ALTHOUGH Busoga sub-region and Jinja specifically continue to register a decline in Covid-19 positive cases, this has not stopped Bidco Uganda Limited (BUL), an FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company with a modern edible oil processing complex in Masese village, Jinja from continuing to support the fight. Early this week, the ever receptive entity when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility among others, responded to Jinja City’s request aimed at mitigating the pandemic. The donation that was handed over by BUL’s Financial Manager Mr. Loh Wei Li assisted by Senior Factory Manager Mr. Liu Chin to Jinja City Mayor-Alton Kasolo Okocha at the latter’s office included 100 packets of facemasks, 40 jerricans of 20litre sanitizer each, 26 pieces of gun thermometers, 100 packets of examination gloves, 20 packets of PPE kits, 15 pieces of spray pumps, 40 jerricans of 20litre liquid soap each and UgX10m cash to facilitate health teams to be able to carry out outreach programs in the city. Bidco’s Loh Wei Li (Financial Manager) disclosed that as a company,they feel for the community and that supporting humanitarian causes is part of their corporate social responsibility. “We believe that a health community is essential for the survival of our investment and as a company we are committed to supporting such causes that directly important on the local people among others”, he said revealing that they have supported such causes in Kalangala and Buvuma island districts where they too have investments. The Bidco team that included Bernard Ngwabe (Human Resource Manager) emphasized that this particular donation is strictly for the people of Jinja to enable the leadership fight the pandemic. On his part,Mayor Kasolo challenged other investors within the city to put to good use their budget for corporate social responsibility. “I commend Bidco for responding to our call which is a clear indication that they don’t aim at profit maximization but they also mind about the health of their clients”,he noted before imploring others to follow suit. “Just like Bidco has done, it is high time other investors within did the same.You can only be in business if the community is health short of which we shall all be at a loss”. Said Mayor Kasolo Bidco’s Bernard Ngwabe revealed that as a company,they have earlier on supported the Government of Uganda Covid-19 Relief campaign with $100000. In the first lockdown,Bidco donated UgX521m cash with other products from their conglomerate. The company also renovated Walukuba Health Centre IV to a tune of UgX100m. Present at the handover included Hon.Richard Mbaziira,Hon.Gishebi,City Clerk Peter Mawerere.
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PHOTO: Hon. Mukasa (in red neck-tie) with councilors before distribution of maize seeds to voters
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LUBAGA SOUTH legislator Hon. Aloysius Mukasa, officially starts to bite! He has successfully blocked evictions of his people on Railway’s land saying, the time given to them to vacate was not enough yet they have lived there for years. In a meeting with Works minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Hon. Mukasa vowed to take the battle to the floor of Parliament if the ministry does not look into extension of evictions and also consider compensation of all affected persons especially in Ndeeba at Butaala Market. Addressing hundreds of Lubaga South constituents who filled Kitebi Primary School play ground to capacity today (Tuesday) evening, MP Mukasa said the period to evict people on Uganda Railway land has finally been extended. “My meeting with the line minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has borne fruit. That is why the earlier notice to evict people on Railway land was set aside. Our people have been given more six months as we make strategies on the way forward. It was a tug of war to convince the minister but I am very happy we both reached a mutual understanding . I was not ready to look on as my people are being evicted.” Revealed Hon. Mukasa amidst ululation from his voters. MP Mukasa who had invited Lubaga South constituents to perform three functions; deliver 3000 kgs of Maize seed he lobbied from Parliament, take them through his first 100 days as their Member of Parliament and gathering their views, said, it is time for action, with him in the driver’s seat, Lubaga South will be an exemplary constituency. “In my first 100 days as your Member of Parliament, i have managed to block land evictions in the constituency. On the issue of Uganda Railway line that goes through our constituency, they wanted people occupying this land to immediately vacate. I met Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and his deputy, to allow me raise the issue on the floor of parliament as a matter of National importance if the Works ministry continues to turn a deaf ear. I am happy, they have changed their goal posts.” MP Mukasa told his people.
According to the earlier notice, Uganda Railway had notified people living and those working on the railway land that they will be forcefully evicted on Friday 08th October 2021 but due to pressure mounted by the area MP, eviction period has been extended. Mukasa has talked about land evictions in Mutundwe, Chairman Mubanda’s Zone where a certain family was being forcefully evicted. “This family lost a relative and the person who claims to be the rightful owner of the land stopped the burial process. I went there and discovered something wasn’t adding up regarding the said land owner. I directed the burial program to go on and as of today, the village is peaceful.” Said Hon. Mukasa. He also talked about one Haji Mayanja, father to former Kampala RCC Faridah Mayanja Mpiima who is evicting people in Kasenyi, Wankuluku. The MP called his son- in- law, Jamiru Mpiima and asked him to tell Haji Mayanja that any attempt to evict people from their land will not be allowed. On the issue of Maize seeds, Hon. Mukasa told his people who braved a heavy down pour that much as fellow MPs representing rural areas wanted him to donate to them these seeds, he refused saying this was a share for his constituents. “I know you as very hardworking people. Most of you have gardens in your compounds. Please, take these seeds and plant them, I will visit your gardens to bring shame those who wanted to take away what belongs to you.” Said Mukasa amidst tight security. At the function the elderly also voiced their concerns.
HAPPINESS: A lady after receiving 10kgs of Maize seeds from Hon. Aloysius Mukasa at Kitebi Primary School play ground today
They complained to Hon. Mukasa that most of them are not beneficiaries of the government elderly program saying years for one to benefit from the elderly cash program were inflated. “Honourable, it’s very difficult to find a person who is 80+. May be it was intentional to lock most of us out. We are sending you to parliament, make sure who ever makes at least 65 or 70 years, automatically becomes a beneficiary. Because you can move around a whole Parish and find only one person aged 80 years. Who is eating the elderly’s money?” Asked one of the old people around. In response, the MP noted down this concern and pledged to raise it on the floor of Parliament. He said the issue of National identity cards is another road block for these old people to benefit from the elderly cash project. “Many don’t have National IDs yet it’s one of the preliquisites to receiving the money. Government must revisit this condition.” Said the area MP. Village Heath Teams (VHTs) who were established by the Ministry of Health to empower communities to take part in the decission that affect their health, mobilize communinities for health programs, and strengthen the deoivery of health servicess at house-hold level, have told the MP that they have not yet received their money. Youth and people with disabilities also tasked the MP to deliver their views. The MP was accompanied by councilors who included Ivan Mubiru, Rose Kigozi, Betty Najjengo, Idi Nkambwe and others. In attendance were LC I Chairpersons like Ali of Aggrey Zone, Kitooro Zone Chairman, Kitebi Chairman and one Henry who is Kabaawo chairman.
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A FEW days after the shocking demise of Archbishop of the Orthodox Church of Uganda Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga, Orthodox Pope Theodorous II has today Monday at 13:50 PM landed at Entebbe International Airport. With his entourage, he is set to visit Kasubi Tombs on 17th/October/2021, an internationally recognised cultural heritage site, where four former Buganda Kings were buried to pay his respects to the Ssekabakas. Kasubi Tombs are under reconstruction after unknown people torched it 11 years back. His Beatitude Pope Theodorous II is the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. On his encourage, are Archbishops and Bishops from different countries. The Patriarch and entourage arrived at Entebbe Airport aboard Ethiopian Airline and received by a delegation of Orthodox Church Hierarchs, clergy and Lay leaders. The Patriarch Entourage had; His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Rev. Fr. Evangelos Limnaios who is the Personal Assistant to the Patriarch, His Eminence Markarios the Archbishop of Nairobi Kenya, His Eminence Jeronymos Muzeyi the Archbishop of Mwanza, Tanzania and His Grace Neophitos the Bishop of Nyeri and Mount Kenya. Others are; Archimandrite Dima Alexandru from Romania, Sister Motoc Mihaela from Romania, Archimandrite Ilunga Musungayi Chariton the Patriarch Vicar in the Diocese of Goma – DRC and Rev. Fr. Mayaya Kashinda Steve from the Diocese of Goma-DRC. At the Airport, the Patriarch received Bouquet of flowers, welcome entertainment before departure from Airport, Patriarch received at the Hotel for resting, he is received at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral for laying wreath at the Grave, then great Doxology. The Patriarch will meet the Ambassador of Egypt or Dinner at Namungoona, then back to the Hotel for resting. Tomorrow on Tuesday after, the Patriarch and Entourage will be hosted by President Museveni at Entebbe State House. From there, will head to St. Spyridon Luguzi in Wakiso, Patriarch and Entourage will visit St. Mary of Egypt Monastery and St. Antonious Parish, Monde Luwero before returning to Kampala for meetings. On 13th October, Patriarch and Entourage will visit St. Spyridon Nsinze in Namutumba (Great Doxology). On same day, Patriarch will be received at Holly Resurrection Jinja City and lays foundation stone for construction of Diocesan office block. Will later meet priests and leaders and then after received at St. Catherine Monastery, Kiyindi in Buikwe. Patriarch will spend a night here. On 14th October, Patriarch and his entourage will be received at St. Paraskevi Monastery, Busaana Buikwe. Will conduct a holy liturgy and consecration of the Monastery church. Patriarch will visit the source of the Nile and later in the evening return to Kampala. On 15th October, Patriarch and his entourage will be received in Gulu City. There will be great Doxology at St. Basil Orthodox Parish, Gulu. Later, Patriarch will meet priests and Diocesan leaders. They will spend a night in Gulu. On 16th October, Patriarch and entourage will be received at St. Lavrendios. Liturgy and blessing of Diocesan office at St. Lavrentios, Gulu. Later in evening, will return back to Kampala. On 17th October, there will be a divine liturgy and Memorial service for the late Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Namungoona in Kampala. Patriarch will later vista’s Kasubi Royal Tombs to pay his respects to the Ssekabakas. Departure for Bukoba will be on 18th October by Road.
Photo: School founder Mother Kevin newly constructed block
BY MARY NAKASI newseditor.info@gmail.com
100 YEARS old St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School, a fully registered and accredited as an examination centre by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examination Board (UAHEB), has confirmed to this News Website that, opposition NUP Bukomansimbi North MP Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana was their student enrolled on 29th of April 1998 to pursue a Midwifery course for two and a half years, an equivalent of S.6. School records have it that, Nandagire sat and passed National exams set by Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examination Board, a Government examination body. This answers questions about the authenticity of her academic documents raised by NRM’s Ruth Katushabe in court, whom she massively defeated in Bukomansimbi North MP elections early this year. In an exclusive interview with St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School, a Catholic based institution, this news webite can now exclusively report that, on completion of S.4, Christine Nandagire enrolled at this institution and was awarded a certificate, then the Uganda Nurses and Midwifery council gave her the licence to practice after she was qualified. Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, “A person is qualified to be a member of Parliament if that person; {a) is a citizen of Uganda, (b) is a registered voter and (c) has completed a minimum formal education of Advanced Level standard or its equivalent. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) insists, Hon. Nandagire has the equivalent of A level she got from St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School. In fact the school told us that, a student who has got skills like Christine Nandagire is far better than a student who is just educated. If she comes out as a nurse, that is a step ahead. “A person from ‘A’ level might have the qualifications of Education but does not have the skills. But our students, after completion of S.4, persue a course in nursing for example, and after two and a half years, they will already be enrolled nurses with a certificate from the ministry of Education. Yet after S.6, a student is not a skilled nurse. Our students can easily go back and upgrade for a diploma. Then goes for a Bachelors. This is what Hon. Ndiwalana did.” Nsambya School told this News Editor Media. All this comes after High Court in Masaka nullified Hon. Ndiwalana’s election as Bukomansimbi North member of parliament saying she does not posses the minimum academic qualifications as required by the law governing election of Members of Parliament. Court found out that it is true, Nandagire sat for S4 but the question was about the equivalent of Advanced level having not gone to HSC. She has however run to court of Appeal saying Masaka High Court judgement has gaps seen by even a blind person. Click and read related story: DID JUDGE KATUNGUKA SLEEP ON DUTY? HERE IS WHY BUKOMANSIMBI NORTH MP CHRISTINE NDIWALANA HAS RUN TO COURT OF APPEAL In a 35 pager judgement given by Her Lordship Hon. Justice Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka on September 28th 2021, judge said Christine Nandagire did not posses a certificate from St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School showing that she attended and completed this Midwifery course, which the institution has responded to, saying Certificates are issued out by the National Examination body not the institution. Judge said, “In the least effort, there should be at least a printout of the final results duly endorsed by the Principal Tutor of the Training school or the medical superintendent or another official of the training school confirming that Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana completed and passed.” In response, the training school told us, “No student sits for National Examinations and instead gets a certificate from his or her school or institution. We expected judge Katunguka to be in the know of this. Yes Christine Nandagire was our student, she sat for National Examinations and was awarded a Certificate by the examinations body. What else did the judge want from her?” “Ndiwalana studied from here (St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School) and her academic records are crystal clear. All files are available, we don’t destroy files. Let court excuse this institution from their politicking.” said the school boss angrily. For starters, St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School is a one in three school, comprising of a Nursing, Midwifery and Laboratory schools. It is the training department of St. Francis Hospital. The school was started by Mother Kevin Kearner a Franciscan missionary sister from Ireland who also founded Nsambya hospital in 1903, about 118 years ago. Mother Kevin started an enrolled Midwifery school in 1919, 102 year ago, in order to develop staff that would help her handle the many obstetrical problems that faced mothers and their unborn children at that time. The Enrolled Nurses’ course was started 10 years later (1931) and commencement greatly eased the care of the many patients who thronged the newly started Nsambya Hospital. The Laboratory Assistant course was started in 1946 and with the expansion of the Hospital in the course of the years, the need for personnel of a higher calibre became evident so the Registered Nurse/Registered Midwifery courses were started in 1972-1974 respectively. The Diploma course for the Laboratory school started much later in 1984.
‘DON’T DRAG THIS GREAT INSTITUTION INTO YOUR POLITICKING’ – WARNS ST. FRANCIS NSAMBYA HOSPITAL SCHOOL A tough speaking school boss told our reporter that those who think can drag this institution into their politics are just wasting time, St. Francis Nsambya Hospital School produces quality products which are competed for in market. “No one can kill the reputation of this institution which has been here for over a Century and millions of people know about St. Francis Nsambya Hospital training School. Any one who thinks by blackmailing this great school can kill our name, is simply day dreaming.” Said the School’s boss. She asked, “How can you say, an institution which is hundred years old is not registered yet the Ministry of Education knows it is? Someone speaking like that must be having a problem. He or she can say whatever he or she wants but that will never change who we are and what defines us.” We were briefed that this Institution doesn’t give certificates to their students, it is under the ministry of Education and Sports. The certificates are approved by the National council for Higher Education (NCHE). Students sit for the National examinations and are licenced by the council. “Did they consult the ministry of Education and it disowned Christine Nandagire? Those saying she did not complete her education, are not in ‘class’, they lack knowledge.” Said the school’s boss. She told us, St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School was gazetted and registered under the ministry of Education and Sports, “We are a National centre for Exams, we even operate as a marking centre. Would the ministry give us an examination centre if we were not registered? You just come from wherever you are to start saying St. Francis Training School isn’t registered. That is their opinion. They are ignorant, they are suffering from something we may not know. This is politicking which we are not ready to go into.” About Hon. Ndiwalana passing exams, Nsambya training school confirms that yes their former students sat and passed exams. “Did she register with Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Council? Is she known? Is she gazetted? Did she sit for National Exams like all our students? The answer is yes. We presented all records to court. Those doubting, ought to have gone to Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Council to get everything about Hon. Christine Nandagire.” Said St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School’s boss. She wondered how Nandagire could have gotten a certificate from the ministry of Education if she did not pass National exams. How did they renew her certificate? and how did the National Council for Higher Education clear her to contest for MP elections? Why then did court not take time to verify all her academic documents if there were doubts?
Hon. Christine Ndiwalana (left) and Hon. Veronica Nanyondo attending Plenary
About how she was admitted with different names of Nandagire Chriss yet at Nsambya school she was called Christine Nandagire, school cited an affidavit sworn by her. “The name can easily be changed by an affidavit. If judge didn’t know that, then I have nothing to say.” Noted the school’s boss saying, those were political issues, St. Francis Nsambya Hospital Training School is not a political institution, NCHE and Electoral Commission perfectly performed their duties, if the judge had different views, it’s up to her. On completion of her certificate at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya Training School, Christine was enrolled and got a certificate from the ministry of health (The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council). National Council for Higher Education considered this certificate for Christine Nandagire to equate and issued out , ‘The certificate of Completion of Formal Education of Advanced level or it’s Equivalent’. This is the certificate she used to contest and win elections. Away from that, in 2012, Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana got a Diploma in Guidance and Counseling from Uganda Matyrs University Nkozi (UMU). She was admitted at the International Health Science University (IHSU), today known as Clarke international University (CIU) for a diploma as a Medical Clinical Officer. Dr. Ndiwalana holds a Bachelor’s of medicine and Bachelor’s of Surgery from Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU). A quick one, Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. What do Nurses/Midwives do? They work in a variety of settings and specialities. They may choose to practice in hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, ambulatory care, occupational, health and community healthcentres, schools, clinics, camps etc.
COURSES OFFERED/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS @ NSAMBYA HOSPITAL TRAINING SCHOOL ● Diploma Nursing/Midwifery (Direct), duration is 3 years. To be enrolled, a student must havery sat for ‘A’ level with a Principal Pass in Biology and a subsidiary pass in Chemistry ● Diploma Nursing/Midwifery (up-grading) takes 1 ½ years. You are required to have a Certificate in Nursing or Midwifery ● Certificate in Nursing or Midwifery for 2 ½ years. A student must posses ‘O’ Level standard with at least passes in sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Mathematics) ● Diploma in Laboratory Technicians course takes 2 years. Required to have ‘A’ level sciences with two (2) Principal Passes in Biology and Chemistry. ● Laboratory Assistants duration is 2 years. You must possess ‘O’ Level standard with at least passes in sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Mathematics) Certificate ● Certificate in Clinical mentor. Duration is 9 months. Required to be an Enrolled nursing /Midwifery /laboratory Assistant or Diploma in any of the above Advanced. ● Diploma in E- learning (Midwifery). Takes 2yrs. You are required to have a Certificate in Midwifery
RELATED NURSING & MIDWIFERY SCHOOLS/UNIVERSITIES IN UGANDA ▪ Arua School of Nursing ▪ Butabika School of psychiatric Nursing ▪ Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery. ▪ Kabale School of Enrolled Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Lira School of Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Mulago Health Tutor’s College ▪ Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Public Health Nurses College ▪ Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Bwindi School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Fort Portal International Nurses Training School ▪ Ishaka 7th Day Adventist School of Nursing ▪ Kamuli School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Kibuli School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mbale School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mengo School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mukono Diocese School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Lubaga Health Training Institution ▪ St. Francis Nyenga School of Nursing ▪ Villa Maria School of Nursing ▪ Mityana Institute of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Makerere University Department of Nursing ▪ Mbarara University Department of Nursing ▪ Gulu University Department of Midwifery ▪ Busoga University School of Enrolled Comprehensive Nursing ▪ IUIU School of Nursing ▪ Uganda Christian University Nursing School ▪ Clarke international University (CIU) ▪ Bishop Stuart University School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Kampala International University Nursing School Western Campus ▪ Kampala University School of Nursing ▪ Arua School of Nursing ▪ Butabika School of psychiatric Nursing ▪ Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery. ▪ Kabale School of Enrolled Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Lira School of Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Mulago Health Tutor’s College ▪ Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Public Health Nurses College ▪ Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing ▪ Bwindi School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Fort Portal International Nurses Training School ▪ Ishaka 7th Day Adventist School of Nursing ▪ Kamuli School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Kibuli School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mbale School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mengo School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mukono Diocese School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Lubaga Health Training Institution ▪ St. Francis Nyenga School of Nursing ▪ Villa Maria School of Nursing ▪ Mityana Institute of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Makerere University Department of Nursing ▪ Mbarara University Department of Nursing ▪ Gulu University Department of Midwifery ▪ Busoga University School of Enrolled Comprehensive Nursing ▪ IUIU School of Nursing ▪ Uganda Christian University Nursing School ▪ Clarke international University (CIU) ▪ Bishop Stuart University School of Nursing and Midwifery ▪ Kampala International University Nursing School Western Campus ▪ Kampala University School of Nursing
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Hon. Kawalya trying one of the Boda bodas he bought for NUP youth
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RUBAGA North Member of Parliament Haji Abubaker Kawalya on Friday donated three motorcycles worth UGX 15M to a group of youth called Boda Boda Patrol, Lubya Chapter, who are remembered for voluntarily escorting NUP supreme leader Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi while traversing the whole country during recently concluded presidential campaigns. These boys braved teargas, bullets and arrests which marred Hon. Bobi Wine’s campaign trail. They soldiered on until the end of these bloody campaigns. At a function which was attended by political leaders in Lubaga, Hon. Kawalya who doubles as opposition Shadow Cabinet minister for Kampala, saluted these youth for enduring all kinds of torture and brutality but remained strong and true to the struggle saying, they are worth being celebrated and rewarded for their love plus support to the principal Hon. Kyagulanyi and to the National Unity Platform (NUP) Party. “Please, receive these three brand new motorcycles I have bought for you to thank you for the support you gave to Hon. Kyagulanyi, support you gave to me during my Member of Parliament campaigns and for supporting all NUP candidates. Use these boda bodas to make money, develop a saving culture so that by the time we come back here, these three motorcycles might have multiplied into six motorcycles.” MP Kawalya told a joyous group of NUP youth. He implored them to embrace discipline and transparency in their endeavors in order to attain sustainable development, adding that, it’s not alien for members of the same development group to default or take advantage of others.
THANK YOU HON. KAWALYA: NUP youth showing gratitude to the Rubaga North MP
In attendence were; Lubaga Division Deputy Mayor Hajat Rehema Fuge, councilors Hakim Kizza Sawula, Shamim Nabiddo, Wasawa Ibra Ssemanda, Chief Mboowa, Nantongo Sarah, Salongo Bashir and others who together contriguted UGX 3M to support Boda Boda Patrol group. At the end of the activity, the group made a “freedom procession” within entire Constituency showing solidarity and support to their beloved member of Parliamentary for his generosity, chanting his name and pledging to always support him. Kawalya has started his 5 years term politically scoring high, and if he maintains this, analysts say, those eyeing his seat will simply keep dreaming.
Sam Lubega Mukaaku commits himself to work with Dr. Besigye’s People’s Front today in Mengo. DP says, Mukaaku is one of the masqueraders
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THE opposition Democratic Party (DP) has strongly distanced itself from being part of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s newly formed pressure group codenamed ‘The FRONT Red Card’ saying those calling themselves DP BLOC are politically stranded masqueraders who can’t be trusted by public. In a press statement released on Thursday evening, hours after the launch of this pressure group and JEEMA headquarters in Mengo, DP has said, these named fellas are shamelessly masquerading as representatives of the DP Bloc.
DP’S FULL STATEMENT The Democratic Party has noted with sadness, concern and amusement the attempt by one Kalinge Nyago and some former members of the Democratic Party namely Sam Lubega Mukaaku, Sulaiman Kidandala, Kenneth Paul Kakande, Vincent Mayanja and Christine Ikiria purporting to be leaders in Dr. Besigye’s People’s Front and claiming to be representing the DP Bloc. Some of these self-seeking individuals whose trademark is indiscipline and opportunism once claimed that they had joined the National Unity Platform (NUP) as members of the DP Bloc. We warned NUP about them and their disruptive tendencies. Fortunately, NUP distanced itself from them and even denied them their party ticket in the last elections. These are the individuals that undermined any attempt at cooperation between People Power/NUP and DP! Now they are at it again, shamelessly masquerading as representatives of the DP Bloc. We wish to warn the People’s Front against allowing these individuals to claim any association with the DP Bloc. That would be deceptive and fraudulent. These politically stranded individuals are free to pursue efforts to resuscitate their failing political careers but DP will not allow them to do it at its expense. If indeed the People’s Front is honest in the pursuit of its stated objectives then it should take our objections seriously. These are the kind of manipulative maneuvers that have undermined and continue to undermine the building of a viable coalition of democracy seeking forces that can create the leverage to bring about a democratic transition in Uganda. We expect that these individuals will be part of the People’s Front in their capacity but certainly not as DP Bloc. Claiming to have DP Bloc without DP is like claiming to have Christianity without Christ! To avoid dying in its infancy, like previous similar initiatives, the People’s Front must form principled alliances and focus beyond the political ambitions of individuals. DP welcomes the new platform and remains committed to principled cooperation with any formation that is committed to building the post-Museveni Uganda. That task requires putting Uganda first! Indeed, the record shows that the Democratic Party remains the chief proponent and most consistent supporter of principled unity amongst change
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PHOTO: NUP boss Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi after handing a party ticket to Dr. Ndiwalana at Kamwokya party headquarters last year
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BUKOMANSIMBI NRM members, shouldn’t celebrate yet. It’s not yet over! Bukomansimbi North Member of parliament Hon. Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana has officially rejected High Court ruling delivered on 28th September 2021 nullifying her election, saying the judgement and decree of trial, handed by the judge Her Lordship, Hon. Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka had a lot of errors in black and white! The News Editor Website can authoritatively report that, lawyers of Lukwago & Co. Advocates representing Hon. Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana, last week notified court on the instructions given to them by their client to appeal to the court of Appeal of Uganda against the judgement and decree of Justice Katunguka delivered on the 28th day of September, 2021 at the High Court of Masaka. “Our client being dissatisfied with the judgement and decree of Her Lady Justice Ketrah Katunguka delivered, intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the said judgement and decree”, reads a notice dated 28th September, 2021 and received on 01st October 2021 by the Registrar High Court of Uganda at Masaka. MP Ndiwalana’s lawyers asked to be availed with the typed and certified copies of the judgement and proceedings to enable their client pursue her intended Appeal. In the notice of Appeal dated 30th September 2021, MP Ndiwalana’s lawyers notified the petitioner in election petition No. 05 of 2021 that their client is intending to appeal against the given judgement by Lady Justice Katunguka. In her judgement, Justice Katunguka ordered that, “The declaration and gazetting of the 2nd Respondent (Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana) as the winner of the election held on l4th January 2021, is hereby set aside. Let there be fresh nominations and elections for the people of Bukomansimbi North Constituency to choose their representative in Parliament.” This came after Ruth Katushabe, NRM candidate for Bukomansimbi North MP 2021 elections petitioned High Court Masaka to declare her the winner since Nandagire who got the highest number of votes wasn’t fully nominated. For starters, the winner Christine Ndiwalana polled 9617 votes, NRM’s Ruth Katushabe (The petitioner) finished second with 6599 votes, Kateregga Muhamed (JEEMA) was given 3076 votes, Kawoya Yasin was given 251 votes, Lubyayi Eid Kisiki was given 4238 votes, Namakula Rachel was given 182 votes and Sebugwawo Yusuf was given 47 votes. The results were accordingly notified in the Gazette. Now this judgement has been also set aside since Hon. Ndiwalana has run to court of appeal seeking redress. “The grounds of appeal shall be specifically stated in the Memorandum of Appeal”, writes Lukwago & Co. Advocates. Copies of Appeal were served to the Registrar of the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Uganda, M/S Nsubuga & Co. Advocates ( Ruth Katushabe’s lawyers) and to the Electoral Commission (1st Respondents in Election Petition No. 05 of 2021). Hon. Ndiwalana who is one of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya’s surety, won Bukomansimbi North MP seat with a difference of about 3000 votes defeating then incumbent Ruth Katushabe. Katushabe, a wife to Estates’ dealer Haji HB Matovu petitioned court to be declared the rightful winner on grounds that Hon. Ndiwalana did not posses required academic qualifications, not fully nominated, bribery, among others. Court annulled Ndiwalana’s election but it did not declare Katushabe the winner. Judge said, “Counsel for the petitioner submits that since the 2nd Respondent (Nandagire Christine Ndiwalana) was not a candidate at the election, and the 2nd Respondent being off the scene, the Petitioner is the candidate who obtained the highest valid votes cast for a candidate at the election with 6,599 votes, while Lubyayi lddi Kisiki obtained 4,238 votes. That court declares the petitioner (Ruth Katushabe) the winner and the gazetting of the 2nd Respondent be set aside.” Counsel for the petitioner cited the case of Wakayima N. Musoke & EC vs. Kasule Robert Ssebunya EPA No. 50 and 102 of 2016, in which it was held by the Court of Appeal, that according to 5.63(4) of the PEA, the High Court has power to declare that a candidate other than the person declared elected was validly elected; He therefore prayed that the petitioner be gazetted as the winner of the election held on the 14/01/2021 for MP Bukomansimbi North County Constituency which Justice Katunguka rejected. She said, Courts have enunciated the gist of election petitions as not person to holder because whoever stands represents a section of the populace. A weakness in qualifications for an individual and not in popularity reflected by votes cannot in itself guide court to move under section 63(4Xb) of the Parliamentary Elections Act. “The citizenry must be represented and given an opportunity to choose a leader of their choice through free and fair elections. By declaring any other person winner other than Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana would require court to show that all candidates were validly nominated and the other person won and scored higher than Nandagire, which is not the case in this matter.” Ruled Justice Katunguka. Ruth Katushabe during cross examination testified that she does not have any complaints on the 6599 votes she got, that the 9617 voters Christine Nandagire shows a margin of about 3000 votes between her and the 2nd Respondent. Judge said, “The right to vote entails not only, casting a ballot paper for a candidate of one’s choice, but also and equally important, is the knowledge that the vote will be treated equally as all the other votes cast in the election, before a candidate is declared a winner. The petitioner (Katushabe) did not get the highest number of votes and the votes of all must be taken into account in the choice of a member of parliament for Bukomansimbi North constituency. The petitioner cannot be declared winner because she is not.” This is how her prayer was not considered and the judge instead ordered for a by election. Hon. Ndiwalana says even a by election is not needed, Bukomansimbi North voters spoke loudly, they massively elected their MP and the chapter closed. This is why she has gone to the Court of Appeal. “Read the last page of Justice Katunguka’s judgement. She categorically said, ‘The Petitioner failed to prove that the 2nd Respondent (Nandagire) did not have the Uganda Certificate of Education as alleged’. I am ready to make our case before court of Appeal that I posses the required academic qualifications for Member of Parliament. Truth will set us free.” A confident Hon. Nandagire told this news Website.
FACTS COURT OF APPEAL WILL BASE ON TO DUSTBIN JUSTICE KATUNGUKA’S JUDGEMENT ● Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana was duly nominated by Returning Officer electoral commission Bukomansimbi District. We have accessed the file and it contains the following documents: 1) Nomination form fully filled and signed by the 10 seconders 2) Declaration of Nominated candidate 3) A statutory declaration for swearing her names 4) A deed poll confirming all her 3names and it was done in 2018 5) National ID 6) A recommendation letter from her former primary school 7) Uganda Certificate of Education 8) A certificate of Midwifery from Nsambya School of Nursing and Midwifery which took her two and a half years to obtain 9) A certificate of enrollment from ministry of health (Uganda Nurses and Midwifery council) 10) A certificate of Advanced level of it’s equivalent from National Council for higher education. NB: All those documents mentioned above were certified by their bodies. ● Justice Katunguka errored in nullifying the certificates from a Ministry of Education recognized institution which were also approved by the National Council for higher education (NCHE).
DETAILS OF DR. NDIWALANA’S EDUCATION STATUS ■ She sat for PLE in 1988 at Kyaziiza Primary school ■ In 1992 sat for O’Level at Uganda Matyr’s SS Bukalagi and awarded a UCE certificate. ■ In 1997, she completed her Midwifery course at a renowned St. Francis Hospital Nsambya and was awarded a certificate. ■ Later, she was enrolled and got a certificate from the ministry of health (The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council). ■ National Council for Higher Education considered this certificate for Nandagire Ndiwalana to equate and issued out “The certificate of Completion of Formal Education of Advanced level or it’s Equivalent” ■ Away from that, in 2012, Christine Nandagire Ndiwalana got a Diploma in Guidance and Counseling from Uganda Matyrs University Nkozi (UMU) ■ She was admitted at the International Health Science University (IHSU), today known as Clarke international University (CIU) for a diploma as a Medical Clinical Officer. ■ Dr. Ndiwalana holds a Bachelor’s of medicine and Bachelor’s of Surgery from Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU).
ABOUT THE NAME ● In Primary, she used Nandagire Christine. ● At O’level, she used Chriss Nandagire. ● At St. Francis Hospital Nsambya she used Nandagire Christine. ● At University, she added on her late dad’s name, Ndiwalana. ● Her National ID bears the name of Nandagire Christine Ndiwalana. ● She swore an affidavit about the three names while joining Uganda Matyr’s University in 2009. ● Nandagire Christine Ndiwalana also swore by her three names in the statutory declaration and Deed poll in 2018.
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PHOTO:Mr. Lukka Kagenyi after getting his second Covid-19 jab recently
OPINION BY BRIAN MUKALAZI bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org
AVAILABLE data indicates that by October 1, more than 50 countries had missed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) set global target of fully vaccinating at least 10 per cent of their populations against Covid-19 by the end of September. While almost 90 per cent of high income-countries have met this target, in Africa, the WHO’s overall figure for those fully vaccinated is currently at a paltry 4 per cent (About 60 million people), with only 15 countries having met the target. Yes, I get it! The African continent has suffered immensely from vaccine shortages, made worse by health infrastructure challenges and shortfalls in supplies from the global vaccine-sharing initiative, COVAX. However, we need to be more honest and appreciate that the problem is not only on the “supply side” but on the “demand side” of things as well.Whereas millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses have made their way to Africa in recent months, experts and public health officials are facing serious challenges in rolling out these doses to the masses in a timely manner before their expiry. Already, over 450,000 doses of the vaccines distributed to African nations had expired by early August.In my view, the problem largely emanates from the broken communication system that currently exists between the experts (scientists, public health officials, political leaders, etc.) and the ordinary people. The system lacks a combination of empathy and expertise, and has left many key questions about the vaccine(s) un-answered. It was Peter Drucker who once said: “The most important thing in communication is to hear what is not being said” But the irony with this assertion is that, when communications are made, but with what appears to be half-truths, questionable honesty or with fewer facts, a lot of room is left for misinformation, distrust and open-ended debates.
The author: Mr. Mukalazi
How was a Covid-19 vaccine found so quickly?
The breakneck speed at which the Covid-19 vaccine has been developed remains one of the major mysteries surrounding Covid-19. Previously, the mumps vaccine, developed in 1967, was the quickest to have ever been developed – it took 4 years. Vaccine development is usually a long, complex process, often taking 10-15 years and involving a combination of public and private involvement. Experts normally spend many years of rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness before approval of a vaccine. Therefore, it is only natural for people to have anxiety over the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine that took less than twelve months to develop. There are genuine concerns that the Covid-19 vaccine was rushed and that thorough clinical trials were not done. And with these concerns, comes vaccine hesitancy. Perhaps the speed of this unprecedented achievement could be due to medical advancements, global collaboration and political will. But efforts should be made by the experts to candidly answer the frequently asked questions, especially those relating to the vaccine development or testing process.
Why isolate the un-vaccinated?
Today, almost all countries around the world have instituted some forms of restrictions premised on Covid-19 vaccination. From the mandatory vaccination of teachers in countries such as Uganda and China, to the denial of un-vaccinated people entry to sports events in the United States, Covid-19 is undeniably breaking society apart. Different aspects of daily life are becoming increasingly complicated for anyone un-vaccinated against Covid-19. Socializing, work, air travel and engaging in leisure activities are all increasingly being determined by one’s Covid-19 vaccination status. Some people have indicated that being Covid-19 survivors, they developed natural immunity to the disease and do not need a vaccine. Others have questioned why they have to take the jab when Covid-19 can be a mild or asymptomatic illness for many people, especially the young. And for the majority, they simply just want to take their time. Of course, some of these views could be wrong or misguided but it is the role of governments and experts to listen in, conduct the necessary research and give expert feedback. This would help in debunking misinformation and building public trust.
Lessons from the Ebola Response in West Africa
The 2014 – 2016 Ebola outbreak in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone that claimed more than 11,000 lives offers many lessons. In his book, The Pandemic Century, author Mark Honigsbaum paints a bleak picture of what transpired, especially in the early months of the epidemic: “One of the most common rumours across the entire West African Ebola zone was that the virus was manufactured in a U.S military facility or that it was a plot by governments to attract foreign aid to the region”. The rumours sparked violent clashes with communities suspicious of the intentions of foreigners, medical experts and government officials. The most unfortunate incident of all occurred when a delegation of medical personnel and government officials was set upon by an angry mob. Eight members of the delegation were captured, killed and their bodies dumped in a latrine. According to many observers, social mobilization and massive communication campaigns were crucial ingredients in winning the battle against Ebola. Gaining the understanding and support of Guinean, Liberian and Sierra Leonean villagers required the intervention of experts, local community leaders, as well as active participation from top political leaders.
How Science usually works
According to Fareed Zakaria: “The reality is that Science does not yield one simple answer, especially not with a new phenomenon like Covid-19. We tend to think of science as providing a single, definitive answer, but that isn’t really how it works. Science is, above all, a method of inquiry, a process of posing questions and rigorously testing different hypotheses”. Scientific data analysis is crucial, but so is social analysis and often times, both require a process of open debates and attempts at eliminating falsifications. The fundamental reason why many people have refused to heed expert advice regarding Covid-19 vaccination may have little to do with the complexity of science or ignorance. Many of these people distrust the experts, no matter how highly credentialed they are. Georges Clemenceau once remarked, “War is too important to be left to the generals”. In that spirit, one could say that the Covid-19 vaccination program is too important to be left to the scientists or experts. The experts are essential, but so are the ordinary people and their views!
The writer Mr. Mukalazi is the Country Director ofEvery Child Ministries Uganda. Email: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org
Kingdom Kampala building where Parliament rented office space for members of Parliament
NEWS EDITOR newseditor.info@gmail.com
A FEW days after shockingly donating to his voters UGX 200M Parliament gave Hon. Aloysius Talton Gold Mukasa to buy himself a car, the Lubaga South legislator has rejected an office rented for him by the Parliamentary Commission at Kingdom Kampala building owned by tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, saying he doesn’t need it. A renowned successful businessman, MP Mukasa says his established offices in the constituency are enough and approachable by the people who sent him to Parliament, renting him another office is a wastage of tax payers’ hard earned money! Parliament will annually spend about UGX 9.8B to rent office space for MP’s offices. The 11th Parliament has 529 and they all have to be rented for, offices. According to our reliable sources, MP Mukasa was heard telling his colleagues at Parliament why he rejected this office. Asked if he has been given an office at Parliament, MP Mukasa said, “An office at Parliament? What for? I am a representative of Lubaga South people. We have a number of offices and each office has my personal assistant. They are approachable by my people, no reason for giving them a burden to walk all the way from Lubaga to meet me at Parliament. That is wastage of their time and money.”
ON DUTY: MP Mukasa consulting his voters
The opposition NUP Member of Parliament told listening colleagues that, “My constituents are different from yours. I walk into their houses, to their places of work, to garages and to their carpently to gather their views. I am their servant, will maintain that closeness, that was my commitment.” Hon. Mukasa who was talking to three other legislators said, he has already told Parliamentary Commission to instead put that money to other useful means which directly benefit the voters, he will not take over that office at Parliament. When he was given Parliamentary UGX 200M cash to buy himself a car, MP Mukasa went to his bank account, withdrew other UGX 250M and bought a water truck for Lubaga South Constituency which costed him UGX 450M. This truck supplies water to Lubaga South people at free of charge. This constituency had a problem of accessibility for clean water but as you read this, it is solved by their area MP.
Here is a water truck MP Mukasa bought for his voters to get free clean water
Years before he even thought of contesting for Lubaga South MP seat, Mr. Mukasa donated about UGX 500M to tarmac a road in Kabowa near Faith Arena Church. This makes him one of the most generous and selflessness leader, a major reason why Lubaga South people voted him massively as their MP on January 14th 2021.
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I HAVE got a chance of reading today’s (Saturday October 2, 2021) New Vision Newspaper. Specific of which the account of Mr. Museveni’s argument against bail application in capital offences. Story on Page 3 was written by one Taddeo Bwambale. I find the account short of detail and substantial merit. First of all, bail and bail application are two distinguishable things. Whereas bail is the temporaly relief given to an accused person as their trial subsists, bail application is the process one goes through to convince court that they qualify to obtain this temporally freedom. Mr. Museveni’s argument infers or tends to infer that, once one is accused of an offence, capital in nature as his core objection, it is automatic that one is granted bail. No. This in its self is wrong. Bail is obtained through an application. The application oral or written, must meet some tests. It is not a free take.
ON TV: President Museveni addressing a Nation on Friday night
Further, Mr. Museveni faults the court system for paying more attention to defending the rights of the suspects without considering the plight of victims. This is wrong with due respect Mr. President. Permit me to ably say, no suspect is granted bail. Bail is a subsquent of an application, by the accused. A person qualifies to apply for bail upon being accused. Not a suspect. Slight a difference there is but that difference is the root of bail. To apply for bail is a right. Bail per-se is not a right. The aspect of bail per-se not being a right is rooted in the fact that there is an accusation against someone. He or she is not as free as he or she was before the accusation. He or she must meet some measures that shall be weighed in by the discretion of courts to grant the bail. In light of the above, i ask, does Mr. Museveni‘s argument intend to amend the tenaments for bail application and the considerations court looks at? Or he wants to erase away the right to apply for bail on capital offences in totality? These principals of law are more than 200 years old. They are the foundation of rule of law. It’s quite slippery to debate them on an amplified emotional temperement. There are so many accused persons on various charges not even murder, that have failed to meet the satisfaction of court, to grant them bail. Therefore, bail is not granted as freely and luxuriously as Mr. Museveni infers. I also invite your attention to what fusion lies between capital offences as a political tool juxstaposed with frustration of bail application. Nearly all the key leading politicians in Uganda are walking on bail forms. Dr. Besigye, Robert Kyagulanyi, Gen (rtd) Henry Tumukunde etc are on bail over Treason charges. Betty Namboze is on bail with about 54 cases in her political career in various courts. By January 14, 2021, Robert Kyagulanyi was arrested over 89 times in his political career that is less than 10 years. Dr. Besigye has started to make criminal law precedents and indeed his bail application forms what lawyers call the lead authority in bail application principles. He has had numerical standing of over 200 arrests in his political carreer. With all these number of arrests and charges the only safety valve is the grant of bail that these persons have been chanced by our judicial system. To obtain their still tamed liberty. The susceptability of putting political charges, capital in nature is as easy as tracing a boda on a Kampala street but getting out of the noose is as equally hard as tracing a pothole free road in Kampala metropolitan. That already scanty chances is to be further made dim dark if the right to apply for bail in capital offences is erased away. Its on record. No amendment of a law, occassioned by NRM, comes in a bona -fide spirit. Its always tainted with Mala-fides. Its hard to trace any trust of the NRM on matters of Human rights.
The writer, Denis Nyombi is a Criminal & Civil Defence Attorney