence at all in the election of the bishop under normal circumstances. The Church is supposed to be a Free and Fair organisation void of uncalled for micro-management/directorship. The Archbishop has to just wait for the outcome of the vetting process by the House of Bishops, the same way our Kabaka used to wait for the names of the nominees to the Katikkiroship in the pre-1966 military coup d’etat.

7. Majority of the countries where freedom of the press is practiced have got such Tabloids like the Red Pepper. However, those Tabloids should not be above the ethics of the society by publishing material that could easily lead to the manipulation of one section of the society to the peril of the nation. These Tabloids should desist from being used by rivals and or, politicians in the manipulation of the society. At least, that is my belief.

Everyone would of course wish to have a leader of an organisation who is on good terms with the political leadership of the State, however, then the question here to be asked is: Why should the State leadership not be on good terms with such an innocent humble non-political body as the Church or Islamic organisation? Don’t you think that when things reach to that level it implies that definitely something is amiss somewhere? Ako nno kalowoozo.

What we know about UPDF

January 31, 2009 at 10:33 am (POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

There is the link to the Uganda MOD where the details of the UPDF can be found. The information appears to be in the public domain: Link: http://www.defenceuganda.mil.ug/about_updf.php?status=true

The link for the Army, which you Ugandans have elected to call the Land Forces is: http://www.defenceuganda.mil.ug/landforce.php?status=true..

The link for the Airforce is: http://www.defenceuganda.mil.ug/airforce.php?status=true.

The link for the Marines is: http://www.defenceuganda.mil.ug/marineforce.php?status=true

Of course Uganda is a land-locked country, so reference to ‘Marines’ is a misnomer. Our geography has nothing to do with the sea. May they should have referred to ‘Amphibious’ or ‘Lake-borne’

Note that, in terms of doctrine, whether organisational or tactical, Uganda has borrowed from Tanzania. Even when you look at Kenya, we need to be clear about the structure. The heads of the services (Army, Airforce, Navy) are respectively called Commanders, they are all at the same level, falling directly under the CGS–>VCGS.

In Uganda, instead of ‘General Staff’ you refer to Defence Forces. Gen Aronda is the CDF (equiv of CGS) and Gen Koreta is the Deputy CDF (equiv of VCGS). Gen. Koreta is not the Chief of Staff of the Army as you indicate. The army has its own command structure as a service with Gen Katumba as the commander. The same applies with the Airforce where there is a commander. Each of the Services has its chief of staff. The Joint Chief of Staff, Brig. Rusoke oversees the chiefs of staff of the services, and not the service commanders. The service commanders are answerable to the CDF through the Deputy CDF, just like in Kenya.

Gen Koreta, the Deputy CDF is senior to the respective service commanders (Katumab for the Army, Owoyesigire for the Ariforce)….no contradiction there.

Whether Kenya mentions its chiefs of staffs or not is a matter of preference but I am sure they do exist there too and operate in a similar manner. I think all you Ugandans have not done is to draw an organogram like Kenya has done.

Note that, for Kenya you refer to the Army Commander as the third highest ranking but that is not the case. All service commanders are at the same level…they are peers (see this link: http://www.mod.go.ke/Modsite/about.htm)

But even, all this debate about structure and personalities really takes us into the weeds: bottom line, it is trivial in regard the defence and security of Uganda. Can’t you at UAH, some aspiring to be future party leaders and probably future presidents of the country etc be interested in debating the country’s national security/defence policy?

As you can see, that information is there on the net, like most other information. We do ourselves a disservice when we start from the negative position that information is being concealed, because then we generate unnecessary defensiveness and contestation from colleagues like Kateregga, who unfortunately browbeats himself through debates without informing himself first about the issues he tries to defend.

But the question of Uganda’s institutional realities: Institutions are a mirror image of the societies that they service. How institutions function (and malfunction) is a culmination of historical factors, and a distillate of political realities. It may be a bit unrealistic for us to take the Kenyan arrangement as the norm for all time and all places. One may ask for example, why is it that following the 1964 mutiny of the East African militaries, did Mr Nyerere disarm, lock up and finally disband the Tanganyika Rifles completely, then Mr Kenyatta did the same but not as comprehensively yet Mr Obote decided to honour all the demands of the mutineers, increased their salaries, gave them promotions; dismissed the ringleaders and reinstated them half an hour later? Part of what we see today has roots right there in our history.

How many civil wars has Kenya or Tanzania had? Do those countries have the equivalent of Buganda, as an ‘indigestible element’ in national life, to use Huntington’s words in his ‘Political Order in Chaging Societies’? How many times since 1964 has the Kenyan military been disbanded; and how about Uganda? How many rebel groups has Kenya had? Uganda…anything up to thirty. Co-opting all those for the sake of short term harmony has always been at the expense of professionalism. The Katebe ‘institution’ is an embodiment of some fo those skeletons in the closet of our politcal history.

Think of a peace agreement tomorrow, and you have a Lt Gen Kony. Atamuweka wapi? Will he command a division? Will you send him out as a military attache in a European capital? Can he be the commandant of your senior staff college? What are the antecendents of the Kony phenomenon? It is your politics! Keep such people out because you want professionalism a la Kenya, face them in the rural countryside as rebels. Point is, Kenya has had a completely different historical trajectory.

How about coups? Kazini’s status: Have you heard of any former Army Commander in Africa being taken to prison for stealing a few shillings? Kazini, Major General, S.3 dropout. Otamuweka wapi? Tanzanian retired generals are diplomats, regional governors,etc. Can you trust Kazini with your herd of goats? How did such an individual like Kazini become the embodiment of the values of a very important national instituion? I am told he still has some cases to answer for petty thieving. You know, when he was in Nigeria for senior command training, those officers there always wondered how he became a general. When they went out to look for ladies, Kazini would go in for those that befitted Nigerian Corporals! When he went to Ghana for a staff course, he nad a runin with an instructor. He was thrown off the course, escorted back to Uganda by the Ghanaian Military Police paka Entebbe, then they heard he was Chief of Staff, then Army Commander! Did they laugh or cry?

And with Kazini, when you talk to the average UPDF soldier, he will tell that if all he had left in his rifle were only two rounds of ammunition, and he found Kazini, Kony and Odhiambo in a dark corner, he would shoot Kazini twice in the head………

General Kazini….two words that are a heart-rending oxymoron!

Anyway as I said, ever since 1979, Uganda has tended to lean towards Tanzania in the manner of organising the military…for obvious reasons. Even subsequently when you did away with NRA, you opted for UPDF…mirroring TPDF. To appreciate the Uganda military arrangements, look at TPDF.

And by the way, the Tanzanians (and anybody else) would tell you that the Kenyan system is the one that is confused. Kenya lacks the conceptual grasp between ‘Command’ matters, i.e., everything to do with the general directing of operational matters (the teeth) and ‘Staff’ matters i.e., everything to do with directing support matters (the tail). The Joint Chief of staff in Tanzania is actually called the Chief of General Staff…he is incharge of Staff Officers that support the commanders. Kenyans call their biggest commander a ‘chief of staffs’ which is really funny….like referring to a headmaster as a head prefect. With the Tanzanians, the Chief of Staff is of a higher rank than the respective service commanders, making him the third most senior. The Tanzanians are also silent about the chiefs of staff of the respective services.

At UAH, we should really focus also on policy and statecraft issues. This is where the future of the country can best be thought about instead of spending a lot of time on recrimination, defensiveness and making comical promises. I will send you the country’s defence policy and the white paper on defence…..it is in such areas that incumbents should be put to task for the good of the country, not just hurling insults at them like we like to do here at UAH.

Why can’t UPDF be like Kenya’s forces

January 31, 2009 at 11:05 am (Africa, POLITICS)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

The info we are seeking should be public as is the case in Kenya. No secrets are being spilled if UPDF were to come forward and state that the chain of command in the military is so and so.

In Kenya the structure is very clear for all. The overall Army boss is the Chief of General Staff (CGS), deputized by the vice CGS and then Army Commander, then Deputy Army Commander/Airforce/Navy chiefs. UPDF should do away with the chief of staff and go the Kenyan way with CGS. Army chief of staff in Kenya-may be there but-is not listed among the senior ranks of the army. CGS is the overall CGS for all units, army, air force and navy. In Uganda we have individual chief of staff for army (Lt Gen. Koreta), air force and so on. Now can anyone tell me how an army chief of staff is senior to the Commander of the army? This contradicts the statements made by some people that Lt Gn Koreta is senior to Lt Gen Katumba the army commander!

The media should tell Major Kulayigye to learn from Kenya where he just returned from some course. He should know by now that the man who was head of the staff college he attended in Karen, Lt Gen Tuwei (a Kalenjin) was recently named Army Commander to replace General Njoroge. He is now the 3rd ranking army officer. There is clarity in Kenya which is lacking in Uganda I guess for obvious reasons.

Do the media ever ask questions to govt spokespeople or they simply take their press releases and print it? Do the media or assigned reporters ever ask the police spokesperson questions on record? What about Major Kulayigye? Do defence or amy ever hold press conferences? And if they do, have the papers and FM stations assigned reporters to cover the army, police etc? Well we have been told that UPDF is open so why not ask them to send the media houses press releases if they are too busy to talk to the media about the chain of command in descending order?

Sometime back, there was talk of reforming UPDF. What I am saying is that the current structure may not be the best. I prefer the Kenya structure for its clarity and effectiveness. In Kenya at least, the Army Commander is 3rd in seniority. That much is clear. Kenya has tried to rotate the CGS among the three units Army (current), Navy (immediate former) and Airfoce (next if rotation stays).

Kenya also has a set ratio in terms of military promotions. The ratio that must be followed is 7:2: 1 in favour of Army, Airforce and Navy respectively. I suspect that is what makes the army commander a grade above the other service commander. Is there such a ratio in Uganda?

We are interested in debating the national defence policy. Certainly UPDF could do better. Again, I use the Kenyan example. CGS serves for one 4 year term and goes home. The President may extend that if need be, but it has served the military well. All senior commanders must also retire by the age of 58. That age limit means that the recently named army commander will have to retire in 2 years. The clarity makes it easier for others to emerge and lead.

Now compare that with Uganda where people come in and out. What is the status of Kazini for example? This business of Katebe should be ended.

I personally know a senior UPDF officer-will not say rank-who is well educated but he has stuck in the ranks for years. He wants to leave but they won’t let him go home. And yes, the chap is from South Western Uganda.

If you checked the Kenyan DOD, there are no army chiefs of staff anywhere so they must be lower the chain.

Discuss business despite UNLA Murders

January 31, 2009 at 11:29 am (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Herbert Buhanga

We need to start discussing business opportunities here in UK and US. Many of us have companies here and we need to share experiences with other Ugandans who can help us mainly in the section of tendering. We cannot be talking about politics only. We have incumbent problems which only money can solve. It’s good to talk about politics but you know talking politics every time won’t take us anywhere. It’s about blame and blame.

Many of us were born when Uganda was at war and all we know about Uganda is war. I saw UNLA/F raping and killing people. I resented them straight away. My first sight of them raping and killing is when they went to Nangwa in Mukono and raped the wife of Mr Paul Kalule Kagodo.Mrs Kagodo was like a mother to me. She was a family friend. UNLF/A boys raped her repeatedly and there after shot her repeatedly. On their way back to Kampala, they saw women crossing Jinja road in a place callede Kigombya, they were running to see Mrs Mbaale who had just given birth to a baby girl. UNFLA/F soldiers stopped and followed these women. Upon reaching Mbale’s house, people fled and soldiers started raping Mrs Mbale who had just given birth. They also raped the newly born baby. The baby bled to death. Mrs Mbaale was rushed to a hospital from where sperms were removed from her vagina.Unfortunately, Mbaale refused to sleep with his wife again and the woman had to leave the village later on.From that day, I hated UPC. I developed hatred for UNLA/F. My hatred was so much that it could only be quenched by revenge. So, we need to be careful by not repeating the past. We need to learn together without fear of rape, murder and other bad stuff.

I’m not a UPC sympathiser. However, I know some of the good things which they did and their failures as well. UPC was the government which completely failed to control UNLA/F.

UNLA/F boys could do anything with impunity. The most annoying thing is that UPC people completely deny that they mismanaged their army and that people had to take up arms to fight the randy army buffoons who were sexually thirsty all the time.

The man I’m talking about Paul Kalule Kagodo had to join UFM and he became the chairman. If you were in Nairobi during the war, you might have heard about him. I did not go into exile as I had just come back from one. People either had to just look on as the army misbehaved or had to join UFM or go into exile.

Now, we have to move on. We need to know that Uganda is for all of us. We need to learn that all people are equally important and that love is the greatest thing above all.

North, South, East and West, we are all Ugandans. We are not beasts. We shouldn’t be killing , raping and robbing one another.

Just for clarification and for history books, Paul Kalule Kagodo, formerly Government Auctioneer became the 3^rd UFM/A Chairman after Balaki Kirya (BK) and Amin Mutyaba (Ibrahim Ndugwa). Dr Nsibirwa and Dr Kayira lobbied heavily for Kagodo’s election to the chairmanship in 1986 for certain reasons.

1st Republic of Uganda Cabinet as of December 1970

February 2, 2009 at 9:41 pm (History, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Robert Nviiri

For the benefit of our young generation who have been following our debates on Obote I regime and his government yet they may not even know how the man and his cabinet ministers looked like, and also for our historical memories, here below is Obote’s cabinet before he was kicked out by Maj. Gen. Idi Amin on 25th January 1971.

1^st Republic of Uganda Cabinet as of December 1970

Dr. A.M Obote, President Mr. John Babiiha, Vice President Mr. Lawrence Kalule

Minister Animal Industry, Game Ssettaala, Minister of

& Fisheries Finance

Mr. E.Y. Lakidi Mr. Sam Odaka Mr. Felix Onama, Minister of Defence

Minister of Labour Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Basil Bataringaya Dr. J. Luyimbaazi Zaake Dr. Eriya Baabumba

Minister of Internal Affairs Minister of Education Minister of Marketing

& Co-operatives

Mr. Alex A. Ojera Mr. J.N. Wakholi Mr. J. Anyoti

Minister of Broadcasting Minister of Public Service Minister of National Service

& Tourism & Cabinet Affairs

Mr. C.B. Katiiti Prince William W. Kalema Mr. J.W. Lwamafa

Minister of Culture & Minister of Commerce Minister of Health

Community Development & Industry

Mr. James S. Ochola Mr. John Kakonge Mr. M.L. Choudry

Minister of Regional Minister of Agriculture Minister of Minerals & Water

Administration & Forestry Resources

Mr. J.M. Okae Mr. Shaban Nkutu Mr. Lamech Lubowa

Minister of Planning Minister of Works, Attorney General

& Economic Development Transport & Housing

Pictures of our first president

February 2, 2009 at 10:50 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS)
Tags: Robert Nviiri

Interested members and fellow Baganda,

Here below are more pictures of our first president and beloved Ssekabaka’s life for our archives.

Awangaale Ssabasajja

Brief Life Pictorial of Sir Edward II

This is when he wrote an essay about ‘What is Love?’ that won his teacher’s heart. In brief he wrote:

Love begins in our homes, when we love each other. It then grows to our neighbours, from there it extends to the whole village, sub-county, county, country and lastly the whole world. That is what is called True Love.

This essay is still closely kept up to this day, in Sir Edward’s own handwriting.

Amin’s 1st cabinet

February 3, 2009 at 8:26 am (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: Robert Nviri

The First Cabinet of the 2^nd Republic of Uganda as of 5^th February 1971

H.E. Maj. Gen. Idi Amin Dada Mr. A.C.K. Oboth Ofumbi

Head of State, Head of Government, Minister of State for Defence

Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief (Fmr. Secretary for Defence)

Lt. Col. E.A.T. Obitre Gama Mr. Wanume Kibedi Mr. E.B. Wakhweya

Min. of Internal Affairs Min. of Foreign Affairs Min. of Finance

(Fmr. CO Paratroopers sch) (Advocate in Kampala ) (Fmr. Secretary to Treasury)

Mr. Apollo K. Kironde Mr. Yekosofat Engur Eng. J.M.N. Zikusooka

Min. of Planning & Econ. Min. of Culture and Min. of Works, Housing

Development (Fmr. Community Devt. (Fmr. And Communication.

Permanent Rep. to UN) USSR Ambassador) (Fmr. PS & Chief Eng.)

Dr. J.H. Gesa Mr. J.M. Byagagaire Mr. Wilson Lutara

Min. of Health Min. of Labour Min. of Commerce, Industry

(Fmr. PS & Chief (Fmr. PS Presidents office (Fmr. Director General, East

Medical Officer) and Secretary to Cabinet) African Airways Corp.)

Mr. William Naburi Mr. Erinayo W. Oryema Mr. V.A. Ovonji

Min. of Information Min. of Minerals and Min. of Public Service and

& Broadcasting (Fmr. Water Resources (Fmr. Local Administration (Fmr.

SG Karamoja district) Insp. General of Police) DG East African Harbours)

Mr. Abu K. Mayanja Mr. P.J. Nkambo Mugerwa Prof. W.B. Banage

Min. of Education Attorney General Min. of Animal Industry,

(Advocate in Kampala ) (Fmr. Solicitor General) Game & Fisheries (Fmr.

Prof. of Zoology faculty,

Makerere University

Mr. F.L. Okware Princess Elizabeth Bagaya

Mini. Of Agriculture, Forestry Permanent Representative to

And Co-operatives (Fmr. UN (Advocate & Actress)

Commissioner of Prisons)

Amin addresses Religious leaders(May,1971)

February 3, 2009 at 8:30 am (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Robert Nviri

How time flies and how history repeats itself!!!

In a bid to bridge the various religious sects, Idi Amin convened an All Religious Leaders Conference on Kabale in May 1971. He later convened a meeting of heads of States and Religious beliefs in June 1971 at the Kampala International Conference Centre in order to brief them on the resolutions of the Kabale conference. The pics follow below.

Enjoy the historical pics

President of Uganda General Idi Amin Dada opening the All Religious Leaders Conference in Kabale

Shortly after the Kabale conference, Idi Amin brief the Officers and Men of the Uganda Army in Mbarara’s Simba Battalion barracks.

YMCA Foundation stone. where is it

February 3, 2009 at 9:23 am (CULTURE, History, KINGDOMS)
Tags: Robert Nviiri

I think that this is also vital information for our nation that deserves to be in the archives for future reference. When I was still a member of the Boy’s scout at Baden Powell centre near YMCA, we used to go to YMCA canteen to buy some grub. This was 1976-78. This stone was still in place at the entrance to the YMCA building. When I gained interest in Buganda’s history once again in 1990, I took my time to visit the YMCA, tell you what? The Foundation Stone was nowhere to be seen. This means that the stone was gouged out during Obote II regime! Obukyayi obwenkana awo bulituusa wa? May Sir Edward’s Soul Rest In Eternal Peace. Tusabire nnyaffe Buganda.

Nviiri

39 years ago – our history Pope visit

February 3, 2009 at 9:30 am (CULTURE, History)
Tags: Robert Nviri

I think that this is also an important part of Uganda ’s history and deserves to be among the archive files

On Thursday 31 July 1969, at exactly 3:00 p.m East African Time, an East African Airways Super VC10 touched down at Entebbe airport having flown in from the side of kampala and accompanied by four military jets flying in echelon. At exactly 3:13 p.m. the door of the VC10 was opened and Pope Paul VI stepped out of the aircraft amid ululations and jubilations.

On the tarmac he was met by Milton Obote and first lady Miria Kalule. Later on, Milton Obote introduced him to the Heads of State that had come to Uganda to benefit from the papal visit;

1. Julius Nyerere of Tanzania

2. Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia

3. Kayibanda of Rwanda

4. Micombero of Burundi

5. Representative for Joseph Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku wa Zabanga of Congo-Kinshasa

6. Representative of General Gowon of Federal Nigeria

7. Reprsentative of General Ojukwu of Republic of Biafra (the break away Ibo Eastern Region of Nigeria)

The Pope then greated the Heads of the Church (both Roman and Anglican catholic) and proceded to the dias for the national Anthems of Vaticano and Uganda to be played. Obote later made a long welcome speech (he was fond of that) thanking the Pope for having a great love for Africa . The Pope on his part made a very brief speech but with a sting on dictatorial and communist leaders. The Prelate said that the Catholic Church would not just sit idle and let innocent citizens to be mistreated the world over by dictators who wished to deprive the people of their rights! He concluded with a phrase in Luganda, “Mwebale nnyo okumpuliriza“, to which the crowd thundered “Kale Kitaffe mu Katonda!” together with thunderous clapping. Some were heard whispering to each other, “Owulidde Papa bw’amanyi Oluganda! Ovanga ku bantu!“

The journey from Entebbe to Lubaga took a whole 2 hrs. At the Cathedral, he was welcomed by Cardinal Rugambwa of Dar es Salaam Archdiocese, who ushered him into the Cathedral. At the begining of the Mass, he said a short prayer in French and English. He then turned to the congregation and blessed them in Luganda, “Omukama abeere nammwe!”, to which they replied mesmerized, “Naawe abeere naawe!” More thunderous clapping!!!

From Lubaga he went to the presidential lodge at Nakasero to a dinner hosted by Milton Obote. Interestingly, all the reporters were barred from entry apart from those from the govt Min. of Information and Prediential Press. Obote presented the Pope with numerous gifts among which were 22 ivory tusks in rememberance of the 22 Buganda (now Uganda ) martyrs. In return, (the Baganda say, Kabbo ka muwala kajja kajjudde kaddayo kajjudde) the Pope gave the govt of Uganda thru Milton Obote, 350,000/= of the time (exchange rate was $1 = 8/-) in order assist the destitutes of Uganda and those suffering from Polio. He also bestowed upon Milton Obote, John Babiiha, Sam Odaka; The Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Pius. As for Basil Bataringaya and the Speaker of the National Assembly – Hon. Patel, he bestowed upon them The Grand Cross of St. Gregory the Great. In appreciation, Miria Kalule Obote presented the Pope with an expensive wrist watch.

1st August 1969 was Mass day at Kololo airstrip which he celebrated with 11 Cardinals and later ordained bishops from Uganda (Halem’imana – Kabale, Baharagate – Hoima, Kakubi – Mbarara and Magambo – Fort Portal ). From Kololo he went to the National Assembly to meet the MP’s and made a brief speech. From the parliament he went to Old Mulago hospital, being accompanied all the time by Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga, where he was welcomed by Hon. C. Katiti then ministr of Culture and development. He then went to New Mulago hospital where he was welcomed by Hon. Wakhooli who was representing minister of health Hon. Lwamafa. Among the govt delegates at New Mulago were Maj. Gen. Idi Amin, IGP Erinayo Oryema.

From Mulago he went to Mmengo Kisenyi to the spot where Yakobo Buuzabalyawo and Yozefu Balikuddembe were murdered. He blessed the spot and donated money to build a church at the spot in rememberance of the duo. From there he went to Lubaga Uganda Social Centre where he also prayed and donated money to complete the Social Centre.

2nd August 1969 was Mass day at Namugongo. He started off at the Anglican catholic site where majority of the martyrs were murdered. He was welcomed by Archbishop Eric Sabiti and Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga of Namirembe, in whose Diocese this site is located. He was taken in a mock-hut similar to the one in which Kabaka’s Chief guard Mukajanga used to live. He entered the hut and prayed for the poor fellows soul. He was briefed on the Buganda kingdoms norms of the days when Mukajanga carried out the death warrants. Archbishop Eric Sabiti presented the Pope wityh a Bible and Kiganda traditional mats. In return, the Pope presented the Archbishop with his own (Pope Paul) cross which he was wearing at the time while to the rest of the Anglican catholics he presented medals. Obote and all the visiting Heads of State were present.

The Pope then headed to the Roman Catholic site where Karoli Lwanga was murdered. He was welcomed by Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga who offered him a seat. The cardinal read out a welcome speech in which he further thanked the Pope for his extra generous contribution of 140,000/- towards the completion of Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. He then invited the Pope to consecrate the Holy Altar that was built at the very spot where Karoli lwanga was murdered. The Pope walked silently to the altar amid solemn silence, knelt down and kissed the ground where karoli Lwanga had laid slain. He then consecrated the altar and proceded with the Mass in which he baptised 22 children in rememberance of the 22 martyrs. He also confrimed 22 confirmants in rememberance of the 22 martyrs. At the end of the Mass, the Pope removed his papal vestiments and mitar and did something that had never been done before anywhere in the world by any living Pope. He presented his papal vestiments, mitar and staff to Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga! Cardinal Nsubuga was humbled beyond words!

From Namugongo the Pope went back to Lubaga where he had lunch with the bishops and clergy. The different Hads of State also were invited and they held brief talks with the Prelate. He later celebrated Mass at Lubuga cathedral at 5:30 p.m. At the end of the Mass, in his farewell speech, he donated 1,400,000/- to the Uganda Roman Catholic church in order to help spread the gospel. He then headed to Entebbe airport where he boarded the EAA VC10 back to Rome . While in cruise, the Pope telephoned Obote to thank him and the people of Uganda for the hospitality offered to him.

Who was Pope Paul VI? He was born Giovani Batista Maria Montini, a very humble boy that was born in Italy in 1897, that had never dreamt of becoming a priest until at age 17, when he was turned away from the Italian Army conscripts evaluation during World War 1 because of his poor health.

That is our history that should also not be re-written.

Robert Nviirimbiziwomerannyinizo

Gadaffi just using kingdoms

February 5, 2009 at 7:45 am (CULTURE, History, KINGDOMS)
Tags: Kalundi Serumaga

Hello Netters,

Seriously, can somebody please help the bunyoro spokesperson,Mr Mirima, in learning to correctly choose friends for his Kingdom?Now he is admiringly describing Gadaffi as “furiously anti-colonialist”. Does he really know who he is talking about?At the same time he is trying to be clever and pretend that the Tripoli events he himself previously described as “demeaning” in the ‘ UAH’ forum did not take place.

The facts are these:

a) If you take Gadaffi’s money, you will have no choice but to allow him to “ku-jooga” you. Ask all these African “Presidents” (President Museveni included) whose security guards are regularly beaten up under their noses by Gadaffi’s security detail. The mistake of the Bunyoro and Toro government’s was to assume that they would be spared such humiliations. Nigerians say: “Those who choose to lie down with dogs should not complain when fleas begin to bite them”. Take note, Mr Mirima.

b) If Gadaffi is “furiously anti-colonialist” as Mr Mirima admiringly puts it, then why did he immediately shut up during the Arab League summit before the first Gulf War when another delegate interrupted his wild anti-American speech with the simple question: “Gadaffi, who exactly put you in power?”.

You see, there is a widely held view in the Arab world that the 1969 coup against King Idriss (?) that brought this madman to power was actually organised by the CIA. Take note again, Mr Mirima, before making yourself the Publicity Secretary for the Muammar Gadaffi Fan Club.

This is why Gadaffi has never really been taken seriously in Middle Eastern politics, despite all the noise he makes and money he deploys. Eventually, in his frustration, he decided to abandon the Arab Leaue and re-invent himself as “an African”, and be a big fish in our small-pond politics. This is what those native leaders need to grasp: The man is here because he is a reject in Arab politics (where he really wants to be respected). This has nothing to do with love for black people, or for the mighty Kabalega, or even African women. He does not care about you and your problems at all. You are his “spare tyre”. He is simply looking for an arena where he can appear like the Big Boss, and then use that to go and try and impress his fellow Arabs as the “President of Africa”. Because of our material and intellectual poverty, some of us -Mr Mirima, and President Museveni being perfect examples here- fell into that trap, and are now struggling to disentangle themselves from its humuliating costs, having long consumed the “benefits” (i.e. cash and Rado watches).

The African Presidents are now realising their mistake and trying to isolate Gadaffi within the AU, so his tactical response is to pocket as many traditional leaders as can be bought, and then use them as a stick to beat the Presidents with. This is very risky, as it can create instability and civil wars in very many sub-saharan countries (like Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda) that have not yet properly resolved their domestic “traditional-modern” relationship.

Now, this is a very serious situation for Black Africa. Our indigenous nations (Bunyoro, Buganda, Toro, etc) are our only real hope for the future. For this arrogant half-Arab (he is actually a Ber-Ber) to play around with our Presidencies and fake “Republics” is one thing, but to begin toying with native rulers is a very grave threat to our futures indeed.

Those claiming to work for the Kingdoms of Bunyoro and Toro need to wake up and seriously review their strategic game-plans: Who are your friends? Who are your enemies?

Your first big mistake was to assume that a central government (currently NRM) was your friend. Through it, you were introduced to this even more disastrous Gadaffi relationship. Your troubles are now just beginning. Do you imagine that Gadaffi is going to stop where he has reached so far?

Your real friend is the other native nations that face the same problems as you do. As again the Nigerians say: “why spend so much energy trying to see behind your ear, when all along what you are looking for is right under your nose?”.

Mr Mirima; it is past time for you to stop hating Baganda and start thinking. And send back the watch.

Peace.

Serumaga

………………………………………………………………….

For clarification, Col. Muammar El Qaddaffi is not a president but a leader. He ceased to be president when Libya transformed from a republic to a Jamahiriyya (State of the Masses) Even there are no ministers in Libya but secretaries. There is no parliament but General Popular Congress and People’s committees. There are no embassies but people’s bureaus and no ambassadors but people’s bureau secretaries.

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What part does the population play in Uganda politics?

February 5, 2009 at 11:46 pm (History, POLITICS)
Tags: mulindwa Edward

Ugandans

As a Ugandan outside Uganda, I have the ability to look at Uganda from the out side, an ability that those are at home do not have. And tonight I need to introduce another section of Ugandans that we have failed to address all along. In reading the many postings here, one gets an impression that if Museveni gets out of power today Uganda will change for a better nation, yes I have seen postings of how Museveni directed the attack on Monitor publications. Do you seriously think that a president can have even a time to direct such an attack?

The problem you have comfortably agreed to ignore is the part Uganda society plays into this very terrible situation. And I am going to give you several examples of how this problem has been slowly growing to such a magnitude. When UPC was in power, one of the most important things they did was to create a self sustaining economy, but let us look closely on Eastern and Western Uganda. Both of these regions were involved into animal husbandry, Places especially Eastern Uganda, they had thousands of cows, cows that fed the Karimojongs and their children. That is why you did not see Karimojong kids on Kampala road for they had an economy to self sustain. Because of the cows industry, the then sitting government bought special train wagons to transport cows from Eastern to the rest of Uganda for the market. When these men and women came from the jungle, they not only killed the Karamoja cows industry but they changed the train wagons from carrying the cows from Eastern Uganda to ferrying the population. They named it Akayoola. Do you remember that term Akayoola?

Although its creation was a sign of a travesty in Eastern Uganda, Ugandans called it a development. What they did not know was that the cows in Eastern Uganda had been all looted and sent to Mbarara, guns ferried to Karamoja, they did not bother to complain about it. Where we are today, the Akayoola industry collapsed as well, the Karimojong kids are on Kampala road and Ugandans are stealing the rails from line to be used as a base to build a concretes of pit latrines.

When Iddi Amin came to power he decided to up grade the Uganda Railway, you see that railway was very important into the development of Uganda. There are those of us who expected it to be developed that it would take all containers going to Rwanda Burundi DRC Sudan and Central African Republic. You have just removed the trailers off Uganda roads. You see when you can dump all containers to Kaseese, the owners can pick all of them from Kasese and then drive them to various countries. Imagine a spin off of jobs in Kasese. Some of us had a dream of extending the Pakhwach line to Sudan, for when you connect that line to the Sudan line you can send a train straight to The Mediterranean sea. That can open up an entire market of goods to Europe, but you can as well run a passenger train from the Mediterranean to the Great Lakes. Iddi Amin pumped some real cash into the Railway industry and refurbished most of the coaches to obtain up scale kitchens and refrigerators. Those facilities arrived to the Uganda railway, and Ugandans not Museveni but Ugandans looted them that today there is no single coach in Uganda with a fridge and except those of us a few that keep our noses into everyone’s business, I wonder if any of you ever saw the up scale coaches Amin bought.

I went to Uganda to visit one day and a very good friend called me to visit him for a week end which I did. As the dinner got to the table I failed to eat for a very simple reason that the plates that were brought to us to use were clearly marked Uganda Hotels. The plates, the spoons, the folks and even the table napkins, all were marked Uganda hotels. You would think that we are in a dining room of Apollo Hotel. Was Iddi Amin a bad president? Yes if you say so. Was Obote a bad president yes if you say so, but did they order you as a Ugandan to go to Uganda hotels and steal all those plates and when did it become even legal to use them? But society accepted it and moved on, they only stand day in day out blaming Amin and Museveni but them selves. It got better when we went to the bed, for the first day we slept into bed sheets marked Namirembe hospital and the second day it was Rubaga hospital. The bed I slept on belonged to Mulago hospital. Did Museveni take this beds and bed sheets to this friend of mine?

Which reminds me of a Ugandan in Bbaale Galiraya who went to industrial area and looted a full container of boxes with engine parts labeled Made in Germany. He decided to keep quite about it until when the looting spree passes. This guy told us very openly that he has thousands of Mercedes Benz engines, “I am going to assemble one by one and die rich” so he stated. After the looting this man started to look for the mechanics to start the assembling of the engines, but no one knew what these parts were. He came to Kayunga to no solution, he went to Spear Motors and they did not know the parts. Lastly he asked a technician from Roko Construction to show up. It was revealed that they were actually spare parts of train engines. The fella did not have a plan to make a railway line in Bbaale Galiraya. Did Amin or Obote or Museveni instruct this Ugandan to take these equipments?

Let us go back at the removal of Amin, this man had decided to make massive changes in Uganda, among the things he had bought was the garbage trucks that used to lift the bins, do you know that one of the members of FDC today, actually stole all of them and sent them to Rwanda to be registered as private trucks? What happened to all Peugeot 504s that Uganda Police received towards the fall of Amin? But here is a good one, a new company of buses was being created to help on the UTC and Republic Express Services. The buses were being assembled in Kireka Ministry of works, and they were yellow. Remember those? All those buses were stolen by Ugandans to no avail, but in all the fleet that were stolen, there was this bus that made me understand Ugandans. This bus was towed into a valley of between Bweyogerere and Kireka, on the south side near Mandela stadium, and you could see it from a far. but every morning we would see this bus from the road but loosing body parts every day. Ugandans were cutting its body and taking it until when they finished it. The bus literary got obliterated by Ugandans them selves.

On visiting a relative in Hoima I walked into an old woman’s hut, and she had a magnetic head phone. Remember those that were brought in Uganda under the Amin’s services nearer to the people program. They had a handle you need to turn to call the operator. So I asked this old woman what she had on her table, and she ravishingly stated “Oyo malidadi wange abaana bamujja Kampala ne mugula” She did not even know that it was a phone for she had never seen a phone in her life.

Let me not tire you this is my conclusion. Ugandans are not only naked thieves but they are killers. Where do you think do the members of black Mambas come from? Canada? No sir they are Ugandans these are men and women you dine with in restaurants. One of the reasons we will pressure an inqurery into Uganda nightmare is to let Ugandans understand how brutal their children are. UPDF soldiers and mainly Baganda go to the North and rape men in front of their wives and children. Did you expect a Muganda to do that? I hear a story of Baganda are very well coming people, well can we allow a Northerner to put that thesis to test? And I refuse the nonsense of they are directed, and I have seen that lie walking in here naked. Tell me right now, can you be directed to rape a man in Uganda and you drop your pants? Barracks unit 35 of Andrew Kayiira was all killed in one night. It is a pile of crap for any one to claim, Eh Munange Museveni yeyabalagiranga okutta abantu. Gogera nga aganywedde amalwa. No these are all killers and they should all be put to trial. Give me a dam break. I challenge you to understand the population that the Movement is leaving you to use. For the population you have today, it is a very worrisome population that no body can use to even re build Uganda. Museveni no Museveni. So as you are looking for a new leader, one might want to start to look for a new population. A crossbreed of Kenyans and Burundians can be a good start.

Mulindwa Edward

Canada

Sedition charges did not start with president museveni

February 6, 2009 at 12:07 am (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

In reaction to the letter wrote by Raymond Otika in the weekly Uganda observer entitled:’ Sedition comes with oppression’, I would like to say that sedition charges did not start with president museveni as he learnt that from one of his predecessors, Dr. Milton Obote. Journalists and the media were some of the biggest casualties of the government’s sensitivity to criticism during Obote and now Museveni. Pro-baganda newspapers like the economy had a breather after the fall of Amin but things started getting tougher afterwards. Obote also got tougher on foreign journalists who had had freedom under Lule and Binaisa. Many newspapers like the weekly topic were closed down by government officials under obote 2. Anthony Sekweyama, the editor of the main Luganda newspaper, Mumansi, and two other employees of the paper were arrested in March and held for three weeks on sedition charges. They were released in mid-April, but the paper — which was the voice of the opposition, Democratic Party — did not reappear until the middle of May. Even the Chief Editor of the new Sunday edition of the government Uganda Times was detained after only editing two issues. The Obote government was apparently annoyed by an article criticising the US boycott of Libyan oil. Obote had turned his previous socialist policies on their head and had been hard at work courting Western investors. No doubt he did not wish them annoyed by a government paper. Surprisingly, Museveni’s paper: Resistance News of the NRM was left on the streets for a while-a point which strengthenes the argument of those who say that Obote always did undermine the strengths of Museveni from day one.

Museveni’s idea of the media centre headed by Robert Kabushenga did not come from the moon. Obote was the man who first introduced Newspaper and Publications Act to lay down conditions for the starting of a newspaper or magazine in Uganda. Museveni’s media centre is an equivalent of Obote’s Press Accreditation Committee (PAC) which had representatives from the Ministries of Information, Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs. Ugandan journalists wishing to send material to foreign sources had to be approved by the same body.

In addition,the throwing away of foreign journalists from Uganda did not start with Museveni as some people think. Four Western journalists who included: Christabel King, Nick Worrall, June Dechter and Bob Dietz, had their accreditation withdrawn before the December 1980 elections which brought Obote to power, mainly because they were considered unsympathetic to Obote. Then four other journalists resident in Kampala also had their press credentials withdrawn and these were: Cameron Morton (September 1981), Mark Lee (December 1981), Tom Lansner (November 1981) and Trent O’Keefe (January 1982). Visiting correspondents, including representatives of the Daily Telegraph and British Independent Television News, were also thrown out of Uganda. The Minister of Information at that time, Dr David Anyoti, said that only qualified and bona fide journalists were permitted to work in the country. He condemned freelance journalists as bent on ’sensational and subjective journalism’ and condemned the foreign news media for using ’second-rate yellow journalists’. Cameron Morton, for example, was put under house arrest and expelled immediately after reporting army massacres in the West Nile and Trent O’Keefe had his accreditation withdrawn a few days after a BBC report of the murder of five churchgoers by Ugandan troops during a Sunday service in Katiti village in Luwero district. Actually, any body telling you that the killing of Ugandans like bees in Luwero started with NRM is just kicking himself in the teeth. Probably president Museveni can now be called a student of Obote politics in Uganda.

Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

United Kingdom

Common Man’s Charter was Obote’s shutter

February 7, 2009 at 3:24 pm (History, Uncategorized)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

The charter was the shutter and shatterer of AM Obote’s political career. Throughout the (first) cold war, there was a fierce struggle between NATO and Warsaw Treaty block over who would control Africa, particularly the strategic southern cone where there many liberation wars raging, in addition to the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

The stand-off between the rival blocks played out along what was called the ‘Blue Belt’ (BB) and the ‘Red Corridor’ (RC). The RC was a chain of pro-Soviet countries running in a north-Southerly direction from Cairo with the intention of linking with the Cape, thus: Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, then linking to the countries that were then struggling for liberation..Rhodesia, Angola, Mozambique…the frontline against apartheid South Africa. That corridor was perceived by the west to be a pipeline for transmitting soviet military aid to the frontline states, then eventually to the antiapartheid movements that would subsequently take South Africa out of the control of the West….making the Cape sea-lane of communication unavailable for oil tankers coming from the gulf.

The BB was NATO’s attempt to interrupt the RC by slicing it in the waist from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, from Kenya, through Uganda to Zaire. Uganda’s geostrategic location placed us at the confluence of those two trails of East-West struggle. He who controlled Uganda controlled Africa. Recall that in 1967 Mw. Nyerere made the Arusha Declaration turning Tanzania into a socialist (hence supposedly pro-East state), then in 1968 Mr K Kaunda made the Mulungushi Declaration also turning Zambia into a prosocialist state (‘Humanism’). That made the West shiver. Before they could recover from that, then later in 1968 comes the Nakivubo Declaration, Uganda’s move to the left. So, three declarations to consolidate the RC.

Then enter 1969, with Gen G Mimeiri overthrowing Ismail al-Azhari, and immediately making a kind of “Khartoum Declaration”. Like the other three in the RC who made declarations to nationalise banks and industries, Nimeiri did all that nad set Sudan onto the path of socialist reforms. In all this, as we have seen, Uganda was the centrepiece and the ultimate prize that each of the global powers was salivating for. J Mobutu was blue already, thanks to the earlier death of P. Lumumba who would have probably made a “Kinshasa declaration”. J Kenyatta was the West’s son-in-law, and Mombasa was already available for the United States Central Command Forces (formerly Rapid Deployment Force). So Uganda had to get out of the RC, and AM Obote had either to take back his words of the “Nakivubo Declaration” or go.

This reminds me of these words: “Mr Obote seems to have been misled or misinformed that the Baganda will accept a commoner to rule this country when the British go. The truth is Buganda will use all its available forces to see that the Kabaka becomes head of state of Uganda or Buganda secession when independence is attained” (Paul Tebandeke, Uganda Argus, Saturday, 20 August, 1960; page 2) So, the Common Man’s Charter was the commoner’s shatter. Nevertheless, it was big algebra at play.

Common Man’s charter rubbed the British

February 7, 2009 at 3:28 pm (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Abbey.K.Semuwemba

This document rubbed a lot of people’s feathers including the British who saw it as a threat to their interests in Uganda . It is believed that it may have been one of the strongest reasons why the British and Israelis decided to sponsor Amin’s coup against Obote. Actually, Obote confirmed this when he was in London on February 24, 1978, to prosecute successfully a libel suit against Judith Countess of Listowel, author of a laudatory biography of Amin. Obote and two of his aides left London about $125,000 richer than when they came, at least on paper.

Also, former CIA officials who have become critical of the agency said that Mossad, the Israeli intelligence, service worked out with the British Secret Intelligence Service and Langley to get rid of Obote. In 1971, Obote was regarded as a dangerous socialist who was embarrassing Britain in particular over Prime Minister Edward Health’s insistence on selling arms to South Africa .

By the way, I’m not an Obote Hater as some people want to portray me. I’m just pointing out facts as far as Obote was concerned. For instance, I know for sure that Museveni was obsecessed with Obote throughout his first years of leadership and that is why NRM created that organisation called FOBA(Bring Obote Back) as a way of scaring the Baganda. But at the same time, I know the evil side of Obote and I don’t need to be 60 years old as Mulindwa thinks to know what Obote was capable of. Like I said, the whole truth will come out slowly and I think we are getting there.

Abbey.K.Semuwemba

The Lango Development Plan

February 8, 2009 at 4:21 pm (Uncategorized)
Tags: Robert Nviri

On 04^th March 1971, the president of Uganda, General Idi Amin Dada, authorised the release for public consumption, a once upon a time Top Secret document meant for ex-president Apollo Milton Obote and the UPC top elites from Lango, to be read on Radio Uganda. The document which was authored by a one Okello-Apello, claiming to be airing the views of the Langi elders, was one of the Top Secret documents that had been confiscated by the Army after the 25^th January 1971 military coup d’etat. Here below is the document in detail.

Your Excellency, Dr. A.M. Obote,

Thank the heavens! We wish you the best of luck, and long live our dear son. Lead the people of Uganda with dignity and at the same time as per the norms of the Langi culture. We have taken it upon ourselves to study the different regions and peoples of Uganda with the aim of finding out what the different tribes think and do. We have also got feedback from fellow Langi who work in different regions of Uganda but have now returned back to Lira, on how ready they are to give you advice on how best you can rule Uganda. In its entirety, here below is our advice:

First of all, the Langi were mistreated by the British colonialists and, after the departure of the British after attaining independence, all the tribes of Uganda despised us. We had very few educated Langi which led to all the top government posts being filled by people from other tribes. This made all the Langi to envy other tribes. We are now totally convinced that should you follow to the letter what is stipulated in our document, herewith known as The Lango Development Plan, Lango shall rise and shine and, you shall be able to rule Uganda for at least 50 years!

Fundamental steps to be taken:

Increase the number of schools in Lango and post in them highly educated teachers, we shall take it upon ourselves to fill the schools with pupils and students every year.
We must ensure that Langi are made Education Officers in order to equate the number of Acholi Education Officers, or even to supersede them. We must not accept the Acholi to boast that they are cleverer than us, Langi.
With immediate effect, send Langi students abroad on scholarships. We must ensure that vacancies are reserved for them in key government positions to deter people from other tribes being employed in such positions, such that our sons and daughters get employed immediately upon their return. In the unlikely event, should an Acholi be employed in a key position, then he should not be boss to a Langi.
Increase the number of industries and factories in Lango in order to boost our economic power. We are well aware that this will cause the other districts to become jealousy of any developments in Lango, but this shall force the other regions to federate with us basing on our strong purchasing power base. The only serious opposition we might face is from the Acholi, especially should the number of industries in their region increase.
We are aware that there is a considerable number of Acholi in the army, police and Prisons’ forces more than the Langi. We would be grateful if the numbers of Langi were increased to supersede the Acholi, and we request that this be implemented as soon as possible. We foresee with dismay the danger of the Lugbara and Madi joining forces in order to topple your government. We therefore recommend that the following Langi army officers: Arach Metucela, Oboma Ayumu, Ogwang and Elyak, be promoted immediately in order to head the armed forces. Since we do not trust other tribes, Metucela Arach should be promoted to the rank of Major General and, either Oboma or Elyak be made Chief of Staff. With respect to Police, Odongo should be made the Inspector General of Police and Samson Ochan should be made the Commissioner for Prisons. Should these recommendations delay to be implemented, we shall suffer heavily. We therefore make the following proposals in order to implement these recommendations: There is quite a considerable number of Acholi officers in the Police and Prisons forces who have served for quite a long time although they are not well educated. You should promote these not so-intelligent elderly officers but not the young energetic intelligent Acholi. Langi youthful officers should be strategically put to work side by side with these Acholi elderly officers so that with time you weed out the Acholi and replace them with the Langi youthful officers. The good in keeping the elderly Acholi officers is that they despise any advice from the youthful Acholi that could lead them to get ideas of toppling your government. We should be wary of Idi Amin despite his being semi-illiterate because he can easily join hands with intelligent Lugbara who can plan to topple your government. We do not want that Acholi, Anywar, to be head of the Special Branch. This post should be given to a Langi.
We wish that all recruiting officers in all government departments are Langi. This will give a chance to those Langi who did not get access to education to get access to wealth. Any Indian or foreign national who mistreats a Langi should be expelled from Uganda. The following ministries should be headed by Langi: Planning and Economic Development; Agriculture; Education and; Health. The Acholi should not be given an opportunity to head ministries or even departments that are directly in the line of developing the country.
Whenever a need arises to carry out a project in Acholi, the same project should also be carried out in Lango, as a must. Should there be any programme to be executed by the Acholi, we must see to it that also Langi officers are involved.
Send as many Langi officers as possible to work in Acholi, especially as administrators. This shall dupe the villagers in Acholi that we Langi are the best educated. Ensure that the District Commissioner for Acholi district is always a Langi who shall give us a non-compromised report on exactly what the Acholi are up to. This DC should also encourage the fanning of divisions among the Acholi and any progressive Acholi with the intent of uniting East and West Acholi should be earmarked. However, should East Acholi wish to join us, they should be most welcome, in fact should there be any developmental projects to be carried out in Acholi, they should be along the border areas with Lango in order for the Langi to benefit the most.
Please ensure that many Langi join the ranks of NUYO, as this will dupe the other tribes that its only the Langi who are capable of leading the nation. We should instil this myth in the minds of all the other tribes by ensuring that only Langi are appointed in key administrative posts. This will serve us well since the country is headed for development because then all the other tribes in Uganda shall be made to believe that it is only Langi who are capable of being good leaders and that anything good can only be found in Lango.
The Langi are quite unhappy about the current boundaries with Acholi. The boundary should have been from Adilang straight to Bobi following the road to Koch and Karuma. This was the wise counsel of Yakobo Adoko. On the side of Teso, Kumam territory should be annexed to Lango, whereas on the side of Karamoja, Lango should stretch up to Labwor.
We should be secretive on whatever goes on within Lango. All developmental projects in Lango should not be brioadcast on the national Radio or even in the newspapers. People without a strong foundation should not be allowed to work in Lango. At the same time, people who are well conversant with Lango but despise us should also not be allowed to serve in Lango. This should be so in order to avoid the impression that Lango is being developed at a fast rate at the expense of other regions.
The following departments should be headed by Langi: Public Service Commission; Uganda Development Corporation; Nyanza Textiles; Tororo Cement Works; Uganda Hotels; Kilembe Mines and Uganda National Parks. All this is possible but it seems that there is an element of inferiority complex. Please also note the following:

Ankole: Kahigiriza is incapable of implementing our ideals because of the fear that someone else could take over his position.

Kigezi: Mpambara readily accepts anything put before him on his plate.

Toro: Samson Rusoke is wary of Rwambarali because he thinks that the latter might replace him as the Omuhikiirwa (Prime Minister) of Toro.

Buganda: There is nothing to fear in Buganda, except for that stupid Acholi by the names of Daudi Ochieng, who is not even liked by the Baganda themselves. Even in his own home he is not popular and his relatives loathe him as well, they do not trust him.

Busoga: Nadiope is well aware how he faces eminent opposition from Bamutire and also how he is dislikedby the Basoga in Iganga.

Lango: You are adored by all in lango except for that fool Ben Emor, who tried to make himself popular by means of trying to promote the Union. Emor has been earmarked and all his movements are being monitored.

Acholi: There is nothing to fear in Acholi land, for all the bad elements were taken care of by Peter Oola. The remnants are now located outside the district and, even though they returned; it would be too late because no Acholi could believe what they preached.

Lugbara and Madi: These are hopeless people, there is nothing to fear among them.

The Scholarships Committee responsible for sending students abroad should be composed of only dedicated Langi. Educating of the Acholi should be put in check; however, there should be no fear for educating the other tribes.
We wish that all the teachers in Ngeta and Boroboro TTC be strictly Langi. Teachers from other tribes other than Langi who wish to teach in schools and institutions found in Lango should have a good knowledge of the Langi Luo version and English only.
It is an open secret that there is a privately owned school in Acholi which is aided by the government. This school falls in the same category as those of Jefania Okae and Kejekia Okulu in Lango district. Where is it that these latter two schools in Lango are not aided by the government?
We do not want to see any Jaluos in Lira or even to see them fishing in Kwibale, Namasale, Acung, Ibuje or any other place in Lango. They should relocate to Acholi or West Nile.
We hope that you are well aware how the Baganda used to seat on the busts of our grandparents while they drank liquor or brew. This act by the Baganda shall always be remembered by us, the Langi. Up to till today, the Acholi tease us how they used to burn us just like game, when will the Acholi ever be roasted like a game of elephants? At times Akena Adoko tells us that he is the only one capable of dealing with the Acholi.
We reliably learnt from G.M. Okae that there are two Acholi lecturers in the Makerere University College, why are there no Langi lecturers? Maybe this is the reason why there are also few Langi students in the University College, reason being that they (Langi) are frustrated by the Acholi lecturers. The Langi should be trained as tomorrows leaders since they are to rule Uganda.

Your Excellency,

This is the full report of our investigations from all the regions of Uganda. As per our wish, there should be no elections at all, for what benefit is it to hold general elections today? The general elections we held in the first place was because we wanted to end colonial rule and thus expel the British; now whom do we want to expel to necessitate the holding of general elections? We acknowledge the authority you command owing to your position as President of the Party, a phenomenon that has generated a lot of envy among your fellow UPC inner circle. Should you allow any other person to take over that position, we as Langi shall be subjected to enormous suffering. Increase the ranks of Langi officers within the army, police and prison forces and the commander of the Special Force must be a Langi and not from any other tribe. We do not want an Acholi to head the Special Branch.

Never familiarise yourself with Acholi because they are not to be trusted and can easily poison you. There is no doubt that you are capable of ruling Uganda for 50 years should you collaborate with the great sons of Lango such as Adoko .A. Nekyon, J.M. Okae, Abdallah Anyuru, Joel Wacha-Olwol, Ben Otim-Etura and Yokosafati Engur who is currently overseas. We wish you success, God blessed us to cooperate and work with you, in fact should anyone attempt to do you any harm, we are willing to sacrifice our own lives for you. Long live our son, we are your confidants and this document should only be circulated only among members of our most trusted inner circle.

An addendum to this document contained the following advice.

Our Great Leader, Apollo Milton Obote,

You should not be deceived by anyone that the Acholi detest Peter Oola. We the Langi, like Oola so much because it is through him that we can undermine the Acholi.
Never at any give time, allow Alipayo Oloya to be the chairman of Acholi District Council (ADC). We as Langi, protest such a move. Do you best to have the ADC chairmanship elections postponed until such a time when we have got a suitable person to replace Alipayo Oloya.
Save us from these Acholi, we detest Eria Lakidi’s being in Entebbe and others also from Acholi district.
Save us from the Acholi, we do not want any Acholi to be a minister of either the Agriculture, or Planning and Economic Development.
Felix Onama should be made the Secretary General of UPC. We protest John Kakonge’s being given any post in UPC. We detest Otim-Oryem, an Acholi, being the Organiser of the Party.
Save us from the Acholi, we do not want Wilson Lutara to be in a position where he can gain access to government secrets because he shall then be in a position to pass them over to the Acholi.
Great leader, a considerable number of Langi should be posted in Acholi landas informants in order to keep us updated on what the Acholi are up to.
Save us from the Acholi, you gave our land to the Acholi, when shall it be returned to us?
Your Excellency, with all our hearts we request you to save us from the Acholi. Ensnure that Erinayo Oryema remains the Inspector General of Police until such a time when a suitable Langi replacement is found.
Your Excellency, you are well aware of how the Acholi disrespect us the Langi, why have you decided to keep mum?

This is all, Your Excellency, that there is to inform you. We shall send you an envoy at a later time. We have nominated you as the Party President and wish you success. Thank the Heavens.

Signed,

Okello-Apello

Lira, Lango

6 June 1968

18 reasons why Obote 1 had to go-Idil Amin

February 8, 2009 at 4:30 pm (Uncategorized)
Tags: Robert Nviiri

Fellow Ugandans,

As the days roll by, we tend to forget certain things, trust Ugandans, except for Baganda who had their eyes poked into by the Colonialists and Obote, a thing that opened up their minds. Here below are the 18 reasons that led to the military Coup d’etat on that Monday of 25th January 1971.

Ensonga 18 amagye g’Amin ze gaawa ekyagamaamuzaako gavumenti y’Obote.

Okusibira abantu obwerere mu makomera awatali musango gwonna gubavunaanibwa (Detention without trial)
Okwongezaayo amateeka g’ebiseera eby’akatabanguko entakera nga tewali n’omu amanyi ddi lwegalijjibwawo (State of Emergency)
Abantu okujjibwako eddembe ly’okwogera ebibaluma (Denial of freedom of speech)
Okutta abantu okuyiteredde mu ngeri y’obwakkondo (Uncontained thuggery)
Okuleetawo oluwalo abantu bagendenga bakole akasanvu nga bava mu maka gaabwe okumala ekiseera kya myaka ebiri (Forced labour in the name of socialism)
Okulya enguzi naddala mu wofeesi z’abanene mu gavumenti nga wesanga baminista abamu balina oluseregende lw’emmotoka ne bbaasi (Corruption)
Ababadde mu buyinza okulemwa okussaawo okulonda mu bbanga ery’emyaka omunaana okuva mu 1963. Kisaana kitegeerekeke nti okulonda okwali kutereddwawo kwali kukolebwa abo abali mu kibiina kya UPC era nga abanene baali babutikidde abavuganyi ababulijjo olw’ensimbi ennyingi zebaayiwayiwa nga bagenda bagulirira n’okutiisatiisa abalonzi. (Lack of free & fair elections, transparency during campaigns and intimidation of the electorate)
Eby’enfuna ebyali byonoonese (Economic decline)
Emisolo egirinnya buli lukedde ate nga abanene mu gavumenti basobola okugyepena (Unjustified increase in taxation and unfair taxes of the common person while top government officials were on record of evading the same)
Emiwendo gy’ebirime egigenda gikubibwa ebigwo ssonga egy’ebintu ebikozesebwa omuntu owa bulijjo gigenda girinnya. (Decline of prices for agricultural produce, the basic source of income for the local person, despite rising prices of essential commodities)
Okutwawukanya ne bamuliraanwa baffe ab’omu East Africa (Brooding enmity among the East African region countries)
Okussaawo emitindo gy’abantu ab’enjawulo nga mitegeke (Pre-destined classification of society)
Obutatuula lw’olukiiko olukola ku by’okwerinda mu ggwanga ekyaviirako abamagye obutafuna byetaago byabwe. (Lack of meetings by the Military Council to provide basic needs for the Armed Forces)
Wofeesi ya baminista yali efuuse ttendekero lya magye ate nga abatendekebwa bava mu kitundu kimu eky’eggwanga – Akokoro, Lango. (Turning the Cabinet Office into a training ground for purposively selected officers from only one region – Lango, to create the Special Force and General Service Unit – GSU)
Entegeka kasiggu eyakolebwa mu 1967 ey’okukuza Lango yokka nga mu kino amakolero, eby’obufuzi, amagye bikulirwa abantu abava mu Lango bokka. (Marshall plan drawn up in 1967 to develop Lango area at the expense of other regions, whereby all leadership would be in the hands of only Langis)
Obote ne munne Akena Adoko okugezaako okutema mu magye g’eggwanga ne Uganda yonna awamu. (Creation of divisions within the army and Uganda as a whole)
Okugulirira bofiisa ba magye abamu okulwanyisa bannabwe okusobola okuleetawo obukuubagano mu magye. Kino kyali kyakuviirako okussa amagye ga Obote (Special Force ne GSU) mu mitambo gy’eggwanga. (Artificial creation of antagonism within the Armed Forces to justify the enventual usurption of powers by Obotes personal armies – Special Force and GSU)
Okumaamulako gavumenti y’Obote kyali kutangira okuyiwa kw’omusaayi okwalibadde kuteewalibwa mu maaso gyebujja olw’ensonga ezimenyeddwa waggulu. (It was circumstantial and inevitable to make a Coup d’etat against Obote’s government in order to avert possible bloodshed in the country as a result of not addressing the above mentioned issues).

Anyone having ideas of becoming the next president of Uganda, please learn these 18 points by heart so that you don’t fall into the same trap, leading to your being kicked in the butt!!!

Nviiri

Comparing Museveni,Besigye and Muntu

February 9, 2009 at 8:17 am (POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: samson mande

I am talking to you as a Ugandan a human rights activist and environmental protection activist and by the way i am also a prize winner of the 2006 EUROPE HUMAN RIGHTS HEROES AWARD.In addition i happen to have been a member of FRONASA, a founder member of the NRA/NRM, a founder member of the Reform Agenda and a founder member of the FDC and an ordinary member of the FDC Sweden branch, just in case you may need to know me more.
I happen to have worked very closely with Museveni, Besigye and Mugisha Muntu in bad and good times and i have some good understanding of the three outstanding figures in this discussion.The three have the following in common: They are articulate men of high calibre vision and very revolutionary. The differences are :
General Yoweri Museveni is obsessed with power (military,economic and political power) , does never accept to be any other number except number one. When it comes to acquiring power he will do anything possible including riding on the devil toget it. Museveni believes in Single Party Rule and he belives his party should have him as the ruler and the only guide since he believes no one else has a vision to lead ” Uganda and Africa”
He can drop or change allies, he can shift from one ideology and from principle to another any time it serves him. He does not miss an opportunity that makes him achieve what he wants no matter what the long term effects or repercussions may be.
Museveni does all this struggle for rather personal than national gains : a big name as the most famous African human being and one of the richest (material gains). This is more reason he concentrates more on regional and puts East Africa and African issues in general a pririty above Ugandan issues. For him Uganda is like his launhing pad into his dream of becomming the better Kwame Nkrumah.
He believes in centralisation of power(personal power) and that money will help him to control people for many generations through a line of heritage of his own choice as opposed to building institutions with long term and democratic succession strategies.
Besigye and Mugisha Muntu have always dreamed of a rich and prosperous Ugandan community governed by the people through democratic institutions as opposed to politics of patronage and centralised political , military and economic power owned by an individual or a clique. A Ugandan community where tribal, racial,religious and class discrimination is minimised to minute levels if not totaly eradicated. They are military men not as of choice but by circumstances and they believe in civil power.
Besigye and Muntu have just a slight difference, Besigye is a little more courageous and makes quick decisions while Muntu kind of takes his time to make a lot of more analysing and compromise. I am very happy to see them in one political party and mutualy supporting each other. The two have all the values a modern leadership needs to have. Thats is why Museveni will no longer sleep for he knows the abilities and capacity these two have. That is more reason he may wish to destroy the FDC physicaly and legaly(false charges, court raids, killing and intimidation of supportersetc) rather than politicaly and ideologicaly or intellectualy. Try to arrange a debate between them and Museveni on Uganda issues Museveni will always dissappear in thin grass only to appear later through the black mamba element.
When one talks about the political reforms it is Besigye and us who put that initiative forward and we still believe in that. Yoweri thinks he is to militarily powerful to see reason why we need reforms and reconciliation. You have not to spend time telling us about it for it is a crucial undertaking we and the entire nation is waitting in order to put the past in history and move forward. So i think Ugandns need to do more talking to your dear leader to help him understand and internalise the importance of reconciliation and reform. These two ideas are more important than the so called amnesty.
And i wish to begg some Ugandans to stop insulting me by asking me to ask for amnesty and i wish to assure you that perhaps it will be my dead body that will ask for amnesty not the living grand son of Karobwa-Mande. Those criminals , cowards and those mentaly enslaved people or those under torture and blackmail can do that but not me.They have killed my people , the people of Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Sudan the list is not less than five million people whose blood stains that cherished ruler of yours who if he does not ask for amnesty we shall deliver to justice in a question of time.
Lastly i dont see science in some people’s advice that it is safer for me to communicate to a newVision journalist,Katerega Ahmed, directlly for that is when he will get my IP and everything.But let me inform Ugandan s that i am a public person , i have nothing to hide or fear and i am protected by UN and by Sweden which is also a power in technology. Who ever wishes to talk to me or see me he/she is free so long as he/she does not fear to be eaten by your black mambas. My number is 0046739048412 and my e mail is clear.
REGARDS TO ALL
Samson Mande

Former UPDF/FRONASA officer

Letter of an Acholi UNLA Officer,1984

February 10, 2009 at 7:14 am (History, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

LETTER OF AN ACHOLI UNLA OFFICER: AFRICA NOW MAGAZINE, AUGUST 1984
The situation in Uganda

I am an Acholi army officer situated at one of the barracks around Kampala . I have, been forced to write this letter because of the numerous Ugandans of the’ Baganda ethnic group who are being killed by us soldiers on orders from our commanders. These unfortunate and innocent people (young and old, men and women, and even babies) are being killed by us every day at military barracks, in their homes, villages and streets in Buganda .

Instructions to kill are passed on to us by Acholi and Lango officers, and a few trusted Itesots, in the Luo language so that other Bantu soldiers may not know the idea behind the killings. We are ordered to kill Baganda of all ages so that this province with 4 million will be depopulated before the next general elections. By reducing the Baganda to a minority group, it will enable us northerners to rule Uganda without any problems from the Baganda.

Recently, we were sent to the Luwero area with instructions to kill everybody and destroy all the homes, cattle etc.

Thousands of people of all ages were killed, houses bombed, women and girls raped and a lot of property looted. A good number of the soldiers, particularly the Acholis, did this against their will for they see no reason for killing innocent people. The majority of us Acholis now wish to leave the army but are afraid of the consequences which will be brutal. We are told that after successfully depopulating Luwero and Mpigi Districts (which is currently being done) the next area will be Mukono and then Masaka. All this must be completed in 1985.

The purpose of this letter is to draw the attention of the world to the thousands of people who have been killed in government institutions, in villages, etc. and to the fate of innocent Baganda awaiting death. In fact more people have been killed in Buganda during the last two years than in eight years of Amin. History will show this.

I wish to end by appealing to all Uganda Army soldiers, especially the Acholis, to disobey the killing orders and save the lives of the Baganda – for humanity’s, sake and for the sake of our tribe’s future.

(Worried Acholi Soldier – Kampala, Uganda)

Letter to Col Samson Mande

February 10, 2009 at 7:48 am (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Herbert Buhanga

Col Mande

I have met you on a number of occassions but I have never asked you this question which bothers me everyday.You have narreted to us how bad M7 is and how he killed your Brother. But in 1987, NRA soldiers murdered UFM fighters in cold blood.

Many were picked from Mubende Barracks and taken to Lubiri, Kireka and other barracks from where they were tortured later on murdered.You Mande, Besigye, Muntu and others knew when these murders were being committed and all you did was to keep quiet.

UFM soldiers who were serving in Northern Uganda were locked up in a semi-trailer and suffocated. UFM/A Officers who were living in Bugoloobi flats were blind folded, tied three-piece( Kandoya) and then shot at a close range. One of theNRA soldiers who participated in these murders which took place in Bugoloobi is Jimmy Ateesa who you live with in Sweden.

Surely, why did you allow this to take place? Why did you only dessert M7 after he had started killing your relatives.Mande, You watched as Banyarwandas like Kagame, Rwigyema and Kaka were killing Baganda officers who had served in UFM/A. You even gave Paul Kagame a petty name ( Pilaato) because of his brutality against UFM soldiers has he hit them on the head with a short hoe at DMI.

I feel bad about what NRA did to Dr Andrew Kayiira and other UFM soldiers who were murdered for simply being Baganda.

You,Col Mande ,captured Gulu town during the liberation of Uganda. UFM/A captured Jinja, Mbale, and proceeded to Soroti via Kabera Maido. They joined Mande and supported him to flush out the UNLA in Gulu and when the guns went silent, your brigade(Col Mande’s brigade) turned against UFM/A and started shooting them as if they were not humans.

We need something new. Something different. We need the Obama of our own. What makes M7, Besigye, Muntu and company think that we can’t do without them.

We need a new charismatic person. We want Ogenga Latigo, Reagan Okumu, Betty Nambooze, Erias Lukwago and many others to come out and contest for the presidence.

Besigye, Muntu, M7, UPC etc must stand trial for murder.May the souls fo the UFM/A soldiers who were murdered by NRM/A rest in eternal peace.

RIP Andrew Kayiira.

Buhanga Herbert

Former UFM Soldier

Kadameri questions the Lango Development Plan

February 11, 2009 at 5:18 pm (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Billie Kadameri

I have done my research in the course of writing a book and I failed to find any evidence of the authenticity of the so-called Lango Development Master Plan. Even without trying to be an Obote apologist, I think the so-called LDMP was most likely a poorly done concoction by Amin’s cohorts in trying to justify what he was trying to do against Obote’s kinsmen in the aftermath of the 1971 coup.

You will note that within months of taking power he had removed the only Lango member of his cabinet Yekosafati Engur, whose only qualification for the job was that he was not buddy buddy with his tribesmate Obote. He was replaced by Henry Kyemba who later went on to become minister of health till 1977.

The only high ranking Langi to survive Amin were Kassim Obura Abak (Police, because he was Muslim), Lt Col Abednego Orech Okot (still alive who was director of the army band and of course Amin loved brass band people though he killed Ahmed Oduka but tolerated Orech Okot and Venansio Okello of police. Okello was Acholi.) I have never found out why Amin’s security tolerated Captain Smith Opon Acak until 1977 when he fled or Captain Egwar from Akokoro who stayed on until Amin was overthrown , joined the UNLA and was shot dead by fellow UNLA soldiers in Mbuya barracks in 1980.

But when anybody thinking Amin was after the Langi, to somewhat appear less brutal to Acholi was mistaken as you all know.

I have no evidence that the letter by the Acholi UNLA officer mentioned in New Africa magazine was genuine. However what I do know, with evidence of graying letters I manage to get in the course of my research, was that there was another type of letter that was circulating and being sent to only Acholi officers from around March 1985. Some people claimed the letter, written on duplicating paper, was by NASA trying to scare off some Acholi officers suspected to be working with Bazilio Okello to destabilise President Obote while others suspected it was from a third party wishing to sow discord among UNLA officers with the aim of making things difficult for government.

The copies I got in the course of my research were mailed to Lt. Richard Ochieng and Lt John Okot, both of UNLA Magamaga Ordnance Base Depot, Jinja. It read: “Dear Lt Okot, It has come to our knowledge that you are involved in a distardly machination to try and overthrow the government of Uganda through unconstitutional means. We take this opportunity to warn you to desist from such an act, the consequences of which will be too ghastly to contemplate. Signed. Concerned Ugandans.”

As I said, it was never clear who were behind this kind of communication but bearing in mind the poisoned atmosphere in the then national army, it could have been from anywhere.

This to help some of us who may not have known about such issues.

Cheers

Billie Kadameri

Journalist based in France

Mayiko Backs the Lango Development Plan

February 11, 2009 at 10:18 pm (History, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: mayiko Makula

Well Hearing all this; the general public does not really know what was going on in Obote’s rigid regime as in, who was planning what and who really had the powers to cook killing ideas with or without Obote’s knowledge. Obote himself was seen by some tribes mates as a traitor for marrying a muganda, yet Obote himself claimed that he couldn’t have a master plan to exterminate his brothers in law the Baganda.

But we all know that Milton was too drunk with either power or whiskey to reprimand any one in his administration. Knowingly or unknowingly for him he was exactly where he wanted to be as in ” The only president fit to rule Uganda” and nothing moved him further in truth to act unless he was threatened to be ousted from power. I believe to this day wherever he is, the combination of these two alphanumerics “M7″ haunt him a lot, but not skulls from (Buganda), Luwero, Ssemuto, Kapeka nor Masuliita. For he, Obote and M7 both share the skull closet and one of them will claim the biggest acre in high shame or revolutionary empty airs, when we reach in heaven on that judgment day, its not over yet.

However in many operations like panda gari in many villages in Buganda, the hard experience was, Head of families & bigger sons were killed with no clear reason, Govt soldiers would come in force the doors open kill and walk out majestically without really taking much, police would come in the next day, and no particular investigations would take place, as in motive, it was as if police already knew what was going on, so they never asked much, we never read many of these incidents in major newspapers and we would wait for another day for something like that to happen again. My father was left for dead in one of these incidents, I was in boarding school so I was not around to see what really happened, but we had a step mum who was a practicng nurse working for Mulago Hopital and my father was shot and hummered with small hoes by Obote soldiers, He was rushed to mulago hospital wrapped in blankets to keep him warm, the joke was all my brothers and sisters got new blankets after my dad came home because they were all used to save his life. I do not think these murderes followed up on their victims after that to find out whether they really died, for they did not come back again, some people never died but survived as the example of my father. It was a public secret that this was a state sponsored operation.

The village is Bukoto next to Kamwokya or Ntinda depending on where you are coming from, ask for the family of the late Ssemwogere, one of his sons is in Police “Gerald Ssemwogere Ssekiwunga) now and you will know about other families who died or survived, if your research yields good results, I’ll be able to read my fathers name in your communication and we shall filter more possibilities of this state sponsored operations.

I pray that some one better tells us what was going on with these irresponsible state sponsored killings as so many orphans that I personally know came to be so, in operations like in this way long before AIDS clocked in to rob us with our loved ones though its also said that Obote kept quiet about AIDS since it was mainly in Buganda, Masaka Kyotera for its reported that the first cases of AIDS showed up during his era and many NRA soldiers who camped thru over there during the Luwero/M7 war are either dead of AIDS by now or renewing blood from time to time in Germany, ask around. Either way Obote was bad news for Buganda though M7 is now borrowing some tricks from him to destabilise Buganda. I still highly predict that M7 will not succeed to finish off Buganda, I hear he authorized the delay of the Land bill and his file is on Obama’s desk, it comes in next after the Americans have got their stimulus package.

Who started ‘Panda Gari’ and ‘Akandoya’ in Uganda

February 13, 2009 at 5:39 pm (CULTURE, History, KINGDOMS)
Tags: Robert Nviri

1. Panda Gari was not started by Museveni or when Museveni was in Obote II government. Panda Gari was started in around March 1981 when Museveni and his 27 chaps had already gone to the Bush. This I know very well, and I have already posted it on this forum before.

In a nut shell, Panda Gari was a brain child of some security UPC zealots who failed to comprehend the tactics of guerilla warfare. They adopted the late Gen. Pinochet of Chile style of fighting guerillas and armed opposition. So, when the UFM attacked the Lubiri barracks sometime around March 1981, positioning their Mortars on Lubaga Hill near the Cathedral, in both humiliation mixed with shame and anger, UPC military wing decided to round up inhabitants of Lubaga and Makindye divisions with the hope of antagonising them into submission or scaring away the ‘bandits’, as Obote and company used to refer to the guerillas. Later on, this Panda Gari (translated from the Swahili – Board the vehicle – you can see how difficult Swahili can be acceptable as a National Language in Uganda with such history of terror; we panda gari, towa saa, ka chini, lala chini, piga lisasi etc.) operations spread to other areas in Buganda and later western Uganda (after learning of Museveni’s involvement in guerilla warfare) with the infamous so-called Computer Men holding Computer print lists. it is a dreaded history that shall take long to be forgotten in Uganda, south of the Karuma.

The bus, Mpaawo Atalikaaba, Reg. number 01LA06 was brought into operation shortly after the removal of Bianisa in May 1980, but during that time it was used to ferry UNLA soldiers (mainly of Acholi and Langi origin – a fact that brought about a Radio Katwe terminology for the LA markings in the number plate to be substituted for Langi-Acholi; if you were in Kampala during that time as you claim, then you must have heard this Radio Katwe news) for deployment in the evenings in some selected few areas of Kampala and its environs. The first round up of human beings that this bus did was that of rowdy soldiers who had refused to stay in barracks’. This is when the UNLF govt under Muwanga and Museveni tried to show some seriousness with rowdy soldiers in Kampala, but as the election time drew closer, things went haywire and this exercise was abandoned. I keep wondering whysome Acholis keep mum on this fact, or it is also an Okello-Apello concoction?

2. Obote did not build Mulago hospital, like you have time and again posted those lies on this forum. Mulago hospital was built by the British Protectorate government before they relinquished power in 1962. Most of the monies that were used to build the hospital were British Taxpayers money. Mulago hospital was officially opened on 16th October, 1962 (one week after independence day) by the Duchess of Kent. Unless if you want to state that Obote is a custodian of the Aldina magic lamp such that he built Mulago hospital in a record period of one week.

3. Obote’s UPC started playing dirty already in 1964 when it started buying of opposition MPs (Bataringaya was a DP from Ankole and leader of opposition). In fact KY contemplated joining hands with DP to fight UPC but due to the foolish politics of religion by some Baganda of that time, this proved futile until DP was dilapidated of nearly all its members in parliament one by one; by way of crossing over to UPC.

Bw’ova ku byange ng’ogenda ku wangatto!

Nviiri

Mutesa 1 displays patience & wisdom at his 1953 deportation order

February 15, 2009 at 12:15 pm (History, KINGDOMS)
Tags: Robert Nviri

On 30th Nov 1953, when the Governor Sir Andrew Cohen surmoned Sir Edward Muteesa to Government House in Entebbe, after Sir Edward refused to budge from the numerous threats made towards him, Sir Cohen handed him the deportation order. Without looking at it, Sir Edward passed it over to his Katikkiro, Owek. Paulo Kavuma, and kept on staring at the Governor. He (Sir Edward) just calmly asked them, “Does this mean that I am under arrest?” The Governor hissed out, “Yes”. Two white constables then walked in to take away the Kabaka. He then allowed them to walk him out of the office. Upon reaching outside, his deputy ADC, Robert Ntambi (RIP) being concerned over the safety of his Kabaka asked him, “Ssebo, nkube?”, meaning “Sir, should I shoot the bastards?” Sir Edward being the Royal and British trained military personnel he was, replied calmly with wisdom and guidance, “Tokuba, baleke” meaning “Just let the poor souls be!”

Please note that Sir Edward himself was armed with a revolver which he later handed over to the accompanying British officer in the aeroplane when they were already airborne, and could have done a Terrance Hill to those two poor souls, but he couldn’t kill an innocent man. And lo, some Baganda bashers and haters spew lies on this forum of how Sir Edward killed innocent Banyoro in Karuguza, my foot!

Actually, Sir Edward was not only a British trained military officer, but was an instructor himself in the Grenadier Guards. As one might guess, British Army is not some taka taka African army where some officer might be made an instructor simply because of some top connections. Sir Edward was worthy his pips and medals and so, had to make the right decision at the right time after weighing a situation that deserves a split of a second action.

Sir Edward though still a minor, had the advantage of receiving lectures from his father; the late Sir Daudi Ccwa II. It was not just by chance that he was made the 35th Kabaka of Buganda. The British had tried to do the same to Sir Daudi Ccwa II, himself also a trained British Officer, but he was much wiser for them also. The Cohen Plan “B” was to be executed in the beginning of November 1939 (Note the coincidence of the month of November) by the then Governor, Sir Philip Mitchell, but due to the failing health of the Ssabasajja, the British thought it unwise in Military Strategic terms, to appear to be antagonising a sickly man (equivalent of shooting a defenceless man in the back). They instead banked on ‘terrorizing’ the next of kin. Unfortunately for them, the next of kin was even more tough a nut to crack than Sir Daudi Ccwa II.

When I tell some Ugandans that Sir Edward’s resistance to the British gave a booster shot in the arm of the Mau Mau, they cant comprehend that history. You see, sometimes we just cannot write the whole thing down here on the forum for theUgandans to understand everything.

Robert Nviri

Respectable Buganda Nationalist

Comparison between 1953 and 1966 Buganda crisis

February 15, 2009 at 12:22 pm (History, KINGDOMS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

1/7 If you chanced to access a Top Secret memorandum C. (53) 324 written by the British Secretary of State (Minister) for the colonies to the British cabinet on 18th November 1953, you would learn that HM EF Mutesa II had very few options when he was summoned by Andrew Cohen for interview.

2/7 The governor (Cohen) already had instructions to ensure that Kabaka Mutesa complied with instructions to leve the country. The memorandum stated that, “If the Kabaka refuses to come to this country to see me then I propose to authorize the Governor to put into operation the plan described in paragraph 6 above.”

3/7 Para 6 of the memorandum was a detailed military plan (referred to by Secretary Lyttleton as “extreme action”) that was supposed to be executed from the day of the Kabaka Mutesa/Governor Cohen meeting (30.11.1953) to 8.12.1953.

4/7 Note that on 16th November 1953 4th Battalion K.A.R started moving back to Jinja from Kenya ready for military operations in Buganda “in support of the police” to carry out what the memorandum called a coup d’etat had the Kabaka tried to

“…embark on an open trial of strength with Her Majesty’s Government.”

5/7 That “Top Secret” memorandum in part states that, “General Erskine has agreed to make available one battalion of the King’s African Rifles which is now moving into Uganda ostensibly as a routine transfer. He has also agreed to have a reserve battalion on standing by at three days’ notice but if this or any further reinforcements were called upon he might have to ask additional assistance from the United Kingdom.”

6/7 So then, Kabaka Mutesa was alot wiser than you can possibly imagine, by avoiding any childish action of the type that you call “Terrance Hill”. Had he tried, he would probably have been subjected to an emotional experience that would have denied him the chance to see 1966, itself a continuation of the 1953 intransigence.

7/7 The difference between 1966 and 1953 was, that Governor Cohen had alot more manoeuvrability than AM Obote, otherwise the basic plan was the same. Cohen had plan A and B. Plan A worked and that saved the day. AM had only Plan A, namely, Cohen’s Plan B, a Zero sum game. I see UPC supporters somewhere (with the usual opportunism) saying that Cohen was outrageous. I think what they(upc supporters) really mean is that, Cohen should have put into play Plan B (the one to that should have been executed by General Erskine…the extreme action…it would have saved the UPC the 1966 entanglements…that is what Mr Ochieno probably means).

L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Uganda peasants are not Tax payers?

February 19, 2009 at 12:50 am (POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Which tax payer? Who is their political class accountable to? Once again, I will tell people that the population of Uganda has no solid stake in the management of public affairs because it lives outside that domain: 85% peasants, dying at 45 years of age, living in a non-monetary sector, in the rural countryside, untaxable because they do not produce any surplus to be taxed, about 50% of them are illiterate, 50.2% 15 years and below, wearing nappies, the highest in the world….that is not the kind of population that takes its government to task. Never!

We need to start thinking less traditionally about our socio-political reality. The whole notion of ‘tax-payer’ is completely out of place in Uganda.

That aid is unearned income and you know what unearned income does. If government was depending on money deducted from 20 million Ugandans wage earners, it would think twice before squandering it. It would be someone’s sweat and they would demand for accountability. But who in Uganda identifies with ‘donor’ aid as his money? If we do not come to grips with the relationship between paying tax and governmental accountability, then we shall keep fooling ourselves for ever with democracy for ever.

That is why I always insist that we need to proletarianise the population-urgently-create wage earners, get rid of the passive peasant class. A population that is largely wage-earners or proletariat is a population that you do not fool around with. The impunity of our political class now is a logical consequence of the fact that the country is largely peasant. That is why some of them are interested in preserving that passive class that will vote for them just because of a piece of soap. A wage labourer will tell you not to insult him by bribing him with money he contributed as PAYE or income tax.
What tax do the peasants pay?

“They … removed UPC I government because they wanted to scuttle public spending”

The Common Mans Charter may have talked about increase in ‘public spending’, but for those that engineered the deposition of AM Obote, ‘public spending’ per se was not the primary problem. The real problem was the source of finances for such expenditure: expropriation/nationalisation of foreign owned enterprises. That was the primary contradiction.

We know that Uganda was broke right from the cradle: independence was on 9 oct 1962, 24 hours later, on 10 oct 1962 there was no money to finance the return of the colonial administrators to London. The first structural adjustment facility was arranged there and then (what ever structures there were to adjust on day one). If AM Obote had asked for grants to finance his ‘public spending’ (whatever that means) instead of expropriating foreign multinationals, he would probably have lived longer and may be succumbed to internal contradictions.

Remember also there was the contradiction between the two global powers. AM Obote played into that with the adventure to the left, to defend a non-existent proletariat, as though that was the country’s primary challenge….remember the Blue Belt and Red Corridor?

Buganda had no negotiators during colonialism

February 19, 2009 at 1:07 am (History)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

1/8 The language that was used by the colonial administrators in relation to the Kabaka of Buganda, in this case Kabaka Mutesa II was “interview”, “summon the Kabaka and educate him”, “bring the Kabaka to his senses”, “acceptance of decisions of future co-operation”, “if he refuses to comply”, “in the interview I shall require the Kabaka”….etc. All those are quotations from a memorandum by the British Colonial secretary, Oliver Lyttelton around the 1953 crisis which as you very well know culminated in the Kabaka being shut out of Buganda.

2/8 Alternatively, let us look back at some years earlier at the situation of Kabaka Mutesa II’s grandfather, Kabaka Mwanga, following the events of 24 Jan 1892 when a Catholic shot and killed a Protestant at Mengo, all in self-defence. Kabaka Mwanga (himself a Catholic) tried the culprit and duly acquitted him. Capt. Lugard demanded that the catholic be handed to him for trial and execution. Kabaka Mwanga rightly deemed that to be an infringement on his authority and he refused Lugard’s orders. Lugard immediately issued rifles to Protestants, deployed his Sudanese troops with two Maxim guns and by the time the “negotiation” dust settled, the Kabaka with his Catholic followers were out of Mengo, on to Bulingugwe Island at the mouth of Murchison Bay, where they were flushed out, running on to Bukoba. Buganda negotiators! What negotiation was that? Of course you know how Kabaka Muwanga’s reign eventually ended in 1897. Negotiation?

3/8: Bottom line, there was no question of negotiation! For anyone to think otherwise is to be deluded, and is to harbour false loyalty to Buganda; and an impression of non-existent glory. That cannot help us, you and I, to grow up.

4/8 Am also not aware that Buganda affairs were addressed in the British Foreign Office and not Colonial Office , particularly because it was not the case. The fact is that, the affairs of Buganda were formally passed on to the Colonial Office in 1902, and not because they were up to that time in the hands of the Foreign Office, but because they were in the hands of the War Office: Buganda was still being ‘pacified’.

5/8 The 1900 agreement that set the terms of the relations between Buganda and Britain clearly states under Article 3, that, Buganda “shall rank as a Province of equal rank with any other provices into which the Protectorate shall be divided” In other words, Buganda was a province (just like Karamoja) and not a country to be related with through the Foreign Office.

6/8 In fact the 1953 crisis was precipitated by Kabaka Mutesa’s (deluded) insistence that Buganda should be moved from the colonial office to the Foreign office, and immediately granted independence. If it was “for quite a long time” as you are saying under the Foreign Office, then what was the Kabaka demanding for?

7/8 I am sure Buganda historians have heard about the letter that Kabaka Mutesa wrote on 6th August 1953 in reaction to the Colonial Secretary’s mention of the possibility of an East Africa Federation. In that letter, Kabaka Mutesa made three demands, namely, that, there would never be a federation of East African territories, second, that Buganda affairs be transferred to the Foreign Office from the Colonial Office, third, that Buganda be given independence. That was a violation of Article 6 of the 1900 “agreement” (really 1900 Undertaking by Buganda to be good boys!)….see the ‘agreement’ at this link: http://www.buganda.com/buga1900..htm.

8/8 Yes, there was a difference between the British Foreign Office and Colonial Office. I am sure Buganda historians also know it now particularly as it relates to Buganda’s history. The difference between those two offices is what caused the 1953 crisis, when Kabaka Mutesa wanted to negotiate, and the other party wanted to interview, give orders, and if necessary, fight it out. Very clearly, Buganda negotiators if there were any, were hapless, hopeless and jobless.

AKENDA OR KAKAAGA?: IS IT 9,000 or 6,701 Sq Miles?

February 24, 2009 at 6:43 pm (History, POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

1 The areas of Buganda as spelt out in the 1900 agreement was assumed to be 19,600 Sq Miles. This estimate was made by the UK War Office, intelligence section. Article 15 of the agreement states: “Assuming the area of Buganda amounts to 19,600 square miles, it shall be divided in the following proportion: Forests 1,500, Her Majesty’s Government under the control of Uganda administration 9,000, His Highness the Kabaka of Uganda 350, Namasole(the King’s mother) 16, mother of Mwanga 10, Princes(Abalangira) 32, Ab’amasaza(County Chiefs) 160, Official estates attached to the posts of the Ab’amasaza 160, the regents each got 32 totaling 96, Mbogo family 24, Kamuswaga of Koki 20, one thousand chiefs 8,000, Christian churches 92, Government stations i.e Kampala, Entebbe, Masaka, Mubende and Njeru, 50.”

2 The same article 15 of the same agreement further notes…and this is the important point: “After a careful survey has been made, if the total found to be less than 19,600sqm then that portion (9000) of the country to be vested in Her Majesty’s Government shall be reduced in the extent by the deficiency found to exist in the estimated area,”

3 The survey was started two years after the 1900 agreement, the year of handover of Buganda from the War Office to the Colonial Office. The survey was interrupted by WWI and finally completed in 1937. The surveyors, Sergeant Major.E.Vaughn, assisted by WV. Morris found out that, the actual are of Buganda was 17,301 sq miles.

4 Therefore the actual area of Buganda fell short of the estimate by 2,229 Sq Miles (19,600-17,301=2,229). According to that same 1900 agreement, that shortfall was to be deducted from the 9,000 sq Miles, the famous

5 in addition to the above facts on “Akenda”, it may not be even as much as “Akakaaga” (6,701 Sq Miles) but rather, “Nkumi nnya” (4, 227 Sq Miles).

6 The 17,301 Sq Miles included swamps. When they were deducted, the land area left is 16,138 Sq Miles.

7 Therefore the shortfall to be deducted from the 9,000 according to Article 15 of the 1900 agreement became 3,462 Sq Miles (19,600-16,138). The Akenda then became 5,538 Sq Miles .

8 When Buyaga and Bugangaizi reverted to Bunyoro after the 1964 referendum, Crown Land in Buganda was further reduced by 667 Sq miles, therefore leaving 4,871 Sq Miles.

9 When Ranching Schemes were established in Buruli, Masaka and Singo, crown land was further slashed by 644 Square miles, therefore reducing “Akenda” further to 4,227 Sq Miles.

L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

(link to the agreement: http://www.buganda.com/buga1900.htm)

Buganda assets and negotiations

February 25, 2009 at 6:44 am (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega -NewVision

Attorney General made a presentation in parliament recently while answering Kampala Central MP Erias Lukwago. Our Foreign Ministry or that of Information and National Guidance or even the Parliament of Uganda, can help us. In summary, the Attorney General said that things that could be restored to Buganda without negotiations including palaces, Bulange, Tombs, Kakeeka etc… were restored in 1993 by the EBYAFFE Act after the constitutional amendment that restored kingdoms. The rest are and will be as a result of negotiations which are still going ON. He requested for a month to give full explanation. He however said that those like 9,000 sq.miles which he said is less, can be restored to Buganda Land Board as it was the case in 1962 Constitution , if a Buganda Regional Government is restored as the 1995 constitution as amended in 2005, is fully implemented.

There is a difference between the traditional institution of kabakaship and Buganda Government. What was restored was the kabakaship as a traditional/cultural institution but not Buganda Government with a territory. The Buganda Government with a territory, a parliament to make laws, Buganda Land Board including akenda, are brought by the restoration of a regional government, you people are fighting. Even Bunyoro and Busoga who want it have been denied because the centre fears that regional government. Buganda has not been with poor negotiators but the kabakaship listened to many voices and we lost a chance of restoring our kingdom with cultural and political powers in 2005. Mulwanyammuli and his team including John Katende, Charles Peter Mayiga, Grace Ssemakule Musoke, David Kintu Wassajja, Apollo Makubuya etc… did a good job but were betrayed by the late Abu Mayanja and Sulamn Kiggundu who feared that Museveni and NRM were to get political scores. We may never get what we had got in 2005 thanks to hardliners like Muliika who only talk but even don’t fight. If time for fighting is over, then let’s negotiate. Our team should also include leaders of Buganda caucus in parliament and district leaders because those are the people with a popular mandate.

Under the 1995 constitution, customary tenants (including bibanja holders on akenda), leasholders are entitled for a freehold tittle. Unoccupied land was put under local governments. But districts under a regional arrangement can have a regional board. For the case of Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro, Acholi and Lango, their districts are deemed to have accepted to cooperate under a regional government.

The monarchy is both cultural (ssaabataka) and political (kabaka). The cultural role is through clan leaders called abataka. That was what was restored in 1993 and which is verse 246 dealing with traditional and cultural leaders. But the political monarchy is restored by a regional government which, you have refused. Any body dreaming of having a king in the republic of Uganda with executive political powers the last being Kabaka Daniel Mwanga ll, should forget. Under 1955 Agreement Sir Edward Muteesa was titular head and that is what was entrenched in 1962 constituion.

Let Ugandans compile evidence against their leaders for ICC

February 26, 2009 at 2:38 am (Africa, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Charles Eliba

I guess Ugandans are saying that Museveni and his Tutsi Generals are the law and the Law is the same Museveni and his Tutsi Generals. For now it looks that. Anyway, on a wider aspect if anyone is not happy with ICC, let him/her be aware that there is a Review Conference of the International Criminal Court Statute due to take place sometime after July this year, 2009 to consider amendments to the treaty that founded the International Criminal Court. This can only mean the Court is going to be there and it will only get better to put those bent to impunity into the dock.. The Review Conference will only get ICC to a better form if members of the Assembly of States Parties put their contributions positively.

The NRMO or Museveni supporters who are apprehensive of the ICC should reconsider fully embracing it after all Uganda is already a member of the Assembly of States of ICC and next year Uganda shall be hosting ICC in Kampala. This was decided at the seventh session of the Assembly of States Parties in November 2008. The Assembly decided that the Review Conference of the Rome Statute shall be held in Kampala, Uganda, during the first semester of 2010. Just to add onto that, this Court is governed by the Assembly of States Parties and Uganda is one of the parties. The Assembly of States Parties is the Court’s management oversight and legislative body and it consists of one representative from each state party. Each state party has one vote and every effort has to be made to reach decisions by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by vote. This is how the Court manages its four organs: the Presidency, the Judicial Divisions, the Office of the Prosecutor, and the Registry.

One Ugandan called Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba wanted to know the appeal procedures. This can be found in the Judicial Divisions of the Court. The Judicial Divisions consist of the 18 judges of the Court, organized into three divisions — the Pre-Trial Division, Trial Division and Appeals Division — which carry out the judicial functions of the Court. These Judges are elected to the Court by the Assembly of States Parties. They serve nine-year terms and are not generally eligible for re-election. All judges must be nationals of states parties to the Rome Statute, and no two judges may be nationals of the same state. They must be “persons of high moral character, impartiality and integrity who possess the qualifications required in their respective States for appointment to the highest judicial offices”

The Prosecutor or any person being investigated or prosecuted may request the disqualification of a judge from “any case in which his or her impartiality might reasonably be doubted on any ground”. Any request for the disqualification of a judge from a particular case is decided by an absolute majority of the other judges. A judge may be removed from office if he or she “is found to have committed serious misconduct or a serious breach of his or her duties” or is unable to exercise his or her functions. The removal of a judge requires both a two-thirds majority of the other judges and a two-thirds majority of the states parties..

Let us get another point clear too. ICC is an independent international organisation, and is not part of the United Nations system. It is legally and functionally independent from any body including the United Nations. However, the Rome Statute grants certain powers to the United Nations Security Council under Article 13 of ICC. This Article allows the Security Council to refer to the Court situations that would not otherwise fall under the Court’s jurisdiction (as it did in relation to the situation in Darfur, which the Court could not otherwise have prosecuted as Sudan is not a state party). Article 16 of ICC allows the Security Council to require the Court to defer from investigating a case for a period of 12 months. Such a deferral may be renewed indefinitely by the Security Council. During the negotiations that led to the Rome Statute, when deciding on its jurisdiction, a large number of states argued that the Court should be allowed to exercise Universal jurisdiction. However, this proposal was defeated due in large part to opposition from the United States. A compromise was reached, allowing the Court to exercise jurisdiction only under limited circumstances:

where the person accused of committing a crime is a national of a state party (or where the person’s state has accepted the jurisdiction of the Court);
where the alleged crime was committed on the territory of a state party (or where the state on whose territory the crime was committed has accepted the jurisdiction of the Court); or
where a situation is referred to the Court by the UN Security Council

The Court cooperates with the UN in many different areas, including the exchange of information and logistical support. The Court reports to the UN each year on its activities, and some meetings of the Assembly of States Parties are held at UN facilities. The relationship between the Court and the UN is governed by a “Relationship Agreement between the International Criminal Court and the United Nations”.

The Court is intended as a court of last resort, investigating and prosecuting only where national courts have failed as it has been stated clearly by Abbey. It ought to be there to deter or prevent impunity where they occur. The issue of whether President Bush or Israel President are left of the hook is a matter of politics. The law is there and it is sending a clear message to these leaders with some tangible influence being realised though slowly. Even the recently invasion of Gaza by Israel is in the process. The only biggest downfalls at the moment are its power of arresting, prosecuting and enforcing its judgement. It has no police. It relies on the member states and that is why it may not be ast to drag Bush to the Hagues or for that matter Museveni or Kony!

As of February 2009, 108 countries have joined the Court, including nearly all of Europe and South America, and roughly half the countries in Africa. However, ICC in its current state has got some shortfall but it is a baby and it has all the good reasons behind its formation. It should be supported and developed to offer alternative justice to those who would otherwise not get any. We already have a world court, ICJ, but it only deals with cases between states. And this is what those who are committing impunity wants to hide behind. They want to dangles States immunity before your eyes will impunity continues unabated.

But ICC is meant to crack through the veils and that is what they done like. Also remember ICJ was established in 1945 by the UN Charter and the Court began work in 1946 as the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice. The Statute of the International Justice similar to that of its predecessor, is the main constitutional document constituting and regulating the Court. But ICJ has dealt with relatively few cases only in its history, and there has clearly been an increased willingness to use the Court since the 1980s, especially among developing countries. As usual the stumbling block has been the United States.

In 1986 United States withdrew from compulsory jurisdiction of ICJ and so it now accepts the court’s jurisdiction only on a case-to-case basis. But the irony about this is that in 1948, following the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals when the United States was then leading the show, the United Nations General Assembly recognised the need for a permanent international court to deal with atrocities of the kind committed during World War II and the USA supported it then. Since 1948 not a lot happen due to all sorts of thing including Cod War era.

But in 1989. A N R Robinson, then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, proposed the creation of a permanent international court to deal with the illegal drug trade and the idea was revived. Not a lot happened until 1995 when some small group of NGOs founded a Coalition that coordinated their work to ensure the establishment of an International Criminal Court.

Since then, the Coalition’s membership has increased exponentially as its original goal of establishing the ICC grew to a Coalition for the International Criminal Court that includes over 2500 organizations around the world working in partnership to strengthen international cooperation with the ICC; to ensure that the Court is fair, effective and independent; to make justice both visible and universal; and advance stronger national laws that deliver justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

As of February 2009, 108 countries have joined the Court, including nearly all of Europe and South America, and roughly half the countries in Africa. However, these countries only account for a minority of the world’s population. A further 40 states have signed but not ratified the Rome Statute; the law of treaties obliges these states to refrain from “acts which would defeat the object and purpose” of the treaty..

Charles Eliba

UPC Activist/Lawyer

Intermarriages:Marry my daughter as long as you’re a Muslim

February 27, 2009 at 1:46 am (Africa, CULTURE, RELIGION)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

Dear Ugandans,

Credit should go to Kabaka Kintu, who outlawed inter clan marriages or in house breeding, to borrow from MP Alex Onzima. He outlawed even one from marrying in his mother’s clan. Thus we have national integration in Buganda. Had Obote’s marriage with Miria Kalule was not foiled with 1966 crisis, it was the beginning of inter tribal marriages and we should encourage it. For example, l don’t mind a person my child can marry so long as s/he is a Muslim. We have much in common as Africans, than what separates us. I don’t mind my daughter marrying a Congolese so long as he is a Muslim. Some Congolese Banyamulenge, Bahema, Balendu are nearer to us culturally than some of our tribes in Uganda. It is only the colonial boundary that is separating us. The Qur’an permits us to marry only people of the Book (The Bible) but not Animists as some people portray it. Muslim men are permitted to marry Jews and Christians but Muslim women are not allowed to marry non-Muslims. However a bi breed of religion may bring a half baked person. To be sincere with you l can not allow my daughter to bring a non Muslim suitor at my home. But she can bring any African so long as he is a Muslim. Some Ugandan Muslim parents belong to those that are after riches without considering which hands that brings them. Alhamdu Lillah l don’t belong to that category.

I have attended many weddings in mosques and brides come in person and even write and sign on their registers and certificates. Visit any at Kibuli Mosque and you will see it. Some are held at Bukoto, Wandegeya and even Old Kampala. In Islam, as for burial, women attend burial, but not mixing up with men. I have attended many burials ceremonies especially of my own family and it is like that. I however know that some Muslims leave women folk at home for dodgy reasons but it is up to them to explain. The Qur’an dictates on how a woman should put on and it is no different from what St.Paul says in the Bible. Like Africa and Asia, Islam also accepts arranged marriages although l don’t support them. There is no baptism in Islam, only God orders us to give our children good names. l can call my self only Africa names like Kateregga Kimera Musaazi without Ahmed, Abbaas and Zuliarabi. Islam and Christianity came and we can not do away with them. Let’s accept them but without fanaticism. Youths can interact in schools, places of worship, social and cultural activities like sports and cinema, etc…..Some Ugandans/Africans attempt to portray themselves as Zionist Christians which they can’t become however much they try.

Intermarriages can be legislated if law makers practise what they say. I have told you how Kabaka Kintu outlawed inter clan marriages, and one marrying to his/her mother’s clan. It has worked well. Thus in Buganda there is no classism be economic, social or cultural. Baganda are either Kabaka, official, chief, clan leader or peasant. All offices other than that of Kabaka and bataka are not hereditary. One can rise from a peasant to a Katikkiro etc….If Obote had behaved well, even my self may have married in neighbouring Busoga or Bunyoro/Tooro or Ankole, or even the North especially among the Acholis, Alur or Adhola and if l were looking for a Muslim girl, then among Bombo Nubians or Madi or Aringa. But Obote messed it up and it is no longer a fashion. But this generation can take president Museveni’s advice on intermarriages and they advance it. We should remember that Nkrumah also married a Coptic Egyptian, but other Ghanaians did not follow him. Mandela has gone with a Mozambican l don’t know how many South Africans married our Ugandans, and even James Wapakhabulo is the only cerebrated Ugandan who married a Tanzanian.

If Obote had become a father of the nation as Nyerere was in Tanzania, we would have admired, imitated and copied him by marrying from other tribes especially in the north. But his love with Buganda was short lived, despite the marriage and we cursed him. l used to see Amin in papers pausing with his wives Madina and Sarah. Madiina from Mukono in Kyaggwe, who later became a personal friend, and Sarah from Masaka in Buddu. No wonder l saw many men of the day marrying Nubian girls. l don’t know whether it was for political connection like the way many Baganda men are marrying into Museveni’s tribe now. For me I decided to get my fellow Muganda Muslim but of Kooki origin since l am of Buddu origin. Her mother’s line is of Baganda immigrants to Kajara in Ankole, whose mother is a Munyankore. On my part, my mother is of Mamba clan, the mother to my father was of Ngabi clan, but the mother to my grandfather was of Nte clan, a Mugangaizi from Mubende, and the mother to my great great grand fasther is a Muhima, from Lwera valley on banks of River Katonga. Remember l am a Luo Mubiito with branches in Buganda, Bunyoro, Tooro, Busoga, Bugwere, Acholi, Lango, Alu, Adhola, Bahrel Ghazal etc….l am Ugandan enough.

Maama Miria Kalule belongs to Ngeye clan; it is the same clan where the mother to my mather belongs. She is on drip at Mulago Hospital (Not Maama Miria but my grandmother Mariam Nakakande). Please pray for her recovery despite old age of 75. forget getting any son or daughter of mine joining UPC. They hear from grand parents that Obote and UPC killed people and that is all. So other parties may try to encroach on them but not UPC.

l am already married and l don’t intend to add on another. However I will encourage my brothers, sisters, sons and daughters to embrace inter tribal marriages because they can save our country. Am bringing my up my children as African Muslims and there is no way they can disobey me. They know what we want as a family and what we don’t want. So they can not do that. Politically l have never indoctrinated them, but they are all NRM sympathisers and boys volunteered even to put up Museveni’s posters in our village and beyond. But among the daughters, one is a constructive critique of NRM.

Yes a nation of tolerance does not mean producing half baked people. One should practice a religion of his parents and to that, inter religious and denominational marriages should be discouraged. That is the position of Bishop Marthias Ssekamaanya of Ligazi Diocese. He even repeated it recently in the presence of Kabaka Mutebi, VP Bukenya and Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala. A Ugandan should be my brother and my friend where each should tolerate another’s religion but not sneaking on my daughters nor should l do the same to yours. The best is to take Bishop Mathias Ssekamaanya’s advice, don’t allow inter religious marriages, practice in house breeding as far as religions and denominations are concerned.

Ahmed Katerega Mussazi

NewVision Journalist

Intermarriages:Muslim are unfair to other beliefs

February 27, 2009 at 2:09 am (Africa, CULTURE, RELIGION)
Tags: Robert Nviri

Muslims are practising double standards, especially Katerega as a person whose extended family has both the Christian and Muslim faith. So they want to sneak on non-Muslim daughters but they don’t want us to sneak on theirs? To me this proves that Muslims believe that it is only their religion that is superior and others are inferior. I don’t fancy religious debates because neither I nor you have been to Heaven to face our true living God and talk with him in order to know which religion is acceptable in the face of God. But the point remains muslims better revisit their belief or else they have a lot to lose at stake. So they think that our faiths, we who are not of the Muslim Brotherhood are indeed Kafir? How do you expect to have peace between Jews and Arabs if both sides have people who think like you?

It is very interesting that there was one NRM cadre (RIP) who had told me long ago in around 1991 – 93 that the Intermarriage card was one of the Aces up the NRM sleeve while still in the Bush as a solution for Ugandanising the population, the other being Land. Now, the cat has been let out of the bag on the Intermarriage card by the No. 1, unless of course he was misquoted, so then the Land card is for REAL!!!! Then what is the debate all about? But just a caution, engineered and forced intermarriages as Hitler did in the WW2 in Scandinavia and most countries of western Europe is no solution for a supreme race or defusing inter-tribal differences. This is proven up to today in Europe! I shall remain a person who does not drink milk mixed with blood and enjoy my enseenene while the other will value the dish of milk mixed with blood and stare at me in disgust when he /she sees me enjoying enseenene. God loves it that way, otherwise He wouldn’t have created us different in races, cultural norms etc. It is better for me to fall in love with a Nyaru while on our studies in USA or France than to bring one purposely and plant her next door in the plot next to mine because someone is so anxious to mix up our tribes, sorry, nations in the hope of solving an artificial problem. What happened in Rwanda ? Didn’t we have many cases of Hutu marrying Tutsi and vice versa? Did that stop the massacre/genocide? So what are we talking about here? Just curious.

How Museveni has duped Ugandans for so long

February 27, 2009 at 5:19 pm (Africa, POLITICS)
Tags: mulindwa Edward

I am not accusing any Ugandan of supporting Museveni, just on record Museveni has no supporters and he needs no supporters from the word get go. Museveni operates by intimidation and his writing is very clear that if you terrorize the masses they obey. What I stated is that most ugandans became a victim of one of his ways. Museveni uses mass media today, but in Luwero he used what he termed Siyasa. They come on a village and pour out a barrage of information when it is all a lie and Ugandans buy it. They had a tactic of pilling up banana trees and then lie to the population that they have got a massive gun that is going to be used from Nakaseke and bomb Bombo barracks to smithereens. And a Muganda would show up at your door and tell you how he has seen such a huge gun in Nakaseke that is going to take Bombo Barracks down. The matter of fact was that they covered the pile of bitooke with a Tundubaari. When you ask him if he saw the physical gun, a Muganda goes no but I saw it covered by Tundubari. Not only the population was targeted, so was UNLA.

NRA used to line up its fighters holding AK47’s then they would fire bullets as they were lined up, so one bullet from my gun to yours to the next one, and it kept on going on and on. The government soldiers listened to the firing and they failed to figure out what gun would fire that long without interval. They too thought that NRA had special weapon they never trained into. And this worked for NRA for it affected the soldiers physiologically. But much of it fruited for the population was ignorant.

And that ignorance did not start in Luwero, many Baganda actually believed that Sir Edward Mutesa had a gun installed in Lubiri but the Amin’s would not remove it for if they removed it the entire Kampala would collapse. That lie walked Kampala taverns till when Amin came to power. Bottom line there was no gun like that in Lubiri and it simply does not exist. The same Baganda belied that Tanzania forces had a gun called Sabasaba which would pick up a soldier among a group of people, they stated that if many people are sitting down the bullet will only pick up who ever had a uniform and a gun. No actually the reason not many civilians were not killed during that war was because unlike NRA, UNLF did not target civilians. And I will come back to that point after.

The same Baganda believed that President Binayisa brought equipment that can pin point a gun, and they said if you have a gun in your house they will simply walk into the house and pick it up. That equipment was not in Uganda and it simply does not exist. What I am accusing Ugandans is that they bought in those lies and half truths and they depended on them to make a decision of their political path, which was to follow Yoweri Museveni and NRA/M to ChakamuChaka.

Uganda never went to DRC for security reasons; your governors simply used the same ignorance of the population to build that war as they have built the war in the North for generations. When the French left Rwanda, they were replaced by the British and Americans and the main target was to replace the French and Belgium’s in DRC to mine as soon and as much as they could. DRC had minerals but DRC also had timber. It was a search of personal income, but in the process they used that time to make sure that they kill as many Hutus as possible.

You see before they go for a loot they have to get a story well written, they create the victim, who will be killed and then they will loot as the rest of you are praising their successes. When they wanted to take the land of Acholi they pumped up a name of Konny, a man that tried to fight Uganda and gave up twenty years or so ago. They maintained that name as the rest of you bought the story, the cows were driven to Acholi land and are grazing as you read this writing. Many UPDF officers own large farms in Acholi land and you can verify this with Kateregga, so you need to have the ability to question how a major can hold a farm in the North and Konny does not kill him but when an Acholi moves from his camp to his house Konny kills him. Surely Ssemuwemba can’t you question that? Did any one ever move his cows into Luwero and start to graze during the war? Why do we have thousands of cows in Acholil and today grazing and Konny does not affect them at all? Surely Ssemuwemba can’t you question that either? Why take the cows to Acholi land? Because many of those cows were looted from Karamoja and they would not survive in the land scape of Ankole which is wet grounds and rain, they needed a land as dry as Karamoja, and Acholi land was available for grabs. So pack the population in camps and graze the damn cows while singing Konny is killing the Acholis.

Uganda government went to DRC to create a safe heaven for the western companies that mine DRC dry and in return the Museveni’s Besigye’s were also allowed to loot as much as they would. It was a business investment, and that is why I was so offended by Ssabassajja who clearly knew what was going on in DRC when his own people were being sacrificed, yet made no stand about it. He actually at a certain point encouraged Baganda parents to register their children in UPDF. That is not the King I am interested in he should make the safety of his people number one.

There is no country that has lost people as DRC, in fact DRC makes Luwero deaths a joke. These murders were built on FRONASA which started it in Mbarara to Mawogola to Lake Katwe to West Nile to Kampala to Luwero to Kigali to Southern Sudan to DRC. The only common factor you have in all those places is Museveni and FRONASA. Dr Kiiza Besigye and Gen Mugisha Muntu will never write any thing for they cannot write about their actions. In fact that is why FDC is an urban party they cannot walk the villages for the people know what they did. Yes they can go to Wobulenzi, Timiina Naluvule Luwero and Nakasongola, but Kiiza Besigye cannot walk into Nakaseke for example, campaign and get a constituency, NO WAAAAAAAAYYY!!!!!!!! And he knows it. What I wonder is why men of great respect like Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba cannot understand that.

The reason civilians survive in Amin’s war was because UNLA and TPDF had specific instructions to make sure civilians are protected. UTC buses that were taking the soldiers to front line were comming back with civilians and putting them into community centers where they were fade. But many times those buses were traveling on roads that were under a watch of UNLA, they were always let go for the occupants were not soldiers.Yet the Dr Kiiza Besigye’s and Mugisha Muntu’s were targeting buses that were publicly known to be civilian buses, and I have already talked about Owinyi Kibul bus here. There was no single civilian bus that was bombed on Masaka road or any where that Amin’s war passed. So how can Besigye and Muntu speak today? That we blew up the population in Luwero in day light? That we were putting on UNLA uniforms in day light drive their LandRovers and we blow up people to make the Obote soldiers look bad? Ask your self why Tanzanians and UNLA never bombed the buses to blame Amin. And yet most Ugandans would have agreed that it is Amin killing people without question.

I am there fore appealing to you to slow down and look at these issues slowly, because much of what you were fade was to the advantage of the Museveni’s. We have had a great number of Rwandese in Uganda that have murdered very many of our people, and they have done it all under a cover of Obote is a bad man, many of those Rwandese left our country and headed back to Rwanda but many also remain in our country as Dr Kiiza Besigye and Gen Mugisha Muntu. And what we need from them today, is a right to stand in front of a commission so that they tell us what they know that happened, for 3/4 of the information we have on Uganda is about what Obote and his army did and much is a lie. If you do not know what FRONASA did in Uganda, you are in no position to blame Obote his government or UNLA. I also want to indicate that because the Museveni’s knew that they lied about Obote and UNLA to get to power, because they knew how Obote had a good intentions to lead Uganda to prosperity, but they did all the dirt on his back to be able to come to power, I believe that it was very instrumental in allowing him to have a state funeral. The Besigye’s, the Museveni’s and Mugisha Muntu’s knew that the murders were not committed by Obote.

What I fail to understand is why you the Ugandans that were fade those lies did not ask why Museveni offers a state funeral to a man he told that will be shot if he ever lands in Entebbe. That is the intelligent question Ugandans miss to ask their Museveni as he continues to use them as condoms.

Byeebyo ebyange !!!

Edward Mulindwa
Ugandan residing in Toronto

The truth about Amin and Acholis at Bulange

February 28, 2009 at 11:59 pm (History, KINGDOMS)
Tags: Jonny Rubin Byaruhanga

I don’t know who told some Ugandans that the Police, Army and Prisons Officers were gathered at today’s Bulange by Amin however, whoever it is might have been told by someone else who had exaggerated the story. In other words, The story is false.

In 1977 all units of the Uganda Army, Uganda Air Force including the Military Police, with an exception of the General Headquarters of the Uganda Armed Forces received an order from the Command Post issued by President Amin himself that the Acholi and Langi had to be killed. It was nolonger a secret as military trucks and buses kept bringing the widows and their children to the Uganda Transport Company (UTC) Bus parks. Many widows and their children from the Western and Central Regions were left at the Kampala UTC Bus park, near Nakivubo to take buses to Gulu or Kitgum. I was at the General Headquarters Uganda Armed Forces, ” The Republic House”, as it was known then. It is the Bulange of the Kingdom of Buganda today. The order was ”Top Secret”, so that even the General Headquarters and its Intelligence personel were left in ” darkness’.

I was personally shocked when one evening I passed by the UTC park place in Kampala. This I did because I had received a phone call from a very close friend who was with the 2nd. Paratroopers Battalion in Fort Portal. The friend had told me about the killings and that the women and their children were being transported to Kampala. At my arrival at the UTC park, the place was overcrowded by women and children. I could easily notice that these were either Acholi or Langi. While looking around, I recognized a Sergeant Okello of the 2nd. Para. Battalion trying to get away.

I quickly followed him where he was trying to hide. He later told me that he was actually trying to hide from me. He told me that he was heading for Gulu, but the UTC officials had announced that the bus to Gulu would be available the following morning. Realizing that he was hungry, scared and unsure to get the bus to Gulu, let alone being recognized as an Acholi deserter by the State Research Bureau ( SRB ) agents who might have killed him with minimum delay, I took him to the Army Sports Club (formally known as Lohana Club). I had a room which I used as my dressing room whenever I went for boxing or volley ball practice. I instructed the chief cook (a civilian) to bring some food to my room, which he did and Sergeant Okello ate and slept in my dressing room. I instucted him not to open the door for anyone and promised him that I would personally take him to the UTC park the following morning. Before I left him he told me a lot which I verified with other colleague from his Battalion. The following morning, I came and the Chief Cook brought some breakfast to Sgt.Okello, after which I took him to the Bus park where he boarded the bus to Gulu. I met him at the ” Bulange” after Amin’s fall.
In the same year, 1977 after the killings of the Acholi and Langi, as I mentioned above, all the Officers and Men of the General Headquarters were summoned for a ” Briefing ” by the General Staff Officer, in – charge of Training and Operations, Brig. General Isaac Maliyamungu and the Commandant of the General Headquarters, Uganda Armed Forces, Lt. Colonel Pangarasio Onek. Brig. Gen. Maliyamungu said that he was surprised by the cowardice of the Acholi and Langi Officers and men who came to work, but simply diappeared before time, or sometimes came late and left before time. Lt. Colonel Pangarasio Onek turned and saluted saying, ”Iko watu wanachomachoma ao chindano kwa matako yao.” ( in a better translation, ”There are people who are scaring them.” )

At that moment Brig. Gen. Maliyamungu told the Acholi and Langi Officers and Men to name without fear anyone who has scared them. Maliyamungu promised to ”deal” with such a person whether he is an Officer or not. He instructed Captain Taban, the Adjutant of the General H/Qs UAF to write down all the names mentioned. Some hands were already up, most likely to name those responsible. One soldier was picked, stood up and saluted. The moment he started to speak, Brig. Gen. Maliyamungu instructed the soldier to sit. Maliyamungu said that some Acholi and Langi would be scared to talk in the presence of other tribes. At that juncture, he ordered all Officers and Men from other tribes to vacate the room. He again said that the Acholi and Langi must talk freely and name anyone responsible for their fear. At that moment I sensed danger. I told those seated near me, ” Let’s get out, you are not politicians.” Those who remained behind were overwhelmed by the troops who were hiding, but entered after we had vacated the room. We could hear them screaming. Lt. Colonel Pangarasio was not harmed. One of the soldiers who heeded my call to vacate the room was Sergeant Ouma, who later became one of the Body Guards of Brig. General David Oyite Ojok. He also saved my life when I was supposed to be murdered, that I was a ” Museveni Guerrilla.”

By the time Idi Amin took power in 1971, Dr, A. Milton Obote was very unpopular, but the Armed Forces, Police and Prison Services had a very large number of Officers from the Acholi and Langi. If the killings you mentioned occured to the Acholi and Langi Officers stationed around Kampala area, I think those stationed upcountry would have known, the consequence of which would have been a mutiny that would have collapsed the government. What I think happened, was that the Acholi and Langi officers and men were systematically picked from many army, police, prisons’ barracks and murdered. Those who survived the 1971 killing believed that those killed were Dr. Obote’s loyalists. I was at Kamuli College Namasagali at the time and many people were killed there and thrown in the River Nile. The Army Officers came to our college in the evenings and told us to walk quietly from our night preps (classes) to the dormitories. We were told by the Officers that the Army would be conducting military exercises and that we should not be alarmed. Later in the night, we heard gun fire that lasted about an hour. That happened on several occasions. The College dining room was situated close to the River Nile and we could see very clearly across the Nile to Bugerere side. The following morning from the supposedly military exercise, we were shocked to see many dead bodies floating on the Nile. Most of them were dressed in military uniform. As some dead bodies were stuck close to the dining room, some members of our College Staff used the school boat to push them across the river to the Bugerere side.
I am not saying for sure that Ugandans told about this did not happen, but the probability seems doubtful, as many Langi and Acholi, especially Acholi remained in their posts until years later. Many who were convinced that they had nothing to do with the deposed President Obote did not run into exile, and that’s why upon his return to power in 1980, Dr. Obote did not trust the Acholi. That was very clear when Brig. General David Oyite Ojok died and could not be replaced by any of the most high ranking Acholi officers

With this, I hope that more people who know the truth about what transpired during and after Idi Amin’s rule should come forward and let us know. It is only the knowledge of the truth that will heal our hearts.
May God Bless Uganda.

Byaruhanga, Jonny Rubin.

former UPDF Officer/residing in Europe

Health insurance in uganda

March 2, 2009 at 11:43 pm (HEALTH)
Tags: Dr.Eddie kayondo

Health Isurance scheme is full of valid questions and I hope it won’t be rolled into the budget before its being fully discussed. Our government is full of business men more than civil servants, these ladies and gentlemen spend their time figuring out ways they can fleece our country in the name of helping the people. In the end what we get are ventures which don’t succeed but have generated monies for those involved during their span. I hope that more questions will be asked, all parties involved should be given a voice.

Personally I think that many other measures have to be taken at the same time as any form of health insurance is rolled in. Health care in Uganda is not just about money. This insurance scheme resting on the current health system will be much more costly than the current stipulated funds. I hope the president will keep this scheme out of the upcoming budget which is just 3 months away. Howcan you expect to have a valid and extensive discussion in such a short period? What’s the rush, are some afraid that they won’t be in a position to swindle after 2011? Our Health system has been dead in the water for years, if the president embarks on it recovery its worth doing it the right way other than bungling and rapidly firing hoping to fix it anyhow.

I alluded to this when I mentioned ghost patients in the UAH forum, I just don’t know how they even came up with the monitory figure, I guess they used census figures. Evidently many people are already in the system especially those employed by the government, but that’s a small percentage of the whole population.A unique identifier is very crucial not only for the management of theinsurance scheme but also for the follow up and insurance of individual health and a check on duplication of services.
These are some of the discussions that have to be embarked on hand in hand with the proposed insurance bill.

In my opinion the three main problems that the needed healthcare
system overhaul face are :

1. Politicization of the process.

2. Greediness and corruption of the involved leaders.

3. Fear of change by the old healthcare guards.

If the president can tactically figure out a way of addressing these issues there will be a very health discussion on the needed changes. Fundamental change before pouring funds or a concurrent happening of the two should be the goal. The health care discussion can no longer be left to those in the ministry of health or parliament. It’s not a purely political or health issue, it needs economists, auditors, architects, engineers, and many more careers, the whole population has to partake and understand the needed changes. An aggressive campaign, to overhaul our health system will not only create many needed jobs but will also bring in more investors and restore the pride of in our health care institutions.

In regards to the national identification, we need some form of identifier; it will also be the basis of a needed massive health information system that should cover the whole country.

The supply side can be manipulated. We can train enough doctors to meet our demands going forward. We have a big pool of doctors in private practice and in diaspora who can rejoin the service with very minimal incentives. A lot has to be done with the nursing personnel. Medical assistants who in Uganda work as physician assistant have to be given more support and training. To me the issue of supply is the easiest to fix. We shouldn’t even burn midnight oil over that.

One Ugandan suggested starting the project in July; I think that is
like delivering a premature baby. You can aggressively manage the baby outside the mother’s womb and sustain it at a very high cost and manage complications for years to follow with a risk of losing it at any one moment, or keep the baby in the mother’s womb and deliver it when it’s due. You chose.

The reason this scheme is not appropriate at this time is not necessarily because of lack of doctors. The problem is that its being introduced in a health care system that is already broken and wasteful. That’s why I used the analogy of a concrete beach and sand. We have to reform our health care system before pouring in such amounts of monies. The ratio of doctors per patient in Uganda is in the range of 1:25,000. We can reduce this ratio by training and retaining more doctors within public service, but a gain you have to realize that some patients can be seen by well trained medical assistants or even the introduction of a nursing practitioners program would be welcome. That’s why I said that the supply side can be manipulated to work for our population as we build up our physician pool. We need some form of insurance but it should be blanketed by other necessary changes which are not currently discussed.

Next step is the insurance agencies are going to have a field day in Uganda, and the few doctors we have are going to be forced out of work or forced into private care or pick and choose who they will see.Having said that it’s good to have a tough hand hanging around the doctors, it forces them to handle cases more seriously than they have been lately.

What is needed more than this though is the improvement of the quality management arm of our healthcare system before we go on threatening to sue our doctors. If you did a quality check in Mulago hospital you will be forced to close the hospital on spot.Quick examples, the most feared and serious cause of deaths in hospitals world wide is infections patients get while they are in the hospital. Washing hands after every patient is a song every medical provider should sing in there dreams. I challenge any one of you to visit Mulago hospital and just look around at the nurses, medical students or doctors, make your count as to how many patients these providers examine before they wash there hands.
Patient identifiers; there is a reason why you are tagged when you get to a hospital, its no joke, by the way how many times have you seen a doctor in Mulago and asked about your full names or date of birth to confirm that you are the actual patient the provider has to see.
Medication errors; who takes which medications? Have you ever been give a medication list in Mulago after being discharged? Well may be you don’t have allergies to any medication but few providers even ask about that.
When was the last time the blood pressure machine the doctors you saw in Uganda was recalibrated? Or, so you thought that these machines actually work to perfection?
Those are just a few examples and each of those mishaps has actually killed more patients that we can figure. Who are we going to sue then? The ministry of health? Before we give sound bites that will sell the plan to the people, let’s get our foundation steady.That is my only short coming with this plan. The monies so mentioned can be used to make the system far much better before introducing this money guzzler on the road.

I was one of the interns who did strike for better pay being led by Dr. Sam Lyomoki. I have to say that demanding and striking can’t really change the system.We,Ugandans abroad have been exposed to a good healthcare system and it takes some one who has seen the best to make this a reality. The leaders the president has been choosing to revamp the healthcare system have not invested in dealing with the basic foundation of our system. They come up with promises of the best sex ever but then deliver on a concrete bed. That hurts if you know what I mean.Good intentions, but wrong footing.We have to work our way up from the roots and all the rest will come into place.
Through out my writings I have tackled different sectors that have to be fixed before we bring out the big guns. About the specialist issue, we actually have many specialists, but when you get the specialists to do primary care work then they won’t serve you well. The referral system has been totally screwed. Mulago as a referral hospital should not actually see any patient who just walks in with out referral from another doctor. Primary care services in Mulago should totally be shut out. We should even go as far as creating another referral hospital before getting to Mulago. It’s a waste of brains to have a senior consultant or resident run a primary care clinic or fill a hospitalist position. Well cared for consultants have no need of running private clinics. And its not only about higher pay, but paying for further studies in other countries, conferences, providing them with the necessary equipment and support there research ventures to make them shine among there other collogues is a big bait for the healthcare providers. Supporting their associations is a big push forward.
By the way I don’t even know why the government doesn’t actively work towards more Ugandan doctors or nurses coming over to the states or Europe or South Africa for further training and then go back home to serve for some years, a deal can be actually worked out. Medical student observer-ships, the best of our best can be sponsored to visit other hospitals while in training. What about the government arranging for the likes of Dr.Sarah Matovu who are shinning in thir fields to go back annually and teach or work in our hospitals, I know friends of mine who are practicing in the states who never even step in any hospital when they go back to Uganda.Cardiologists, anesthiologists you name it. A well managed plan for exposing our providers and circulating our hospitals with those that have been exposed to a better system will be a good start. LPNs, CNAs , RNs, MDs, Healthcare managers, information system specialists,who have practiced out side Uganda should have a program within the healthcare ministry where by they can be channeled into our system for varying periods, paid or on a voluntary basis to teach and pass on there acquired knowledge. How can they change unless they are shown?
All these steps will create a foundation on which the necessary major changes will be made and make it possible to control the unnecessary waste of our merger funds.

Dr.Eddie Kayondo

Buganda assets according to 1995 constitution

March 2, 2009 at 11:59 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: Otto Patrick

The Traditional Rulers (Restitution of Assets and Properties) Act 1993 (Ch 247) lists the properties below as those assets to be restored to Buganda ’s traditional leader. The “Akenda” and all that it represents in reality is none of those properties. Just for your information.

I have attached for you the full act for your reference.

1. The Bulange

2. The Lubiri at Mengo

3. The Butikkiro

4. The Buganda Court Building

5. Kabaka’s official 350 square miles of land

6. Namasole’s ten square miles of land

7. Banalinya’s land

8. Kabaka’s lake

9. Former Omulamuzi and Omuwanika’s official residences of Mengo

10. Land adjacent to Lubiri on which three Buganda Ministerial houses used to stand

11. All Bassekabaka’s Tombs

12. Buganda Works Building at Kakeeka

13. Basiima House

14. Nalinya’s house at Lubaga

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

UPE and USE program in Uganda

March 3, 2009 at 12:06 am (Education, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Aisha Kabanda

Whereas UPE started in 1997, USE started with the 2007, ten years later. This implies that the beneficiaries of UPE the editor referred never benefited from USE. There are several factors responsible for the high drop out especially after P7 including but not limited to

· failure to make it from primary section to secondary

· poverty

· community’s perception about a girl child

· attitude towards education

· education environment

· early pregnancies

Several studies have been made about UPE drop outs and facts well are documented. Initially there was no free education after Primary seven, so many dropped out for reasons of school fees this is what prompted government to usher in USE even when other players thought we were ill prepared. We had however taken lessons from UPE and thus courteously implemented USE.

Government decided not to take on all classes and schools as desired we started with S.1 and S. 2 day schools in 2007 with candidates who had at least attained 28 aggregates. It was assumed that a parent who can afford to take a child in a boarding school is averagely fairing and therefore could afford to push on as Government supports the needy poor. This caused need for day schools in areas whether they are not available in order to extend this service evenly and equitably thus governments programme for seed secondary schools, one at least in every sub-county. We also cooperated with private day school to take on Government students as government constructs her own schools to accommodate the numbers.

USE at the moment is limited to O’ Level. Government proposes investing more in vocational institutions than advanced level so that 2 years after Ordinary level one comes one with practical skills relevant to his life. Then matters of theory and geography can be furthered by people with an option.

I am trying to access Mr. Kibenbe to get his comment on the inspectorate department and when I get it I shall post it. I have his mobile but I am not at liberty to give it out you can however try his office line on 414 258429.

However I want to let you know that there is no age limit to UPE. Many people too advantage of the opening up to education and went back to school when UPE started and that’s how the numbers overshoot. There is 75 year man who is now P. 6 in Arua and another one in 60s sat his Primary seven Kiwatule. He actually studied with his grand children in the same class.

Kids on the road: Government instituted rehabilitation officers at District levels to care of child affairs and they do a lot in resettling these children. They do monitoring up to their homes to settle conflicts in homes that cause children run aways. The challenge however is that this became a source of income. Many people with NGO to settle pretending to be helping these children actually entice them to keep on road. Besides others are sent by their own parents to stay on road and beg, so its been tricky. But I also agree that not enough has been done by the City Authorities.

Education was decentralised both by region and sections. By sections I mean Primary, Secondary and Higher Education. The Person now responsible for secondary education is Commissioner Nsubuga who can also be reached on 414 348026. I will talk to both and try to get their email addresses.

Aisha Kabanda

Former presidential Aide

Buganda Assets aren’t limited to those in the 1993 Act

March 3, 2009 at 1:24 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: Kalundi Serumaga

The items listed in the 1993 Act are those that the Act says must be returned “immediately” (and even that has not happened in full, by the way).

The Act then clearly also makes recognition that there are other properties that must also be returned through further “negotiations”.

This is exactly where we have been stuck for 14 years: Buganda and Uganda have not been able to establish and follow a clear negotiation process. The problem is President Museveni seeking to personalise what talks there have been, and keep the proceedings vague (as was the approach to many of the NRM Peace Talks in the past). Second, while the process stalled, the NRM has been making fundamental legal and demographic changes to the properties that would be under said negotiations (e.g. donating land to ‘investors”; bringing new settlers to these areas; introducing decentralisation, and creating new districts whose “land boards” then claim and sell the land; using the CA to “constitutionally” remove Kampala from Buganda etc).

The purpose is exactly as one Ugandan called Patrick Otto inadvertently puts it: to ensure that by the time NRM sits down to serious conclusive talks, there is nothing left physically to talk about. This is exactly how they prevaricated for six months during the 1985 Nairobi Peace Talks. so that by the time they “agreed” with the Okellos, they had changed themselves from a beaten army of 4000 to a LONRHO sponsered mercernary force of 40,000, and promptly stormed Kampala.

Buganda’s position is simple and clear: follow the law and conclude the legally stipulated negotiations; stop making status changes to property that is supposed to be subject of negotiation; hand over all the peoperty that was supposed to be handed over immediately, or pay the rent arrears for those you wish to keep using; and stop making constitutional changes by the back door (eg: the Buruuli issue. If indeed Buruuli is not part of Buganda, let it be debated in Parliament, and a Constitutional amendment be enacted).

The choice is clear: either all concerned should follow the law, or we can and should all ignore and reject it. This will be the basis of a real revolution that will remove the neo-colony for once and for all.

This approach by Mr. Otto Patrick Mutengesa is what the English call being disingenous. Maybe it is part of Sandhurst training.

Peace,

Serumaga

Journalist/Member of the ‘UAH’ forum

………………………………………………………………….

For clarification,in principle, saza and gombolola land estates were in principle, handed over, although actually, they have not been done so.

Advise on education to Ugandans and the president

March 5, 2009 at 1:37 am (Africa, Education, POLITICS)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow Ugandans,

On the education scene our beef ought not be with the scholarly pursuits of any East African group but rather with our own government’s policies and seriousness regarding education. If Pres. Kagame of Rwanda is aggressive enough to obtain scholarships for his people let us applaud his efforts- because he is one of a few African leaders next to Botswana’s president who have recognized the power of education. He visits and empowers his students religiously every year, he gets an A+ in this regard.

I truly believe that if we managed our affairs well, we will have enough jobs to last us several decades. This favouring of one group over another, like the way Banyankole are favoured in Uganda, may have just a slight advantage, but it surely does not auger well for the development of the region.

Our contention ought to be with our own leadership on this matter, for a country on a development path we have not shown the necessary aggressiveness that is called upon to close the apparent gaps in education-this might well be what has long deterred our progress. In the last 20 years I have seen very few Ugandan Students both at Harvard and MIT-Yet these are the centres that have fuelled the Asian development machinery. I have seen more students from Rwanda as well as Zimbabwe. To date we have just one student pursuing her PHD in Electrical Engineering and perhaps a couple at Harvard doing their masters.

The scantiness of these numbers during the past 23 years speaks to the approach and perhaps policies not pursued that would have put us as a nation on a clear path of progress. I can only urge our president to begin to recognize that the ills with AGOA and other initiatives that have not taken off-during his tenure are self inflicted. Indeed to stop selling raw materials you have to have an Industrial Engineering major at our Universities, to stop posturing as the garment sellers for India for purposes of Agoa, you need Textile Engineers and machinery to work your textile factories, and please do not let the life science boom pass us by. Many have profited from re-engineering herbs/medicines that are from our own land; and now that we have OIL there will be a need for both plastic Engineers and Chemical Engineers and this needs to be proactively catered for now.

Tendo Kaluma

‘Tutsi’ are the only Ugandans in Museveni’s book

March 5, 2009 at 2:21 am (Education, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Matek Kopoko

Tendo!

You observation below is well noted! That stated, Mucebeni has undertaken a deliberate policy measure to frustrate the advancement and aspiration of many citizens of Uganda who are not Tutsi.

Only Tutsi are allowed to get government loans to set up business.
Only Tutsi are provided with government scholarship to study abroad,
Only Tutsi occupy prominent Government positions in any ministry

When a journalist asked Museveni about this apparent discrepancies which tends to favour tutsis in all aspects of the Uganda social, political and economic life , Museveni had the audacity to tell the journalist that mbu Tutsis seem to have all the favour because they are well read and smart .Other people from other parts of Uganda … like in Northern Uganda are simply backwards and primitive.

Yet it is museveni’s policies of creating wars for 20 years and counting which has lead to dismal academic performance of Students in Northern Uganda. In Buganda, biting poverty has rendered most parents incapable of financing their children education in Good schools! And if some how a smart Muganda kid reaches the University and obtains that degree guess what… the kid never obtains any kind of employment. This has really frustrated many fellow citizens in Buganda.

And now Museveni is working hard to deprive citizens of the one thing they are still hanging on for survival… that is land!!! Once he grabs all the land and hands them over to Tutsi, people will really have no means to survive! You simply die a pauper!!!Something really must be done!!…

Matek Kopoko

Old Student of Buganda Road Primary School/UPC Activist and now resides in USA

RUKWANZI ISLAND: IS IT IN UGANDA OR DRC

March 5, 2009 at 6:14 pm (Africa, Geography, POLITICS)

Forumists,

1/7 When one takes a closer look at the open source satellite imagery of the Uganda/DRC border, it seems that Rukwanzi Island is not part of Uganda. The Island appears to be 0.89 km inside DRC territory. This is according to Google Earth imagery (provided by among others, NASA). Look at the attachment to this message showing two Google Earth extracts of the Lake Mwitanzige (Albert) basin taken at different altitudes, very close to the mouth of River Semliki. The yellow line is the international boundary with DRC.

2/7 It is unfortunate that the documents that outline the alignment of the border are silent on any reference points over the lake. The only instance that would make one hope that the island is in our territory is Emin Pasha’s 1886 account of ‘…. discovery of a new [sic] river flowing from Usongora mountains.’ Pasha further noted that, ‘It is of considerable size and flows into the lake at the south…. Contains a large island near its junction with the lake.’ [Schweinfurth, G (1888), Emin Pasha in Central Africa, pp. 187, 179 and 570.

3/7 In the quote above, I underline ‘near’ to ensure that we do not interpret it as, ‘at’. Had Emin Pasha stated that the island was at the junction of the river with the lake, there would have been grounds to claim that the boundary was subsequently ill-demarcated, in light of the fact that it coincides with the thalweg of the Semliki and the Semliki opens directly into the Lake, therefore making it possible for us to have half the Island. This is the false impression that William Rwebembera of the New Vision made by distorting the map of the area in his 10^th August 2007 article.

4/7 The last figure in the attachment is an extract of the map of Uganda sectioned out in 317 grids, each representing a map of scale 1:25,000.. Maps 46/4 and 47/3 available from Lands and Survey in Entebbe cover the area of our interest. They should be looked at closely to confirm whether that Island is on the Ugandan or the DRC side of the border.

5/7 There were several press reports indicating that locals in the lake basin know the island to be on the Uganda side because they have always fished there. This is only testimony to the inconveniences that Berlin borders have visited upon communities in frontier zones but not a confirmation of where Rukwanzi belongs. All of us know the Kitgum frontier zone with Sudan: it is called Ngom Orom, i.e., the land that belongs to all, or put differently, to-whom-it-may-concern-territory.

6/7 The many decades of the ineptitude of the Zairean state may have turned Rukwanzi into an Ngom Orom. The discovery of oil, and regime change in Kinsasha might be altering that state of affairs. I have read that in the Bantu dialects, ‘Rukwanzi’ means a bead, which many parents of restless toddlers know to be a choke hazard.

7/7 It may be dangerous for us to assume that Rukwanzi is in Uganda, when it may not be. We should not hope that DRC authorities will remain as sleepy as they have been for many years. If we are right, it may be advisable that, Google Maps is alerted to the extent to which it is misrepresenting the country’s frontiers: if a DRC researcher looks at that map the way it is now, it may be a source of embarrasment. A bid by Uganda to swallow that bead could easily cause severe choking.

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

Lack of Dialysis Machine & unprofessionalism killed Sekyanzi

March 8, 2009 at 1:35 pm (HEALTH, POLITICS)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow Ugandans,

Who is the Doctor who sent Sekyanzi ,the long term member and cofounder of Afrigo band home to his death?

Sekyanzi was seen by Doctors in the US last year and indeed diagnosed with chronic hyper tension–Yes High Blood Pressure” which will eventually kill us all off, -the group of Physicians who treated him found him with “NO AIDS”, but were wondering how he could have carried on with such high numbers of Blood Pressure for so long, causing his Kidneys to show irreparable fatigue. He said that he had been a patient at Mulago and had visited several physicians in UG.

For fear of releasing a patient without providing some relief, the USA physicians did their due diligence and kept him in the hospital while they carried out a complete diagnosis like any well trained profession would. His kidneys were flushed and his BP was brought under control using a couple of drugs that can be found in Africa- they went a step further and provided him with a clinical care plan a treatment blue print that can be read by a non-physician –knowing fully well that whosoever treats him next might not be privy to such a high level instrumentation.

Wouldn’t you believe that even with the fool proofing of his treatment plan, this man who has touched many and has serenaded all of us professionally by singing sweet soul music for four decades, one who survived all the past regimes and all their brutality-he could not survive the last act of brutality, he was sent home a couple of weeks ago from Mulago hospital with probably both Kidneys not operating well and within a day or so his system had become so toxic that when he returned to Mulago his entire body had been so damaged that it simply expired. Had the professional roles been reversed he, Sekyanzi, would have spent nights and days trying to produce what sounds sweet to the ear- he would have never released music half dastardly like-you see that is professionalism to him it was quality control to the end!

What should we tell his children that yes there are a couple of Forest Gumps sent their dad home unaware that they could have dialyzed him? or should we all blame the government for not providing enough dialysis machines.

The Dialysis machine is a debate that has kandoyered us –well, since the new car debates in parliament. Can someone tell our legislatures in both branches that –High blood pressure like adult onset diabetes is prevalent among people of African descent-and they will eventually meet this last brutal act that was meted out to Sekyanzi in due course if they choose not to act and get us more dialysis machines and other diagnosing equipment in all our hospitals.

As for our Physician at Mulago please educate the public that kidneys can be ruined by uncontrolled “Blood Pressure”. Do not riot for compensation alone or demand for better working conditions .Get the necessary equipment –just like the army generals do- so that when we the consumers start judging your professional integrity, it would be done with a degree of certainty that you were armed with the proper tools!

Tendo Kaluma

Dialysis Unit requires a lot of money

March 8, 2009 at 1:43 pm (HEALTH, POLITICS)
Tags: Dr.Eddie kayondo

Mr.Kaluma,

Thanks for your candid expression of your feelings and frustration with the medical infrastructure in Uganda.

You have essentially described a state that is known as end stage renal disease. This occurs most commonly after a long time with high blood pressure. The kidneys basically just die off, after repeated assault of their arteries by the high blood pressure. At this stage medications can’t help and the only permanent solution would be a renal transplant. During this period however dialysis will prolong a person’s life.

As we discuss the issue of Uganda having a dialysis system we have to realize that there different types of renal dialysis and it’s a high end form of medical care. Running a renal dialysis unit requires a lot of expertise, patient dedication; close monitoring and the equipment used calls for high maintenance. It’s not just a matter of the government or private hospital buying the equipment it’s also very expensive to run these units. At the present time I wouldn’t feel comfortable advising someone to use a renal dialysis unit in Uganda except for a matter of dealing with an acute renal condition awaiting a transfer outside the country.

As to who is to blame in this and many tragic deaths is a matter of intense debate. The doctors surely know what to do but they are handicapped in away, the government has a big role in acquiring these equipment but one can argue that they are also not available in the various private hospitals we have some of which definitely have the funds to acquire them but lack the necessary expertise to run renal units. This is very unfortunate and it doesn’t seem like there is a plan in the immediate future set out by the ministry of health to address this problem. More funds to date are geared towards primary health care in hopes that in this way they can save more people and be cost effective. You can now figure one of the reasons why the life expectancy in Uganda is put close to 43 years.

I would advocate for the government and the medical community to establish a renal unit. The kidneys are very important organs and they need some help in many cases. A renal unit is not only of use in end stage diseases but in many other conditions both in the old and the young.

The medical field is such that when you don’t advance the tier below suffers. A dialysis unit is essential at least in a referral hospital and there is no excuse for not aspiring to get one. The funds to acquire one, train the specialist and run it can easily be got if there was a fundamental change in the healthcare system at large. We spend way much money unnecessarily and there is no way we can argue against this. We currently can’t have a well functioning unit because of lack of expertise and the lack of vision in the ministry of health but these socialist tendencies can’t be used to destroy our very precious lives. The irony is that those who are currently owning the country and running the deals can afford to go anywhere outside the country for such procedures as they need on government or embezzled funds. Where there is a will they surely will be a way.

One can use the same argument on acquiring an MRI,CT scan, heart and lung machine and several other equipment. All medical equipment are very expensive. With a streamlined system whereby at the least every citizen has a mandatory check up every year and those who can’t afford be on the governments tab we can surely wean away at early stage those people who would have used these expensive procedures in the future. If we diagnose hypertension for example at an early stage we can treat the citizens at a cheaper price with medication and reduce the number of those who would have needed the use of a renal unit it the future. By doing this you are not only reducing future cost but you are at the same time improving their quality of life, increasing productivity and life expectancy. However the structure we have now is not meant to treat everyone, to me the primary health structure is a total failure but that’s a topic for another day.

So I will argue that we need this unit for good medicine, we need it for our medical community, we need it for our citizens the government owes it to the people to provide the best healthcare to date and each and every life is precious. Some things have to be done, it’s just like going to the moon.

Eddie. MD

Uganda does not need a Dialysis Machine now

March 8, 2009 at 3:17 pm (HEALTH, POLITICS)
Tags: mulindwa Edward

I am again going to go with the argument I have been using on HIV and AIDS in Uganda . It is not important for Uganda to run AIDS centers as it is not important to run dialysis machines. I look at medical systems like in Ontario , the Ministry of health here does not even own dialysis machines it rents them from companies like Baxter or GE medical. And they run them from corner to corner of the great country of Canada for we have the ability to fly them to wherever they are required. It is a very expensive structure that to run the needs of the ministry of health in only Ontario a single jurisdiction, one needs more money to run the entire governments of East and central Africa if not more. Why should Uganda government own them?

But here is the most important question. Even if we were to run them, what will be the cost? And is that the best manner in which we should spend this money? In other words, health care money is spent with a calculation of saving more lives and not spending for the sake of spending, how many people would the ministry of health for example heal from dying of curable diseases than running a dialysis unit? And I am not being cruel here but I live in Ontario where medical care is run on a social democrat principle, every one in Ontario is entitled to health care, from a broken toe nail to a heart transplant. But that service is only delivered based on what benefits will be to the recipient. Should Uganda care more about dialysis machines than say fight a curable disease like Malaria? Should we care more about heart surgeries than for example again fight road accidents, when more Ugandans die of car accidents than Malaria across the board?

There is a danger of copying the medical structures out here and we cry for them to be installed in Uganda when we actually have not even developed to use such. Let me ask you Doctor, how are you going to run a dialysis machine on Uganda electricity that is not stable? So what is more important for Uganda to do today? Setting up a dialysis unit or stabilizing the power supply? Again I am using the meagre resources we have and pointing it to where it can be of greater value given the circumstances. There are places in this country where you will die for you cannot get a dialysis machine. Oh and let me put it this way, when you have cancer and you are admitted in a hospital barely 45 minutes outside Toronto, let us say Oshawa, you will die faster than if you are in a Mount Sinai which is in the city center. For Oshawa simply does not have the facilities Mount Sinai has.

I just hate to see that we open up that country to more advanced systems before we can even sterilize a damn needle before we pock it into a human being. Setting up priorities I guess is my argument. And I know I am going to be burnt on this posting for somebody saw something called a dialysis machine out of Uganda why not take it to Kapchorwa hospital?

Edward Mulindwa
Toronto

Possible looting after Museveni

March 8, 2009 at 10:57 pm (History, POLITICS)
Tags: mulindwa Edward

Dear Ugandans,

Politics is always local politics. Now that Aisha Kabanda, fomer presidential aide, expressed all those good things that have happened in her area while writing on the UAH forum, how many Ugandans can stand up and state that they have received a half of such from this government? It would be very good if Aisha Kabanda give me an example of such a Ugandan especially in Northern and Eastern Uganda. What scares many of us especially the Ugandans out of Uganda is such an imbalance of services, for now Aisa have managed to put those services to her home and the next home is not attended to. I do not know how old Aisha Kabanda is but there was one time a leader called Iddi Amin, and he delivered these services in such a manner, he never had a national policy, so it was very important for you to live in Bombo to access the services of even basic service as a Republic Express bus.

At Amin’s departure we had an angry population which turned into a mob and looted all these services that in a single month, there was no single Republic Express Bus to be seen in a state of Uganda. Men like Maliyamungu, Abiriga, No Parking, Alli Towilli, Kemis Safi, Dustman Sabuni that had built mansions for themselves in Uganda, they were left empty in a single week. Bombo that had expanded to almost a level of Kampala was so looted that they ended up even looting the tiles off the roofs. The operative car at a time was Honda Civic and Honda Accord, those were littered all over Bombo Gulu Arua road that they lost value. And all this was a direct result of Amin’s failure to create a national program to the state, and I say this for when Obote one and two was thrown out of power, there was no looting, for Obote had a national program.

Aisha Kabanda did not have to work in a president’s office to get electricity or a health center, it was her right as long as she was a Ugandan. I am great that either her or he father have managed to receive these things, but Aisha what about tomorrow? Has Aisha Kabanda ever sat in her good office and reflected at a picture of what will happen to her home village when this government leaves power? Will that power line remain functioning? Will that health center have an Aspirin after Museveni has left office, after she has lost that job and after her dad has moved on? I guess what I am pointing at is has Aisha Kabanda built those services on her village due to a national policy or because of who she is? And I guess I am not pointing at only Aisha Kabanda but as any Ugandan that have made any development in your locale. How do those developments click into the national massive plan?

In Eastern and Northern Uganda, we have Ugandans that have been deprived basic services as basic as food on the table or a roof on their head. Suppose one of them becomes a next leader of Uganda after YKM which is a very possibility, will those services remain functioning? After Amin’s departure, a British reporter wrote a report that Ugandans need 5 hours to loot a city of London naked. At a time the population of Uganda was I bet half of what it has today, but we had not made it a government policy to turn the population into maniacs as the Movement has done. Had this British written this report based on the population we have in Uganda today, I think the time span would have been narrowed into a single hour. Ugandans, isn’t it better to build these services based on a national plan?

Again just asking !!

EM
Toronto

Namirembe now part of land politics

March 9, 2009 at 1:27 am (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: christopher Muwanga

Brief: At 12:00 PM , 8th march 2008, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, the Bishop of Namirembe for the last 15 years signed the letter of ‘abdication’ of pastoral authority to the Archbishop of the province of Uganda, The Rt. Rev. Orombi who immediately too handed over responsibility to the nearest [geographically] Bishop Dr. Luzinda of Mukono Diocese. [Read on: up to P/S, beyond sign-off].

1/6. Why all this?: the record of the minute of the Synod read by the Secretary to the Diocese of Namirembe to the audience narrated that Bp. Ssekkadde had stated his wish to resign at clocking his 65th birthday in 2 years time and has ever since been saying ‘bye-bye’ to his flock.

2/6. But wait, in his sermon, The Arch-Bishop thanked the Christians of Namirembe for their patience and that he was relieved the ‘demonstrative’ match threatened had not taken place. He also warned the parishioners and the clergy to avoid politicising church matters.

3/6. Comment:

But wait, all has not been well for this Great Diocese that used to ‘command’ obedience from Maseno in Kenya to Bujumbura in Burundi, from Boga-Zaire [Eastern Congo] to Juba in the Sudan. Some clergy and laity had wanted the man gone sooner than later, even before his official retirement date that fell a few days back.

4/6. The possible root cause:

After the Kabaka of Buganda, Namirembe probably comes next in size of land owned in Buganda. When Sheikh Mubaje was under fire, Bishop Ssekkadde paid a courtesy call on him and is reported to have said. “..if he is leasing out but not selling ..land, that is developmental…..that is not a problem“. Rumours had been flying around that Ssekkadde had been ‘selling’ land of different parishes under his custody and there were conflicts in Buganda on subject. The fire of rebellion gathered momentum.

5/6. Other possible reasons: Namirembe today is not that of yesterday. The Bishop of Namirembe is no longer the ‘de-facto’ chaplain at State House, Entebbe. Even in Buganda things have changed. For example, in the audience today were two very important individuals in Buganda: The current Katikiro (J.B. Walusimbi) and the former one, (Mr. Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere) -people that are not parishioners at St. Paul’s cathedral – a thing that could never have been imagined over the last 120 years in Buganda’s history. {The prime minister of Buganda, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi never misses the 11 O’clock Luganda service at Namirembe. So, he was present too and he hugged the outgoing Bishop}. Things have not been made easier by the American-style ‘born-again’ biweempe [grass-carpet] congregations, although studies indicate the avalanche has been countered here.

6/6. Conclusion: So, a lot has changed and therefore, Namirembe cannot hide from the Politics of Uganda today, despite the Arch Bishop’s warning, especially when it comes to land politics, etc.

Christopher Muwanga,

Nakasero,

Kampala.

8.3.09.

P/S: The Religion the Katikiro of Buganda was one of the most important questions in Buganda/Ugandan politics. Many believe that the DP was born to fight for the ‘Katikiroship’ of Buganda. It is a question that has shaped our politics ever since ‘project Uganda’ came to be.

That Roman Catholics have now become confirmed Katikiro’s of Buganda under Kabaka Mutebi is not a miracle though. That a catholic too should become Katikiro was a DESCISION by the NAMIREMBER ELITE, led by Prof. Nsibanmbi, Mayanja –Nkangi and others (probably including the then ‘Arch-duke’ Besweri Mulondo, too). CM.

Uganda has got enough doctors,nurses and public healthists

March 10, 2009 at 7:13 am (HEALTH, POLITICS)
Tags: Dr.Eddie kayondo

On the issue of manpower, when one talks about the healthcare system doctors are on top of the pyramid and we usually think that everyone has to be seen by a doctor. Uganda has a large group of Medical assistants who are the equivalent of physician assistants in America. These medical assistants work like horses and they never get rewarded as they should. Ugandans must have heard of people who used to swear on Doctor Mumpi on Rubaga road. He had patients lining out his clinic yet he was just a medical assistant. If this group of workers is given more support and training emphasis on continuing medical education plus being shadowed by a physician you will have your local community health center fully covered. We can train these easily and within a short period.

We also have a big supply of nurses. Unlike the past the nurses most of the nurses we have these days have finished high school, they are very bright and very hard working. I don’t see why the government of Uganda can’t come up with a nursing practitioner program. At this level if you bring back the pride of being a nurse in Uganda we can even get college graduates to join the nursing profession. You can then shift to doctors. Previously we had only Makerere hospital graduates, but now we also have Mbarara University. My guess is that we might be graduating up to 120 doctors every year. If you arrange your patient flow and change the referral system you can down the road have a large number of primary care doctors. The beauty is that you then start pushing these docs into further training and we will surely get there. We can have enough medical personnel to take care of our population.

Doctors in Mulago are very well trained, the issue though is that you can only be as good as your teacher or can only use what’s before you. Medicine is a continuous learning process that’s why a very strong continuing education unit in the ministry of health is very important. You can’t know it all, you have to study all the time, you need to be exposed to those that are better than you all the time, you must be challenged and rise to the challenge. In well developed countries you don’t only have to maintain your status but the patients will challenge you and the fear of making a mistake will cloud you all the time. We need this in Uganda.

By the way, has anyone ever figured out how efficient doctors in Uganda are? They can see patients at an imaginable rate; they diagnose in a flash and come up with treatment plans like lightening. Consultation between each other is causal, and they so often can go days without reading a medical book or magazine. Next time you visit your doctor in the states just ask him why he leaves you in the room and takes long before coming back to see you? Is he calling some one? Checking with a colleague? Reading in a book or searching on the internet? Why are they quick to refer you to the specialist? Why can’t they read there x-rays for goodness seek? Let me know what their answers will be.

Ugandan doctors are very good doctors but in the rush to make as much money as they can, they tend to put continuing medical education on the side. We also need more specialists who have trained outside Uganda to teach our medical students.

Lastly, we have a very strong public health sector; those in public health have trained widely and have the knowledge we need on this front. Having said that, I personally think public health’s success is one of our problems. Some of the best students in my class, I mean the best have turned to public health and abandoned the practice of medicine. Public health pays. Public health has also messed up the foundation of our health system.

Eddie. MD

Ugandan Doctor based in USA

Mulago and Nurses should be facilitated enough

March 10, 2009 at 7:32 am (HEALTH, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: jeniffer Biri

Dialysis is not a rocket scientist’s procedure.Extreme caution and great knowledge are essetial in carrying it out though. There is nothing medical that Mulago will not do if the right personnel is trainned for the appropriate equipment/procedure. Mulago is doing well on removal of prostates, using one of the most non invasive surgical methods(forget those bloody laporatomies for prostatectomies) I have known in modern medicine. Dr. Kagwa, who trainned in the US is a real shinning star on this one. He will do dialysis in a heart beat if the equipment is in place. Remember so much has been done with olden equipment and obsolete medications( for the west).Prioritising in health investments should not be embattled at all as health is the pivot of our lives.

On the issue of man power,according to the original plan, Mbarara University was to start and help the already trained allied health professionals to upgrade into medicine mostly, Medical Assistants now called Clinical officers like their compatriots in Kenya and TZ. But the plans changed when Museveni came onto the political scene. The unfinished university buildings were suddenly occupied by fresh students whom Makerere medical school could not take due to different reasons, space, level of passing etc. In a heartbeat, Cuban doctors were brought in to teach the fresh medical students. This has in the long run become a good thing, but at the same time, there has been a tremendous loss of manpower to be tapped into by not facilitating further education for people who are already in the system.

Nursing is still looked upon in Uganda and yet revered in the US. Bottom line is that the practice of medicine in general is simply based on patient care which is done by a team (forget the hard academic hassles). Many times doctors will do work that one would consider fit for a nurse and a nurse will act as a doctor in times of emergency. A case in point is airway management, say in case of an accident and someone sustains a head injury, is unconscious, bleeding from the nose and mouth and probably through the ears(bad stuff here). Do you think a nurse at site will stand with arms akimbo saying, OK, this is a doctor’s case, may be a neurologist to see so I will not secure the airway?

NO, unless she is in the US where legalities and red tape are the order of the day. Remember the first caesarean section was done by a midwife. She managed to save the baby but the mother died. This mentality of overlooking nursing should stop and the nurses be allowed to study more and become nurse practitioners as they do here in the US so that quality care to patients could extend to remote areas of the country as the nurse practitioners would be allowed to open up private clinics just like their colleagues in the US. I am sure they would be able to determine the types of cases and emergencies they would handle and be able to refer the rest in time.

I just remembered the Lines of patients on Rubaga Road that used to zigzag into Dr.Mumpi’s clinic. This was real madness, as one doctor or medical assistant could not accurately investigate, diagnose and treat diseases of all those many people that flocked into his clinic every day. Something has to be done by the government of Uganda to improve the quality of health care as well as improving the training standards of the medical personnel. Buying new text books, introducing high tech equipment and supplying ample sundries for practical work for the students will greatly improve our people’s health. But how will this be possible if the financial resources are wasted on non priorities like buying new presidential jets or when our people have been told not to pay graduated taxes, so that they keep in a happy state(euphoria) , happy enough not to disagree with a selfish Museveni who hates and fears democracy?

One is tempted to bet that the books some people used at the Albert cook Library in the 70s, the Cunninghams, the Gray’s Anatomy, Nzarubara’s book on surgery are still the same volumes that fill that beautiful library annexed to a perennially blocked private place, while the modern world is writing new books with new information almost every day! This is our Uganda and its president of 23 years.

Jenifer Biri

Ugandan resident in New York/UAH member

Land titles are now useless in Uganda

March 13, 2009 at 4:25 pm (Land matters, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

It is the truth. I repeat the market for land collapsed long ago. And it collapsed because the govt messed up with the incentive structures. Actually several things are happening simultaneously in the land sector. The land bill Act of 1998 or 1997 offered full insurance to land squatters/bibanja holders/and so called bonafide land tenants (read land grabbers). I equate land to insurance. Once the laws was passed things fell a part literally. There has never been order/certainity in the land sector ever since. I invite you to wonder why it is that insurance firms discriminate on the basis of age, gender, and even race.

For some strange/stupid reason the cabinet of Uganda wanted to treat every one in the land sector the same. Actually tenants were treated better than mailo land owners which in the insurance industry would be like treating young male better than middle aged women drivers. In other words, the land bill should have taken into consideration quality. Quality of land/location/size etc but also quality in terms of ownership.

To privilege the tenant/bonafide tenant over the mailo land owner was the biggest mistake the bill made. It may be the case that tenant/bibanja holders have groups that represent them but not mailo land owners because the regime hates them even as the big men in the regime have become the largest land holders in Uganda not by birth, but through land grabbing, okay blackmail purchases. Anyone who cares to know knows that the President Museveni is now the largest land holder in Uganda (that is why he and the twatera embuddu clique eschewed efficient tools such as land taxation). The consequences are there for all to see: the opposite has happened to the land sector. The order the bill wanted to introduce is no no more. Truth of the matter is tat the land sector is characterized by chaos and uncertainty.

That chaos and uncertainty has led to the second problem: multiple land titles. Mailo land owners have the original copy which by law-gazette notice -has never been annulled. The crooks with the right connections have duplicate copies. Mark you, the ministry of lands is a den of thieves who create land titles for the NRMO crowd. under such an environment, land buyers can never be sure that the land they are buying belongs to the person selling it in the first place. That is where the lemon problem comes in.

What you saw the IGP doing is the equivalent of what buyers of second hand vehicles in the West do: demand a certificate from govt licensed garage to verify that indeed the car is not a lemon. It is costly. With the crime levels in Uganda, the IGP is now in the business of verifying land titles. How did things get to that level?

Things will get worse not better. I suspect that as Kony terrorized parts of northern Uganda, some ‘bonafide’ tenants may have taken over people’s land. Mark you the Land Act does not take such developments into consideration. If someone takes over your land and can prove that they have been on that land since 1986 (notice the cut off year) for 10 years, they can invoke the law to protect them.

Basically, the Land Act assumes that if you let -never mind whether you were aware or not-someone on your land for 10, you are deemed to have slept on your rights and therefore out of luck. The bonafide tenants has all the rights to be issued land titles.

The insight I want to emphasize on Ugandans is that if NRMO really wanted to create efficient land use in Uganda, it should have used taxation. All holders of mailo land holders/other forms of land would be subject to a land tax. It would have served multiple goals. a) it is more efficient than the current land Act. b) there would be no such uncertainty with regards to land titles and therefore minimal chaos in the land sector. C) It would have been more equitable in the end. The logic is that you tax heavily something you do not like(NRMO hates land owner). Those unable to pay the tax on the expansive land would sell to return portions they can afford to pay the tax on. It is possible the govt could have generated bilions in taxes since land can’t be hidden to vade taxes. I told why taxation was not considered: it would hit the new kids on the land block.

As Justice Wendel Holmes famously observed, taxes is what people pay for civilization. YKM wanted to avoid land taxes for personal reasons and created the current chaos in the land sector. Similarly, he hoodwinked Ugandans when he abolished the only taxes most people paid so today they have no voice. How can Ugandans complain that YKM is hiring only his relatives when they pay no taxes? If they want that voice they have no choice but pay taxes.

Let the embattled land holders counter YKM’s land reform with a proposal to be taxed instead on their land holders. NRMO would then have to explain why a revenue starved nation would leave money on the table. As they say kyoyagala kikusezza (you pay dearly for what you treasure). Imagine if the land holders were to call a national press conference and announce that they are willing to be taxed on their land holdings. Things would interesting would they?

This the what Akerlof talked about. The land market is full of lemons hence the uncertainty. No one can be certain of the land title they hold. It has now become so costly to a level where the IGP checks land titles. The picture of IGP in the NewVision with scared Katoto checking land titles said it all: the land market is Uganda is no more. That is the uncertainty Akerlof talked about. The govt offices are responsible for the lemon business. No one can be sure of the land titles they hold. Former Finaces ministers are not pared and so is NSSF

The point is this, the land sector can be reformed without fragmenting land any further. But to do so, the govt must come up with an upper limit on the amount of land the landless qualify for under the subsidy/land fund.

Let me wade into a controversial region. By all indications, Bunyoro seems to have plentiful of land. But the presence of plentiful land does not mean that Bunyoro’s land should be fragmented or grabbed. Large scale/’modernized agriculture’ could take place in Bunyoro and in regions where land has not been fragmented.

The people of Bunyoro have a legitimate point when they complain that new arrivals have more land than the indigenous Banyoro. Should individuals who were landless elsewhere own more land than indigenous Banyoro? That is wrong period. It is happening because the govt out of stupidity has promised such individuals to access the land fund and buy themselves out. It is the perfect case of moral hazard. They continue to take over more and more Bunyoro land and complaining-imagine-that the govt is not doing what it promised: to give them funds from the land fund, my foot, to buy their luxurious lifestyles.

Again the Baganda have a saying that “eyali affude bwalemaara (sp)/he who was all given up for the dead, when he ends up disabled is fine. I equate the almost dead to the landless who should be grateful for whatever little the govt can help them afford. But they are foolish and would rather live like kings on expansive land holdings.

And let me be clear again. If the land fund is going to be operationalized, priority should go to the indigenous people. In the case of Bunyoro, priority should go to the Banyoro to buy back some of the land but not to finance luxury. That is why the govt should come up with an upper limit. How much land should the landless be facilitated/subsidized to acquire through the land fund? That is perhaps the mother of all questions and to my knowledge no one has asked it yet.

And in the case of Buganda, priority should go towards bibanja holders and not bonafide tenants/aka 1986 creations. But once again, the question is how much land should they be able to buy from the land owners? Should bibanja holders be able to force the mailo land owner -the land act forces the land owners to sell at Ugs shs 1, 000-to sell them against his/her wish 20, 30, 50, 70, 100% of his/her land? How much should be given up under the law/land Act? Yes, the incentives have to be properly aligned (emphasis added). The last I checked the land reform is silent on these issues.

Byebyo.

WBK

I oppose the 2007 land bill??

March 15, 2009 at 12:59 am (Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Let me start by quoting Mr Kyijomanyi in his message below when he wrote:

“…if NRMO really wanted to create efficient land use in Uganda, I know L_Cpl Otto does not want to hear it anymore, it should have used taxation.”

Where does he base to make such a claim? I am a staunch believer in the tax state, and a symbiotic relationship between the political class and the populace based on a fiscal contract.

Let me refer you to my paper on land that I have sent to all UAH forumists to read but Mr.Kyijomanyi has refused to read it or/and comment on it. In that paper which Mr. Abbey Semuwemba has read, I say:

“Instead of giving microcredit to a peasant who will buy a bicycle, marry another lady to oppress and use the rest to buy tekwe brew or is it kwete, and then fail to pay back, we should lump everything up and give macrocredit to a General Oketta or a Brigadier Otema or any other aspiring land baron currently gracing the headlines, to handsomely pay off the squatters that are pestering him. Once the land has been consolidated, give the owners the confidence that it is their private property, with all accompanying legal backup.

Just as swiftly, enact a law that sets the minimum acreage of land that can be registered under a landowner in zones of agricultural production, and for that matter, everywhere else. Soon afterwards, by force of law, cause the land baron to pay property tax on that land: so many millions of shillings per so many hectares of land per annum. That will discourage him from using the land as an object of speculation and force him to put it to productive use. If he employs a threshold of 500 labourers on his 40 square miles farm, and provides them with affordable accommodation and other amenities, waive the property tax in his favour.”

Although Mr. Kyijomanyi constatntly imply that I am a supporter of the 2007 land bill, I am on record as a stauch opponent of everything it stands for:

I will quote myself again:

“We cannot inaugurate the ‘Plan for Modernization of Agriculture’ (PMA) and then promulgate a law that entrenches peasants and squatters. That is like buying a baby cot and then going for vasectomy.”

Encourage urbanisation in Uganda

March 15, 2009 at 1:29 am (Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: Ogwanga Sam

Dear Ugandans,

I would like to react to what Mr.Otto Patrick has written below about land. Mr. Otto wrote:

“We cannot inaugurate the ‘Plan for Modernization of Agriculture’ (PMA) and then promulgate a law that entrenches peasants and squatters. That is like buying a baby cot and then going for vasectomy .”

I have always had problems understanding the reason behind some of the elements under PMA. I think a lot under PMA constitute glaring contradictions in the government’s PEAP policy, informing many of it’s budgetary allocations. I would imagine that given the continuing land fragmentation that we have in most parts of the country, the PMA components dealing with actual cultivation of crops/rearing of livestock should have concentrated on intensive methods of agriculture (on small plots) not plantation agriculture.

Extensive Plantation agriculture and the infrastructure and technology that go with it cannot meaningfully be done in a country where the countryside is full of peasants all eking out a living from land.

But I also think a lot of these things will require more carefully thought-out government planning. I remember there was a time when it was fashionable for all politicians and civil servants to advise young men/women looking for employment in towns to go back to land (I continue to hear that up to this day even on the ‘UAH’ forum). I still think that was misguided thinking. These people were leaving rural life to begin wage labour in urban centres, a step in societal transformation. Advising somebody to go back to land may be done individually depending on the circumstances but not made to appear as if it is the government opinion/policy for all school leavers searching for jobs. Many young people ended up becoming peasants even though they could have been encouraged to try other occupations.

The point is that we should instead, more than before, encourage urbanisation and not see it as a bad trend. All the trading centres cropping up ought to be immediately surveyed and planned for basic services to serve as nuclei of future metropolis. Provision of government or any services like electricity, water or vaccines can be several hundred times cheaper and affordable if people were living in more concentrated settlements, not everywhere throughout the country side. Urbanisation is a sure way of freeing land for commercial agriculture, including forestry. Peasants living in small towns can choose to go and work on these farms or find something else to do in the urban centres. Within two to three generations you would not have many typical peasants in the country.

We shall take more that 200 years to reach the structural transformation turning point (one where there is a shift from living off peasant agriculture to survival on wage labour and services)if no bold and unpopular step is taken now regarding land reform.

I think shying away from carrying out a major/drastic land reform is part of the reason Uganda may be moving in circles in very many areas including politics (trapped in a revolving door as some people would put it).

Ogwanga Sam.

Residing in USA

Museveni has killed institutions in Kampala

March 15, 2009 at 1:43 am (Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: christopher Muwanga

Summary: The breakdown of state institutions, which started in the villages when the LC system withered away (no elected officials for more than 3 years now) [in addition to the parastatals destroyed long ago but the Civil service, police, national Army, etc] has at last reached Kampala City management. Child sacrifices are the order of the day. Citizens, even kings are denied freedom of movement and the “fountain of honour” owns to and braggs about the feat.

1/5. By their own admission, KCC are no longer in charge of Kampala [See Daily Monitor, 14th march 2009]: Mr Muwonge Kewaza, Monitor yesterday: “Legally, we are in charge of the city but there are several city managers out there. City dwellers no longer respect our directives“.

2/5. The Division Administratioins are now private feifdoms, The City Engineer’s instructions are no longer followed, hence the daily collapse of structures, killing people. KCC no longer collects garbage [the task is now in the hands od private scavangers who fight for garbage and collect it, at a fee, depending on connections political], UTODA, the taxi transport managers are above the law, so long as they accompany the president on his campagn trails.

“KCC has lost control of the city,” he continued.
Although he did not give names, Mr Muwonge said sometimes KCC’s law enforcers are confronted by gun-wielding people at sites.

3/5. Mayor Nasser Sebaggala told Saturday Monitor: “The city development technical team visits these sites as part of their routine but developers defy their directives.” [read: investors and political proteeges.
He added: “We have just suspended construction works in the city, why did he [developer] continue?”

4/5. CONCLUSION; All these facts allude to the conclusion that Uganda, the state, is no longer in existance. The Villages have no Governement [ in form of councils-LC1]. We have no national Army or Police. Now, Uganda’s only City is in anarchy since the elected authority has no power. Those who predicted Government would not be in place in 2011 were far off the mark! Already, in 2009, WE HAVE NO GOVERNANCE, IN THE REAL SENSE. UGANDANS are like ducklings which survive on the mercy of God. “Buli omu ali ku lulwe, ng’ebyana by’embaata” (every one is on his/her own like ducklings).

5/5. Request: Pray for us, everyone. We know not what sin we Ugandans committed, not to have a Governement, when we pretended to elect one.

Chistopher Muwanga,

Nakasero,

Kampala.

Bushenyi Ugandans don’t want Ankole kingdom restoration

March 16, 2009 at 12:26 am (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: jeniffer Biri

This is genocide for Ankole and you cannot joke about it. For us, Bushenyi people(call us Bairu, Beiru or Biru, anyone of the pronounciations is O.K)suffered for centuries under the Horrible Kings of Ankole. Those are the trouble brewing people of the greatlakes region, as you know they are characterized by genocide,1959,1994.

Bahima are the tutsi of Ankole(Uganda) who speak our language in a strange way.They are known to kill very easily with their sticks(enkoni) even on suspicion that someone may steal their cow.Museveni being one of their relatives as his mother is Tutsi and a father is unknown(you cannot tell who your father is when your mother begot illegitimate pregnancy especially in those taboo days and your adoptive father such as Kaguta is neither as well ) is metting the same hell to Uganda not even a millionth of what our people suffered under the bahima kings.

If anybody wants to start world war 111,Bushenyi will surely fit the Balkans title.Quote me on this one.Those Bahima intruders will never make us slaves again.Let them enslave their cows or the lake Mburo game,buffaloes,kobs etc,in thie vicinity.Twabakoowa,period.

Jeniffer Biri

Ugandan resident in Newyork

5 Comments

Land should be owned by few Ugandans

March 16, 2009 at 5:25 pm (CULTURE, Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Ugandans,

1/11 The thrust of my views on the land question in Uganda is that, in whatever manner it is resolved, the goal should be to make the country effect the transition from rain-fed, hoe-based, peasant-operated agriculture (if indeed it should be called agriculture) to modern, scientifically-managed commercial farming. Any intervention in the land question must have its end state as revolutionising Uganda’s agriculture. In my opinion, anything less that is subversive and an act of treason.

2/11 Let me quote Mr. Kyijomanyi who wrote in his debate on land the following: “Both aspiring land barons and those with land should be treated the same.”. Once again, my view is that a progressive government with an eye for the country’s future should do everything in its power to ensure that ownership of land is consolidated in as few hands as possible, to enable the transition in our mode of agriculture to take place. Those already with land should not be saddled by legislation that entrenches squatters on their land. It is for that very reason that, I hold that the 2007 land bill is a piece of treason.

3/11 No legal, political, traditional or any other obstacles should be created for those I call “aspiring land barons”. If their intention is to consolidate land holdings and do away with fragmentation, they should be given as much support as they need and beyond. Fragmentation of land is a barrier to the development of Uganda’s agriculture. If Uganda does not develop her agriculture then the country is dead. If we are to have a future as a nation, we have to turn our agriculture around.

4/11 So, as far as I am concerned, everything is just in black and white: Either you are for consolidation of land ownership or you are for fragmentation of land ownership and entrenchment of microholders. I am for the former, and I am opposed to the latter. If you are for fragmentation, I treat you as the ultimate enemy of Uganda.

5/11 Let us look at some of the issues Mr. Kyjomanyi raises in the message below:

1. so-called land fund, for enabling squatters to buy themselves off: This is treason.

2. Land bill that entrenches squatters on land causes fragmented ownership. That is treason.

3. Microfinance, microcredit, microenterprise, microthis, microthat, microetc: That is treason

4. Owners of large tracts of land with tenants that pay them rent (Kyijomanyi Doctrine): retrogressive, reactionary and inimical to the future of the country: Treason.

6/11 Kyijomanyi asks:“Should the land fund fund tenants (not squatters) to a luxurious land style, from being tenants (squatters) to owners of 200 cares?” What exactly does this question mean? What are “land fund tenants”? What is a “luxurious land style”? Those are obscure phenomena….the trouble is that, you then go ahead and build secondary arguments basing on them. Once again, Kyijomanyi directes certain questions at me that would make appear me to be a supporter or defender of the 2007 land bill: “Do you see the inherent moral hazard nature in the land bill/land fund?” . As far as I am concerned, the inherent problems are more monumnetal that the so-called moral hazard.

7/11 I thought moral hazard was a situation wherein, when someone is shielded against a certain risk, he starts behaving differently from how he would have behaved if he was exposed to the risk, e.g., smoking carelessly where there are jerrycans of petrol, because you know that there is a fire extinguisher. How does that concept apply to Uganda’s agrarian question? (By the way, there are still questions you have not answered about the applicability of Akerlof’s lemons to issues of strategic transformation of Uganda)

8/11 My point is, if a land lord has 200 acres of land, far from being encumbered with tenants and squatters, he should be facilitated in any way he chooses, to acquire even the adjoining 200 acres.. In other words, all kyijomanyi’s talk of land fund for tenants should be off from the books. If at all there is a land fund, it should be given to the big landowner, to ease the squatters off the land. Land fund should be given as abribe to squatters to leave land that they are squatting on. Not every Tom, Dick and Harry; not every Musoke, Mukasa and Kiwanuka; not every Baluku, Kambere and Masereka; not every Okello, Otim and Otto should be a land owner.

9/11 There should be no question of giving “land fund” to peasants, squatters, microholders. That simply exacerbates the problem of fragmentation. Fragmentation is the antithesis of modernisation of agriculture. Backward agriculture is Uganda’s grave. Whoever encourages fragmentation is Uganda’s grave digger. Whoever arrogates himself the role of being Uganda’s grave digger has to be resisted.

10/11 Kyijomanyi says: “I know what land rents mean. Rent is not mere land rent but the receipts of what is grown on that land. I defined rent broadly.”: That is very funny. Rentism as an approach to Uganda’s agrarian question is subversive. Feudal lords fleecing tithes and scuttage and surplus from serfs? I would make you choke on that rent of yours….treacherous, reactionary, mediaeval mentality in an era of producing for a global market. Disabuse yourself of that thinking. I hope that is not DP policy.

11/11 Kyijomanyi says: “No, unlike you and NRMO, I see a situation where bibanja holders and land owners emerge winners. There is a win-win situation but it cannot be in the form of free lunch for one party.”: What does he mean here? We should not be looking for winners or losers. This is not a matatu game or football match. The question is whether Uganda will survive or not. Finally we should not look at landownership as an end in itself. It has to be a means to increased national productivity. If the land owner is not a producer then he should be put to task…

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

Masindi Kings Forum establish Secretariat in Kla land donated by Kamuswaga

March 16, 2009 at 5:34 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: Henry Ford Mirima

Kings’ Forum

Uganda’s kings, cultural leaders and chiefs establish a uniting Forum at a one-day conference at Masindi Hotel March 14, 2009

A congregation of more than fifty of Uganda’s kings, cultural leaders and chiefs and their prime ministers, and ministers, who met at Masindi Hotel March 14, resolved to establish a legal Kings’ forum with a fully fledged Secretariat, based at Kabuusu, Kampala.

Chaired by the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, the one-day conference attended by nearly all of Uganda kings and cultural leaders except the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, resolved to transform their forum into a registered legal entity with a permanent Secretariat located at Kabuusu in Kampala on a land which was donated by the Kamuswaga of Kooki, His Highness Apolo Isansa II.

To kick-start the Kings Forum their majesties contributed nearly fifteen million Uganda Shillings. While the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitasra chaired the conference, the Master of Ceremonies was Bunyoro-Kitara’s Speaker of the kingdom’s Parliament, Orukurato Orukuro orw’obukama bwa Bunyoro-Kitara, Rev. Fr. Bonevantura Kyaligonza.

The Speaker informed the Forum that the European Union, which is already organizing another large Cultural Heritage conference in Bunyoro-Kitara in May this year, has pledged to give financial backing to the Kings Forum as long as the body is impeccably transparent and has in place qualified and highly responsible officials to manage the funds of the Forum. Other bodies to assist the Forum are the Uganda Ministry of Gender and USAID.

Noting the absence of the Buganda kingdom delegation, the Kamuswaga of Kooki, Apolo Isansa proposed, and the proposal was adopted, the Forum send a high-powered delegation to Buganda Kingdom Government to explain the kingdom the benefits and objectives of the Kings’ Forum and how it is intended to uplift the economic, cultural and social well-being of the population in their regions.

Their Majesties made it very clear that the Kings and all Traditional and Cultural leaders need the participation of Buganda Kingdom in this Forum.

Conspicuously present and seated next to the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, were The Isaabaruuli of Buruuli, Mwatysansozi Mwogeza Butamanya Omubwijwa, The Isaabanyala of Bunyala Capt. Kimeze Beeka Mpagi Byarufu.

The Traditional Rulers of Acholi, Alur, Bamasaaba, Tororo, Teso, attended in person.

Nine resolutions adopted.

The Forum which consisted of Kings, Traditional rulers and cultural leaders, chiefs and their Prime ministers, Principal Private Secretaries, and other ministers, all totaling over fifty, passed the following nine resolutions:

All kings, cultural leaders and chief to speak with one strong voice.
The Forum to urge the Uganda Government to speed up the formation of the Regional Ties system which was agreed upon by Uganda’s Parliament.
The Forum to urge the Uganda to resume the policy of paying royalities to kings and cultural leaders as it was in the past.

The Forum to support Bunyoro-Kitara’s demand for the Uganda Government to redress the historical wrongs and injustices in the form of the seven lost counties which were donated and annexed to Buganda kingdom to reward Buganda for her role in assisting British colonizers to colonise Uganda.
To register the forum as the National Kings, Cultural leaders and chiefs Forum so that it acquires legality.
To streamline the cultural institutions so that there is no consideration of anyone of them as being on top of the others.
To strongly advocate and initiate policies to develop, promote and teach our cultural languages and begin examining them from infant schools up to University level.
The Forum Secretariat to organize regular press conferences in order to create good, brotherly, and friendly relations with the press. At these press conferences all issues will be addressed by Forum officials either from the Secretariat or as the Forum will see fit.
To advocate for the unity of all the people of Uganda and African in general.

While all participants were given a chance to contribute ideas, the key note speech was given by the chairman of the Forum, His Majesty Rukirabasaija the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara.

Omukama Iguru said, in part,

“We must, as kings, traditional rulers, and cultural leaders convey our collective gratitude to the Government of Uganda for creating an enabling climate for the kingdoms and cultural institutions, and chiefdoms to thrive and serve the people of Uganda with commitment to the sovereign state of Uganda.

“We resolved to speak with one voice but over the last year the kings, traditional rulers and cultural leaders have not been audible enough advocating for critical, social and cultural development needs for their mutual benefits and the befits of our subjects.

“We decided to open and facilitate a secretariat for the Forum of Kings, Traditional rulers and cultural leaders in Uganda to handle the day to day activities including transformation of the Forum into a legal entity. This has not yet been done.

“There is need to urge the Government of Uganda to implement the Regional Tier that parliament has already enacted into law. The delay has not been explained to our satisfaction. Our collective voice must be heard loud and clear.

There is need to call upon all stakeholders to know the value of land, to protect their rights on it, to correct all historical errors related to land and to secure appropriate legal rights.

There is need for collective mobilization for development of all our subjects that willingly pay allegiance to kings and traditional rulers and cultural leaders. Our subjects must see opur functional value.

After our last meeting came the Lira Declaration that we all signed and have a duty to implement through collective development programmes for cooperating kingdoms and chiefdoms of Uganda and together seeking development partners to fund them and in particular the European Union and other willing partners. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity.

It is a felt need in all our institutions that we must ask the Government of Uganda to resume payment of royalties to kingdoms and chiefdoms on forests, game reserves, plantation agriculture and minerals/oil and gas and other natural resources in the various kingdoms and chiefdoms and to lobby members of Parliament in the various kingdoms and chiefdoms to support related changes in the constitution and laws of Uganda.

It is now obvious that we must work together to promote the unity of Uganda, Eastern Africa, and the entire continent of Africa.

We must call upon development partners to identify themselves with the Forum of Kings, Traditional Rulers, and Cultural Leaders and to support their collective programmes and activities.

There is need for cultivate productive partnership between the press and Kings, Traditional Rulers nd /cultural leaders in Uganda for mutual benefit to replace current malicious publication and sensational reporting by a section of the press.

We need to workd together to promote peace, reconsilitation and ethic co-existence and reverse the historical distortions and errors that have led to ethnic strife emanting from colonial rule.

We need to pool resources to promote and support research, documentation and preservation of culture, arts, languages, customs and our entire cultural heritage and encourage cultural exchange and sharing of experience through inter-kingdom exchanges and meetings.

Finally, it is with great pleasure that I invite you to Hoima to participate in the Europe-Uganda Cultural Village scheduled to be mounted at Hoima in May 2009.

Ends the key note address by Omukama Soloomon Gafabusa Iguru.

Report by;

Henry Ford Miirima

Press Secretary of the OMukama of Bunyoro-Kitara

14th March Kings’ Conference was a Bunyoro war against Buganda

March 16, 2009 at 7:35 pm (CULTURE, KINGDOMS, POLITICS)
Tags: Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

Dear Editors,

While I applaud the Bunyoro kingdom for organising such an important conference at short notice, I’m so sickened by the way it was done and the resolutions reached. This is one of the master steps by Bunyoro kingdom to undermine the kingdom of Buganda and everybody can see it without any glasses on their eyes.

First of all, Organising such a very important conference with a venue in Masindi confirms that this was a Bunyoro conference not a Kings’ conference. If Bunyoro wanted it to be a conference of all kings, then there would have been consultaions and meetings organised among all the stakeholders in advance. Bunyoro knew by doing this, it was most likely that the meeting would not have ended up in Masindi. So they kind of hijacked the whole thing. They organised the venue, the speakers and the agenda.

Secondly, the resolutions reached during the meeting all represent the interests of the Bunyoro kingdom and not Buganda kingdom. Bunyoro has been pursuing the issue of the lost counties for ages even before we got independence. This issue has defeated a lot of national and international brains. Bunyoro has used the legal and international stage to address it but all in vain. I have personally had a debate with Bunyoro Kingdom spokesperson, Mr. Henry Mirima, about this but he and Bunyoro have refused to listen. By Bunyoro raising up the same issue again during the so called kings’ forum, it is trying to have one leg over the Buganda kingdom. Bunyoro is practically advocating for the isolation of Buganda kingdom and this is unacceptable.

I’m also astonished to read that there were over 50 kings in this forum on such a short notice meeting. Where did they come from? How many kings have we got in Uganda? I would advise the kings to be vigilant with whatever Bunyoro is up to at the moment. Bunyoro kingdom called for the meeting, chaired it, and also made resolutions which push for its interests. The master of ceremonies was also Bunyoro’s speaker of its parliament. They ‘hijacked’ the whole function including the traditional leaders that attended.

The resolutions adopted are the direct opposite of what Buganda wants: Bunyoro supports the regional tier but Buganda wants total federalism; Buganda recognises bululi, bunyala and kooki as part of its kingdom while Bunyoro wants them to be independent or part of its kingdom. If I were the government, I would give Buganda federalism and let others enjoy the regional tier, as simple as that.

All in all, this was a Bunyoro conference organised as one of its strategic wars against the Buganda kingdom. Nobody should take it seriously. If Bunyoro wants to be taken seriously, it should accept that ‘all men are equal but some men are more equal than others’. So resolution No. 6 will never be achieved in this 21^st century where the world is so competitive.

Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

United Kingdom

Pope has no Right to tell Africans about Condoms

March 22, 2009 at 2:12 pm (Africa, RELIGION)
Tags: william bogere(USA)

The Pope and many of his predecessors have done more evil to the people of this world than just about any other force of evil, including wars. How many wars were part of the Papal Crusades? The Spanish Inquisition? The Reformation? The list of murders and crimes of the Popes would take hundreds of books to document. > Pope Bernadict himself and the former pope, John Paul 11, both come from the era where all these Priests were blatantly molesting children, and you have to wonder why they covered it up so much and hired Bernard Law. As the Proverbs say: “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.” The Pope made his bed with the Child Molesters, and he has no right to tell Africans about condoms and its use. I doubt that he will be going to Heaven.

The Catholics should re-examine these popes and cardinals and what they preach to us, Africans. This current pope was in Washington last year and he made a speech about human rights and how he wants all countries to respect human rights. But let’s examine which human rights the Pope and clergy are allowed to deny followers:

1. The right of women to control their own reproductive functions
2.The right of women to hold any ruling posts within the Church
3.The right of poor families to the knowledge or tools needed to keep their family’s size within sustainable limits. (This is especially troubling now that the earth has entered a period of food scarcity and recession.)
4. The right of priests to have loving life partners who are not made out of cold marble.
5. The right of nuns to marry. (In the 50s nuns wore wedding rings because they were “married to Christ.” How creepy is that?)
6.The right to use condoms, not just to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but to protect against AIDS, even on continents like Africa where AIDs has already nearly wiped out one entire generation and is working on the next.

One would think that at least one of those “journalists” in Africa gushing all over the Pope during his visit might just have asked him a few probing questions about all that. And asked him how he jives his stated support for human rights with his Church’s own rules against some of mankind’s most fundamental human rights, like controlling how many kids they have.

I have to wonder if a few thousand poor Catholic families in Africa who, thanks to the Church’s rules against artificial birth control, had unwanted children, children that suffered or even died of starvation, sued the Church and won. I wonder if that’s what it would take to spur the Pope to change the rules against birth control and, of course, spark a Papal apology tour of Africa.

William Bogere

The message from the Pope is a double-edged sward

March 22, 2009 at 2:17 pm (Africa, RELIGION)
Tags: Obargot Pabwoola

The problem here is, you are going to lose your relatives either way, if you escape losing yourself.

Why? Because AIDS is already here with us; no one knows for certain when the disease’s cure is going to be found. Chances are, given this is not a living virus, but most likely a chemical virus, based on rumours around its origin, no cure is ever going to be found anytime soon. If the cure is never going to be found anytime soon, then how are you not going to lose your relatives including yourself through againg while waiting for the cure to be found?

If you choose to use condom everytime you have sex, it is very likely that you will never have children, most definitely for the rest of your remaining life. That means you cannot bequeath your progeny; consequently the population of your grandfather dies off through you. Now multiply that with the number of people in your village; county; district, &c. Then you find that you have a people whose populations are being checked by the presence of the disease. So in a way, you are losing your relatives by not producing any of your own progenies. If you are age 40 today; in 20 years you will be 60 years old. Should by then AIDS’ cure not be found yet, you will continue using condom. But age would also be catching up with you, if you lucky to still be alive and kicking then.

If you choose to follow Pope’s advice on the other hand, and stopped using condoms, that means you and your partner/s must adhere to strict sexual practices - provided none of you has acquired the disease yet. That way you can bequeath your progenies. If your relatives too adhere to strict sexual practices, they too will bequeath their progenies. However, if none of you adhere to strict sexual practices, chances are:

a). Lives are going to be lost because of the disease. So yes, you will lose your relatives, or even yourself;

b). You will produce offsprings who are themselves AIDS’ riddled; therefore chances are, they won’t live; and not for long should some lived.

As you can see, both of these scenerios are not what one wants. The message from the Pope however, is a double-edged sward that the very people who are gravely affected by the scourge of the disease must pick their ways about carefully to see that they avoid extinction one way or the other, because both options leads to extinction, provided the cure for the disease is never found, like there is no cure for cancer.

Under the condition that the cure is not available, a people can become extinct through use of condoms; or a people can become extinct through erratic sexual practices.

The option then is, one has to be loyal to his/her partner; and teach the coming generation to follow the same strict loyalty or perished. The problem however, for us African men who by and large marry more than one wife, some women just looking at their shapely body, is irresistible. The feeling would be, I have to have that babe, for real! Then the next thing you will realise is, you are in trouble or shes in trouble.

Many of you are not happy of course by what the Pope has said. But looking at the message from philosophical vantage point, one can either argue that the Pope is trying to entrenched moral conduct in society by making sure people adhere to some moral practices and standards. For instance, one can argue that the Pope doesn’t want people to be sexually promiscuous; AIDS is only a blessing in disguise therefore - helping to shape that moral conducts that otherwise, people would not have bothered about, whether the Pope preached about morality a thousand times a day. So in a way the Pope is taking advantage of the scourge of the disease, to drive home the message of morality. In which case the Pope is being saint, and caring.

But the other angle of looking at it is that the Pope is evil. This is because the Pope is telling you that you should not use condoms while engaging in sex with your partner. So the Pope in way is sending people to their death, knowing fully that the deadly disease has no cure. Why would he on earth tell people not to use condoms while having sex? Therefore the Pope must be advicing people wrongly so that millions can die off. For, without using condoms, many people are going to be infected by the disease, and almost all of them will die sooner than normally they would.

Those who hold this position may indeed be correct as well but to a point. They might be correct in that if the Pope bought into the notion of population control, then obviously he would advocate for no use of condoms so that as many people as possible contract the disease so they can die off. But such conclusion might be misleading because the Pope is not telling people to engage in sexual immorality. If the Pope was telling people not to use condoms while at the same time he advises people to have individual freedom to engage in all kinds of sex, then yes, one would hold the Pope squarely responsible. But I don’t think the Pope is telling people to engage in all kinds of sexual activities.

Further, from economic perspective, the Pope might in a way be helping the downtroddens of the earth fight off big businesses and conglomerates that are taking advantage of the scourge of the disease to maximize their profits through production and sale of condoms. By not using condoms, you will then be fighting off exploitations by big businesses and conglomerates that would otherwise be laughing all the way to the bank, as you spend your meagre earnings on condoms, while preventing you to multiply at the same time. The Pope’s message mitigates against such exploitations; and help you multiply, should you adhere to strict sexual conducts.

So this is not an issue that can be treated emotionally. You have to look at it from the philosophical, moral and economic point of view to make an informed decision.

OpaA

State officials visiting abroad should not behave like Otafire

March 22, 2009 at 2:48 pm (POLITICS)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

General Kahinda Ottafire, stopped in Boston a week ago, but only met with a chosen few, missing the opportunity to meet with the rest of us, who are just as concerned with the state of affairs in our homeland.

Imagine an official of his stature, perhaps second in command, coming to a city such as Boston, that has contributed hoards of money to the Uganda economy-yes the Kyeyo beaters and only meeting with a handful of folks in a bizarre veil of secrecy. What is up with that?One does not need a degree in psychology to note that our country is polarized with an elevated level of distrust among tribes and our officials need to work hard not to excite suspicious minds.

Folks wanted to ask him about the progress we have made regarding the professional army. There are some who like his no bull style of answering questions-they were all disappointed.Some wanted to hear about the newly found oil riches and how the money would be distributed- Perhaps help him find a company that might be willing to extract our oil at a 60 /40 rate.

The general could have found some solutions to problems that have dogged Uganda for good while now; such as cheap ways of providing continuous power (Electricity). He would have learned of one of our own Ugandan CEOs, who has been in charge of 12 power plants in the USA and contemplating retirement. He has been knocking at the government door to help us resolve the electricity problem for years now, but no one is answering.

He would have gotten an ear full on how we as a country can position ourselves to provide employment as quality assurors for biopharmaceuticals.

New ideas on the revival of AGOA: we know of a young lady who has just finished her degree as an Industrial Engineer, and she is looking for work, why can’t we task her along with other experts to tackle the AGOA issue? Were we so paralyzed by the departure of Rosa Whitaker?

Inclusive dialogue for progress is what the people want that is the new politics that ushered in president Obama. It is a shame when such a high ranking government official comes to a big city such as Boston and fails to gather collective wisdom-the Chinese wouldn’t do that. Dr. Besigye did better – he invited us all and bought us drinks, while fielding a diverse array of questions.

I hope when the president comes-he will encourage dialogue by having a village like meeting/QA session structure. President Kagame has benefited a lot from these type of open and inclusive meetings.

Always remember that you might win some and loose sum, it is a zero sum gain; Slowly, slowly got the snail to the riverbank.

Tendo Kaluma

Ugandan in Boston

What happened to Hon. Luke Kazinja

March 22, 2009 at 3:21 pm (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega, sida juju

He vanished towards the end of January 1984 (on the 27th to be precise) after his home was invaded by a platoon of UNLAs.

Former DP MP for Rakai North,Luke, later became an editor in The Star newspaper. He survived narrowly by the killing squad of Chris Rwakasisi, run to the bush and ended up in FEDEMU. His crime was defending Ugandan Banyarwanda and Rwandese refuges whom Obote ll was chasing. By the way Internal Affairs Minister Luwuliza Kirunda was on his side.

Conspiracy is something you cannot defend some body because you don’t know what s/he does in darkness. But Kayinja’s clash with Rwakaisisi over chasing away Ugandan Banyarwanda and Rwandese refuges was in parliament. Luwuliza Kirunda defended him. He also told me that all the years he was in FEDEMU, he had discovered that Kasirye Gwanga was a mole for NRA and one time he wanted to smuggle him out of FEDEMU. “he used to tell me that with my intellectual calibre l should not be in FEDEMU but in NRA,” he told me. He however feared that Kasirye was just spying on him. Pole Mukiibi is arround and always deliver memorial lectures on Kayiira’s annual days.

Luka kazinja used to hide boys like, Semugoma, Setabi Mayiga and others who were in Aban task force. Infact those day there was another old Man who was known by his nick name Kubo, in full Kubolyebukwanga- who happen to be in problem with Rwasisi boys at th same problem with Luka Kazinja. For your information there was no munyarwanda among these boys. When UPC atacked kubo’s home at Buloba he went to join FEDEMU with two young men, I think one was his son.

Kazinja was a nice man and a coward as he failed to say something when some thugs in the movement wanted to kill commissioner Kalisoliso. Kazinja loved his country but found himself on wrong team. Anyways that’s history hope people learn from the past. Kazinja and Kivejinja were right to fear Kasirye Gwanga. Kasirye was like weather and still is. That’s why when he reported in NRA at 7th Battalion HQ in Mityana Buye he was placed at kandoya until Salim Saleh came to his rescue. Gwanga is a funny guy and when I read about him in Byendabye mbilabye I laugh. Gwanga, Late Amurani Lulangala, late walusansa Kasansula, and Tomosange his brother in law used to know each other.

Immediately after NRM/NRA take over, Kazinja was appointed political assistant to Minister of Commerce Evaristo Nyanzi. This was after he had briefly worked on the Censorship committee in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Okellos Military Junta. When Nyanzi was arrested and charged with treason, that was the end of Kazinja’s political career. He ended up editing The Star newspaper where John Kakande, New Vision News Editor, was News Editor assisted by Richard Mutumba, until recently Daily Monitor’s Deputy News Editor.

Ahmed Katerega/Sijja juju

UAH forumists

Was Makerere Free To Demonstrate in the 1980s?

March 23, 2009 at 1:41 pm (Education, History, POLITICS)

1/8 Student demonstrations are a mode of political participation, just like insurrection, lobbying, insurgency, voting in an election, coup detat, sit down strikes, trade union petitions, violent protest, disengagement/exit etc. All those are actions that populations target at the political elite to make them defer to popular preferences.

2/8 Populations opt for any or a combination of those modes of participation depending on the circumstances. When one option is frustrated, others are tried. There were definitely varying degrees of those modes of political participation at different levels of Ugandan society (students inclusive) during Obote II.

3/8 If students were not demonstrating, what were they doing? Is it really true that Makerere Students were not dying? How many students deemed it unwise to go out on the streets to face, not the Police (because there was none), but the the “Special Forces”, instead opting to face the UNLA itself? How many UNLA/NASA/Special Force cordon and search operations took place in student halls of residence? How many lecturers died or run to exile?

4/8 If what matters is how many Makerere students died, then, let us know it: many students, primary/secondary school; undergraduates and postgraduates confronted the state, and multitudes perished at the hands of the security forces. This does not have to happen at a campus demonstration. There are also many students at the lower levels whose lives were disrupted to the point that demonstration was not even available as an option. Many died, many were orphaned, some like Robert were adopted not even by guerrillas, but by gorrillas…..see this link: (http://www.feralchildren.com/en/showchild.php?ch=robert)

5/8 There are several students who, as soon as they completed their final exams, walked straight from Makerere to “demonstrate” in arrears in the manner that the state understood best. They opted for insurgency because demonstrating in Wandegeya was as worthless as it was futile.

6/8 Some survived. In 1990, when the NRA allowed undergraduate students (who demonstrated and survived) to go back to Makerere, no less than 800 re-enlisted to complete their degree courses. No less than 1,500 went back to primary school….Kadogo School. For many years, each one of those was wanted dead or alive. Very many of their colleagues never lived to go back to complete their studies/courses, at places including Makerere which in their years in the 80s, were, as some of us would claim, the bastion of the freedom to demostrate.

7/8 It is hard to deny these realities without turning ourselves into callous cynics, harder even for those same ones of us that keep hollering about “truth and reconciliation”. It all amounts to dancing about on the graves of the unlamented.

8/8 The fact is, if Makerere did not bleed in the 1980s, it is because it was terminally anaemic.

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

museveni jet is a sign of selfishness

March 24, 2009 at 4:32 pm (POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow ugandans,

You have to remember the reasons which were cited by the administration for the sell off of Ugandan airlines routes-the price of gas, insurance and maintenance. To maintain one of these jets, for simple trips like flying from Uganda to Kenya, costs in the excess of $20,000 US dollars, and that might be an lower estimate. Does the president not realize, what an extra $20,000 a month could accomplish at any of our hospitals?

This is indeed a very selfish act by a man who has asked every Ugandan to tighten their belts. A complete turn about from our hero, who authored the book “What is Africa’s problem” The YKM who authored the book above, would definitely convict this new YKM- and that is the dichotomy that we are all trying to grapple with as students of African philosophy and progress. Nyerere his mentor would have never acted this selfishly.

Therefore, it is not only the cost of the plane that is worrisome; it is maintenance, insurance and gas, all costs that have to be put into consideration. Our outcry, does not emanate from the simplistic want of our president to not look presidential in his many travels, NO! we are seriously questioning the wisdom, practicability, the audacity to put such an expensive self-interest item ahead of all the matters of life and death that are a daily plague in the country he has lead for 23 year, matters that he claims are brought on by the lack of resources.

Worse still, we rallied for debt forgiveness, citing poverty as the reason for not being able to pay back our creditors-how does the president dryly look these folks in the eyes? The countries that forgave us such huge debts, with a promise of turning debt service monies into the re-building of our infrastructure to effectively service poor masses. Does he say to them, well, among the few items we have bought with that debt forgiven windfall, is a new Lear jet; it does not make dry sense to me.

Talk about owning a Cadillac in the Ghetto-while collecting welfare food stamps. The president has definitely lost his priorities the country cannot afford such luxuries-when our schools lack roof tops and books and people are dying in our hospitals at such an alarming rate, due to lack of resources. A days worth of jet fuel, could furnish an entire wing of a hospital in Kabale, Mabara or Kawolo-hospital, yes on jinja road where all the accident victims go, which still has an operation theater that is the age of Owen falls dam.

It is a shame indeed If I had a close up opportunity with the president, I would like to ask him-whether we should burn his books, because amidst the suffering his beautiful words on paper back have not born out his deeds.

Tendo

Buganda culture on men

March 25, 2009 at 11:55 am (CULTURE, HEALTH)
Tags: Assumpta kintu

Dear Ugandans,

The men in Buganda have Ssengas and Jjajja’s to couch them.As you already know, Baganda of Buganda are basically farmers. They have always grown almost anything because the land was fertile, The sun was always there and the worry was rain or no rain season.

Their main food was all types of bananas including Matooke, Ndiizi, Bbogoya and Gonja for eating. Then there were embidde for banana beer or wine, whatever you call it in English. In addition Baganda grew groundnuts, beans, peas and all sorts of green vegetables.

Furthermore, they had goats, chicken, and a few cows from our neighboring herdsmen. With chickens came eggs. All over Buganda there was fish of some kind and Baganda fished for food. There were also fruits, passion fruits, guava, avacadoes, oranges, tangerines, nkenene, berries, papaya amakoma mawanga etc etc. The list is quite long. When one says there were only Matooke and nothing else, I do not understand which part of Buganda they grew up in.

To cut the long story short, when preparing for marriage, the Muganda girl was taught how to cook and take care of her future husband; not only in the bedroom, but also in the kitchen and at the dinning table. Whatever Matooke contain for nutrition content, they were always served with: beef, chicken, goat, groundnuts, or fish stews or whatever the lady of the house chose to accampany Matooke with. The combinations kept everyone health, men and children alike.

Some of the foods a woman was taught to feed her husband before and during marriage, were eggs, chicken, fish, raw groundnuts because they were known for being good for the man especially in the bedroom. Something else they always talked about was hot pepper. When you say a Muganda man is left by his woman because of issues in the bedroom, I do not get it. The system had everything taken care of.

Then came western education and the Baganda men were the first to go to the schools before their girls, but the tradition continued. The men accepted the British jobs after school, but the traditions at home continued. The Muganda man has always been the head of the household. Even though husband and wife disagreed, there would be no shouting at each other. They would go to bedrooms when children were asleep and talk respecting each other. I do not know how much of this culture is still alive today. I have not been in Uganda to observe.

Traditionally, if there were issues of anykind in the bedroom, the Ssengas , Jjajjas were informed, because marriage was not for the two in it it was a family affair and community affair. Everyone wanted it to succeed. They would come up with remedies.

If Baganda women today leave their Baganda men, or get acquired by other men from other tribes in Uganda or overseas, it is not because of Men’s inneficience; it is because many people know the Buganda culture pertinent to women and want a piece of it for themselves. Besides many of us have gone to school learned the Queen’s language and tend to over look the tribal differences because we can communicate and get careers. Again, it has nothing to do with the Muganda man. Times are changing so first and our cultures are getting eroded fast too. Just because I am a Muganda woman, does not mean I have to marry a Muganda man as in the old days. Where I am located any man with qualification is candidate and I will make a choice. Just because you are a Muganda man, it does not mean you have to be married to a Muganda woman. The doors are open to you for any woman in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ruanda, Canada, USA and the list goes on. I trust you get my point.

Assumpta Mary Kintu

Boarding schools are good for kids

March 25, 2009 at 12:15 pm (Education)
Tags: Abdou Waduka

Dear Ugandans,

Putting a child in a boarding school is not a punishment and it doesn’t signify hate to the child. As a matter of fact kids like being in boarding schools regardless.I don’t think that those who don’t get the chance to go to boarding schools feel good about it.

By the way there is much more for a child in a boarding school than just eating.
first and fore most the children learn to be independent of their parents. Of course not financially but they learn to think for themselves. they learn how to use the resources they are given reasonably. They learn to live with People of different categories,like culture, attitudes, personalities just to mention a few. They learn to make some critical decisions and of course they have more time to study.

When it comes to family to me is just the attachment you have with your family members regardless of where they are, not how close you live to them or how often you look at them.

There is a possibility of bunching together in a big house with no harmony, with your own kids not wanting even to look at you, or talk to you.When it comes to the rumbling of the stomach, even the good chicken or meet can easily make it do so. you can even have a running stomach with your good chicken or meet before your kid gets one with the maram at the boarding school.

Waduka Abdou.

Uganda Boarding schools aren’t good for kids

March 25, 2009 at 12:45 pm (Education, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Gook Akanga

Dear Ugandans abroad,

Sending a child to a boarding school in Uganda is a mistake! Taking ones kids to school here just because you have failed to discipline them there abroad is wrong. There is no school in Uganda that is going to do the discipline for you. In other words there is no school here that is going to do the parenting for you. Schools in Uganda especially the private “good” ones are merely business projects. They are simply interested in your money.

There is this myth that Ugandan schools are better blah blah.This is simply nostalgia. Those schools are long dead- gone with the fundamental change of 1986! I know of many people who brought back their unruly kids to be taught here and they have all failed. Very few have gotten their money’s worth. The kids even got worse from here in Uganda. They learnt how to smoke bhung, marijuana and even cocaine from Kampala!

One of the kids when he went back to London became the boss of the street kids there! He is now serving time in “wormwood scrubs” a BIG prison in London! No sir, keep your kids where you are and where you can personally give them the parental love they need to grow up into responsible citizens.You bring them here in Uganda as a punishment, they will punish you back! Keep your kids with you. There are better schools over there. It’s where the Ministers and big people here in Uganda take their kids. Schools here have been spoilt by UPE,USE and no UUE (Universal University education)!

Just like the health sector has gone to the dogs, so has the education and everything else! It’s only the Presidency (PPU) that still works here! And even this, there are those who wonder …….

The mistake people make is to first bring their kids there in the developed nations then after they realize they are “failing” then “deport” their kids back to Uganda.This is both traumatizing and i think even illegal ! Imagine you are used to eating sausages and eggs, then they take you back to a place where they serve posho and lumonde! You are used to living with your “loving” parents then you are abruptly whisked to live with strangers in a dormitory?

If you think schools here in Uganda are better then leave your kids here and never take them there in the first place. It’s only fair. I have seen Big men cry when they land at Entebbe after being deported. What do you think a young child goes through?
Some people have even committed suicide!

My view is this: Never ever take you kids out only to send them back “Mbu” to learn good manners or how to behave.The standard here have of course gone down the drain kabisa kabisa! I don’t think we shall ever get back to even half of what we had before the “Revolution”!

I earned my living sometimes back advising our people about this. It’s not a new thing. I got kids and I know what iam talking about. I went to boarding schools all my life and i think i got one of the best education our country did provide then. But i swore never to take my kids to boarding school. I just couldn’t imagine myself chewing chicken at home as my kid is somewhere with a rumbling stomach!
Thankfully of the many kids God has given me, only one has been through what i went through.. boarding school at a young age!
Gook Akanga

UAH forumist in Uganda

Why Uganda men & women abroad are hard

March 25, 2009 at 12:57 pm (CULTURE, Social issues)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

Dear Ugandans,
You wonder why many Ugandans still come home to try their luck with ms or mr right? You also wonder why Ugandan men and women abroad are hard?

You should know that the divorce rate among immigrants in the West is now at par and in some cases higher than the divorce rate among the locally born. And this applies to all immigrants irrespective of region of origin or religion.

Why is this the case and this goes to you question? Expectations. People have it upside down about life in the West. Take it from me that it is tough and can be hell for immigrants.

Furthermore, immigrants not just Ugandans do not adjust well to the liberal nature of the West, which is strong on women equality. Again, most immigrants not just Ugandans are still traditional and want to command women to obey them as if they were still living in Kampala, Nairobi or Abuja.

Since the laws favour women in general, most women simply can take the abuse? Why take abuse when in most cases the women are the bread winners because the system treats them favourably over men. Mark you even in household where the women is the bread winner/working steadily some men still expect the women to come home, tired, and cook for the man who spent his entire days drinking beer or watching porno movies on TV? Which women in the West can take that kajanja when they know that the law is on their side?

It is also the motherhood thing as employers treat women-as mother God bless them-sympathetically? Why? Because they are responsible. Men simply do not know how to hand the role reversal well. Actually men are depressed. Studies shows that immigrants are among the fastest growing group among mental illness patients. Why? Poor social capital and yes, racism.

Another problem and this again goes to some people’s observation that Ugandan men come home to look for that ms or mister right. Big mistake most of the times? Why? Expectations? Those from Kyeyo misrepresent their true situation most of the time so when they person finally arrives in the West and finds a different set up, it is trouble.

But here is another reason and I have had two good friends who came back home to look for ms right and threw big weddings. Their problem is that they went for higher standards in terms of class. Class matters mark you. I asked my friends about their backgrounds, specifically what their parents did back home? And they told me their parents were peasants but they were courting daughters of elite men. One went for the daughter of a lawyer while another went for a doctor’s daughter. My buddies were well educated men.

They won over the women even after I had cautioned them that they were making a mistake to go above their class-I know people will attack me for saying this but it matters. To cut the long story short, the young women they had married and brought over left them in less than a year. Why? The women cited socialization that even though my buddies were well read men and gainfully employed, their socialization was still different. So those UAH folks still looking for ms or mr right but especially ms right do not ignore class or to put in bluntly “mwana wani” simply because you have been on kyeyo abroad. Wrong. Do not punch above your class.

But the biggest problem is the hybridity-modernity/west vs tradition. This has been the killer especially for conservative immigrant men who ironically still espouse the public private sphere idealogy.

And Mr Abbey Semuwemba is right that it is better to go for similar minded kyeyo who know the true picture and understand -I hope-the misery in the West.

But you folks in Uganda will soon grapple with this problem if not already. I noticed when I visit that the women have the good jobs with NGOs while the men are grassing. And my friends in the NGO sector complained that there are no marriageable men anymore in Uganda, lol. What they really mean is that there are no men of their class. Bingo.

Now the good, your folks in Uganda who are employed in decent jobs have it both ways. Your quality of life is certainly way better than for most of the folks in the Diaspora. Hard to believe but true so value your jobs and stay in Uganda. But be faithful, okay.

Have you noticed another trend? Ugandans (most immigrants actually) now take their children born in the West to study in Uganda or their motherland. Why? Because and sadly, children of immigrants are not generally doing well in school and could need up less educated than their parents. Smart parents are taking them back where schools can still discipline them.

WBK

Ugandans abroad shouldn’t undermind each other’s jobs

March 25, 2009 at 1:18 pm (Finance, Social issues)
Tags: jeniffer Biri, Obargot Pabwoola

Dear Ugandans abroad,

Africans don’t control the means of production so they really don’t have any choice when it comes to employment. That is why many Africans abroad are buried in the world of academia. You find them in Universities, mostly studying, from one area of discipline to the next, or doing research, if not taking some part-time teaching, or teaching assistant - full-time. There are really not much choices out there for Africans.

Quite often you find Africans who claim to have good jobs. But if you do a bit of investigations, you may find that the so called good jobs are not even good jobs, or that they have compromised too much to even get the good jobs and keep them. One cannot be all cool and relaxed under such circumstances.

Worse still, even back home, the few jobs available are never guaranteed because people who support the institutions, from government to you name it, are the so called foreign movers and shakers. They finance our governments, including all the institutions in a country. This they do because they basically take our natural resources at give away prices. Without their finances, even semblance of an institution of government would not exist in Africa. With productivities almost none existent, chances are, we would be fighting like savages yet again, hiding under the cloak of degenerate Kingdoms and Chieftaincies.

So, quite frankly, they, the foreign movers and shakers, are our government employees’ employers. We are therefore dependent on them all through and through; no choice.

We should all humble ourselves when it comes to employment; because we are all beggars for it.

The only Africans who can be proud of who they are and what they do are the peasants because they make their living. They choose what time to do what they do and how to do it. The only problem is, rapid economic development cannot be realised without organised peasant productivities. Until then, even our presidents are slaves whose lives and times depend on some peoples else letting them be; otherwise their breathings can, individually, be stopped.

That is the dilemma of not controlling anything. You are more or less disposable goods.

Jobs do not matter .It is whether you get some income or not. Lazy people resort to guns to terrorise communities to earn a living by stealing. In New York, foreign doctors, lawyers, pilots , nurses, are cleaners, cab drivers and at the end of the week they get paid. Being a blue or white collar worker does not matter as long as people know what they are doing and what they want in life.I do not think some people should look down on other people’s jobs. What is important is survival.

OpaA

What do we know about Sam Kutesa

March 28, 2009 at 6:41 am (History, POLITICS)
Tags: Fred Guwedeko, katerega Ahmed

Kuteesa is an MP and Foreign Minister. He and Museveni were DP youth wingers and were in FRONASA in the seventies, and Kuteesa retreated to DP and Museveni proceeded to UPM and found themselves in NRM.

However some people dispute about Hon. Kuteesa being a FRONASA. They say that he was connected to the Amin Regime in the 1971-73 period and that he played a leading role in supporting the Amin regime to consolidate the revolution against what he termed as the remnants of UPC tyranny. Some of the statements of Sam Kuteesa as the Chairman of Mitchel Hall are in the Newspapers of the 1971-72 period and thus his true position at the time can be verified. There is a lot of un-verified but very credible information of State contacts between the Makerere students who supported Elly Karuhanga against Tumusiime Mutebile and the students who supported Amin against the 1972 guerillas from Tanzania. Hon. Sam Kuteesa falls in this category.

Meanwhile, Paulo Muwanga, Lutakome Kayiira, Evaristo Nyanzi, Anthony Wagaba Sekweyama, Maj. Fred Mpiso, are among the first people charged with treason under NRM government. They were however acquitted after a year.Nyanzi was a guest of honour at a DP Mobilisers anniversary at DP headquarters in 1991, he was too personal against Museveni. Nyanzi ended up in a federal rebel group under a then Mengo minister Duncan Kafeero, was charged with treason against, applied for amnesty and was pardoned. He is keeping a low profile, and very elderly.

Homosexuality should be killed in Uganda.

March 28, 2009 at 3:16 pm (CULTURE, Social issues)
Tags: Obargot Pabwoola

Homosexuality should be killed in Uganda. There is a difference, big difference between an homosexual and homosexuality! An homosexual is a living though perverted, breathing human; homosexuality is a lifestyle. So when I say kill homosexuality, it means I am saying kill the lifestyle.

This of course can be done variously. The actions of killing homosexuality, which can be various, if carried out, should be detached from what I am advocating for. To be precise, in my understanding of killing homosexuality, killing homosexuality should be conducted in form of community education. This means each and every Ugandan community must embark on teaching all their youth of the contradictions homosexuality presence vis-a-vis our cultures and cultural norms; including its attendant pervertedness and lowly lifestyle. Once youths are taught of and religiously guided to never ever embrace the lifestyle, homosexuality shall be dead and buried. Period. There would be no any other way.

Further, the state must also take a stand on homosexuality and outlaw it. This is because we do have our cultures that don’t condone, promote, or even practice homosexuality so why employ a state of confusion and helplessness to deal with the strange behaviour?

The history of our cultures is never tainted with homosexuality; there are no proven records anywhere that men and human used to practice homosexual lifestyle. Claiming that homosexuality is genetic is going too far. Have you ever come across homosexuals in the many boarding schools that dot the country? NO! Not when I was a student in one of those schools. If homosexuality is genetic predisposition, then it means in the many secondary and post-secondary schools in the country, we should have had homosexuals going about practicing their homosexuality; absence of which disprove the theory.

So, Ugandans, homosexuality is a learn lifestyle; not genetic predisposition. Since it is a learn lifestyle, we hold every right to disallow our children from learning the lifestyle. It’s not within our cultural definitions. Therefore, yes, the lifestyle has to be killed.

Having said that, if others misinterpret the message and went ahead killed homosexuals, their cases should be judged purely independently. However, I would think that under such circumstances, our cultures must inform judgements of the judges, and if I were one of the judges, I would acquit such a person. End of story.

It is up to the populations to kill homosexuality quietly without making too much noise about it. There are homosexuals out there who are working to plant it in the populations, given what you are bringing forth, but if the populations kills it out every time it pops its head, there would be no options.

Homosexuality may be inherent to individuals who practice

March 28, 2009 at 3:28 pm (CULTURE, Science, Social issues)
Tags: Musisi Bosco, Peter Senoga

Homosexuality may be inherent to individuals who practice. One of the examples usually advances is in fact that of animals – that if they are not know to be homosexual, how could a whole human being be? Homosexuality has nothing to do with lifestyle. Animals are not known to have lifestyles, but act on instincts, and in this case there is a homosexual instinct in some horses.

Mw. Obargot writes: “If homosexuality is genetic predisposition, then it means in the many secondary and post-secondary schools in the country, we should have had homosexuals going about practicing their homosexuality; absence of which disprove the theory.” This is again too simplistic and mundane as control evidence on such a controversial subject, and cannot even be taken seriously. A quick internet search will reveal a volume of more scientific research by reputable universities to suggest that homosexuality may actually be inherent. Also, homosexuality in Uganda is outlawed and is an offence.

Obargot wrote:”It is upto the populations to kill homosexuality quietly without making too much noise about it.” we all appreciate human sexuality is a highly complex issue but years of research and experiment do show that sexuality is hard-wired into our brains, so how can you justify the killing of a few whose sexual preference happens to be slightly different from the majority are used to?

Also, there is overwhelming evidence that second and third-born sons are more likely to be gay than first-born boys; should we ignore those findings and “quietly” kill those unfortunate ones just because of a hormonal change as during their developmental stages in the womb?

Worth noting that WHO finally came to the conclusion in the early 1990s that homosexuality is not an illness.

Obargot adds:”There are homosexuals out there who are working to plant it in the populations…” Of course, society is full of experimenters, the undecided/confused/borderline who usually fall prey to all sort of dubious influence. But like in every minority group, survival is critical. You get the extreme cases who insist on changing the status quo by all means possible (those “working to plant it in the populations”) and you also get those who keep a low profile (the don’t ask don’t tell types). Most importantly, when being wiped out “quietly” is a widely held view can we be be too surprised when gays embark on building capacity?

Bottom line is, considering the animosity meted out on homosexuals, I doubt people chose to be that which is so detested by mainstream society.

Peter Senoga & Musisi Bosco

UAH forumists residing in the UK

Dr.Gombya on Andrew Kayiira’s Death

April 2, 2009 at 10:34 pm (History, MEDIA, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Dr.Gombya

I have read with great amusement comments from your subscribers. It seems there is a very hot argument about what happened to the late Dr Andrew Lutakome Kayiira and the relationship I had with him. I am going to, hopefully, once and for the last time, explain this relationship. I am not being forced by anybody to contribute to your members as I believe I have explained myself for so many years now. But this is the first time I have addressed the issue on a website.

There has been a lot of conspiracy theories regarding my relationship with Dr Kayiira. Most have been so hurting and painful to me and my family. Questions have been raised as to how Dr Kayiira came to stay at my house and not at anybody else’s. There has also been conspiracy theories that in someway, I was privy to Dr Kayiira’s finances and that when he came out of prison he wanted to know where his money was. These are pathetic conspiracies mostly engineered by those who are bent on seeing that the killers of Dr Kayiira are never brought to book.

Nobody should ever doubt how much I would like to see Kayiira’s killers brought to justice.. But every time the theory conspirators engage in telling the world that I had anything to do with his death, those who fall for their tricks help in making sure that attention is driven away from the killers and those who planned this assassination. I believe these killers (apart from those that have since died) are still roaming the streets of Kampala believing that they got away with murder. But let me tell them this: Whatever it takes and however long it will be, one day they will be brought to justice.

As I have already explained in newspapers worldwide, TV (BBC 2 Newsnight) and on Ugandan and foreign radios about how Kayiira was gunned down in my house, I want to use this opportunity to dioscuss some of the conspiracy theories below.

CONSPIRACY THEORY ONE: I had been taking care of Andrew’s finances and I had fallen out with Kayiira!

This is indeed a fallacy! Andrew was Chairman of the Uganda Freedom Movement (UFM). This was a big organisation that had him at the top. It meant there were many people below him holding offices as is always the case in similar organisations. I have never been a member of the UFM so I could not have held any position in an organisation where I wasn’t even a member.. To this day, all I know about the UFM is through mostly my academic research here in the United Kingdom. At the time when Andrew was alive, I did not know much about the UFM apart from what every journalist like me knew at that time.

I believe organisations like UFM have Treasury Secretary or those that look after their finances. To this day no such official has ever come forward to claim I was handling any of their monies. Can anybody believe that any organisation wanting to fund a guerrilla movement like the UFM would have channelled their aid through a journalist filing stories for the BBC, the Nairobi Standard, New African and African Concord? Anybody knows that this, for a journalist, would have made very good copy. The fact is I have never been UFM’s financier nor has anybody ever approached me to handle its money. The last few days of Kayiira’s life were spent with friends who looked after him, bought and always paid drinks for him and fed him. While in prison, friends rallied together to collect funds to look after him and pay for his lawyers. I am happy to have been one of thiose friends who was approached for help while Andrew was in prison and I obliged without hesitation.

It should be noted here that I knew Dr Kayiira for a very short period. But our relationship was very much strengthened when he gave me protection while the NRA were shooting their way to power. We all stayed indoors most of this time particularly myself, as I was afraid to be seen on the streets. Staying in close quarters with people often brings them closer.

Therefore there is not a thread of truth that at anytime, Andrew and I had fallen out. He liked me, no doubt and I adored him, but that is where it stopped. Our association grew when he asked me to accompany him on a tour of Western Uganda when he was Energy Minister. What Andrew was doing at that time was rare as Ugandan ministers often never asked journalists to accompany them on tours. But having lived abroad for a long time and as a university professor in Boston, Massachusetts, Andrew was doing what every politician in the West does. They take prominent journalists around with them to record what they (the politicians) are doing. Are you aware how many journalists Prime Minister Gordon Brown usually travels with? Or ho0w many are now travelling with the US President here at the G20 summit? Loads!

CONSPIRACY THEORY TWO: I was working for the NRA!

How stupid! How low can anyone go in advancing such a theory? What am I doing here in Europe 23 years since leaving Uganda if I was a NRA stooge that tricked Dr Kayiira to come and stay at my house? FACT: I invited Kayiira to my house because he had saved my life when the Okello’s threatened me. He gave me 24 hour protection until the NRA captured power and secured Kampala. Finding him squeezed into a one-bed-roomed flat belonging to his cousin, I thought that since this was the very fellow who had protected me I owed it to him to take him into decent accommodation. My only regret is that I failed to return his favour. Contrary to the belief of those cowards who gunned him down, Andrew had no plans to stage a coup against Museveni. Those cowards know themselves. They are the ones who ahve kept quiet and not uttered a word about the many times, Andrew attempted to see Museveni after his release, saying that he could talk to the rebels who were causing problems in the North and that he believed he could persuade them to stop fighting. But every time he tried to make an appointment with Museveni, the door was cruelly banged shut against him.. One of your bloggers thinks I was an NRA spy because I was the one who told Museveni that the Okellos had overthrow Obote. While it is true that I did tell Museveni about Obote’s overthrow, there is no truth whatsoever that I was doing this because of being an NRA spy. FACT: I called Museveni in Gutenberg, Sweden after my bosses at the BBC in London gave me his number and asked me to call him to get a comment about the Okello coup. So calling Museveni was to do with my job as a journalist and nothing to do with the spy conspiracy.

CONSPIRACY THEORY THREE: Where did I get the wealth to live in a 14.5 million house?

I have never lived in a house this expensive and I have no idea where the figure came from. The house I was renting at Gaba was at UgShs3 million a year. I was able to afford this amount because while I may have been working for Ngabo and the Star, I was already freelancing for the BBC programme Focus On Africa, a monthly stipend with the Nairobi Standard newspaper, the weekly African Concord, then based in London, articles for the New African and Africa Now magazines. These paid me in foreign currency and I was easily able to transfer this in Uganda currency and afford such a house.
The money I was paid for my work as News Editor of The Star only paid for fuel for my car. At that time I remember I was one of only about four Ugandans journalists who made most of their earnings through foreign news organisations. We were all relatively well off compared to our fellow colleagues in Uganda.

The killing of Dr Kayiira completely turned my life around.I lost so much money in contracts I had captured with the foreign media. I have had to start my life all over again. The only positive I can take from my exiled life is the fact that I have educated myself to such a degree that I am in a very good position to understand why Africa is the way it is today. Had I been in Uganda all these past 23 years, I doubt whether I would have accumulated the kind of knowledge my poor and exiled life has enable me to achieve.

Throughout this period no one seems to have taken a step back and wondered how it feels to lose a close friend and read every day of your life conspiracy theories that you could have been part of the plot to kill him. No one has had the courage to come out and speak against these theories and no one has spared a thought about my dear wife who was the last person to see Dr Kayiira breathe his last breath. And no one seems to care what effects the killing of Dr Kayiira has had on my life and that of the immediate members of my family.

No one seems to question why some former senior ranking officers of the UFM have chosen to stay quiet and neither come out in my defence, nor speak out against me. No one has question why people like Francis Bwengye who was UFM Secretary General at first fled Uganda soon after Kayiira was killed and is now living comfortable in Kampala. No one has questioned the acceptance of ambassadorial posts by Dan Ssozi, a former close friend of Dr Kayiira. And while I have not stepped on the African continent for more than 23 years now, no one seems to question why so many have come to London and claimed asylum saying they had been Kayiira’s supporters and on getting their immigration status take the next plane back home.

When crimes are committed, the police usually look for a motive. Does anyone in their sane minds really believe that an ordinary journalist like me would have planned and carried out the killing of a leader of a guerrilla movement? I may be academically clever but I doubt whether I would have managed this assignment. It was a professional job done but professional killers. I have never been one. No one has taken much interest in comments made by a Uganda police dog handler who categorically stated that police dogs followed a scent from my house to lubiri barracks and inside, they found my wife’s handbag. Why has no onwe said anything aboyut this? What was my wife’s handbag doing at the end of the police dog scent inside Lubiri barracks? Am I wrong then in thinking that I have been purposely made a scape goat?

I hope I have given you guys something to think about and it is my prayer that you help me find who killed Kayiira. It is a job I intend to do as long as I am alive. It is a job that every peace loving Ugandan should be doing now. On his release from Luzira prison, Museveni told journalists in Kampala: “Kayiira may have been released by the courts. We in the NRA believe he was atttempting to overthrow the government. And we will follow him. If anyone is looking for a motive, shouldn’t they be starting here? And that is one reason I have refused to return to Uganda as I believe this can be done better while I am here. As long as the NRM is in power, Kayiira’s killers may never be brought to justice but as a historian I can only say that history repeats itself. The Museveni regime is here today. It will be gone tomorrow. And then, the search will resume on homeland.

This is the only and last time I will speak on this issue.

Regarding Ngabo Radio, I am happy to report that I will be presenting an English show every Saturday starting May 19, 2009. I am writing this while covering the G20 summit in the Excel Centre East London. I will be away for two weeks and will start the show on Saturday 19th. The show will be the English version of Tuula Twogere, the Luganda show I have been hosting for the last three weeks. We intend to bring on the show several important people to help us understand the problems we have in Uganda today. Ngabo Radio is for all Ugandans and not only for the Baganda. It may have started with Luganda but rest assured that we want each and every Ugandan tio feel free to participate in the shows as this is the only voice at the moment Ugandans have to voice their concerns with fear or favour, knowing that after the show, they will return to their homes without having to look over their shoulders wondering whether anyone is following them. So I urge you to join in by calling the show to say whatevere they want and let everyone know about the radio.

A luta continua!

Dr.Henry Gombya

Journalist/Ugandan residing in the UK

No Trust among Ugandans

April 3, 2009 at 4:13 pm (POLITICS, PRESIDENCY, Social issues)
Tags: Jonny Rubin Byaruhanga

Dr. Henry Gombya,

I am glad to have read your clarification about the fateful day on which our dear compatriot and freedom fighter, Dr. Andrew L. Kayiira was assassinated. I believe that many like myself who have been confused about the matter will focus on the questions you raised in your clarification, hopefully the killers will be brought to justice. It is about 20 years ago when I suddenly declined your invitation while I was in London, and had to hurry back to Denmark. I conveyed the following mail to the UAH forum explaining the troubles I had to endure during my missions of good will, but hindered by rumours.

The moment I learned about the rumour mentioned in the following mail to the UAH forum, I was concerned by what agony you would be in, hearing the same rumour after my departure. Being from Western Uganda, I find it difficult to interact freely with other fellow Ugandans who always suspect that we, from Western Uganda are used by the UG government to spy on our compatriots. Dr. Gombya, I believe that you remember my perfomance in the Conference we attended together in Stockholm. After that I have been called a ” Traitor” by those who say that the government in Uganda is, ” Our Government”, simply because I come from Western Region of Uganda. There are certain foreign governments which in my view, are accomplices in Human Rights violations by the Uganda government.

As I write here, I want you and the UAH forum members to know that I am a victim of such accomplice against which I am still fighting. I wish you very well and May God Bless Uganda.

Byaruhanga, Jonny Rubin.

Fellow Ugandans, Firstly, I thank Mr. Mulindwa Edward for taking time to clarify the situation at home about which I was very confused. I am also grateful to many participants of the UAH forum who share their thoughts, simply in search for a solution to the situation in our country

In February, 1986 about a month since the NRA/M took power, I telephoned a friend in Kampala and asked him how the situation was. He told me that many people were rejoicing to see the Okellos out, ” for they were convinced that the Okellos were an extension of the Obote regime.” He also told me to mark his words when he said that, ” Museveni is here to stay.” What actually surprised me was that him (my friend) being a Lugbari from West Nile practically the people associated with Idi Amin, a person Museveni loathes very much, could speak so passionately and affirmatively about him. I guess, like many other Ugandans I prayed that the new government would restore the rule of Law and Democracy that were nolonger recognizable in Uganda.

By 1989, The Organisation of Ugandans in Sweden was practically the only voice of Ugandans in Scandinavia. There was also The Uganda Human Rights Activists in Scandinavia ( UHRAS ) led by Mr. Lance Sera Muwanga, based in Sweden. The latter was a splinter group from the original UHRAS which was led by Mr. Ibrahim Mukiibi, then based in Denmark. The organisation split when it was evident that Mr. Mukiibi was increasingly getting closer to the NRA/M, an act which was seen as compromising the organisation’s impartiality. As if to prove their argument, Mr. Mukiibi was appointed by the NRA/M government as Uganda’s Foreign Minister.

By mid 1989, the situation in Uganda was still unpredictable. Ugandans in Denmark were scattered and did not have any organisation to unite us like our compatriots in Sweden. I learned that the former Ugandan Minister of Culture and Community Development, Professor Dani Wadada Nabudere was lecturing at an Internation College in Helsingor, Denmark. I felt that the former Minister with his administrative experience could advise me on how I could form an organisation to bring our people, Ugandans together. I telephoned the College and the Professor was very glad to invite me for a discussion. The following day I went to the College to meet Prof. Dani W. Nabudere. I was accompanied by Mr. Jeffrey Abola, a former policeman in Uganda. Prof. Nabudere was happy and willing to advise us on how we could function as a non political organisation that would bring all Ugandans together irrespective of any affiliation.

He emphasized that not only were Ugandans scattered, but all the Africans were and seemed to have lost any sense of direction. I told him that I was determined to found the organisation. My colleague, Mr. Jeffrey Abola chose to establish an organisation which he called, ” The League of Elders.” I travelled to Sweeden, Germany and the U.K to meet as many Ugandans as possible, for a better knowledge on how we could found a non political organisation.

While in UK I was invited by Mr. Omwony Ojwok who explained to me how the Uganda Community Relief Association (UCRA) based in UK functioned. I met many Ugandans including a former Ugandan Ambassador to the UN, then living in Croydon. While preparing to meet Mr. Henry Gombya, (a former BBC correspondent in Uganda) I met a group of Ugandans in town who shocked me. I heard them speaking Luganda and I decided to greet them in Luganda. I told them that I was enjoying a walk in town. ” Wegeendereze nno, twaagafunye nti nno Museveni yaweereza mbega mukibuka okunoonya Gombya.” ( Be careful, we heard that Museveni has sent a spy in town to look for Gombya.) ” Byaruhanga ry’erinya”. (Byaruhanga is the name). We had not even introduced ourselves, I guess it is the natural happiness that exists when Ugandans meet. I Immediately, excused myself pretending to hurry for the train, but told them that we ‘’shall” meet at the UCRA meeting.

Mr. Henry Gombya was looking forward to meeting me, I believe because the Ugandans I had met in Sweeden, Germany and UK obviously knew about my mission and could have informed him not to fear me. However, I decided not to meet Mr. Gombya and hurried back to Denmark. In Denmark many concerned Ugandans including Mr. Francis W. Bwengye, Professor A. Baalam C.D. Kweri, Mr. Jesse Mutenga ( former Diplomat) often came to my residense for a chat whenever they happened to come to Copenhagen. Another shock was when I went to the Copenhagen Central Railway Station. I usually went there to buy International newspapers, especially the New African. I passed by a group of Africans seated on a bench inside the hall, as I rushed to and fro’ looking for where to buy certain items. I noticed that the Africans on the bench looked at me with some curiosity, so that I stoped to greet them. I told them that I come from Uganda and with much pleasure they said that they too were from Uganda. Realizing that they were new in town, I told them that I was also new and was looking around for Ugandans to advise me how I could easily get asylum. We spoke Luganda and I told them that I was from Masaka. This I said in case they noticed probably an accent which was not typical of Baganda from Kampala. They said that they were new and were living in an Asylum Applicants’ Centre north of Copenhagen. Before we parted they cautioned me, ” Twaawulidde nti nno wano e Copenhagen waliyo mbega wa Museveni. Bagamba nti oyo gemaaso era gemattu ga Museveni. Erinya rye ye Byaruhanga, oba Munyolo oba Munankole, tetumanyi”. (We heard that there is a Museveni’s spy in Copenhagen. It is said that this one is the eyes and ears of Museveni. His name is Byaruhanga, whether he is a Munyoro or a Munyankore, we don’t know.) I thanked them for the caution and left.

Several weeks later, the Organisation of Ugandans in Sweden, I think it was in conjunction with the Uganda Human Rights Activists in Scandinavia (UHRAS) organized a Conference on Uganda. The Uganda government would be represented by the UG Ambassador to North Europe, based in Denmark H.E Mrs. Edith Grace Sempala. I was one of the main speakers. We were all asked by the Conference Chairman to be as honest and fearless as possible. To my shock again, a senior member and Official of the Organisation of Ugandans in Sweden stood up and said that he did not trust me and that he had reports suggesting that I was a Uganda government spy. I almost collapsed. I sat there wondering who could have spread such false and dangerous rumours about me. Mr. Lance Sera Muwanga stood up and said that he had me followed for a year and found out that I was not a spy. He added that in fact I did not even belong to any party or organisation and assured everyone that I was harmless. Years have passed and there is still no credible opposition to the NRA/M in sight. The FDC which seemed to attract many people has problems of their own, apart from the rumour that it is actually NRM in disguise.

My question is how can anyone dispute my friend’s affirmation that, ” Museveni is here to stay”? Twenty three years in power and still counting. Ugandans don’t trust each other as we used to do. When your name is recognized as from Western Uganda, the topic of discussion changes. I used to hear a slogan, ” Divide and Rule.” Another one, ” United we stand.” We are not united as I can see and we don’t seem to know what we urgently need to do in order to have a system appreciated by the majority. A system that enables the citizens to elect the leaders that would ensure all of us to live in harmony. As long as the people of Uganda are not harmonious, I don’t see any other way to keep the country intact.

Byaruhanga, Jonny Rubin.

Scotland Yard Report On Kayiira’s death released by de Uganda government

April 3, 2009 at 4:25 pm (History, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

K. Thompson

Detective Chief Superintendent

(May, 7 1987)

1. This report concerns enquiries into the murder of Dr. Andrew Lutakome Kayiira age 46 years, former Minister of Energy for the Ugandan Government who at the time of his death on March 6, 1987 was residing at Lukuli-Konge village, Kampala, Uganda, and the assistance given to the Uganda Police by Detective Chief Superintendent Thompson (Serious Crime Branch) and Detective Sergeant Sanderson (Laboratory Liaison Officer) at the direct request of President Museveni of Uganda.

2. Circumstances of case
On March 6, 1987, at about 11:00pm Dr. Kayiira and his friend Mr. Henry Gombya, a BBC stringer, were having a meal with Gombya’s wife, Vicky Navva, age 24 years, and three other girls, Josephine Babirye, age 19, Julian Nabwire, age 14 years and Annet Namatovu, age 23 years, when a number of men believed to be about 10 to 14, entered the garden compound and attacked the persons present.

3. At the time of the attack it was dark and the house was without electricity due to power cuts and the only lighting was that provided by a storm lamp which was apparently hanging from the side wall nearest where the occupants were eating.

4. Some of the attackers had torches and according to the witnesses at least three of the attackers had fire-arms, one an AK47 submachine gun.

5. Exactly what transpired will be examined in greater detail further in the report but suffice it to say the occupants of the house ran into the premises, including Dr. Kayiira and Mr. Gombya and hid themselves in their respective rooms.

6.Subsequent events show that Dr. Kayiira was shot four times (two in the right arm and twice in the left side of the body), injuries from which he died and Mr. Gombya made his escape via the front security gate and hid in a banana plantation after first separating the sum of 40 million shillings into two halves and throwing one half in a box into the matoke plantation which adjoins the house. The remaining half was left for the attackers and is part of the property stolen from the house. None of the other occupants of the house, i.e. the three girls, were apparently injured although Vicky Naava states that she was kicked and punched.

7. Background information
Before looking at the evidence surrounding the murder, it is of use if the reader was made aware of the backgrounds and events involving the main principals, i.e. Dr. Kayiira and Mr. Gombya.

8. Uganda has since their independence from Britain in 1962 been in regular unrest and in particular since 1971 when the Obote Government was overthrown by Amin’s Ugandan Army.

9. Obote went into exile and formed up an army called the UNLA (Ugandan National Liberation Army) and with the assistance of the Tanzanian Army overthrew Amin’s Government in 1979.

10. In 1980, Obote held elections and UNLA were retained. However, in 1985, Obote was overthrown by his Commander Okello and the UNLA continued.

11. In 1986 Okello was himself overthrown by the NRA (National Resistance Army) led by President Museveni.

12. It was during Obote’s 1980 elections which it is alleged by some people was rigged that the NRA was formed in the bush by, at the beginning, 27 men.

13. It was during Museveni’s time in the bush that he met up with Dr. Kayiira’s UFA (Ugandan Freedom Army) and its political wing the UFM (Uganda Freedom Movement).

14. Suffice it say Museveni overthrew the Okello government in 1986 at which time Dr. Kayiira was with Okello. After the coup, Dr. Kayiira joined forces with Museveni.

15. Despite President Museveni’s friendship with Dr. Kayiira there had been recent mistrust of him by the President as a result of which Dr. Kayiira was arrested in October for allegedly plotting against the Government and subsequently released by the court on February 24, 1987, due to lack of evidence.

16. The release of Dr. Kayiira surprised some people and the subsequent murder of Kayiira led to the strong rumours that his death was politically motivated and had been caused by the Government’s hand.

17. It against this background that evidence surrounding the investigation into Dr. Kayiiraa’s death must be viewed.

18 Events leading up to the murder
Mr. Henry Gombya is a BBC stringer and although his work involves reporting matters of interest to news agencies on freelance basis, he is undoubtedly very well connected with many government officials and also strongly suspected of being involved in black market business transactions involving foreign exchange. In Uganda the exchange of currency on the black market appears to be the rule rather than the exception.

19. Gombya is a married man and although he claims that his wife is Vicky Naava it is known that he has a wife called Betty living in Uganda .

20. Whatever the situation domestically, Gombya on February 22, 1987, rented a four-bedroom house at Lukuli-Konge Village , Kampala and moved in with Vicky Naava. His rent was 1.2 million shillings (500 pounds) per month and he paid one year’s rent in advance. It was at his house that the murder took place

21. Dr.. Kayiira as already stated has been a leading figure of the UFA and UFM and a close friend of President Museveni although relations had been strained recently. Dr. Kayiira was also a close friend of Gombya although only having met him in 1985 and prior to the murder the two had been seen very often together. It is also strongly rumoured that whilst Dr. Kayiira was in prison, money sent to him from America for his UFM officers was being looked after by Gombya. This fact, however, is difficult to confirm, and Gombya recently denied this to the officer reporting. What is agreed however is after Dr. Kayiira’s release from prison on February 24, 1987, Gombya went to prison to ask why he had been released and further to request that he should be re-arrested. The reason for this action is however unknown due to Gombya leaving Uganda after the murder and is therefore a matter of conjecture.

22. It is significant however that Gombya allowed Dr. Kayiira to stay at his house after his release from prison.

23.It was because of the above facts and the political overtones that the subsequent murder of Dr. Kayiira was quickly seized on by various factions to suggest that his death was not only politically motivated but might even have been carried out by President Museveni’s soldiers on the President’s orders. This charge is emphatically denied by the President.

24. Scene of murder
The venue of the offence is a threebedroom detached house standing within a large plot of land with wire security fencing surrounding it. This fencing is also strengthened by bamboo cane. The height of the fence is 7 feet.

25. The house itself is a one-storey type with balcony over the top of a garage attached to the side of the house. At the rear of the house is a building which is used for cooking and for servants to live.

26. A drive way leads from the house to a double door security entrance with the gate being 8 feet in height with spikes on the top. It is this gate that Gombya states he climbed over to make his escape.

27.The house is owned by Mr and Mrs Katongole who live opposite and had the house built to rent. Mr. Gombya was the first tenant of the property.

28. The surrounding area is mainly bush country with plantations of banana and matooke which the local villagers cultivate to sell and to live. The villagers’ houses are mainly mud lined walled huts and they live together in small communes drawn together only by the local village chief and the elected Defence Resistance leader. These two latter persons are very important and it will be seen later have significant bearing on Dr. Kayiira’s presence at the Gombya residence. The conditions for the villagers are very primitive. Running between the various villages and outside Gombya house is a small track which is overgrown and leads eventually to Gaba Road which in turn leads to Kampala which is about six miles away.

29. To give some perspective of the area the reporting officer made ‘house-to-house’ enquiries and in doing so had to walk or drive up to one mile away form the scene to ascertain information from possible witness.

30 Investigation
On the night of the murder as already stated Gombya together with his wife and three other girls were having a meal when they were attacked by a number of men with torches and guns, whereby they ran into the house and locked themselves in their respective bedrooms. Dr. Kayiira and Mr. Gombya each having separate rooms.

31. The suspects, some according to the occupants, were wearing combat trousers and in some cases shirts, shouted to the occupants to come out of the rooms. Also it is alleged that they asked where the doctor and the “UFM man” was and where the money was. This reference to money is significant as it is known that Gombya had obtained 50 million shillings only a few days earlier, further that Dr. Kayiira was present in Gombya’s office when the money was delivered in two separate amounts (10 million shillings on March 3 and 40 million shillings shortly afterwards). At the current exchange rate of approximately 2,000 shillings to the pound the value of that money is in the region of 25,000 pounds. This however must be looked at in the light of the unofficial exchange rate mainly used by the Ugandans which would reduce the value to about 2,500 pounds.

32. The suspects according to witnesses and a reconstruction of the scene, appear to have ordered the four girls out of their room where they had been hiding and after questioning them had locked them in the bathrooms. They then fired a shot through the door of Gombya’s bedroom and then ambushed or kicked open the door and entered. Gombya had decamped.

33. According to Gombya, whilst the suspects were shouting at the girls and kicking his door, he in panic split the money into two halves and threw 20 million shillings in a box into the matooke plantation from the balcony leading from his room and left the remaining money in the bed for the suspects to steal. He then jumped from the balcony, a height of 12 feet and ran down the drive way and on the second attempt managed to climb over the gate. He then hid in a banana plantation until morning.

34. Whilst this was happening the suspects were shouting to Dr. Kayiira to open his bedroom door which he did, at the same time asking them what they wanted. Exactly what happened then will never be fully known, but from reconstruction it appears that upon opening his door the gunman fired two shots which went through Kayiira’s right inside arm and then a further two shots which went through his left side abdomen and passed out the right side. Dr Kayiira died where he had been shot.

35.. The suspects then ransacked the house and stole personal property including the large sum of money (about 20 million shillings), a tape recorder, a camera, radio cassette and video deck belonging to Mr. Gombya. It is not known whether property from Dr. Kayiira was stolen but it is though that he had no property at the house.

36. Witnesses state that when Gombya escaped and was running towards the gates he was seen by one of the suspects who raised the alarm and was told not to pursue him as the “UFM” man is in the house. This would suggest that the suspects knew that Dr. Kayiira was staying at the house and from previous questions to the occupants knew there was money in the house also.

37. Mr. Gombya states that he hid in the banana plantation until about 6am in the morning when he returned to the house and discovered that his friend Dr. Kayiira was dead. He also recovered the 20 million shillings that he had thrown into the matooke plantation.

38. Police were eventually notified at Kabalagala Police Post some two miles away and arrived shortly after 7:30am. A photographer and scenes of crime officer arrived soon after wards. Scenes of crime examination was always going to be difficult as prior to police arrival villagers and other persons from the surrounding areas had descended onto the property and went inside the house to satisfy their curiosity, and pay their respects.

39. The pathologist Dr. Kakande of Mulago hospital examined the body and confirmed that the cause of death was due to multiple gunshot wounds. He did not attend the scene himself. He is very vague about the injuries and admits that he did not carry out a full post mortem examination but purely looked at the body and later allowed the relatives to bury the body. No clothes or blood samples were taken from the body which was buried on March 11 at Masulita, his village, about 30 miles from Kampala ..

40. At the scene of the crime three bullets were found and a broken blood stained stick. In the matooke plantation next to the house was house was founds a cardboard box which has contained the money left on the bed by Gombya and also found in the matooke plantation was a cream coloured jacket, a handbag belonging to Mrs Gombya containing correspondence. In the banana plantation/ bush area about 300 yards from the house was found a black briefcase belonging to Gombya and also a shoe. Correspondence from these items were also found strewn around.

41. Investigations by the Kampala CID under the direction of Mr. Simon Mugamba (Director of CID) and Senior superintendent Fidelis Ongom (officer in charge) commenced and quickly established that Gombya had requested from Mr Henry Katerega, a Kampala businessman, the sum of 50 million shilling very urgently. Further that Gombya has rang him several times to hurry the matter up. Although this action could lead credence to the rumour that Gombya had received money from abroad on behalf of Dr. Kayiira and may have misappropriated it and was now trying to recoup some of it, there is also the more stronger notion that Gombya was involved in foreign exchange business deals with Katerega. This involved Gombya being paid his wages in a business firm of Katerega’s choice in London and subsequently Gombya being paid in Kampala in local currency. This has a ring of truth about it when it is considered that the local residents invariably carry out transactions on the unofficial money exchange which is up to 10 times that of the official rate.

42. As a result of their investigations the police were contacted by a man named Emmanuel Sebbunza, aged 17 years, who informed police that he had been involved with the person responsible for the killing of Dr. Kayiira and, although not at the scene at the time of the offence, assisted them in its preparation and later subsequent hiding of the stolen property. He further stated that he had been paid money for both his assistance and to keep quiet about who took part.

43. It is interesting to note that he states that the motive was robbery as the persons involved in the offence were all ex-UFM members, knew that Dr.. Kayiira was at the house and further knew that a large amount of money was in the house also. He states however that it was believed that Dr. Kayiira had the money.

44. This evidence fits in if it is considered that Dr. Kayiira was with Gombya when the 50 million shillings was obtained by him and further that it was believed that Gombya was holding a large sum of money for Dr. Kayiira.

45. Emmanuel Sebbunza further stated that the arrangements for the offence were made at the shop of Muzeyi & Sons, Kampala belonging to Mr. John Katabazi, age 28 years, a businessman.

46. Subsequently, on March 19, 1987, Katabazi was arrested, as also were four of the 10 or so other participants. Robert Magezi, also known as Babi Katende, age 20 years, and Peter Kiwanuka, also known as Backfire or Kayongo, age 19 years.

47. All persons arrested have been interviewed and made statements but all deny being involved in the offence. One of those arrested in fact gives his alibi of being involved in another robbery at the time of the offence and therefore could not have been involved.

48. All accused, apart from the owner of the business premises (Katabazi), are apparently ex-UFM members, who had served under Dr. Kayiira.

49. Identification parades were subsequently held and Magezi was identified as being at the scene by Julian Nabwire, Kiwanuka identified as being at the scene by Annet Namatovu and, although in itself not evidence, Nabwire ‘almost’ identified Kizito but was scared to do so because of the look she was given by him.

50. In addition, the cream coloured coat found at the scene was identified by Emmanuel Sebbunza as belonging to Kizito.

51. The evidence against the owner of the business premises is just that of Sebbunza and the fact he states that the arrangements for the offence were made there.

52. All persons were subsequently charged with the murder of Dr. Kayiira and are at present remanded in custody.

On Thursday March 26, 1987, at the request of President Museveni, the Ugandan President, I (detective Chief Superintendent Thompson) attached to the Serious Crimes Branch New Scotland Yard, together with Detective Inspector Sanderson, Scenes of Crime Officer attached to the Metropolitan Police Laboratory, travelled to Uganda to assist the investigating officers because of the strong suggestions that the murder of Dr. Kayiira was a ‘political’ one.

53. On March 28, 1987, a briefing was obtained from the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Luke Ofungi, and also from the Director of CID, Mr. Simon Mugamba.

54. Subsequent examination of the scene of the offence by the officers revealed the finding in Gombya’s room of a piece of metal (a bullet) and a piece of wood in Dr. Kayiira’s room, which fitted a missing piece on the door of Gombya’s bedroom which had probably been transferred on the foot of the suspect who had kicked the door down. Blood samples had to be taken from the blood where the victim had died also from blood found on the walls in both Gombya’s and Dr. Kayiira’s rooms. Two tool mark casts were also taken from Gombya’s room. All these exhibits, together with Dr. Kayiira’s briefcase and the cardboard box which had contained the money, together with the cream coloured jacket were sent by hand to the Metropolitan Police Laboratory London for examination. Also sent to the laboratory were three bullets and an empty cartridge case found at the scene.

55. A bullet hole was also found in the garage door and although the bullet has not been recovered, it is known that Gombya’s car was in the garage at the time and now has a burst tyre. Attempts are being made by the Uganda police to recover the bullet from the car which is still in the possession of Gombya’s family.

56. Fingerprints and palm prints, together with control blood samples of all the suspects, were also obtained and sent to the laboratory for examination.

57. Enquiries were made extensively in the area of the murder up to a mile away, which showed that no NRA officers had been seen in the area prior to the date of the murder and further that there was a group of men, about five or so, who were robbing the villagers. No suggestion has been made of military men being seen in the area and the NRA commander has confirmed that his men were not in the area at the time.

58. Also interviewed was a Mr. Kakande-Gava, a teacher who had known Dr. Kayiira since he was a boy and had in effect adopted him and paid for his schooling. On the two days prior to the murder including the actual day of the murder, he had spoken to Dr. Kayiira in his (Mr. Kakande Gava) office and on hearing that Gombya with other four unknown were going to organise a party to celebrate his release from prison warned him not to attend as he did not trust Gombya, who he says was so changeable in personality, and further he felt that he ‘would be signing his own death warrant’. His reasons for this assumption are unclear but how prophetic his warning was.

59. Enquiries also showed that although as is the custom and law Gombya had been introduced to the chief of the village and the defence resistance leader, he had not in fact informed the two officials that Dr… Kayiira was living at the address. This is looked upon by the local Ugandan people as unusual and bad manners. Local enquiries also revealed that none of the villagers knew he was living there although they knew him by name..

60. Lines of enquiry by the investigating officers include checking the financial background of Dr. Kayiira and Mr. Gombya, the tracing of a woman who an informant states was involved in the leading of the suspects to the house. This woman it is alleged as one of the girls who was at the scene when the attack took place.

61. Attempts are being made also to trace five other suspects whose names are known but who have gone to ground in the bush or have gone to Kenya .

62.. Mrs Gombya on March 11, 1987 went to a local travel agent and purchased two open airline tickets for herself and a man named Mr. G. Dick. The man ‘Dick’ is Gombya (confirmed by him) and the tickets costing a total of 3,144,680 shillings (1572.34 pounds) were paid in cash.

63. These tickets were used by Mr and Mrs Gombya on March 13, 1987 when they travelled by Ugandan Airlines to London Gatwick airport. Gombya travelled using this name Dick.

64. It is this action by Gombya that has raised suspicion that he may in fact have had some part in the murder of Dr. Kayiira for although he gave a statement to police before he left, it was self written and he gave no opportunity to interview him on it.

65. It is also unfortunate, in hindsight, that Gombya and his ‘wife’ were taken to Entebbe Airport by the Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Peter Penfold. Gombya was not in fact wanted for any offence at the time and it is alleged by him that this was verified after checks with government sources, however great play was made by the various press/newspapers on the fact that prior to his exit from the country, Gombya had gone into hiding and had not been interviewed by Police.

66. Much comment was also made by the press that rumours strongly stated that Gombya during the time he was in hiding was being sheltered at Mr. Penfold’s own residence.

67. Although at the request of Uganda Police, Mr. Penfold was not officially interviewed in respect of his actions and knowledge of these matters. I did in fact holding an unofficial briefing’ talk with him in which he agrees that he took Mr. And Mrs Gombya to the airport but strongly denies allowing him to stay at his house or any other British High Commission residence.

68. His reasons were that Gombya was a good friend of his (Penfold is the godfather of one of Gombya’s children) and was purely assisting him in his travel to the airport. The fact that his car commands diplomatic respect did not assist in this matter.

69. Although upon our arrival this matter was causing some concern, it appears now to have died down and the fact that British Police officers are assisting the Ugandan Police has help relieve the pressure on this subject. It is the reporting officers opinion that Mr… Penfold’s actions were in hindsight an error of judgement and he had not stayed at his address but was picked up near the Kampala International Centre is believed.

70. There is still much to be done by the Ugandan Police in preparing the case for court, which is not helped by the fact that there is little or no petrol in Kampala and officers making enquiries are experiencing difficulties in travelling to potential witnesses’ addresses. Both Metropolitan police officers have assisted them as much as possible in this matter.

71. Regular meetings were held with the Ugandan Police Officers and Minutes of the main conference were made and given to the officer in the case and the Director of CID in order that they were fully aware of the various actions to be carried out.

72..Conclusion
It will be seen from the foregoing report that there are many options as to the type of persons who committed the offence and the motive behind it.

73. The original option that the president’s own men were behind the murder of Dr. Kayiira was in fact the strongest one when the British Police Officers arrived in Uganda , despite the fact that five men had been arrested. All of the suspects except one are ex-UFM men and this did not assist to quell the rumours abounding Kampala .

The main options are:-
(1) It was robbery that went wrong when one of the suspects panicked and shot Dr. Kayiira

(2) That the suspects knew Dr. Kayiira was living at Mr. Gombya’s address, were aware that a large sum of money (50 million shillings) had been delivered to Gombya’s office when Dr. Kayiira was present upon which such delivery and presumed that it was for Dr. Kayiira and not Gombya.
(3) Had been informed that upon Dr. Kayiira’s release he had asked for Gombya to supply him the money which it was rumoured Gombya had received from abroad on behalf of Dr. Kayiira for his army forces, and went to rob him.

(4) A combination of any of the above three with the situation presenting itself that, as alleged by the informant, the suspects all being ex-UFM men went to rob Dr. Kayiira and one of their number (WADDA) was recognised by Dr. Kayiira and he had to shoot him to prevent later identification to police.

(5) Option 3 with the added ingredient that Gombya set up the robbery himself to solve his problems in having to return Dr. Kayiira’s money. Gombya’s actions upon his escape helps to support this theory.

(6) The President’s own forces were behind that murder because the courts had released Dr. Kayiira for lack of evidence.

74. It is the reporting officers opinion that on the evidence available Government forces were not behind that murder of Dr. Kayiira and that the suspects knowing that Dr. Kayiira was living at Gombya’s address and having been given information that a large sum of money was on the premises and further believing it to be Kayiira’s, simply set out to rob him of it. During the robbery one was recognised and shot him. Option 4 is therefore the most likely conclusion.

75. Until Gombya is interviewed at length by the Uganda Police, it is impossible to be certain of his implication in this offence, if in fact he is involved and this must therefore remain a matter of conjecture.

76. However, he was seen on 1st May, 1987, by reporting officer in London and has agreed to be interviewed by police from Uganda . Arrangements are being made through I.C.P.O. for this to be done.

77. In conclusion, I would like to express the thanks of myself and Detective Sergeant Sanderson for the assistance and co-operation given by both the Uganda Police and Ugandan authorities and also the British High Commissioner, Uganda .

78. Submitted for information with a request that a copy of the report be forwarded to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for their information and that the British High Commissioner in Kampala , and a copy forwarded to Mr… Luke Ofungi, the Inspector General of Police, Kampala , Uganda .
79) With further reference to the investigations into the murder of Dr. Andrew Kayiira age 46 years on 6th March, 1987, at Lukuli-Konge Village , Kampala , Uganda and in particular to paragraph 76 of my report dated 7th May, 1987.

80) On Sunday 24th May, 1987, the Director of CID-Uganda Samuel Mugambya together with Deputy Assistant Inspector George Byabashaija travelled to London in order to interview Mr. Henry Gombya age 34 years and his ‘wife’ Vicky Naava Mugerwa age 23 years both of whom give their address as 15, Crawford Place , London , W.1.

81) On Tuesday 26th May, 1987, Mr. Gombya attended New Scotland Yard with his legal representative Mr. Akena Adoko and was interviewed by two Ugandan police officers. A written statement was taken from Gombya by the Ugandan officers and signed by him.

82) On Wednesday 27th May, 1987 Gombya’s ‘wife’ Vicky Mugerwa attended New Scotland Yard and was also interviewed by the two Ugandan police officers and a signed written statement taken. This was also in the presence of Mr. Akena Adoko. Mr. Gombya was not present.

83) It should be pointed out that at this stage that Mr. Adoko is the cousin of ex-president Milton Obote

84) As the original statements are in the possession of the Ugandan police officers, it is not the intention to fully reiterate the full contents of the statements by the Gombya’s but to highlight the main salient points. Copies of the full statements are attached to the main correspondence.

85) The Gombya’s married ‘customarily’ in July 1986 and lived at Entebbe Airport Hotel for eight months. Mr… Gombya has another wife by the name of Penina and has four children by his marriage (three boys and one girl).

86) In February/March 1986 they moved to Lukuli Konge village near Kampala, in a large three-bedroom house rented for the sum of 1.4 million Ugandan shillings per month (700 pounds) by Mr. Gombya and where Dr. Andrew Kayiira lived upon his release from prison on 24th February 1987, and where he was subsequently murdered on 6th March, 1987.

87) Apparently, Mr. Gombya first met Dr. Kayiira during peace talks in August 1985 at Hotel Intercontinental-Nairobi and a man name Aloysius Bossa of Munno Publications was also present. Since that date, Mr. Gombya states he had regular contacts with Dr. Kayiira including a time in 1986 when he accompanied him on a tour of Western Uganda . Dr. Kayiira was a minister at that time.

88) Since then, both Gombya and Dr. Kayiira have been friends and one of the reasons that Mr. Gombya allowed him to move into his house upon his release from prison was that Dr. Kayiira had protected him in 1985 during the regime of Tito Okello when Mr. Gombya’s house was raided by soldiers of the Ugandan National Liberation Army (UNLA). In fact it was Gombya who Kayiira approached in order to be interviewed for BBC upon his release from prison.

89) It is also interesting to note that Mr. Gombya also allowed Dr. Kayiira to use his Kampala office and also for use as a contact address.

90) In respect of the 40 million Uganda shillings (20,000 pounds) referred to in the previous report, Mr. Gombya states he received it in two parts from a businessman named Katerega and was for ‘my personal expenses including my birthday party’.. He also states that the money ‘was neither borrowed nor donated to me by Katerega but it was for business purposes’.

91) The money was in bundles of five million Ugandan shillings and consisted of 5,000 Ugandan shilling notes which were placed by Gombya in a cardboard box.

92) Mr. Gombya stated that Dr. Kayiira only saw 20 million shillings being delivered and would not have been aware of the remaining money. This surely cannot be so if it is remembered that two witnesses state that the money, 50 million not 40 million, was in fact delivered in two parts, i.e 10 million and 40 million and Dr… Kayiira was present in Gombya’s office when the cash was delivered and would have seen it. Further, Gombya states that his office messenger, Edward Lubwama, put it in Kayiira’s car boot and also that a friend named Kadduke had locked the car boot after it was closed.

93) Mr.. Gombya and Dr. Kayiira subsequently returned home at about 10.00pm after they had stopped for drinks at a bar and also dropped off two girls. At the house when they arrived, apart from Gombya’s family, was a friend of Dr. Kayiira named Kayiwa and also Gombya’s office Manager, Hussein Kabogoza. Although both these persons left shortly after Gombya’s arrival, he is sure that they did not know of the large amount of money that he had.

94) Between 10.30pm and about 11.30pm, Mr. Gombya went out at Dr. Kayiira’s request and purchased batteries for the radio. Upon his return they and the family were dancing and eating on the patio outside of the house when they were attacked by a group of about 10 men who had torches and came from around both sides of the house.

95) The attackers were in different states of dress in that some had shirts (combat), some didn’t, and some according to Mr. Gombya had clothing similar to that worn by the National Resistance Army (NRA). Only two of the attackers had guns described by Gombya as type AK47 and the person apparently giving the command was in civilian clothes. The language used was Luganda.

96) The sequence of the events that subsequently took place is confusing due to the darkness (no electricity) and is as described in paragraph 30-37 in the previous report. Suffice it to say Mrs. Gombya confirms her earlier statement to police although this time she states she was in the corridor and saw the attackers go into Dr. Kayiira’s bedroom and shoot him, whereas in the previous statement she was in the bathroom with other members of the family and didn’t see what happened.

97) Mr. Gombya’s description of events is still basically consistent with that given in his earlier statement to police in Uganda and it is important to note very much milder in context to that expressed by him in the various newspapers and publications to whom he has given interviews. On this point, Mr. Gombya admits that some of the opinions expressed by him in newspapers etc., were based on hearsay.

98) Mr. Gombya confirms that he in fact took the photograph of the body of Dr. Kayiira that has appeared in the various press publications including The Standard of Nairobi. He has informed me that he will supply the photographs to me in order that they can be forwarded to the Uganda Police. He will not release the negatives.

99) Mr. and Mrs. Gombya both state that they would like to return to Uganda but both feel that it is not politically safe for them to do so. Both have, they say, made application to the UK authorities to remain in the UK for the time being.

100) Conclusions
Without doubt, Mr. Gombya appears to be getting himself politically involved if the general background of the people and circumstances of this tragic incident are examined including his reported remarks to the newspapers.

As a BBC stringer/journalist, his choice of actions give rise to suspicion that his position as an ‘impartial’ witness is being impaired by the original rumour that NRA soldiers were involved in the murder of his close friend Dr. Kayiira.

He agreed that he has no real evidence of this for although some of the attackers were wearing combat type clothing, this is the general dress of a large number of persons in Kampala and its importance is not so clear-cut as it might first appear.

101) Mr. Gombya is clearly not anxious to give the real reason for his possession of the large sum of money (see paragraph 90) which supports the original theory of black-market money dealing or trying to recoup money belonging to Dr. Kayiira which he may have had and misappropriated. This last suggestion he denies. He does not admit the first suggestion but neither does he deny it.

102) It is the reporting officers’ opinion that although Mr. and Mrs. Gombya are basically telling the truth in respect of the events leading to the murder of Dr. Kayiira, Mr. Gombya, certainly either for ‘political’ reasons or otherwise is not being fully forthcoming with all he knows about the circumstances surrounding the murder on 6th March 1987.

103) It is however still the reporting officers’ opinion that on the evidence available there is no evidence to implicate the President or his army and that the incident is as previously stated at paragraph 74 in previous report, a robbery that went wrong, for many people must surely have known about the large sums of money in his possession.

All the accused in Kayiira’s death were killed in prison

April 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm (POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

According to a reliable source, justice Karookora refused to adjourn the case of Kayiira’s assassination until he had heard from the accused. It so happened that the accused had all been killed in prison and that is what one state attorney reported to the justice. How convenient, for the state to have had all the accused snuffed before appearing in front of a straight forward judge. There is more than what meets the eyes in this case, and we need to engage the people in charge of security in the country at the time Dr. Besigye and Mrs Bangirana not excluded. I find it terribly strange that folks in the village who witnessed the operation speak of army vehicles, not too many civilians were privy to such vehicles at the time. Why have all the security operatives of a major city like Kampala kept quite on this issue for so long-today it might be Kayiira’s death that we are inquiring about ,tomorrow it might be another one of our heroes, we need to break that wall of silence that has been the MO of folks who swore to protect the constitution and the people of Uganda, to start healing some wounds.

I always thought that soldiers are trained to hit on target-why are some of our soldiers on this forum shooting aimlessly in all directions on this one.

Regarding the issue of Museveni using Tax payers’ money to buy a house for Beti Kayiira in USA, the housing issue should not be looked upon as some pawn for Kayiira’s life. Look Kayiira was survived by young children as young as 7 through early teens and his death immediately meant that Betty and the children had to fend for themselves in this country that demands rent and utilities-without thought of loss or death. I’m not sure what Betty was doing for work when her husband’s life was snuffed away.

I however, believe that she was not making enough to support her family at the time. Kayiira had a tenured post as a professor at the University in Connecticut and he was the major bread winner of the family.
To even think that Betty, the mother of his children may have played a role in this while in Boston is preposterous; it is like adding salt to injury. What is more believable, is that Mrs Kayiira simply went to boldly seek much needed help from a fellow guerilla, well known to them, who felt a knee jerk reaction to help out as a parent himself -this is how we ought to look her fending for her children. Remember, it was Kayiira, during the second coming of Museveni, who kept on asking when would Museveni get into town. It was a shock to all of us who knew the family here in Boston, to hear of his arrest and later the execution style of his death.

I hope all those who participated in his death, would some day come find un cowardly conviction to come out and help his children put closure on this very painful chapter in their lives. We cannot have double standards on one hand the two presidents are seeking for justice in the international courts for those who committed genocide in Rwanda and now Konyi’s arrest by the ICC-yet they were both in command when a heinous crime took place under their watch. The death of Kayiira was carried out in an orchestrated military style that warranted more explanation from the two presidents Kagame and Museveni.

It would seem like an incredible security breach, if a person of that stature in Uganda would get executed in that fashion and not cause any heads to roll with those responsible for security in the country!!! His children have moved on, but the onus to come clean is squarely on those parents too, who controlled the security of the country at the time.

There is a common saying that curtails us from being side winders ”Never unleash your venom onto other travelers after a skirmish in the market place “. In the case of our friend Kayiira, his murder took place in Uganda during day light and those who committed it knew that they were impervious to arrest or prosecution period. We could blame Gombya for hosting him, hell, he could have been at anybody’s house on that fateful day, the same with Gerard Kidu’s murderers unless we as a people say enough is enough and start demanding for accountability and a serious criminal investigation on such matters. The Ugandan guillotine of death will eventually break off the breasts of all mothers.

Tendo Kaluma

Ugandan residing in Boston

Inconsistencies in Scotland Yard Report about Kayiira’s murder

April 4, 2009 at 11:46 am (Kayiira Death, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Robert Senkindu

My thanks too to our learned comrade Patrick for bringing the disputed murder report to our attention. However, I would advise any Ugandan, as Mr. WBK has previously asserted, that Scotland Yard is no reliable authority to rely on if the matter in question involves African or any other common wealth related embattled judicial issues other than UK itself. Reason?

As I have read through the report over a number of times, I have noticed both minor and major incosistencies. Some of the minor incosistencies dwell on what Mr. Gombya has told the public in private capacity and what was allegedly recorded from him by the Scotland Yard(SY). For instance a)the report at its commencement states that Mr.Gombya was renting a 4-bedroomed house at 1.2million shilling(page 4 of PDF format), a fact which is later on,is twisted by stating that he was renting a 3-bedroomed house(page 14 of pdf format) at now 1.4 million shilling or an equivalent of £700, b) the Yard mentions nothing about the first encounter(as indicated by Mr. Gombya on Ngoma radio recently) with the ‘alleged robbers’ by Mr. Gombya and the late Andrew which took place outside the house whereby one of them pointed out Mr.Andrew to the rest asserting that it was him they wanted, but rather only recounts the time they(robbers) shouted at them to come out of the house(page 6 of pdf format), and c) the sum of money, which appears to be only 40 million shilling(this was however clarified at the end by the Yard that it didn’t hold water) but referred to as 50 million shilling.

However, on the other hand, the major incosistencies dwell on the evidence adduced in nature as most of the evidence the Yard submits in its final report are circumstancial rather than physical or scientific in nature. How? Yard states that one Emmanuel Sebunza, aged 17 years admitted that the murder plot was masterminded at one John Katabazi business premises, though he(Sebunza) decided to withdraw from participation. The report goes ahead and states that all but one participants were former UFA soldiers. From there we are told about the few who were arrested , tried and sentenced accordingly. Surprisingly, nothing is said about the assult rifles which were used in the course of commission of the gruesome murder.One would at least expect Mr. Sebunza to know the source of those weapons and where they were kept since he participated in the arragements..but wapi. Could it be that Mr. Sebunza was already a serious criminal on remand whom the K’la admin connived with to implicate other innocent chaps in exchange with a lenient sentence?

Further more, the report mentions about both the finger and palm prints which were taken from the alleged suspects and sent to Metropolitan Police Lab in London… From there nothing is mentioned about the results of DNA samples taken from the poor guys and that leaves an ordinary man like me mentally blocked amid confusion as a result of wondering whether the scientific evidence were taken to another planet for more verification and tests or they were simply returned to Uganda but being negative in nature as the poor guy were seemingly innocent the K’la admin. decided to destroy them.

Again from the immediate points above concerning the ‘alleged suspects’ or shall I plainly say the convicted killers, the report mentions nothing about what the former dog master has constantly been telling the public that that his soldiers(dogs) traced the killers to a certain army baracks where some stolen belongings to the assualted house were found. Did he lie about? This point I wanted to bring it to the attention of our formers soldiers like Lord Buhanga and fractured spear Otto whether UFA soldiers had been integrated into NRA. Even if they had been incorporated into NRA, how comes that murder was planned not the baracks where the dogs traced them but rather somewhere outside?

On the point of witnesses, how were Julian Nabwire and Annet Namatovu related to the victims?

Conclusively, the SY report can’t be treated a final report on the murder of late Andrew Kayiira, but rather as a document with preliminary investigations into the murder, a document which is very biased , concealing the whole truth as it tries through out to implicate one character being responsible for the murder, Mr. Gombya. Oh yes, another alternative was armed robbery gone wrong by his own(Kayiira’s) men and bla bla bla bla…………………

I am no trying to be partial cos even Mr. Gombya’s narrow escape by jumping over that spiked 8ft in height gate and the immediate halving of the money without being noticed leave more questions than answers. Our only hope is that the murder file be reopened as soon the incumbent regime is wrestled on the ground. Otherwise before that, no truth will ever come out because I am pretty sure that even our corporal Otto knows more than he is feeding us per now.

Robert Ssenkindu

Ugandan residing in Sweden

DP Version of the Scotland yard Report in Kayiira’s murder

April 7, 2009 at 2:52 pm (History, Kayiira Death, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Forumists,

You may recall that, some time in 2007 officials of the Democratic Party (DP) announced that they were going to lauch the Scotland Yard Report on the murder of Dr Andrew Kayiira. That “report” was to subsequently cause them to be dragged to court by government on grounds of uttering a false document. Attached is that (DP) version of the Scotland Yard Report. It is pasted below for those that cannot open PDF documents:

SCOTLAND YARD REPORT THE MURDER OF DR ANDREW LUTAAKOME KAYIIRA: DEMOCRATIC PARTY VERSION

This report concerns enquiries into the murder of DR ANDREW LUTAKOME KAYIIRA, 46, former Minister of Energy for the Uganda government who at the time of his death on 6th March, 1987/ was residing at Lukuli-Konge a suburb of Kampala Uganda/ and the assistance given to the Uganda Police by detective chief Superintendent Thompson (serious Crime Branch) and Detective Sergeant Sanderson (Laboratory Liaison Officer) at the direct request of government of Uganda.

On 6th March, 1987, at about llp.m. Dr Kayira and his friend, Mr, Henry Gombya, a B.B.C stringer, were having dinner with Gombya’s wife Victoria Naava ,24 , and three other girls Josephine Babirye, 19, Julian Nabwire, 14, and Annet Namatovu, 23, when about 10 armed men stormed the compound and attacked the persons present.

At the time of the attack, it was dark and the house was without electricity due to power cuts and the only lighting was provided by a storm tamp hanging from the sidewall nearest where the occupants were having dinner.

Some of the attackers had torches and according to the witnesses at least three of the attackers had firearms, one an AK-47 sub-machine gun. Exactly what transpired will be examined in greater detail further in the report. Subsequent events show that Dr Kayiira was shot four times (two in the right arm and twice in the left side of the body) injuries from which he died.

Mr Gombya made his escape via the front security gate and hid in a banana plantation after first separating the sum of 40million shillings into two halves and throwing one half in a box into the banana plantation which adjoins the house. The remaining half was left for the attackers. None of the occupants of the house i.e the three girls were apparently injured, although Victoria Naava states that she was kicked and punched.

Background:

Uganda has since independence from Britain in 1962 been in regular unrest and in particular since 1971 when the Obote government was overthrown by Amin’s Ugandan Army.

Obote went into exile and formed an army called the UNLA (Ugandan National Liberation Army) and with assistance of the Tanzania Army overthrew Amin’s government inl979. In 1980, Obote held elections and the UNLA were retained. However, in 1985 Obote was overthrown by his commander Okello and the UNLA continued. In 1986 Okello was himself overthrown by the NRA (National Resistance Army) led by President Museveni. It was the 1980 general elections, allegedly rigged by Obote, that provided the reason for NRA to be formed and launch a guerrilla war. It was during the period of the guerrilla war that differences between Museveni who was leading NRA and Dr kayiira who was also leading a parallel guerrilla movement under the umbrella of UFA (Uganda Freedom Army) and its political wing/ the UFM (Uganda Freedom Movement) became apparent. Prior to that Dr Kayiira had served as Interior Minister in the short-lived government of Yusuf Kironde Lule. When Museveni overthrew the Okello government in 1986 Dr Kayiira joined forces with him. Despite Dr Kayiira being a member of Cabinet in Museveni’s government holding the portfolio of Energy Minister, there had been mistrust of him by the President as a result of which Dr Kayiira and other persons were arrested in October 1986 for allegedly plotting against the government and subsequently released by the court on February 24, 1987 due to lack of evidence.

Following his release Dr Kayiira had no where to turn to for a home. He briefly stayed with a relative in Nakasero and subsequently shifted to the home of his friend Mr Henry Gombya a B.B.C stringer who rented a four-bedroom house at Lukuii Konge/ a Kampala suburb.. It was at this house that the murder took place on March 6, 1987. The release of Dr Kayiira surprised some people and his subsequent murder led to strong rumours that his death was politically motivated and had been caused by the government’s hand. It is against this background that evidence surrounding the investigation into Dr Kayiira’s death must be viewed.

Scene of murder:

The scene of the crime is a three bedroom detached house standing within a large plot of fand with wire security fencing surrounding it. This fencing is also strengthened by bamboo canes. The height of the fence is 7 feet. The house itself is a one-storey type with balcony over the top of a garage attached to the side of the house. At the rear of the house there is a guest house and a kitchen. A drive way leads from the front of the house to a double door security entrance with the gate being 8 feet in height with spikes on the top..

The house is owned by Mr and Mrs Katongole who live opposite and had the house built for rent. Mr Gombya was the first tenant of the property.. The surrounding area is mainly bush country with plantations of banana. The villagers’ houses are mainly mud-lined walled huts and they live together in small communes drawn together only by the local village Chief and the elected Defence Resistance Leader. The conditions for the villagers are very primitive. Running between the various villages and outside the Gombya House is a small track which is overgrown and leads eventually to the Ggaba Road which in turn leads to Kampala, about six miles away.

To give some perspective of the area the reporting officer made house to house enquiries and in doing so had to walk or drive up to one mile away from the scene to ascertain information from possible witnesses. Investigations: On the night of the murder as already stated Gombya together with his wife and three other girls were having a meal when they were attacked by a number of men with torches and guns, upon seeing the attackers they ran into the house and locked themselves in their respective bedrooms. Dr Kayiira and Mr Gombya had separate rooms. The attackers, some according to the occupants were wearing combat trousers and in some cases shirts, shouted to the occupants to come out of the rooms. Also it is alleged that they asked where the doctor and the ‘UFM man’ was.

The attackers, according to witnesses and a reconstruction of the scene appear to have ordered the four girls out of their room where they had been hiding and after questioning them they were locked in the bedroom. They then fired a shot through the door of Gombya’s bedroom and then smashed or kicked open the door and entered. Gombya had decamped. According to Gombya, whilst the attackers were shouting at the occupants and kicking the door/ he in panic split Shs40 million which he had in his bedroom into two halves and threw Shs20 million into the banana plantation from the balcony leading from his room and left the remaining money in the bed for the suspects to steal. He then jumped from the balcony/ a height of 12 feet and ran down the driveway and on the second attempt managed to climb over the gate. He then hid in a banana plantation. Whilst this was happening the attackers were shouting to Dr Kayiira to open his bedroom door, which he did at the same time asking them what they wanted.Witnesses’ state that when Gombya escaped and was running towards the gates he was seen by one of the gunmen who raised the alarm and was told not to pursue him as the “UFM man” was in the house.

This would suggest that the gunmen knew that Dr Kayiira was staying at the house. Mr Gombya states that he hid in the banana plantation until about 6am when he returned to the house and discovered that his friend Dr Kayiira was dead. Police were eventually notified at Kabalagala Police Post some two miles away and arrived shortly after 7:30am.

A photographer and scenes of Crime Officer arrived soon afterwards. Scenes of Crime examination was always going to be difficult as prior to police arrival villagers and other persons from the surrounding areas had descended onto the premises and went inside the house to satisfy their curiosity, and pay their respects.

Postmortem

The pathologist, Dr Kakande of Mulago Hospital examined the body and confirmed that the cause of death was due to multiple gunshot wounds. He is very vague about the injuries and admits that he did not carry out a full post mortem examination but purely looked at the body and later allowed the relatives to bury the body. No cloth or blood samples were taken from the body/ which was buried on March 11 at Masulita, his village, about 30 miles from Kampala .

At the scene of the crime three bullets were found and a broken blood stained stick. In the banana plantation next to the house was found a cardboard box which contained the money left on the bed by Mr Gombya. Also found in the banana plantation was a cream coloured jacket/ a handbag belonging to Mrs Gombya containing correspondences. In the banana plantation-bush area found was a black briefcase belonging to Gombya and also a shoe. Correspondences from these items were also found strewn around.

Investigations by the Kampala C.I.D under the direction of Simon Mugamba (Director of C.I.D) and Senior superintendent Fideiis Ongom (Officer in charge) commenced and quickly established that Gombya had requested from Mr Henry Kateregga, a Kampala businessman Shs40 million very urgently. As a result of their investigations the police were contacted by a man named Emmanuel Sebbunza, 17, who informed police that he had been involved with the people responsible for the killing of Dr Kayiira and although not at scene at the time of the offence, he assisted them in its preparation. He further stated that he had been paid money for both his assistance and to keep quiet about who took part. He states that the motive was robbery as the persons involved in the offence knew that Dr Kayiira was at the house and further that a large amount of money was in the house. He states however that it was believed that Dr Kayiira had the money.

Mr Sebbunza further stated that arrangements for the offence were made at the shop of Muzeyi & Sons, Kampala , belonging to Mr John Katabazi, 28. Subsequently, on March,19 1987 Katabazi was arrested as were four of the 10 or so other participants. Robert magezi,20, Babi Katende, 20, Musisi Kizito Brain, 26, Kasirye, 26, Sylvester Wadda,26, Peter Kiwanuka, 19, and Backfire Kayongo, 19. All persons arrested have been interviewed and made statements but all deny being involved in the offence. One of those arrested in fact gives his alibi of being involved in another robbery at the time of the offence and therefore could not have been involved.

All accused, apart from the owner of the business premises (Katabazi) are apparently ex-UFM members/ who had served under Dr Kayiira. All persons were subsequently charged with the murder of Dr Kayiira and are at present remanded in custody.

On Thursday 26th March 1987, at the request of President Museveni-the Ugandan President I (Detective Chief superintendent Thompson) attached to the serious crimes Branch New Scotland Yard, together with Detective Inspector Sanderson, scenes of crime officer attached to the- Metropolitan Police Laboratory travelled to Uganda to assist the investigating officers because of the strong suggestions that the murder of Dr Kayiira was a ‘political’ one. On 28th march 1987; a briefing was’ obtained from the inspector General of Police Luke Ofungi, and also from the Mugamba.

Subsequent examination of the scene of the offence by the officers revealed the finding in Gombya’s room of a piece of metal (a bullet) and a piece of wood in Dr Kayiira’s room which fitted a missing piece on the door of Gombya’s bedroom which had probably been transferred on the foot of the suspect who had kicked the door down..

Blood samples had to be taken from the blood where the victim had died and also from blood found on the walls in both Gombya’s and Dr Kayiira’s rooms. Two tool mark casts were also taken from Gombya’s room. All these exhibits together with Dr Kayiira’s briefcase and the cardboard box which had contained the money together with the cream coloured jacket were sent by hand to the Metropolitan police Laboratory London for examination.

Also sent to the laboratory were three bullets and an empty cartridge case found at the scene. A bullet hole was also found in the garage door and although the bullet has not been recovered, it is known that Mr Gombya’s car was in the garage at the time and now has a burst tyre. Attempts are being made by the Uganda Police to recover the bullet from the car, which is still in the possession of Mr Gombya’s family, Fingerprints and palm prints together with control blood samples of all the suspects were also obtained and sent to the laboratory for examination, On 13th March 1987, Mr and Mrs Gombya flew out of the country. However, Mr Gombya recorded a statement which is reproduced here in its entirety:

Gombya statement

“On the night of March 6, 1987, I was seated alongside Dr Andrew Lutakome Kayiira, the former Ugandan Minister of Energy in the National Resistance Army (NRA) government, together with my wife Vicky and three of my nieces outside my home at Lukuli, about five miles outside on theKampala-Gaba road.

We had just had our supper and it was a few minutes after llpm. Dr kayiira was in a very jolly mood talking about the existing freedom in Uganda , how one could relax and have his supper outside his house at such a time unlike the case in the past recent years. As Vicky was preparing to remove the plates and dinner things, out of nowhere came men armed with very bright torches. They came from two directions. One group of about five men or more approached on one side while a similar number approached on the other.

They immediately ordered all of us not to move but immediately my wife and the three young girls took off in fright and entered the house, I remained rooted to my chair while one man pointed at Kayiira and said “That is the UFM (Uganda Freedom Movement) man. That is the UFM man”. On hearing this Kayiira slowly got up from his chair and walked towards the house entered the open door and made as if to close the door.

At this point one of the men who was holding an AK-47 sub-machine gun told Kayiira “If you dare lock the door, we are going to kill this one.” He then opened the door and I immediately rushed inside the house ran upstairs to our bedrooms in our one-storeyed house and locked myself inside. The moment I locked myself inside I opened the windows and raised the alarm by shouting to our neighbours to come and help us telling them that we had been attacked by thieves. On hearing my alarm the men immediately opened fire on my bedroom door and I quickly shut up.

They continued shooting and at the same time ordering me to open up. It was at this juncture that I thought that these were thugs who had come to steal. In the usual circumstances when thieves attack in Uganda , the safest way one can come out of this attack without a scar is for one to make available all the cash in the house and any other valuable items.

Shooting

Earlier that day 1 had received from my business associates Shs40millon which was partly to pay for some debts and for the running of my news agency in midtown Kampala . So when the thugs started shooting at my bedroom door I arranged some Shs20 million (they were in bundles of five million) and placed this money in an open box on my bed.

Then I slowly but fearfully opened another door in my bedroom that led to the balcony just outside my room and putting the rest of the money in the bag threw it into a neighbouring banana plantation where I found it quite safe the next morning. All this time the thugs were trying to knock down my door, They had stopped shooting at it and were now trying to kick it open. After throwing the money into the banana plantation/ I scaled the bedroom balcony and finally jumped down in front of the garage door and ran towards my security gate. But mid way to the gate, I found one thug who was apparently unarmed.

He immediately spotted me and shouted to his colleagues/ “He is running/ He is running away!.” But while I did not: hear any gunshot directed towards me as I was continuing to run towards the gate, I was later to learn from my wife that the gunmen inside the house shouted back at their colleagues that” No, he is not the one. We have the UFM man here.” On reaching the gate I made an attempt to jump over it but because of its height (its about seven feet high) I fell down and only managed to jump over it on the second attempt. Once outside the gate I blindly ran towards the neighbours with the thought of trying to wake them up and ask them to hide me inside their house. I came near my neighbour’s backyard and came to a barbed wire fence.

As I was trying to find the gate to this backyard about three mean-looking dogs jumped out of nowhere and started barking fiercely at me, Shaking with fright from head to toe I ran back and went hiding deep in the banana plantation. While hiding I remember hearing two gunshot going off inside my house but there was no sound whatsoever following them. I stayed in the banana plantation from about 11.30p.m. until after 5a.m. when I finally gathered enough courage to make my way back to my house.

As I approached the house I could see the door the thugs’ entered through still open with a gas lamp still lit in our kitchen. For that day and the one previous power in my house and that of my neighbours had mysteriously disappeared and we had been using gas and kerosene lamps.

Gripped by fear

There was total silence in the house and I could not see any movement. This scared me very much and I immediately thought everybody had been killed. Gripped by fear I immediately went back into hiding in the banana plantation but about 30 minutes later I again dared to go near the house. This time I used the other side of the fence to approach the house and it was here that I noticed for the first time that the thugs had cut through the wire fence and used it as their entrance to the house. I fearfully made my way to the open door that leads to the kitchen inside the house and entered. There was absolute silence one can equate to death.

Once inside I moved silently towards the steps leading to the bedrooms above and found nobody.. I then went down again to the kitchen and closed the kitchen door. Then I went up once again. On reaching the bedrooms I called out to no body particular saying “is there any body here? It is me. I have come back.” On hearing my voice my wife immediately opened the bathroom door and told -me “We are here but they have killed the doctor!” I immediately broke down in tears crying oh! It is him they have come for. They never came for money.

While I was crying I was walking towards Dr kayiira’s bedroom. I first saw the lower part of his body and when I continued inside the room/ I saw the rest of his body lying in a big pool of blood. I fell down on his body crying heavily but my wife immediately put a stop on this/ when she said/ “Please stop crying. These people are stiil around.” We then rushed back into the bathroom where we hid until 6.30am when we called the neighbours and later went to report the matter to the police.

I later learned that as they were struggling with Dr Kayiira who had made the fatal mistake of opening his bed room door and asking the thugs what they wanted, the attackers after learning he was not armed shoot him dead twice through the heart and twice on both hands.

After killing him they talked amongst themselves, once again according to my wife who overheard every thing they were saying from her hiding place in the bath room, that they had been ordered to take all documents belonging to Kayiira as proof that they had killed him. But in their haste to take these documents they also took mine including my car registration card. We however found these abandoned in banana plantation next morning but there was no trace of Dr kayiira”s documents. The majority of the attackers were dressed in NRA uniforms while others were dressed locally.

Suspicion immediately fell on NRA soldiers when on the Saturday morning as hundreds of people were flocking my house to view the body of Kayiira which was still lying in a pool of blood in his bedroom. Two soldiers one claiming to be coming from Lira in Northern Uganda and the other claiming to be from Lubiri army barracks in central Kampala claimed they had received the news of Dr Kayiira’s death as early as 5a.m. The soldier who claimed to be from lira told us he had received the news at 6a.m while returning from Lira.

The other one from Lubiiri army barracks said the soldiers in Lubiiri barracks had received news of Kayiira’s killing at 5a..m. At first we never realised the meaning of these different times of Kayiira’s death report. But as we were relating it to many other people/ including the Uganda police themselves/ we soon realised that the only people who knew about Kayiira’s death at 5am and 6am that Saturday were either us in house or Kayiira’s killers. We mentioned this fact to the police and we hope they followed it up.

On Saturday march 7, I asked the minister of internal affairs Paulo Ssemogerere whether it would be possible for the murder of Dr Kayiira. The minister agreed with the government to offer me protection following me that it would be better if I were given protection. SSemogerere made arrangements for policemen to guard our home and by the evening of that day two policemen armed with AK-47 machine guns arrived. They spent the whole night guarding us and left on Saturday assuring us they would be coming back that very evening.

By that time Dr Kayiira’s body had been removed from the house and taken to Mulago Hospital mortuary where it was later removed and kept at the medical school for embatment. On Sunday it was removed from the school and taken to Ggaba, to Dr Kayira’s sister. With my family and a handful of neighbours and relatives I stayed at my home waiting for police guard to arrive. By 9.30pm no policeman had turned up yet.

I immediately contacted the nearest police post at Kabalagala and it was there that I was told no arrangements had been made to avail me with security men that day, as far as they were concerned. Fear started mounting at home as the night deepened. After 10pm we decided to lock up the house and spend the night at Ggaba were Kayiira’s body was lying. At this place I met with Kampala district administrator, Commander John Kazoora and immediately told him about my fears especially the absence of the police security men I had been promised.

Guards’ presence

I told commander Kazoora that in my view, those who had killed Kayiira were likely to have been government enemies. I further told him, “If these people now return and shoot me dead, the government would find it quite difficult to prove it was not behind my death.” Kazoora agreed with me and said he was going to arrange for security guards to come to my house and there and then took off in his car. I waited for his return in vain and, with my family decided to spend the second night at Ggaba.

On Tuesday March 10 a memorial service was held at Rubaga Roman Catholic Cathedral. As hundreds of the people were filling past the body of Dr. Kayiira, a former minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Yusuf Lule government, Mr Robert Sebunya, went on the rostrum and asked me briefly to tell the congregation what had happened at my home during the attack. I was reluctant to do this as whenever I remembered the events of that Friday night.

I found it difficult to control my tears. But he insisted and I went on the rostrum and told the congregation that I agreed with the first news bulletin on radio Uganda that had given details of what had taken place at my home, But I told the congregation further, that I strongly objected to the version that was read on radio Uganda on Sunday march 8, giving a statement from the prime minister’s office in which he said the government believed that those who had attacked my home were simply robbers who had come to steal my money and who might have known the presence of that money in my house.

I further told the congregation that there was enough proof that those who attacked my home were far from having been robbers. ‘The government knows quite well that I always tell the truth. There were quite a lot of expensive things in the have taken had they been robbers I told them.. I was often interrupted by consistent applause from the congregation urging me to tell the truth and I conceded and explained everything as it had been during the attack.

Gombya narrates

But while I was giving this testimony in Rubaga cathedral/ I did not know that at that time that I was putting myself in an extremely difficult position which would later force me to flee my home country. Outside the cathedral as people were getting in their cars to escort the body to its final rest-place, friends of mine from the CID (criminal investigations department) headquarters Impala House/ Kampala approached me and advised me not to accompany the mourners to where they were going for the burial. Frankly speaking this threw me in a panic.

Mind you I had also realised that the police or the personnel had denied me protection although the Internal Minister had promised it. So at that time I had to find where to stay as I could not go back to my home. Finally, a friend of mine offered to put me in a car and from the church we drove right to his home. It was in this friend’s home that I stayed until I finally left Uganda but the three days I stayed there were nearly hell to me.

For while in hiding the military personnel went to my office in central Kampala and surrounded it. They placed armed soldiers at my office’s entrance and asked two reporters and other people in the offices where I was. The reason for the surrounding of my office was not given and one of the soldiers told somebody in my office that they wanted me to give a statement to the police about Kayiira’s murder.

When I was told this I knew there was something cooking. I had already given the written statement about the whole affair not mentioning the verbal statements I gave to the central offices including the director of CID Mr Mugamba, I do not know how many times. On Wednesday march 11, my contacts in the CID headquarters brought a very frightening message. They told me the CID chief had already finalised his statement to the President and his recommendation: Hold Henry Gombya immediately as first suspect! At first I thought this was a joke. But as the days went on several messages came to me from police sources advising me to seek protection from foreign embassies.

It was then that I called a friend of mine in the British High Commission, {Mr. Peter Penfold, and told him about the whole affair. Mr Penfold immediately turned down the request that I stay in his house until things cooled down. I agreed with him and I suggested I inform Minister Ssemogerere about my fears. This was on Thursday, March 12 and I went straight to his home near Ggaba very early that day.. Mr Ssemogerere expressed surprise that “anyone would suggest that I was involved in the killing of your friend”. As he put it, on that day when Dr Kayiira was killed Mr Ssemogerere was the only Cabinet minister who came to my house and saw Dr Kayiira’s body lying in a pool of blood. He told me he had been summoned to State House and told by the President that investigations into the murder of Dr Kayiira shall not be his responsibility and that he (Ssemogerere) should instead handle a group of people from Amnesty International who were expected in the country the following week. ” The minister promised he would contact the Inspector General of Police Mr Luke Ofungi to arrange for my protection. However, when I returned to my place of hiding things had turned from bad to worse. I must tell you here that to survive in Uganda , I have mainly depended on friends in the security services however expensive this has been to me.

Security intelligence

So the moment I got to my friend’s house this friend of mine from the CID was there and told me that my arrest was to take place any moment and that the security personnel had been ordered to start looking for me. I immediately sent my wife to the British High Commission and asked them whether they could by any chance have a car that was going to the airport the next morning.

Luckily enough they had one and on her return my wife purchased two return tickets for London mine in fictitious names. My wife had a lot of difficulties in getting a ticket in the names that did not appear on the passport.

But she soon got over this in her own way and returned armed with our tickets. But then trouble started when my friends including the CID said I would be arrested at the airport. We discussed a number of escape routes and all those present including my wife turned down the idea of getting out through Entebbe Airport . We started to panic, with my wife now in tears saying the only safe way was through the Kenya-Uganda border at Busia while our friends suggested I hire a boat through Lake Victoria that would put me on the shores of the lake at Kisumu. The arguments went on almost the whole night until I finally made up my mind that the safest way for me would be the airport. I reached this decision for mainly one fact, Earlier in the day I had contacted my BBC colleague in Nairobi Mike Wooldridge whom I told about my fears concerning my safety. I told Mike that I had received information from the Uganda CID that I would be arrested as a murder suspect. He found this difficult to believe until I told him I had been to Mr Ssemogerere’s house to brief him about this new development.

It was then that Mike volunteered to call Dr Besigye and find out from him whether I would really be arrested.. The answer he got from Dr Besigye was; I want to assure the BBC and Henry that we have no intention of arresting him nor have we even suggested he be suspected In any way in this killing”. Dr. Besigye further told Mike Wooldridge that I was free to go anywhere but added “He may be needed to give evidence”.

I had told Mike that the police had asked me to write a statement which I did and they had also taken a statement from my wife. I also told him that because I was still in a state of shock and especially because my wife was having nightmares ince the incident it would be better for us to go away for a rest and return to the country later on.. Mr Wooldridge replied that since Dr Besigye had assured me I was not wanted he did not see any reason why I should not rest.

Mike agreed with me that it would look like as if I was running away if I did not use the airport. Since in my heart I knew I was quite an innocent man who had just lost a great friend I did not see why I should try to leave the country as a criminal. My decision took everybody present by surprise! I remember some family friends even suggested that before I left for the airport it would be advisable if I consulted a “medicineman” first who would bless my trip. This I simpiy ignored as I had never used any “medicineman” in my life, Instead I knelt down and prayed for our trip and those we were leaving behind including the rest of my family.

The British High Commission lived up to their promise and on Friday 13 I was taken to the airport. We passed two roadblocks on our way to Entebbe and at each roadblock the diplomatic car stopped until it was waved on. At Entebbe we passed through the normal immigration procedures and had to wait at the airport for more than two hours before the flight took off for London via Rome .

Mind you I am quite a well-known man at the airport for I often leave the country and only a few people can say they do not know me. Immigration officials recognised me as did NRA officers who were checking the passengers. I told all these people that I was going for a brief holiday and even when I arrived in London I registered as a visitor with a sole purpose that if things cooled down for me and my wife would go back as soon as possible. In London , quite a number of people were interested to find out what had happened at my home.

I was interviewed on the BBC programme Talk about Africa and also the BBC TV programme News-night. But soon after my first interview the Uganda Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Ibrahim Mukiibi called the British High Commissioner in Kampala Mr Derek March to protest at what he called “the way your deputy helped a Ugandan journalist Henry Gombya to escape from Kampala”.Mr Mukiibi further told the British High Commissioner that I was “wanted” back in Uganda in “connection” with the killing of Dr Kayiira. Now all of a sudden the Uganda government had turned around and wanted me badly for the killing.

This immediately confirmed reports from my CID friends that all along/ the state was planning to arrest and was only bidding for the time. Before I left Kampala I handed a press release to newspapers giving my reasons for leaving the country. In the press release, I mentioned that although I had been forced by circumstances to leave the country I would be returning in a short time and also added “I remain loyal to the government as I have always been”.

The Uganda government’s protest to the British government has now changed all of that. There is no doubt “that if I returned to Kampala today only jail can save me from worse things. But now that the British government” has sent its CID officials to help the Uganda police in finding out who killed Kayiira I hope the truth will come out. Victoria Naava wife to Mr Gombya also recorded a statement which by and large replicated that of Mr Gombya in all material aspects. But of particular significance is the statement that she heard one of the attackers say; “that is the UFM man”.

The Investigating team also received evidence from some NRA soldiers from the 19th Battalion in Lubiri barracks which points to involvement of top NRA leadership and its lieutenants in the murder. According to these soldiers/ the murder of Dr Kayiira was planned days before his release. When the Directors of public prosecution (DPP) and CID jointly told government that there was no evidence to incriminate Dr Kayiira and several of co-accused in the alleged plot of treason this brief was received with a lot of reservations. The information obtained shows that the centre of operations for the said mission was the Central Brigade in Lubiri, Kampala .

Following protracted meetings commanders of the said Brigade detailed two NRA officers to carry out constant surveillance and trailing to determine where Dr Kayiira lived which people he moved with and which offices he frequented. The said commanders enlisted the services of one vicious NRA commander “Suicide Brewery” who was tasked to lead the operation. “Suicide Brewery” commands one of the NRA battalions in Northern Uganda,It was further revealed that “Suicide Brewery” led a group of 10 NRA soldiers who stormed the home of Mr Gombya ‘ on the night of 6th March 1987 and kilted Dr Kayiira. The group included one Magara who identified Dr Kayiira as the “UFM man”. “Suicide Brewery” fired the 1st bullet and the rest followed. In course of the investigations, the Inspector General of Police Luke Ofungi stated that the Uganda Police and the Department of Criminal Investigation Department (C.LD) had carried out preliminary investigations/ which included the use of sniffer dogs. The sniffer dogs led the investigators to the Central Brigade Lubiri as the place where the killers disappeared to after the killing. Otungi said he was shortly thereafter directed by authorities above him to hand over the investigations to the Directorate of Military Intelligence headed by Paul Kagame.

Efforts to get information from the said directorate were futile. It will be seen from the foregoing investigations that there are two hypotheses as to who committed the offence and the motive behind it; Conclusion: That it was a robbery that went wrong resulting into the killing of Dr Kayiira. That NRA functionaries were behind the murder of Dr Kayiira for political reasons. The first hypothesis is premised on the fact that there was a lot of money (Shs40million ) in Mr Gombya’s house on the night of the attack.

However, this option becomes untenable on the totality of evidence which indicates that the attackers went ahead to kill Dr Kayiira even when Mr Gombya had left some big sum of money in open space for them to steal and other valuable items which were left intact by the attackers. There was also no evidence that Dr Kayiira put up any resistance. In addition, Gombya who was the owner of the money and other property in the house was not the prime target as he was ignored by the attackers when escaping. On the strength of the evidence the motive of the attackers was very clear: they wanted to kill Dr Andrew Kayiira.

This gives credence to the 2nd hypothesis.. Submitted for information with a request that a copy of this report be forwarded to foreign and common wealth office for their information and that of British High Commissioner in Kampala and a copy forwarded to the Inspector General of Police Kampala, Uganda.

By Detective Chief Superintendent K.Thompson

http://www..newvision.co.ug/D/8/455/544078/kayiira

Otto fires back on Ssekindu’s inconsistences in Kayiira report

April 7, 2009 at 8:11 pm (Kayiira Death, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Mr Senkindu,

1/6 In you message below, you say: “….the report mentions nothing about what the former dog master has constantly been telling the public that that his soldiers(dogs) traced the killers to a certain army baracks where some stolen belongings to the assualted house were found. ….. how comes (SIC) that murder was planned not the baracks where the dogs traced them but rather somewhere outside?

2/6 However, there were reports that Dison Kopliano Oduttu the dog handler that claimed to have attended the Kayiira murder scene was never part of the investigation because he was on a 196-day leave and only reported back on duty on March 11, 1987, five days after the murder. Might you have any source of information on whether that claim by Police was ever refuted? If you do please, avail it to us at the forum.

3/6 I was also wondering whether you based your remarks on the dog handler on the interview of the same gentleman which the Monitor published in the edition of Tuesday 16 January 2007 or you had another source. If it is the latter, please do the needful.

4/6 Additionally, Uganda Police also claimed that they had only 31 dogs as of March 1987, and not 180 as claimed by Mr. Oduttu, the dog handler you refer to and of the 31 dogs, only two were trained in tracking, patrol and crowd control, 21 dogs were untrained and eight were puppies. Uganda Police further said they had no sniffers. I was just wondering whether you might have chanced to land on any source that disputed that claim by Uganda Police. It would give us interesting insights on how the police do their work.

5/6 In addition, Uganda Police made some claims on the Monitor interview of Affande Corporal Eddie Sande. They claimed that the Monitor were selective on parts of the Corporal’s interview that they published. That some of those accounts if published would have put into question the Affande’s sanity and therefore, credibility. Corporal Sande claimed in his interview with the Monitor that he was brain-washed and had ‘a chip inserted in his brain’ to erase his memory and that the chip was later removed and his memory restored in the US. Did you hear of any such information?

6/6 You ended by saying that, “Our only hope is that the murder file be reopened as soon the incumbent regime is wrestled on the ground. Otherwise before that, no truth will ever come out because I am pretty sure that even our corporal Otto knows more than he is feeding us per now.” All I can say is that, on this forum, we gain interest only in discussing issues that can offer us mileage with regard to speculation. As soon as facts or concrete hints emerge, we keep quiet or fly off on a handle to some new speculation. We never pay much attention to information that keeps emerging in open sources making one wonder about whether we have real interest in what we say here, or whether we are interested at all in knowing the truth. The cynicism and sarcasm that pervades many of our remarks is testimony. For example, even when many were saying that the Kayiira report was never made public, the fact is that it started circulating in the press ever since 1997. What Otto knows is What Robert Senkindu or anybody else would know if they were genuinely interested in these matters. Of course there are some of you that are in denial over those documents, or are opting merely to nit-pick them or to lengthily split hairs on inconsequential aspects thereof. That is us: UAH. Anyhow, here are the links to the report as published in the New Vision:

Scotland Yard releases more facts on Kayiira death, Thursday, 18th January, 2007

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/542752/kayiira

The real Kayiira report, Thursday, 11th January, 2007

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick
“THE SAME HEAT THAT MELTS THE BUTTER HARDENS THE EGG”

Ssenkindu answers Otto on ‘dog handler’

April 7, 2009 at 8:17 pm (Kayiira Death, POLITICS)
Tags: Robert Senkindu

Mr. Patrick,
Thanks for your observations concerning the embattled late Andrew Kayiira death. While his death is no mystery anymore in the eyes of the Ugandan gov’t as it is convinced that it caught the right suspects and brought them to justice, many of the deceased’s friends, relatives and family members are yet to be convinced that justice has ever been done. The latter still and will continue to believe that the gov’t had a hand in their beloved’s death. So Mr. Patrik don’t you think that for the benefit of public interest it would have made some sense for the case to be prosecuted by private lawyers instead of DPP who prosecutes of behalf of the Gov’t, the very Gov’t which in this case was supposed to be the second defandant? This contravenes one of the principles of natural justice which states that no man can be judge in his own cause.

That aside, in your observation you note with interest that the alleged dog handler, Mr. Dison Odutu, who claimed to have trailed the killers with sniffer dogs to a certain military baracks was actually on a 196 day and only reported back to job five days later after the gruesome murder, that is, on 11th March 1987, yet late Andrew was gunned down on 6 March 1987.Mr. Patrick the following, and I reproduce them, were the words of Mr. Dison when interviewed by Daily monitor.

“I remember we had four dogs; two led us from that building (Gombya’s house) up to Ggaba Road. I happened to have been in that group. And another group of two dogs tracked the road coming back to Makindye and they are the ones which went up to Lubiri [Barracks],” Mr Odutu said. He also suggested that Dr Kayiira’s murderers could have been soldiers and not robbers. “In fact, the scene was full of boot marks. Yes, the assailants were soldiers,” he said.

Source

http://www.workingdoghandler.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemid=1

My learned friend going by the words of Mr. Dison coupled with his background that he had headed the Uganda Police’s Dog section from 1962 to 1987, what kind of picture do you get from a man who has survived a number of bloody regimes? Was Mr. Dison in any way related to Mr. Kayiira so that he was induced to lie in favour of his family? Mr. Patrick emotions aside, we should give credit where it is due, so it is my conviction that Mr, Dison, a man who had served his nation deligently, surving political turmoil after political turmoil would have no interest whatsoever to make such false statements for the sake of the man he barely knew. Why?

Further more, given the sensitivity of the case, if it was true that Mr. Dison had made such statements whether maliciously or in a mistaken belief that he really thought that he had taken part in the investigations, the Uganda Gov’t would have been obliged to take a legal action against Mr. Dison but wapi…

Finally, you submit that if Mr. Dision really took part in the investigations as he claimed so why didn’t he refute the statement by the Ugandan police? Mr. Patrick, Uganda, unlike democratic nations, is a staggering democracy where no one can assured of full protection. Mr. Dison at his age has no interest in the case so I think has no reason to mess up with the giants. Perhaps that is how he has always lived his life, the very reason he has managed to overcome many nasty tsunamis.

In the mean time we are eagerly waiting to see if Mr. HG will succeed to get his unskewed SLY report, perhaps it will help us resolve the mystery.

The Day DP became UPC and riggers

April 12, 2009 at 12:33 pm (Kayiira Death, POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

DP members are trying to come to terms with DP 2007 blunders in a rather shabby way.They know that there is a report that was made public as the authentic Scotland Report. That you know very well. This report was first published in July 1997 in Uganda Confidential: 1997, 10 years before the DP blunder of 2007 (what should ordinarily have been called the “Kayiragate Scandal” of the DP)

DP members can only authoritatively assert that the report published by Uganda Confidential in 1997; that same one published by New Vision in 2007 were doctored if they can present to us the undoctored version. What people of DP did was to get the original report and considerably alter it for the sake of gaining political mileage from Dr Kayiira’s death to boost your flagging fortunes. That was the saddest day for Uganda because they then joined UPC in the ranks of the riggers. Deal with that shame, and nothing more!

That loss of integrity is what should be bothering DP supporters most instead of coming here on the UAH forum to “kwekalakasa” like some of them are doing. DP knows that they cooked up that “Kayiira report” of theirs and it put them in a lot of problems with government. This should be a moment for introspection on their part but not the rationalisation that they are succumbing to now.

Where do they base to say that Scotland Yard doctored its own report? Did one of the Scotland Yard people confide in DP that they doctored the report? Did they give them the undoctored version? Show it to us. Are DP telling us that the DP version was the undoctored version? What are they telling us?

Nobody here is worshipping Scotland Yard. The fact is that, they are the ones that carried out the investigation. Going by their report is based simply on that fact, and not because they are a deity. In fact if we check back in the records of 1987, you might find that Scotland Yard were invited on the insistence of DP. I only wish I knew who the interior minister was at the time.

Stop this talk of yours of ‘doctoring’ DP supporters! It does not help to erase your shame as a party. Just stop it.

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

Create jobs in Uganda to create market for goods?

April 12, 2009 at 5:14 pm (Finance, Money matters, POLITICS)
Tags: mulindwa Edward

Creating jobs in Uganda is what Uganda needs to focus on for those jobs will create a market in Uganda so that Ugandans buy those goods. We have a population of 30 plus million people, of what value are they if you cannot turn them into a market and then manufacture shirts to sell in the US? Ugandans create a company in Uganda to manufacture commodities that you can sell locally, and you do not have to raise the income of the people to a huge income but be able to sell at minimum 25 cents Canadian of worth to every Ugandan every month, you have a monthly income of 7.5 million dollars as an income. That is three Canadian dollars a year per Ugandan, that is all I am looking for. Now I am comming to Uganda for I have some thing sensible to do.

I told this story in another forum but let me repeat it just to drive my point home about the vitality of a home market.

Few years ago as we were talking with one of my friends here, we decided to tap into Uganda, we looked at its weather and we loved it we looked at the clean water supply we looked at the population and we decided to go for it. We flew to Uganda to investigate what we were going to do, and the best option we saw was to start a poultry farm. We came home and wrote a proposal to a Canadian bank to finance the investment we wanted to do in Uganda. All numbers and projections looked good, for we wanted a farm that had the ability to manufacture its own materials. The bank approved a very massive loan to be given to us in phases. So because the loan was huge we wanted them to deliver it depending on how progressing was the investment. And they were fine with that. A first phase of money was released by the bank and we were ready to go.

But here was the problem. When you get a loan from the bank you have put your name on the doted line and a credit is a very important thing in this society, so you must be ready to repay the bank or you will be doomed for life. We left the money into the bank and we flew to Uganda again. We needed a secondary study just to make sure this thing is not going to burry us. If I am to fly out of Canada to come and stay in Uganda for an investment, we had to have a farm to produce a minimum of 50,000 eggs a day. That gives us a minimum of 350,000 eggs a week or 1.4 million eggs a month. And the question became very basic, can Ugandans consume 1.4 million eggs a month? And that is only an egg for a million and a half of the population of 30 million, a month. The answer is no they cannot do so for they are too poor to buy it. Most of those 30 million people have kids that get an egg as a medication for she is coughing but not for a break fast. Yes we can get the money yes we can get institutions to help us yes we can fly in even our own veterinary doctor who will come with all his medication yes we can buy our own land and build our own farm yes we can fly in the damn chicks, I can get a cargo 747 to fly in the chicks at a phone call. But what do you do with a million eggs a month? And yet when you look at that project it is very enticing for I can increase the eggs production and use some of them to a different by product so in essence I am looking at expanding from eggs production to another final product, but all these expansions need a market. And I was not willing to use Uganda for its cheap labor but sell the eggs out of Uganda no I might as well become white and abuse the population, this is a diet Ugandans need why not produce it and sell it to them?

We flew out of Uganda and crawled back to the bank manager apologized to her for her time we so wasted and begged her to retract the money from our accounts with out a penalty.

AGOA was started in Uganda to manufacture clothes and sell them to North America. Tendo China Korea and India are manufacturing shirts and selling them in Toronto long sleeves at 5 dollars Canadian, and at that price you get a shirt with a tie. How the hell will an AGOA shirt sell in Toronto? I love pants of Alex by Daniel, why? I have no clue but that is what I wear and they are now sold at 35 dollars a piece if you are buying many you can get them at even 25 dollars. A bed sheet of 800 threads you can get at 25 dollars. Just know where you are going to buy and you will laugh. How will AGOA produce clothes to sell in North America when North American stores and factories are closing? It is as silly a proposal as thinking that you can send out beans to Ghana and get out blankets, no you cannot do a barter trade in Uganda for Uganda government per say does not have huge farms to produce those beans and you cannot make international deals based on Mwami Mulindwa might grow a sack today and two sacks next season. Ugandans do not grow food to get foreign exchange they grow it to get local money, and when Uganda government started to collect the beans from people, Bateso changed from growing beans to millet, you see they can use millet to make Ajono and get cash. Think people and critically !!!

Ugandans, this is where you and I must beg the NRMO supporters of today to understand some very basic things, those 30 million people need an income, we must create jobs jobs jobs jobs jobs and with those jobs a Ugandan can live in Amuru but be able to eat an egg, for that will mean I can come to Uganda set up a poultry farm in Kiwoko, but get several trailers to supply the Gulu location which will sell the egg to the Ugandan in Amuru. Now when I set up the farm in Kiwoko that is when I will need the road of Kiwoko Luwero bitumized for I will be paying the taxes to maintain it.

We need to start to think critically !!

Edward Mulindwa
Ugandan residing in Toronto/UAH forumist

Professional conference can help on Ugandan’s employment problem

April 12, 2009 at 5:33 pm (Finance, Money matters, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Dear Ugandans,

The way I look at things now, since we have squandered many opportunities to generate real jobs for Ugandans, I mean jobs that could have payed well over $15/hr; we have got to think bigger than the chicken and the egg as proposed by Mr.Mulindwa below.This goes to all political parties and our legislatures.

Here is my plan, I have my brother David Abe , who is the best plastics Engineer in the United states, brother Joel Kamya who is the best CEO we have in the USA, sister Kyazike who has worked in all stages of bio manufacturing, DR. Alex Asea leading researcher in biotechnology not to mention Dr .kakoma though I’m told he is not doing well leading Vet/Bio researcher. There is a fellow who works for Phillips from Uganda-who is the lead engineer in manufacturing optical computing buses, Dr. Bala who is the micro-array guru at Berkley for about $250K he could setup a new lab.

With folks like these in your arsenal, why would you still want to just grow eggs? other than for their nutritional value. We need a serious professional conference, sponsored by the government, inviting all these Gurus with paid tickets and accommodation to squarely look at the employment problem. Let us use some of that money given to useless lobbyists to bring real patriots that could get ugandans employed in Biotechnology, in electronics, in micro-fluidics, one such pill as viagra comming from a small country like Uganda could make a big difference.

Now you see why I talk about squandered opportunities here. A few years ago we visited one of the leading institutes of plastics here at UMASS-Lowell, we were given a red carpet treatment and tour by the head of the plastics institute, who told us that for about a three years salary to Rosa Whittaker, they could start a viable plastics program at one of our Universities-with training of instructors and a product that could employ thousands and bring revenue as well.

Like all Ugandans abroad, we got excited about the prospect of helping folks at home. We sent the proposal with an emissary to president Museveni, I personally called then the office of the leading plastics company to tell them of the deal and no one called back or responded. You all know how that story ends-the pretty face won! This lack of bite on any viable bait that we have put out there to create jobs over the years is so deflating to these serious well meaning -patriotic folks. If I were NRMO supporters like Egwea, I would ask my boss for just a few millions, good security, housing and other incentives to excite these professional folks to bring the bread home.

With that, I have to remember my Church Misionary Society roots and go to church.

On another note, with the eggs perhaps we could introduce to Ugandans this concept of the Easter Bunny, I might get some of your eggs sold off that way-good marketing ploy.

Tendo Kaluma

Ugandan residing in USA

Creating jobs can never be started from high end but from a lower end

April 12, 2009 at 5:48 pm (Finance, Money matters, POLITICS)
Tags: mulindwa Edward

Ugandans,

Mr.Tendo message below is pointing at a very problem we have in Uganda and about Uganda. Number one he is calling my project an “a just grow eggs” project. This project was to employ a minimum at least 800 Ugandans in Kiwoko. If I can get good paying jobs to 800 Ugandans not in Kampala but in Kiwoko I will have created a market for whatever you as a biochemist will be doing in Uganda, for it all has to come back to the market of Ugandans.

Creating jobs can never be started from high end but from a lower end. You cannot create jobs in Uganda paying 15 dollars an hour, there is no way you can do that. Yes you can do them in the line you are talking about but you will be taking very minimal Ugandans to have those jobs and that is not my target. I need jobs created at a lower end a people with jobs that require a minimum of education for they are massive and running all over the place. So kindly do not laugh at my project for trust me your Drs and directors have failed to work in Uganda because the government does not support those initiatives. Do you know why? Because they know that if that initiative would have worked they would have taken it up already any ways. The road to South Juba is being made today not to the advantage of Ugandans but to the advantages of Uganda governors that have hundreds of trailers that go to South Sudan, if the Movement had done a road with a purpose of helping Ugandans, surely we have hundreds of roads where trucks bringing in Matoke or other agriculture products find it hard to drive through, why not those roads but Juba road?

Uganda’s economy has been abandoned for very long and we must be very careful that we do not start this society from researching how to split up atoms. How can we start those industries when we cannot even assess the environmental problems that come with them. In the end we will start seeing a whole lot of diseases for a one doctor started Bio-manufacturing when other sectors that can monitor those industries are not anywhere in Uganda. Look there are things we manufacture in Canada but we need to send samples to the states or vice versa for these labs are so expensive to even start them all over the place. How much ground work has Uganda done to prepare for this high end jobs? Even a poultry farm of this size has environmental problems it can create that had to be considered yet it looks very basic plan.

So we need to slow down and start with things we can have a control on based on a simple fact that Uganda has been sleeping for thirty years under Museveni and Obote 2, and we start with sectors that can create basic jobs and jobs that can be monitored. And here is another one you are going to laugh at.

I want you to look closely at the transportation sector, all Great Lakes trailers go through Uganda to Mombassa every day and every night. What if we repair the railway system so that we have a very dependable freight train running from Mombassa to Kampala and Kasese twice a week? So a massive train departs Mombasa and it loads everything going to Uganda Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and South Sudan. It reaches Kampala and off loads everything to Uganda then it heads straight through into Kasese. Now we go to Kasese and we build a massive transportation hub that can accommodate all trailers coming from and going to all the listed countries. So a container going to Kigali is picked from Kasese as a one to Burundi and South Sudan. By building that hub you have done several things {a} you have taken all trailers off Uganda roads from Busia/Malaba to Western Uganda. You have made the roads safer and saved lives but you can transfer the funds that have been repairing these roads every two months to another project, a hospital a power supply something but I have just taken the monster of repairing the roads and accidents off the government hands. {b} A government now has a right to declare all roads in Buganda trailer less. {c} You have created an enormous numbers of jobs in Kasese to feed on this one hub, for they will need custom officers, clearing agents, transporters, loaders and off loaders from both the train and the trailers, you need motels for these people to live in, restaurants to eat in and so on. The spin off jobs I have just created in Kasese are in thousands that your so called bio chemists will not create in ten years. And how do I maintain Kasese with infrastructure? By introducing a fee of 100 dollars as a Kasese Town Council fee on every container leaving or coming into Kasese, and all cars imported there in.

But here is the best part. Some Banyoro will move to Kasese from Kampala to build themselves a chain of hotels to be used by these foreigners coming to take their containers. Many of our politicians become professional politicians for they have nothing to do with their time. A very reason Museveni collected them and took them to Chakamuchaka. REDUNDANCY.

Uganda’s problem is very large and we cannot attack it by reasoning as the Movementists, for anyone to think today that you can take a bio chemist in Uganda to create jobs, must be thinking as a Movementist that decides to create a barter trade without thinking about the ramifications. And by the way many Ugandans of that class have gone to Uganda started to work and have either ran out in the night or they have joined to steal things in Uganda. The guy that destroyed the post office corporation communication came from Toronto.

We need to think yes, but we need to think critically.

EM
Toronto

Don’t burry your people within or near capital cities

April 14, 2009 at 4:15 pm (CULTURE, Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: Robert Ssenkindu

Like in any sovereign land(democratic) public interest overrides individual interest. So being the legal owner of the land in question can’t stop the constitutionally delegated authority to take over your land if it is for the interest of the public.

Chapter 4 on Protection and Promotion of Fundamental Human Rights and Other Freedoms(1995) Constitution, under the subtitle of ” protection from deprivation of property” art 26 (2) (a) & (b)(i)(ii) stipulates that “26.(1) Every person has a right to own property either individually or in association with others. (2) No person shall be compulsorily deprived of property or any interest in or right over property of any description except where the following conditions are satisfied-

(a) the taking of possession or acquisition is necessary for public use or in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; and

(b) the compulsory taking of possession or acquisition of property is made under a law which makes provision for-

(i) prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation. prior to the taking of possession or acquisition of the property; and

(ii) a right of access to a court of law by any person who has an interest or right over the property”

Further Chapter 15 on Land and Environment, article 237(2)(a) (1995) constitution stipulates that “the Government or a local government may, subject to article 26 of this Constitution, acquire land in the public interest; and the conditions governing such acquisition shall be as prescribed by Parliament”

Again, Ch 227, s42 (1998) Land Act re-stresses those constitutional provisions above. On the contrary ss.43&44(1998) Land Act concerns control of environmentally sensitive areas.

There is also another section, that is, s45(1998) Land Act which concerns ‘land use planning and zoning’ in relation to Town and Country Planning Act (1951)T&CPA. SS.5& 6(1951)T&CPA address the situations when an area is declared for planning by the responsible Minister on the request of the local authority.

So Ugandans, as regards to your question as to what to do next by the agrieved party, he can appeal the decision , if unhappy, to the authority which has made it against him. In case of further disagreement,he can go judicial review.

One thing you should bear in your mind is that the rule of law is always distorted in nations with dictatorial tendencies(I am no sure if Uganda is one of them…hahaha). For instance any authority can maliciously invoke either a statutory or constitutional provision, if it were to be softer to you, to deprive you of any of your rights if it wishes to do so. However, if you detect any such malice, the burden of proof is on you to prove that you have been wrongfully deprived of your right(s). If you can prove that, then you have one more stumbling block to overcome, that is, the judge . Many people are of opinion that judges or judicial institutions in particular, in undemocratic nations are always hell bent to serve their employers. But that should not make you dispair because it is always better to try and err than not trying at all… what I mean is that no one should fear to have his case heard as a result of fear that s/he will no win it anyway.

Robert Ssenkindu

Ugandan Residing in Sweden

Amin,Hitler and Obote did good things for their countries and de world

April 14, 2009 at 4:48 pm (History, POLITICS, World history and politics)
Tags: Ahmed Katerega

Let me state that no leader of Uganda has not been with advantages and disadvantages. Even Obote whom we condemn so much, elevated Muslim from class D where the British had condemned us to class C. After 1967, Muslims became saza chiefs in Buganda other than BUTAMBALA alone. We had a Muslim Pookino. Even when Buddu was divided into several counties for many years the chief OF Kalungu was a Muslim. Chairperson of Public Service Commission Abduallah Anyuru was a Muslim. He was later killed on orders of Idi Amin. We had ministers like Shaban Nkutu and Barinda. Prior to 1965 formation of NAAM under Obote’s patronage, Islam was a Ganda affair. But a national organisation was set up which laid ground for formation of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council in 1972.

As for Amin, he represented the subalterns or down trodden with a chance of little western formal education where many of us have gone but have not even produced a needle. Read Kirunda Kivejinja who analysed the real class Amin represented including muslims who have been denied education,and political and civil service appointments. Despite his excesses where the victims included even my family, Amin benefited Muslims and no government has ever benefited them that way. Although the majority were Nubians and Sudanese, they were Muslims. That’s why when he died, Muslims organised funeral prayers and duwa after 40 years. Even Tablighs like Abbas Kiyimba, Imam Iddi Kasozi, attended.

As a Muganda, think about Obote ruling uninterrupted until his death! That would have been the worse. Amin weakened Obote that was why it was easy for NRM/NRA to sweep away the entire system.

Let me reiterate my position, no leader is entirely bad even if we have to remove him. Even despotic Kabakas like Kagulu Tbucwereke whom the masses deposed and Kiweewa and Kalema who reigh=ned when the legitimate Mwanga was still around, have their good part.

Uganda would not have been a member of OIC hadn’t Amin registered it in 1974, and International Islamic University in Uganda for Anglo- Phone would not have been stationed in Arua, Mbale, Kibuli and Kabojja.

Yes Amin was bad and ugly and he had to be fought, originally he was a stooge of CIA, Mossad, M15 etc… but he turned into a nationalist and Pan Africanist, but also with excesses as the rest if his contemporaries like Mengistu Haile Mariam.

The point was that Amin, just like Obote, are not entirely bad. They had their good side and their crisis aka revolutions may have ended nepotism in Uganda. However tribalism was still active. We should not condemn them wholly. However they should also have apologised for their excesses

Have you ever heard me condemning Adolf Hitler as an entirely bad person? Don’t l know that World War l contributed to the decolonization process? Please l am not among those who think that Hitler was entirely bad but l disagree with Fascism be NAZI , Mussolini’s, Emperor’s Franco’s, Portuguese or UPC.

Both World War 1 and ll contributed to the decolonization process. In the former Ugandans were divided between loyalists led by Sir Daudi Chwa ll and his brother Lt. Musanje, who participated on the side of the British and their allies, and resisters led by Gabriel Kintu, who crossed to German East Africa and fought on the side of the Germans and their allies. Had the latter won, the future of Uganda would have been complex as Apollo Kaggwa and a team of colonial chiefs would have been deposed. Chwa would have been spared because he was a true son of Mwanga, and on reaching majority age, he disagreed with his former regents. Since Egypt was un the Turko-Ottoman Empire, and the Sudan was Anglo-Egyptian, and both had an interest in Uganda, the situation would have been complex. Even Ugandan nationalists used to listen to the German radio. Go and ask Godfrey Lukongwa binaisa.

Buganda was the most advanced but even others were involved in both world wars .That is why we had veterans all over the country. Unlike elsewhere like Acholi where veterans like Tito Okello were retained in the army, in Uganda, veterans like Ben Kiwanuka were not. However that helped them to pursue other careers. Ben, who was a Court Clerk, went for law in South Africa and United Kingdom. These veterans were involved in 1945 and 1949 riots in Buganda and Uganda generally and in Mau Mau uprising in Kenya . But the colonial masters fought them left, right and centre, handed over instruments of power to colonial agents like Mitlon Obote. Yes Buganda could overlap, but others were also active.

But for my part, l can only say that those going to Kimaka and elsewhere for military training, at least l read in papers or view on T.V. or listen on radio, cut across. l remember my old friend Col. Fred Boogere was in Kenya Defence College before Kulayigye went there. Boogere wanted to retire but was not allowed. He is still in active service.

The good thing with Museveni and NRM/NRA is mass military training. No tribe, clan, family, sub tribe, religion, region, can monopolise political/military power in Uganda as it was the case in the past. The rest of the country will sweep them away as wild bush fire. No tribe can monopolise political/military power. It should have been the majority tribe, the Baganda. But they become a minority if the rest gang up against it and it has been before. So for others, it was only temporary because “tebamalaako,” be Luo, Sudanic. There was fear that Bantu Southerners, or Westerners, or South Westerners, , or Banyankore, or Bahima would not monopolise power. They can’t since the rest are the majority. Even if it can happen, it has to be temporary since the rest will gang up against them.

By the way, having one individual or two of the President’s relatives in government or army does not mean clan monopoly. Even you saw that almost all Nyerere’s sons were in TPDF and that one was a Mkombozi who spent two years in Uganda . But they were not noticed. Nyerere and Msuguri were village mates, but Nyerree did not use Msuguri to overthrow constitutions. Hadn’t Obote misused Amin and the Okellos, nobody was bothered with Northern domination of the military. Even if UPDF is Western dominated, (but that may be among Historicals but the faces l see are more from the east and the north as Baganda and Banyankore shy away due to low salaries), if it does not harass the population, people may not be bothered so much.

Ahmed Katerega Musaazi

Journalist/’UAH’ forumist

MIGINGO IS UGINGO AND IT IS IN KENYA

April 16, 2009 at 11:32 pm (Geography, conflicts)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Forumists,

1/4 I have scribbled out some comments on Ugingo, also called Migingo. What you will see is, that the Island is clearly inside Kenya territory and Uganda should have nothing to do with claiming it.

2/4 Ugandan authorities should move swiftly to deescalate the hysteria surrounding that island by withdrawing any claims thereto, and ensuring that elements of the Ugandan bureaucracy and armed forces and are withdrawn in an ordely and expeditious manner. Measures should also be taken to ensure that any strains in Uganda’s relations with Kenya are mended; but most importantly, to ensure that ordinary Ugandan fisherfolk that have made that island their base are protected from likely reprisals from those that have been incovinienced by the recent confusion, particularly the Kenyans.

3/4 References to surveying etc are redundant procrastination because that border was surveyed many decades ago and documents showing its alignment are available, not least the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Schedule 2 which categorically stipulates that, the Western-most point of Pyramid Island, itself located Southwest of Migingo or Ugingo is the border marker. In light of the fact that Pyramid Island is East of the border, and Migingo is East of Pyramid, there is no way Migingo can be in Uganda. We only make fools of ourselves to make such reckless claims when historical documents showing our territorial limits are available, and when facilities like Google Earth are freely available as a reference.

4/4 Please see my attached detailed views on the pseudocrisis, with satellite images that show the position of the border and Migingo. I have also attached for you the US Department of State International Boundary Study No 139 (August 27th 1973) on the Kenya-Uganda boundary..

That Island you are wondering about is Sumba Island which is mentioned in the second schedule of the Uganda constitution as the last island to the north before the border proceeds to the mouth of River Sio on the mainland.. This is what our constitution says about Sumba:

“From this point, the boundary continues following a straight line southwesterly to the most northerly point of Sumba Island; thence by the western and southwestern shores of that island to its most southerly point..”

By ‘this point’ is meant the mouth of River Sio.

Some people say: ‘…now if the dispute were with that one I would lend out an ear!’. I think they would be squandering their ears. As one can see from above, the border follows along the western shores of that island, therefore making all of it belong to Kenya.

The little speck right with in the campus (rt hand corner) is called Namulamia Island. Between Sumba and the Kenyan mainland, the stretch of the lake is called Sumba Channel.

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

Africa has never had a dictator

April 16, 2009 at 11:42 pm (POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

There is no leader in Africa that is a dictator, and Africa has never had a dictator. A dictator is an individual with a clear and urgent programme to implement and is convinced that subjecting his programme to unnecessary contestation means loss of time and failure to meet critical goals.

Tinpot despots and village autocrats do not fit in that category. A dictator says that within 5 years, this country must have a fully functioning Iron and steel industry and it happens.. You stand in your way at your own risk. He says that with effect from 5 years from now, this country will turn out 1,000 medical doctors per year. Adds on that with effect from now, the country’s agricultural system will start being transitioned from the subsistence to the commercial mode….and that this country shall stop depending on aid to fund 53% of its budget etc etc….stand in my way and I teach you a lesson…that is what dicatorship is.

To call Bokassa, Amin, etc dictators is to elevate them to a level that they could possibly never have belonged to.

Show me a dictator in Uganda, I will offer to be his houseboy, because then, I will know that it is the end of mediaevalism. As of now, ….

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

Don’t destroy cemeteries for new buildings

April 16, 2009 at 11:51 pm (CULTURE, Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

Dear Ugandans,

The government must not destroy Jinja Road cemeteries because they want to construct new business buildings.Graves are almost in all cities in the world. In the USA, Nevada has got old cemeteries and graveyards that have become tourist attractions. Many older cemeteries in Nevada have tour guides or park rangers on hand to provide details. Washington DC is another one where people tour some Civil War battlefields and cemeteries.. While in the Gulf Coast and New Orleans is a city where the dead, for centuries, have had to be buried in above-ground structures because the water is so close to the surface of this sinking city. If coffins are put in the ground, they will rise to the surface as the underground water pushes them up. We all watched these scenes during some Tsunami called Katrina when Bush was touring the city.

Anybody who attempts to destroy cemeteries is condemned world wide. France was the first to be condemned the time when they used to burn synagogues, terrorize Jews, profane their cemeteries. Jews also didn’t learn from their historical pain they suffered under the French and Russians as they also bombed 5 of the Palestine cemeteries in Gaza in 2009. Brother Saddam Hussein was another one that was also condemned when he destroyed Kurdish villages and cemeteries in 1987.

In Islam, the religion I follow, the dead and their wishes MUST be respected. That’s why caliphate Ali had to be buried in the now modern Iraqi city of Najaf because that’s what he wanted. Najaf is now considered so sacred by the Shiite Muslims. Ali was Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, adopted son, and son-in-law. He was killed in a mosque at Kufa, approximately 6 miles from Najaf. Prophet Abraham also visited Najaf while still alive and stated that those buried in Najaf would be guaranteed entry to paradise. So Ali had requested that, when he died, he be buried not in his capital of Kufa but rather in neighbouring Najaf.

In addition to Ali’s tomb, the Najaf city also boasts one of the world’s largest cemeteries, the Wadi-us-Salaam (” Valley of Peace “). Several Shiite prophets are buried there, and some believe that Ali himself endorsed the site as part of heaven. Shiites from around the world long to be buried there.

In 2004, Fallujah residents in Iraq decided to bury their dead in the city’s football stadium since cemeteries on the city’s edge could not be reached. This is the time when Bush and USA were relentlessly bombing them.

We are still a poor country and therefore we should not pay or lease for plots where we are buried as is the case in England.So , the dead should be buried where they wish and their wishes must be respected by the state. Well, Obote wanted to be buried in Uganda and he got his wish. Why not us? We are all going to die some day and personally wish to be buried anywhere near the city where Muslims and my kids can easily access my grave to pray for me. I hope to organise this when I’m still alive inishallah(God willing). I pray that nobody plays around with shifting my grave mbu I’m near the city.

Byebyo ebyange

Abbey.K.Semuwemba

Uganda is a pervasively violent society

April 18, 2009 at 3:39 pm (POLITICS, military)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Ugandans,

1/7 Interpersonal and intergroup group violence is so pervasive in Uganda that, what we see as torture in safe houses is just an aspect, if not a secondary or even tertiary symptom of a much bigger disease.

2/7 Those so-called state agents are not imported from mars. They are brought up in homes where spouses barter their partners. Many of those characters have seen their mothers being tortured by their fathers. Many have had their lips scalded by mothers when two grains of sugar were seen there….’ambye sukali wange’. Many have grown up in homes where the husbands/dads are terrorist beasts, who, when they return in the evening after their war gin (waragi)/tekwe/foot-and-mouth drink (mwenge bigere) sessions, every body hides under their beds. Even the geckos and mice of the home scamper for cover because they know the husband is back.

3/7 The head teachers of the schools behave exactly the same way as those husbands…terrorists who cane the lights out of their pupils. Even the parish priests/sheikhs behave in the same way: they abuse and torture their flock…we have seen some in the news that sodomise young men in their flock. The nurses in dispensaries will whip the kid that is scared of the quinine injection, or scared of the pain of having a fracture set without anaesthetic…torture in itself. So torture is all around! One of the modes of correcting wrong doers in Uganda is by killing them. You have 5 instances on your law books in which you reform wrong doers by killing them. Every now and then you hear people saying: kill defilers, kill child sacrificers, kill embezzlers, kill reckless drivers, kill witch ‘doctors’. Civilians kill each other daily in frenzies of mob justice…they kill even the goats and chicken and banana plantations of victims of lynchings. If you are so liberal with “Kill”, why can’t you torture? When you torture you are being nice, in fact.

4/7 What we are experiencing is what psychologists call “horizontal violence”. When mice are trapped in a cage and they fail to find a way out, they start biting each others’ tails and ears off. By the time they are freed, they are even too weak to run away. When the oppressed bite each other, instead of biting their oppressor or the cage trapping them, that is horizontal violence. When they bite the cage in order to free themselves, that is called vertical violence…liberation. Ugandans, like all entrapped organisms have opted for horizontal attacks on each other….Kony cutting off ears of fellow Acholis in order to overthrow YK Museveni (and then a genius like Mr Mulindwa rationalizing or white washing Kony’s action by saying it is Kabaka Mutebi doing that)…all that is horizontal violence.

5/7 When you recruit someone from such a social context into the armed forces, what you have is someone who knows only one mode of interpersonal interaction: inflicting pain. Such a person will not disappoint. As they say, when the only tool one knows is the hammer, everything starts to look like a nail…even politicians will use the hammer as their campaigning symbol….Ssenyondo! In that setting, when you blame only the violence of so-called state agents, then you will say, burn the houses like Ms Rehema. When I place Ms Rehema in a clinic, I see her giving the prescription for headache as: Rx “cut off the heads” qid!

6/7 Bottom line, Uganda is a pervasively violent society, and the security agencies are just a perfect mirror image.

7/7 I will later make comments the use of despotic power by states that lack infrastructural power…that also explains the resort of unorthodox means of extracting information from suspects.

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

All Ugandans have to do a self evaluation

April 21, 2009 at 5:13 pm (POLITICS, World history and politics, conflicts)
Tags: Tendo Kaluma

Fellow Ugandans,

All Ugandans have to do a self evaluation, similar to what the American intelligence operatives are going through now-in light of the new administration policy against torture. One should decide on a degree of usability upon request from their boss, and say can I do that dirty bidding/work for you my president. We should learn how to stand firm against requests that compromise our self worth. Any requests that violates our senses of political correctness, borders on basic human rights abuse and requests that push one to take innocent lives directly or indirectly, if put in an uncomfortable awkward position, learn how to resign. I guess the question that never ran in the minds of many that we accuse today of gross abuses of human rights is What if they were on camera-how would they have wanted to appear on the evening news. Excoriating these individuals as icons of evil and simply throwing their names around, is not enough, we have to do better than that by ask the relevant question, What turned these good men into evil beings, capable of doing such evil things to sometimes their neighbours or family.

We have to dissect their Psyche, and gauge what sort of pressure is placed on a Ugandan government official, to cause them to carry out such evil bidding in the interest of the many. It pertains to not only Ugandan officials, but to those who carried out Hitler’s bidding in Nazi Germany. We need to do this analysis, because the next time around it could be anybody for that matter- faced with such a gut wrenching decision, how would we react?.

We need to know, that we the people of Uganda from hence forth, have established self constrainst and semaphores or a mechanism, that would stop dead future and present leaders from repeating the mistakes of yesterday. We are teaching our kids(future generations about problems of our past), ethics and constraints of this nature.

Tendo

Museveni has destroyed Uganda embassies abroad

April 23, 2009 at 1:50 am (Finance, POLITICS)
Tags: mulindwa Edward

Ugandas at Heart,

Uganda has been known internationally for being an African state with the state of the art embassies. All Uganda embassies you would visit you would not believe that this is a Uganda property for Uganda is a very small country. Through nationalists especially Obote we moved from renting embassy properties to buying them and in cash. And we bought in only Porsche areas.

In UK for example we bought on Trafalgar square. Do you know who else had an embassy on Trafalgar Square? Canada and United States. And the crane for a very long time was flying right between the stripes and stars and the Maple Leaf. And than is the Uganda the nationalists built for you. Go to Moscow you will be surprised at the property we own. Paris, Ottawa, Copenhagen on and on,

In fact it was Iddi Amin who raised the bar way high, he came to Manhattan and instructed a construction company to build a Uganda house, and they did. But all wood to be used had to come from Uganda and so the Omugenzi Uganda Air Lines was instructed to turn one air craft into a convertible air craft to be used both as a cargo and a passenger flight. Ugandans constructed the doors and all wood amenities in Kampala and loaded them to head to Manhattan. The wood in this building is Mvule tree. When Uganda House was finished it was a state of the art, and The UN took it immediately to be used as their head quarters. In fact Uganda house has housed the UN headquarters until when you lunatics came to power and failed to maintain the building that the UN decided to build its own head quarters near by Uganda house.

Try Havana you will love it, Nairobi is bought as well, I think that was even bought in Obote two if my memory is good. And yet we didn’t only purchase the office premises but we went into the most expensive properties and we bought the residencies of the ambassadors. Uganda owned/Owns, and I must use those two terms for some of them are being sold as we speak to no Ugandan’s knowledge, the embassy with the managers residencies and offices of all Coffee Marketing Board chair men or call them representatives, as in Morocco, New York, London and so on. All these created the stock of Uganda’s foreign property. And that is what sells the Uganda state internationally for it has a damn crane on a mast.

When the Movement came to power tragedy struck. All properties were abandoned yet monies were allocated to maintain them, Manhattan started to see bulbs and doors being sold off for the foreign workers were not getting salary from Kampala. The current Uganda ambassador in Rwanda who I think is a member of the ‘UAH’ forum was one of the people that were selling off those bulbs. And I do not blame the man for he reached a point to be a security guard on a mall for he was not getting salaries from Kampala. We destroyed our own property. But in Kampala they were busy trying to sell it off, in fact I have at two times blocked the sell of that building by simply getting a lawyer and registering a debt on the property. If you are in New York go to a real estate agent and ask the history of than property you will see the block I registered on it. If they manage to sell it today it will be for we as Ugandans have simply given up but the days we are comming from we are glad for we have saved some of the Uganda properties out here from the Rwandese in Kampala that see any and every thing as for sell.

The city of London has threatened many times to sell off Trafalgar Square for we are not maintaining it and we are not paying city bills, France has been threatened, Moscow has been threatened, I visited the embassy in Ottawa and I swore to never ever go into it for it looks terrible, they turned it into half rental units and I saw burnt cooking pots in a room next to the ambassador’s office it was unbelievable sight. The one that made me chuckle was the Paris one for we stood opposite it and I took a time to look at our flag and this flag I think had taken 5 years with out comming down so the cloth stood between green. black and brown, but the wind had torn it in half that when you looked at the crane on the flag, the head would swing to the left when the ass is swinging to the right. Man I stood and bowed to the Gods that created the Movement. they are powerful Gods.

But this is the most important paragraph I want you to read. Even those embassies that are still running, embassies like London and Manhattan they are directly funded by Rwandese government. If you pull the Rwandese government from those embassies today, Uganda’s foreign service will stall. They pay the maintenance and the bills for example when Uganda was paying the bills London many times lost heating in winter, but today they are heated thanks to Kigali. Transportation is Kigali, you see when we buy cars in these embassies, foreign officers come here and use them and they instruct the vehicles to be shipped to Kampala to be used for they look good. I remember a foreign officer that instructed an old Mercedes Benz to be shipped from new York to Kampala, this was an old car that he would even get at cheaper price in Kampala than the money used to ship it.

The government some of us are looking for is a government that must start by taking some very tough decisions. the building of Uganda must start from home not from abroad. The time when we needed those properties were UPC times when we had a developing country, for example Luganda books were stalked into Paris embassy library you would go in and read, but if we cannot even get them from Kampala what is the use, so we do not need all these properties.

This is what the new government must do. Register all Uganda foreign properties and hand them to a reputable real estate agency to be rented out to public. use the money from those rentals to maintain the buildings but to pay for our foreign service as well. You still will get more money handed to Bank of Uganda as un-used funds. Hold those buildings with two options, re using them as embassies if we can raise Uganda from the dead at a later time or prepare our selves to sell them off. But close thousands of embassies, honestly why do we need an embassy in Kigali ,Nairobi, Bujumbura Kinshasa? You do not need those embassies for every thing they do can be done by a single powerful ministry of regional cooperation or tell me why you need a minister of regional cooperation and another for foreign affairs. Close the embassy in Ottawa and Manhattan and use Washington to cover the entire North and South America including the UN. Close all European embassies except UK France and Germany. The one in China must take all Asia Australia NewZealand included. We have the technology and communication is simple why don’t we get a staff that can travel across Europe in mere hours?

But do two things as well, when you close these embassies create business centers for example in Toronto and Vancouver to coordinate with Washington embassy. Business centers are ran by Uganda friends, a friend establishes an office at his place of work and puts in a phone line fax line and email dress only committed to Uganda affairs. Campbell did that for Canada in Uganda Bata many years, we have Lukabyo I think is the name in Canberra that is a friend to Uganda and runs Uganda affairs.

In other words all embassies and locations must prove that they are economically viable to raise the money for Uganda that covers their being operational I do not want to see any embassy getting money from Kampala so the services you gain for Uganda must be calculated into monetary form to pay your existence or Uganda does not need you in that city as a representative and good bye. I am going to write a piece of a great need of small scale industries in Uganda thus we need an embassy in Japan China India and Singapore to target those little technologies. If we start good I would start by opening up one in Germany as well but not for now. Joshua Kato I have just demonstrated the failures of this incompetent government, I have posted you the solution and an immediate solution. Respond by posting how the movement has improved the state at home or internationally. Let us kindly put into perspective the wider picture, at home and internationally.

EDWARD MULINDWA

Toronto

Uganda is better now than it was under Obote and Amin

April 23, 2009 at 2:02 am (POLITICS, PRESIDENCY)
Tags: Joshua Kato

Ugandans,

look at this, and we shall either agree or accept to disagree, but as far as i am concerned, Uganda is better now than it was many years ago.

1) In 1986, we lined up for basics like sugar, salt, tea etc because the factories were no longer producing. Today you can buy these basic items from the remotest part of the country.

2) In 1986 we had 1 television station, now we have 25!

3) In 1986 we had 36,000 phone lines, all of them fixed in towns. We now have 10 million phone lines!

4) In 1986 we had one university teaching 1,500 students every year, we now have 30 universities teaching 110,000 students every year.

5) In 1986 around 2 million pupils went to primary school, we now have 7 million pupils in primary school.

6) In 1986 there was only two TV sets in my village, now 4 out of 5 homes in my village have got a television set.

7) In 1986 we had one radio station, we now have 200 radio stations in the country.

In 1986 we had 15,000 vehicles in the country, there are over 700,000 vehicles now.

9) In 1986 Kampala was the famed city of 7 hills, it has 20 hills today.

10) In 1986 the construction industry was growing at 1%, it is now growing at 15% annually and there are examples to see.

11) In 1986 Karuma-Arua road was murram, it is now tarmac, Busunju-Hoima road was murram, it is now taramac, Mityana-Mubende, Fortportal-Kasese was murram, it is now tarmac, Mbale-Tirinyi was murram, it is now tarmac, Mbrara-Kabale was murram, it is now tarmac etc…

12) In 1986 you had ‘22′ district hospitals, you now have a health center at every sub-county.

Joshua Kato

Newvision Journalist/UAH forumist

Kenya has no lake worth writing home about

April 23, 2009 at 9:14 pm (Geography, Land matters, POLITICS)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Ugandans,

The trouble with Migingo is, that you are dealing with artisanal fisherfolk (the equivalent of your small holders..the peasants and the balaalo)…they are the peasants of the waters. They are not even a community as such. Migingo, the rocky acre is just a beachhead for fishing deep inside Bugiri.

The portion of Nalubaale that belongs to Kenya is too shallow for meaningful fishing and this is what YK Museveni has observed, when he emphasizes the point of the waters to the West of the islands. If the brothers in Kenya insist on strict policing of the borders then they will take Migingo, but it will be useless for them, especially if Uganda reciprocates by saying: keep out! Kenyan fishefolk can only fish in Bugiri. Kenya has no lake worth writing home about. Migingo is only useful as a beachhead for fishing in the deeper waters of Southern Bugiri and Mukono, bordering with Tanzania. That is where they get all the fish from.

Note that, the bit of Nalubale that belongs to Kenya is too muddy for fish to thrive. From the bit of military geography of that area that I remember, there are are about 12 rivers that drain into Kenya victoria, depositing a heavy load of soil from the highlands West of the Rift Valley. Fish can not live there…except may be a bit of Nile Perch. When Nile Perch (which thrives in shallower waters) was introduced in the lake smaller species like tilapia took cover in the deeper waters where NP could not venture (hence the unscientific myth that NP had finished tilapia….the latter run into exile deep in Bugiri and Mukono)

Those Kenya islands are in fact peaks and crests of the portion of the Kenya highlands that borders the lake. When you look at the contours of Pyramid Island and the Island east of Migingo, all you see is that, land was submerged at the birth of Nalubaale but the peaks of some hills were too high to be covered completely by water. The largest of the Kavirondo islands, Mfangano is just the tip of a mountain, as you can see in the attached images.

Solution: final solution to small producers…the lake peasants, like I have been agitating for the land peasants.. Let fishing go industrial, deploy a couple of industrial trawlers in Bugiri…some of them can even be the size of Migingo…you know…which catch, process, pack and freeze the fish ready for export. Let us enforce the borders, as Kenya wants, and we keep their fisherfolk out of Uganda waters that they survive in. As you can see from the topography of the area, their waters are too shallow for industrial trawlers. They would as soon close all the 13 or so fish processing plants on their shores of Victoria. I would even put sonar in our trawlers to call up all the fish from their shallows.. They would not win. That would be the end of fresh water fish for them, especially as L Turkana atrophies as a result of Zenawi’s the hydropower project further up in the Oromo valley.

The Migingo hysteria is no different from the balaalo issue, and the small peasants in the crop farming areas: being stuck in small timer production. Actually YK Museveni has already looked beyond the hysteria of the rocky acre and identified the centre of gravity of the little quarrel: the deep waters of Bugiri and Mukono. He is laughing at those who think the rocky acre is the decisive factor.

My interest in telling Uganda to get their hands off that rock is first it belongs to Kenya a fact that we want to ignore, and secondly, it does not really matter for some one that is determined to harvest fish from that pond called Nalubale. Uganda, go trawler.

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick

MPs should demonstrate against the ’shut up’ president

April 25, 2009 at 2:33 pm (PRESIDENCY, legal issues)
Tags: Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba

Dear Ugandans,
Last time I read about a politician telling another politician to shut up was in 2003 when senator JohnMcCain told ex-presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter to “shut up!”. The two had become regular critics of the Bush presidency. McCain defended himself on radio stations by saying that there was an unwritten rule that ex-presidents are supposed to keep their mouth shut about the conduct particularly of national security affairs, by the people that succeeded them.

However, with what president did by telling MPs to ‘shut their traps’ because they disagreed with him over something, it is very sad for a developing democracy in Uganda. There is nothing more patriotic than criticizing the sorry state of affairs we now have in the State House. His decision to stand by the IGG may be right but at the same time he is obliged by the constitution to respect the legislative arm of the government without interfering in their work. If President Museveni goes away with this and I suspect that he will go away with it, all the more than 300 MPs will lose their credibility in the public eyes. Let the MPs do some ‘peaceful demonstration’ against the president’s present character and the way he is handling things

Whether Museveni is right or wrong we are soon gonna find out from the constitutional court. All I know is that the attorney General’s opinion is supposed to be legally respected by the executive according to the 1995 constitution of the republic of Uganda. So in this case, unless Museveni has got two AGs then this needs to be clarified. AG gave his opinion on the IGG issue and his opinion gave these MPs a base where to challenge the president.

I’m however happy that this issue has taken another twist and it ended up in the constitutional court(CC).The CC will eventually define the duties and functions of both the appointing authority and the parliament so that those entrusted with power know exactly what they are supposed to do.

Nevertheless, we should remember the opinion of Justice Wambuzi during the past constitutions when he said that parliament has the power to pass any law (so long as it follows the right form and procedures). The absolute power of parliament to legislate on any matter has also been recognised by the British courts for a long time, as sir William Blackstone also gave an opinion:’ what the parliament does, no authority upon earth can undo……..it has sovereign and uncontrollable authority in the making, confirming, enlarging, restraining, abrogating, repealing, reviving, and expanding of laws-concerning matters of all possible denominations, ecclesiastical or temporal, civil, military, maritime or criminal…..’’

Another English legal expert, Dicey also wrote that: ‘parliament has the right to make or unmake any law whatever. Further, no person or body is recognised by the Law of England as having the right to override or set aside the Legislation of parliament.’’ I’m not sure how it is specifically stated in the Uganda constitution but all I know is that the opinion of the AG should be respected by the president and this is where we are at the moment. Whether these MPs are still being followed by the 2005 ‘ghost’ of the shs.5m each up to now, this is the time to fight that ghost by doing a ‘peaceful demo’ against Museveni’s the state of affairs in the state house.

Abbey.K.Semuwemba

Museveni is right to tell MPs to ’shut up’

April 25, 2009 at 2:38 pm (PRESIDENCY, legal issues)
Tags: WB Kyijomanyi

Mr Semuwemba:

You are serious a commentator but this time you let us down. MPs knew what they were getting into when Hon Otada speaking on behalf of the embattled appointments committee issued ultimatum to YKM.

If the MPs are so sure of their good deeds, they should resign at least from that Committee. So far no one has quit. We need to know the entire composition and fully, yes fully mock them. You bet the money they claim for sitting in that committee is too much for them to quit. MPs in Uganda put money above everything. They must have fought to get on that committee. Will they voluntarily quit?

Mr Semuwemba many of the MPs were rigged in with YKM’s help. Do you really expect them to bite the hand that gave them passage to 10 million monthly jobs? Former MPs in Uganda are literally grassing and the current chaps know that.

I will tell you what, some of the MPs are panicking that the IGG wil soon go after them. Stay tuned.

Please do not have any sympathy for MPs. Once again, who was it that let Justice Faith Mwondha keep two jobs? I told you that she is still a judge of the High court who will simply move back to the High Court for redeployment should the IGG thing elude her.

Who knows she may even end up on the anti-Corruption court where she would wield some real powers. MPs should be carefully what they wish for.

Yes, the case has ended up before the Constitutional Court. That is the favor the IGG has done the country. This may be the first case where the President has sworn an affidavit in case challenging the AG and Parliament so it is a big case.

You are wrong to argue that the AG’s opinion is supposed to be legally respected. The President has the legal right to refuse wrong legal advice from his or her AG. That is the case in this particular case.

This case is not about the powers of parliament to legislate. Actually the case is about constitutional interpretation which is why the IGG’s instance on going to the CC is the best solution. Let the Court determine.

I am going to differ with you and many others who have sided with parliament on this one. If you think hard and long, it is the IGG who has saved the country any crisis if you may call it that. MPs were interested in public show with their threats to resign until YKM told them to shut up. Why shut up? Because they had no clue what they were talking about.

Mr Semuwemba I hope you have not bought into the notion that Uganda’s parliament is right. It has been more wrong than right. Their batting average on serious constitutional cases is nil. Zip. Nada.! They have never gotten on base.

Now here is a question to ponder about: what should happen should the petitioners win their case before the CC and Supreme Court as the case will certainly be appealed there? We shall find out. As they say “eyewwa ezomumba…”

When this is done with, President Museveni should do Uganda a favor and hire himself a senior lawyer as his legal adviser instead of mediocre fresh graduates from law school who cannot advise him properly.

We are still waiting for sections of opposition to weigh in. What we know so far is that the Leader of opposition weighed and sided with parliament. He had to since he is one of the members of the appointments committee. Whether that is the FDC position remains to be seen. But weigh in they have to.

I bet you that by the time this interpretation is done, parliament would have lost not once but twice.Twice because the CC will not bring finality to the matter. That will have to be the Supreme Court of Uganda.

Parliaments acts on behalf of the executive so who will have to bring the motion to amend the constitution? A private member’s bill passage in Uganda or for that matter in any parliament is not simple. And even if the MPs were to somehow marshal enough votes to pass the private member’s bill, YKM will still have to have the final word. He is the only person who can sign bills into law.

The moral of this is that parliament cannot afford to antagonize other branches of the government. I suppose they are thinking along your lines that they dwarf other levels of govt. If that is the mentality, it is a wrong move.

I wonder whether picking confrontation on what looks so simply to rational Ugandans was worthy the fight? Was the re-appointment of the IGG such a big deal to warrant this?

Had Justice Mwondha served as IGG, then left for another stint to the Judiciary and re-appointed as IGG after being away for some time, I would understand. But the lady Justice’s term was extended or re-appointed. I guess lawyers will be arguing about the meaning of re-appointment or extension.

If the teachers whop taught Makerere University students cannot agree, one wonders what they are teaching their students then?

If parliament loses, then the AG, The Hon Speaker and all members of the appointments Committee must resign. No other way about it.

BTW, the IGG did not petition the CC. A group of 22 did under the leadership of EALA MP Ms Kawamara. The IGG only swore an affidavit.

That parliament has some very senior and bright lawyers but they all sat kimya as the appointments committee escalated the tempo. Where was Hon Kawanga’s voice? where was Hon Wacha’s voice? Where was Hon Erias Lukwago’s counsel? That is what happens when sober voices cede ground to non-experts.

Let the Courts decide. I suppose the case will be heard by a full slate of 5 judges not just 3, you tell us.

It is money for the smart legal folks in Kampala and I suspect all the big hitters will be on this one given the stakes. For parliament it is do or die literally. If they lose as I am projecting, kwisha which is why one wonders whether it was wise to grandstand on what seems obvious.

Smart people do not squander their political capital and credibility on easy cases. But we are talking about the 5million Ugandan parliament here.

WBK

DP Activisit residing in USA

MPs are legally right on the IGG issue

April 25, 2009 at 2:42 pm (PRESIDENCY, legal issues)
Tags: Robert Ssenkindu

“This case is not about the powers of parliament to legislate. Actually the case is about constitutional interpretation which is why the IGG’s instance on going to the CC is the best solution. Let the Court determine.”

Mr. WBK,
It is only parliament and partly gov’t where subdelegated (statutory instruments)by the parliament to both make and unmake national(not talking about other subdelegated local laws)laws. The role of the courts is only to interpret those laws pursuant to the ’spirit and intendment’ of the legislators, so this means that parliament is supreme over other public institutions.

If you read well about Ch 13, Arts 223-232(1995) Constitution, nothing it suggests that IGG doesn’t have to go through similar procedures of (re)appointment upon expiration of her first tenure. Moreover ‘reappointment’ itself means that your previous term has expired and ‘if’ reappointed to start a ‘ a fresh one’. The word ‘fresh’ probably means something new, which implies that if you are starting something new you have to start from the basics, the basics which in this question would imply IGG going through similar procedures as before. However, if the framers of the constitution perhaps expressly used ‘ the phrase ‘automatic extension’ upon good achievements,then legislators would probably be wrong to go back on their words to call IGG, as they are doing now, to be re-vetted.

Mr. WBK courts are always inferior before the lawmakers because their role is only to give meaning to the words of the lawmakers and that is well known by Mwondha herself. This brings us to the conclusion that the CC is likely to rule in favor of the legislators. On the one hand if it were to rule in favor of the claimant, that is IGG, the lawmakers still have the constitional right to amend the part of the law which is ambigeous, the right which the courts don’t have.

In UK for example if any citizen brings to court a claim that a law made by the parliament infringes his right in regard to the now Human Rights Act (1998), an Act which was correponds to the European Convention of Human Rights(1951), the only role of the Court is to declare, if it finds the piece of legislation to contradict the aforementioned Act or convention, incompatible. However, incompatibility in itself means nothing at all because the law is still in application untill parliament decides otherwise.

So my learned friend, I aware that you are fond of the lady cos of her profound achievements(positive) speficially in such an extremely horrible environment……but but but…. why is it hard for her to go through a simple thing? Mr. WBK ,how about M7 advancing similar argument that he doesn’t have to go back to the electoral commission for vetting and nomination because the constitution is also silent about sitting leaders? would that set a good precedent?

Unless the parliament is undermined by the judges, IGG is unlikely to win this case at all judicial levels. As I have noted earlier, should, on the other hand, the ruling be in favor of IGG the parliament still has a right to remedy the situation. Let us just have eyes widely opened and see what the courts will have to say.

As regards passing of the bills and the president being the only legitimate person to assent them, Mr. WBK, a bill can still become a law with or without his assent. Article 91 on the Exercise of Legislative powers state the following:

“(5) Where the President returns the same bill twice under paragraph (b) of clause (3) of this article and the bill is passed for the third time, with the support of at least two-thirds of all members of Parliament, the Speaker shall cause a copy of the bill to be laid before Parliament and the bill shall become law without the assent of the President.
(6) Where the President-
(a) refuses to assent to a bill under paragraph (c) of clause (3) of this article, Parliament may reconsider the bill and if passed, the bill shall be presented to the President for assent;
(b) refuses to assent to a bill which has been reconsidered and passed under paragraph (a) of this clause or under clause (4) of this article, the Speaker shall, upon the refusal, if the bill was so passed with the support of at least two-thirds of all members of Parliament, cause a copy of the bill to be laid before Parliament and the bill shall become law without the assent of the President.
(7) Where the President fails to do any of the acts specified in clause (3) of this article within the period prescribed in that clause, the President shall be taken to have assented to the bill and at the expiration of that period, the Speaker shall cause a copy of the bill to be laid before Parliament and the bill shall become law without the assent of the President.
(8) A bill passed by Parliament and assented to by the President or which has otherwise become law under this article hall be an Act of Parliament and shall be published in the Gazette”

The thing is Uganda is a struggling democracy where the rule of law is no strictly adhered to. For instance the constitution puts the age limit of any aspiring president to something between 35 and 73. General m7 is now, was it 60?, however don’t be surprised that he may rule beyond the constitutional limit if Allah were still on his side.

Robert Ssenkindu

Ugandan residing in Sweden

Ugandans eat what they ’see’ not ’sea food’

April 25, 2009 at 2:50 pm (Food and health, Social issues)
Tags: L/Cpl (rtd) Otto Patrick

Dear Ugandans,

The other day, a gentleman asked what Uganda’s stepple food was and I told him: “see food”. To him, it was like I had said “Sea food”. He drifted into a lengthy rant about how I was lying, that Uganda was land locked so we cannot have sea food, and that probably I was not a Ugandan etc……on and on…until I told him we eat what we see, see food.

If it does not kill you, what is the problem? One UAH forumist called Gook has been circulating a video on face book of people for whom rats are a delicacy. In South Korea, dog chilli is afforded only by the posh individuals. It is in fact called “Posh Tang”. Many Euro-American cookery books have recipes for preparing squirrel meat, right from skinning the beast to serving it.

Besides, rats are rodents. In that group of animals, you have the cane rat..omusu. Baganda eat it. The leporidae, i.e., rabbit and hare. That one also, Baganda eat. Porcupine..’namunungu’ Baganda eat it too. There are many, many other relatives of the rat all over the world and they are eaten wherever they exist….guinea pig, pika, chinchilla, squirrels, capybara of Amazonia (which weighs up to 50 Kg), beavers and all other animals with this dentition:

2.0.3…3

1.0.2.3

If you eat one of the animals with that dental formula, do not make fun of another person who eats a smaller member of the group.. You are all rodent eaters.

Ridicule a fellow rodent eater, when you ambush innocent termites flying out of mounds of soil in the evening, and late at night…enswa, ennaka….heard about “Omulyannaka”? Read “Omuganda n’enswa”? After that, you will laugh at the Zambians that enjoy “kadoima”: caterpillars.

Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick