BY JOHN NAKU
log in www.newseditor.co.ug

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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NEWS EDITOR

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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PHOTO: Nabbanja arrives in Kayunga yesterday

BY KETRAH JJEMBA
log in www.newseditor.co.ug

YESTERDAY Thursday, Prime minister Robinnah Nabbanja Musafiiri canvassed votes for Andrew Muwonge showing him to NRM supporters in Kayunga as the ruling party official candidate in the district chairperson by-elections slated for next week on December 16th 2021. The by-election comes after the sudden death of the newly elected district chairman, Owek. Muhammad Ffeffekka Sseruboga whose body was found hanging on a tree. Sseubogo was opposition NUP member.
While in Kayunga, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja strongly warned Hon. Aidah Erios Nantaba to stop confusing NRM voters by campaigning for an independent candidate Magid Nyanzi.
“Show love to President Museveni by voting for Muwonge. Let no one decide for you who to vote. Muwonge is our flag bearer, don’t be confused by opportunists.” Said PM Nabbanja.
Nantaba, the Kayunga district woman Member of Parliament fronted Magid Nyanzi as the best candidate for the seat accusing Andrew Muwonge for being Moses Karangwa’s right hand man.

Karangwa, the Kayunga district NRM chairman and Aidah Nantaba are sworn enemies, the two will never dine on the same table having fallen out over land matters in Kayunga.
Nantaba says, Moses Karangwa is a land grabber in Kayunga and that she will never support any candidate he endorses. This is why in this race, Karangwa is behind Party official candidate Andrew Muwonge while Nantaba is campaigning for Nyanzi something that has confused NRM supporters in Kayunga.
The ruling party is very much worried about such divisions saying, they may easily aid opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Harriet Nakweedde to massively win this election.
Political analysts say, tight race is between NUP’s Nakweedde and NRM’s Andrew Muwonge. Nantaba’s candidate is a spoiler on NRM side.
Prime minister Nabbanja has called upon Kayunga NRM suuporters to ignore Nantaba saying she is very confused, let them vote for Andrew Muwonge next week.

Speaking at various scientific meetings held in Galiraaya , Bbaale and Kayonza subcounties in Bbaale constituency in a bid to galvanize support for the NRM flag bearer in the Kayunga LC5 race, Prime minister Nabbanja said, “Don’t look at him as Muwonge but he is representing NRM. The total democracy that NRM brought to Uganda is one which allows people choose their leaders. If you vote Muwonge, he knows my office and will easily lobby for you. He will lobby for the development of Kayunga.”
Nabbanja was welcomed by party top officials led by the NRM vice chairman for Central Region, Hon Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, the Director for Mobilization, Hon Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, Emmanuel Dombo, the director for Communication, among others. 

Speaking to them, Rt. Hon Nabbanja said she was happy to return to the district that she last visited a few months ago but said she had brought good news to the people.
“We already have a contractor to work on the 89.81km Kayunga-Bbaale-Galiraaya road. China Railway Seventh Group is soon starting work on the road. The NRM government has also constructed, and refurbished for you a very beautiful referral hospital here in Kayunga. Now that President Museveni is on top and I am the Prime Minister, it is only wise that you vote for an NRM candidate who will easily lobby in order that such development continues to come to Kayunga,”Nabbanja said.
She noted that those affected by floods will soon be resettled since government has started looking for land where to relocate them.
The NRM Director for Mobilisation, Rosemary Sseninde said the December 16 by-election is a chance for the voters to correct the mistake they had made by not voting for an NRM candidate as the LC5 chairman.
“Thank you for voting for President Museveni and NRM in the general election. I now ask you to move that support to vote for Muwonge. This is the chance for people of Kayunga to rectify the mistake they had earlier made and vote for someone  who will work closely with President Museveni. This is your chance and don’t let it pass,”Sseninde said.
The NRM flag bearer in the  Kayunga LC5 race promised to lobby jobs for youth in the district but also ensure he returns the district’s lost glory by uniting all people regardless of their party affiliations, religions or tribes.
The Prime Minister will today continue canvasing votes for the NRM flag bearer in the Kayunga LC5 race as she holds several scientific meetings in Kitimbwa , Busaana and Kayunga subcounties.

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PHOTO: Dr. Evelyn Akech

BY MARY NAKASI
newseditor.info@gmail.com

WOMEN organisations fighting against gender based violence have called on government to be hard on fathers who defile their daughters, demanding that they be sentenced to life imprisonment as a lesson to others.
This was echoed by Dr. Evelyn Akech during a workshop for organisations fighting against gender based violence which was held at Imperial Royale Hotel on Friday.
Dr. Akech who is the Public Service International (PSI) sub regional secretary for East and West Africa.
Public Service International is a global trade union federation that mainly champions the workers’ rights in private and public sector but in most importantly, it deals in a number of things in terms of fighting against gender based violence, tax justice, also deal in issues of empowerment of young workers, among others.
According to Dr. Akech, cases of defilement and sexual harassment have increased during Covid-19 lock down.
She said, “We can have the community outreach and speak up against fathers who sexually harass their daughters, who defile them, but the first person that has got responsibility to protect its own citizens, to protect these girls is the government.”
Dr. Akech noted that, no matter how much they do as civil societies or as trade unions, not until the government puts in place mechanism to implement the existing law and fight this vice amongst men, daughters will continue to be raped, defiled or sexually harassed by their own fathers.
“Let the people who have committed incest be jailed for life, it’s enough. Others will learn from them. Why should a father sleep with his daughter, then people give an excuse that because he is a bread winner for the family, so he should therefore be let to walk scot-free yet he has destroyed her life?” Asked Dr. Evelyn Akech.
Refering it to an abomination, Dr. Akech said organisations fighting against domestic gender based violence will continue to have the community drive, talking about the incest.
She reminded participants that during old days, when a man defiled his daughter, he would stoned to death which is not a case today.
“Today, when a man defiles his own daughter, you hear people saying, ‘Let’s negotiate’. What has actually changed? It means as a society we are having moral decay. We need to go back. If there is a defiler in the community, let them be brought out of the community.” Dr. Akech told men and women who paricipated in this workshop. Among those present was Hon. Abdul Byakatonda.
Dr. Akech says, patriarch has been one of the key drivers in culture, in terms of increasing or promoting gender based violence. 
“One thing we actually do when we have our participants, we help ask them to speak up and break the silence. We encourage them to preach about mind change in our societies. Like how do we change the culture that women are actually sex objects! It begins by us acknowledging that our culture has brought us this far. So one of the things we are actually discussing about is, how do we start the conversation beginning with our young boys? So that a young man grows up learning how to respect women.” Dr. Akech told members of press shortly after the workshop.
She revealed that they are starting with mind change, addressing the patriarchal nature of Africa and also, the cultural barriers that promote the issue of domestic gender based violence. 
But at the same time, they want to applaud all the nationals that actually adopted what they refer to as the convection C190 and recommendation 206 which talks about ending violence in the world of work. 
This convection C190 requires the governments intervention put in place enabling laws to strengthen the issues of gender based violence and also violence done at the world of work. 
She acknowledged that Uganda has got very good laws. The challenge is actually, the implementation. 
“Implementation is only going to be possible if all of us are willing to speak up. Most times, let’s appreciate it. You may see your co-worker being harassed but fear to speak-up. We want to call upon the people of this country and the globe at large, can we please break the silence and speak up? If one person is actually defiled, can we speak up and support that person instead of castigating them?” Asked Ms. Akech.
She noted that, If a woman says ‘I have been defiled or harassed’, the first question many will ask, how was she dressed up? 
“What is the coloration between the dressing and romance misbehaviour? We keep on agreeing with this, if you keep on looking in the 1940s and the 1950s photos of your grand parents, you will see them putting on mini-skirts. How many cases were reported about defilement?” Dr. Akech asked asking to stop victimisation of the person who has been victimised.
She said, men should respect women for being women, not to just give excuses because of the way she dresses. 
Looking at Karamoja, Ms. Akech said there would be a lot of such cases where people almost move naked because that is their culture calling for a mind change and that should begin with young people, men and then to the entire community. 
“Look at an incident of a woman who was raped, went to police to get a police report and was also raped, she went to hospital where she was again raped, who is victimising who? So let’s talk about mind change.” Noted Dr. Akech, adding that, “My plea to our brothers and to fathers, please look at us as sisters, look at us as mothers. If you treat us as equal partners, not as sex objects, then we will have a lot of difference in terms addressing gender based violence not only in Uganda but Africa and world at large.”
Asked about what these organisations have done to fight domestic gender based violence, Dr. Akech said they have to do more in terms of education, in terms of campaign, but also in terms of implementing the current existing law. 
“And this goes to all politicians and all those people who have got the power, we can have the interest but don’t have power to change a number of things. Please, let’s put into place mechanism to arrest people who are practicing incest.” She said.
Workshop was attended by women from the districts of Mbarara, Ssembabule, Masaka, Namutumba, Kamuli, Iganga, Jinja, Masindi, and others. 
She told journalists that Public Services International enables women from different parts of the country  to understand the implications of gender based violence, the drivers of gender based violence itself and what they can do to stop it. 
“If you listen to some of their stories, they are actually shy, we have seen a number of cases in Mbarara where we have fathers defiling their daughters. These women sitted here work in different organisations, where the cases of gender based violence are currently being witnessed. Be it in local government, Health sector, and parastatals.” Dr. Akech told press adding that, these women interface on daily basis with workers who are violated either in terms of being sexually harassed to get a promotion or economic harassment.
She said as trade unions, work should  not end in board rooms, the fight should be taken to  the world places, because many workers are harassed and also some times embarrassed by their bosses.

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PHOTO: Vandalized Transmission Tower in Mukono. The bulk of Umeme customers are not being supplied because of some individuals’ selfish interests of bringing the network down, a big loss to everyone

■ Head of State shocked on how Uganda loses USH 100M in Power theft
■ How Komboa project curbed down power theft
■ Umeme contribution towards electricity sustainability 
■ Challenges and support required

BY MOSES MUGALULA
NEWS EDITOR

THOSE who were praying for the UMEME contract to be terminated, sorry, we have bad news for you! Chances of UMEME’s contract being renewed are getting bigger and bigger. 
This fastest growing news website can now exclusively report that, UMEME is here to stay, following a fruitful meeting at State House between President Museveni and officials of this largest electricity distribution company in Uganda, a utility which is governed by Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
The Meeting was attended by ministers and officials from the ministry of Energy, among others.
For starters, UMEME still has a concession running up to 2025. The concession took effect in 2005 when Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) leased out its assets. 
We are reliably informed, at the end of State House engagement, The Head of State, looked very much convinced on the job well done by UMEME, a company which distributes 98% of the electricity up to 33KV and it operates under a Concession via a single-buyer model.
The president was happy to note that UMEME is listed on the Uganda Stock exchange and cross listed on the Nairobi Stock exchange.
Officials told Mr. Museveni that the top most shareholder of UMEME is NSSF and other shares were taken by majority Ugandans denying that this company is owned by foreigners as opportunists has been allegedly misleading the Head of State and Parliament.
“It is good to know that UMEME is owned by Ugandans. Let us build the economy together. Industrialisation is a key factor in economic development for it helps in creation of jobs. Go and look into the electricity tariffs.” Museveni reportedly said. 
He was very happy to be briefed about an operation code named ‘Komboa’ which was launched by UMEME against power theft. Komboa is a swahili word which means, ‘Redeeming the network from illegal users.’
The Head of State summoned UMEME bosses after he had got reports that UMEME was failing industrialization and as a result, affecting job creation because tariffs were high. 
The president made rants against this electricity distribution company on television during celebrations to mark this year’s International Labour day.
A tough speaking Museveni said, “They went behind (my back) and brought something called Umeme. What for! A private company looking for profits! You make it middleman between the generation of electricity and the final consumers, including factories which are supposed to create jobs.”
He said, “The power for industrial parks will go straight from generation point to the industries and not through UMEME. If UMEME dies, that is their mistake.”
At State House, UMEME bosses however started by taking the president through Umeme’s contribution to the financial sustainability of Electricity Sector in Uganda, how they have reduced losses from 38% in 2005 to 17.5% by close of 2020 and have also improved collections from 60% in 2005 to 99% by close of 2020.
“Your Excellency, this progress could easily be wiped out if nothing is done to secure the gains.” UMEME officials told President Museveni.
They denied charging high tariffs to factories and industries tabling evidence about the price per unit to their specific customers.
According to UMEME, they have customers totalling to 1,578,400 and these are in about six categories;
Domestic category are totalling to 1.556,802 customers and average price per unit of electricity in this category is in Ush 21 Cents. 
For Commercial category, UMEME has 17524 customers and for them, average price par unit of electricity is Ush 17 Cents.
UMEME has the Medium Industries category. These are 3,126 customers. Aberate price per unit in this category is Ush 15 Cents. 
Large industries with tariff code 40 are 49 customers and average price per unit is Shs 8 cents while those with code 30 are 611 customers and for these, price per unit is Shs. 10 Cents. 
The last category is that of Street lighting. They have 288 customers and average price per unit is Shs. 11Cents. 

MUSEVENI SHOCKED ABOUT POWER (ELECTRICITY) THEFT IN UGANDA
UMEME officials briefed Mr. Museveni that economy loses over 750GWh to power theft annually translating into over USD100M (abut UGX 365BN).
“Mr. President, as you know, Power theft is a criminal offence as per the penal code; Section 283 and Electricity Act 1999; Section 81-87. Power theft causes Transformer failures due to over-loading. Over 300 transformers are lost  annually. Power theft leads to loss of Revenue in the electricity sector and increase in power tariffs.” UMEME officials revealed to the President.
They said, this is why they launched Komboa operation so that they curb down those involved in power theft in the country.
They said, “Your Excellence, we don’t carry out such operations on our own. It’s done by officers of Uganda Police Force and all operations are sanctioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) who we want to salute for being cooperative.”
UMEME officials told the President that power theft is done through a number of ways one being bypassing Domestic Meters  (Yaka) or LPU meter and also through direct supplies. 
“With Tampering of Meters and Meter Enclosures, this is done by foreign body in LPU meter to reduce Energy (power) measurement, Foreign body in Yaka meter to reduce Energy Measurement, tampered meter Enclosure to allow meter access and fake units on Yaka meter.” Umeme officials told the President on the power theft in Uganda.
They talked about illegal networks and hooking through unsafe connections on the Network. 
“This is so evident in underground networks supplying power illegally most especially in busy centres tapping by Plazas, Hotels, Millers, factories etc.” Museveni told.
The president who was taking note of everything was also briefed about Direct hooking on conductors, direct tapping on distribution transformers or inserting resistive components in the meters.
Umeme said, the new connections impasse and Covid-19 have accelerated power theft in the country.
Because of power theft, Umeme told the president, government does not only lose revenue but also lives are lost.
In a 22 pager report Umeme officials gave to the President,  (We are told it has been also copied to Parliament), this year (2021) cases of lost lives so far are 11. 
This is due to power theft, Network interference, Unauthorised operation and domestic wiring electrocutions (substandard wiring by unauthorised wiremen).
Last year, Umeme recorded 7 death, in 2019 they were 16, 2018 were 39 death, 2017 recorded 15 death, 2016 had 21 and 2015 recorded 33 death.

WHAT WAS MUSEVENI BRIEFED ABOUT KOMBOA PROJECT 
It was launched in August 2019 and it entails:
● Police led operations against illegal connections 
● Removal of illegal connections and networks 
● Arresting and prosecution of illegal power users and illegal network operators 
● Recovery of revenue for energy consumed illegally 
● Connections legalization through government’s ECP
● Senstizations through media

KOMBOA PROJECT OBJECTIVES
● Improve community security by curbing network vandalism
● Improve community security by curbing transformer overload by illegal loads 
● Improve security by securing supply to the CCTV cameras
● Curb electricity related house fires (296 in 2019)
● Promote legal connections through government initiated ECP
● Eliminate illegal operators on the network 
● Prevent economic sabotage resulting from power illegal interruptions 
● Rescue our customers from the grip of the kamyufu
● Reduce cost of power by reducing loss due to power theft

KOMBOA PROJECT 2021 PROGRESS
● Death on the network have dropped from 39 in 2018 to 7 by close of 2020
● 26,540 illegal connections removed 
● 130Km of illegal connections disconnected and  removed 
● 6,110 new connection applications received 
● Drop in losses in month where KOMBOA project is implemented
● Average monthly loss position with Komboa and police is 16.0%. Average monthly loss position with no Komboa with police is 18.2%.

CURRENT CHALLENGES 
Here are the challenges UMEME is facing as told to the President;
● Uninformed political interference 
● Attack on operations  (UMEME & Police) teams with stones injuring them. Vans used for operations are damaged.
● Attack on community change champions
● Hostile communities
● Influence peddling by Kamyuufus
● Illegal operators on the network. They impersonate as Umeme operaters

SUPPORT REQUIRED
● Appreciation of the problem at hand and how it affects the nation
● Sensitization of the constituents you lead about the dangers of power theft 
● Legislation of laws that protect the national electricity assets against vandalism and power theft
● Advocating for more funding for government free connections
● Support of the operations against power theft and Champion the campaigns 

In our next story, we will name and shame top politicians/leaders, businessmen, Arcades, factories and schools involved in power theft. We have the list

For views/comments on this story, WhatsApp 0772 523039 or send us an email to newseditor.info@gmail.com

Pastor Nsubuga praying for the sick

OPINION BY 
PR. FRANCIS NSUBUGA

I READ a touching story published by News Editor news website about a move to tax churches and pentecostal tv stations for playing music of gospel artists who affiliate to an organization called Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS). 
In the story, Pastor Solomon Mwesige, head pastor of Good News Church located in Bulenga, Wakiso district on Mityana road, also owner of KS (King Solomon) TV vowed to stop playing of Ugandan gospel music on his television and banning of gospel artists having membership with UPRS to sing in his church.
This was as result of an invoice worth UGX 2M sent to KS TV by UPRS for playing music of gospel artists something which angered Pastor Solomon Mwesige and he directed that music belonging to members of UPRS should not be played again on his tv. Among songs banned are those of Brian Lubega, who started his music career in this Bulenga church.

WHY I SUPPORT PR. SOLOMON MWESIGE
Although UPRS may have a right to some extent, i vividly think that if churches and pentecostal TVs ban gospel musicians who are members of UPRS, the society may not lose as much as the artistes themselves! 
This is because these artistes (gospel singers) will in the long run be abandoned by their own (the church of Christ) as they will be seen as ‘selling off’ that which was freely given to them by Christ. Also click and read this story: BORN-AGAIN PASTORS BAN ARTISTS, GOSPEL SONGS OVER ‘NEW TAX’ ON CHURCHES & TVS
The book of Mathew 10:8 talks about healing the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons, give as freely as you have received.
Much as one needs to benefit from their God-given gifts, we should not determine the mode of benefiting but should always trust God for His blessings.
I support Pastor Solomon Mwesige because indeed UPRS didn’t make those artistes but the church did! The church helped in discovering those unique gifts and it supported them through allowing platform to those artistes even when no one knew them.

So it is weird to think that a gospel song for example that of Brian Lubega is played at a cost in especially an environment which nurtured him and others. This is like building a hospital and you ask your parents to pay before receiving services.
I would advise that all genuine gospel artistes should come out with a clear statement on the matter at hand before regrets are made in the near future because Europe will never be a cradle-land for a Ugandan. 
A gospel artiste has no big difference from a Pastor, prophet or an evangelist. 
The basic distinction is the nature and measure of calling given to all of us by the same spirit of God. 
Therefore, I would expect that if one has been elevated by God to sing popularly beyond the four corners of the church, he/she should not think so much more than the real recipients of the intended message from their calling. Otherwise, very soon you will hear another society of pastoral gospel preachers who cannot preach until money is put on their tables. 
This should be condemned and arrested before God calls you off the podium to mount on it those who can faithfully serve Him. (Psalms 75:6-7 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another)
My last submission for now has a simple question towards the said artistes: If it is God who blessed you with that super voice, gave you the song revelation, provided for you the studio fees, gave you promotion and favor among His people, gave you the free gift of salvation. Should we conclude that this same God has guided you to charge his church taxes to listen to the very glorious message He gave freely through you?
Secondly, were you led by the conviction of the Holy Spirit (who revealed to you the melody and ryrics in that song before signing contracts/agreements with the said UPRS or you were led by your own desires and people pressures just like how Saul in the bible did? (1Samuel 15:25…Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.)
I agree with the notion that gospel artistes should also thrive in the same economy everyone is living in but they should also know that God will ask for accountability of their gifts from their ministration not the associations they simply attended. 
I am personally a fan to several worship singers like Lubega Brian because I flow so much in Worship but if the ministry is becoming a market place then Jesus Christ Himself shall come in and overturn the tables.
May God bless every minister who hasn’t exchanged their gold for dust, may God increase their legacy, fame, dominion and may God grant such permanent harvests to them in the due seasons, Amen.

The writer Pr. Francis Nsubuga is the senior Pastor of The Worshippers’ Palace Church (WPC) Ndejje, Entebbe Road -Kibutika Village.
Reach him on whatsapp +256 778 245 811

GROUP PHOTO: Speaker Oulanyah with NRM Delegates in Westnile today

NEWS EDITOR
www.newseditor.co.ug

THE 11th Parliament Speaker Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah who doubles as ruling NRM Vice chairman in charge of Northern Uganda has rallied party delegates to unite and consolidate NRM support in the region.
He has reassured Northern Uganda of  his resolve to see the NRM party take more space at parliamentary level and all local governments to effectively serve the people and ensure they benefit from the government programmes. 
Speaker Oulanyah is on a tour in Northern Uganda, meeting delegates from the three Sub regions to thank them for resoundingly voting NRM in the recently concluded elections, for voting President Museveni, voting him as NRM vice chairman and for their support during race for Speakership.
He today started his tour in Westnile Sub region where he called for cohesion and teamwork from the NRM leaders if they are to fully implement the NRM Manifesto 2021-2026 and consolidate support for the ruling party. 
Oulanyah said, “Today i have met Westnile NRM delegates in Arua City on socio-economic transformation, maintenance of our beautiful country’s peace and unity, and implementation of NRM Manifesto 2021-2026. I thanked them for masively voting NRM and electing me as the NRM Vice Chairperson, Northern Uganda.”

The meeting held in Arua city was attended by State minister for Northern Uganda, Grace Kwiyucwiny, State minister for Urban Development Obiga Kania, MPs Hon Atima Jackson, Hon Feta Geofrey, Hon Hassim Sulaiman, Hon Acibu Agnes, Hon Adriko Yovani, Hon Maneno Zumura, Hon Leku Joel, Hon Afidra Ronald, Hon Musa Noah, Hon Bhoka George, Hon Tom Azia, Hon Lillian Paparu, Hon Alioni Yorke, Hon James Baba, Hon Akumu Mavenjina, Hon Ezama Siraji, Hon Joanne Okia, Hon Avako Melisa, Hon Isaac Otimgiw, Hon Etuka Isaac, Hajati Medina Naham, Director Finance and Administration and other NRM structure leaders. 
“We have to keep the commitment made to people through our manifesto by ensuring that, it is effectively implemented during budget planning and at implementation level. Why should our people be left in darkness about the NRM government’s programs and projects in their area, that shouldn’t happen, they must know what government is doing for them at all levels” he noted. 
The meeting attracted leaders from the districts of Arua, Arua City, Madi Okollo, Obongi, Adjumani, Zombo, Nebbi, Pakwach, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo and Terego who appreciated  Oulanyah for the great customer initiative undertaken to mobilize and engage the population, as it was the first of it’s kind since NRM transited from a movement system to a fully fledged political party. 
Oulanyah said that the purpose of these meetings is to re-energize the NRM structures, share experiences and challenges on how to grow the Party and implement the NRM Manifesto which is geared towards improved service delivery.
“I can confirm to you that we as people from northern Uganda, have had a fair share of bad performance but now with my leadership we will never slumber again and must take up all electoral positions of government to effectively serve our people as we implement the manifesto”. Said Speaker Oulanyah. 
He assured the people of Northern Uganda that President Yoweri Museveni is committed to the transformation of this region with it’s huge potential and next year West Nile will be connected to National Grid to foster rapid Industrialization and creation of employment for the youth and women. The President is so passionate about the region and working around the clock to deliver to his promises.

Rt. Hon Oulanyah promised the NRM leaders in West Nile that he will soon open up sub regional offices under his office as vice chair to help coordinate and monitor the planning, budgeting and implementation of government programs to ensure people benefit from them. 
Late in the afternoon, The Speaker of Parliament visited the farm of Hon Alioni Odria (Aringa South), in Ajia, Vurra County in Arua. 
The farm that specializes in mango seedlings, employs up to 56 people. It has over 1.2m seedlings and 60,000 have undergone grafting and ready for distribution. 
Oulanyah called upon legislators to embrace agriculture and bought for himself some seedlings.
From Westnile Sub region, Speaker Oulanyah will tomorrow be Acholi region and on Wednesday he will meet NRM delegates in Lango Sub region.
The regional meetings are coordinated by the Regional Government Whips Hon Atima Jackson for West Nile, Hon Anywar Ricky- Acholi and Hon Ayoo Tonny- Lango who are now charged with ensuring government programs are seen, felt, coordinated and people participate in them for social economic transformation.
This comes at a time when Dr. Kizza Besigye’s has invaded Northen Uganda to preach gospel about the Red card Front political pressure group.
Analysts say, Besigye wants to reclaim his support in Northern Uganda which was taken over by NRM in January 2021 general elections. Thanks to President Museveni’s brother Gen. Salim Saleh who camped in Northern Uganda and the role played by Jacob Oulanyah. Opposition lost this region. The Speaker wants this support maintained.

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