A DAY to a special council sitting convened by Speaker Lubaga Division Urban Council on Thursday this week for councilors to select committees and the announcement of Deputy Mayor, Hon. Ronald Ssemaganda has called for calm and solidarity among NUP councilors. He has asked every one to stand solidly behind Mayor Zacchy Mawula Mberaze. In a statement released by Ssemaganda, he wants NUP councilors to accord maximum respect to their Mayor Mberaze, give him the required support so that the enemy doesn’t tear down this majority opposition party in the council. Ssemaganda who contested against Hajjat Rehema Ssanyu Fugge in party primaries for Lubaga division speaker and narrowly lost has urged fellow NUP councilors to remain United and abide by the party position. Thanking NUP councilors for the tremendous job done in the mean time to serve the electorate and the mighty NUP party at large, Ssemaganda said they are expectedoing to demonstrate unity in tomorrow’s council meeting. He said, “This message serves to request you all, that come the special Council meeting on Thursday 5th August 2021 in which we have NUP candidates standing as committee chairpersons, please let us accord them maximum support and total soothe.” About Mayor’s appointment of Rehema Fugge who Rubaga North councilors thought is a wrong choice, Ssemaganda requested fellow councilors to let the mayor exercise his constitutional powers. “I thoughtfully request you all to give His worship the mayor meaningful opportunity as he presents his Executive on the same day. Let us respect his choice. United we stand and divided we fall. For God and my country.” Noted Hon. Ssemaganda. Ssemaganda who many councilors still believe was the right choice for Speaker, represents Namungoona at Lubaga Division Urban Council. He put up a tough fight in the primaries and narrowly lost to Fugge. His camp accused Fugge and mayor Mberaze for hiding NUP councilors at NRM boss Mamerito Mugerwa’s Bweyogerere Hotel to make it impossible for Ssemaganda to reach them and ask for votes. They said, if it wasn’t such irregularities, their candidate would have won. In fact this was the genesis of disunity among NUP councilors who forms 65% of the council and their candidate Fugge lost to NRM’s Musa Mbaziira whose party forms about 11% of councilors. Since then, there have been factions among NUP councilors at Lubaga and the party headquarters had to summon them for questioning. Ssemaganda wants councilors to put aside all differences and give their mayor the desired support to serve Lubaga people. We are told, Ssemaganda yesterday reached out to every NUP Lubaga councilor, engaged him or her personally preaching unity. In another development, councilor Maggie Nansubuga Ssemukaaya, the NUP Lubaga North Women League leader on Tuesday held a conference for all female councilors in Lubaga which was attended by among others, Mayor Mberaze. NUP councilors were trained on how to conduct themselves in council. Today Wednesday, all NUP Lubaga councilors have been summoned again at Kamwokya party headquarters to be given party position in tomorrow’s council sitting to avoid a repeat of thenparty embarrassment seen during Speaker elections.
THE race for East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) 2022-2027 has started in different political parties, members are positioning themselves for seats ahead of Party primaries. Elections will be held next year. Uganda like any of the six member countries (Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan), sends 9 MPs. Of the 9 seats, ruling NRM normally gives themselves 6 seats, 1 goes to Independents and 2 shared among all the opposition. Fact is, Parties in good books with NRM win these seats. DP and UPC are the favourites. In opposition Democratic Party (DP), the tight race was expected to be between money magnet Mary Babirye Kabanda who is former Woman MP Masaka district and the Party Secretary General Dr. Gerald Blacks Siranda. However sources close to party top bosses reveal, Dr. Siranda has all odds against Babirye Kabanda and this young man from Bukedi in Eastern Uganda has been endorsed by the powers that be in DP, to represent this oldest political party in EALA. Because the law doesn’t allow the incumbent Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde to contest again after the completion of his two terms at the Arusha Parliament, the Party has now zeroed on this youngster, Dr. Siranda to carry on the mantle. All indicators show, other party members who have interest in the same seat are just wasting their time! When this News Website reached Hon. Mbidde for a comment about the members who have shown interest to fit his shoes at EALA, DP Vice President had this to say, “When it’s time, trust me, the Party will give you the best candidate with a National not regional identity. An MP sent to EALA must be a Nationalist. DP has that member, just give it time.” The former Makerere University Guild President did not disclose who this member is although he intimated that he perfectly knows who his successor will be, at EALA. Although he insists the party will go through all legal procedures to elect the best candidate for the party flag in EALA elections, insiders say, Dr. Siranda is the man. He has been endorsed by Party top bosses. We therefore advise other contenders who have already shown their interest to contest in Party primaries to find something else to do, this is a done deal!. In this story, we bring you the odds favourng Dr. Siranda and why those pushing Babirye Kabanda in this tricky game are just eating her money.
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. Siranda 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 to Members of Parliament coming from different regions. He is not 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.
EALA MATERIAL: Dr. Gerald Blacks Siranda
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. 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 IS A DAY-DREAMER 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. 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.
Here is Mary Babirye Kabanda
In Buganda where Babirye Kabanda has roots, the fight for votes rages on. There are other aspirants who have shown interest. They include Mr. George Fred Kagimu (DP VP Buganda), Hajjat 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 allegedly 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 Mr. Mao 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.” Said one of the top party leaders. 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, a lot you don’t know. 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 will support Babirye Kabanda who called them names after she lost her MP bid.
(In our next edition, we will reproduce Babirye Kabanda’s dossier attacking and blackmailing Kyagulanyi and NUP leaders in Masaka especially Hon. Juliet Kakande who defeated her in elections).
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ON Thursday this week, Rubaga Division Urban Council newly elected Mayor Zacchy Mberaze Mawula aka Taata Namuli is expected to announce the appointment of Busega IV councilor Hajjat Rehema Ssanyu Fugge as his deputy in a council convened by Speaker Musa Mbaziira. Insiders say, Mberaze and Fugge have formed a political alliance targeting to uproot Rubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa come 2026 General elections. We shall come back to this to show how the deal has been hatched!
DEPUTY SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT Mberaze will however make this announcement amidst protests by a section of councillors especially from Rubaga North who accuse Mberaze of breaking an agreement he made with them if elected, to appoint his deputy from this area. For starters, Rubaga Division is made up of two constituencies, Rubaga South and Rubaga North. Mberaze comes from Mutundwe while Rehema Fugge in Busega, both parishes in Rubaga South. Fugge a member of opposition NUP contested for Speaker and narrowly lost to NRM’s Mbaziira who is also coming from Lubaga South. Mbaziira got 49 votes while Rehema Fugge who had Mberaze’s full backing polled 45 votes in a council dominated by NUP councilors. NUP has 64 councilors, NRM has 11 councilors, DP 3, FDC 5 and 13 independents. Due to differences amongst NUP leaders in Lubaga, some party councilors who are furious about how Mberaze conducts business ended up voting a minority NRM candidate for the Speaker. This led to Party investigations into this shame where a majority party handed over speakership to a minority party. A number of councilors were summoned at the party headquarters for questioning. However, the findings are still kept a top secret.
WHAT MBERAZE PLEDGED ON DEPUTY SPEAKER APPOINTMENT During his campaigns, Mberaze a staunch Catholic assured Muslims that he will appoint a Moslem deputy to balance the boat if he is elected Rubaga Mayor. In his words, Mberaze allegedly said, “My deputy will come from Rubaga North constituency and she will be a Moslem.” Rubaga North councilors are not happy, they say, he has moved away from what he promised voters. Yes he has appointed a female Moslem but not from Rubaga North as he promised during campaigns.
WHO WERE RUBAGA NORTH CANDIDATES FOR DEPUTY MAYOR Three councilors had been fronted for this slot. They included; Kizza Clement who represents Lungujja. He is however not a moslem. Another one is councilor Shamim Nabiddo formerly of Nkobazambogo at the University. She has also been secretary for youth affairs, secretary for women affairs in DP in Lubya, she heads youth in Nakinsinge clan, she has a network of leaders who have mentored her like Hakim Kizza. Nabiddo graduated in Mass communication. She is now pursuing a Masters in Public Administration. The third one is councilor Tendo Sulayina, wife to Lord councilor Jeremia Keeya. They have one child. Both live in Gayaza. Jeremia has a muzigo in Lubya zone, Lubya parish.
MBERAZE – REHEMA FUGGE 2026 MP GAME PLAN According to our investigations, the two, Zacchy Mberaze and Rehema Fugge have a big deal for 2026 which camp Aloysius Mukasa, Rubaga South MP must plan for before it’s too late. The two, we are told, are working to form an alliance to kick a fellow NUP member, Hon. Mukasa out of Rubaga South MP seat come 2026. Political analysts we have talked to say, in Mberaze’s 2026 political calculations he doesn’t need Rubaga North, that is why he has decided to ignore them in his appointments and give it all to Rubaga South, whose votes he wants in 2026 because he isn’t returning as Mayor but instead as MP. This is their calculation: Rubaga South is made up of 8 (Eight) parishes. The most populated Parish is Mutundwe where Mberaze comes from and he is assured of full support if he contests for MP. It has 30,000 voters. It is followed by Busega Parish with 25,000 voters. This is where Rehema Fugge comes from. MP Aloysius Mukasa’s Kabowa Parish is number three with 24,000 voters. We are told, Camp Mberaze is scratching heads on how to influence Ndeeba’s iron lady, Lord councilor Faridah Nakabugo to join their team and if she agrees and Ndeeba is added to Mutundwe and Busega, they can easily beat Hon. Mukasa. So this is why Mayor Mberaze is shopping for Rehema Fugge as his deputy and we are told, he is ready to appoint more Lubaga South councilors so that he prepares his 2026 ground in time. For those who don’t know, Fugge is a great mobilizer especially in women groups and Mosques. Mberaze advisers say, with Rehema as his deputy, women and Muslims will be on his side. Other councilors Mberaze is targeting include Omulangira Kayima from Nateete who is believed to be a good strategist. Another one is Musa Lusembo from Ndeeba and Fatuma Nyombi representing Mutundwe. Nyombi supported Mukasa but insiders say, these days she is seen closer to Mberaze camp. Camp Mukasa looks to be aware of this plot and they are not seated!
HOW ODDS DON’T WORK FOR RUBAGA NORTH Rubaga North has five parishes producing fewer councilors than Rubaga South. Mayor Mberaze might have looked at this while appointing his deputy. The five parishes are; Lubya (14 councilors), Kasubi (12 councilors), Nakulabye (6 councilors), Lungujja (6 councilors) and Namirembe Bakuli (3 councilors). For Rubaga South has 8 Parishes; Busega (9 councilors), Mutundwe (9 councilors), Kabowa (9 councilors), Nateete (7 councilors), Lubaga Parish (6 councilors), Ndeeba (3 councilors), Najja I (3 councilors) and Najja II (2 councilors). The two councilors representing interest groups come from Rubaga South and so do the two councilors representing the elderly. Councilors representing People With Disabilities (PWDs), one is from Rubaga South and the other one (Lillian Walugembe) is from Rubaga North although she got married in Rubaga South.
MBERAZE LEARNING FROM FORMER MAYOR SSEBUGGWAWO In her last term as Rubaga Mayor, Owek. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo appointed her deputy and all ministers from Rubaga South. Notably, Speaker Mbaziira was also from Lubaga South. Ssebuggwawo’s Deputy Asuman Ntale was councilor representing Busega in Rubaga South. She also appointed him minister in charge of Education and Social Services. Councilor Jackson Muwanga from Nateete was Ssebuggwawo’s minister for Works and Physical planning. Minister for Gender was Rose Namakula, councilor for Rubaga Parish, in Lubaga South. Ssebuggwawo also appointed youth councilor Henry Lutwama as Minister in charge of Administration. He was coming from Busega. She didn’t appoint any minister from Rubaga North. During her first term 2011-2016 when she was appointing only her deputy, Ssebuggwawo gave it to the only FDC councilor Cathy Nagawa representing Namirembe Hospital Zone in Rubaga North. Ssebuggwawo was also from this zone in Lubaga North. Meaning, Mayor and her deputy were not only from Rubaga North but from the same zone. How come, those councilors accusing Mayor Mberaze for appointing Rehema Fugge because both come from Rubaga South, did not accuse Owek. Ssebuggwawo for appointing Cathy Nagawa yet both came from Rubaga North? Mayor Mberaze will not be the first to appoint his deputy coming from the same constituency. After all the deputy speaker Mpiima is coming from Rubaga North.
WINNIE MAKUMBI PRECEDENT Another Rubaga former Mayor Winnie Makumbi (late), was from Rubaga South but appointed her deputy Charles Mulindwa from the same constituency. Makumbi was coming from Busega while Mulindwa was a councilor representing Nateete. Speaker of Winnie Makumbi’s council was Mukwaya Mbwatekamwa also from Rubaga South. Her ministers were Titus Ntulume for Gender, Richard Miiro (Works and physical planning) were councilors in Rubaga South.
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HEARTLESS: In the photo above, a plantation in Bukoba village, Nalutuntu Subcounty in Kassanda district was harshly cut down as a result of land evictions. This is not done on Private Mailo Land as Minister Sam Mayanja alleges.
OPINION BY: DORAH NAKATO
JUNIOR Minister for Lands Sam Mayanja keeps saying in his articles often published by New Vision that Buganda Land Board is illegally holding Kabaka’s land. But the Mayanja i know, is a “senior” lawyer. When a lawyer is convinced that something is illegal, he goes to a competent court, brings it to the attention of the court and it is struck down.
HOT SEAT: Minister Sam Mayanja
The question should be, why does Sam Mayanja keep ranting in news papers other than going to court? The definite answer is simple. He is a smokescreen of those who want to grab Buganda’s land. He knows he is telling lies. But he knows if you keep trumpeting lies consistently, people may start taking your lies seriously. No wonder he is hiding in writing such articles. I saw somewhere that he is turning down all invitations for a public debate about his assertions. Why? Because lies are better told when no one is responding. In such newspapers, i am told, they protect him against any responses. I hear they have decided that only his articles will be published so that his agenda driven lies face no rebuttal.
WHAT ARE SAM MAYANJA’S 8 LIES THAT HE KEEPS CONJURING?
That the 1966 desecration of Buganda kingdom was a revolution. What happened in 1966 was not a revolution but an illegal coup against the 1962 constitution. It can’t be sanitised by the word revolution. Revolutions happen by popular uprising against dictators and injustices. Not against a consensus built constitution. There was no popular uprising in 1966. It was just a one man’s overthrow of the constitution.
That Buganda’s land is public land. Public land means land owned by the government or its affiliated bodies and such land is administered by Uganda Land Commission. Even at independence, it was clearly shown that Buganda Land is not public land. That’s why mailo akenda (9000square miles) was never put under the Uganda Land Commission. It is why Buganda Land Board was set up to specifically administer that Buganda customary land. It is also why, when Obote extrapolated it in 1967, he had to put it under Uganda Land Commission and abolished Buganda Land Board to clearly show that he had stolen Buganda’s customary land and made it Uganda’s public land. That was wrong because well, where else is customary land in Uganda called public land? Can he answer that?
He says, official mailos under Buganda Land Board were never confiscated but under the constitutional order of the day transferred to a public body. This is not only laughable but absurd that a “senior” lawyer can spew such gibberish and he convinces himself that he is right. The land under Buganda Land Board was not public land. It was Buganda’s customary and cultural offices(Buganda’s traditional offices are first cultural before anything else) land. It is why in 1962, it was never put under the Uganda Land Commission. By putting it under Uganda Land Commission using his illegitimate constitution, Obote was in fact confiscating Buganda and Baganda’s customary land and turning it into Uganda government land. And to complete the robbery, he had to abolish Buganda Land Board. So, as Obote used his illegitimate constitutional order to confiscate Buganda’s land, it is the same way the current constitutional order reverted that land to the Kabaka who is the sole person under the current constitutional order who is allowed to hold property which belongs to Buganda’s historical cultural offices and customary land in trust for himself and the Baganda.
That 1962 constitution established Buganda Land Board to take charge of official mailo. Buganda Land Board of 1962 was established to administer and manage former crown land now popularly known as ‘mailo Akenda’. Official mailos remained under the offices to which they were allotted because those offices were corporate bodies. The 350square miles was under Nkuluze. It was in 1963 that Ssekabaka Muteesa asked that Buganda Land Board also manages the rest of the official mailos to the benefit of the offices apart from the 350square miles which remained under Nkuluze. He wanted to streamline the administration and bring uniformity. He was not surrendering the land to become public land…..
That the current Buganda Land Board is not successor in title to the 1962-1967 Buganda Land Board and therefore can not administer land which the later used to administer. True, the current BLB may not be successor in tittle to the 1962 BLB, but the Kabaka of Buganda (Ronald Muwenda Mutebi) who owns the current BLB wholly and to whom it acts as an agent is a successor in title to all official mailos stipulated in the 1993 restitution of traditional leaders act plus all land which was administered by the former Buganda government which was abolished in 1967 as per the subsequent 2013 agreement. Both the 1993 act and the 2013 agreement are legally binding and constitutionally sound due to art.246 of the 1995 constitution. Therefore, the current Buganda Land Board is legally managing and administering that land.
That people on the 9000square miles are happily tilling and living on it. Again, Mr. Sam Mayanja exposes himself here as someone not informed about what’s happening in the land sector, like MPs rightly pointed out during his vetting. In fact, he was one of the worst performers during the vetting sessions. The current land evictions are mostly if not all are happening on mailo akenda (9000square miles). The cries of people we see on tv, read about in the papers are happening in Mubende, Kiboga, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kayunga, Luweero mostly and consistently. What do those districts have in common? The evictions happening there are on mailo akenda (9000 square miles) which were wrongly put under district land boards after they were maliciously termed as land without owners. That was wrong because mailo akenda is Baganda’s customary land. So Baganda own it and it was preserved for them but district land boards have instead issued out freehold titles on them to mostly non Baganda who go about evicting customary tenants from them. But according to Mayanja, there is peace on mailo akenda. Funny? Isn’t it? But sad!
That the 1900 agreement made peasants in Buganda landless. This is another wrong assertion continuously peddled and I must say not only by him but by so many other people who told themselves that lie and continue to believe it and perpetuate it in schools. The 1900 agreement took land away from the Kabaka and clans who were hitherto the owners of land since the Nnono conference between Kabaka Kintu and Bataka. Rather than taking away land from peasants, it instead curved out 8000 square miles to be shared by chiefs who were a result of the bukumbi agreement and any peasant who could make a claim over any piece of land on which they stayed and cultivated. In fact, when you look through provisional certificates, you see people (peasants) who claimed from 1 acre to over 2 square miles of land. It is those who didn’t take trouble to claim land who lost out. Others claimed but didn’t survey the land, others surveyed but never titled. (That is the commonly known blue print land). Peasants were not land owners before the 1900 agreement. They were bibanja holders. Some claimed land and became land owners, others remained bibanja holders after the agreement on other people’s land as they saw no need as they remained with their bibanja. So the 1900 agreement couldn’t have taken away from peasants what they didn’t own.
8. That he is set out to correct historical injustice. Mr. Sam Mayanja looks like he is on a mission to use state power to extrapolate Kabaka’s land currently run by BLB to government so that probably him and his cronies and bosses can equally turn it into their private property like they have done with Akenda (9000square miles) when they took it to district land boards. They now want to take over all land in Buganda after sharing akenda among themselves and also have their comrades living on private mailo to forcefully get land titles without compensating landlords most of whom have bought that land with their hard earned money. In 1900, the Kabaka lost land. Sam Mayanja’s mission is to take away Kabaka’s land. So he can not claim to be correcting historical injustice by committing injustice and furthering injustice……on the Kabaka and the people of Buganda whose customary land he wants to permanently take away.
Destruction of peoples’ houses in Nalutuntu, Kassanda due to land evictions. Such evictions are not on Private Mailo landas alleged by Minister Sam Mayanja
It is good the people of Buganda have risen up to defeat his machinations. The clear public backlash he is receiving both on social media and traditional media shows that the people of Buganda have read through his lies and mission and won’t stand them. They know that Buganda’s customary land is safer in the hands of the Kabaka for he can not dish out freehold titles like the Sam Mayanjas do when it is under government. They know their security of tenancy is best protected when land is under the Kabaka. Under him, you cannot experience the Kanana coffee factory land, Kaweeri coffee land factory experiences. They know that the current land law sufficiently protects bibanja holders against evictions but it is flouted by those with guns. They know of encroachers who have been purposely imported onto Buganda Land and now the Sam Mayanjas want to give them freehold titles under the guise of protecting bibanja holders and correcting historical injustices. I will start from here…
The Writer Dorah Nakato is a Legal Expert on land matters and a Historian.
The News Editor Online welcomes your opinions on topical issues for publication. Send in your Opinion to: newseditor.info@gmail.com
ST. ANDREW KAGGWA Gombe High School located in Kawaala, Lubaga Division Kampala has outcompeted traditional schools in the country to be ranked among the very first top schools which performed excellently in last year’s S4 final examinations. According to 2020 U.C.E results released on Friday last week by the Education and Sports minister, in Kampala alone, out of over 200 secondary schools, St. Andrew Kagwa Gombe High School was ranked among the Top 12 best Schools! Thanks be to God, the School Management, the principal, teachers and students for this wonderful performance. St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High School-Kawaala falls under Gombe Education Service (GES). Other schools under this brand include; Scooby-doo Day Care and Nursery (International) School and Gombe Junior School (Gojus) in Kikajjo-Nateete. The three schools were founded by Owek. David Kyewalabye Male the Buganda Kingdom minister in charge of Culture, Palaces, Tombs, Tourism, Conservation and Security also former Buganda Land Board (BLB) Managing Director.
HOW ST. ANDREW KAGGWA GOMBE HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMED Out of 100 S4 students, 77 students passed in Division l (One), 21 in Division II (Two) and only 1 student got a Division III (Three).
WE MADE IT: Some of St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High School 2020 U.C.E best students
The 2020 UCE Giants include:
Nabisubi Roy Oliva Agg. 10
Feni Francis Agg. 10
Jorryn Nalwadda Agg. 10
Moses Mungudit Agg. 12
Katisi Amelia Agg. 14
Nakalaala Zaitun Agg. 14
Mbabazi Patience Agg. 15
Abayo Fideri Agg. 15
Ssempijja Daglous Agg. 16
Kyomugisha Anita Agg. 16
On getting good news about how their 2020 U.C.E class excelled, the principal said, “God, we shall always glorify your name. Covid-19 candidates have made it. Congratulations and may God’s Grace continue to shine on you as you Light the lamp of Wisdom.”
SMART: Students of St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High School -Kawaala
He noted that, “Because our core values, vision and mission, we automatically had to fly high. Our students are always reminded to be the heads in every thing not the tails. Here are the fruits.” The school’s six core values are; Fearing God, Respect, Integrity, Team work, Excellence and Time management. The school’s Mission is to provide quality holistic education that fosters creativity, critical thinking and collaboration to produce competent global citizens. “Our vision is to produce competent, responsible, self reliant and flexible citizens.” Says Principal Gombe High School. The school has enough space and good reading environment to enable students study without any disturbance, qualified teaching staff, well equipped Science laboratories, Libraries with all required text books and above all, the affordable school fees.
ONLINE PROGRAM Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some classes haven’t been at school since March last year. And schools may be not opened soon. Gombe Education Service did not have to wait for the Government to reopen up schools. “Our children must continue learning even when they are at home. Because without proper education, their future is at stake.” Says management of the three schools. We are reliably informed that, they have put in place Gombe Education Services online school which offers online lessons for children right from Nursery to High School. Learners receive daily life interaction lessons, daily assignments, monthly tests and examinations. “Your child too, can learn and progress from home.” Says management. Their online school also offers assemblies, guidance and counselling sessions plus co-curricular activities like Bakery, cookery, creative arts, etc. To Parents who don’t have enough gadgets for children at home and those who don’t have enough time to monitor their children on the online lessons, Gombe Education Service have another program called, ‘GES long Distance School.’ According to Mr Kiyimba a teacher on site, “In this program, your child receives recorded lesson videos and daily assignments in addition to Monthly tests and examinations. They watch these videos and do daily assignments at any place and time of their comfort.” “All our online programs are facilitated by our Schools which are the Scooby-doo Day Care and Nursery (International) School, Gombe Junior School and Gombe High School.” Says management. Those who want to enrol for this online program, can contact management on, 0708800001/0708800002.
ASUMAN Buwembo, son to city businessman Haji Ali Kasule of Nkozi, Mawokota County, Mpigi district deserves to be listed as a Genius in The Guinness Book of World Records. He is the youngest child ever in Uganda, to sit for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at age seven! It’s unbelievable! At Seven years Old, when other children are just joining Primary education, Buwembo sat and passed Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in 2000. No other child has ever done it again at that age! 21 years later, News Editor Media, the fastest growing news Website has traced for Buwembo to see what he is doing now. We have successfully got him and his father Haji Ali Kasule.
HOW DID BUWEMBO SIT FOR PLE AT 7 YEARS? Asuman Buwembo started his education from Nkozi Demonstration School at the age of Four in P1. After one month, he was promoted to P2. He left this school for Bwaise Parents School where he sat for P4 entry interviews and passed. In P4, he was 5 years old. What is amazing about Buwembo is that, the average performer he was in P2 turned into an amazing brilliant child in P4. His report cards indicate that the 40s and 50s he scored then, turned into 80s and 90s. He was promoted to P5 at age Six and performed excellently to be promoted to P6 when he was Seven years old. While in P6, according to a New Vision story published on Monday February 26th 2001, this young boy told his father Haji Kasule that he wanted to sit for PLE, so it was! Year 2000 PLE Results returned when Asuman Buwembo had passed with flying colours and his news shocked the County. Many did not believe it, yet it happened! He was admitted at Kawempe Muslims School in Kampala for S1 at the age of 8 years, when other children would be just in P3. At 13 years old, Asuman Buwembo was ready to enter Makerere University!
Asuman Buwembo, how he looks today
His father says, Buwembo from childhood did things in unusual way. “When he was just 2 years old, he found me sitted in the compound and asked me, ‘Dad, when you grow grey hair, have you prepared children who will take care of you?’ I was shocked to hear such a question from a breastfeeding child.” Recalls Haji Kasule. The father thought some one at home had sent this boy to ask him that question which he didn’t answer. Kasule instead walked out of his gate pretending that he was going somewhere yet he wanted to see whether Buwembo will run back to whoever had sent him. “On getting out, I peeped through small holes on my gate to see him running back to the person who sent him to ask me such a question.To my shock, he just joined other children in the compound to play. This then made me realise, this boy must be in school earlier.” Reveals Haji Kasule.
NOT NEWS TO THE FAMILY According to The New Vision story published then; “To the rest of us (public), it is big news. To the family, it was not.” How can it be when Haji Kasule had an Eighteen-years-old daughter in Second year at Makerere University, offering Medicine? Now a top lecturer, Dr. Madina also was in P1 at Four-years old. She spent one term in P2 and was promoted to P3 in the Second term. The only class she repeated was S6. On the second sitting, she passed highly and was offered Medicine on Government sponsorship. Haji Kasule is a Ssalongo. His twins turned 7 years old while they were in P4. The twins started school with Asuman Buwembo. Two of his children, one in S2 and another in S3 were 12 and 14 years old, respectively. Two years younger than the rightful age of S2 for the former and one year younger for the latter. Haji Kasule argues that, taking the child early at school helps a great deal because the rate at which they grasp what they are taught is high. In his family, Kasule ensures that at the age of Four, his children join P1. He teaches his children the basics while at home such that by the time they are in P1, they are quite knowledgeable. At 2 yrs old, his children are well conversant with multiplication tables. Incidentally, Haji Kasule is a S1 dropout. His wonder children, save for two, have different mothers. In Nkozi, Haji Kasule is remembered for organising a mega graduation party for six of his children who graduated at ago from Makerere University! Each child sat in a special car and the convoy passed through Kayabwe to Nkozi. Hundreds gathered on road to wave at Kasule and his children clad in their graduation gowns. Food and drinks at home were in plenty, the whole village was invited by this rich man. This has never happened again!
I AGREE WITH MY FATHER ON EARLY EDUCATION – DR. MADINA Kasule’s daughter Dr. Madina, agrees with his father that at a tender age, one easily grasps facts. She says, “The brain is sharper and can easily grasp what is handled by the teacher. While in S4, teachers at Madina’s school had refused to register her because of her age. Psychologists say, ages one to five are the formative years, so it is easier for a child to grasp anything even if means getting a mathematical concept. “It is right young children grasp quickly. However, I would see something different. The very fact that the family values education, that in itself encourages children to achieve.” New Vision quoted a top lecturer at the Institute of Psychology. He said, “There are bright children out there who don’t value education. Their abilities can never be tapped. The very fact that a child is thinking about PLE at that age (Seven), is very unusual.
Haji Ali Kasule and his wonder child, Asuman Buwembo
Another Psychologist has a different school of thought. She advises: “Parents should leave the children to go through the normal system. Even in P6, some pupils are told to sit for PLE. However much they are pushed to go to the next class, they are not ready. They lose out on something.”
In Part II of this story, we bring you Buwembo’s full education journey, what did he score in P7, S4, S6 and at the University. By the way, what is he doing now? For views/comments, sms 0792735159 or send an email to newseditor.info@gmail.com
In the photo above; Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga welcoming Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II at Nkoni during a mega function to celebrate 28 years at the Throne
BY MEDDIE KITYO newseditor.info@gmail.com
THE High Court Land Division has issued an interim order stopping any interference with the land belonging to the Kabaka of Buganda situated at Maganjo B, Kimbejja Kawempe -Jinja Mawuuno. The ordered was issued by the Court’s acting deputy Registrar Elias Kakooza following a successful application by the Kabaka through his appointed Attorney Kizito Bashir Juma who is the Head of Operations, Business Development and Corporate Affairs Buganda Land Board (BLB) seeking to stay execution of the fraudulent consent judgement that gave away the said land to a one William Galiwango. Mr. Kizito Bashir ably demonstrated to Court the need to stay the implementation of the fraudulent consent judgement pending disposal of Kabaka’s main application seeking to set it aside. In his affidavit, Kizito Bashir states that the Kabaka is the lawful owner of the said land which has always been preserve as a cultural site and the same is not available for sale or to be parted with by way of donation or gift. “The consent judgement entered in March this year between Galiwango and Emmanuel Kimbugwe (Kaweesa), Joseph Kyabaggu, Ssebandeke Sezario, Ali Kayondo, Musanje Bamweyana, Herbert Ndawula, David Wasswa and George William Nakibinge giving out the disputed land to Galiwango was fraudulently procured through collusion to evict Kabaka’s agents who are in actual possession of the land.” Contends Mr. Kizito Bashir However, Galiwango, who admitted attempting to evict Kabaka’s agents on the disputed land, claims that before reaching a mutual agreement with Kimbugwe and his group he was availed all documents detailing the history of the Mutuba of Kaweesa’s son to Kiggala, the 5th King of Buganda. In his affidavit Galiwango says he successfully helped Kimbugwe to be reinstated as the true heir to the Mutuba of Kaweesa who was a resident of Kawempe Jinja Kalooli.
THOUSANDS of Kabaka’s subjects have today Friday July 30th 2021 lined up in all small towns on Masaka road to wave and greet their beloved King of Buganda Kingdom.
KABAKA’S CAR: Subjets wave at their King
His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will tomorrow Saturday July 31st 2021 lead Buganda Kingdom to celebrate his 28th coronation at Nkoni, Buddu County headquarters in Masaka city. He was enthroned as Buganda’s 36th King on 28 years ago in 1993 at Naggalabi in Buddo.
KABAKA enters Masaka
From his Palace in Kireka, amidst tight security by Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) who were armed to teeth, Kabaka was also escorted by his ‘army’ of Kabaka Mwenyango royal bodaboda escorts. Wherever his convoy passed, people were chanting and singing songs praising the Lion of Buganda. In some towns, Kabaka was seen putting on a royal smile and waving at his happy subjects. In places like Kyengera, Nsangi, Maya, Katende, Kammengo, Buwama, Kayabwe and Lukaya, people almost blocked roads to welcome their King. Entering in Nyendo at ‘Welcome’, it has been massive! Security was overwhelmed! Kabaka walked out of his car, to greet his subjects. On seeing their good healthy looking Kabaka, Masaka people danced for their King, wishing him a joyful celebration tomorrow. Congratulations Kabaka Mutebi
Bishop Luwalira praying for Lubaga North MP Abubaker Kawalya after delivering 50 bags of Cement as a contribution for the construction of Mission House
NEWS EDITOR newseditor.info@gmail.com
A MOVE by the Government of Uganda to abolish private mailo land tenure system which is driven by junior minister Sam Mayanja is set to face more resistance from the public! Latest is The Church of Uganda which has given its position, tasking Parliament to reject such unpopular land Act ammendments. Church wants government to bark off from Mailo Land and instead use its organs to implement the Land Act. In a tough message sent to the Members of the 11th Parliament through Lubaga North legislator Abubaker Kawalya on Wednesday this week, Namirembe Diocese Bishop Rev. Dr. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira said Church of Uganda is against abolishing Private Mailo Land because it has been brought in bad faith. Hon Kawalya was on a working visit to Namirembe Cathedral to first and foremost honor the Church for supporting him during February elections and also to stretch his giving hand to church which is currently on lockdown.
Bishop Luwalira hosting MP Kawalya in his office
He also went there to support the ongoing church projects such as construction of Mission House, a project headed by Rev. Samuel Muwonge, Mission Secretary Namirembe Diocese. Speaking out on Government’s proposal to abolish Private Mailo Land tenure system, Bishop Kityo Luwalira said, “I caution our Members of Parliament to vehemently reject any proposal intending to abolish Private Mailo Land tenure system. As Church of Uganda we feel, it has been brought in bad faith. We strongly condemn it, please never pass such ammendments.” Church of Uganda owns chunks of land under private Mailo land tenure system on which they have churches, hospitals, schools, farms, gardens among others. If the Land Act is amended and Mailo land is abolished, it simply means thay Government will take over ownership of this land in the guise of stopping land evictions in the Country. This is what Church of Uganda and other private Mailo owners like Buganda Kingdom, other cultural institutions, Uganda Catholic Church and public are contesting. Bishop Luwalira who is known to be an open clergyman warned Parliament against passing a law based on ill intentions saying it will find public resistance. The Bishop was hosting MP Kawalya who had paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Luwalira to consult him about different issues, major of which is the abolishment of Private Mailo Land which is in the pipeline. He said, “As leaders, we need to give praise to the Lord, who has identified us to serve the nation in such turbulent times of COVID-19 and moral decadence, so, we have to brace ourselves for the uphill task.” Also click and read this story: SCANDAL: MINISTER SAM MAYANJA UNDER ATTACK OVER ANNOYING STATEMENTS HE MADE ABOUT KABAKA’S LAND, PUBLIC SAYS IT’S A WAR AGAINST BUGANDA
HON. KAWALYA DONATES 50 BAGS OF CEMENT TO CHURCH During this visit, MP Kawalya handed over 50 bags of Cement as a contribution to the construction of Mission House at Namirembe Cathedral. In the presence of Mission Secretary Rev. Samuel Muwonge, Bishop Luwalira thanked the MP for such a generous gesture and called upon other leaders and people of God to contribute towards this Godly cause. Bishop Luwalira said, “I want to thank you Hon. Kawalya for visiting me and your contribution towards doing God’s work. May God bless you so much.”
Proposed Mission House for the registered Trustees of the native Anglican Church of Uganda Namirembe Diocese
The Bishop wants MP Kawalya to fight evil acts like theft, laziness, homesexuality, addiction to cocain and others among the youth . He also demanded that Parliament continues tasking Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja to publish lists of Covid-19 relief beneficiaries for transparency so that she clarifies to which phones numbers the Money sent and in which names? Although Kawalya is from opposition NUP Party, Bishop Luwalira asked him to appreciate good things done by ruling NRM and always condemn the bad. Thanking Kawalya for such a good gesture of starting his leadership style on a consultative note, Bishop Luwalira urged him to keep it up. He applauded the Legislator for his supportive personality and called on other leaders to emulate Kawalya. “In Parliament, please don’t give your views, always endeavour to consult the electorate, and represent their views.” Kawalya was told. Before Bishop Luwalira, MP Kawalya committed to being the voice of all Lubaga North people, to represent all people without discrimination. “My Lord the Bishop, thank you very much for receiving and giving me words of wisdom. I promise to stand on truth and fight on the side of our people.There is nothing I will do without consulting the Church.” Said Kawalya, who doubles as Shadow minister in charge of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). On private mailo land abolishment, MP Kawalya said, “This will never happen. So far the people we have consulted say land grabbing is caused by those who think are above the law, not private mailo owners. We know where the problem is, who ever thinks will mislead the 11th Parliament is a day dreamer.” Kawalya defeated ‘Class monitor’ Moses Kasibante and newly appointed IGG Beti Olive Namisango Kampala among others, to be crowned Lubaga North MP 2021-2026. Before, he was the Speaker Kampala Capital City Authority where he defeated Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s blue gal, Doreen Nyanjura. At Namirembe Cathedral, the MP was accompanied by his campaign leaders Mr. Deo Mbabazi, Mr. Benon Wanji and Mr. Phillip Wabi among others.
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In the photo, man in a white shirt handing over a box of soap to Lubaga mayor Mberaze
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HUNGRY Lubaga division people who have gone weeks without what to eat have confronted their newly elected mayor Zacchy Mawula Mberaze commonly known as ‘Taata Namuli’ for giving them liquid soap instead of food. They rejected his soap saying, “We need food, hunger is killing us, we will not drink your liquid soap.” On Tuesday, Mberaze received a donation of liquid soap as sanitizer from Med Gel cosmetics but the people challenged him to instead give them food not soap. “Who advises Mayor Mberaze? Instead of sourcing for food he is happily receiving liquid soap. Will the hungry people drink it? What is the most important thing here, food or liquid soap?” Asked one Cate Asabaweebwa. She said, it is true this was a donation not from his pocket but as a mayor, Mberaze has been mute on getting people what to eat since they were locked inside their homes now for weeks by President Museveni due to Covid-19 spread. “Since liquid soap was a donation, mayor Mberaze would have added food on his behalf just like other leaders have been doing.” Said Ms. Asabaweebwa. Like in other parts of the country, there has been a public outcry in Kampala for people to be given food after Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja’s Covid 19 relief package got serious issues. The areas MPs, Aloysius Mukasa (Lubaga South) and Haji Abubaker Kawalya (Lubaga North) have donated maize flour, rice and matooke to different zones and Parishes. “We thought mayor Mberaze will get us beans but see, he is bringing liquid soap as if we will drink it like porridge.” Said a Lubaga voter. They now want him to get them food or he sits in his office and enjoys AC, good thing these hungry people massively voted for him. President Museveni is expected to address the Nation on Saturday this week to give an update about the 42 days lock down but insiders say, the Head of State is likely to add more days to enable ministry of Health vaccinate more people before the Lock down is lifted.
