LATEST about the Democratic Party (DP) EALA primaries, President General Norbert Mao has instructed the National Legal Advisor to prepare and draft Electoral Rules which will be followed during the party elections. In a message he exclusively sent to this News Website, Chairman Mao thanked News Editor Media for our EALA 2022 Election stories and echoed how DP Primaries will be free and fair. Hon. Mao revealed to us that, “I have aired all members that we shall have a free and fair vegetate selection process. We have instructed the National Legal Advisor to prepare draft Electoral Rules.” This comes at a time when Secretary General Dr. Gerald Blacks Siranda’s chance to win DP ticket to EALA becomes more clear after some three aspirants in the party chose to step down for him. The tripple, whose names we have been requested not to reveal as of now had already shown interest in the seat but on Friday last week, they together met the party bosses and deregistered their interest. “We have consulted and all indicators show, Dr. Siranda is the favourite. This is not a do or die. We can serve this great party in other fields. We wish him good luck.” Said the three who agreed to stand down for Siranda. He is expected to ride on an easy road to EALA. The only would be hard contestant to face is former Masaka district woman MP, Mary Babirye Kabanda. However, Siranda’s camp feels not bothered and they have vowed to defeat her with a very big margin. Babirye Kabanda who isn’t known for being articulate, has insisted not to run out of the race. “That poor boy Siranda can not win us. If it means drying our Bank accounts we shall do it to win on our side party delegates. Let him stand warned.” Quoted a Babirye Kabanda’s top campaigner.
DR. SIRANDA @ EALA A trusted source says, Dr. Siranda has been loyal to the party, and at no single moment has he ever rebelled against DP. He is dependable and trusted. The party feels comfortable to deploy such a brilliant young man to EALA to replace an encyclopedia Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde. An insider who requested anonymity has told us that, “It is true the Party has not carried out nominations for those who are interested in the flag. We know at the right time they will, although the mantle will go to Dr. Siranda”. Among all aspirants, it’s only Siranda who can easily sell out to Members of Parliament coming from different regions. He is not known to be tribalistic, he is a National figure and this character will get him votes when he presents himself both at Party level and even before members of the 11th Parliament who vote EALA MPs. A fluent soft speaking young man, Dr. Siranda comes from Bukedi, a region that has never had any person elected EALA MP. He has the sympathy vote from both ruling NRM and opposition parties. His other card is the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among, a great mobilizer who comes from Bukedi. We are told, all her teams have been put on alert to campaign and vote for Dr. Siranda if DP sends his name to Parliament. Believe me or not, with Anita Among at Parliament, Siranda will go to EALA. For starters, Eastern region has the most numbers of MPs in the 11th Parliament. They are 198. This is a very good start for Dr. Siranda if they unanimously vote for the son of their soil. In number of MPs, Eastern is followed by Western region, Central region is third and Northern region fourth with 98 MPs. All these dynamics work for Siranda. He can easily win Eastern, Northern and Western to be declared EALA MP.
Dr. Siranda
There is nothing that has sold Siranda like the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) meetings. He has been in top leadership and this has brought him closer to leaders of different political parties more so NRM which has the majority MPs. These meetings have depicted him as a national leader who agitates for peace, good governance and dialogue. For those who don’t know, going by the 11th Parliament composition with NRMs being the majority, there is no way an opposition member can win EALA seat without NRM votes. NRM has a total of 339 MPs. Opposition are only 107 out of 529 MPs. Although they vote twice, they can’t take through their candidate. So, NRM votes count and Dr. Siranda has this vote. To win a DP ticket, Siranda will have a walk over. The would be serious contender Mary Babirye Kabanda committed crimes against the Party, she automatically has no chance.
WHY BABIRYE KABANDA WILL FACE AN UP-HILL If the winner of the party flag was going to be decided by Buganda region, then Babirye Kabanda would have an upper hand. However because DP is a national party with NEC mebers from all regions, she is no where in the EALA puzzle! Babirye has no attachments in Western Region. DP Vice president in charge of Western Uganda, Imamu Makumbi has openly declared his support for Siranda. In fact, he has mobilised that whole region for NEC members to vote this loyal servant.
Hon. Babirye Kabanda
Even in Northern region, Babirye Kabanda’s name is no where. In Eastern, we are told, she has one Ramathan Bazanye, a delegate from Jinja who supports her after she went there and promised their children scholarships. Other delegates are Team Siranda and this is a writing on the wall that she will also be beaten in this region. In Buganda where Babirye Kabanda has roots, the fight for votes rages on. There are other aspirants who have shown interest. They include Mr. Kagimu (DP VP Buganda), Aisha Waliggo (NEC member and Leader Women League in DP), Cissy Bayiga and Luyinda from Nansana. Being a women league leader, Waliggo will get about 5 votes in Buganda and Kagimu has about two or three votes. This is a disadvantage to Babirye Kabanda. About the crimes she has committed against DP, Kabanda was the funder of the people who took DP to court. Those who remember the case of counsel Sam Muyizzi. This is the case DP battled in court during the 2020 Lock down. She swore and signed an affidavit. If it wasnt President General Hon. Norbert Mao, Hon. Mbidde, Dr. Siranda and Mayambala, there would be no DP today. Babirye Kabandas team had even secured an injunction. She only changed her heart a few days to the 2021 election period and came back to DP after Hon. Mbidde had formed a formidable ground for DP in Masaka. However, her earlier acts and hate filled statements against the party leadership costed DP in elections. During the burial of DP MP Robinah Ssentongo, in the presence of DP president General, Babirye Kabanda publicly attacked Hon. Mao accusing him for standing for president. She ‘directed’ him to leave the race for NUP’s Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi. In her words Babirye Kabanda said, “We already agreed not to support you for president. Step down for Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, he is our choice not you Mao.” Babirye who was then a DP candidate for MP Masaka City (a race she lost), said all this well aware that Mao had been nominated as a party candidate in the presidential elections and was already in presidential campaigns. This was uncalled for. It was not only Hon. Mao who got angry, but even other party leaders. Although Babirye Kabanda didn’t support Mao’s candidature, she very much knew he was the official party candidate. Using a party function like that to to go bare knuckles and embarrass her party president before cameras that he should exit presidential race for an able candidate Kyagulanyi, Babirye Kabanda will pay dearly for this. Delegates are ready to pay her back in the same currency come EALA polls. She has no chance to make it through. It should be remembered, on the same burial function, Hon. Mpalanyi who defeated Haruna Kasolo in January elections played it very well. He said, “Me i will not comment, you are our leaders. Use the right forum to discuss about such issues.” During one of her campaign rallies, Babirye Kabanda said, “In a bid to build the party (DP), Hon. Mao must leave Kyagulanyi to stand for president, he is our candidate. Ladies and gentleman, for us our brains work well, the name Bobi Wine is not on the ballot paper, look and tick Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert for president.” So the whole genesis of everything is Babirye Kabanda playing stupid politics. But that is her strength. She has no fall back position! Those who thought NUP MPs who are the majority on opposition side in Parliament can go for Babirye Kabanda, this is false. Although she declared her support to Kyagulanyi in campaigns, when she lost, this lady turned guns against the Ghetto gladiator and the NUP MPs and other leaders who swept positions in greater Masaka and their supporters. Babirye is on record circulating a document in which elected NUP leaders were blackmailed, calling them substandard, poor and illiterate. She did not spare Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi. Therefore we do not see how NUP MPs will support Babirye Kabanda who called them names after she lost her MP bid.
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LUKWAGO: Appointed not elected FDC VP Buganda region
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THOSE who thought Lord mayor Erias Lukwago won through a free and fair contest to be declared the FDC vice President in charge of Buganda region, you will be shocked after reading this exclusive story! Dr. Kizza Besigye, the supreme leader of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party allegedly used his ultimate veto powers and directed that FDC Party President Eng. Patrick Amuriat declares Erias Lukwago the winner, yet Lord mayor had finished third in all the three fronts; two elections and the Kibuuka Mukalazi selected committee findings! In the two different elections, Party leadership elected former Makindye East legislator Ibrahim Biribawa Kasozi to takeover from Owek. Joyce Juliet Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo who defected to the ruling NRM. In these elections, John Kikonyogo, the deputy Party spokesman finished second. Lukwago who got only 1 vote (from Doreen Nyanjura), finished third. On learning that his blue eyed man has been strongly rejected by FDC NEC, a tough speaking Besigye is said to have dictated that Lukwago must be enthroned the FDC Vice President Buganda region, although Ibrahim Kasozi was the rightful winner in the free and fair elections. Kasozi, a young man has sacrificed all to mobilize, financially support and work for this blue Party. In this exclusive story, we expound on this inside story, why Dr. Besigye favoured Lukwago, his game plan, is Lukwago’s appointment null and void according to the FDC constitution? and where does this all leave FDC Party! Please read on!
CLOSING SSEBUGGWAWO’S GAP When President Museveni fished iron lady Owek. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo from FDC and appointed her State Minister in charge of Information, the party started identifying better candidates to carry on the Vice President Buganda mantle. For starters, Ssebuggwawo’s defection to NRM government wasn’t a shocker to FDC top guns, they were perfectly briefed about the deal and okayed her to go and work with President Museveni. Those who remember Museveni’s speech the day Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah was elected Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Mr. Museveni openly hinted about his deal with FDC Party. A few days later, he appointed Ssebuggwawo, then FDC’s Buganda strong piller, his minister. When the likes of Lukwago came out to attack Ssebuggwawo, she revealed how they were all consulted about the Museveni’s deal and okayed it. You will all remember, for Besigye, he did not attack Ssebuggwawo for even a single minute because to him, this wasn’t news. In fact, Besigye’s driver, one Asuman Ssemakula led a team of FDC youth to go to Ssebuggwawo’s home and congratulate her for falling into things. If you want to start a war with these FDC youth, dare talk anything bad about Ssebuggwawo crossing to NRM. Many are still feeding from her hand!
FDC’S BOSSES APPROACH HON. KASOZI On searching for Ssebuggwawo’s replacement, top party leaders approached Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi and asked him to carry on the mantle. Kasozi a reknown top mobilizer and filthy rich politician who has no problem with funding party activities, at first didn’t give them a clear response. He said, he can’t reject any assignment to serve his party but asked for time to consult. The party bosses gave him only five days to to give them a positive response. On why they had identified Ibrahim Kasozi, party bosses said the status of FDC in Buganda needed a committed young man like Kasozi, who is selfless, approachable and non-discriminatory. He knows party structures and has wider knowledge about FDC. From his youthful years, Ibrahim has been an FDC member and has done all for this party. He was once Dr. Kizza Besigye’s PA and he sometimes got involved in a fatal accident while on duty and got a fracture. He has never supported any other party apart from FDC.
GENEROUS: Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi
In the 10th Parliament, FDC entrusted him with the COSASE committee chairmanship, a position her served with one heart to the satisfaction not only of FDC leaders but even the government. His Committee left a land mark at Parliament. You don’t know how many billions of tax payers money, incorruptible Kasozi saved! Fast forward, the party wanted this brain to lead in Buganda region for FDC to regain it’s lost glory. Until 2021 elections, FDC was a darling in Buganda but the coming of Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s National Unity platform (NUP), relagated FDC to the third seat! Because the party wanted to bounce back, it zeroed on money magnet Ibrahim Kasozi. After thorough consultations, Hon. Kasozi got back to party bosses with a positive response.
BESIGYE & NYANJURA ENDORSE LUKWAGO Meanwhile, while top party leaders were shopping for Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi, rumours were making rounds how Dr. Besigye and deputy Lord mayor Doreen Nyanjura had endorsed Ssalongo Erias Lukwago. No one knows why Besigye went for a new comer like Erias Lukwago, who by then had not even celebrated his first birthday in FDC. Lukwago isn’t known to be into political party politics, he has been contesting and winning as an independent until the recent election. There is a school of thought that Lukwago is bigger than FDC, he can win with or without this Najjanankumbi based political party. He isn’t expected to have time for FDC activities and he isn’t a mobilizer. FDC can’t bank on Lukwago to regain it’s glory. However, Besigye did not front Lukwago to rebuild FDC, there is a political game plan that is still being calculated. We will come back to this later!
HOW KASOZI BEAT LUKWAGO IN POLLS Before polls, the party selected a committee which was headed by Mr. Kibuuka Mukalazi to hold consultations. This committee went around Buganda districts which included Mukono, Kayunga and others. Their report showed that the young man Ibrahim Kasozi was a favourite. Dr. KB was not convinced by Kibuuka Mukalazi’s committee findings. The party organized an election and it was won by Ibrahim Kasozi (who did not campaign for even a single day). Kasozi got 9 votes and Lukwago got only one vote from Doreen Nyanjura. Excuses were given and another election was organized. This time, other members took part. Still Lukwago got 1 vote, John Kikonyogo 2 votes and Ibrahim Kasozi won with 12 votes. This is when Dr. Besigye allegedly rejected election results of his party and went for Lukwago.
Besigye (right) meeting Kenya’s Raila Odinga recently. Is he strategizing for 2026?
The directive was given through the committee which sat at Calender guest house in Makindye and Eng. Amuriat announced Lukwago his Vice President in Buganda. It should go on record that NO election was organized and won by Lukwago. He was beaten in all elections.
What is Dr. Besigye’s game plan and why is Lukwago’s appointment good news for President Museveni. This is coming in Part II of the story and we will look into what FDC constitution intepretation about filling position of a NEC member who has resigned or died.
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PHOTO: A man identified as Bukya who was beaten to pulp by Kigaba’s men when him and others were attacked in their house at night. Case was reported at police but nothing was done.
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ALOYSIUS Kigaba Bukenya who we recently reported about trespassing on the land owned by Kampala businessman Haji Ibrahim Lumu with impunity, his days of taking the law in his hands are now numbered! Goons including his three children that he has been using to batter residents with pangas have been identified and they are set to pay for their sins. This news website can exclusively report that, the office of the President has picked interest and is closely following this matter in which Haji Lumu and other residents petitioned President Museveni, accusing Aloysius Kigaba Bukenya and his sons of grabbing his land, beating up residents and grazing his animals in people’s gardens yet Luweero Police bosses are keeping a closed eye. Residents pin Kigaba on evicting them from their land and grabbing it by force saying, whenever they run to Luweero police for help, it instead turns guns against the victims, they get arrested and a big number of them, it is comming to a full year when they are still rotting in cells.
Helpless residents who accuse Kigaba of illegally evicting them and grazing his amimals on their land
Among those arrested, are the people working on Haji Lumu’s farm on which Kigaba trespasses and by press time, he was illegally fencing off part of this land he has no ownership over! Authorities have kept on demanding that Kigaba produces documetary evidence showing ownership of the land he claims to be his, something he has totally failed to abide with. His people are instead attacking residents at night, beat, batter and torture them so that they run away from their land and he takes it away. Luweero police is aware of this but Kigaba and his men, who brag around to be connected, are untouchable. On Kigaba producing proof that he is the rightful owner of the said land, we have been however informed that, he doesn’t posses even a single document. He is only misinforming Luweero police that he owns this land which also shieldes him as he torments the rightful owners of the land. Now residents have vowed to demonstrate and fight for themselves is Police has decided to side with Kigaba to evict them from their land. A few days ago, residents living in Kyampologoma village, Nakasejere zone, Kamira sub county in Luweero district ran to police for their dear lives saying how they were living in fear after Kigaba threatened to evict them from their land. Led by businessman Haji Lumu, residents revealed that Kigaba is grazing his animals in their gardens which eat their food crops and whenever they complain about this, he turns a deaf ear. “We are tired of Kigaba’s impunity. For a number of times, we have reported him to Luweero police but all in vain. He boasts around about how he is untouchable. As residents, we can not tolerate this any more.” Haji Lumu, together with a group of residents told police officials who had visited the affected villages on a fact finding mission. Residents asked police to act professionally and call Kigaba and his agents to order before they are tempted to fight for themselves and protect their land from this sturbon man.
EVIDENCE: Part of Haji Lumu’s land being fenced-off by Kigaba
During this meeting, businessman Lumu noted how money magnet Kigaba is bragging of bribing police officers and that no court of law can manage him because he is rich. “Even if you report or file any case against him or his agents, no arrests are made. That is why we decided to seek help from the President.” Said Haji Lumu. The land with wrangles is measuring 221 acres and residents say that they have been leaving peacefully on their land for years until Kigaba moved in to grab it. One of the police officers identified as Lule applauded residents for being peaceful, not involving in any violent acts thus vowing to work tooth and nail to ensure that the matter is settled. Land wrangles in Uganda are common now days and they are being mostly done in Buganda region.
FACTS ABOUT THIS LAND SAGA All started with Haji Ibrahim Lumu refusing to sell his land to Kigaba Aloysius Bukenya who had offered to buy it. Haji Lumu excused himself saying his land wasn’t for sale. It is said, Kigaba then chose to use force and connections to grab Haji Lumu’s land. Lumu says, “Whenever Kigaba’s goons attack my people, they cut them with pangers and demolish my houses. During the recent 42 days Covid-19 lock down, he grabbed a piece of my land and built on it a two roomed house. I have reported this matter at Luweero Police Station where I have not received any help. I highly suspect that the police officers also fear him or have been compromised in a way. They just look on as him and his workers continue to terrorise people they find at my farm.”
Rightful land owners, Haji Lumu
Lumu lodged a complaint to PSU at Kireka about the conduct of Luweero Police but by the time he decided to run to officials in President’s office, he had not been helped. According to investigations carried out at the Ministry of Lands Luweero zonal office Bukalasa, it was discovered how the white page was tempered with, white washed and the true land owner’s name fidgeted with, to indicate that late Mikayiri Kalibwamu who sold this land to late Matayo Mpanga Kibimbo grand father to Haji Ibrahim Lumu was actually the owner of the land. Lumu’s father, late Kafumbe was the heir to Matayo Mpanga Kibimbo. This was a typical fraud since Mikayiri had sold land to Matayo Mpanga as far back as 1930 and the two are dead. “I advised that the file be taken to Kampala to ascertain how a dead person resurrected to re-own the land he sold about 90 years ago. Bukalasa land Registrar agreed with us in the presence of Haji Lumu’s lawyers to bring the file to Kampala.” Princess Namirembe Bwanga, an official from State House who intervened to follow up this matter.
Police bosses who visited the locus to request residents not to demonstrate as special investigations over this matter are on going
At Kampala, Mr. Karuhanga, the land commissioner advised that Lumu’s lawyer writes a letter requesting for the cancellation of the tempered with land title and reinstate the true owners.
THE TRUTH Originally, Mikayiri Kalibwami had 342 acres. He sold off 20 acres to a one Bafiirawala Muganga and another 20 acres to a one Awakulennume. He remained with about 304 acres and when Mikayiri Kalibwami in 1930s, sold this land to Matayo Mpaga Kibimbo, title shows ownership continuity to the new owner (Matayo Mpanga Kibimbo) grand father to Haji Ibrahim Lumu. Matayo Mpanga distributed his land amongst his children leaving out 62 acres for himself and his successors. Each of his three girls got land. Luci Mwenyango got 69.60 acres, Esteri Nambi got 20 which is Block 488 plot 8 and Lukia Bansuna got 70 acres. Plot 11 is the land for Bansuna and Mwenyango. About 80 acres are said to be occupied by a one Musoke Ssalongo and Haji Lumu says, he is not aware how this one came to own part of their Land. Lumu got letters of adminstration for his two aunties, Lukia Bansuna and Luci Mwenyango. The original plot 9 became plot 10 which is the land for successors.
ALOYSIUS KIGABA Aloysius Bukenya Kigaba owns land near Haji Lumu’s land. Kigaba took over his grand father Nkwanga’s land on plot 5.
Kigaba’s son (In red t-shirst) accused by residents of leading panga wielded men attacking them at night to chase them away from their land. He was with his partners in crime.
On 30th September 2019, Musan Associates wrote to the The Registrar Bukalasa, Luweero Lands introducing Mr. Lumu Ibrahim as the Administrator of the Estate of Lukia Bansuna, Lusi Mwenyango and Esteri Nambi of Kaswa Bulemeezi. Lawyers Said, “We act for and on behalf of our client Mr. Lumu Ibrahim the administrator of the above captioned Estate with instructions, we introduce him to you.” Letter says that Mr. Lumu is the administrator of the Estate of the Late Matayo Mpanga, whose daughters are Esteri Nambi, Lukia Bansuna and Lusi Mwenyango. That sometimes, a one Kigaba Aloysius Bukenya approached Lumu Ibrahim and informed him about the Estate land in issue belonging to his predecessors. That at the time having been told by Kigaba, Lumu Ibrahim made a follow up and approached the registrar in Bukalasa land office a one Koreta at the time. Our client was told that he can not be given any document for lack of authority ( Letters of Administration). Having acquired the letters of Administration, Lumu Ibrahim went back to Bukalasa and found out that the blue pages were available, that is to say, Esteri Nambi, Lukia Bansuna and Lusi Mwenyango all being derived from the same MRV 103/12. However, when he opted to process the titles of the same, he was told that the blue pages of Lukia Bansuna and Lucia Mwenyango were missing, and that the only one present was that of Esteri Nambi. Mr. Lumu struggled to acquire title of the land belonging to the successor of Matayo Mpanga whereof he is the administrator vid Block 488 Plot 4 Kaswa Luweero. We therefore request your authority to authorise Mr. Lumu Ibrahim open boundaries and acquire a survey report to allow him process for the land title belonging to the Estate which is plot 11 as the residue left. We await for your cooperation and quick response with regard to the same. On 11th March 2020, lawyers of Musan Associates wrote to the The Commissioner Lands about the Area schedule vid 103/12 of Kaswa Bulemeezi. It was received on 12 March 2020. The letter reads, “Reference is made to the above subject matter. We write to you with regard to the issues discussed verbally in your office with regard to the same.That you requested for an area schedule of the same so as to enable you conduct an investigation and make a bolstered decision in reference to the missing blue pages of Lukia Bansuna and Ruth Mwenyango.” “We therefore request you through your office to respond accordingly by allowing our client process the title of the missing blue pages. Hope our request shall be put into your consideration.” Wrote Musan Associates On 17th August 2021, Musan Associates acting on the instructions of Lumu Ibrahim the administrator of the Estate of Lukia Bunsana and Luci Mwenyango, wrote to the Registrar Bukalasa Land Office requesting for research of Block No. 488 plot 11 at Kaswa Bulemeezi in Luweero. They wanted to ascertain the status of the above captioned plot. They wanted this office to provide them with an official search letter thereafter. On the same day, the same lawyers wrote to the Registrar Land Bukalasa, Re: Complaint on Block 488 plot 11 at Kaswa Bulemeezi in Luweero district. We act for and on behalf of Lumu Ibrahim on whose instructions we address you as follows: That the above captioned number is derived from MRV 299 Folio 9. That on the 27th July 2020, a detailed area schedule was issued with information reflecting plot 11 as residue. That it was reflected in the same area schedule that Lukia Bansuna and Luci Mwenyango are entitled to survey from plot 9, from which the residue is generated. That Mr. Lumu is the administrator of the Estate of Matayo Mpanga, Lukia Bansuna and Luci Mwenyango. That Mr. Lumu Ibrahim acquired title plot 10 in 2016 as the successor of Matayo Mpanga as reflected by the MRV title. That Mr. Lumu is in the process of acquiring the title of Lukia Bansuna and Luci Mwenyango respectively. That given the comprehensive distribution of land as indicated in the MRV, Mikali Kalibwame having been the first proprietor ceased to have part or any of the Estate whatsoever as reflected in the MRV. That our client was surprised having been told that plot 11 as residue belongs to Mikari Kalibwame and that title to the whole residue was issued in 2018 as indicated by the district staff surveyor. Whereof, we verily believe that this was fraudulent transaction that took place without our client’s knowledge. That when you add up the Estate of Lukia Bansuna and Luci Mwenyango, it automatically adds up to the total hectares (56.4) as indicated in the area schedule. We therefore request for the following; 1) The permission be granted to survey the said residue conducted by a surveyor. 2) Cancellation of the title of Block 488 plot 11 that was fraudulently acquired/issued in 2018. 3) That title to the respective Estates be processed and issued to the administrator of both estates. On 18th August 2021, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban development, Luweero Ministry Zonal office wrote to Musan Associates about statement of search of Bulemeezi Block 488 plot 11 as at 18th August 2021. The following entries appeared on the Title register; Title: LANDS AT KASWA BULEMEEZI BLOCK 488 PLOT 11 Area: 56.4000 hectares Owner: Mikaeri Kalibwani of Kaswa registered on 1st October 2018 at 9:24 am under instrument no. BUK174279 Incumberance/s: None “It is for you to satisfy yourself that this land is the property of the person whom you are interested in and not of someone else of the same name.” Wrote Jamirah Lunkuse, Registrar of Titles, for commissioner land Registration.
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IN THE PHOTO ABOVE:Deputy Speaker Among (right) listening to King Oyo(Photo credit: Parliamentary Press forum)
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THE Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among (AAA), Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament was today hosted by the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at his Palace in Fortportal.
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, King Oyo and Deputy Speaker Among
Clad in Tooro cultural attire, deputy Speaker Anita mong held talks with the Tooro Supreme leader. She was accompanied by Government Chief Whip Hon.Thomas Tayebwa and a group of Members of Parliament especially those comming from Tooro Kingdom. They were received by King Oyo and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa.
STANDING: Government Chief Whip Tayebwa speaking during the meeting while King Oyo and Deputy Speaker are listening
Tomorrow September 14th 2021, people of Tooro will be celebrating 26 years when their King is on the throne. We are yet to get details of Oyo and Deputy Speaker’s meeting. It is however suspected that Deputy Speaker was sent by H.E the President to deliver a very special message to Omukama.
TODAY Saturday September 11th 2021, John Sanyu Katuramu, Toro Kingdom former Prime minister has been released out of Luzira Government Maximu prison where he was jailed 20 years ago. News of his release comes just a day to the 26th coronation fete of the Omukama of Toro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Katuramu was sentenced to death in 2001 for the killing of Prince Happy Kijjanangoma. The sentence was later converted to life imprisonment which translated into 20 years in jail according to the current Ugandan laws.
Journalist Andrew Irumba (right) posing for a photo with Former Tooro Premier Katuramu after his release today
At Luzira Maximum Prison, Katuramu was received by his son Job Katuramu, Joram Apuuli Ogwekyoma accompanied by senior journalist Andrew Irumba. From Luzira, Job Katuramu drove his dad to their home in Mbuya where by press time, they were still holding a meeting with othee close family members.
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FORMER Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Spokesman Haji Nsereko Mutumba has revealed the source of Late Haji Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK)’s riches and why he has died a billionaire! Tycoon BMK passed on today morning in Nairobi, Kenya. He had mega investments in Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Canada among other countries. In his tribute to the Late Dr. BMK, Haji Nsereko Mutumba has said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Haji Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK). I met him in the 1970s when he was working for my father Haji Ramadhan Ssebuliba who was a cattle trader.”
TRIBUTE BY: Nsereko Mutumba
Nsereko Mutumba says, during his youthful years, Haji BMK was a very humble, focused and hard working young man who was destined for greatness. “He is one of the few prosperous Ugandans who have accumulated wealth through the work of his own hands, and despite his prosperity, he never lost touch with his old friends like myself,” Reveals Haji Nsereko Mutumba adding that, Haji BMK remained a down to earth person who rejected a lavish life and instead invested a lot of his time and resources in charity work. Through the Sickle Cells Foundation, he inspired and saved many lives. His contribution to the national economy, to Buganda Kingdom and to his religion, Nsereko Mutumba says, can not be underestimated.
Late BMK supported Kabaka’s birthday run
Haji Mutumba noted that, “As an investor, Haji BMK employed many and contributed a lot to the country’s tax base/revenue. As a Muslim, I will forever be grateful to this great man for building Mosques, buying the now Muslim Cemetery at Nkowe and supporting the education of many Muslim students among others. I extend my heartfelt condolences to members of his family.” May Allah grant him Jannat Firdaus. Innalillaahi Wainna ilaihi Rajiun
OPINION BY: BRIAN MUKALAZI bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org
WHAT is happening in Afghanistan today following the Talibans’ state capture on August 15th 2021, blame goes to United States of America (USA) and their NATO allies who chose to turn a deaf ear on the wise counsel of Congress woman Barbara Lee 20 years ago, not to launch military attacks against this country! War isn’t always the answer. World must pray for Afghanistan! Giving her prophetic words, congress woman Barbara Lee – the lone house member voted against the authorization for the use of military force in 2001. She said in her now famous speech: “We must not rush to judgment. For too many innocent people have already died…If we rush to launch a counterattack, we run too great a risk that women, children, and other non-combatants will be caught in the crossfire…We must be careful not to embark on an open-ended war with neither an exit strategy nor a focused target”. What Barbara Lee said above is exactly what has happened after nearly 20 years of war in Afghanistan. The military miscalculations have led to a massive human cost. Research by Brown University estimates losses in the Afghan security forces at 69,000. It puts the number of civilians and militants killed at about 51,000 each. In his speech on July 8, the United States President Joe Biden made it clear that, “We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build…the United States did what we went to do in Afghanistan: to get the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 and to deliver justice to Osama Bin Laden…We achieved those objectives”. But if President Biden’s words are anything to go by, my question is: Why has it taken them another 10 years to depart Afghanistan when their principal target, Bin Laden, was eliminated in 2011?
USA had to pull out of Afghanistan
Today, as Afghanistan starts a new chapter under the Taliban rule, serious questions are already being asked about how the group will govern the country, and what their rule will mean for women, human rights, and political freedoms.
WHY EVERY ONE MUST PRAY FOR PEACE IN AFGHANISTAN Almighty Father, I come before you today with a heavy heart, one that is filled with sorrow, particularly regarding the state of affairs and the on-goings in Afghanistan in these past few weeks. O God, the desperate scenes of chaos, panic and tragedy evidenced at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul have been unbearable to watch.
The author: Mr. Brian Mukalazi
The graphic images of people clutching onto plane wheels as aircrafts took off and those of babies and toddlers being passed to soldiers over razor-wire fences simply can’t get off my mind. I pray for the victims (at least 90 Afghans dead and 150 others wounded) of the August 26 suicide bombing that occurred outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport. May You bless the souls of the dead and since You’re the Greatest Physician, I also kindly ask that You heal those still nursing wounds and bring strength to their bodies. For the incoming Taliban government: May You give them wisdom to make the right decisions; wisdom that will enable them connect a country that is deeply divided by ethnicity, religion and political views; and wisdom that will give hope to the millions of people torn apart by the drastic effects of war, hunger, poverty, and diseases. God, I ask you to mercifully protect the Afghan children, women and all other individuals mostly at risk. UNICEF reports that since the start of 2021, more than 550 children have been killed while 1,400 others have been left with serious injuries. With each and every passing day, the flaring conflict in Afghanistan continues to take a great toll on the country’s children. UNICEF further predicts that without urgent action, 1 million children under the age of 5 will be severely malnourished by end of the year. I pray against the discrimination and mistreatment of Afghan women and girls. Right now, there are real fears over women’s freedom to work, to dress as they choose, and to go to school. And while recent policy announcements by the Taliban spokesmen have appeared to be reassuring, many people remain skeptical. Father, it will be extremely hard to convince people such as Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012 after she defied the Taliban in Pakistan and demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. Malala miraculously survived! Whereas she went on to become the youngest person – at the age of 17 – to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, her wounds, especially the psychological ones, are still fresh and open. Of course, not so many girls in Afghanistan have been as fortunate and lucky as Malala. But let love and forgiveness reign in the hearts of all, and that the spirit of hate no longer finds foothold in this country. God, please intervene with Your mighty power because we know that human efforts alone cannot compel love of a neighbour. My humble prayer in faith is that, God changes the hearts and behaviours of Taliban leaders. May they stand guard over all citizens, including their opponents and the powerless. May they stay true to their word and respect the “Doha Agreement” and all other peace pronouncements made. God, help them not to squander this opportunity, Be gracious to those who have fled from the violence, poverty and rejection in Afghanistan. May You Lord, protect and keep them safe. But for those who are willing to return home, may You grant them a safe passage back to their country. You’re surely a God of peace. I choose to recognize and to believe that You’re able to accomplish even far more, and to do far greater things than we can ever imagine. I thank you in advance for your miracles, goodness and the abundance of blessings You have in store for the Afghan people. In Your mercy, hear this prayer. Amen.
The writer Mr. Brian Mukalazi is the Country Director of Every Child Ministries Uganda. email: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org
PHOTO: Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume (chairperson Parliamentary Health Committee) leading Members of Parliament on a tour at the Covid-19 testing centre -Entebbe. Extreme right is Mr. Andrew Nsawotebba, site operations manager
BY MOSES MUGALULA newseditor.info@gmail.com
THE Parliament of Uganda has saluted the partnership between Ministry of Health (MoH) and the private sector for a wonderful operation to secure the country from the Covid-19 variants carried by travellers entering Uganda especially through Entebbe International Airport. MPs have bought the idea of mandatory testing and vowed to support it. Six modern laboratory facilities are stationed at Peniel Hotel, a site which was identified by the joint team of Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) as a testing site, located just a few meters from Entebbe Airport. The six laboratories are from; Medipal Hospital, Case Hospital, Test and Fly, City Medicals, Same Day Laboratories and Safari Laboratories. Travellers are tested first to know their status and those found negative, are cleared to join their families and friends. Addressing media yesterday on a parliamentary Health Committee tour of the Covid-19 testing centre in Entebbe, Committee chairperson Dr. Charles Ayume who with other committee members interfaced with the six modern facilitities stationed, appreciated that the site is a private sector led intervention with supervision of The Ministry of Health. The MPs were received by among others; Mr. Fred Byamukama (Administration and also in charge of Test & Fly), Mr. Andrew Nsawotebba the site operations manager, Ms. Naturinda (Test & Fly) and other Ministry of Health officials.
MPs arrive at Penial Hotel where Covid-19 testing laboratories are stationed
On behalf of other members sitting on the Health Parliamentary Committee, Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume said, “We have seen the statistics of this facility showing that 54% of the Delta variants were from tourists. Now the question is, if the Ministry of Tourism allows tourists to go through un tested, wont the country be in great trouble?” “Good the facility has capacity for about 25,000 travellers and modern testing lab machines, we must go for mandatory testing to secure the lives of 45M Ugandans from Covid-19. We only request to lower the turn around time from four hours to atmost two hours.” Said Parliamentary Health Committee Chairman Dr. Charles Ayume. This comes at a time when some voices from the Ministry of tourism were protesting mandatory testing saying it takes a lot of tourists’ time and may kill tourism industry hence financially crippling the economy. Parliament does not however share this school of thought. Dr. Ayume, son to late Francis Joash Ayume former Speaker Parliament of Uganda clarified that, “As Health committee of Parliament, we shall support the position of the ministry of Health to ensure that all travellers are tested regardless of vaccination status or when you last did your PCR because we are backed by science.” Other committee members present included; Hon. Margaret Makokha (Woman MP Namayingo district), Hon. Nekesa, Hon. Isaac Otimgiw Ismail (Mp Padyeri county Nebbi district), Nebanda Andiru Florence (Woman MP Butaleja), Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe (Woman MP Mubende district), Hon. Dr. Opio Samuel Acuti (MP Kore North), Hon. Josephine Babungi Bebona (Woman MP Bundibujo district) and Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi (Mawokota South). Dr. Ayume revealed that, “The objective of this visit was fact finding. It is within our scope to oversee. We came here to ascertain whether this facility is necessary. The answer is yes, it is very necessary in the sense that we anticipate the third wave in the country and monitoring of boarder entry points, is one of the pillars of World Health Organization (WHO) management of the epidermic.” The Koboko Municipality Member of Parliament noted that by testing travellers entering the country for covid-19, the ministry of Health is exercising it’s mandate in terms of management of the epidermic. So what the ministry of Health does is quality assurance, supervision, data management and so forth. The six hospitals named to carry out tests are under the watch of Uganda Virus Research Institute, the Central public Health laboratory. About the public concern in regard with whether the people who were immunised from their respective countries and those who have PCR test in the last 72 hours need to be subjected to a test, the Parliamentary Health Committee agreed with the Ministry of Health that these travellers should be subjected to Covid-19 testing before allowing them to proceed with their journey. Hon. Dr. Ayume said, “Science has shown that even when you are vaccinated, you can still be a transmitter of some of these variants like the Delta. About compliants that the test cost of UGX 235,000 ($65) is high, the committee tasked Ministry of Health and the private partners to explain how they reached that figure, something which they perfectly did. They however agreed to sit and see how to get a subsidised figure. Dr. Ayume however reminded public that, “The cost of treating a patient in ICU is UGX 3M per a day. Let’s have that at the back of our heads before we look at the financial and social inconvenience. If you had a patient in ICU for 20 days, that is UGX 60M. Yet you would have paid just 65 dollars and walked through.”
WE HAVE A SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR TOURISTS – MOH’S DR. MUGAHI Dr. Richard Mugahi who works with the Ministry of Health and also is the Assistant Commissioner in charge of health operations at the Entebbe Covid-19 testing site revealed to Members of Parliament on a visitation tour how they have put in place a special package for tourists. Taking MPs through what goes on at the facility regarding the testing of travellers for Covid-19 who are coming into the country, Dr. Mugahi said their major objective for this operation is to ensure that they do minimise importation of variants of Covid 19.
New building from where travellers will be received
“The country knows that variants are responsible for causing the epidermic within the country and we think by minimising the entry of these variants through screening at the points of entry and specifically Entebbe International Airport, is very important. We have a number of laboratories that are engaged in this process. It’s not true that we have one lab. There are six laboratories that have been engaged to do this work, good you have seen all them with your naked eyes.” Dr. Mugahi told MPs who visited the site. He added, “We are happy that you have noted how the service at the facility between the Ministry of health and private sector laboratories partnership has greatly improved. We believe that in the coming week when we move on to mandatory testing we shall be able to give them results within two hours or even in one and half hours.” He said, some of the travellers testing postive are tourists although they are not a big number. “So testing for tourists is also mandatory as they come in but we have put in place mechanisms that make sure that tourists are not inconvinienced and do not take a lot of time at the testing ground. When they come in, they are immediately tested, samples taken, they go to their hotels and do not get out of their hotels until they get their results in a period of about one and half hours.” Said Dr. Mugahi about the tourists’ package. The ministry said they have enough man power at the facility and if they go for mandatory testing, they will be able to test between 800 – 1000 travellers. “We are trying to get all our stakeholders engaged. As a country, we are not ready to have these waves of Covid-19. They disrupt the economy and everything. That is the sole purpose why we are doing all this.” Dr. Muhiga told MPs.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO TEST VACCINATED PEOPLE Dr. Muhiga revealed that the ministry has been not been testing vaccinated people but the new proposal is testing everyone coming into the country through the international Airport “Because we know that vaccination does not protect an individual from carrying the infection and spreading it but protects the individual from getting a severe form of the infection. We therefore have to test even vaccinated people.” Said Ministry of Health official. He reffered to Science that it has shown how vaccinated people can easily carry the infection and infect others with them not getting severely affected. About the testing cost, Dr. Mugahi said, “The true cost is $ 45. Then, $20 is operational costs. We need to test to protect our population, we need also to make sure that the cost is not high for any traveller. I think the discussion is going to continue. I don’t know how low it can go because this test is a partnership between the Government and the private sector.”
DR. MUGAHI’S FULL STATEMENT ON UPDATES & PREPARATION FOR MANDATORY PCR TESTING@ EBB AIRPORT Background: As of 30th Aug, 2021 the Cumulative No. of targeted travellers tested for COVID-19 at Peniel beach- testing ground was 18,907 (Nationals 7,590 and Foreigners 11,317). A total of 697 cumulative positive travellers were identified out of 18,907 (3.7 %). All the (697) positives have been linked to Isolation facilities under the case management pillar (360 Public, Private 302, HBC 35).The above positive cases are from a total of (15) countries and (05) high contributors are; Kenya 186 (26.7%), UAE 148 (21.2%), South Sudan 99 (14.2%), Tanzania 70 (10 %), South Africa 37 (5.3%) and Others. Of these positive cases, 495 were Ugandans and 202 were Foreigners. 97 of the positive samples were taken for genomic Sequencing (looking at which variant are these people coming with) and the results show predominantly the delta variant.
Lessons and proposed reforms from previous testing Interventions at the EIA. The engagement with CAA revealed there was no adequate space at the airport to carry out testing activities. The testing of travellers started on 11th May 2021 and on average 120 tests are done daily from travellers in category 2 countries, but for mandatory testing of all incoming travellers, we expect to test between 800-900 tests daily. The testing at the Airport started on 10th May 2021.
Issues of escaping travellers and selective testing criteria This has been an area of concern as some travellers from category 2 countries felt it segregated them. This will be addressed by the “test all” principle and regular coordination meetings with stakeholders to address the gaps.
Increasing No. of travellers unable to pay for PCR test Clearly authorised and documented waiver options for tests will be done by any of the private labs. GOU will refund test kits. (As of 30th August 653 travellers had been exempted from testing fees and GOU will cater for the testing Kits) .Criteria; Deportees, Students (Armed forces), returning palliative patients.
Delays at the testing area due to long TAT by some labs Failure of the Laboratories to install at the testing site. Initially only three private laboratories were engaged to screen travellers and only one laboratory was able to install equipment at the testing site. The new direction is all private laboratories MUST install equipment at the testing site by the 3rd of September.
Update: (06) Laboratories with modern equipment capable of producing PCR results within 90 minutes have fully installed equipment at the site;
Rationale for Mandatory Testing of all Incoming Travellers at POEs? Availability of COVID-19 variants of concern among travellers with potential to rapidly spread and overwhelm our health system. There are many deadly variants that are circulating around the globe and this will come in country through travellers if we do not strengthen screening. Available evidence shows that, vaccinated persons are protected from severe forms of the disease but can carry and spread the Virus. Category testing at the airport had challenges of screening and can potentially allow variants of concern to enter the country.
MPs taken through all levels to guide them in writing a good report about mandatory Covid-19 testing
Areas of emphasis for effective implementation of the mandatory testing ▪Results processing and dispatch guidelines are available ▪Management of positive cases protocols are available ▪Stakeholder communication strategy.
Passenger Transportation and coordination All arrivals shall be escorted to the VIP Parking Lot by a joint Avipol, MoH & Operations team. At the parking lot, they shall present their baggage to the baggage handling team. Passengers shall then be directed to waiting buses (10 stationed buses with 30 seat capacity with social distancing). Hand sanitization shall be done before boarding the buses, a free mask shall be given to those without, social distancing will be observed while in transit to the testing site. The travelers will; be escorted to the testing site by security personnel. It takes about 10 minutes for travelers to embark and move to the testing site.
Baggage handling All travellers will present their baggage to the Baggage Handling Team at the airport VIP parking lot. The team shall pick Bingo stickers from Tags on baggage and append them on Bingo reconciliation forms/cards (a Bingo is a card with a Tag number; Flight number; and Barcode identical to the information on a Baggage Claim Sticker and unique for each traveller). The Baggage shall then be loaded onto trucks (box bodies) with secured locks and transported to the Baggage store at the testing site. There has not been any reported loss of baggage for the last 4 months of operation.
Waiting area travellers A well paved waiting area for travellers with capacity to hold 300 passengers is in place with, free wireless internet and 16 charging spots, and six electronic bug zappers for trapping and killing lake flies and mosquitoes at night have been installed.A process to erect 3 more tents (@ with capacity of handling an additional 300 passengers with social distancing has started.External service providers have been engaged to provide food and drinks to the travelers at their own cost.60 Charging points & Bug Zappers have already been drawn and contractors identified.The waiting area, is fitted with a public address system that will help during results dispatch to the clients.
Waiting area for family and friends Family members and friends will wait outside the gazette testing area with ample packing for about 200 vehicles at an affordable cost charged according to time spent.The crowd will be managed by our security personnel that are deployed at the testing ground. Upon receiving the results and Baggage the security team will authorize the traveler to leave the testing ground and link up with family.
Progress so far Stakeholder coordination meetings have been conducted at operational and strategic levels. Meetings with security team (Aviation Police, UPDF)Private laboratory teams, Immigration, CAA, UTB. Health committee of ParliamentInter – Ministerial coordination meeting.
Identification and engagement of private Laboratories to support Testing Formal invitation was sent out to all the (25) COVID-19 accredited laboratories to express interest and attend a meeting at the Ministry of Health. 10 Laboratories attended the meeting and expressed interest but only 06 were able to set up at testing venue.
Testing Facilities: The testing capacity at the penial beach has been increased from (02) to (06) private laboratories with modern equipment set up at the site. The total testing capacity for the (06) private laboratories is 1048/run or per every 90 Mins.All the (06) six laboratories have capacity to produce PCR results within 90 Mins. (1.5 hrs.) and this has been verified by the Ministry of Health Laboratory supervision team. The (06) laboratories will be able to serve the anticipated increase in the daily load of tests from the average of 120 travelers/Day to the average of 800 travelers/day.The participating Laboratories will conduct weekly coordination meetings under the leadership of the Ministry of Health.
Mr. Nsawotebba briefing Hon. Ayume how modern testing facilities have lowered at the turn-around time as travellers are waiting for their results
Management and linkage of all positives cases All the identified positive cases are linked to Isolation facilities. The public Isolation facility will be Namboole Isolation facility. Two (02) other Non-Traditional Isolation facilities have been identified for positive travelers who are not comfortable in Public isolation facilities one in Entebbe (Mowcribs Hotel) to Isolate Tourists and other travelers and the second is in Kampala (Kerona Dam Hotel). The cost of the private facilities range from $60 to $80 full board. The positive cases will be managed by the case management pillar as per the National Protocols. Stand by transport is available for timely referral and linkage of positives cases to isolation facilities. Positive samples are segregated and those with low CT value are forwarded to UVRI for Genomic sequencing. A team of (10) psychosocial counsellors are available at the testing site and airport to deliver results and also explain the importance of the intervention.
Data Management facilities We intend to reduce the pre-analytical time from 15 Minutes to 5 Minutes by introducing an electronic data capture and payment system. This will save travellers time as they will only present for sample collection at the testing ground.
Special Considerations. Testing Government VVIP: Samples will be collected from the VIP lounge and will be allowed to wait for their results that will be ready within 90 minutes.
Test for Ambassadors and Immediate families: Clearance was provided to the EU and USA Ambassadors to have their tests from their approved laboratories (eg. the IOM laboratories) and provide MOH with test result within 90 Minutes.
Testing of Tourists: Samples will be collected from the testing grounds where a special desk has been set up to handle tourists. The tourists will be allowed to move to (05) Hotels in Entebbe gazetted with the support of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). The Hotels are; Hotel Number 5, Papyrus Guest House, Boma Guest House, Karibu Guest House and Airport guest House hotel. The cost of staying at the guest house will be settled by the tourists.The results for Tourists will be processed within 2 hrs. The negative Tourists will proceed to their destinations and positive ones will be Isolated at gazetted NTIF.
Request ● Support the mandatory PCR testing for all incoming travellers ● MOFA to communicate to all Embassies about the new directive. ● OPM to coordinate the inter-ministerial meetings and communications ● CAA to communicate to airlines about the new directives
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FOR those of you planning to go for a tour or greener pastures in Saudi Arabia, this is a MUST read story! The News Editor news website has gathered for you whatever is restricted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a country in Western Asia. For starters, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, and the second-largest country in the Arab world. It is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast and Yemen to the south; it is separated from Egypt and Israel in the north-west by the Gulf of Aqaba. Its capital and largest city is Riyadh, with Mecca and Medina serving as important cultural and religious centers. The world’s second-largest religion, Islam, emerged in modern day Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of Ugandan girls have been employed in Saudi Arabia as domestic workers. It is one of the most richest and beautiful countries you must visit before you die. Here are the 10 things prohibited in Saudi Arabia you must take note of before going there. Please read on;
DRINKING One of the first things you will have to take care of while travelling to Saudi Arabia is abstainance from liquor! Being a country that strictly follows the tenets of Islam, Saudi Arabia prohibits the sale and consumption of intoxicating drinks. If you are spotted drinking or getting tipsy, you can be subjected to lashes, deportation, hefty fines or even put behind the bars. It is also advised not to drink even on the Plane when you are on flight to this country.
EATING PORK Islam does not allow the consumption of pork and Saudi Arabia strictly adheres to this principle. So, don’t expect to go on a full English breakfast with sausages and bacon or a Ham Sandwich when you are in this country. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you will not be allowed to consume pork in any form and generally, only ‘Halal’ foods are available in this country. Even anything that’s pork-flavoured like chips and other snacks can not be consumed.
ADULT CONTENT Possessing adult content on your phone, tablet, computer or any electronic device could land you into serious trouble. Saudi Arabia has blocked all such websites to abstain it’s people from consuming the content. So, if you are sharing such content including pictures or videos, you will get into trouble. Even illustrations of such type, especially those of women, are strictly not allowed. In fact, custom officials are directed to scan your devices for any content that is against the law before letting you enter their country.
PUBLIC DECENCY CODE (PDC) If you want to get cosy with your significant other in public, think twice when you are in Saudi Arabia. Any public display of affection is looked down upon in this country. Tourists displaying PDA can be fined under the Public Decency Code of Saudi Arabia and the maximum fine is almost $800. Any public display of affection should NOT be indulged in, as it may not be very welcoming.
CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY This day which is celebrated annually as a festive of love on 14th day of February, in Saudi Arabia it is considered a Christian occasion. In this country, valentines day was prohibited in 2008 and has never been permitted again to be celebrated. In 2018, the Authorities eased the restrictions a little and the Saudis celebrated the day. For the first time, shops in Saudi Arabia displayed little red tokens of love for those willing to celebrate.
SOCIALIZING Well, not all forms of socializing are disallowed in Saudi Arabia. However, intermingling of men and Women at malls and restaurants is generally not welcome. Unless they are your family members, socializing with opposite gender is not allowed. Generally, men and women are separated at social places. However, the stringent was relaxed in 2019. While foreigners may be excluded from this law, it’s better to be aware about the social situation in Saudi Arabia.
PHOTOGRAPHY While photography is not prohibited in itself, it is strictly regulated. Firstly, photographing a Saudi without their consent or express permission is against the law. The fine can go up to $300. Also photographing government buildings, military facilities and Palaces is not allowed. This is prohibited due to National security reasons.
WEARING SHORTS As per Saudi Arabia’s Public Decency Laws, men as well as women are advised not to put on shorts and to ‘dress modestly’. While the rules are not strict to the children, young adults and older people are expected to follow the norms. It’s true, the country is moving towards a relaxed dress code but outsiders, especially women have to be careful with the way they dress up in this country. Women can not wear shorts unless they are covered by the robe.
PLAYING LOUD MUSIC IN PUBLIC For decades, Saudi Arabia did not allow playing music in public at all. But with more liberal measures being introduced in this country, these days music can be heard in public. It is however very important to note that, playing music loudly is a taboo and can easily land you into trouble. This law has to be observed especially during each of the 20-minute prayer times that happens five times a day.
DABBING The viral dance move called ‘Dabbing’ became popular worldwide in 2017. However, you can not flaunt it while in Saudi Arabia.The country’s Ministry of National Commission disallowed people from displaying the dance move due to its association with the substance culture. The decision was taken after a Saudi TV host was filmed dabbing at a Music festival in Taif.
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LUBAGA SOUTH legislator Aloysius Mukasa will today Saturday join mourners in Luwunga village, Kinoni – Masaka to see off late Josephine Mulinda, mother to Princess Eugenia Nassolo who contested for this constituency Member of Parliament election in January this year. Princess Nassolo’s mum has for been struggling for her dear life. She breathed her last on Thursday morning. Nassolo who contested for Lubaga South MP on Democratic Party ticket, this week, through her lawyers of Caleb Alaka & Co. Advocates withdrawn an election petition she had lodged against Hon. Mukasa. Nassolo said, she did this basing on the grounds of uniting the people of Lubaga, promoting the spirit of the opposition but on top of this all, allowing the massively elected MP Aloysius Mukasa serve his constituents with one heart. In an exclusive interview with this fastest growing News Website, MP Mukasa welcomed Nassolo’s move to withdraw the petition saying it had no life at all. He told us that, “I want to thank my sister Nassolo for not wasting court’s time and withdrawn her petition. Truth is, elections were done in February and Lubaga South voters’ voice was heard loudly. They elected a competent and able MP. This is the time to speak for them in Parliament not wasting time in court battles. I thank Ms. Nassolo for understanding this before it’s too late.” Nassolo’s move must have united all political factions in Lubaga South. No wonder, Hon. Mukasa is today leading Lubaga South people to go to Masaka and mourn with Princess Nassolo an act of political maturity. Here at The News Editor Media, we extend our heartfelt condolence to Ms. Nassolo. May the soul of the deceased rest in eternal peace!
