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 (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.”
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.
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.
KIRA Municipality legislator who doubles as opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) spokesman together with the vocal Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko allegedly rejected deployments by the Leader of Opposition to the Shadow Cabinet. We are reliably told, Mukungwe -Nyendo MP Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba by virtue of powers conferred upon him as Leader of Oppostion under Article 82A (c) of the constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Rule 14 (2) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, had appointed and designated Hon. Ssemujju and Hon. Nsereko to the Shadow Cabinet but the two advised him not to dare, for they are not interested! The two were among the top ranked best legislators of the 10th Parliament and it is believed, they bounced back majorly because of this. Nsereko contested for Deputy Speaker of the 10th Parliament and got 115 votes while Ssemujju has been serving as the Opposition chief whip. LOP Mpuuga had identified the two but when he approached them before releasing the full shadow cabinet list, they advised him to find replacements for them as they were not ready to serve in his cabinet.
THE INSIDE STORY You all know, this time Ssemujju contested for Speakers of the 11th Parliament and Nsereko for the Deputy Speaker of the same. However, the National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs who are the majority are said to have instead voted for NRM candidates which must have angered Ssemujju and Nsereko. The race for Speakership was won by NRM official candidate Jacob Oulanyah with 310 votes. NRM 2nd vice chairperson Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga was second with 197 votes while of the opposition MPs who are more than 100, only 15 voted for Ssemujju which indicated that others voted for the two NRMs. When it came to the deputy Speaker, it was won by NRM’s Anita Among with 415 votes. Opposition candidates Yusuf Nsibambi (Mawokota South MP) got only 35 votes while Muhammad Nsereko polled 24 votes. Still, majority opposition MPs voted for the NRM Deputy Speaker candidate. This didn’t go well with Ssemujju and Nsereko who openly branded a section of opposition MPs for being traitors to the struggle. In a press interview shortly after the Speaker’s election, Hon. Ssemujju attacked opposition for betraying them. Hon. Ssemujju said, “If my main constituency (Opposition) had immediate interest to serve, I would not even be asking the Opposition to vote for me. We would collectively be looking for votes. So the opposition MPs abandoned me. Many became campaigners for Ms Kadaga.” “If the Opposition had worked together, not just for me but also for the deputy, we would be an alternative to the NRM. There are people within the NRM who are not comfortable but we did not make them comfortable to join our side. The reason it became complicated was because the Opposition did not embrace this as an opposition assignment. Look at the Deputy Speaker race. It is what has made us so vulnerable that 120 Opposition MPs voted an NRM MP.” Said a betrayed Ssemujju. Ssemujju and Nsereko eagerly waited for a voice especially from the leaders of the official opposition party NUP but all were tight lipped. “It is absurd but this has killed the spirit of unity among opposition MPs. You can’t leave your own and vote for NRM and the next day you tell the public that we are having a struggle? Which struggle then when you are betraying your own?” Asked MP Ssemujju camp. It’s on this ground that Ssemujju and Nsereko allegedly rejected appointments to the Shadow cabinet saying opposition badly needed to steer the 11th Parliament not sharing shadow cabinet slots. “If we had united, we would have surprised the tormentors. But it’s absurd our forces worked for the enemy. We have a lot of work to do, we will only call upon Ugandans to give us their support.” Said one of the opposition MPs who was part of the Nsereko camp.
SHADOW CABINET OUT Today evening, LOP Mpuuga finally announced his cabinet. There are 19 males and 11 females. NUP has taken the lion’s share with18 slots, FDC 7, Independents 2, DP 1, UPC 1 and PPPP 1. They are; 1.Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (Independent – Ndorwa East) Attorney General
Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi and wife Zahara when they hosted MP Zaake and wife Bridget Namirembe for Eid celebration in May this year
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ALTHOUGH he has been considered to be the weakest among the four top NUP legislators who were vying for the chairperson Buganda caucus in the 11th Parliament, Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi dictated that Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi be the party candidate for the seat. Kyagulanyi therefore, directed that, Hon. David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga (Busujju County), Hon Aloysius Mukasa (Lubaga South -Kyaddondo county) and Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke (Mukono Municipality -Kyaggwe county) step aside for Muwanga Kivumbi. The three, Kalwanga, Mukasa and Nambooze had started campaigns a bit earlier, mobilizing fellow members of Parliament through media platforms and holding direct meetings with them, they even consulted opinion leaders who gave them a green light. Like all other campaigns, each camp must have put in money to make sure their candidate wins this very important assignment, an office Buganda Kingdom badly needs more than ever before amidst challenges and direct attacks from the powers that be in Central government.
KYAGULANYI DICTATES On Tuesday, orders came from Kamwokya NUP Headquarters, directing all the 57 Party MPs to elect Muwanga Kivumbi, Buganda caucus chairperson. We were reliably informed, before the Party Principal left country for official duties, he directed that, the seat be preserved for Muwanga Kivumbi. This directive was communicated to all contenders who were therefore asked to step down for him.
I CHOSE THE PARTY POSITION- MP MUKASA Lubaga South MP Hon. Aloysius Mukasa was the first to respect the directive. Earlier today, Mukasa told this Online Media that he can’t go against the Party position.
STEPPED DOWN: Hon. Aloysius Mukasa
“I was privately approached by the party leaders and asked to step down for my colleague Muwanga Kivumbi.” Revealed Hon. Aloysius Mukasa. He told us, “It’s true, with my campaign team led by Hon. Derrick Nyeko and Hon. Hassan Kirumira, we had put up a formidable campaign team at Parliament and we were winning but the party had a different position. Because we are here to serve our people and abide by the party decisions, I agreed to step down and embarked on calling upon my supporters to vote Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi.”
THE KALWANGA ISSUE Hon. David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga, another candidate whose chances were very clear to win this seat looking at his unmeasurable contribution to the Buganda Kingdom especially through Masaza Tournament and Ettoffaali, also stepped down in respect of the Party position. He was however considered as the caucus Treasurer.
Caucus Treasurer Hon. Kalwanga (right) with LOP Mpuuga All indicators showed that it was either Kalwanga or Mukasa who would win this race but the party stepped in and gave it to Muwanga Kivumbi who was clearly not a favorite.
NAMBOOZE, BWANIKA PROTEST For Hon. Betty Nambooze and Hon. Dr. Abed Bwanika, until yesterday, their camps were still protesting against Kyagulanyi’s decision referring to it as an act of dictatorship which should be fought at an early stage. “We are worried, our party risks taking NRM path where orders come from above like you all saw what happened with the election of the Speaker of Parliament. Mr. Museveni dictated who he wanted against what NRM members wanted.” Said Nambooze camp, adding, “We all think, a political party in a democratic way should leave members to elect who their leader is not dictating or giving them directives. We will end up giving them an unpopular leader.
Hon. Nambooze
In Nambooze’s view, the party had to stay away from this election or do it in a democratic way for all MPs to be given a chance to elect a leader of their choice. This was not done.
WHY KIVUMBI On May 28th 2021 when NUP President appointed Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba the Leader of opposition (LOP), he also assigned other Members of Parliament to lead different committees and other responsibilities. Muwanga Kivumbi was not considered and many didn’t know why. Those appointed then are; Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe (Opposition Chief Whip), Hon. Francis Zaake (Commissioner for Parliament) and Medard Lubega Segona appointed Chairperson PAC deputised by Hon. Asuman Basalirwa. Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi (Chairperson COSASE), Hon. Betty Nambooze (Chairperson Gov’t Assurance), Hon. Ojara Martin (Chairperson Local Government Accounts Committee) deputised by Hon. Luttamaguzi Ssemakula. Hon. David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga was appointed to the Common Wealth Parliament. Insiders say, it wasnt a mistake to leave out Kivumbi, the party preserved him for the big assignment of the Buganda caucus chairperson. In fact when Kalwanga the would be winner was being convinced to step down for Kivumbi, Bobi allegedly told him, “You see, I sent you to the Common Wealth Parliament. You are already deployed. The party did not deploy Hon. Kivumbi. First of all you will be very busy in and out of the country, you may not manage to run Buganda caucus. Kindly, let us give it to Hon. Kivumbi.” Secondly, Kyagulanyi wanted to give it to Muslims as a reward for supporting him during the recently concluded presidential elections. This is one of the powerful positions which Kyagulanyi has given to Muslims. Thirdly, we are told, LOP Mpuuga and Commissioner Hon. Zaake played a very important role in selling Kivumbi to Kyagulanyi. Muwanga is a member of the SSUUBI Buganda group with Mpuuga, Lord mayor Lukwago and Medard Sseggona, among others. This pressure group was formed in 2010 to help Pro-Buganda politicians win 2011 elections. Most of these were Democratic Party members fought by President General Nobert Mao. Other contenders like Kalwanga and Mukasa are not members of the SSUBI group. For Nambooze, she had serious issues with Mengo and Mpuuga personally asked Bobi not to allow her head Buganda caucus. We are also told, some calls directly came from some power corridors in Mengo ordering Bobi to lock out Nambooze as a price for attacking Premier Mayiga. Notably, Mpuuga and Sseggona are great Mayiga friends. They must have convinced him how Muwanga Kivumbi is the best candidate for the seat although, he normally dodges Kingdom functions and is not known for standing firm over Buganda issues.
ZAAKE FACTOR For those who don’t know, Hon. Francis Zaake is among the top Kyagulanyi confidants. Before he takes any decision, the two first meet or call each other. Kivumbi started positioning himself for this seat shortly after elections. He went closer to Zaake than any one else at the party headquarters where he has slim support. In fact on Eid day on May 13th 2021, Muwanga Kivumbi and wife Zahara Nampewo invited Hon. Zaake and wife Bridget Namirembe at his home for the Eid celebration. It’s believed, the two talked about the Buganda caucus leadership and Kivumbi asked Zaake to talk Kyagulanyi into allowing him to serve as the caucus chairperson.
When Hon. Kyagulanyi visited MP Zaake at his home in May
Before Zaake was hosted by Kivumbi, on May 2nd 2021 met Kyagulanyi and it’s believed this is when the two sealed the Kivumbi deal. Although it was kept a secret, the two leaders have been strategizing for Kivumbi. Finally, what you have seen today, is what Kyagulanyi and Zaake have been cooking. In an election boycotted by NRM MPs, Kivumbi was today elected Buganda caucus chairman deputised by Buikwe South DP MP Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga. Treasurer is MP David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga, Ntenjeru MP Hon. Patrick Nsanja is the Secretary, Mukono South MP Kayondo (Welfare and Development), Mityana district woman MP Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa is the caucus spokeperson, Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi heads mobilisation, Dr. Christine Ndiwalana (External relations), Hon. Denis Ssekabira (Culture) and the liason of cabinet and the caucus is Mukono district woman MP Hon. Hanifer Nabukenya. At first, NRM MPs who are totaling to 37 wanted atleast to be given two slots, one for treasurer and the caucus spokesperson. But the majority NUP MPs refused saying, can only agree to give them Deputy chairperson and External relations slots but they rejected the offer. There was no elections, positions were given basing on mutual understanding. No one knows NRM’s plan B but it is suspected, they might form a parallel caucus.
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UNLESS otherwise, over 90 members of the 11th Parliament representing Buganda region will next week on Wednesday convene to elect the Buganda caucus leadership. This Caucus is mainly tasked to lobby programmes and projects from government to benefit Buganda region and liase with the Kabaka’s government at Mengo government to support the Kingdom’s social and economic programmes. Among those to be elected are the Caucus Chairperson, vice Chairperson, the Secretary, Caucus spokesperson among others. The tight race is on the top job where four opposition National Unity platform (NUP) legislators have already shown interest with each one having chances to take the win. As a matter of fact, NUP has the highest number of Buganda MPs and if the party picks interest in this contest, chances are that, next Buganda caucus chairperson will be from National Unity Platform. The four MPs are David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga commonly known as ‘SSUUBI LYA BUSUJJU’ (Busujju county), newly elected Lubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa Talton Gold (Taata Lubaga), Betty Nambooze Bakireke (Mukono Municipality) and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (MP Butambala). This news website analyse each of the four members of Parliament showing who can perfectly represent Buganda interests and why.
DAVID LUKYAMUZI KALWANGA By press time, the Busujju County MP was standing higher chances to scoop the seat He has already fronted a well refined campaign team led by Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana ‘Bwiino’ from Nsenene clan. Hon. Kalwanga is serving his second term as Busujju County MP. He is too close to Buganda Premier Charles Peter Mayiga and the two are very good friends. His late dad Yoweri Musumba was too influential during ettoffaali and he gave out generously during this campaign which was led by Katikkiro Mayiga. Just like his dad Musumba, Kalwanga has been very supportive in all Kingdom programs in Busujju county. He in fact single handedly bankrolled the construction of Busujju County Play ground and he injected in over UGX 500M. When it comes to the Kabaka Masaza Football tournament, Hon. Kalwanga has been giving with one heart. One time Katikkiro Mayiga publicly thanked Kalwanga for his passion towards Kingdom activities. In his words Mayiga said, ” I want to thank you Hon. Kalwanga for the passion you have. You have worked so hard and as a Kingdom, we are very proud of you my brother Kalwanga. If people coming from different counties(Masaza) do just half of what you have done for Busujju County, we would be very far where the Masaza Tournamentis concerned.” In his response, Kalwanga pledged before Premier Mayiga to continue serving the Kingdom with one heart.
Kabaka greeting Hon. Kalwanga
He has for years been the Saza football manager and the first time they reached the semis, he was the brain behind this team. Busujju County finished third in 2017 and 2019 respectively. He signed good players, looked after the team and perfectly coodinated with the Kingdom Masaza tournament organising committee. Unlike some Buganda MPs who dodge Kingdom functions, Kalwanga is a regular face especially on all Kabaka’s functions. Besides, he is approachable and among the top five NUP MP historicals. These and other reasons put him at the top of other contenders for the Buganda caucus top job. He only has to allign his task force, mobilise fellow MPs, Kalwanga has good will and we will not be surprised if he emerges the winner next week.
BETTY NAMBOOZE BAKIREKE Of recent, madam teacher is in very bad books with the Buganda Kingdom after she chose openly to take on and blackmail Buganda Premier Charles Peter Mayiga over Kabaka’s sickness. Nambooze who comes from Kyaggwe County as among a clique of people who attacked Katikkiro falsely accusing him of negligence over Kabaka’s life. This angered Kabaka’s subjects and hundreds took on Nambooze putting it to her for being used by the Kingdom enemies. Before that, Nambooze picked a war against Katikkiro Mayiga for locking her outside Central Broadcasting Station (CBS radio), a Buganda Kingdom owned radio station. She sometime back released a dossier against Katikkiro Mayiga lamenting how his actions are helping the enemies of the Kingdom. All these didn’t go well with Kabaka’s subjects some questioning Nambooze’s true ancestors. Now that she has declared her intention to contest for the chairperson Buganda Caucus, an office where she needs to work hand in hand with the Kingdom, She is facing hurdles and many on social media are advising her not to waste time, she can’t be trusted with this job. In her manifesto, Nambooze seeks to use the Buganda Caucus platform to, “Strengthen ourselves as individual MPs and as the Central region. I humbly request you to allow me say that ‘EMBEERA eriwo Nambooze yagisobola’. I stand for a vibrant, influencial and loyal to the Kabaka but firm caucus.” Nambooze has assured Buganda Mps that she will organise for them seminars, meetings and workshops for capacity building. “We can nolonger afford to have anything else other than the BEST as individuals and as a caucus.” Reads her manifesto. She said, “We shall share with each other to learn form ourselves. All of us can shine in our individual capacities and I pledge that under my leadership everybody who wishes will be a ‘Class one legislator’ and we shall illuminate in a glowing light together. This is achievable and we are destined to be there. That is my Solemn vow.” She wants to use this office to bargain better as a group instead of the scattered efforts by Members, for their constituencies and for matters concerning Kabaka and Buganda Kingdom and Uganda in general. “Together we are to be loyal to our Kingdom. We shall however stay firm against blackmail, intimidation or ransoming. We have a clear mandate and our activities for our Kingdom shall be done as a group.Together we promise to work for a New – Buganda and Uganda through our actions and inaction.” Noted Hon. Nambooze. She wants caucus to bargain together, “We are going to be bipartisan and for our brothers and sisters, we shall grow an environment which shall make each one of us to feel at home despite our political and or religious difference.” She said, “We have a war at our doors that will require tested and trustworthy leaders. In the last Parliament we stayed out and surrended the caucus to Hon.Muyanja Ssenyonga who had just joined Parliament. We are grateful for the work he and his team did, but we must agree that the caucus almost went into extinction. We now have a task of waking up this sleeping giant.”
ALOYSIUS MUKASA Like written earlier, the Lubaga South MP is a new comer in the August House but one of the most organized, a great lobyist and a man of his word. Youthful Talton Gold Aloysious Mukasa is a successful businessman in Ndeeba and Najjanankumbi in Lubaga South Constituency in Kyaddondo, a County in the heart of Buganda. He was born and raised by his mother Ms. Annet Nayiga in Mutundwe, Church Zone in Lubaga South. His father is Aloysious Kalyango of Kyengera Mugongo. Mukasa owns a magnificent home in Najjanankumbi. He attended Uganda Martyrs Primary School in Lubaga, Kazinda Primary school Kyengera now Kampala Model, Lubiri SS and St. Marys Kitende a first World School, where thousands of students massively voted him their Head prefect.
Hon. Mukasa addressing media at Parliament after swearing in as Lubaga South in May this year
He is also an old boy of Merryland High School Kigungu in Entebbe. He was awarded an Advanced certificate in Business Adminstration and also graduated with a Bachelors in Business Management at MUBS. Last year, Mukasa graduated with Bachelors in Business Administration from Ndejje University. Known to be a very hard working young man, Hon. Mukasa deals in Food suppliments, the proprietor of Dascus Nursery School, a first world school in Najjanankumbi and he is also the owner of Bex Limited, a company producing disinfectants among other businesses. As evidence that he has not joined politics to get money, years ago, Mukasa single handedly constructed a tamacked road in St. Anne Zone near Faith Arena Church which was in a sorry state . It costed him around UGX 500M. This road was being used by law breakers at night to steal bodabodas, rape women and kill people. The Zone council sat and resolved to name this road after Aloysius Mukasa as a reward for his generous heart. Among the top leaders he consulted before standing for Lubaga South MP was Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga who blessed and reminded him to always prioritize the five Buganda issues (Ensonga Ssemasonga ettaano) when he reaches parliament. Owek. Mayiga cautioned Mukasa to speak out on Buganda issues and lobby MPs from other regions to support Federal system of government. Infact, it is believed that, Mayiga is among Mukasa mentors. Insiders say, Mukasa is among the voices Mengo will rely on in the 11th Parliament to demand from government all Kingdom arrears which is in billions. A down to earth leader, approachable and a true people’s servant, Mukasa commands support in NUP, fellow MPs know him as a selfless leader who has always been there when ever the party principal calls him for duty. Many new MPs both in NUP and other political parties we have consulted feel comfortable with Mukasa and he is likely to put up a hot contest. His manifesto is entirely on lobbying for Buganda, uniting fellow MPs and leading a team which is loyal to Kabaka’s, Buganda Kingdom and the people of Buganda. He wants to see Buganda sharing the national cake, having good infrastructure, markets especially for women, good health facilities, good education facilities among others. He insists, when he is elected Buganda Caucus Chairman, Federalism will be top on the agenda, his group will lobby MPs from other regions to embrace it
MUWANGA KIVUMBI The Butambala County MP is serving his third term in Parliament. Originally he had no interest in Buganda Caucus stuff but today he wants the top seat. He in fact calls himself the best candidate for this office. MPs who are not supporting Kivumbi say however much he has experience, he isn’t a people’s man yet this office requires one who is approachable and one who can lobby other MPs if Buganda is to achieve as a region. In fact of Muwanga Kivumbi many say, he is like Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda who got only 15 votes during the election of the Speaker of the 11th Parliament.That the two MPs are proud and look down upon fellow colleagues. This might affect him in his endeavors to be elected Buganda Caucus chairperson. Even in Buganda activities, Muwanga Kivumbi rarely attends them. However, if he plays his cards well, things can change.
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THE SUDDEN death of the newly elected Kayunga district NUP LC V Chairman who doubles as Buganda Kingdom member of the Great Lukiiko Owek. Muhammad Ffeffekka Sserubogo has left behind many unanswered questions. Lifeless Sserubogo’s body was today morning found hanging on a huge tree at his home in Kyebanja in Kayunga Sub County in Kayunga district. Before that, his people say, he did not have any medical problem. Hours back, he had featured on a certain television about land wrangles in Kayunga. This district is experiencing serious land issues and locals have been crying out for help against powerful and connected land grabbers. When Sserubogo massively won the district LCV top office, he vowed to fight end land grabbing and evictions in the district. He also assured Buganda Kingdom of protecting Kabaka’s land from land grabbers. Kabaka owns big chunks of land in Kayunga but it’s under threat from these untouchable land grabbers. It’s of great shock that, days after swearing in as the Kayunga district chairman, this former Democratic Party member was found hanging on a tree an abomination in the Buganda tradition.
WE WANT INVESTIGATIONS – BOBI, MENGO In a statement released today morning, Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi the head of opposition National Unity Platform has demanded for investigations into the death of Owek. Ffeffekka Sserubogo siting foul plays. Kyagulanyi’s statement reads; “This morning we woke up to incredibly sad and shocking news of the sudden death of our NUP Member and Chairman for Kayunga district Local Government, comrade Muhammad Ffeffekka Sserubogo. He was found hanging on a tree. For now, we are getting mixed messages from the people on ground with many saying, he might have been murdered and as a cover up, hang on the tree! Sserubogo has been vocal against corruption and land grabbing in Kayunga. We hope investigations will be done independently to establish the real cause of this shocking incident.” Buganda Kingdom also wants investigations into the death of this loyal Kabaka’s subject. Omuk. Baker Ssejjengo who is the chairman Buganda Youth Council has posted on the Buganda Think Tank WhatsApp group doubting that their own killed himself. He has called for the investigation and a postmortem report. Those with fears that Owek. Sserubogo might have been murdered and body hanged on the tree say, if he had hanged himself, the mouth wouldnot have remained closed and the tongue intact inside. The eyes would be expected wide out and naturally the body would have fought for oxygen and relief from pain before death. Hands would be up trying to remove the rope. The signs that he committed suicide are slim. What experts should explain; ● Why no saliva is coming out of the mouth ● Nothing shows that he climbed up on the tree ● No dirt on his kanzu as someone who climbed up on the tree ● His hands are straight not folded ● His palms are very clean and plain ● He is a lame person but he never carried his walking stick to the crime scene. ● His feet are very clean and plain, no shoes ● The rop was tied in a very sophisticated way
FORMER State minister for Tourism & Wildlife Antiquities who doubles as ruling NRM Vice chairman in charge of Buganda Ssalongo Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi has finally spoken out on the poor performance of President Museveni in Central region saying those blaming him are unfair. Last week, President Museveni dropped Kiwanda in his new cabinet which shocked many in consideration of how this former Mityana North legislator is next to none in preaching NRM gospel and worshipping President Museveni plus the whole First family. Kiwanda has since became a laughing stock especially by the top opposition politicians on different media platforms calling him a used and dumped NRM cadre. Some analysts believe, President Museveni looks to be unhappy with Kiwanda for his failure to drum up support for NRM in Buganda affecting the Party performance in the recently concluded General elections. Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi defeated Museveni in Buganda as all ministers lost. NUP dominmates parliamentary positions and research carried out by NRM secretariat a few days after elections show, central region people are tired of NRM. Leaders put blame on Kiwanda as the party commander of the region saying he is weak and that is why the appointing authority sacked him from his cabinet.
I AM NOT TO BLAME – KIWANDA In an exclusive message to this news website, Hon. Kiwanda said it is unfair to accuse him for NRM failures. He said, “I became Central Executive Committee (CEC) member officially on December 23rd 2020. That’s when Mzee Haji Nadduli’s term ended. On January 14th 2021 we had general elections. What did you expect someone to do in less than a month to such scientific elections?” Kiwanda said, his predecessor Haji Nadduli was the NRM Vice chairman in charge of Buganda for the last 10 years saying those blaming him for not delivering in a period of only one month are not considerate. “How do you really blame me for the poor performance? Some one who had been in office for only one month? At least now judge me with the results of 2026 elections, I would have spent 5 years in office.” Kiwanda wrote to us. On not being reappointed a minister, Kiwanda clarified that, “I decided to leave my Constituency (Mityana North) to concentrate on serving NRM Party. I don’t need to be a Minister to do the NRM Party job.” “If the ministrial post had come, it would be enyongeza (an additional responsibility). However, now my focus is the Party. Everything is currently working under my favour.” Said Kiwanda. He noted how he is very comfortable and thanked H.E the President for giving him a chance to serve in his cabinet and the government at large. “I am Back to the roots to mobilize for NRM. Just watch the space.” Said Kiwanda.
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MEMBERS of the Buganda Youth Council (BYC), the Kingdom Youth Parliament have strongly disagreed with President Yoweri Museveni move against the Mailo land tenure system saying it’s unconstitutional and it targets Kabaka’s land which they have vowed not accept. Museveni, while giving Heroes day speech on June 9th, 2021 severely disapproved of the Mailo land tenure system that was adopted in the post 1900 Buganda era mentioning that the system was an ‘evil’ one and that it was not anywhere else in Uganda. This land system is very common especially in Buganda region where the Kingdom, Kabaka and institutions like churches, mosques, schools, hospitals and individuals own chucks of land under the Mailo land tenure system. Museveni has turned into a crusader against the Mailo land tenure system and many see his gospel as anti-Buganda. According to Museveni, this will end the rampant land evictions and protection of the common people to own land. He is also interpreted as one targeting Buganda land to be taken over by the central government as one of the resolutions of the Justice Catherine Bamugemereire land inquiry. In a Statement from the Buganda Youth Council dated June 13th, 2021, Kingdom youth unanimously disagreed with the Head of State, expressing their dismay with regard to the said statements, “As we find the same to be purely political with no legal basis at all.” A statement signed by Mr. Baker Ssejjengo, Chairperson Buganda Youth Council reads; “Mailo land is constitutionally recognized under Article 237 of the 1995 Constitution and Section 3 of the 1998 Land Act (as amended). Currently, the state no longer controls land ownership in Uganda.”
BYC Principal Baker Ssejjengo
Quoting Article 26 of the Constitution, Mr. Ssejjengo said it provides for people’s rights to own property either individually or in association with others. “Therefore, Ugandans have a constitutional right to own land, be it Mailo, freehold, leasehold, or customary.” Says Buganda Youth council. On president’s fears about the rampant land evictions, the Kingdom youth Parliament reasoned that the Land Act offers some protection to tenants on registered land. “These are known as lawful or bona fide occupants who can acquire a certificate of occupancy on the land they occupy and if they so wish, they can negotiate with the registered owner to be able to acquire title to the same.” Reads their press statement, saying tenants pay an annual nominal ground rent but this does not deprive them of their land rights. They said, tenants by occupancy also have a right to pass on their tenancy through succession. BYC however noted that, “These rights have on several occasions been violated as we have witnessed some controversial evictions of tenants not only in the Buganda region but also in other regions of the Country.” Giving the ever lasting solution to land disputes, Buganda Youth Council talked about; ● Adoption of the federal system of governance. ● Sensitization of citizens about their land rights. ● Enforcing and implementation of the land laws in existence. ● Making provision for prompt land dispute resolution mechanisms countrywide. ● Devising practical mechanisms to curb corruption within the responsible stakeholder offices like the Uganda Police Land Protection Unit, the courts of law, among others. “In the premise, we implore all concerned stakeholders to desist from any sinister motives to de-enfranchise land owners in Buganda, which constitutes the most prime land for commercial and public interests.” Reads BYC Statement.
FEDERALISM, RETURN OF BUGANDA PROPERTIES & PAYMENT OF THE OUTSTANDING RENT ARREARS Buganda Youth Parliament has continued to advocate for the adoption of the federal system of governance, the return of Buganda property as well as the Government’s clearance of the outstanding rent arrears amounting to over Ugx. 215 billion. Several engagements have been held with government in this regard to no avail. “We believe the recent rhetoric against the mailo land tenure system in Buganda is aimed at swaying the Baganda from these demands.” Noted Buganda Youth.
EMPLOYMENT OF THE CHILDREN OF THE RICH (NRA DESCENDANTS) IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION The President while delivering his State of the Nation Address informed Ugandans of his novel approach to fight corruption by recruiting affluent descendants of the National Resistance Army (NRA) as he alleged that such individuals have no ‘home poverty pressures’. Buganda Youth Council don’t agree with Mr. Museveni. They instead refer to Museveni’s way of seeing things as being discriminative and segregation as basis for employment and deployment or access to service at any level. “This is tantamount to breach of the fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the 1995 Constitution, particularly Article 21 thereof that is against discrimination on grounds of inter alia social or economic standing.” Reads BYC Statement. They revealed that, this practice has also been vivid in several government agencies and authorities where majority of the lead appointments are awarded to only sons and daughters of selected NRA fighters. “We therefore advise that all job placements and appointments should be based on merit and the equal opportunities principle should be emphasized.” Says BYC adding, “It is also vital for the public to understand that corruption is a moral concern, an individual whether affluent or destitute can still be corrupt as long as he or she is morally wanting. It would be totally incorrect for the President to intimate that all the NRA descendants are morally upright and incorrupt.”
DELAYED JUSTICE FOR ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS Buganda Youth Council is also dismayed by the delayed trial and determination of the criminal cases instituted against all the political prisoners, most of whom are from the Buganda region. “Their constitutional right to bail has also been frustrated on unreasonable and legally unfounded grounds. We therefore call for the speedy trial and subsequent release of all the said prisoners as justice delayed is justice denied.” Reads their Statement.
COVID-19 SITUATION BYC appealed to the general public to adhere to the set Ministry of Health SOPs in a bid to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. We further appeal to the government to devise means of providing free testing services to the public and also ensure that appropriate medical care is given to those in isolation centers. “As a measure to overcome the virus, BYC asked government to expedite the procurement of more doses for the Covid-19 vaccine. May God protect the Kabaka!” Signs Mr. Ssejjengo Baker, Chairperson, Buganda Youth Council.
