HON. ABUBAKER Kawalya, the Shadow minister in charge of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), also Member of Parliament for Rubaga North Constituency has today Tuesday January 4, 2022 written to his counterpart Minister Minsa Kabanda requesting her to stop the on-going eviction of street vendors saying these operations are not supported by any law. He says, KCCA directive to evict street vendors is, “Rudimentary, cruel and not backed by any Law.” KCCA Enforcement team is carrying out operation against street vendors and many have been forcefully evicted, some arrested and manchandise confiscated. In a letter copied to Lord Mayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago, Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, Authority Council Speaker KCCA Zahara Luyulika and all Authority Councilors, MP Kawalya who is the former Speaker KCCA has said, “I take strong exception of the exercise because their is no Law, Ordinance or by-law that makes street trading illegal in Kampala.” We are reliably informed, street vendors petitioned KCCA Shadow minister Kawalya on the conduct of the KCCA Enforcement Team who have directives to flush-out them, arrest and confiscate their merchandise.
Hon. Kawalya’Kawalya’s letter to minister Minsa Kabanda
It’s on this ground that Hon. Kawalya has written to The minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda asking her to reverse the on-going operations to evict Kampala street traders. Hon. Kawalya has told minister Kabanda that, as a stakeholder by virtue of being one of the Kampala Legislators and also, the Shadow Minister for Kampala, he disagrees with the operations because they are illegal, KCCA must be guided in its day to day business. He guided that, what would be emphasized is possession of a permit by these street traders which KCCA has surprisingly failed to give. “Emphasis should be put on the rationale behind KCCA failing to put in place a mechanism that could at least help Street traders acquire permits, yet they (Street traders) are willing to comply and put money in State coffers.” Revealed Former KCCA Speaker Abubaker Kawalya, adding that, “I am of a view that this is the civil way of handling the matter and when implemented, can create harmony and spur great economic activity through creating employment.” Minister Kawalya quoted Section 7 (c) of the KCC Act (as amended) saying, the Authority is responsible for promoting economic development in the Capital City. “The purpose of this letter therefore is to kindly request you to reverse the directive because it’s illegal and greatly affects our people” Writes National Unity Platform (NUP) legislator. Kawalya, since his days as lord councilor representing the people of Rubaga North at KCCA has been very vocal about issues affecting Kampala people. Political analysts say, this is why he managed to beat Doreen Nyanjura in a very hot race for KCCA Speaker and when it came to the Rubaga North MP race in January 2021, it was a walk-over for this youthful politician. Kawalya humiliated the then incumbent Moses Kasibante and then KCCA Minister Beti Olive Namisango Kamya. He massively won at almost all polling stations and was among the first winners to be declared by the Electoral Commission. The down to earth MP organised a mega party to thank Rubaga North voters for entrusting him with their votes. Hundreds of Rubaga North people ate and drunk for almost two days. During the lock down where hundreds of families were starving, a generous Kawalya donated food to almost all families in Rubaga North. He donated food and cement to Namirembe Diocese which was received by Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira.
When Hon. Kawalya donated cement to Bishop Luwalira of Namirembe Diocese
A few months ago, MP Kawalya hosted a team of 20 members of Parliament in Rubaga North led by Hon. David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga (Busujju County) and they donated building materials to Anglican and Catholic Churches, plus cash to market vendors. In Kampala, Hon. Kawalya is regarded as one of the most hardworking and irreplaceable Members of Parliament. No wonder, he has stepped in to stop eviction of Street vendors.
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PHOTO: Lord councilor Hakim Kizza speaking to our reporter
STORY BY: KETRAH JJEMBA
AUTHORITY councilors have cautioned KCCA enforcement team on their operations to evict, arrest and confiscate goods sold by vendors saying there is no draft by law through which these operations are carried out. This guidance was given by lord councilor Hakim Kizza Sawula on behalf of other councilors. Kizza who represents people as Councilor Rubaga North at City Hall was addressing media today, after enforcement teams ruthlessly arrested vendors in operations carried out mostly in Central Business District (CBD). He disclosed that, “So many times KCCA has lost billions of money in cases arising from such illegal operations like during the times Ms. Jennifer Ssemakula Musisi was the Executive Director. So many people who were illegally evicted sued and KCCA had to compensate them. The current technical wing led by madam Dorothy Kisaka is making the same mistake.” Among the laws that KCCA Councilors are pushing for include Kampala trade order management ordinance, Kampala public market management ordinance, Kampala public transport management ordinance, Kampala out door advertisers management ordinance among others. Authority councilors want Attorney General to see that these laws once passed by the council are implemented to guide the city order not enforcement to wake up and carry out operations without any law backing them. In the operations carried out today Tuesday, KCCA enforcement team was backed up by police officers who apprehended the defiant street vendors and also confiscated their merchandise. These operations have been on since late last year following the directives by the Kampala minister and the RCC for Kampala in the move to decongest the city, bring trade order and also enforce the Covid-19 guidelines. The disgruntled vendors said it’s not their wish to be on the streets but it’s poverty forcing them and besides it’s time to take back children to schools they badly need money. Kampala Capital City Authority Councilors have vehemently condemned these operations terming them as an illegality.
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NATIONAL Unity Platform (NUP)’s Rubaga North III councillor James Mubiru’s woes over pocketting ruling NRM’s money have deepened! Latest from the Kamwokya based opposition Party headquarters, top leaders want thorough investigations into these allegations and if it’s found to be true, Mubiru will face disciplinary action. This is meant to be a lesson to others who think they can strike such deals within this party. This fastest growing News Website can reliably report that, NUP Party is not ready to take lightly a letter dated November 11, 2021 that is said to have been written by Councilor James Mubiru and addressed to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, requesting for financial bail out of UGX 25M to go for medication in Nairobi, Kenya. In this letter, James Mubiru allegedly told Rt. Hon. Nabanja how his NUP Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Leader of opposition Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, opposition members of Parliament, Mayors and members of Diaspora have disappointed him, no one is willing to give him money for treatment hence running to NRM. “I have tried to look for funds from political leaders including my party president Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the Leader of Opposition, Members of Parliament, Mayors, the Diaspora community, etc but what I can say is that, I am so disappointed by their slow response yet my situation is worsening. It is on this ground that I humbly request for financial support and my budget stands at 25M to facilitate my travel to Kenya to start medication of which i so far have only 6M.” Reads letter said to be from Mubiru to Primier Nabbanja. The letter talks about how Mubiru was abducted, tortured and put in detention at CMI in March 2021 and later remanded at Makindye Prison where he was under incarceration for more than 6 months. He got a court bail by the Miltary court martial in August 2021. “I was admitted to Rubaga Hospital due to the health condition I was in by then. Medical check up was carried out and i received some medication. However, I was advised by the doctor basing on the report to go for further medication and check up on finding complications in my liver. I request for your financial help.” Reads a letter to Nabanja written on councillor James Mubiru’s official headed paper. Mubiru who by press time was still insisting that he is at Agakhan Hospital in Kenya under medication and that he is likely to be transferred to another Hospital in the United States of America. In another letter dated December 30, 2021 which Mubiru has confirmed in the sent audio to be its author, he has said, It is not true that he wrote a letter to Prime minister Nabbanja asking for financial help and also informing her how NUP boss Hon. Kyagulanyi and other party officials refused to give him financial help to seek further medication. This letter says, “This is completely wrong because my party has playedd a tremedous role to see me back on my feet. It should be noted that even before i went to Kenya, my party paid the bills in Lubaga hospital and Mulago hospital were the first tests were done and doctors recommended further health investigations abroad.”
MUBIRU TO BE INVESTIGATED OVER NRM’S CASH – NUP LEADERSHIP Our sources from Kamwokya have however, today evening told this news website that where smoke is, so is fire. There must be investigations into this allegation to find out whether Mubiru is clean or not. An insider who asked for anonymity said, “There are so many querries about councillor James Mubiru which NUP officials want to dig deeper. Did he author that letter blackmailing our Party President, LOP, MPs and other leaders? Is it true Mubiru has been soliciting money from opposition leaders and our members in the Diaspora? Is it true that he was admitted at Aghakan Hospital? Can he produce proof of admission and source of funding? He got a loan of about UGX 100M as KCCA councillor and instead bought a house in Namungoona, how come he didn’t use that money to finance his medical bills to save his life, instead of resorting to fundraising? Mubiru is all over social media, chatting and sending audios. Is this the person who says he is in critical condition at Agakhan Hospital and is therefore soliciting money to be taken to another Hospital in USA?” We are told there are so many unanswered questions about Mubiru’s sickness. One school of thought states that this councillor is playing games and conning people. They swear that he is not in hospital but somewhere else feasting on Pork and Beer. For those knowing Agakhan Hospital, its for the privileged and to be admitted there, you must be a well to do not a mere councillor who is paid UHX 5.5M a month. When we consulted our sources at the KCCA finance department, they denied footing hospital bills for councilor James Mubiru. This looks to be the reason why NUP Party bosses want proof that Mubiru was admitted at Agakhan Hospital not mere taking photos while covered in blue bedsheets with words ‘Aghakan Hospital’, which can also be printed by Nasser road boys here in Kampala. There have been rumour making rounds that some party leaders are in bed with NRM big shots to spy and sabotage NUP activities. If Mubiru is among, this time he will be netted, the party is seriously in need of answers from him. We shall keep our readers updated on this developing story!
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PHOTO: Radio Bilal journalists who were hosted for a dinner on Saturday
NEWS EDITOR
AT the end of year’s dinner organised for the staff of 94.1fm Bilal, a Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) owned radio station, veteran journalist Ismail Kalumba Butannaziba was crowned the overall best talkshow host for the year 2021.
BEST TALKSHOW HOST: Isma Kalumba
A born of Kakubo village in Butambala at the border of Mpigi district, Mr. Kalumba hosts a popular talkshow called ‘Amagezi Muliro’ which runs every Sunday from 11am to 2pm on the waves of Radio Bilal, Omukowozeewo. Among the regular panelists are; Former Lubaga South MP John Ken Lukyamuzi, former Makindye East MP Micheal Ssenninde Mabikke, FDC’s deputy Spokesman John Kikonyogo, NRM’s Moses Luutu Mukasa, Masaka Deputy RCC Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi and veteran journalist Siraje Lubwama. The dinner was organised on Saturday January 1st 2022 at Already Hotel, Rashid Khamis road, Old Kampala in Kampala Central. Others who were awarded alongside Mr. Kalumba are; Moses Kalule the brain behind ‘The World Magazine show’ which airs from Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 1pm.
THE POPULAR WORLD MAGAZINE SHOW HOST: Moses Kalule
Kalule, a very resourceful youngman got two awards. One for the best presenter and the second one for the best show. ‘World Magazine’ is the most popular show on radio Bilal. In fact recently, Kalule threw a mega party for his fans. Shamie Ssekatawa, commonly known as the Superlady who is the ‘Mukeeze show’ driver won an award of the best employee of the year. This Kampala University Alumini is the Programs Director (PD), radio Bilal. She was signed from Digida fm. To be crowned the best employee, Shamie scored highly in competence, dedication and creativity.
2021BEST EMPLOYEE: Shamie Ssekatawa ‘Super lady‘
Others who got awards are; Lydia Tibaga (Best Marketer), Wasswa Tenywa (most disciplined employee), Sulayina Nakidde (Best news anchor) and Harima Nalusiba (best news reporter). ‘Tuddeeka’ show co-hosted by Omulangira Lumansi Edirisa ‘Butambala boy’, Nankya Sharifah ‘Nakampanka Nanfuuka’ and Nakimera Faridah ‘Omwana ow’ensenene’ emerged the best entertainment show of the year. Tuddeeka features from Monday to Friday, 4pm – 6pm. Station Manager Muzafaru Mugumya who bankrolled this dinner for his staff thanked them for working as a team in 2021 but he reminded them that, “Respect is paramount and a key to success. Please have respect for each other, that is how we will move together to the greater heights in 2022 and beyond.”
MD Haji Rajab Bukenya and Station Manager Mazafaru Mugumya who awarded the best staff
Radio Bilal’s Managing Director Haji Rajab Sulaiman Bukenya thanked all staff for working hard and urged them to be United, avoid divisions. In a special way, he saluted Moses Kalule, shamie Ssekatawa, Sharifah Nakya and Edirisa Lumansi for being exemplary staff. He hailed station manager Mr. Mugumya for being workaholic and perfect steering of radio Bilal. Here at News Editor Media, we congratulate our informed friends at Radio Bilal.
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Pr. Mwesige speaking against sending our girls to slavery saying it can be tamed by bailing out collapsing businesses and ending of over taxation
NEWS EDITOR
RENOWN televangelist Solomon Mwesige, owner of King Solomon (KS) TV, also Head Pastor Good News Church – Bulenga, 8 miles on Mityana road, Wakiso district has attacked Government over their unfriendly taxation policies saying they have killed business in the country and many will not recover although President Museveni lifted the Covid-19 lockdown. Without mincing words, Pastor Solomon Mwesige has faulted the government for employing fresh graduates in Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the National tax body whereby, some of them have never run even a small business and have no knowledge on a business that has made profits and the one operating in losses.
Worship Team leading in Praising and Worshiping
He was speaking to his church members in today’s Sunday service about causes of acute poverty and and unemployment in the country that has led many of our sisters and daughters to go for what he termed as slavery in the Arab countries, looking for house maid jobs and many end up being tortured, denied food, forced into sex and others killed. He says, government carries the blame, there is too much relaxation in financially bailing out businesses which would help to locally create jobs for these suffering girls and other people. Pastor Mwesige said, “It’s a shame, we have unemployment in the country because of dying businesses each day that passes and financial technocrats are just folding hands. The job you create dies because of over taxation.” He told chuch that Government is not creating jobs. It is instead raising taxes and more businesses are collapsing because of this financial blunder. He noted that business doesn’t grow with bigger taxes, you reduce tax so that many businesses are started and then these businesses will employ people. “They bring fresh university graduates that have never done anything and put them in charge of taxation. They even don’t know whether businesses are making profits or not. How can such a business which is overtaxed survive?” Asked Pr. Mwesige. He urged government to check into this or else, it will kill its own people with poverty. He revealed that it is policies that make wealth. Government can make all the directives but if taxes are unfriendly, businesses will collapse calling upon Born-Agains to pray for the people in power that the spirit of God will guide them as they make and implement policies.
ABOUT HIGH INTEREST RATE ON LOANS Pr. Mwesige the proprietor of King Solomon Schools said in Uganda, Interest rate on bank loans is at 30%, which is too much. He said, in the United States of America, interest rate is at only 3% and in America if you fail to pay the loan, the insurance company pays it off, if you can justify that you did not squander the money. However here, Pr. Mwesige said, whether your loan was insured and you manage to pay back 80% of the loan, if you fail to pay back the 20%, they will still come and sell off your assets as authorities look on! “These are cruel thieves dressed in suits, wearing titles ‘BANK CEO’, ‘BANK MANAGER’, etc. What type of society is this? Every day we look on as these are highly educated people mess our economy. In fact I don’t understand our education system. They read books but lack common sense on how things are done on a day to day basis.” Fumed Pr. Mwesige. All started when Pastor told church about a voice note him and wife Pr. Doreen got from one of the church members who went to Saudi Arabia three weeks ago for a housemaid job. She tearfully narrated how her bosses are starving her to the extent that out of 14 days, she has only been given a small piece of small bread four times in place of food. “So what type of slavery and stupidity is that? And I can tell you, not everything that looks like an opportunity is an opportunity, others are traps. He comes like a handsome man, a Mr. Right yet he is fraudster. We should pray that this year, we do not make such mistakes out of excitement.” A crestfallen Pastor told church. He condemned this treatment of Ugandans and vowed to take on the labour company through which the church member was exported into slavery. Mwesige who is an author with his recent book titled, ‘Ideas with legs’ told church that there are people who are not supposed to regarded as human beings, but animals that should be caged in a zoo, referring to the people in Saudi Arabia who are starving this young girl.
Pr. Mwesige’s latest book on market
He noted that, house helpers, gate keepers, are human beings. They should be treated with respect. He mentioned that personally his workers share meals with him.when he eats chicken, they will also eat chicken. He implored church members and the KS TV audience to treat their workers humanely not like the Saudis who treat them as trash.” He shared about a day he was shocked to see the Vice President of Uganda happily launching a certain external labour recruiting agency and lured youth into being exported as casual laborers. Unashamedly the vice president mentioned this as one of the ruling party’s achievements. The question remains, is this really an achievement?
PREACHING ABOUT THE 7 MANTLES OF GOOD NEWS CHURCH IN 2022 Meanwhile, re-echoing his new year’s sermon to the people of God, Pastor Mwesige preached about the seven mantles of Good News Church this year. Deriving his sermon from Revelation 5:12 and Hebrews 11:1-2, Mwesige talked about; Power, Riches, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Blessings as driving force for 2022.
Church members who gathered for prayers in today’s service
He asked brethren to have faith in God that whatever they desire, they have already received for faith is today but hope is tomorrow. He emphasized that Faith is a Substance, it is confidence, It is evidence of things not yet seen. “You must have a possibility mentality, If you can see it, then you can receive it. Faith in God moves mountains. The substance is where you stand and base on to believe before you see.” Preached Pr. Mwesige reminding church that Faith without actions is dead. “Faith will give you a good testimony or a good report. This year, restoration is coming but you must serve God and serve people.” Said a humble man of God, who pays school fees for over 200 helpless children.
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President Museveni handover instrument of power to Speaker Oulanyah and Deputy Speaker Among
NEWS EDITOR
RT. HON. Annet Anita Among (AAA), the Deputy Speaker Parliament of Uganda has revealed how she agreed with her boss Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah that it was important to work together as a team to progressively steer the August House by avoiding unnecessary friction that many times make Public institutions fail to function. In her end of year 2021 statement she issued a few hours to year 2022, Deputy Speaker Anita Among however apologised to those they have wronged in line of duty saying, “As Humans, we knowingly or unknowingly make mistakes in the things we do and these mistakes impact people. We want to seek forgiveness from all those we have wronged in the year 2021 and tender in our unconditional Apology.” On how they have worked against disunity and in-fighting at Parliament, Deputy Speaker Anita Among said, “From the onset, Jacob and I agreed that it was important to work together as a team. I want to applaud my brother, my senior and my boss Rt Hon. Jacob Oulanyah for embracing this idea of forming a united front that has brought forth numerous achievements in a short time.” The Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament was elected in May last year to deputise Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in the 11th Parliament. There is sanity and unity at Parliament and business is perfectly conducted. Deputy Speaker attributes this to the working relationship between both, floor 6 (where Speaker sits) and floor 5 (where her office is located). Madam Anita Among’s statement reads, “Everything that has been achieved by us has been possible because of the ability to work together without confrontation.”
Only seven months in office, Rt. Hon. Anita Among says, “We have been able to oversee many things, these include; the constitution of the commission, leadership of committees and their membership.” In terms of bills, several bills were processed including; ● Income Tax (Amendment) (no.2) Bill 2021 ● National social security fund (amendment) bill 2021 ● Administration of Parliament Act,2021. ● East African crude oil pipeline (special provisions) bill ● Succession Amendment Bill ● Employment Amendment Bill
In terms of motions, several motions were passed Including, ■ A motion commending the Japanese Government through their investment arm of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the commendable contribution towards the development of Uganda. ■ A motion to commend the work of rotary clubs in Uganda. ■ Motion to honour Muwanga Kibirige and to have Wampewo avenue in Kampala renamed after him. Also, Several private members’ bills have been considered by the House.
ADDRESSING COVID-19 PANDEMIC Deputy Speaker Among said, “We came into Leadership at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, that has made running of serious business in the house tedious.” She said, despite of this environment, they have had to support supplementary interventions to support critical interventions including clearing the arrears of the health Workers that have been at the forefront of fighting the covid 19 pandemic and risking their lives in the process. Amidst the Pandemic, they also instituted a forensic audit into all the Covid related expenditures being undertaken by the office of the Auditor-General. “A committee looking into our progress in developing vaccines as a Country was formed to oversee our approach into developing our own vaccine as a country.” Reads Deputy Speaker Among’s statement. Members of Parliament have been freely encouraged by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to address concerns of their constituents on the floor and ensured that they receive answers to their questions.
UNITY AMONG PARTIES IN PARLIAMENT Deputy Speaker says, dialogue has been at the centre of their operations, many times working with the two sides to find a middle ground, a ground that places Country first. “We want to thank the Government Chief Whip, The leader of Opposition, the Chief Opposition Whip, all the party whips and members of Parliament for their dedication and wise counsel as we mutually serve our country, for this we do not take for granted.” Writes Deputy Speaker. She said, Rt.Hon. Oulanyah and her, had earlier pledged to take parliament to the people of Uganda. “I am happy to inform you that we have over the last months been across the Country interacting with the local people, listening to them and taking stock of the desires and aspirations of our people.”
WHAT NEXT IN THE NEW YEAR This year and years to come, Deputy Speaker Among said they will continue to traverse the Country and ensure that the gap between Parliament and the people is reduced.
HERE @ PARLIAMENT WE PUT GOD FIRST Having strong religious backgrounds, the Speaker and her deputy agreed to place God at the centre of the operations of the August House, that is why, according to Deputy Speaker Among, they have had prayers conducted within Parliament in the last seven months.
KUDOS PARLIAMENT STAFF Without holding back, Deputy Speaker thanked the unsung heroes in the House, the people that make it possible for parliament to run. “We can never work in dirty environments, or without parking assistants. All those people that do the behind the scenes work and keep this August House running, we love and cherish you.” Writes Rt. Hon. Anita Among. She also saluted workers of this country for their dedication over the last 12 months and assured them of, “our commitment to addressing the challenges that they face.” “Parliament has done its part in passing the amendments to the NSSF bill as you asked and the ball is now in the hands of his excellency the President.” Reads her statement. In a special way, Deputy Speaker thanked security officers for the sacrifice made in maintaining peace and fighting the Covid pandemic. To the teachers of this country, she thanked them them all for their effort to shape children of this country into responsible citizens. “As your leaders, we know the pain that the pandemic inflicted on you and I ask all MPs to do what they can to address the fate of teachers during the budgeting process.” Said Anita Among urging fellow citizens to hold together and steer our country towards the path of recovery. She appealed to all Ugandans to encourage each other to get vaccinated and observe the SOPs so that we can keep the enemy ‘COVID 19’ at bay. “Let us also do our best to prepare our children for the reopening of schools and helping them overcome the trauma of the pandemic.” Appealed Deputy Speaker.
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THE Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, Bishop Namirembe Diocese, Church of Uganda will tomorrow Friday 31st December 2021 lead Church in powerful praise and worship, prayer, intercession and deliverance service as world crosses over from year 2021 to 2022. The Diocesan crossover night, will be live on different Tv stations, radio stations online, Facebook page and YouTube on 31st December from 9pm to 6am, in observance of Covid-19 guidelines. According to the Diocesan Mission Secretary Rev. Samuel Muwonge who is the chief Organiser, “Church will be thanking and praising the Lord for what He has done for us in 2021 and welcoming the New Year 2022 by worship, singing and Praising Jesus Christ. Our Lord the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese Kityo Luwalira will lead us in the crossover night 2021/2022.” The theme of this crossover night is: “And you shall be my people, and I will be your God.” Jeremiah 30:22. Dont miss Ven. Can. Isaac Membe Kijjambu (Mengo Archdeaconry also Diocesan Treasurer), Rev. Nathan Mulondo (Diocesan Secretary for Education), Mrs. Milly Obbo (from Katwe Martyrs also owner Praise Intergrated Secondary School), and others.
■ Says EALA elections are now held in Uganda because of him ■ Read about how he filed and urgued a case that freed DP, UPC and other parties to compete for EALA seats ■ Shows the scores and challenges of EALA ■ Gives an overview on DR Congo joining EAC
PHOTO: Hon. Mbidde tabling the crossborder Legal practice bill in Parliament
STORY BY: MOSES MUGALULA NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
EARLY next year 2022, Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, a lawyer who filed and successfully urgued a case, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) seats to be competed for by all political parties in Uganda, will be biding farewell to the Arusha based Parliament where he has been Member of Parliament for two terms. EALA MPs strictcly serve for two terms. Two weeks back, DP’s NEC elected Dr. Gerald Blacks Siranda to take over the party flag after Hon. Mbidde. Originally, only two political parties, National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) used to share among themselves all EALA seats, the two appointed their favourite members to be sent to the Arusha Parliament. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, the reigning Democratic Party Vice President who also a visiting lecturer at Soka University, Chiba University and Kyoritsu Women’s University in Japan, realised that this was contrary to the treaty. He identified loopholes and moved to stop this. Giving News Editor Website an interview, Mbidde who is a former Guild President of the great Makerere University told us that, “I filed and successfully urgued Application Ref. No. 6 of 2012. This case freed Democratic Party and all other political parties to compete favourably for EALA elections as opposed to the TWO (FDC and NRM) that were originally allowed to appoint who of their members should go to EALA.” “Of course their actions were not backed up by any law. I defeated them and now all political parties including new comers NUP and independents can contest for EALA slots.” Hon. Mbidde proudly said, on spoiling NRM and FDC’s EALA deal. When the race was opened up in 2012 for other contestants from different political beliefs in Uganda, Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) competed for EALA seats and won. In fact since competing for EALA seats started, FDC has been left out due to their political mistakes.
A QUICK REMINDER ABOUT FDC In 2012, they boycotted EALA elections. When the Blue Party held primaries, Salaam Musumba and Anita Among (now Deputy Speaker after defecting to NRM) contested for the party ticket. All ended when FDC is not fronting a candidate in the final elections. In 2017, Party Secretary General Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi sent two names to the Parliament of Uganda (the electoral college). Those sent were; Florence Ebi and Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneti. It’s important to note that, FDC held EALA primaries and each of the two camps within the party fronted candidates. The Dr. Kizza Besigye’ camp endorsed Ingrid Turinawe while the Gen. Mugisha Muntu’s camp (who was then the party President) fronted Florence Ekwawu Ibi, former Kaberamaido district woman member of Parliament. In the elections which were carried out at the Najjanankumbi Party headquarters, Muntu’s camp won Besigye’s camp. But because SG Mafabi was a Besigye’s man, he got intrigue on Florence Ibi’s win. In his letter to Uganda Parliament introducing the official party flag bearer, Mafabi also included Ingrid Turinawe on the list an act which confused and angered MPs hence they rejecting both candidates. Six NRM candidates, one DP candidate (Mukasa Mbidde), UPC’s Chris Opoka and Independent’s Susan Nakawuki Nsambu went through, the rest is history. In an interview with Hon. Mbidde, reasoned that having set a precedent, new political parties like the National Unity Platform (NUP) can now think of fronting EALA candidates in the forth coming elections. It is no longer an NRM/FDC business as it was.
RELEVANCE OF EAST AFRICAN COPERATION (EAC) Asked about the impact of EAC to the common person in Uganda, Hon. Mbidde talked about a common market, among others. Mbidde, the proprietor of Elsie Hotel in Masaka City said, “Of course our economies are still under producing so the populations don’t directly feel the impact. But even physical infrastructure developments like the Kampala – Masaka Mbarara Road, are all EAC projects. There is also Visa and tax free entry into EAC countries for intra-trade purposes (if goods are made in East Africa) and have a certificate of origin, etc.”
ABOUT DRC JOINING EAC Currently, East has six member countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan. The latest to apply for inclusion is Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Giving an overview about this development, Hon. Mbidde told this news website that DR Congo is welcome. He said, “The bottom line is the enjoyment of economies of integration. DRC has a population of 89 million people. The addition of their market to the EAC generates an aggregate demand of over 229 million buyers and sellers.” Hon. Mbidde however told us, DR Congo is not yet cleared to join EAC. The Summit just approved commencement of final negotiations ( Last 3 steps) and they are easy though. Asked what are these steps, Hon. Mbidde said, “The last step shall be the final admission by Summit for joinder by the 22nd Summit of the heads of State . The remaining two include meetings with state organs and perusal of checklist documents on Security, Good governance etc. On fulfilment, DRC will definitely be part of EAC.”
DOES EAC LOOKS INTO DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE OF MEMBER STATES? Hon. Mbidde said yes. He cited Article 6(d) and 7(2) of the Treaty saying it enjoin it to do so on account of Good governance, social justice and equal opportunities to citizens.
Hon. Mbidde, Hon. Kyagulanyi shake hands at a DP function last year
Asked about member counties which do not practice this yet EAC just looks at them making some citizens to consider EAC to be irrelevant, Mbidde said, “Of course it should be noted that EAC has challenges on Democracy, Respect for fundamental human rights, Accountability/corruption issues and Security.” “It also however has referral organs for resolution of disputes e.g The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) Court that Citizens can use. Of course few of us use these courts.” MP Mbidde told News Editor Media.
10 YEARS OF HON. MBIDDE @ EALA ● Filed and successfuly urged a case of DP V Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi for opening the African Court on human and peoples rights to their citizens. ● Mbidde Foundtion V EAC Ref No 5 of 2015 that saved the impeachment Of Speaker Margaret Nantongo Ziwa (a Ugandan) for over 2 years. ● Intervened in Birundi V EAC that saved the Current Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Ngoga from removal by Court. ● Filed a matter against Kenya and also negotiated with South Sudan President Salvar Kiir for the Re election of EALA members that had wrongly been appointed ● In Parliament, in 2013 he was the Chairman of the Legal Committee, Chairman of the Communications Trade and Investment Comittee 2015 and now serving as a Comissioner EALA a position equivalent to that of a cabinet minister in charge of East African Affairs. ● Hon. Mbidde tabled the crossborder Legal practice bill ● He moved motions on free work permits ● Lobbied several African leaders for the benefit of the EAC peace and development ● Accessed aid through Mbidde Foundation for over 1m US dollars per year and hundreds of the people of Uganda have benefitted. ● Hon. Mbidde has cemented the relationship between EALA and the IPU.
WHO IS FRED MUKASA MBIDDE Fed Mukasa Mbidde is a Ugandan lawyer, politician, human-rights activist, mass communication specialist, motivational speaker, businessman and philanthropist. According to Flash Uganda Media, Mbidde is an MP in the 3rd East African Legislative (EALA), representing Uganda since 2012 on Democratic Party (DP) ticket. He was born on 15 October 1973 in Masaka District to the late Emmanuel Mbidde, a former headmaster and Ms Mary Kintu, a retired teacher. Mbidde is the second born child of his mother and some of his siblings include; Henry Mbidde and Balaam Mbidde who are lecturers at Makerere University. His father was a pure African man who had many women and children, for this reason, Mbidde grew up with his mother and could only visit him during holidays. Mbidde describes his mother as a loving and caring mother. Hon Mbidde attended Nakyenyi Primary School in Lwengo District before it was curbed out of Masaka District, a school where his mother taught, for his primary education. He joined Kabwoko High School for his middle school education, then Masuliita Boarding School and Kampala High School from where he completed both O’ & A’ education. After secondary school, Mbidde was admitted to Makerere University from where he attained a Degree in Mass-Communication in the year 2003. Following his Bachelor’s degree, Mbidde proceeded with school and in 2009 he attained a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB). In 2010, the Law Development Centre (LDC) Kampala awarded Mbidde with a postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Dip. Leg. Pract). Additionally, in 2005 Mbidde received some leadership training at the Norwegian School of Leadership and Theology (HLT). In 2014, Mbidde was engaged in legal Practice in Sub-regional Courts at the Mandela Institute, University of the Witwatersrand. Mbidde entered politics in 1999 as a member of the junior wing of the Democratic Party (DP), the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD). Mbidde first gained prominence in 2001 while serving as the Guild President for Makerere University. Before this, while at MUK, Mbidde served as the deputy treasurer for the party and secretary for Students’ Affairs. He later engaged in the Makerere University guild presidency elections on the UYD ticket and won the race in all polling stations basing on many reasons. He is infact branded as one of the most noteworthy guild presidents of the 2000s. He advocated for sponsorship of all female students with the automatic addition of 1.5 bonus points to every girl student upon admission to the university which went successful. As a result, a balance between the number of girls admitted to Makerere University and that of boys who were the overwhelming majority before then emerged. Mbidde also advocated for and succeeded in the creation of the Makerere University ICT Institute and successfully acquired the necessary funding from Norway Government. During Mbidde’s reign, there were no strikes because of his excellent negotiation skills whenever there was a strike scare. Mbidde created the Ministry for Private Students Affairs to handle the issues of the then neglected privately sponsored academicians. Privately sponsored students by then were considered second class scholars and were denied privileges enjoyed by government-sponsored students. So, his efforts altered this perception positively. He improved the security situation at the university by advocating for and succeeding in the removal of old fashioned hall of residence guards who were then using bows and arrows and replaced them with the current Makerere University Army that uses guns and wears green uniforms, the colour of his political party, alongside creating a perimeter wall fence around the university campus. He as well worked upon the university sanitation issue replacing the then smelly and neglected gigantic garbage heap that existed between Makerere University School of Law and CCE Complex girls Hall with the now-famous Club Five, a student recreation facility at the university. The gigantic garbage heap had become a home for madmen, drunkards and rapists.
ENCYCLOPEDIA: Hon. Mbidde
Mukasa Mbidde additionally initiated the annual Japan-Uganda Students Conference held at Makerere University among others. As the guild president of the oldest university in the country, Mbidde was given the title of Otak Olwenyi (meaning fighter) and the name Okello by the Acholi Makerere University Students Association (AMUSA) and the Acholi Sub-region elders. Mbidde as well-received Japanese Recognition Awards from Chiba University (ACYPL) award, an accolade is given to young political leaders annually by the American Council. In 2005, after his guild presidency, Mbidde became the National UYD Vice President and in 2006, he became the National Deputy Campaigning Director for the senior wing of DP deputizing Norbert Mao, currently DP president. In 2007, Mbidde significantly participated in the demonstrations intended to save Mabira Forest from being sold to private companies. Same year, he engaged in the parliamentary by-elections race for Kalungu East County, Masaka District before it turned Kalungu District but lost in controversial circumstances. However, Mbidde till today blames President Yoweri Museveni for the loss because of his involvement in the campaigns. In the 2011 parliamentary elections, Mbidde contested for the same post in the constituency but lost and conceded the loss this time. Mukasa Mbidde is a philanthropist in Uganda and has sponsored elections of some members of parliament in Uganda. He is also a co-sponsor of the activities of DP as well as the Catholic Church in Uganda. Mbidde is so passionate about boxing and has sponsored many boxing clubs in Uganda. Additionally, Mbidde being a lawyer has often offered pro bono litigation to indigent clients as well as assist Diaspora members as far as land matters are concerned. He co-sponsored the construction of a Kabaka monument ‘Nantawetwa’ at the historical Kabaka Njagala road junction in Mengo with KCCA and received recognition from KCCA. Fred Mukasa Mbidde began working during his S.4 vacation as a newspaper vendor and by S.5 he had saved enough money to buy his first car a Toyota Carina. Currently, Mbidde is a practising attorney. He has been in practice since 2011 and is a member of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), the East African Law Society (EALS), the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the Coalition for an Effective African Court on Human and People’s Rights (African Court Coalition). He is a consultant for Kenya Human Rights Commission in Freedom of Movement specializing in the law of Treaties, Corporate Financing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Conveyancing and Trademarks. He runs a private law firm in the names of Mbidde & C Advocates and the patron Mbidde Foundation a legal based NGO. Most times, Mbidde has joint instructions on high profile cases with Justin Semuyaba of Semuyaba Yiga &Co Advocates. He has been the brain behind most cases filed by DP, because he’s the Chief Legal Advisor of the party. Of late, Mbidde’s legal practice has been inclined to Sub-regional courts especially the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). Mbidde has many friends in Japan who have supported Mbidde Foundation programmes over the years and the Financial Times Newspaper (1999-2000), he closed it down because Ugandans were not interested in reading economic literature.
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Hon. Aloysius Mukasa and his Lubaga team after their release on bail. NUP’s Nakweede (in photo) thanked them for showing solidarity
NEWS EDITOR
IF there was any Member of Parliament from outside Kayunga who had caused headache to NRM’s Andrew Muwonge camp is none other than Lubaga South legislator Hon. Aloysius Mukasa. As eletion day was nearing, all security teams in Kayunga were put on alert to make sure Mukasa doesn’t enter this district. This is the very MP who on Tuesday, two days to elections day battled with army and police officers who had manned a roadblock and checkpoints at NUP President Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi’s residence in an attempt to block him from heading to Kayunga to comb votes for party candidate Harriet Nakweede. Hon. Mukasa almost forced himself through saying he was delivering medicine to the Principal. Security, however denied him access. Four days before this fracas at Kyagulanyi’s home, Hon. Mukasa’s ambulance was intercepted in Kayunga, driver and other occupants arrested. We were told, Hon. Kyagulanyi had asked MP Mukasa to send his ambulance to Kayunga ahead of his visitation on Tuesday. Bobi Wine expected some security officials to shoot and injure Nakweede’s supporters, a moment the Ghetto gladiator lands in Kayunga. According to security briefing, as soon as Mukasa’s ambulance crossed Ssezzibwa, security officials got an order to intercept it and arrest who ever was inside. There were reports that the ambulance was ferrying Lubaga South NUP footsoldiers who are masters in vote protection and anti-vote rigging. Security operatives had been briefed about how Mukasa employed this well trained squad during his election in January as Lubaga South MP beating 14 other candidates who included then incumbent Paul Kato Lubwama, former MP John Ken Lukyamuzi, DP’s Eugenia Nassolo, NRM’s Kenneth Male among others. Never joke with Mukasa if it comes to vote guarding. He is superb. So security was tipped on how MP Mukasa was planing to send this squad to Kayunga to contain the enemy’s camp. Unfortunately after a long chase between the police patrol and Lubaga South ambulance (ambulance tyres were shot at to force it stop), it was discovered that none of the occupants was a member of the feared squad. The occupants were temporarily detained and later on left to go, although the ambulance by press time, was still parked at Kayunga Police.
MUKASA IN KAYUNGA: DID SECURITY SLEEP ON DUTY? Even before he was elected Member of Parliament, Mukasa a successful businessman was driving in expensive cars. At all roadblocks on Kayunga district entrances, they thought this MP will enter the district driving in a V8. They read wrong notes. He was driving in a tinted DMC saloon car getting officers on roadblocks, off-guard. For they might have thought, this car owner was one of the pineapple farmers in Kangulumira!
Here Hon. Mukasa had just reached in Bbaale subcounty. In the photo is his small car in which he confused security
So it was given way without thorough checking. If it was not for the Moses Karangwa’s men who got suspicious and called Police that the most dangerous NUP MP had been cited in Bbaale driving in an old small car, it could have taken them a decade to realize that he is in the district.
MUKASA IN KAYUNGA He entered Kayunga town at around 6pm on Wednesday evening. Inside his car, there were three other occupants. A journalist, a one KCCA NUP councilor and the MP’s driver. Because the Party secretariat had assigned Hon. Mukasa to oversee all polling stations in Bbaale County, he ordered his driver to drive towards Bbaale. “Our footsoldiers from Lubaga South had already touched ground and studying the place for easy monitoring the next (polling) day.” MP Mukasa told us in an exclusive interview shortly after his release. He moved around Bbaale subcounty undetected and briefing his anti vote rigging squad, who included among others; councilors Ronald Ssemaganda, Haruna Nkuubi, Rose Kigozi, Richard Ssekitayira, Sumayiya Kizito, Ronald Mutumba, Luyima, Faridah Nakabugo, Nagudi and others. While Mukasa was still briefing his team on what to do the next day, there came a security drone van and stopped at this group. When security men got out to find out what was going on, councilor Nakabugo identified one of them and she asked him why they were following members of Nakweede camp. Men in the drone might have not reorganised Hon. Mukasa. They entered their drone and drove away.
MP Mukasa (in a red neck tie) in Bbaale with members of anti-rigging squad before some of them were arrested
A few minutes later, Hon. Mukasa left this place, it was coming to night. For security purposes, he decided not to sleep in Bbaale town. He might have intended to again confuse security operatives in the drone. He almost scored on this. We are told, Mukasa had secured a house on Kayunga-Jinja road and his aide was already at the venue.
MOSES KARANGWA’S MEN SUSPECT MUKASA’S CAR All had gone on well, but on his way to where he was going to spend a night, he made a stop over at the land where Kayunga district NRM Chairman Moses Karangwa allegedly evicted people. Little did he know that Karangwa’s men were around and very much suspicious. On seing Mukasa getting out of the car, think to view the said land, they called Kitimbwa police. Within a twinkle of an eye, a police patrol full of officers armed to teeth intercepted Mukasa’s car and ordered occupants to get out. It was coming to 7:30 pm. On identification, they were directed to drive straight to Kitimbwa Police post in Bbaale as the patrol was following them. The MP inquired why they were being arrested but none of the officers explained. “At Kitimbwa we were briefly detained and later taken to Kayunga Police station at around mid night.Late night, I heard someone calling my name. I was taken out of the cell, together with my friends, we were thrown into a waiting drone van and it took the Kayunga-Jinja road. We did not realise how we ended up at Naggalama Police Station where I found my colleagues Hon. Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale) and Hon. Lukyamuzi David Kalwanga (Busujju).” Hon. Mukasa told us in an interview after his release. The whole of Thursday (election day) and part of Friday, Hon. Mukasa and other detainees were still locked up at Naggalama police station. Late on Friday evening, the MPs and other arrested NUP leaders were taken to court where they were charged of disobeying lawful orders on curfew. Court however, released them on bail. In our interview with Hon. Mukasa, he told this fastest growing news website that, “Arresting us did not stop the good people of Kayunga to vote for our candidate Harriet Nakweede. I am sure their victory will be reclaimed. However, It is absurd that all malpractice was done in front of electoral commission bosses.”
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THE National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Hon. Richard Todwong has strongly denied opposition NUP allegations that the ruling party candidate in the recently concluded Kayunga district LCV by-election was wrongly declared the winner of polls. Andrew Muwonge has been sworn in today amidst tight security. Last Friday morning, Kayunga Returning officer Jennifer Kyobutungi declared NRM candidate Andrew Muwonge the winner having polled 31,830 votes against NUP Harriet Nakweede’s 31,380 votes in the delay of announcement of results for a mumber of hours. Other candidates Majid Nyanzi got 1297 votes followed by Boniface Bandikubi with 470 votes, Jamiru Kamoga with 279 votes while DP’s Anthony Wadimba was last with 158 votes. NUP rejected these results saying their candidate won with a difference of 15000 votes, what Returning officer was reading is false. In a press conference held today at party headquarters, SG Todwong said castigated all people trading in negative propaganda with allegations that the NRM candidate cheated. “I can affirm that our candidate Mr. Andrew Muwonge won and was declared genuinely by the independent electoral commission. Ignore those spreading propaganda that EC rigged for NRM. We perfectly worked for this victory, thanks to our National Chairman and all teams which worked so hard to secure this win for the Party.” SG Todwong told media. He hailed his party for sweeping majority posts in the recently concluded local council residual elections. He said his party emerged victorious with 82% in an election held last week on 15th and 16th December 2021. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform scored 2% each, as independents, but majority NRM leaning took 12%.
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