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OPERATION CLEAN NUP: SPOKESMAN SSENYONYI QUIZZES CONMAN JULIUS KATONGOLE FOR HOURS OVER EXTRACTING MILLIONS FROM PARTY SUPPORTERS

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NEWS EDITOR
newseditor.info@gmail.com

IT was this News Website which carried an investigative story unmasking a one Julius Katongole who approached many of you asking for financial assistance to reach out to starving families of NUP political prisoners, but instead ate this money and enjoyed your sweat  with juicy women around Kampala! 
Now, Kamwokya based National Unity Platform bosses have picked interest in the matter and want thorough investigations in an operation to weed out such Conmen from the party. 
A heartless Katongole, didn’t only pocket  money for political prisoners, but even money that was allegedly sent to facilitate the struggle!
We are reliably informed, NUP bosses were shocked to learn that Katongole didn’t spare party principal Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi.
He is said to have solicited money lying to supporters that he was taking it to the Party president to help facilitate the struggle against ruling Government. 
This money wasn’t delivered to either Hon. Kyagulanyi or any one at NUP headquaters.
What we have just gathered is that Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi who doubles as Party spokesman has been directed to immediatey intervene and warn Katongole to stop using the party name to con NUP supporters both in Uganda and the Diaspora, lying that he is going to reach out to starving NUP members and their families. 
“Let our supporters especially in the Diaspora be alerted not to deal with this conman Julius Katongole. Who ever does it, does so at his or her own risk, Katongole does not represent NUP Party and we have never authorised him to solicit money for any of our members. He is doing all this to taint the good name of our party something we condemn in the strongest terms.” NUP top bosses told Spokesman Ssenyonyi.
This comes at a time when NUP political prisoners who Court martial recently released on bail from Kitalya Government prison are continuing to mount pressure on the Party to handle Julius Katongole who used their suffering in the Prison to  extract money from party supporters lying that he was going to use it to reach out to their starving families something he did not do.
Led by Bobi Wine’s blue eyed boy commonly known as ‘Sky Soljah Uganda’, NUP heroes want Katongole to vomit millions he collected from NUP supporters to help families of political prisoners and also to face party disciplinary committee.
Through his face book post on his page, Sky Soljah said Julius Katongole is a conman who shouldn’t be trusted by any one, for he ate money that was intended to be for the families of political prisoners.
Sky Soljah was on June 14th 2021 released on bail by Court Martial chaired by Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti alongside Bobi’s body guard Eddy Ssebufu alias Eddie Mutwe, Ali Bukeni also known as Nubian Li, producer Daniel Brenny Oyerwot alias Dan Magic and 14 others. They had spent about six months on remand following their arrest in December last year in Kalangala where they had accompanied the National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Mr Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, on a campaign trail. Sky says, Julius Katongole approached NUP supporters and asked for financial contribution to, “Help us and our starving families which money he got from our generous friends but he instead pocketed it.” Katongole is also accused of eating money he collected on behalf of journalist Ashraf Kasirye. We are told he has been promising  air to family members that he will deliver the money, to date. “We gave up on him, he is a liar. Who ever sent money through Katongole to Ashraf Kasirye just know, that money got lost on the way.” Said a family member.

SSENYOYI QUIZZES JULIUS KATONGOLE
On receiving directives from party bosses, a tough speaking Ssenyonyi called Katongole on phone, asking him why he cons NUP supporters of their money hiding in  helping starving families of NUP political prisoners.
“Tell me Katongole, when did the party authorise you to solicit money from our supporters using the party name? Which families of political prisoner have you ever reached out to? You must report to my office immediately and you are also directed to stop henceforth these conning tendencies. Please stand warned.” NUP Spokesman Ssenyonyi while questioning Julius Katongole.
According to our source who was around Ssenyonyi’s office at the time he called Katongole, the angry party Spokesman said any NUP member who obtains money by false pretence from party suporters and friends will be dealt with.
He singled out Katongole saying they have received a number of complaints about him on issues of conning people.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT KATONGOLE
For starters, Katongole’ parents had  a dream that their son will be a Catholic priest. They took him to the Seminary but his misbehaviour couldn’t be torelated. He was expelled.
It is believed, this is the network he uses to extract money from the diaspora for the cause of the struggle but he doesn’t deliver to the beneficiaries. 
“I know Katongole, he is good at masquerading. Very capable of doing all crap, he can do the least expected if he wants money.” Said a close person to Katongole.

BOBI’S BOY SPEAKS OUT
The whistleblower Sky Soljah Uganda has today morning assured this news website that him and other political prisoners whose names Katongole used to extract money from supporters in Diaspora, want Katongole exposed.
“I am calling spade a spade not a big spoon. We are looking for justice from within our Party. Katongole was on social media collecting money in our names while we were rotting in Kitalya Prison. He pocketed all money collected.” Sky Soljah said in a new missive.
He said after NUP supporters asked them on their release whether their families received money sent to them through Katongole, he looked for him to know about it but the guy playing hide and seek.
“In this struggle, we are not looking for riches but it hurts when someone uses your name and the situation you are in to amass wealth. Truth will set me free. Katongole is a conman, he must be exposed.” Said Sky Soljah.
We are told, investigations into this matter are ongoing and will keep you updated.

DETAILS OF GLOBAL PEACE BOSS VISITATION IN UGANDA EMERGE

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BY MEDDIE KITYO
newseditor.info@gmail.com

ALL preparations are underway for Uganda to host His Excellency Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, President and Founder of Global Council for Tolerance and Peace headquartered in Malta.
In an exclusive interview with Mr. John Naku, the Acting Country Manager for the global organization,  President Al Jarwan’s visit is meant to popularize the relevance of peace in modern times. 
“As an organization, we believe in peaceful co-existence with one another as one way of cherishing and promotion of humanity. When we promote peace, the world becomes a better place to live in and we view each other equally as enshrined in the holy books”,  he noted before revealing that his boss will sooner than later visit Uganda to officially commission a Ugandan chapter representing their values among others. 
“Before the pandemic intensified, the President was meant to be in Uganda to create  rapport with key stakeholders in addition to popularizing the organization. However, we rescheduled and the down to earth global peace icon will be here with us”.    
Mr. Naku asserts that the peace icon is a dedicated, hardworking, committed and pro-active person who has a drive to have a broad impact in the Arab and world community in respect to tolerance and peace. He Possesses vast experience of initiating, developing, resolving, leading and managing all project activity, providing clear guidance and leadership to meet the objective of promoting tolerance and peace. A confident communicator with strong interpersonal and analytical skills who blooms on social interaction reflecting on the serious Arab and International issues is all that can best describe the President. 
To show his determination towards peace, His Excellency Al Jarwan has been to Senegal, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, Russia, USA, Albania, Armenia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Macedonia among others all in the name of promoting peace. 

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT AHMED BIN MOHAMMED AL JARWAN
As said earlier, he is the Founder and President of Global Council for Tolerance and Peace. He is the President of Arab Experts Union since 2018 to date, ex-member National Federal Council of United Arab Emirates, ex-President Arab Parliament (2012-2016). He was also a member of Federal National Council of UAE (2011-2019). He was a Member of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2008-2012).  Between 2001-2002, he was a Deputy Military Attache at the UAE embassy in London,UK and he had earlier on been Deputy Military Attache at the UAE embassy in Washington DC,USA (1996-2001).
He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in UAE and committee member of the International Commercial Arbitration in Sharjah UAE.  Between 2007 to 2012, he worked with Sharjah Old Cars Club and Museum as a Founder and Manager.  He also worked with the UAE armed forces as a Staff Colonel Engineer between 1979 to 2007.
Academically, he boasts of a Honorary Doctorate from La Haye Applied Science University, Netherlands (2018). A Master of Arts in Political Science, La Haye Applied Science University, Netherlands  (2018). He acquired training in Diplomatic affairs from Zayed University in UAE, Intensive Studies in International Affairs  at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy alongside Leadership though Diplomacy under Georgetown University-USA, International Defence Management Course,Naval Postgraduate School,Monterey-California, Higher Technician University Studies (Electronics) at University Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, France. Others are Certification of Maintenance Management at University Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, France, Introduction to American Military Institutions and Military Protocols USA, Aviation Maintenance Training at Avions Marcel Dassault Berguet Aviation, France, Formation Generale et d’instruction technique et de maintenance, Societe Nationale d’Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d’Aviation,Paris-France, Technician certification for maintenance 1st and 2nd degree option cellule moteur,Thomson-CSF-Cooperation France, Master Mechanical and Aeronautical techniques,Institute Universitaire de Technologie de ville d’Avary-France and Avion Mirage 5, Materiels Messier-Hispano-Bugatti,Messier-Hispano-Montrouge France.
He has received several global awards and honors to wit;
● Top Executive by Marquis Who’s Who 2020
● Mahatma Gandhi International Award 2020 to Global Leaders for spreading Peace and International Understanding 
● Order of the “Service of Russia” first class by Prof. Kamshilov Valery Vasilyevich
● Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who
● Order of Democracy in the Extraordinary Grand Cross degree by the President of Columbia
● San Juan Medal of Argentina 
● Key of Tirana from the Prime Minister of Albania Republic
● Good Will Ambassador by the Republic of Kosovo
● Ambassador of Peace by the President of the Universal Peace Federation
● Medal of the Arab Parliament
● National Order by the President of Djibouti
● National Order by the President of Comoros
● Military Service Medal from United Arab Emirates Armed Forces
● Leaders’ Shield from Sharjah Municipality
● Honors by the Governor of Beirut-Lebanon.

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NUP TOP SEXPEST JULIUS KATONGOLE IN FRESH TROUBLE OVER EATING MILLIONS HE SOLICITED TO HELP POLITICAL PRISONERS, BOBI’S BOY VOWS TO CRASH HIS BALLS

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PHOTO: Julius Katongole who is accused of pocketing NUP Political Prisoners’ money

NEWS EDITOR
newseditor.info@gmail.com

LUBAGA based National Unity Platform (NUP) sex siren Julius Katongole who was few months back released from Kitalya government prison on rape charges, is again in hot soup.
A group of NUP youths want party top brass to force him vomit millions he has been soliciting from party friends and supporters meant for reaching out to the families of political prisoners, something he did not fulfil.
Katongole is accused of pocketing this money and spending it exavangantly on daughters of Eve, a game this guy is said to enjoy so much!
The whistleblower is none other than Bobi Wine’s blue eyed boy commonly known as ‘Sky Soljah Uganda‘ who busted Julius Katongole for conning NUP supporters especially from the Diaspora of millions pretending he was going to support starving families of People Power political prisoners.

WHISTLE-BLOWER: Sky Soljah with NUP President Bobi Wine

Through his face book post on his page, Sky Soljah said Julius Katongole is a conman who shouldn’t be trusted by any one, for he ate money that was intended to be for the families of political prisoners.
Sky Soljah was on June 14th 2021 released on bail by Court Martial chaired by Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti alongside Bobi’s body guard Eddy Ssebufu alias Eddie Mutwe, Ali Bukeni also known as Nubian Li, producer Daniel Brenny Oyerwot alias Dan Magic and 14 others. They had spent about six months on remand following their arrest in December last year in Kalangala where they had accompanied the National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Mr Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, on a campaign trail. Sky says, Julius Katongole approached NUP supporters and asked for financial contribution to, “Help us and our starving families which money he got from our generous friends but he instead pocketed it.” Katongole also accused of eating money he collected on behalf of journalist Ashraf Kasirye. We are told he has been promising empty air to family members that he will deliver the money, to date. “We gave up on him, he is a liar. Who ever sent money through Katongole to Ashraf Kasirye just know, that money got lost on the way.” Said family member.

BELOW IS NUP BOY ‘SKY SOLJAH’ MISSIVE ABOUT KATONGOLE
This is Katongole (posting his photo). We always prayed for him when he was in (Kitalya) Prison. We never knew the details of the rape case he was charged of but just because is one of the Revolutionarists we had to be there for him.
But ever since he came out of Kitalya, after the elections, he has been soliciting money from supporters and friends of NUP saying he was going to help political prisoners and their families. He lied!
Of the 49 political prisoners, none of us has ever received even a single token from Julius Katongole. 
So Mr. gundi, I remember people saying that it was your bufere which landed you into problems hence being imprisoned on charges of rape.
Behave like a man, don’t use our names to earn a living. Many of our comrades are still in jail and you are enjoying money using their names. Sorry, for you, we have got all evidence and information that people sent you money to help us which help we never received.

Sky Soljah with Eddie Mutwe days after they were released from Kitalya. None received what Katongole claimed to be soliciting for them while in Prison

Personally, i have never received even a coin. I am not saying all this because i want money but because of people like Katongole hiding in the struggle to make money using names of suffering comrades. 
When we got out of Kitalya, some people have been asking us about financial help sent through Julius Katongole. We couldnt thank them because we did not recieve what they sent. Katongole you are a shame for stealing in the names of political prisoners.

FLASH BACK: KATONGOLE RAPE ACCUSATIONS 
Last year, Security teams lead by Flying squad numbering  over 100 were deployed a house in Kyebando where this Julius Katongole was hiding. He was smoked out and arrested like a chicken thief on allegations of raping a one Aisha.
Katongole on realizing that the game was over, tried to plead with Aisha not to take issues that far and opted to settle them out of court and pay her all sums of money she wanted but the young girl refused. 
“I want justice to prevail. You raped me and stole my belongings including money and phones, ran out of your muzigo very late night, barefooted and very helpless. Katongole you must be taught a lesson never again to rape other girls.” Vowed Aisha as on his arrest.
Aisha who spoke to journalists later said, Julius Katongole tricked her, impersonated himself to be one of the MP aspirants who was ready to bankroll the recording of her campaign song.
“Julius Katongole played on my head,  calling himself MP aspirant Aloysius Mukasa so that my conscience is corrupted to think that he is the one and I couldn’t hesitate meeting ‘the MP hopeful’ to pay for his would be campaign song. He is a liar, a criminal and impersonator. Let him pay for his sins.” Aisha told journalists insisting she was was later raped by Julius Katongole.

SHOCKING: HOW AISHA NARRATED RAPE STORY
I came to Ndeeba in Lubaga South to visit my mother who is a resident. I live in Seguku on Entebbe Road.
At my mother’s home, a certain lady who is our neighbor heard me singing for family members.
She came closer and asked me if I can compose a campaign song for one Aloysius Mukasa who was then aspiring for MP Lubaga South. I said yes, provided he pays me because composing and singing is one of my sources of income.
That lady who introduced herself as a Mukasa supporter there and then called someone who when i talked to him said he was Hon. Mukasa (i later realized that it was Julius Katongole the impersonator).
On phone he asked me whether I can get him a very good campaign song listing all he has done for Lubaga South and what his manifesto has. I said yes.
“Ok tell that lady to give you my phone contacts, call me tomorrow and we make an appointment so that we discuss what is needed from me.” He told me on phone. I however asked him to instead talk to the lady himself and communicate what he wanted me to do.

DAY ONE OF MEETING
After composing the song, Aisha called Julius Katongole to fix an appointment. He directed her to Tri Star Hotel in Ndeeba – Kabowa from where the two were to meet so that Katongole (calling himself Aloysius Mukasa) listens to the song and see how to record it.
Shockingly, all this was happening behind Hon. Aloysious Mukasa’s back. He had neither heard about the girl nor the song!
Aisha told us, “I reached at the Hotel and was given a seat after telling the person I found there that I was called by a certain big person.”
In a few minutes, Julius Katongole called and instead asked Aisha to get out of the Hotel premises, take a small path nearby which led to his office just behind Tri Star Hotel. 
“I was shocked to find one calling himself an aspiring member of Parliament in a small rented house. But that being none of my business, I let it go.” Said Aisha.
At the moment, she met Katongole distributing maize flour from his office to different people. This waa during the last lockdown. Later, he called Aisha in.
“Hello lady, you are welcome to my office. I am called Hon. Aloysius Mukasa. Let me listen to the song you have composed for me.” Said Katongole. She played it from her phone and Katongole asked her to share the song on his phone.
He there and then shared it on different Lubaga South Whatsapp groups and all were praises for the artist due to her voice and how she had pacakaged the message for Aloysius Mukasa.
Back to Katongole and Aisha’s meeting, Julius Katongole told lies to the young girl how he was Hon. Aloysius Mukasa, bragging of being extremely wealthy  (although by the virture of his appearance and a shoddy small room he was renting he looked like a conman).
“He asked me what I wanted and my answer was simple. Give me money, I go and record the song then after, we sit and agree on how much i wanted for my song.” Aisha told journalists.
“True the song is nice but missing some very important message. Go back and remodify it, return on April 27th 2020 with a final copy ready for recording.” Said Katongole.
He saw her off with 5 kgs of maize flour and UGX 10,000 (Ten thousand only).
“The maize flour and the money I gave it to my mother and briefed her how I was asked to first fine tune my song before I am given money for it.” Said Aisha.
In a recorded phone call of Julius Katongole to Aisha’s mother, she was very grateful for the maize flour and Shs 10,000 he gave to her daughter.
The two, Aisha and Katongole kept on communicating on Whatsapp telling her how the song was going to fetch her millions. But the poor girl had not realized that guy was an imposter.

THE DAY AISHA SAID JULIUS KATONGOLE RAPED HER
According to Aisha’s statement, “I went back to his office with my fine tuned song to finalise about recording it and how much i will be paid. This time I refused sharing it  but he listened to it from my phone.”
“Yes this is it. You are the best. This day you will go back to your mum’s place the richest girl. But give me time, I finalise some stuff, we go to Fire Base studios and record it. We want it to feature Nubian Lee.” The poor girl believed in Katongole lies. It was already going to 7pm.
Aisha asked about how will they move when it’s already curfew time but Julius Katongole assured her how he was untouchable, they can move at night.
“But my mum can’t allow me move at night. It’s risky. May be we shall record it some other time. It’s late, let me go.” Pleaded Aisha.
Katongole adamantly picked his phone to call Aisha’s mother, assuring her how daughter was safe, they were going to record the song and that she will be driven back home.
The mother objected to this saying her daughter must return home before curfew time but Katongole begged her not to obstruct thr daughter’s opportunity to become a rich girl.
“This song has opened the gates of wealth for your daughter. Allow her finalise it, she returns with millions.” Katongole assured the poor mum who reluctantly let it go.
The two were seated in a small office  which room doubles as Katongole’s  bedroom.
Time was approaching 8pm and there were no signs of going to Kamwokya to record the song.
“I was shocked to see Katongole coming were I was seated and started caressing my thighs, touching my boobs and bums. I shouted at him to stop what he was doing because he was commiting a very serious crime. All was in vain, he said he wanted sex from me to take me to a first class studio.” Aisha’s Statement reads. 
She tried to fight and escape from the devil’s den but Katongole had locked all the doors, ready to rape this poor girl.
“I was overpowered, I was helpless, I groaned, shouted but all in vain. He forcefully manhandled and raped me.” Aisha told us, breaking into tears on remembering this incident. 
Now that Katongole had achieved his mission, Aisha said, he opened the door to go ease himself. Aisha managed to escape that late night and aided by a near by garage night watch man to reach Ndeeba police station from where she record a statement.
Due to the panic and fear after being rape, Aisha accidentally picked Katongole’s two phones, leaving behind her bag having hair spray, her phone and shoes.

In our next story, we will bring you shocking details on how Katongole was released from Kitalya, sex stories from his former landlords and comments from NUP supporters about eating political prisoners’ cash.
For comments/details on this story, please sms us on 0792735159

Click here and read this story: ‘AM SORRY SIR’ – GAL WHO FALSELY ACCUSED 2021 LUBAGA SOUTH MP HOPEFUL ALOYSIUS MUKASA OF RAPE, APOLOGIZES AS THE RIGHT SUSPECT IS ARRESTED

‘DIG YOUR GRAVES’, MASAKA TOP YOUTH LEADER PENS A TOUGH LETTER TO NUP MAYOR FLORENCE NAMAYANJA & MP ABED BWANIKA OVER THEIR WARS

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OPEN LETTER FROM
RONALD KASEKENDE

FELLOW leaders, it is with great concern that i highlight the outcry of the elected City division councillors representing Kimaanya/Kabonera in Masaka City about how you have chosen to abuse your authority, just a few days into office. 
This is by executing your duties in their areas of jurisdiction without their involvement which you very much know  is a grave mistake in your political life.
Masaka people who voted for opposition, hoped you would work as a team since you are all members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Party, they had a lot of expectations more so in service delivery. However, before your 1st anniversary celebrations, you have turned into a disappointment. By fueling the disunity among other leaders, you are digging your political graves.
It has been noted that before and within this second locked down, Kimanya-Kabonera MP Dr. Abed Bwanika has through his campaign agents continuously and selfishly donated coffee seedlings and food relief to locals in different wards of the city division without the involvement of the ward councillors.
Going your way, It would have been fine but you need to know that whenever these donations are mismanaged and are insufficient to locals, the blame goes to councillors who people think know more about the area MP’s programmes yet they were sidelined. 
Hon. Bwanika, why not copy the approach of the Rt. Hon. Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga on how he serves his constituents of Nyendo-Mukungwe constituency?
In politics, consultations especially from your seniors is very important. 
Masaka politics has principles and norms which Hon.Mpuuga mastered  and that’s why he has kept winning in every election. You need to learn from him.
To you Your worship The city mayor Florence Namayanja, you have to clean your house before it’s too late. You seem to be ill-advised by the enemies of Masaka City. You very much know how you would have struggled to win again in Bukoto East as an MP, thank God for the creation of Masaka city which must have saved you from the embarrassment.
As if your advisors and those of mayor Namayanja were breast fed by the same woman, you have also kicked out and completely sidelined local leaders from your programmes.
I am told your political game is to make sure most of these leaders are dropped in the next election so that you remain the only political bull in the kraal.
That is a grave mistake you too are making. The leaders you are sidlining are grounded right from their villages and can easily cause your downfall if you are not careful. What is so hard about involving ward councilors in say youth programmes, women or elderly programmes? Why deliberately leave out councillors for special interest groups who would have easily championed their people?
I am aware, Hon. Bwanika and Mayor Namayanja you formed an association for the campaigners (Kakuyege) known as TUMACAS which according to me was a very brilliant idea,  for these people need to be appreciated.
However, due to your influence and opportunistic tendencies, TUMACAS, through its leaders is tending to be a threat to the authority of the elected councillors which of course will land you two into problems with these local leaders. In my view, TUMACAS should be under the tight supervision and command of councillors or else councillors have the mandate to pass a resolution in their council and ban it from their area of jurisdiction something which i think will not be good for the development of the Kabaka’s new City.
A special call goes to Hon.Mathias Mpuuga to help and save us from this fracas which may lead to the downfall of some leaders. With due respect, we call upon the Leader of Opposition to mediate between these two top leaders and local leaders of Kimaanya/Kabonera, take them through the principles, values and norms of the Masaka locals when it comes to leadership because we believe for him he has mastered them. Otherwise, this political mistrust among the children of the same house will easily pave way for the enemy to infiltrate Masaka and don’t be shocked if in 2026 NUP registers political casualties. 
Hon. Bwanika and Mayor Namayanja, issues of leadership are not like a Kiganda saying that ‘Omusajja omu talya nkoko ye….’, in politics it is ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’
You either chose to work with local leaders in service delivery or be ready to face your political guillotine come 2026.

The writer Hon. Ronald Kasekende is a generational leader and former youth councilor for Nyendo/Senyange Division formerly in Masaka Municipality, Masaka district. He is now based in Germany. WhatsApp him on 0753 777501

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN DILEMMA: ONE-MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION ON PUBLIC HEALTH VERSUS UGANDA’S ECONOMY

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ANALYSIS BY:
BRIAN MUKALAZI
email: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org

ACCORDING to a June 8th 2021 World Bank Report, the Coronavirus (Covid-19) shock has caused a sharp contraction of the Ugandan economy to its slowest pace in three decades. 
Due to the lockdowns instituted in 2020, household incomes fell, jobs were lost and this raised the vulnerability of the poor, especially those in the urban informal sector.
Yet, in his national address on June 18th 2021, President Museveni announced a new 42-day total lockdown, which came against the backdrop of rising Covid-19 cases and deaths. 
By June 18th, Uganda had registered 68,778 Covid-19 cases, of which 1,700 cases were reported within the three weeks leading up to that day. The reported total deaths were 542 and these have since soared beyond 1,900.
The two scenarios described above portray the kind of dilemma our government and leaders could be currently grappling with: a stark trade-off between losing lives (public health) versus losing livelihoods (economy). So, the one-million-dollar question is: How do we defeat this ugly pandemic and get out of this nightmare while effectively managing both scenarios?
On one hand, lockdowns, especially in the densely-populated regions like the Kampala metropolitan, have been regarded as the best option in containing the spread of this deadly virus and preventing hospitals from getting overwhelmed.

President Museveni has been at the fore-front in the fight against Covid-19. Will he save Uganda’s sinking economy?

In many ways, like never before, Covid-19 has exposed and produced a vivid picture of Uganda’s healthcare system.With an acute shortage of drugs, oxygen and intensive care beds in both private and public medical facilities, the country has lost over 500 people in the last three weeks to Covid-19. And to some extent, Covid-19 has temporarily erased the inequalities between the rich and the poor. Silent and unseen, the disease has, in this second wave, unceremoniously travelled through the entire Ugandan society, oblivious of the person’s wealth or status. 
Many patients and their care-givers have been left helpless after being turned away by hospitals due to limited facilitates, human resources and the exorbitant medical bills. 
On the other hand, just like the previous ones, the current lockdown measures have immobilized businesses, slowed down productivity and have led to a mini-economic crisis. 
I don’t want to sound like a cynic but this economic crisis could be a pandemic far deadlier in the long term than the covid-19 pandemic. A few days back, I watched Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja admit with startling honesty that Uganda’s current debt levels, which have now surpassed the 50 per cent safety threshold, had become worrisome. In the just concluded financial year that ended June 30, 2021, Uganda borrowed heavily in order to shore up budget shortages together with Covid-19 related expenses. With limited government support for private enterprises and individuals, more people appear to be sliding back into poverty. This means lower economic growth and lower levels of trust in government institutions. Could this be the time to consider economic reforms? I guess so! 
Of course, whereas the media has been filled with lots of heart-breaking accounts of dead people in the recent weeks, it’s worth mentioning that thousands of lives have been saved thanks to the tireless efforts of our medical workers. 
And by the time of writing this, the number of reported cases were on a decline.  For now, despite these difficulties, despite the current tensions and setbacks, I believe that the key priority is for us to stay alive because with (good) health, people can choose which direction to push themselves, their societies and their country. 
But to compliment this, we expect key changes in government attitudes so that at the end of the day, all Ugandans are regarded and treated as “essential citizens”.

Also click and read this story: COVID-19: WHAT IF THERE IS NO RETURN TO ‘NORMAL’? HERE IS WHAT NO BODY HAS TOLD YOU

The author Mr. Brian Mukalazi is the Country Director of Every Child Ministries Uganda.
Reach him on: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org

COVID-19: WHAT IF THERE IS NO RETURN TO ‘NORMAL’? HERE IS WHAT NO BODY HAS TOLD YOU

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OPINION BY:
B. MUKALAZI

THE fight against the highly contagious Coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to define our daily lives.
With the President of Uganda instituting a second Nation-wide lockdown in a space of less than 18 months due to the rising Covid-19 cases and deaths, Ugandans appear to be currently living in a cruel limbo. And many are desperate to get back to their normal lives.
For some people, a return to normal would mean restored health and financial stability. To others, it’s a world of parties and gatherings, hugs and handshakes.
There’s nothing wrong with being optimistic and hoping for a more stable future but at this point, this may likely be a long-term fantasy.
If we thought that Covid-19 was like a short 120-minutes movie that was bound to end in a couple of weeks or months, we were dead wrong! As it turned out, this is a blockbuster movie series made up of endless episodes that are being released every passing day. Even if the economy returns to normal, human beings will not. From death and horror caused by the pandemic, I believe, there will be many deep, lasting social and psychological consequences including fear, depression and purposelessness among the citizenry.
By some measures, we will find wearing a mask to be just part of daily life. Shaking hands and embracing will become less common. And most of our daily interactions may start occurring virtually rather than physically.
In effect, our social systems may forever be altered. With a shaky healthcare system coupled with lack of a proper treatment plan for Covid-19, Ugandans have turned to steroids and other available medication, in form of both traditional and modern medicine. However, experts have warned that irregular and overuse of these steroids may cause severe infections and dwell unpredictable side effects. In fact, many people have been reported to be experiencing other health problems, including damaged lungs, kidneys, and other body organs, after their initial Covid-19 recovery. And much is still unknown about the long-term effects of the Covid-19 medications. This may cast doom on our life span in the years to come. In addition, some experts argue that whereas Covid-19 may eventually be eradicated, other diseases or pandemics are likely to occur in the nearby future. This could be partly explained by our encroachment on nature. In his new book, Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World, author and CNN host Fareed Zakaria contends that the Covid-19 pandemic can be thought of as nature’s revenge on human kind. According to Zakaria, the way we live now is practically an invitation for animal viruses to infect humans. The American Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that three-quarters of new human diseases originate in animals and this was the case for AIDS, EBOLA, bird flu, and swine flu. Realistically-speaking, prayers and positive thinking alone will not get us through this pandemic. But as Zakaria advises, people should listen to the experts (doctors and scientists) and the experts should also listen to the people. Through open debates, a strong consensus between both parties can be built.  As a country, we have gone through wars, plagues and economic shutdowns and yet the human mind has survived and flourished. Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that we shall eventually beat Covid-19 but we have to adjust to the realities of the ever-increasing instabilities. We need to use the knowledge and experience garnered from this pandemic to embrace the new era that is unfolding. 

The author Mr. Mukalazi is the Country Director of Every Child Ministries Uganda. You can reach him at: bmukalazi@ecmafrica.org

COVID-19 KILLS MUK PROF. BANADDA, THE FIRST AFRICAN RECIPIENT OF THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE PIUS XI AWARD

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BY MEDIE KITYO

IT is with much sorrow that we announce the passing on of Makerere University Professor Noble Ephraim Banadda, the First African Recipient of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences Pius XI Award! He died from Case Hospital Kampala.
According to the family source, Prof. Banadda passed on today after a battle with the deadly Covid-19. 
Banadda was a Professor of Biosystems Engineering, a position he attained in 2012 at the age of 37. He was also a Head of Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. This means that Professor Banadda was 46 years old at the time of his death.
Prof. Banadda was a member of MUASA fraternity for only 10 years but has made remarkable contribution to his field of teaching and inquiry. 
He has contributed to a number of innovations that have assisted in the advancement of agricultural and food systems in Uganda and beyond. He has been a Visiting Scholar and Professor at many reputable universities in the world and his works are recognised. He was the first African to receive the Pontificial Academy of Science Pius XI Award at the Vatican on 12th day of November 2018. He became a Papal Awardee when Pope Francis awarded him the Pius XI Medal for his outstanding scientific research. He was scheduled to appear before the Search Committee for interviews for the position of Principal of Makerer University College of Agricultural and Environmetal Science (CAES). Rest in Peace Prof. Banadda

BUGANDA LAND BOARD MOURNS PR. SENFUMA, SAYS HE NEVER ALLOWED HIS RADIO TO PREACH HATRED TOWARDS KABAKA

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BUGANDA Land Board (BLB), an organization set up by His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II to manage Buganda Kingdom land has mourned Kasubi United Christian Church senior pastor Stephen Senfuma who died on Saturday June 26th 2021.
Senfuma was today buried at Stevour High School in Nakaseke district. 
Senfuma who has been eulogised as one of the great preachers Born-Again faith in Uganda has ever had, succumbed to Covid-19 pandemic from Nakasero Hospital Kampala.
In a condolence message posted on the Buganda Think Tank Whatsapp group, Counsel Joseph Kayemba who works with BLB said, Pr. Senfuma’s stand on Buganda was crystal clear, he never tolerated those with hatred against the Kingdom of Buganda. 
Counsel Kayemba said, “What fascinated us about Pr. Senfuma was his stand on Buganda. You could never go on his radio (Inner man fm) and do what Tamale Mirundi does on some of radios he is hosted. Mirundi blackmails BLB, Kabaka’s officials and the Kingdom at large as moderators on those stations are cheering him on. With Senfuma’s radio, it would be a very different story.”
Even during ‘Kyapa mu ngalo’ campaign, Counsel Kayemba said, “Pr. Senfuma banned his presenters from hosting those who were using it to preach hatred against this Kabaka’s arrangement. I pray that what he believed actually exists and that he enjoys it because religion is like a betting ticket.”
For starters, ‘Kyapa mu ngalo’ is an arrangement by Kabaka for all willing tenants on his land to acquired land titles. Thousands have so far benefited.
By November 2019, about 4000 tenants had received titles. Those without titles pay Busuulu to secure their bibanja or else risk losing their tenancy.
We are reliably informed, the number of tenants qualifying for land titles on Kabaka’s land is steadily increasing.

When tenants on Kabaka’s land received land titles in 2019

His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda simplified it for all tenants on the Kingdom land to either pay Busuulu or get titles to secure their tenancy.
“This arrangement was cleared by Buganda Kingdom since 1994. Kabaka directed tenants on his land to be given titles so that they can ably put on long time developments. So far, over 4000 tenants have graduated into land lords. That is a great achievement, we are very grateful to His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda.” BLB top boss told us in an exclusive interview.
When Buganda Kingdom was restored in 1993, Kabaka gave a chance to his tenants with bibanja on the 350 Square Miles who wished to be given titles, to be granted them.  
Pr. Senfuma was among religious leaders who welcomed the Kyapa mu ngalo arrangement and offered air time on his radio to BLB offiials to spread this gospel.

Click and Read: WHAT HAS KILLED UGANDAN PROMINENT PASTOR STEPHEN SENFUMA COMMONLY KNOWN AS ‘OMUNTU W’OMUNDA’
Counsel Kayemba noted that, “The other thing about Senfuma, was his non obsession with performing miracles. His obsession was redeeming the soul. His preaching was entirely on that. It is sad that he is gone. We extend our heartfelt condolences and pray that his soul rests in eternal peace.”

WHAT HAS KILLED UGANDAN PROMINENT PASTOR STEPHEN SENFUMA COMMONLY KNOWN AS ‘OMUNTU W’OMUNDA’

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TODAY morning, the Born-Again Church in Uganda has been hit by the sad news of the passing of United Christian Centre (UCC) Kasubi senior Pastor, Bishop Stephen Senfuma, a great preacher that many are eulogising as a true servant of God. 
The reknown ‘Omuntu w’omunda’ pastor has succumbed to the deadly pandemic Covid-19! He has been the founder and owner of Inner man radio. 
Family sources say, Senfuma has been battling Corona virus now for more than two weeks at Nakasero Hospital. During this period, all intercessors country over were put on alert to intercede for this great preacher! God’s ways are totally different, in this case we can not appeal. He has chosen to take away his loyal servant.
In a message posted on Buganda Think Tank platform by Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) President Moses Mordecai Mulondo, he has written, “Oh no! My spiritual mentor is gone. Unlike many pastors of this generation who preach materialism, Senfuma has been a preacher of the true gospel of the cross that is anchored on repentance and holiness.”
“I started listening to his amazing sermons when I was in senior one. The first time he came to our church in Wobulenzi in 1997, our pastor Godfrey Muwanguzi Ssembatya confessed salvation again (Yaddamu okulokoka). We have lost a spiritual giant of the Inner man ministry.” Writes UPPA president.
Born in 1966, 55 years ago, Senfuma will be greatly remembered for preaching about persecutions the church is going to face from the anti-Christ soldiers when tribulation begins and demystifying the book of Daniel in the Bible.

I WANT TO DIE – PS. SENFUMA

He is one person who has always confessed not to fear death  because it is a form of transition from earthly to Heavenly life. He one time openly told his church members how he wanted God to take him before the Persecution of the church begins.
“Invite your friends to always be around in these services. A time will come, when I will no longer be here. Whether you like it or not. You worry about me and you do not worry about yourself….” Senfuma talking about his death. On another day he said, “Some of us admire death. It is the time I am anxiously waiting for in life. I will speak out that until I have my last breath. The Lord has erased away the fear of death from me. We wake up to pray with my wife, and I felt inside me that if there is an opportunity for me to go today, I would have desired that. And even at the end of this service, I desire to have my dinner in Heaven. Those who fear can not say a word concerning that. I love that moment. To get out of the fresh. But let me take heart, let me remain doing the work of my father. I want to warn you of this, if you want to use well your days, whatever you feel upon your heart and you must do it today, please do it so that you reduce the debt. Turn to your neighbour and tell me or her, death isn’t bad. And ask, when do you want it to happen? You will hear how they push it 120 years ahead.”
He has been among the top genuine preachers in this country who serve God with one heart. Senfuma started his ministry in Zengebe, Nakasongola district in the Luweero Triangle.
He got married to then MUK student Esther Favor Senfuma 14 years ago after the death of his first wife.

Favor Esther and her late husband Pr. Senfuma

He one time talked about a curse he faced when all his sons were dying. 
“When I had gone to Rwanda for  ministry and i stepped unto the pulpit, i got a message that one of my children had passed away.” Said Senfuma during one of his popular radio programs on Inner man radio.
He felt like not preaching that day but a voice spoke to him to go ahead with preaching. He didn’t inform church.
But after preaching, he informed church about the death of his only remaining son. He didn’t return for burial, gave a go ahead to family to burry the boy for he was on a Godly mission. This shows how godly Senfuma has been.
Senfuma who was a boxer before getting saved, has led a very interesting life. He one time organised a crusade but a certain group of people came to disorganise it. He chose to go physical and boxed them. The attackers took off and Senfuma preached to the gathered people without any more disturbance. Many got saved that day.
About him getting saved, Senfuma had another interesting story. He was in his muzigo and heard a soft voice of a young girl preaching the gospel of salvation.
“I quickly opened my door to let the preacher in so that she speaks to me. But my intention was to rape this lady. Before I achieved my goal, the girl took off telling me how I should repent of my sins and get saved for Jesus loves me. Those words sank in my heart and  a few days later I confessed my sins and accepted salvation.” Senfuma told church.

RIP Pastor Senfuma

He didn’t go far in his education.  He talked about a time he decided to go back and study but things in class were hard for him. God talked to him to get out of class, go and preach the Gospel.
He will be dearly missed by his family, fellow Pastors, inner man family and people of God.
Rest in Peace Pr. Senfuma.

‘GIVE FOOD TO ALL HUNGRY PEOPLE IN LOCKDOWN, DON’T BE SELECTIVE,’ RUBAGA NORTH MP KAWALYA TAKES ON PM NABBANJA

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NEWLY appointed shadow cabinet minister in charge of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Hon. Abubaker Kawalya has warned Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on her planned move to send money to the ‘selected’ vulnerable poor saying it will be fougt.
The Rubaga North MP says, her move is unconstitutional, not backed by any law and it is discriminatory.
He wants government to urgently think about better ways to cater for all the hungry especially people to Kampala whose businesses were closed yet statistics show that most of them earn from hand to mouth. He says Nabbanja should not to just hand-pick those to send relief as she is planing to do.
Kawalya said, it’s time for the government to give back to the taxpayers so that hunger doesn’t kill them as they are locked up in their homes.
In a letter dated June 23rd 2021 which is copied to both the Leader of Opposition and Opposition Chiefwhip, MP Kawalya insisted, all Ugandans are equal, they all need Government bail out amidst such tough times so Prime minister should quickly think about this but not to be selective.
In reference to what Rt. Hon. Nabbanja said on Tuesday June 22nd June 2021, upon assuming Office as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda about how government relief following the 11 + 42 days COVID-19 lockdown will only be extended to what she classified as the “vulnerable poor”, using mobile money transactions, Kawalya said the Prime minister is at the bad side of the law.
The two paged letter reads, “Whereas the initiative of extending relief to our people is plausible, it is of paramount importance to further be mindful of Chapter Four of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, expressly, Article 21, which guarantees equality and freedom of all Ugandans against any form of discrimination.”
Kawalya who served as Speaker of KCCA before Lubaga North people massively elected him their MP has asked PM Nabbanja to internalise Article 21 (1) of the Constitution before preaching her unconstitutional gospel because at the end of the day she will be made to pay for her sins.
Article 21 (1) states that; “All persons are equal before and under the Law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the Law’. 
It is on this note that Hon. Kawalya reminded PM Nabbanja how under the Law, Ugandans are already classified into the aforementioned political, economic, social and cultural aspects, hence, “There is no legal basis whatsoever to purport to discriminate the same under the guise of vulnerable poor.”

PM Nabbanja (right) and 1st deputy Prime minister Rebecca Kadaga

Looking at Kampala both as the commercial and Capital City of the Country, the 42-days lockdown Kawalya said has a direct impact on the livelihood of the people in all the 9 constituencies making up Kampala.
These are; Rubaga North, Rubaga South, Kampala Central, Makindye East, Makindye West, Kawempe North, Kawempe South, Nakawa East and Nakawa West constituencies.
Kawalya asked Nabbanja to treat all people equally, they all need relief, so any act of discrimination he vowed to fight it.
Citing governments of South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada and others, Kawalya said they extend relief to all people in the Capital Cities. 
He has also called on Government to considers taking charge of rent for the Kampala Business Community in this period, on top of other incentives if the businesses are to be saved.

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