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.
OPPOSITION Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party Buganda region Vice President Owek. Joyce Juliet Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo has blasted opposition politicians who demand that she rejects President Museveni’s cabinet job calling them traitors. Ssebuggwawo has refuted all media reports that she has turned down the ministerial appointment saying she is ready to serve her Nation. In a cabinet list released yesterday (Tuesday) night, news of President Museveni appointing Ssebuggwawo State minister for information, communication technology and National guidance shocked opposition politicians calling her to save them the shame and reject the job. “I have hopes in Owek. Ssebuggwawo that she will not take Mr. Museveni’s job. I am eagerly waiting for the news that she has rejected it.” Said Mukono Municipality legislator Betty Nambooze Bakireke from NUP Party. Nambooze and other opposition politicians who thronged social media to demand that Ssebuggwawo does not take the offer said, as a leader who has been vocal against government persecution, it will be like eating a cake and having it again. “Owek. Ssebuggwawo has betrayed Ugandans who looked up to her as an incorruptible, transparent and a lady of her word.” Said opposition politicians. They noted that, by being appointed a minister accepting the job will be interpreted as a deal to silence and stop her from speaking out against dictatorship, corruption and bad governance in the country. Responding to these politicians, a tough speaking Ssebuggwawo has accused these politicians for folding their hands when NUP supremo Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi fronted a candidate for Lubaga mayor against her in the last elections. This former Lubaga Division Urban Council mayor was massively defeated by NUP’s Zaccy Mberaze, after attempts to beg Kyagulanyi to spare her, were futile. This angered her and she vowed never to trust opposition leaders again. Speaking to us today afternoon, Owek. Ssebuggwawo asked, “Those who want me to turn down President Museveni’s appointment, where were they when Mr. Kyagulanyi fronted a candidate against me in the last elections? How come they didn’t call Kyagulanyi to order? Is that how they had to pay me for my selfless service to the people of Lubaga, Buganda and Uganda at large? Those people are traitors, God has remembered me I thank President Museveni for identifying me to serve my Nation.” A defiant Ssebuggwawo has not spared a section of top Buganda Kingdom officials who allegedly wanted her to turn down the appointment. She says, when NUP ganged against her during the recently concluded elections, she ran to top Kingdom officials (Names withheld) and asked them to mediate between her and Bobi Wine so that he spares her or fronts a weaker candidate like the case was in Mawokota South Member of Parliament race which was won by FDC’s Yusuf Nsibambi. “I was fought by a clique of Mengo officials. It was supporting Mberaze and when I was defeated, they were the happiest. Now they want to show the public that they are concerned about where I have to serve. Let them keep quiet.” Says Hon. Minister Joyce Ssebuggwawo. By press time, her aide in charge of wardrobe was busy preparing what the minister will put on as she swears in at State House.
HOW M7-SSEBUGWAWO CUT MINISTERIAL DEAL For starters, Ssebuggwawo has been among the top opposition figures in President Museveni’s good books. The two often talk. Museveni calls Ssebuggwawo ‘My sister’, sometimes ‘Maama Kampala’. The two have been friends for decades. When Ssebuggwawo lost Lubaga mayoral bid, among those who called to comfort her was President Museveni. A crestfallen Ssebuggwawo when asked by Museveni what her plan B was, she told him, “I am going to court. NUP rigged me.” Museveni asked her, “Do you have enough evidence? I am of a view, don’t go to court, you can’t manage those NUP stubborn boys. I can get you something else and we serve our Country together. How do you see?” She told Muzei that it’s fine but she had to make some consultations first. Museveni okayed her.
LUKWAGO CLEARS SSEBUGGWAWO Among the leaders Ssebuggwawo said to have consulted, was city Lord mayor Erias Lukwago. Reports say, he cleared her to follow her mind. Ssebuggwawo took Lukwago through how she was fought during campaigns telling him that the FDC party shunned her. “Becoming a minister in Mr. Museveni’s government doesn’t mean that I have left FDC. It’s my party. I am just serving my country at another front. I didn’t come to FDC for personal gains, I have been injecting money in this party. So I will remain FDC.” Ssebuggwawo allegedly told Lukwago, a fellow FDC member. She also consulted Dr. Steven Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu the Archbishop of Church of Uganda who gave her a green light to go and serve.
KABAKA SERMONS SSEBUGGWAWO We are reliably informed, when news of Ssebuggwawo leaked to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, he invited her to be briefed. “Yes Your Majesty I am in talks with president Museveni to be appointed a minister. As Lubaga mayor, I have been giving a hand of help to hundreds of needy children and families. I support church construction and Kingdom activities. I spend about 10M monthly. If I have no office, how will I fullfil this? Allow me go and serve.” Owek. Ssebuggwawo begged Kabaka whose response wasn’t clear. We are also told, a team of FDC leadership tried to persuade Ssebuggwawo not to take Museveni’s job but she dustibined their prayers. The last people she consulted was a certain CBS radio boss and her dear husband who gave her a green light.
M7 SENDS GEN. MUHOOZI, PATIENCE State House insiders have told us how president Museveni delegated his son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and daughter Pastor Patience Museveni to seal the Ssebuggwawo deal. Before that, then ruling party chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa was sent by president Museveni to sort out some issues with this former Buganda minister who is Buganda Queen Lady Sylivia Nagginda’s auntie. Gen. Muhoozi and Patience came in at the last stage to finalize the deal. This is how her name appeared on the list yesterday, the rest is history
IN making one of the most Illegal Address dubbed “State of Nation Address”, Public Records indicate Mukulu Tibuhaburwa threatening Judges over granting suspects Bail.In his illegal stand, he wants suspects detained forever until Judgement. TO THE CONTRALLY, No person has control or authority over Court in conduct of judicial roles. Judges and judicial officers must execute their tasks judiciously and exploit their judicial discretion in accordance with the law and procedure. The 1995 Uganda Constitution as ammended provides that every person accused of an offence regardless of which offence ,is presumed innocent until and only until proven guilty by a competent court. In case proven guilt of a crime,court must accord the accused a fair and speedy trial, with a right to defend him or herself. The law therefore avails opportunity to any accused person ,subject to the law to apply and benefit from the provision of attending trial whilst coming from home thus BAIL. Because one is presumed innocent until proved guilty, an accused person can apply to be released on Bail or even securing courts own bond with or without sureties. Sureties are persons that court accepts to stand for an accused person on congnisence that they will assist court in ensuring attendence of court for subsequent trial by the person applying to be released on Bail. It’s quite common law principle that bail must be availed an accused as distinguishable from civil law jurisdictions. A person occupying the office of the Presidency under Uganda laws can only pardon a convicted person who has been sentenced to serve a punishment provided by the law. A convicted person is one who has been Pronounced guilty of an offence by court and sentenced to serve a punishment for example imprisonment. In the entire criminal trial per our laws, no one except court has power over accused persons or their rights. It’s not a political favor to secure bail but it’s a matter of rights and law. Our Constitution does not permit any one to overthrow it and any such attempt requires Citizens to defend the Constitutional order. The Uganda regime has since made efforts to twist court system and trial into political weapons. They arrest any one and charge them without evidence. In so doing they seem intent on using Imaginary charges to keep political actors in detention even without a conviction.if Tibuhaburwa or his cronies wanted Justice ,they would equip INVESTIGATION entities like CID to quickly investigate cases and convince court for a conviction based on evidence . Our laws have no timeline for a criminal trial. In essence even in days,with evidence court can try an offence and pronounce itself. Why is then TIBUHABURWA fighting against bail instead of promoting speedy criminal trial. It’s an outright attack on the rule of law and Criminal Justice. We detest all these illegal threats at the Judiciary aimed at incarcerating innocent Ugandan’s instead of promoting speedy trials. Uganda belongs to CITIZENS NOT LEADERS and criminal Justice is executed on behalf of Uganda not leaders that is why cases are titled,UGANDA Versus So and so. Tibuhaburwa’s efforts are thus ILLEGAL and Provocative ,Wake up Uganda and say NO!.
The writer is a lawyer by profession and Ugandan MP representing Kyadondo East constituency
Henry Mpiima being congratulated upon winning Deputy Speaker flag at Kamwokya. Centre is mayor Mberaze and on his left is Rehema Fugge
BY MARY KAKOOZA NEWS EDITOR MEDIA
ON June 1st 2021, Lubaga Division Urban Councilors convened to elect their Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Opposition National Unity platform (NUP) which forms the biggest part of the council with 64 out of 95 councilors fronted Busega councilor Rehema Ssanyu Fugge as their flag bearer against NRM’s Musa Mbaziira whose party has only 11 councilors. Before polls, it was crystal clear that NUP would massively win this seat but shockingly, it was otherwise! Kabowa councilor Mbaziira surprisingly defeated NUP candidate with 4 votes. Mbaziira got 49 against Fugge’s 45 votes prompting the Mengo court presiding magistrate to declare NRM’s Mbaziira new Lubaga Municipality Speaker. This is the gist of the reasons, why Party bosses at Kamwokya NUP Headquarters have picked interest in this election and urgently want investigations to find out, why the majority councilors in the council lost speakership to the minority party. In part I of this story, we aid NUP NEC with very important tips which will guide the party into their investigations.
RONALD SSEMAGANDA ISSUE Before any councillor showed interest in the Speakership bid, this young man Ronald Ssemaganda who represents Kasubi-Namungoona came out. He approached a number of councilors not only in NUP but even in other political parties having councilors in Lubaga Division Urban council.
SSEMAGANDA: Was ready for the job
Those approached first was Rehema Fugge who embraced Ssemaganda’s candidature. Being a senior councillor, Fugge helped Ssemaganda to reach out to other councilors so that he gets endorsed.
SENIOR COUNCILORS PLOT AGAINST SSEMAGANDA As his name started sinking into the the hearts of Lubaga councilors, a group of councilors led by one Musa Lusembo, Richard Jjuuko Kayima, Sharifah Nakitende among others, calling themselves ‘Senior councilors’ mobilized themselves against Ssemaganda a fellow NUP member saying, ‘a junior councilor can’t be our speaker.’ Shockingly, NRM’s Mbaziira was silently bankrolling this NUP clique to block new comer Ronald Ssemaganda who proved a major threat to his Speakership bid.
ENTER REHEMA FUGGE INTO THE RACE Having been a Ssemaganda campaigner, no one would expect Fugge to change her mind and contest against him. However, insiders say, her name was identified by Mbaziira and a clique of the so called senior councilors who later sold her name to Mayor Mberaze. It’s true, Mberaze endorsed her candidature but little did he know that he was tricked. Why Fugge? Like we said earlier, inside Mbaziira’s game plan, he wanted a ‘vote spoiler’ so that Ssemaganda does not go through during party primaries. With a group of senior councilors, they talked about fronting a one Henry Mpima against Ssemaganda.
SWEARING-IN: Rehema Fugge
However, this idea was changed, fearing that Mpiima is more ambitious and would spoil the deal. So this is how Fugge’s name came in. She is an average lady who was only comfortable with her councilor position. The idea was sold to mayor Mberaze by the likes of Musa Lusembo, Richard Jjuuko Kayima and Sharifah Nakitende. Mberaze became the top campaigner not knowing, it was a project by the wise men and women. For starters, the three above mentioned councilors voted Mbaziira Speaker in the Ssebuggwawo council, although it was Kayima who proposed Sharifah Nakitende’s name to contest against Mbaziira and she was seconded by Musa Lusembo. The two and their candidate, didn’t vote for her. Mbaziira had a landslide victory. We shall come back to this, later. Back to mayor Mberaze, he picked a rift between him and the two Lubaga members of Parliament, Aloysius Mukasa (Lubaga South) and Abubaker Kawalya (Lubaga North) who had identified a competent Ronald Ssemaganda. Mbaziira camp started playing their cards to make sure, Fugge wins a party ticket.
HOW LUSEMBO & MBAZIIRA AMBUSHED MAYOR MBERAZE Days before swearing in of Lubaga Division urban councilors, a section of ‘senior councilors’ headed by NUP’s Musa Lusembo convened for a meeting at Jevine Hotel located near Pope Paul Memorial Hotel Ndeeba. This meeting was attended by Mayor Zaccy Mberaze. Lusembo was the chairman. Lusembo gathered NUP councilors and invited NRM’s Mbaziira to address them and ask for votes. Mbaziira was given over 20 minutes compared to Ssemaganda who Lusembo gave only 5 minutes.
NRM CLEVER BOY: Speaker Mbaziira
While speaking to NUP councilors, Mbaziira proudly bragged of how he had financed Lusembo and other senior councilors during their campaigns. A money magnet Mbaziira who is linked to powerful men in State House said, “Senior councilors, please be my witness to these new Honourable members. You know me as a top lobbyist and I got money for all of you during campaigns (each about UGX 9 M). If you elect me your Speaker, I will continue with that giving hand, mobilize funds for you after all this money has no Museveni’s portrait.” One of these NUP councilors reportedly said, “Yes you gave us money Mr. Mbaziira but you still owe me UGX 1M…,” prompting other councilors to laugh. The NRM man just smiled and said, “I will give you more, just do the needful.” Throughout Mbaziira’s address, these senior NUP councilors did not object ever being bankrolled by NRM’s Mbaziira during their recent campaigns. We are reliably informed, many senior councilors in Lubaga ‘borrowed’ money from Mbaziira during Party primaries to help them during party tickets scuffle. During this meeting, he hinted on forgiving them this loan if they elect him Speaker which must have excited many. NUP meeting ended with NRM’s Mbaziira scoring highly. A certain angry Authority councilor sitting at City Hall approached Mayor Mberaze and asked him to explain why he allowed Lusembo to invite NRM’s Mbaziira in NUP meeting. “Don’t you think you will be looked as the ones campaigning for NRM? You have given Ssemaganda only five minutes and Mbaziira over 20 minutes. Mayor, what was the motive of this meeting? I really don’t know what you are driving.” Said a tough speaking female Authority NUP council who smelt a rat!
MBERAZE & FUGGE ACCOMODATES NUP COUNCILORS AT NRM TOP BOSS HOTEL On Friday 28th May 2021, NUP held party primaries to pick flag bearers for speakership in Kampala. A day before, Lubaga councilors had taken their oath of allegiance at Lubaga division headquarters. We are informed, after the swearing in function, mayor Mberaze and Fugge took a group of about 38 NUP councilors to a Bweyogerere – Namboole Hotel allegedly owned by NRM top man Mamerto Mugerwa where they spent that night of 27th May 2021.
LUBAGA MAYOR: Mberaze
There are questions, as to why they chose a hotel owned by NRM man to accommodate NUP councilors. Insiders say, the hotel was identified by Mbaziira’s people who felt comfortable with NUP councilors being accommodated from here. Each councilor got a brown envelope so that he or she votes Fugge, the next day. Ssemaganda tried to reach out to these councilors but in vain, something which worked for Mbaziira.
FUGGE WINS TICKET A few minutes to the elections at Kamwokya, a coaster carrying NUP councilors who had slept at Mamerito’s Hotel arrived at Kamwokya. They were accompanied by mayor Mberaze. A crestfallen Ssemaganda tried to talk to them but openly told him they were for Fugge. She won with 38 votes (those who slept at the Hotel) and Ssemaganda polled 25. On declaring Fugge a winner, party in NRM’s Mbaziira camp started. “It’s a done deal. Mbaziira will be speaker come June 1st 2021.” Said a one NRM councilor who was well conversant about the deal. Indeed he won and NUP Party bosses looks like they can’t just let this defeat go unquestioned.
In part II of this shocking story, with facts, we are going to give you names of Lubaga councilors who betrayed NUP a the day Speaker was elected. That list on social media is fake. We shall also show you, why Mayor Mberaze MUST explain to party bosses about the deal between NRM’s Mbaziira and NUP’s Fugge which cost the party the Speaker’s job. We will unmask for you, who was paid how much, FDC’s Ssebuggwawo involvement and why MPs Mukasa and Kawalya’s hands are CLEAN.
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NEWLY sworn-in Namungoona-Kasubi zone councillor Ronald Ssemaganda is set to eat big at Lubaga Municipality. Hon. Aloysius Mukasa MP for Lubaga South and Hon. Abubaker Kawalya MP for Lubaga North have officially endorsed and identified him for Speaker Lubaga Municipality and called upon all division councils to elect Ssemaganda their Speaker. 96 Lubaga Municipality Councilors will on Monday June 1st 2021 will elect their Speaker and deputy Speaker. But before this, NUP top leadership will today Friday May 28th 2021 hold party primaries at Party Headquarters in Kamwokya for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Speakers and Deputy speakers. These includes Authority Speaker and Deputy Speaker who will preside over counci meetings at City hall where Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago sits. For starters, NUP has the biggest number of Councilors at City Hall. Speaker and Deputy are set to come from this party which is led by Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi. Meanwhile, it’s important to note that all NUP Councilors from the five divisions which includes; Makindye, Lubaga, Kampala Central, Nakawa and Kawempe will all have primaries today Friday ahead of general elections on Monday.
LUBAGA SPEAKER: SSEMANDA IN COMFORTABLE LEAD In the race for Speakership at Lubaga division is a one Rehema Fugge who represents Kitaka, Kigwanya and Kabaale in Busega IV. We are reliably informed, she is bankrolled by Lubaga Mayor Zaccy Mberaze aka Taata Namuli. However all indicators show, youngster Ronald Ssemaganda will humiliate Fugge in tomorrow’s Kamwokya NUP Primaries. A graduate from Makerere University with Bachelors in Education, Ssemaganda is Director of Namungona High School, a family owned school. Ssemaganda is a young brother to newly appointed Gomba NUP MP Saazi. His candidacy for Speaker ship is endorsed by both Lubaga NUP MPs saying, he is the best candidate for the job. Lubaga division has 96 newly sworn-in Councilors. Of these, 64 are from opposition NUP Party, NRM has 11, DP 3, Independents 13 and FDC 5. According to Hon. Kawalya, “Before great people of Lubaga North elected me their MP in January this year, I was the Speaker KCCA. I very much know what being a speaker calls for.” “Yes all candidates are good but Ronald Ssemaganda is far better for the job. We have come to deliver, we want Lubaga to enjoy the fruits of NUP leadership.We are fronting Ssemaganda who will perfectly carry the cross.” Said Hon. Kawalya. This former KCCA councilor for Lubaga North has revealed to us that, Ssemaganda is qualified for the job, approachable, transparent and loyal to the struggle. “He will be a speaker for all Councillors, we call upon our councillors to elect Ssemaganda and we change the face of Lubaga. As senior leaders in Lubaga, Ssemaganda has our blessings.” MP Kawalya, who ousted ‘class monitor’ Moses Kasibante, told this website. Yesterday night, we were reliably informed that, Hon. Kawalya met Councilors in preparation for today’s party primaries. His colleague Aloysius Mukasa MP Lubaga South is on the same page with Hon. Kawalya over Ronald Ssemaganda as his choice for Lubaga Speaker. We are informed, Hon. Mukasa the whole of Wednesday engaged Councillors, asking them to vote for Ssemaganda. Mayor Mberaze looks to be defeated. He has now threatened to appoint Rehema Fugge deputy mayor, if councilors reject her Speaker bid today. Watch the Space!
IT’S now official, Dr. Jacob L. Oulanyah is the Speaker 11th Parliament. He has been elected by 310 members of Parliament at the 1st sitting today at Kololo Airstrip.
Out going Speaker Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga came second with 197 votes and FDC Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda with only 15 votes. The total votes cast were 524, only 2 invalid votes.
“I therefore now declare Hon. Jacob Oulanyah who has obtained the highest number of votes as the Speaker parliament of Uganda.” Declared Chief justice His lordship Owinyi Dollo who presided over the election of Speaker of Parliament.
We congratulate the new Speaker and wish you goodluck
MEN EAT BIG: Speaker Oulanyah and John Patrick Amama Mbabazi. JPAM is bouncing back
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THE ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has today morning betrayed women who have been at the forefront of supporting President Museveni and his political party. The only lady who has been leading one of the three arms making up the government, has been locked out, giving out this office to a man. President Museveni, deputised by Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi are leading the Executive. Chief Justice His Lordship Alphonse Owiny-Dollo heads Judiciary and deputised by Richard Butera. The third arm of government, the Legislature has also fallen to Hon. Dr. Jacob L. Oulanyah. Women have been officially locked out. In today’s CEC meeting, party leaders like Alhaj Moses Kigongo raised this serious issue of gender balance but other leaders disregarded his reasoning. This comes at a time when another woman, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba is set to lose her office of NRM Secretary General as President Museveni is returning Rt. Hon. John Patrick Amama Mbabazi to steer on Plot 10, Kyadondo. All indicators show, Mbabazi is set to be appointed both Prime minister and NRM Secretary General. Now the only vacant position which President Museveni might compensate to women, is that of the Vice president. State House circles say, The Head of State is considering Justine Kasule Lumumba for this seat, being a staunch Catholic. His only worry, she is unpopular in Busoga. It’s only Kadaga who has full support in Busoga and went through an election which she massively won. But Museveni a protestant, can’t appoint a prime minister, a vice president and now a Speaker when they are all protestants. It’s a tricky puzzle for president Museveni, dropping a popular Kadaga is one of a great mistake, Muzeeyi must avoid. We are reliably told, President is now busy playing his cards to see how to calm down Kadaga, a lady who thinks could have beaten Oulanyah hands down if they had gone to polls. It’s a tricky situation for Muzeeyi, women are looking at NRM as a user after it has chosen to sideline them and gave out all juicy offices to men. Let’s watch the space!
In the photo: NRM Party boss Yoweri Museveni with Rt. Hon. Kadaga and CEC members at State House yesterday
BY ISSA KATO
IN 2017 a debate on the lifting of the age limit bill ensued and took center stage in the 10th parliament almost causing a constitutional crisis. The bill which was tabled by former Igara East Mp Hon. Raphael Magezi was championed by a crop of young turks in Parliament and indeed at the end the article 102 clause 5 was scrapped remove the cap on the age limit for political contenders both young and old as long as they are adults. While promoters of the bill felt the power of championing a matter in the interest of king makers and the powers that be, it was a grave political miscalculation although it had short-term financial yields as all NRM party members were paid handsomely to pass the historical bill which was to eventually aid Gen. Museveni’s grip on the throne. The aftermath impact of the age limit debate and subsequent voting perterns are something the current NRM caucus members ought to pay strategic attention to or they help themselves find an exit route from the national assembly. The 10th parliament NRM legislators who took a blanket bandwagon decision to vote for the removal of the age limit against the will of the people they represent could not make it to the 11th parliament.
Most of them lost in party primaries and even many of those who took advantage of the party electoral weaknesses to grab the flag lost in the general elections including in areas of strong NRM base.
On the other hand, NRM legislators who remained liberal and represented the views of their constituents in that debate were rewarded with another term. For example, in Sembabule hon Sekikibo Theodore who was against the bill retained his seat, while wealthy Sam Kutesa saved himself the humiliation and retired from elective politics. Raphael Magezi, the architect of the bill who was shortly after it’s passing was wise and declined to contest, while many of his comrades like former Koboko woman MP Anite Evelyn lost their seats. Like Sekikibo, other prominent Mps who opposed the bandwagon like Hon Tinkasimire, Wilfred Nuwagaba were able to retain their seats by public approval.
In Hoima district, Hon Pius Wakabi who voted as sent by his constituents of Bugahya county was in fact rewarded by bouncing back to the house unopposed.
SG Lumumba calls for a caucus meeting today
If the the current NRM caucus is to start on a credibility ticket to handle legislative business and remain in high esteem of their electorates it is important for them to individually study the nature of decision to make while chosing a Speaker for the 11th parliament right from caucus to the house. With the precence set by the age limit bill and the infamous OTT tax, it is important for individual NRM Mps to remember that their constituents are watchful and actually have leaned to be punitive to premitive political bandwagonry that if not careful many will procure their exit tickets in their maiden deliberation if they make mistakes with the Speakership race which by public opinion should be won by the Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga both at caucus level and in the National assembly if no underhand machinations are employed by her opponents!
The writer Issa Kato is a former NRM aspirit for MP Kampala Central
