PHOTO: First Son Muhoozi with school children, so generation he represents
NEWS EDITOR
WHAT President Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba tweeted yesterday about elders fighting and resisting him from achieving his dream, has caused public reaction, more so, his supporters led by promoter Balaam Barugahara who have vowed to name and shame these elders. Groups of youth country over want Gen. Muhoozi to take over presidency after his dad and they have already started mobilising for him although he has never been clear on whether he supports this move or not. In his tweet which has gone viral on social media, Gen. Muhoozi who is the UPDF commander of Land Forces (CLF) wrote: “In my military career I have faced the most resistance from some of my elders. People who should have been supporting me, were fighting me all the time. I can only describe that as backward culture. I promise to always support the young people of Uganda!”
FOCUSED: Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba
Muhoozi did not however, mention any elder either in the army, family members or friends. Insiders however say, there is a group of top army officials who think the Chief in Command (CIC) will have betrayed them if he moves to front his son as the next President after him. In fact some have openly objected Gen. Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions saying presidency in Uganda is not a family thing so the Head of State should think otherwise. Some think, The 1st son is not anywhere in the Presidential queue, Mr. Museveni should be faithful and stick to what they agreed upon during the NRA bush war. Their insinituation is simply that, after Museveni, another comrade should be ushered in, not his son who did not participate in the war. It is suspected, Gen. Muhoozi’s tweet was targeting such minded elders. Political analysts say, they are doing everything to frustrate and sabotage any attempt for the army council to endorse Museveni’s son for president. However, this looks to be time wasting.
PUBLIC REACTIONS Below are some of the reponses we transcribed from Gen. Muhoozi’s tweet: Balaam Barugahara: Our Elders who are fighting our generational leader Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, we shall name and shame you all very soon. We are an army of millions ready to protect and promote our Generational leader. So do it at your own risk. We don’t fear you, only respect you. We are a new generation of Uganda and Africa.
A true Muhoozi supporter
Sebunya Shafiq: Gen. Muhoozi has worked hard for his ranks. He has attended all the military courses and been on the battle field so many times. People will always oppose you because of your ideas. People don’t want new ideas but at the end they must cope up. The truth is Gen. Muhoozi has done a lot for young people though he doesn’t want to show off. Through CIMIC, he supports talent, youth and women groups. Elders should learn to appreciate. Peters Peterson: If I were the one (Gen. Muhoozi), I would just retire, because why would my elders be against me? Then something must be wrong somewhere. It just calls for a self examination and check up. Wilson Katorogo Katamigwa: It is ok to have ambitions of becoming the next president but remember as you support the youth do not dump the elders. Do not revenge. Just bring them close and understand the problem between you and them. Otherwise you will miss a point. Thank you next HE. Jordan: We thank you our greatest General for always supporting the young people who have always looked up to you as their mentor. Ugandans will be grateful to have you as their next president since you are ready to empower the young ones who make the biggest percentage of the population. Jeff Mugisa: Why not use the same opportunity to win the support of some elders in the army to balance the young and the old “leverage”. Older people are a source of wisdom, knowledge, experience. Some young people are not reliable! Just my thought out of good faith. Balance the boat. Josh Wabwe: That’s why museveni has to retire with his team during President Muhoozi Kainerugaba reign. We need new and fresh blood, the old ones will be advisers in political parties. Ketrah Ankunda: They should look at what you achieved at SFC before criticising you. The military needs your ideas. We love you as well. John Paul G: Gen. MK, everyone destined for greatness is always fought but that can not stop God’s plan. In the Holy Bible, Joseph’s brothers fought him but that didn’t stop him from becoming Egypt’s Prime minister. (Genenis from chapters 37 – 39). Aso, David’s brothers fought him (read 1 Samuel 17) but that didn’t stop him from being a king. Let them keep on fighting you, they will be ashamed. Your dream is unstoppable. Raisha Barbie: It’s the dream of every country to have a president who is ready to support the young people who make the largest percentage. Thank you our next president. Sk Mwaluko: Reach out to General Opande, he will teach you 1 or 2. But he will first ask, “Which war did you fight for you to be a general? You are even not worthy a corporal…from today you lose your rank..” Nuwamanya Isaac Niyi: That is backward thinking Mwaluko. Gen. Muhoozi fought LRA war, ADF in Congo, has been in Somalia and today, he is again in Congo. Bobo Musa: Gen. Muhoozi, you should have just understood the fears of Elders! A hereditary leadership is not healthy for this country. But greed & a hunger for self importance won’t let you see that. Lwanga Charles: Gen. MK, you are indeed our hero, role model and our source of inspiration. May the Almighty God continue to bless and protect you always. You are the next C-in-C. Seru Alex: Your public outcry a manifestation that NRM/NRA system has suffocated millions of youths, if you with political divine blessing has been resisted, what about the voiceless youths out there? Real system reforms and decent retirement of all national elders above 60 is the solution. Nickson Byamukama: Absolutely, don’t do like they did sir…. It’s very important to do your own way and thinking, of course their reasons are open to any open minded person, though, congratulations, you have won them because despite their resistance, you are still standing, stronger and achieving more.
For news tips/views about this story, WhatsApp Editor 0772523039 or send an email at newseditor.info@gmail.com
PHOTO: Hon. Kasozi (in suit) delivers a lorry full of cement to Namirembe Bishop Kityo Luwalira towards the construction of Mission House
NEWS EDITOR
THE Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Church of Uganda is saddened about the increase of trumped-up charges especially against opposition politicians asking authorities that during this Christmas season they should demonstrate peace, love and freedom not hatred. The Namirembe Diocese head was preaching during Bishop’s Christmas Carols service held at his residence on Saturday 18th December 2021. Diocesan Mission Secretary Rev. Samuel Muwonge was the overall organiser and Master of Ceremony. Choirs from St. Peters Kamuli church, Gospel Elite Crescendo, Katuuso Church Choir, God Given Choir and Sound of Grace Band owned by Bishop Luwalira’s daughters, sang the Christmas Carols.
Christmas Carols @ Namirembe
This function was also used to fundraise for the Mission House at Namirembe Diocese Headquaters which is under construction. Former Makindye East legislator Ibrahim Biribawa Kasozi who political analysts say is eyeing Kampala Lord mayoral seat in 2026, handed over 200 bags of cement to Bishop Kityo Luwalira towards the construction of Mission House. Luwalira said, many of people on trumped-up charges are rotting in prisons yet they were falsely accused, calling on authorities not to just use this season for celebrations, buying plenty of things to appease their families but to repent, have respect for human rights and treat all people equally in regard to political affliation, gender and tribe. In attendance were the officials from Central government, Mengo government, Members of Parliament, officials from Judiciary, business fraternity, Heads of schools with an Anglican foundation and other invited guests. Bishop Luwalira who is known for being an open minded and transparent servant of God said, “Jesus is the reason for this festive season, he brought peace and love, let’s us embrace him and desist from acts of selfishness, torturing those you don’t agree with and creating false charges against them. This is a season of freedom, love and forgiveness.” The Bishop who sounded as if he was referring to Thursday’s Kayunga district LCV by elections fracas where four members of Parliament who subscribe to opposition NUP party and over 50 other people were arrested and detained at Naggalama Police Station said, “I am aware, even other people were arrested these days on trumped-up charges. This is against the essence of Christmas.” “We pray for the world, which is already Christ’s, that those who bear responsibility for wellbeing of the nations may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together in the cause of justice, freedom and peace.” Said Bishop Luwalira.
Bishop Luwalira preaching against injustices
Among those in attendence was; State minister for ICT Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo, Lady Justice Wilfred Nabisinde, Mengo Kingdom’s 2nd deputy Premier Owek. Wagwa Nsibirwa, Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, Lubaga Mayor Mberaze Zacky Mawula, Diocesan Secretary Rev. Can. Henry Ssegawa, Kings College Buddo HM John Fred Kazibwe, Mengo Senior HM Nantajja, Luzira HM Ssenyimba, Rev. Lutaaya (Katwe Martyrs), Rev. Kakooza, Rev. Kiyingi, Pr. Aron Mutebi (Entebbe Miracle Centre), among others. They all contributed towards the construction of Mission House.
‘OPEN YOUR EARS OR PERISH’ – HON. KASOZI TELLS GOV’T ABOUT BISHOP LUWALIRA’S MESSAGE Addressing media shortly after the function, Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi who turned down questions about his intention to contest for Lord mayorship in 2026, saluted Luwalira for his wonderful message against increased injustice and violation of human rights in Uganda.
Hon. Kasozi (left) and Lubaga mayor Mberaze
He said, “As a leader, I want to thank Namirembe Bishop for the good message today. Namirembe has great historical background, late Archbishop Janan Luwum stood at this hill to speak out against bad governance and advised the then authorities on how to live harmoniously with the people they lead.” “Look at today’s message by Bishop Luwalira. It’s a wake up call to the NRM government. They went for a guerilla war due to vote rigging in 1980 General elections. But if you followed well what transpired in Kayunga this week, malpractice marred this election. Votes were rigged, opposition supporters arrested, people were clobbered by security officers, you can’t say this was a free and fair election. So if leaders can open their ears to what the bishop has preached, we will together enjoy our country. If they remain adamant, then they will perish.” Earlier Hon. Kasozi told congregation at Bishop’s home that when Rt. Rev. Kityo Luwalira invited him to attend this function, he felt so much privileged. “True leaders must serve all the people without discrimination. During service delivery, all must benefit. Through my political life, I have been getting unmeasured support from Anglican Church, Catholic Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, The Pentecostal churches and Muslims. And whenever called for any financial drive, I don’t ask which religion are you, I just give away as God has provided un to me.” Kasozi told the gathering. Unveiling his contribution towards the construction of Mission House, Hon. Kasozi said, “We have managed to contribute towards church constructions, my brothers and sisters from Kansanga church of Uganda can bear me a witness. Today I have come with 200 bags of Cement and pledge to add on more 100 bags of cement on behalf of my beloved mother Jessica Biribawa.”
HERE IS MY CONTRIBUTION: Hon. Kasozi hands over 200 bags of cement to Bishop Luwalira
Kasozi a staunch Moslim said Islam doesn’t stop them from relating with non moslems in anyway provided it’s not against Islam faith. Talking about his zeal to support construction of places of worship, he told journalists that, “One day I was heading to my farm in Mityana and I stopped on the way at Namukozi to greet Dr. Steven Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, then Bishop Mityana Diocese. He was supervising construction work at Namukozi church.” The way Kasozi was dressed-up, Dr. Kaziimba didn’t recognise that he was a member of Parliament. “He took me around the church under construction and when I was leaving, I gave him money for 100 bags of cement. He was so happy when I introduced my self.” Said Hon. Kasozi. Insiders say, this FDC Party young man is expected to contest for Lord mayor in 2026 and consultations are ongoing both in his party and other friendly forces in opposition for alliance. We are told, Ssalongo Erias Lukwago has already whispered to his close friends that he is considering not to run for the fourth term. About Kasozi’s chances to win city Lord mayor ship will be story for another day.
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Hon. Harriet Ntabazi hands over the award to Bidco GM-Anoop Sharma. Extreme left is Levi Kabatabarukye
BY JOHN NAKU JINJA
FRESH from scooping the overall 2021 Best Visionary Agro-Processing and Manufacturing Company award in Uganda, Jinja based Bidco Uganda Limited (BUL), a fast Moving Consumer Goods company with a modern edible oil processing complex in Jinja City has again received other two regional awards. The two awards are Quality Excellence Award for Best Class Manufacturing in East Africa and Quality Excellence Award for the Best Manufacturer of Edible Oil and Detergents in East Africa. Organized by East Africa Brand and Quality Awards under the Theme: “Innovation and Productivity: The Place of Quality in a Time of Sustainable Change”, at Golf Course Hotel on Thursday, the event recognized the best brands in the East African region. Handing over the awards, Trade State Minister Hon. Harriet Ntabazi who represented the 1st Deputy Premier also Minister of East African Community Affairs Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga noted that the private sector is doing a commendable job as regards employment and paying taxes.
East African Award won by BIDCO
The minister further appealed to the different companies present to ensure that they keep their brands growing as a way of customer satisfaction warning them against substandard products on the market. Receiving the award on behalf of Bidco, Anoop Sharma General Manager acknowledged the trust the people of East Africa have in their products. “Winning two East African awards is not a simple achievement to us as a company.We applaud the trust and confidence our consumers have in us and commit to even offer more on the market in the future that meets quality”, a jovial Anoop said. Levi Kabatabarukye, Head Quality Control at Bidco, flanked by Saba Ghirmai revealed that all their products are ISO Certified. “Our products conform to the ISO standards and this recognition is a true reflection of what we produce”. Said Levi. The General Manager was accompanied by a team from the Sales and Marketing department. Guard Bender,Chairman of the Awards event revealed that the different awardees were chosen across the East African region with emphasis on Quality of products that the different companies produce. Over 100 companies across the region were awarded.
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THE just concluded Kayunga LC5 by-election organised by the National Electoral Commission under Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama and his fellow dishonest team, has been the most bogus and sham electoral process this country has ever had! Yet again, this election reminded us of how the past elections have always been conducted under Museveni’s rule and directives. Let it go on record that, this by-election was been characterised by State mercenaries, abuse of human rights against the NUP members and supporters, waste of the tax payers’ money, oppression, bribery, intimidation, illegal arrests of NUP Members of Parliament and candidate Harriet Nakweede’s agents, unnecessary deployment of the army and other security organs, use of the gun, violence, impunity, ballot stuffing, but above all poor governance and lack of democracy in our country!
Hon. Nakweede with Lubaga South MP Hon. Aloysius Mukasa after he was released with a group of councilors who were arrested and blocked from supervising and ptotecting NUP candidate
All declaration forms of the NUP candidate clearly indicated how our candidate Harriet Nakweede emerged the best overall but its sad, Kayunga Returning officer Kyobutungi declared something different well knowing that she was lying. The declaration of NRM candidate Andrew Muwonge by Ms. Kyobutungi exposed Electoral Commission as a partisan, incompetent, full of NRM cadres and too shameless. In fact, Mr. Byabakama is worse than Badru Kiggundu the former Electoral Commission Chairperson. In order for the junta to exercise freely their unpatriotic conduct and unlawful behaviour especially during campaigns and elections, the junta censored all Civil Society Organisations like CCEDU, GLISS and others from doing their civic role. You must all have witnessed that these Organisations were not present in Kayunga, so you wonder who shall give the nation a comprehensive report about the Kayunga by-election! Mr. Museveni had better declare that there are no elections in this country other than pretending and lying to the World that in Uganda we have free and fair elections. That is total lie. It is sad that he uses all government institutions to retain him in power and satisfy his other desires! As NUP, we are not a national resistance Party like how NRM is. We believe in good governance and democracy. Apparently, what Museveni is doing is a provocation which would make us think otherwise. As for the struggle, we have won the Kayunga by-election though the junta openly rigged through their unpopular candidate. We now wait for our Party’s official stand on this election. Meanwhile, let the struggle continue to liberate our country from dictatorship and family rule amidst many challenges. Viva, NUP, Viva, Harriet Nakweede, Kayunga district choice. People Power Our Power!
The writer, Hon. Allan Mayanja Sebunya, Nakaseke Central NUP Member of Parliament. WhatsApp 0777707239
PHOTO: Old man in NRM yellow tshirt but displaying NUP’s Nakweede poster. Who will has he voted of the two?
■ MPs Aloysius Mukasa, Tebandeke & other NUP bosses arrested last night ■ Kayunga looks like a war zone, heavy deployments at Isimba Dam ■ Marines deployed on water bodies in Kayunga ■ Nakweede & Muwonge’s camps plan mega parties
BY MARY NAKASI NEWS EDITOR KAYUNGA
TODAY 16th December 2021 is a D-day for Kayunga and all eyes are on this district. People have gone to the polls amidst total security deployments, to elect their district LCV chairperson in a hotly contested election between the ruling NRM Government and opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). In fact political analysts say, this is indeed an election between President Museveni and opposition leader Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the winner of the battle will be known today evening. If ruling NRM’s candidate Andrew Muwonge is declared the elected chairman, then Bobi Wine will be a loser and vice-vasar. If NUP’s candidate Harriet Nakweede Kafeero takes the day, the loser will be none other than Mr. Museveni. So the real race is between President Museveni and Hon. Kyagulanyi, not between NUP’s Nakweede and NRM’s Muwonge although, they are the candidates who have appeared on the ballot papers. Each of the two camps has higher expectations to win today’s race. The two, Museveni and Kyagulanyi last entered into a political ring on January 14th 2021 during Presidential elections. Museveni emerged the winner although Kyagulanyi and his supporters rejected the results saying Justice Simon Mugyenyi Byabakama’s Electoral Comission had rigged for the ruling party. Kayunga by-election has therefore given Bobi Wine and Museveni an opportunity to wresstle again and today’s results if the election is free and fair, will definitely show who can command public and it responds positively. Museveni on Tuesday combed Kayunga for Andrew Muwonge. He told Kayunga people that as a president, he can work with every one be an NRM or not but that he needs a chairman who he can easily talk to about the issues affecting the district and for Kayunga, it will be Andrew Muwonge. For Kyagulanyi, he wasn’t allowed to move even an inch out side his Magere residence to go and canvass votes for his candidate Harriet Nakweede. Army men deployed around his home and many leaders like Hon. Aloysius Mukasa were blocked from accessing his residence. Bobi’s footsoldiers like Mityana Municipality MP Hon. Francis Zaake and others who managed to enter Kayunga on Tuesday to attend Nakweede’s final rally were seriously beaten. Also Nakweede, her camp said, wasnt spared. Bobi Wine posted on his Facebook shortly after this incident that, “The goons are not even ashamed to lay their filthy hands on to a woman. They have also brutalised our candidate Hon. Harriet Nakweede Kafeero! The clock is ticking. They are on borrowed time.”
DEPLOYMENTS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT Throughout last night, security personels armed to the teeth were deployed in all opposition strongholds which includes; Baale, Kayonza, Kitimba, Kayunga subcounty and Kayunga town council, Kangulumira, Nazigo and Nazigo town council as well. EC had listed them as hotspots saying because Kayunga is characterised by violence especially during such activities, these places required high deployments. Security has deployed so much at all vital installations like Isimba Dam, electoral commission offices and at the district tally centre to avoid the eventualities in today’s elections. Officers from security organs which includes Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force (UPF), Prisons, Internal Security Organisations (ISO), External Security Organisations (ESO), VIPPU, Crime intelligence and others were since yesterday evening seen taking positions to make sure no group cause dýviolence and disruptions to today’s activity in Kayunga. Patrols cars and motorcycles with army and police officers were seen today morning escorting election materials to scare them. Police has provided polling constables and we were told there is a reaction force put in place for eventualities, fire and rescue services.
MPS ALOYSIUS MUKASA, TEBANDEKE & NUP LEADERS ARRESTED There were reports of arrest made last night in Kayunga and among those who were reportedly arrested was Lubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa, Kira Municipality Mayor Julius Mutebi, Lubaga Coucilor Ronald Ssemaganda and many other NUP leaders from different parts of the country who candidate Nakweede had appointed as her agents.
ABOUT KAYUNGA LCV DISTRICT CHIRPERSON’S BY-ELECTION It comes a few months after the sudden death of newly elected Chairman Owek. Muhammad Ffeffekka Sserubogo. The former NUP top man was found hanging on a tree! Six candidates were nominated by electoral commission and among these, three come from political parties while the three are independents. In a press conference held yesterday at the district headquarters and attended by EC Chairman Justice Byabakama, the District Returning officer Ms Hanifer Kyobutungi said Kayunga has 407 villages and cells. There are 338 polling stations and for today’s activity, polling will take place in all the 338 polling stations. “I would like to inform everyone that as electoral commission we are ready for the election activity. We have been handling different activities at different times. We did the updates, the display, we nominated candidates, we had the harmonisation program and campaigns commenced on the 2nd December 2021.” Said Kyobutungi. She revealed that they have been carrying out voter education and rechead places like Baale subcounty and Galiraaya. Baale Subcounty has three different swamps, it has bridges and it is far off from the headquarters and then Galiraaya also has large swamps to cross and also some of the parishes specifically Kitimba Parish is accessed by the boat. EC has hired the boats to help ferry the materials across and back and for the places that are far from each other, they allocated transport for them. There are places that are known for late delivery of results. Places like Baale and Galiraaya because of the long distances, Kayonza there are always fights, Busaana because it’s widely scattered and heavily populated. Because of Covid-19 SOPs, only those invited will be allowed to access the disrict tally centre. DPC SP Felix Mujuzi yesterday said, as Uganda Police force, in today’s activity they shall be guided by the constitution of The Republic of Uganda, The Police Act, The Penal code, Act of the 1990 Yen Convention on the basic principles guiding law enforcement. “We shall abide by the general principle of using non lethal means. On the use of force and particularly use of firearms, the forces shall be human rights compliant guided by the following principles; Legality – force used must be authorised by the law, proportionality – Force used must be proportional to the attacking or offending force.” Said DPC Mujuzi warning officers in the field today that, “One must be prepared to account for the force used. Non discrimination, meaning force used must not be selective in respect of the group.” As News Editor Media, we wish Kayunga people a free, fair and peaceful election.
For story tips/views, WhatsApp Editor on 0772523039 or email at newseditor.info@gmail.com
IN 1996-1997, in what came to be known as the “First Congo War”, Uganda and Rwanda, joined by several other former African guerrilla movements under the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL), invaded DR Congo and uprooted the country’s long-serving president, Mobutu Sese Seko, and succeeded him with Laurent Kabila. In 1998, following the fallout with Kabila and other former AFDL coalition members, the pair launched a second rebellion – this time aimed at ousting Kabila. With joint military operations, Uganda and Rwanda simultaneously poured hundreds of soldiers in eastern DR Congo.
Author Mr. Brian Mukalazi
In a few days, the Rwandans were in control of the eastern border while the Ugandan army moved south, invading Ituri Province and setting sights on the key river city of Kisangani. But unlike the first war where a huge amount of preparatory legwork was put into pulling together the pan-African coalition that had backed the AFDL, ensuring its stunning success, the second war was a multipronged affair and poorly planned, both politically and strategically. As a result, in 1999-2000, differences between Rwanda and Uganda emerged, which eventually led to several clashes, especially in the eastern Congolese city of Kisangani. The two former allies’ troops found themselves eyeball to eyeball, and it is estimated that the fighting resulted in around 3,000 civilian and 1,000 military deaths.The second war exposed a widening ideological rift between the two former comrades. And during that time, President Yoweri Museveni was quoted telling the Ugandan Parliament that: “We are interested in empowering the Congolese and it seems the Rwandese do not like it”. But on the contrary, experts say that Rwanda’s priority was establishing a buffer zone between Rwanda and the exiled genocidaires hiding in the Congolese forests. Since the end of that war, the intimacy between the two countries has never been the same. It is, therefore, unsurprising that when, early this month, Uganda confirmed sending troops into eastern DR Congo to pursue the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group blamed for the recent bombings in Uganda, many observers hastily predicted fresh tensions with Rwanda. Uganda’s State minister for International Affairs Mr. Henry Oryem Okello recently said that he met Rwandan diplomats and briefed them about Uganda’s operations in DR Congo. He further said: “The beauty is that Rwandans know what is happening on the ground. They have good intelligence and I am sure they have intelligence on the ground. I don’t think it is in Rwanda’s interest to confront the UPDF at this particular time”. However, by the time of writing this article, Kigali had not officially commented about Uganda’s military foray in DR Congo, raising a number of questions regarding Rwanda’s next moves. In the recent past, both countries have traded accusations, with Rwanda accusing Uganda of supporting armed groups against it, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), also actively operating in eastern DR Congo. In the same vein, Uganda has accused Rwanda of being linked to the ADF. Whereas all these accusations have not been verified by an Independent Body, they add to the already existing tensions, and there are now fears that Rwanda may also opt to enter DR Congo. These fears may not be far-fetched because in May, Rwandan President Paul Kagame was quoted saying: “We will also be alongside the DRC for all the initiatives put in place to strengthen security in the east of its territory, which borders our country,”And earlier on, in a strongly-worded November 2019 speech, shortly after an attack on Rwanda launched from eastern DR Congo, Kagame had remarked: “The noises being made, from neighbouring countries … there is not much that I can do about it, but anything crossing our border and coming here to destabilise us … we have proven that we can deal with it. We will put you back where you belong. There is no question about it”. But the then-Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs Richard Sezibera was more direct: “Groups which have carried out acts of terrorism inside Rwanda, they carried out grenade attack in Kigali, they have carried out attacks in the north of our country, they have carried out attacks in the south of our country, the leaders of those groups carrying out the activities [are] in Uganda seemingly freely with the support of some officials of the government of Uganda,” Given their rising animosity, these two countries, if both are invited into DR Congo, could spell doom for DR Congo and the entire Great Lakes region. For decades, DR Congo has been used as a fertile ground for breeding rebel activities and some of the rebel groups are said to be backed by DR Congo’s neighbours. Perhaps under the circumstances, deploying Ugandan troops in DR Congo was the better option (I am not sure!) to subdue the terror threats caused by the ADF. And from the media stories coming out of eastern DR Congo, the Uganda army together with their Congolese counterparts, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), appear to be making great progress since the deployment. But to avoid a full-blown regional security crisis and further diplomatic tensions with Rwanda, Uganda should have a clearly drawn and well-timed military strategy, one that also has components of lenience, reconciliation and dialogue. I am no military expert but I know that if the ultimate goal of the UPDF is to totally crush the enemy/ADF, many innocent lives will be lost. It was Robert Greene who said in his book The 48 Laws of Power that: “In warfare, a good general knows that if he attacks an enemy when it is cornered, its soldiers will fight much more fiercely. It is sometimes better, then, to leave them an escape route, a way out. As they retreat, they wear themselves out, and are ultimately more demoralized by the retreat than by any defeat he might inflict on the battlefield.
The writer Mr. Brian Mukalazi is the Country Director ofEvery Child Ministries Uganda. Email: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org
PHOTO: Ugandan MPs’ football team coached by Tom Lwanga
BY MOSES MUGALULA NEWS EDITOR
YESTERDAY evening, news spread around East African countries about a flopped football match in Arusha between Ugandan Members of Parliament and Tanzanian MPs. This was during the on-going East African countries inter-parliamentary games. Sources alleged that Ugandan Members of Parliament stoned a centre referee, while others intimate, a certain minister punched this substandard referee hence ending the game prematurely when Tanzania was leading 1 nil. We have however got a different version of this story from our reliable sources in Arusha, Tanzania where our Members of Parliament went about two weeks ago and will return on 19th December 2021. According to Busiro North legislator Paul Nsubuga who is in Arusha and one of the Ugandan Parliament footballers, it is not true that Uganda’s side forced the referee to abort the match, stoned a referee or that a minister punched the referee like some people are spreading the propaganda. What happened according to Hon. Nsubuga, the referee took off due to pressure that mounted on him due to his inconsistency with the impartiality during the 90mins of the game. “Having mishandled the game with bias from minute one, giving out a fake penalty to Tanzania, Uganda kept calm and the game had to move on.” Hon. Nsubuga briefed this news website. He told us that after some few minutes of the Second half, Tanzanian defender handed the ball with with his two hands but to the referee, that wasnt a foul. He instead of awarding a penalty kick to the Ugandan side ran towards the center calling for goal kick amidst protest from Ugandan players and their supporters. “Like it’s a norm in any football March where players are not satisfied with the referee’s ruling, Ugandan players approached the referee to express their grievances. None of us touched him. We were shocked to see him running out of the pitch leaving us stranded. Some of us thought may be he had gone to check the VAR. He didn’t return. That is how the game was ended prematurely.” Sportsmam Hon. Paul Nsubuga commonly known as ‘Manager’ by Busiro people, told us. He is the Busiro Masaza football team manager. The MP thinks, this referee who looked not to be a qualified refree, failed to fairly handle and officiate such a sensitive game and he was speaking only one language, so even communication with players became a problem. “The match was abandoned for a clear reason- We had no referee. He ran out of the field after we questioned his professionalism in refereeing. We are now waiting for the communication from Inter-parliamentary games management committee but possibly, there will be a rematch.” Hon. Nsubuga told this news website.
MPs congratulating Hon. Zaake upon winning 100 meters in Athletics
Before Uganda played Tanzania in the aborted game, they had another dramatic match with Kenya’s Members of Parliament. Uganda was leading 3 goals to nil, only for Kenya to come from down to equalise. Meanwhile, Uganda MPs defeated Burundi MPs in netball 63 goals to 12 goals, thanks to our sharp shooters.
Ugandan MPs’ netball team teaching Burundi how to score
Even in athletics, Team Uganda flourished. Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake won the 100m race (men). Hon Mbwatekamwa won both 400m and 1,500m respectively. Youth MP Phiona Nyamutoro starred in the 100m sprint and 200m too among other significant wins. This took place at Sheik Amri Abeid Memorial Stedium. Games are still on going.
MP Phiona Nyamutoro was a star in athleticsOur Mps relax after participating in athletics
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PHOTO: Dr. Siranda defeats Babirye Kabanda for EALA MP Job
NEWS EDITOR newseditor.info@gmail.com
WHAT our foot soldiers gathered months back showing how Mary Babirye Kabanda, the former Masaka district woman member of Parliament will be defeated by young man Dr. Gerald Blacks Siranda for EALA MP DP flag, materialised on Saturday, last week.Thanks to our news desk for they were spot on! Like we predicted, on Saturday evening, opposition Democratic Party Secretary General Dr. Siranda won the party flag to contest for East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) elections slated for early next year.
We published this story months back
In an election which was held at the DP Campaign Command Center Balintuma Road, Mengo in Kampala, Dr. Siranda who comes from the Eastern part of the country defeated money magnet Babirye Kabanda even in Buganda, her home region. A crestfallen Babirye Kabanda, although NEC members from Northern Uganda voted for her, shockingly, blamed her loss on DP President General Nobert Mao. She has called upon her supporters to go slow on DP activities in what political analysts have interpreted as the genesis of Babirye Kabanda’s political demise having failed to manage her anger! In a statement she must have posted out of anger on a WhatsApp group called ‘TEAM BABIRYE EALA MP 2022’ shortly after elections on Saturday, Babirye Kabanda said, “Dear my supporters, thank you very much for supporting me. President (Norbert) Mao has directly decampained me and your people from Buganda have betrayed us. We had 45% support from western Region, 85% from Northern Region, NEC members from Eastern region supported their own (Dr. Siranda) and those from Buganda, very few supported me. l pity my beloved party DP.”
Hon. Babirye Kabanda arrives at Balintuma DP office for elections on Saturday
Spitting fire, Babirye Kabanda who in January MP elections lost to a less known NUP’s Juliet Kakande has vowed to remain a Democrat, “But lam going to reduce on my activities for Democratic party. Therefore my supporters go slow as far as supporting Dp activities.” “Buganda gave me 7 votes out of 17 votes, Northern Region gave me 8 votes out of 11, Western Region gave me 4 votes out of 9 and in Eastern region, I got 3 votes out of 11. Do you see how Baganda betrayed us?” Babirye Kabanda asked supporters who were consoling her over this other election loss in a period of only 11 months.
ELECTIONS @ BALINTUMA ON SATURDAY The day started with campaigns in the ordinary NEC sitting presided over by the Party’s National Chairman Dr. Kiwanuka Mayambala. The two candidates for EALA primaries that were present namely Babirye Kabanda who is the Treasurer General of the party and Dr. Gerald Blacks Siranda the Secretary General campaigned to woo NEC members who constitute the voters in this regard. The two, were given twenty minutes each, to convince the voters to choose who was the best for the slot. Later, each was given 10 minutes to answer questions from NEC members. For starters, Democratic Party nominated three candidates for EALA flag bearer. These were; Faith Namusana Akiteng, Babirye Kabanda and Siranda Gerald Blacks. However, only two, Kabanda and Siranda showed up on the voting day. Faith Namusana pulled out at the 11th hour. In her communication to the Party leadership, she said that there was some erand she had to run which took precedent over pursuing to become the DP EALA flag bearer. Party resolved to move on with the two candidates. After question time, elections kicked off in the absence of two NEC members. Final results had Dr. Siranda as a winner and he will have to tussle it out with other political party candidates for EALA seats.
MISTAKES WHICH CAUSED BABIRYE KABANDA’S DEFEAT Babirye Kabanda was allegedly the funder of that group of DP rebels who took party to court. For those who remember the case of counsel Sam Muyizzi, this is the case DP battled in court during the 2020 Lock down. Babirye Kabanda swore and signed an affidavit on the side of DP rebels. If it wasnt President General Hon. Norbert Mao, Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, Dr. Siranda and Dr. Mayambala, there would be no DP today. Babirye Kabanda’s team had even secured an injunction! She only changed her heart a few days to the 2021 election period and came back to DP after Hon. Mbidde had formed a formidable ground for DP in Masaka. However, her earlier acts and hate filled statements against the party leadership must have costed DP in the Masaka elections.
ON EMBARRASSING MAO During the burial of DP MP Robinah Ssentongo, in the presence of Hon. Mao who was then the DP presidential candidate, Babirye Kabanda publicly attacked him accusing him for standing for president. She ‘directed’ him to leave the race for NUP’s Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi. In her words Babirye Kabanda said, “We already agreed not to support you (Mao) for president. Step down for Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, he is our choice not you Mao.” Babirye who was then a DP candidate for MP Masaka City (a race she lost), said all this well aware that Mao had been nominated as a party candidate in the presidential elections and was already running campaigns. This was uncalled for. It was not only Hon. Mao who got angry, but even other party leaders. Although Babirye Kabanda didn’t support Mao’s candidature, she very much knew he was the official party candidate. Using a party function like that to go bare knuckles and embarrass her party president before cameras that he should exit presidential race for an able candidate Kyagulanyi, Babirye Kabanda had to pay dearly for this. NEC members waited for a moment like that of Saturady, to pay her back in the same currency, they achieved it. During one of her campaign rallies, Babirye Kabanda said, “In a bid to build the party (DP), Hon. Mao must leave Kyagulanyi to stand for president, he is our candidate. Ladies and gentleman, for us our brains work well, the name Bobi Wine is not on the ballot paper, look and tick Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert for president.” “So the whole genesis of everything is Babirye Kabanda playing stupid politics. But that is her strength. She had no fall back position.”
WHEN SHE ABUSED KYAGULANYI & OTHER NUP ELECTED LEADERS Those who thought NUP MPs who are the majority on opposition side in Parliament can go for Babirye Kabanda, there is lot you don’t know. Although she declared her support to Kyagulanyi in campaigns, when she lost her MP seat to NUP’s Juliet Kakande, Babirye Kabanda turned guns against the Ghetto gladiator, NUP MPs and other leaders who swept positions especially in greater Masaka and their supporters. Babirye is on record circulating a document in which elected NUP leaders were blackmailed, calling them substandard, poor and illiterate. She did not spare Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi. In Masaka, NUP leaders must have been the happiest on learning that the lady who abused them has been rejected even by her DP party. Prior to January 14th 2021 election, Babirye Kabanda was in spotlight after NUP leaders accused her of being in bed with ruling NRM’s Robert Asiimwe who was contesting for MP Kimanya-Kabonera against NUP’s Dr. Abed Bwanika. What the two, Babirye Kabanda and Robert Asiimwe were chasing after, left many unanswered questions. NUP opposition camp feared that Babirye and Asiimwe were cooking up something that and allegedly involved Masaka district EC returning officer a one Agaba. NUP officials zeroed on a one Musinguzi who was acting as a broker between the three; filthy rich Babirye Kabanda, Robert Asiimwe and Agaba. Sources told this news website that about three days to the General elections, a top security chief in Masaka met polling assistants and gave them orders. A day later, Babirye Kabanda, Robert Asiimwe and Sarah Kiyimba allegedly met with presiding officers at Sarah’s mum home to seal the deal. Tycoon Lwasa (who is a friend to Babirye Kabanda) also held a meeting with polling assistants and NUP detected foul play. Lwasa was contesting for Masaka City Mayor against NUP’s Florence Namusana. Babirye Kabanda was tussling it out with Juliet Kakande, Asiimwe Robert was indeed having sleepless nights over NUP’s Dr. Abed Bwanika. However, all NUP candidates won.
ELECTION OF EALA MPS 2022-2027 529 members of the 11th Parliament will vote the 9 MPs to represent Uganda in the EALA. Chairman Mao has already offered himself to be the chief campaigner of the DP flag bearer in the EALA elections, come next year. Uganda like any of the six member countries (Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan), sends 9 MPs to EALA. Of the 9 seats, ruling NRM normally gives themselves 6 seats, 1 goes to Independents and 2 shared among all the opposition parties. Fact is, only Parties in good books with the majority NRM win these seats. DP and UPC are the favourites, although recently FDC is a new entrant in the club!
HON. MBIDDE EXIT, SIRANDA ENTRY Because the law doesn’t allow the incumbent Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde to contest again after the completion of his two terms at the Arusha Parliament, the Party has now zeroed on this youngster, Dr. Siranda to carry on the mantle.
When Chairman Mao instructed DP legal advisor on EALA primaries
A few months ago, when this News Website reached Hon. Mbidde for a comment about the members who have shown interest to fit his shoes at EALA, DP Vice President had this to say, “When it’s time, trust me, the Party will give you the best candidate with a National not regional identity. An MP sent to EALA must be a Nationalist. DP has that member, just give it time.” The former Makerere University Guild President did not disclose who this member is although he intimated that he perfectly knows who his successor will be, at EALA. Although he insisted the party will go through all legal procedures to elect the best candidate for the party flag in EALA elections, insiders intimated to us that, Dr. Siranda was the man. Insiders said, Siranda was endorsed by Party top bosses.
WHY DR. SIRANDA DEFEATED BABIRYE KABANDA Her camp has been bragging about her riches and vowed to do the needful so that Siranda is defeated. They said. “That poor boy Siranda can not win us. If it means drying our Bank accounts we shall do it to woo to our side party delegates. Let him stand warned.” This has not come to pass. A trusted source says, Dr. Siranda has been loyal to the party, and at no single moment has he ever rebelled against DP. Siranda is dependable and trusted. The party felt comfortable to deploy such a brilliant young man to EALA to replace an encyclopedia Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde. An insider who requested anonymity told us that, “It’s only Siranda who can easily sell to Members of Parliament coming from different regions of the country. He is not tribalistic, he is a National figure and this character will get him votes when he is presented both at Party level and will also be his driving force before members of the 11th Parliament who vote EALA MPs.” A fluent soft spoken young man, Dr. Siranda comes from Bukedi, a region that has never had any person elected EALA MP. He has the sympathy vote from both ruling NRM and opposition parties. His other card is the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among, a great mobilizer who comes from Bukedi. We are told, all her teams have been put on alert to campaign and vote for Dr. Siranda since now, DP has given him a flag. Believe me or not, with Anita Among at Parliament, Siranda will go to EALA. For starters, Eastern region has the most number of MPs in the 11th Parliament. They are 198. This is a very good start for Dr. Siranda if they unanimously vote for the son of their soil. In number of MPs, Eastern is followed by Western region, Central region is third and Northern region fourth with 98 MPs. All these dynamics work for Siranda. He can easily win Eastern, Northern and Western to be declared EALA MP. From what happened at Balintuma on Sataday, don’t be shocked if Siranda wins Buganda.
WHY NRM MPS WILL VOTE FOR SIRANDA There is nothing that has sold Siranda like the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) meetings. He has been in top leadership and this has brought him closer to leaders of different political parties more so NRM which has the majority MPs. These meetings have depicted him as a national leader who agitates for peace, good governance and dialogue. For those who don’t know, going by the 11th Parliament composition with NRMs being the majority, there is no way an opposition member can win EALA seat without NRM endorsement. NRM has a total of 339 MPs. Opposition are only 107 out of 529 MPs. Even if they are allowed to vote twice, opposition MPs can’t take through their candidate. So, NRM votes count and Dr. Siranda has this vote.
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CONGRATULATIONS! BIDCO Uganda Limited (BUL), a fast moving consumer goods company with a modern edible oil processing complex in Masese village, Jinja City, it has scooped the overall 2021 Best Visionary Agro-Processing and Manufacturing Company award. The award ceremony that was presided over by the Vice President Her Excellency Major (Rtd) Jesca Alupo, took place last week at Kampala Serena Hotel under the Theme “Recognizing continued social economic transformation of Uganda and strengthening the fundamentals of the economy to achieve Uganda Vision 2040 amidst Covid 19 challenges”. Receiving the award on behalf of the edible giant, Patrick Obita also the area sales manager central noted that the award is a true manifestation and recognition of the trust that the public has in their products. “We are elated for having been chosen as the best nationally in the edible, laundry and detergent category because as a company, we do not compromise on quality of our products.Quality is our identity as a pro-people company”, Obita argued before dedicating the award to their clients, management and staff whose contribution can not be underrated in light of the national recognition. Relatedly, Anoop Sharma, BUL’s General Manager revealed that even amidst this current pandemic, they continue to uphold their values and meet their consumers’ demands. “Our values as a company are a priority and we aim at serving our customers even much better for this annual trust bestowed upon us,” said Anoop Sharma. In her remarks, Her Excellency Alupo commended Bidco among other private sector players for the job well done since they are partners in development. The ceremony attracted manufacturers, service providers, Diplomats, MDAs, Civil society and individuals from across the country who were awarded accolades of excellence as organizations and individuals. VP Alupo, Ministers Muruli Mukasa, Francis Mwebeza were also awarded under the category of distinguished individuals with accolades of excellence. Prior to this award, the company has been involved in humanitarian ventures before and during the current pandemic.
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Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, the founder People’s Front Transition commonly known as The Red Card Front is at crossroads after members of public are seemingly rejecting his pressure group to unseat President Museveni. Public intepretes Besigye’s new pressure group as a plot to fight National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi The four times presidential candidate has written to opposition’s Leader of Opposition Hon. Mathias Nsamba Mpuuga requesting to be allowed to meet Members of Parliament who subscribe to National Unity Platform over People’s Transition Front. In a letter dated December 3rd 2021 which has leaked to this news Website, Besigye wants Mpuuga to help him meet other opposition Members of Parliament and opposition leaning Independent MPs. He wanted to meet them today at Parliament but by press time, Mpuuga had not replied to Besigye’s letter. Besigye’s one page letter to Leader of opposition reads; “The People’s Transition Front operationally known as The Red Card FRONT is an all inclusive front comprising willing political entities, Citizen formations, civil society organizations, eminent citizens – jointly mobilizing and organizing for non violent resistance aimed at procuring a democratic transition in Uganda before the next election.” In Besigye’s earlier communication to LOP Mpuuga, he enclosed the following documents; a) The Cooperation Framework agreement b) The National Crisis the country faces today c) The Policy and Transitional Government Agenda. In a letter requesting to meet NUP and other opposition Members of Parliament to preach to them Red Card Front gospel, Besigye who is the Chairperson of this pressure group told LOP that, “We kick started a process of nationwide consultation with all key stakeholders and Uganda’s development partners on the future of the country, particularly the proposed Transition Agenda.” “The purpose of this letter is to humbly request for a consultative meeting with you, Opposition members of Parliament and Opposition leaning independent members of Parliament. And we are tentatively proposing a meeting date of Friday 10th December, 2021 at 10:00am at Parliament and in the alternative a date before 15th, December, 2021.” Reads Besigye’s letter to Mpuuga asking him to confirm that the proposed dates work for him or if another date and venue is better. This is the letter Mpuuga hasn’t replied. For starters, NUP forms the majority of opposition Members of Parliament in the 11th Parliament and this is why the party president was mandated to appoint the leader of opposition and opposition leadership at Parliament. We are told, Besigye was advised to court Mpuuga if his Red card Front is to be bought by the majority opposition leadership. However, however much Mpuuga is the LOP, political analysts say, he has no powers to convene a meeting of opposition MPs especially those from NUP for Besigye to address them, without the consent of Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi. So, for KB to seek for permission from Mpuuga to meet NUP MPs is perceived as time wasting. It was better if he had engaged directly their master, Hon. Bobi Wine. We are told, NUP MPs pick such orders from the Principal alone not any other person be it who. And for record purposes, NUP top leadership openly rejected any deal with Besigye’s Red Card Front although they wished him success in his endeavours.
WHEN KB AND MPUUGA FELL OUT The two were once political buddies and those who remember well, when Besigye formed pressure group codenamed Walk to Work shortly after 2011 elections, Mpuuga was ordained the National Cordinator, an assignment he had performed perfectly. However, during the struggle, the two parted ways and it’s believed issues rotated around money. Since then, KB started sidelining Mpuuga and he has never been his choice for LOP and Mpuuga knows KB doesn’t want him. Now that Besigye is at the crossroad, he is seeking for Mpuuga’s permission to meet opposition MPS and because of this background, his chances to meet them are very slim. This is a real catch 22 situation for Besigye’s Red Card front.
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