SEXY Brenda Kiconco, Secretary for female affairs of the NRM National Youth Council must be the luckiest Mukiga gal on planet earth of recent! Who ever she owes cash, we tip you to urgently look for her, chic must be loaded these days.
Here is Brenda Omukiga
A graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and persuing Masters in Gender at Makerere University, Brenda is a born of Nyakahita, Kigongi in Kabale Municipality, Kigezi. This proud Mukiga gal who is so connected to President Museveni and wife maama Janet, News Editor Media spotted her with Mr. Patrice Motsepe, the South African billionaire who a few months back was announced as the new president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Brenda (centre) with President Museveni and wife Janet
When photos of Brenda and Billionaire Motsepe leaked to this News Website, we reached her to tell us how the two linked up but she refused to reveal. Why we call her a lucky Mukiga, Brenda has been close to a number of very high profile people in and out side Uganda. A few years ago, her photos with Tooro King Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV went viral on social media. A few months before that, Brenda was seen with Kyabazinga of Busoga William Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, very close.
Kenya’s Ruto with sexy Brenda
She has also been seen with Kenya’s Presidential candidate Ruto, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Livingstone Ruhakana Rugunda, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo, Members of Parliament Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake, Hon. Allan Mayanja Sebunya, Hon. Mwiru Mpaka, Hon. David Kabanda, among others. This young gal is indeed powerful.
GOOD GAL: Museveni awards Brenda
NRM gal Brenda (left) with other yellow youth
To give you details about the latest VIP seen with this President Museveni’s gal Brenda, CAF President Motsepe succeeded Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad, who is serving a two-year FIFA ban over “governance issues”. He will require his vast array of business skills to fix the organisation. The 58-year old businessman is the owner and President of the Mamelodi Sundowns club since 2003. He is the brother-in-law of President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
Brenda with Eng. Magogo during Kabaka’s birth day run
Brenda at MUK taking a selfie with VC Nawangwe with other campusers
The South African is the founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals and is non-executive chairman of Harmony Gold, one of the world’s largest gold mining companies. Motsepe has an estimated fortune of $2.1 billion and is the first black African on the Forbes rich list. He is the first South African to lead CAF, following in the footsteps of two Egyptians, a Sudanese, an Ethiopian, a Cameroonian and a Malagasy. Which ever deal the two are chasing after, only God knows.
For news stories/Gossip, send us an email on neweditor.info@gmail.com
PRESIDENTS: Gen. Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Gen. Paul Kagame of Rwanda
OPINION BY: BRIAN MUKALAZI bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org
THE recent double-headed World Cup qualifier matches played between Uganda and Rwanda saw Uganda trounce Rwanda in both encounters with a one-nil score-line in each. While I watched these two highly competitive soccer matches, my mind could not help, but wander away from the sport and into the currently cold diplomatic relations between the two countries. The matches reminded me of the Katuna/Gatuna border between Uganda and Rwanda that remains closed to human and cargo traffic more than two years since Rwandan President Paul Kagame ordered its closure. This came after Rwanda accused Uganda of supporting political and armed groups said to be hostile to Rwanda, as well as of illegally arresting and torturing its citizens. Today, both countries continue to trade accusations of interference in each other’s affairs. But factually speaking, the strained relations between the two neighbours did not start with the border closure, there had already been glaring signals in the past, all too clear for everyone to see. The historical ties between the two countries’ ruling political movements – the National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/NRA) and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) – may easily be considered as the most profound and protracted love-hate affair in Africa’s modern history.
AUTHOR: Mr. Brian Mukalazi
Many senior members of both the NRA and RPF were once schoolmates, brothers in combat, and best friends who share lots of intimate memories together. You will recall that the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima – Uganda’s former Army commander and Internal Affairs Minister – was the best-man at President Paul Kagame’s wedding in 1989. Therefore, it’s sad to see former allies, brothers, turn into bitter foes. Ironically, the principal factors that brought these two groups of individuals so closely together over four decades ago, are the very factors largely accountable for their present dampened relations – Those factors are: military power and dominance!
Memories from the NRA/NRM Bush war (1981 – 1986) When rebel leader, now Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni formed the National Resistance Army (NRA), which fought a guerrilla war in the bushes of Luweero, against the government of former President Milton Obote, many Rwandans or the Banyarwanda joined and would eventually form a core part of the group. It was here that the charismatic Fred Rwigyema first fought alongside a number of future RPF leaders including future Rwandan president Paul Kagame, James Kabarebe, Patrick Karegeya and Kayumba Nyamwasa. And during the NRA’s first operation, an attack on Kabamba military barracks on February 6, 1981, that involved the legendary twenty-seven guns and thirty-four men, Rwigyema and Kagame were part. Why did many Banyarwanda join the Bush war? Author and journalist Michela Wrong partly attributes this to the events of September 1982 when President Obote’s government ruled that all members of the Banyarwanda community were to be moved to refugee camps. This followed systematic killings, rape and violence.
When Kagame and Museveni met at Gatuna boarder
According to estimates provided by Professor Mahmood Mamdani, by the time the NRA captured state power in 1986, it was 16,000-strong and roughly 4,000 of the soldiers were Banyarwanda. After the war, many Rwandan comrades ended up serving in different positions in the new NRA/NRM government. Rwigyema became the deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces, second only to the President when it came to military decision-making. Kagame was made director of finance and administration in the new military intelligence department; Dr. Peter Bayingana was appointed director of the Uganda Army’s medical services; Kayumba Nyamwasa became assistant district administrator in Gulu district; while Patrick Karegeya was made an assistant director at Military intelligence.
The RPF War (1990 – 1994) Once the Bush war had been won in Uganda, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), formerly Rwanda Alliance for National Unity (RANU), would take shape under the leadership of Fred Rwigyema. And on October 1, 1990, the war against the Rwanda government began through the north-eastern part of the country. Whereas the war caught many NRA stalwarts by surprise, it was common knowledge that the positions of the RPF men inside the Ugandan army and police gave them easy access to armouries and barracks. “They took everything that Uganda possessed in terms of military equipment…From RPGs, grenades, SMGs, machine guns, trucks, bullets, boots and uniforms”, writes Michela Wrong. However, on the second day, Rwigyema was mysteriously killed and by the end of October, the RPF was largely defeated by the Rwandan Army. With thousands of soldiers pouring back across the Ugandan border, the RPF was fragile and on a brink of a humiliating loss. It took the return of 33-year-old Kagame, who many believe was hand-picked by President Museveni, from his training course in the United States to take the reigns as the new RPF leader and restore sanity. But without a single doubt, RPF’s survival at the time depended entirely on Uganda’s kindness, manifested through access to hospitals, food and an operational base. In August 1993, the Arusha peace agreement was signed in a ceremony witnessed by Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It catered for the establishment of a broad-based transitional government including the RPF and opposition parties.
Issues of mistrust, disrespect and ego Like with so many fights, it all boils down to respect, or the perceived absence of it. Michela Wrong quotes a retired Ugandan commander as saying: “We used to look at the RPF as young sons, not even brothers”. And according to John Nagenda: “Museveni used this whole ‘My children, my boys’ line when he talked about the RPF”. In retaliation, Kagame has been quoted saying: “Rubbish. We’re not your boys”. When recalling the past, the Ugandans dwell on the way the NRA had welcomed the Banyarwanda into its ranks. And for that, the Ugandans still believe that the Rwandans owe them their victory.
President Kagame (left) and President Museveni in army combats
On their part, what the Banyarwanda remember, instead, was the NRA’s reliance on them to do its dirtiest fighting, Museveni’s failure to win them the right to return, and the sense of having always been unwelcome in alien territory. The problem with history is not that people fail to learn from its lessons, but that they learn the wrong ones. For both the NRM and RPF, their most prized asset is the rich intertwined history they share. If only they could seat – man-to-man – reflect and work out their differences, Uganda and Rwanda would both be winners.
The writer Mr. Mukalazi is the Country Director of Every Child Ministries Uganda. email: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org
PHOTO: Kabaka climbing up the roof of the main hut ‘Muzibu Azaala Mpanga’ at Kasubi Tombs to place rings, in performing the ritual
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA newseditor.info@gmail.com
AT 5:00AM on Thursday 30th September 2021, Buganda Kingdom supreme leader His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II performed the ritual that starts the final phase of the reconstruction of the Kasubi Royal Tombs which were burnt by unknown people in March 2010. Kabaka Mutebi II is the first ever reigning King of Buganda to climb up the roof of the main hut to place these rings ever since Muteesa I was laid to rest under them. State minister for lands Sam Mayanja who called himself a Muganda, attacked Kabaka for performing this ritual saying Kasubi Tombs is nothing thence condemning its reconstruction. His words were seen as provoking the people of Buganda. Mayanja’s statement has caused him problems, Kabaka’s subjects demand that President Museveni acts. Members of parliament want him censured. For starters, the 2010 torched ‘Muzibu Azaala Mpanga’ is the main hut at Kasubi Tombs under which four past Buganda Kings are buried. These are; Mukaabya Muteesa I, who initially built it as his palace in 1882, was buried there in 1884. He was followed by Kabaka Basamula Ekkere Mwanga when he died in exile in 1903 and buried at Kasubi in 1910, Daudi Chwa II in 1939 and Sir. Edward Muteesa II in 1971 who is Kabaka Mutebi’s father.
WHY THE RITUAL IS PERFORMED BEFORE DAY BREAKS According to Buganda customs, the rituals are performed very early in the morning before day breaks. In fact, these secret rituals are not supposed to see the light of day or to be witnessed by the public due to their sacrosanctity as the Tombs are also a place of Ganda spirituality.
KABAKA @ KASUBI TOMBS On arrival, the 36th King climbed up to the interior on a ladder, reaching the centre of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga ceiling to install three round woven rings in the support structure of the roof. Kabaka performed the ritual aided by his nephew, Prince Daudi Chwa, who carried the rings on his head as per the rites. We are reliably informed, Kabaka did this as the royal drum Bantadde sounded. In Buganda tradition, this drum announces the visit of members of the royal family to the royal tombs. This rhythm is the motto of the royal family: “Bantadde, Bantadde ggwe Ngo ggwe Musota……” A pole known as Sserugattika was also fixed in the Tombs under the supervision of the Kabaka.
Kabaka, shortly after performing rituals at Kasubi Tombs
The ritual performed by His Majesty Kabaka Mutebi was last performed in 1882 when Kabaka Muteesa I personally put up three rings in the ceiling of his Kasubi Nnabulagala palace as it was being constructed. These rings supporting the roof are part of the 52 rings in this Tomb that symbolize the 52 clans of Buganda. Reconstruction of this World heritage site, is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
MINISTER MAYANJA’S OUTRAGEOUS ATTACKS AGAINST KABAKA Eight days later, State minister for Lands Sam Mayanja used a function of reopening lands office at Wakiso he had illegally closed to utter statements against Buganda’s King and the Kingdom at large, about the reconstruction of Kasubi Tombs and the rituals performed by Kabaka.
Minister Mayanja at Wakiso while attacking Mengo Government
This news Website reproduces unedited Minister Mayanja words; “Kasubi Tombs, technically speaking is nothing that but a burial ground of four of the departed individuals. Call them Kings, call them emperors, call them anything. They are sheltered in a grash grass-thatched structure. And you have the audacity to show us, the Mengo group going into that thatched structure at night. And If you want to go at night, go at night, but why again do you take photographs? Not to show us pictures of people performing rites in the night, in the darkness of the night. One Hundred and fifty years since Christianity came here, you can still do those, perform those heathen rites in the dark and even take photographs. I condemn it and as a Muganda i think it put us very very far down.”
MPS, PUBLIC WANT MAYANJA SACKED, TAKEN TO HOSPITAL Members of Paliament led by Mukono Municipality legislator Betty Nambooze Bakireke and Lubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa demand that President Museveni sacks his minister whose words are provocative and may lead to an uprising in Buganda Kingdom.
Katikkiro Mayiga, Owek. Kyewalabye Male with a committee responsible for Kasubi Tombs reconstruction. In the background is the main hut, Muzibu Azaala Mpanga
Nambooze has already launched consultative meetings with fellow MPs to censure Mayanja and insiders say, Buganda caucus has welcomed the move. “We can’t just look on when some people who also claim to be Baganda are violating our Kingdom. Sam Mayanja, you have started a war which you must finish. We are ready to fight for our Buganda Kingdom.” Nambooze posted on her Facebook page.
Buganda Kingdom’s Premier Charles Peter Mayiga at Kasubi Tombs a week before Kabaka performed rituals
Mawokota South legislator Counsel Yusuf Nsibambi, refering to Mayanja’s shared video, on 8th October 2021 posted on Buganda Think Tank, a WhatsApp group that, “I think my learned friend (Sam Mayanja) should consult a psychiatrist.” Hon. Aloysius Mukasa blamed President Museveni for appointing Mayanja a minister well knowing that he has been having a grudge against Buganda Kingdom for years. “He is a biased man against our Kabaka and Buganda Kingdom. We used to see his articles in newspapers intending to provoke Kabaka’s subjects. Let Mr. Museveni call to order his minister.” Said MP Aloysius Mukasa. Also click this and read related story TROUBLED MINISTER SAM MAYANJA IN HOT SOUP, LANDS MINISTRY DIRECTS WORKERS AT LANDS OFFICE HE ILLEGALLY SACKED BACK ON DUTY Mayanja is already in running battles with his bosses at the Lands ministry. Permanent Secretary Ms. Dorcus Okalany has already reversed Mayanja’s orders to suspend workers and Wakiso lands offices and she directed all of them to return back to duty.
READ HOW ANGRY PUBLIC RESPONDED TO MAYANJA’S UTTERANCES On 8th October 2021 a day to celebrations of Uganda’s Independence Kakensa Media shared on his facebook page, Minister Sam Mayanja’s video when he insulted Kabaka and Buganda Kingdom over the reconstruction of Kasubi Royal Tombs. Here are some of the transcribed responses to Kakensa Media’s popular post and on other media forums; Ebetta Rs: This guy looks to be disguising as a Muganda. A true Muganda can’t go against his Kingdom ritual, Tradition is what defines us all. Mayanja Duncan: I am disgusted to see someone who calls himself ‘Mayanja’ speaking like a mad man or a drunkard!!! Dude is so bitter that he can’t even pronounce some words. Where do they get such people? Do they have families because I believe they would atleast talk to him about the words he uses towards Kabaka and Buganda. Mayanja is making bad history, his story will be told just like other stories that targeted Buganda are told. Sebastian Bakka: I am still shocked he used to work with KAA, a reputable law firm. He might have been among the poorly performing students at the law school. Just listen to his kindergarten thinking. Kakube Francis: Why do people like Mayanja undermine culture yet it existed even before Christianity? Kats Delique: When you go deep into foreign religion you realize how foolish we were to actually abandon our culture. It was only brought to tame us and now here we are.. very hopeless. Joel Muwayi: A Moslem can never lead prayers in a church just like a Priest can’t lead prayers in a mosque. So is he who is not from the Kingship of Buganda, you can never know why things are done that way. What surprised me is that my phone can’t spell the word Buganda beginning with a small letter even in the middle of the sentence. If my phone can respect Buganda how much more then is this person supposed to respect Buganda Kingdom? Dax Kigozi: Even Jesus was crucified by his own people but he is still feared and praised. No one can erase Buganda’s history. Obote tried but show me where he is? Every generation has it’s own prodigal sons, today it’s Mayanja. Lizzy Lauryns: Although I am not a Muganda, I don’t see anything wrong with people believing in African culture because that’s us and nothing will change. Anyway if he’s the State minister for lands, then he has nothing to do with ethics and culture, let him mind his business. Remigious Tebajjwa: Formal education seems not to be any guarantee for good moral conduct. That is why professional organisations, institutes and companies have increasingly issued codes of conduct/ethical guidelines to provide assistance to their members in resolving moral dilemmas. We are continually seeing such educated so called elites uttering nosense in public…Sometimes you wonder how they got these jobs without being screened first. Mbu doctor… This is why we are moving backwards because of people like him holding public offices. Luyambi Geofrey: And (President) Museveni gave him authority to do what he is doing. May be he doesn’t know history but we shall teach him what Buganda is to us. Eddie Batista Sevume: He is failing to do works under his jurisdiction…. let him stay in his lane. Busulwa Dennis Samson: Paid to demean Buganda establishment. But so sorry to him, Buganda is a strong institution that can’t be shaken by ill thinking individuals like himself. You might even be surprised that he’s not a Muganda like he claims to be. Despite his loose utterances, the institution won’t be diverted off its administrative rights. Buyondo Ogah: Mbu in a dark….but some of Museveni’s ministers! Even a P2 drop out can speak English fluently than this minister! Prince Henry Jjemba Mayanja: Shame on you Mayanja. You have undressed yourself. You can’t insult Buganda and move away with it. Ask Alintuma Nsambu. Mayanja you won’t be forgotten and forgiven. Even president Museveni respects cultural norms, who are you? Waiting for your downfall. Kakube Francis: So sad indeed! Imagine he’s talking about Christianity of 150 years yet our culture existed before Christianity came. Sometimes I wonder whether we as Africans still have anything that we take as gold that will make us proud to show the grand kids. It would be our culture but see how the Mayanjas are fighting it! Ssaka Mark: But all along you know some people are cheap and paid to weaken Mengo but in vain! Who on earth can destroy culture? Even the whites have their culture. And you look at this minister totally arrogant about Buganda. Sherinah Awori: I am not a Muganda but surely countless times we paid for trips in school to visit these amazing royal Tombs. Sometimes I feel certain people lost it all, they are not living in Uganda. Jon Junior: On behalf of Baganda, i have sold Dr. Mayanja and his family to the Western region. Installments are allowed, price negotiable. Siliva Nyemere: You bloody hell minister don’t dare try to undermine people’s cultures. If you are born again, stay in your lane. Karimojongs walk naked because that’s their culture and it’s ok its so long as they have not interfeared with someone’s belief. Go and ask Esther Mbayo why she was dumped after attacking Catholic Church. Mayanja stop your excitement. Medi Mutoto: Mbu in a dark at night! Hahahaha! this Minister’s English, though. Is there a light night? Just asking. Stanley Sebwalunyo: We need to ignore Mayanja. Just dancing on some one’s tunes. Speaking rubbish on Buganda’s independence day. David Mukasa: I can’t believe that his real name is Mayanja! Totally a disgrace! No situation is permanent, all these barbarians will be gone soon. Monique Zimzim: Let him go back to his UPE school and master English language. Surely there’s a difference between grass and grash! Out of excitement that sheltered in grash! Hafswa Mikal: His accent is enough to tell where he comes from. We have them holding our kiganda names, some were named at birth yet they ain’t Baganda some are getting them now to work for the Junta disguising as a Muganda. The kind of hatred he displays towards Baganda like seriously no Muganda can do such. The way he loves to put an emphasis on “as Muganda” says a lot but whatsoever, nothing will work. Muweesi Hannington: This is an unfortunate statement. For those of you and the Police who have been asking Who burnt Tombs, i think the responsible people are now bringing themselves out. I also warn and advise our beloved leaders in Mengo to take note of that statement from that enemy. In other words extra security should be accorded to this UNESCO heritage site, other wise the enemy is ranting and ready to destroy it again. Kerena Lola: Buganda has been known to have enemies in and out. These enemies have always united to fight Buganda but in vain. British had gathered to fight off Luganda. They introduced Swahili and English over Luganda but lost it! Clever Mulowoza: Hatred destroys a human soul. It is worse when you are a public figure. Any time you reach that level of hatred, better ask God to take you. Buganda is a rock, many including the British tried to fight it but has always survived. Obote thought that by exiling Ssekabaka Edward Muteesa II, he had abolished Buganda Kingdom. We fought and restored it. So leave Mayanja alone, he will be ok. Kats Derique: He is even not eloquent in his speech, one might think he has High blood pressure the way he talks..nothing sensible has come out of his mouth in that clip. I mean for a Muganda man that’s if he is to say such…and to give praise to the white culture is nothing but a shame on him and his lineage. For those who have travelled, you can see how whites and Asians put value in their cultures. Joel Muwayi: A Moslem can never lead prayers in church just like a Priest can’t lead prayers in a Mosque. Mayanja is not from Kingship of Buganda. He will never know why things are done that way. Mukuye Herman: I am even lacking words to describe this man. Buganda is my identity and am proud to be one. What offends most of us, that individual is bragging to be called Mayanja, an affliation to a Mutima clan to which I belong. I really feel disgusted. Long live my Kabaka. Nelson Mpagi: He would be right if he was saying that in a Christian church and preaching to the converted since his bashing is premised on Christianity which brands such practices paganic. But what he forgets, Uganda is not a Christian country. He proudly goes around with the title doctor for which I am not sure if he is a medical doctor. If he is just a learned doctor, then those were unfortunate remarks and inappropriate for a government minister who is supposed to serve both Christians and non Christians. These words will certainly come to haunt him many years from now. Nnakanjakko Hellen: Who tells you Mayanja is a Muganda? Bryan Mg: Kabaka once warned us to be careful about those who pretend to be Baganda yet they are on a mission of abolishing Kingdom territories. Mayanja is one of them. Bolt Gyaagenda Alexander Chard: This man has crossed lanes. Buganda government has to do something, it’s too much Yusuf Gitta: His ending will be worse, trust me he can not win this battle against the mighty Buganda Kingdom Kirabo Kharel TT: Then I wonder how we can even celebrate independence when most of us are still under slavery Asiimwe Edith: This Mayanja has a problem. This man’s family should take him to Butabika before it is too late. He has totally lost it. Semambo Edith: I would love to see his children Amos Chalie: I can’t sketch him out, what exactly is he trying to say. Sarah Damulira: He is just trying to say NONSENSE, that’s it. Nsubuga Davis: But again who forced him to speak English? Kisitu Kimuli: I was trying to figure out what language he was speaking but couldn’t understand it. Edward Mayega: He doesn’t sound like a lawyer. He sounds like a drunkard illiterate man. Sebastian Bakka: This guy is wazzock! He is greedy and might be having psychiatric issues. He doesn’t even sound like a lawyer from KAA. He sounds like a matooke seller in Kalerwe…He is so ignorant my God! Christianity as you said, came and found us here. Do you think before the missionaries came there were no people that stayed here without practicing it? You sound like those that claim John Speke discovered River Nile as if we had no people here before he came to claim it. What you saw, was done in the wee hours of the morning just before sunset and not in the night like your parochial mind tells you. It has been always done like that just like you claim being a Muganda. Before your wedding day in your Christian Church, in the morning, the Baganda perform ‘Kaasuze Katya function’s in the wee hours of the morning before sunset. The groom’s family visits the bride’s family and carry along s few items then leave and go back to prepare for Church or Mosque or any other way they choose to wed. The Kasuze Katya simply signifies that the bride is ready and slept well through the night. Mayanja must be ignorant about this. Hasifah Nalule: And who told you, Christianity is a must? Musisi Frank HP: Time heals. We shall see who will last longer, either him or the Kingdom. Sarah Muganda: No Muganda can talk like this. Najjemba Juliana: He will get heart attack while fighting Buganda. Look at the way he is breathing. Ayebazibwe Clarence Kateeba: Completely defeating his purpose of sitting infront of some blackboards. Aisha Namirembe: English, leave so called Mayanja alone. Mayanja leave our culture and mind your business. If you hate Kiganda culture, go and hang in peace. Appelez-moi Kizza: Now I believe that, serving “Some people” in this country is a curse Richard Kisolo: And imagine he uses our name Mawanda Fahard: Someone will one day regret this cheap popularity. Asirise teyejjusa. Lutaaya Alex: Get you facts right…it was 5:00am sir. Moses Jingo: Even if it was 2:00am, was he invited? John Wamala: The guy is so bitter bannange. There is something more and deeper to this reaction. Eric Exquisite Selecta: This kind of idiocy, sometimes makes me think our generation is charmed. Some things don’t add up. Kay DeBans: This one is full of hatred! He calls them heathen…God help this African Man’s head. Che: At first I gave this man a benefit of doubt, but I have come to conclusion that he is sick.Wish he was a Muganda like he claims, would have respect for the throne. Charles Marie: Ku lumbe tekubula musiwuufu. It is our saying. Honeyfah: But the minister is out of order. He ought to respect people’s culture even when he disagrees with it. He has to apologise to Buganda and the country at large. Uganda has many tribes with all sorts of culture. But you don’t come out like that to criticize them. Such people suffer from arrivalism. Victor Kiweewa: Refer Mayanja to the likes of Alintuma Nsambu to take him through what befalls those who insults Kabaka and Buganda Kingdom. He is totally nothing.
For views/comments on this story, email us on newseditor.info@gmail.com
EMBATTLED junior minister Sam Mayanja’s woes are not about to end! In fact, Mawokota South legislator Counsel Yusuf Nsibambi has without mincing words said “I think my learned friend should consult a psychiatrist.” A few days after Kabaka’s subjects roasted Mayanja alive for his attacks on the reconstruction of the Kasubi Royal Tombs International heritage site, his superiors at the Lands ministry have reversed his decision to suspend over 30 workers at Wakiso Lands office saying he has no powers. The lands ministry has warned Sam Mayanja to stop his excitement saying, he might land the ministry into useless legal battles which will cost tax payers billions of shillings. This news website has been reliably informed that, Lands ministry has directed, with immediate effects, all workers, Mayanja suspended illegally to report back for their respective duties. Those who were brought by Mayanja to replace the ones he sacked, have been ordered to vacate or face arrests because they are masqueraders. Junior minister Mayanja accused workers he sacked of demanding for bribes to transfer land titles and other transactions. He replaced them with new people. All started when Mayanja closed Wakiso lands offices to pave way for investigations and reopened them a week after, with new staff. The Lands ministry has strongly condemned Mayanja’s illegality saying, this junior minister has no powers to sack public servants fearing that if they sue, government will definitely lose billions in costs. There was also worries that titles might easily get lost during this confusion asking whether the minister is aware of the repercussions. According to a letter written by Ministry of Lands Permanent Secretary Ms. Dorcas W. Okalany who is the Accounting Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Lands Ministry, all workers Mayanja had sacred are ordered to report to their work stations at the Wakiso Lands office. “The minister has no powers to sack public servants. All he did was illegal. You are all ordered to immediately return to your work at Wakiso Lands office.” Ps. Okalany’s letter intepreted. Top bosses in the ministry have also directed the minister to first consult if he doesn’t know his functions. He must be helped to know his limits so that he doesn’t land the Lands ministry into trouble. PS. Okalany said, if any lands office staff is to be sacked or reshuffled, that is not the work of Mr. Sam Mayanja. First of all, there are procedures to be followed to enable those who have been in the affected office write reports about what they have been working on before they are replaced. The lands ministry said, it was wrong for Mr. Mayanja to return workers who were legally sacked due to their involvement in fraud and this make the public question this minister’s hidden motive. Sources say, since he was elected lands Junior minister, Mayanja has been conducting uncoordinated activities without consent from his superior minister, Hon. Judith Nalule Nabakooba. Mayanja is seen to be using his docket to fight personal wars especially against Buganda Kingdom yet it has never been the official position of the Lands ministry in general. Ps. Okalany had to put a speed governor into Mayanja’s activities or else, he would most likely to crush the ministry.
WHY PUBLIC ROASTED MAYANJA ON HIS KASUBI TOMB’S UTTERANCES While reopening Wakiso Lands offices which he had closed, Mr. Mayanja took about three minutes insulting Buganda Kingdom and Kabaka’s loyal subjects who are reconstructing Kasubi Tombs which were torched by unknown people, about 11 years ago. Mayanja said, “Kasubi Tombs, technically speaking is nothing but a burial ground of four departed individuals. Call them Kings, call them emperors, call them anything. They are sheltered in a grass-thatched structure.” “And you have the audacity to show us, the Mengo group that thatched the structure at night. If you want to go at night, go at night, But why again do you take photographs? Was it meant to show us pictures of people performing rites in the night, in the darkness of the night.” Said Mayanja whose roots are believed to be in Buruuli, Nakasongola. According to a recorded video which trended on social media, Mayanja who totally looks to be ignorant about the Ganda culture and norms said, “One Hundred and fifty years since Christianity came here, you can still perform those rites in the dark and even take photographs. I condemn it and I think this puts Buganda down.” Public who interpreted Mayanja’s words as attacks on Buganda Kingdom’s supreme leader Kabaka Mutebi’s recent visit to Kasubi Royal Tombs to perform cultural rites, said this minister has a problem and he needs urgent help. Mawokota South legislator Counsel Yusuf Nsibambi, refering to this shared video, on 8th October 2021 posted on Buganda Think Tank, a WhatsApp group that, “I think my learned friend should consult a psychiatrist.” This week, there was a two-day orientation of all ministers especially for those who are new like Mayanja to be trained on what they are supposed and not supposed to do. President Museveni closed this retreat at Kololo Independence ground. In our next edition, this news website is going to transcribe what over 200 people posted against Minister Mayanja’s outrageous comments on Kasubi Royal Tombs reconstruction.
For views/comments on this story, email us on newseditor.info@gmail.com
THE Commissioner for Patriotism in the Office of the President, Brig. Gen. Patrick Mwesigye has rooted for mindset change prioritization if the country is to attain upper-middle-income status. Mwesigye was on Thursday afternoon delivering a lecture on “Patriotism ideology and mindset change: an imperative for socio-economic transformation” during the weekly NRM ideological clinics at the party headquarters in Kampala. He said that one reason why some people are developmental while others are wallowing into acute poverty is because of a poor mindset.
PHOTO: UMS President Sharon Kiggundu (2nd right) with representatives of AJUA (2nd left) and JM Roberts & Associates 1st right)
NEWS EDITOR newseditor.info@gmail.com
LAST week, Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) launched The Inaugural Pearl of Africa Customer Excellence Awards (POACEA) to recogonise and reward the efforts of MSMEs putting the customer first, ‘Customer is King’ being an age-old mantra reflecting the importance of customers in every business. The launch was at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. Nominations kicked off on 08th October and will end on 08th November 2021. The Awards ceremony will take place on the 25th of January 2022. Two independent credible firms with reputation to protect(AJUA) and JIM Roberts & Associates have been have been hired to do analysis, give transparent, free and fair nominations and results. Data will be available to the public to scruitinize what such and such an organisation is doing differently to deserve an award. Public will take part in the nominations and different forums have been put up to enable them nominate organisations with best customer care. The short and long term of these awards is to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the MSME sector that is one of the driving forces of Uganda’s economy. According to the organisers, Uganda Marketers Society, regardless of what industry you’re in or what kind of products and services you sell, the customer is the most important part of a business. Ms. Sharon Kiggundu, the President Uganda Marketers Society noted that, “Without the customer, you don’t see any sales and without sales there is no revenue. With the negative effects of COVID-19 adversely affecting the economy, excellent customer service is increasingly becoming important to the success of businesses large and small.” She said, in the past, people chose which companies they did business with based on price, or the product or service offered, but today the overall experience is often the driver, meaning customer service is critical to competing effectively. The winners of these awards, Ms. Kiggundu said, will also elevate MSMEs perception as professional enterprises. The role of MSMEs in promoting economic growth and development is globally recognised and customers are influenced by even a single experience; one positive experience could be the deciding factor for them to stick to a brand, whereas one negative one could send them running to a competitor. “It is for this reason that the Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) has today launched the Pearl of Africa Customer Excellence Awards (POACEA) to recognize and reward companies that have constantly endeavoured to put the customer first through deliberate actions towards progressive customer care, excellent customer experience, and customer prioritization throughout their operations.” Revealed Sharon Kiggundu. She told media that, customers are increasingly looking for companies that understand their needs, make their lives easier and treat them with appreciation and respect while delivering a consistent experience throughout the customer journey. The initiative, the first-ever of its kind in Uganda, will see companies rewarded for showcasing excellence in customer care and customer excellence efforts across various industries ranging from Finance, FMCG, Tech, Health, and Media with a deliberate focus on MSMEs. “For a long time, we have heard various perceptions of Ugandan businesses not being able to provide great experiences to customers and clients. With these awards, we want to reward those who are excelling at customer care meaning that they are the best at making their customers extremely happy” said Sharon Kiggundu.
HOW THE BEST COMPANIES WILL BE IDENTIFIED Following the launch of the Pearl of Africa Customer Excellence Awards, nominations have begun that will see customers nominate their favourite brands in various categories. The link for registration is: https://cebs.cc/POACE_NOMINATIONS The categories of the Pearl of Africa Customer Excellence Awards (POACEA) are as follows: ▪ Best Customer Cultural Adaptation Award ▪ Best Customer Training and Organizational Learning Award ▪ Best Customer Retention Strategy and Execution ▪ Best Use of Digital ▪ Best Use of Customer Insights and Feedback ▪ Best Customer Support (Traditional call centre, face book, whatsapp) ▪ Customer Excellence Champion of the year ▪ Customer Experience Team of the year. ▪ UMS Honorary Award of The Year Nominations open on Friday 8th October and will close on 8th November 2021.
PARTNERS The Pearl of Africa Customer Excellence Awards are sponsored by Nation Media Group (media partner), Owaraga Photography & Videography (content partner), Mestil Hotel (event venue partner), Ajua (data management/collection partner), Capital One Group (communications partner), Optimus Events (event partner) and JIM Roberts & Associates (the official audit firm will verify data collected and see to it that it is accurate).
ABOUT UGANDA MARKETERS SOCIETY The Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) is the leading organization for marketing professionals in Uganda. It is responsible for professional skills development, promotion of professional marketing standards and practices through Individual, Corporate and SMEs membership categories. It also conducts market research and consultancy. UMS vision is to be the leading body of marketing practitioners and professionals inspired towards the development, promotion, and application of world-class marketing leadership. Its mission is to remain the most relevant influence informing marketing in Uganda.
For views/comments on this story, email is on newseditor.info@gmail.com
ON the day Uganda joined the world to commemorate International day of the Girl child, girls asked government to provide free internet access to all institutions of learning to promote easy and affordable online learning and research. In a press conference held at Bunamwaya, girls under their organisation called Economic Social Empowerment for local communities (ESLA) said this year has been so challenging to them due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic which resulted into overwhelming challenges. Grace Nazziwa, the team leader of ESLA pointed out teenage pregnancies, child marriages, unsafe arbortion, increased rate of domestic violence in homes and many other vices which were all subjected to girls during the lockdown have limited the ability of the girl child to thrive in the next generation. She noted that, “We have tried to do online counselling to girls, sensitising them to participate in online learning but many failed due to high internet charges, other couldn’t afford OTT tax, others couldn’t afford smartphones and laptops and many were left out due to poor Network and in villages.” Patience Eva Tendo said, “As this year’s theme goes, ‘Digital generation…our generation’, this is the time for our government and partners to wake up and provide free internet access to all institutions of learning, promote research and online learning as this is the only way the education sector can salvage the time lost during lockdown and closure of schools.” She asked development partners to join hands with ESLA in empowering the girl child and that parliament should enact tough laws against abuse of rights of the girl child.
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.
For details/comments to this story, email us on newseditor.info@gmail.com
PHOTO: Hon. Mukasa (in red neck-tie) with councilors before distribution of maize seeds to voters
NEWS EDITOR newseditor.info@gmail.com
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.
MP Mukasa addressing Lubaga South People today
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.
For views/comments on this story, email us on newseditor.info@gmail.com
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.
