THE State House has categorically disowned and described as “propaganda of rag” a report circulating on social media that the deputy speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanyah has been endorsed for Speaker. The senior presidential press secretary, Mr. Don Innocent Wanyama told this News Website that the report should be ignored. “It is good for journalists to be able to source their own stories, not relying on propaganda of rags,” said Mr. Wanyama. The team campaigning for Oulanyah on social media has since yesterday circulated the story also published on some online news sites. The story did not quote anyone from the State House on record but instead picked what the Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa said on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday. The tactic is however not new as team Oulanyah rely on propaganda to sell his candidature. President Yoweri Museveni, as the chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement party, has a say in the Speaker elections but he has remained quiet and is not expected to openly come out to support a candidate. The current political situation gives Rebecca Kadaga leverage against Oulanyah in a number of areas. The first advantage of going to deliver a third term for Kadaga is Gender. The head of executive and his deputy are men, the head of judiciary and his deputy are also men, and automatically meaning a woman should be in charge of Parliament. President Yoweri Museveni is the head of executive deputized by Edward Ssekandi and the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny Dolo is deputized by Richard Buteera. The powerful Uganda Women Parliamentary Association has already declared their support for Kadaga for Speaker. The second advantage on Kadaga’s side is regional balance, a critical and inescapable issue in Uganda’s politics. President Museveni and Justice Owiny Dolo come from Western and Northern respectively making it hard for Oulanyah from North to succeed in becoming Speaker of Parliament. Kadaga’s stiff challenger can only come from Central or Eastern and for now there is none.
2021 MITYANA Municipality MP contestant Abraham Luzzi commonly known as ‘Mbazzi ewaata’ has put NRM ruling party loss specifically in Buganda to its inability in foreseeing and recognising the political strength of NUP leader Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi and his superb game plan. Youthful Luzzi, President Museveni’s blue eyed boy has now urged NRM Party not to waste time mourning but quickly return to the drawing board and strategize on how to claim back Buganda territory. In the on going elections, NRM has performed poorly in Buganda and most parts of Busoga. The young NUP party has demonstrated might in these regions. Top NRM leader are asking themselves, what went wrong, why the party has been wounded that much, blaming each other for the incompetence.
Hon. Kyagulanyi (right) with Mityana Municipality MP Hon. Francis Zaake
During an interview with News Editor Media, Mr. Luzzi said days of mourning and blame games must stop, the ruling party has all it needs to correct mistakes and win back areas captured by NUP. Congratulating Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake who defeated him in Mityana Municipality MP polls, Mr. Luzzi said, “My brother Zaake carried the day. He is our MP. He has been added five more years. I congratulate him and I am ready to work with him for the betterment of Mityana. I concede and therefore call upon others who lost elections to do the same so that we move on as a country. Avoid acts of violence and instability. Me I will continue serving Mityana people in my other projects as we fight poverty and youth unemployment.”
NUP CAUGHT US UNAWARES – LUZZI Speaking about how NUP swept almost all elective positions in Mityana, Kassanda, Kiboga, Luweero, Nakaseke, Masaka, Wakiso, Mpigi, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Butambala, Kampala and other parts of Busoga, Mr. Luzzi said ruling government was ambushed and hit by the strong youth wave. “We didn’t see this coming, most of us were asleep. What a political ambush! Now that the enemy has hit us the first time, let us go for retreat, get more prepared and then attack in 2026. We are superb at this game.” Said Luzzi.
Results of the NRM Primaries in Mityana which forced Luzzi to seek for DP ticket
For starters, this football philanthropist who has been bankrolling Ssingo County FC in Buganda Masaza cup last year in September contested in NRM Primaries only to leave the party later, on allegations that a certain clique had rigged for a weak John Mary Bugembe, husband to State minister for Kampala, Benny Namugwanya Bugembe.
Luzzi a day he was nominated on DP ticket to contest for Mityana Municipality MP
A dissatisfied Luzzi instead defected to opposition Democratic Party (DP) winning a ticket to contest for MP Mityana Municipality. A few days to January 14th 2021 polls, Luzzi announced how he was for candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni just like DP VP Fred Mukasa Mbidde shunned Party candidate Norbert Mao to drum support for NUP’s Kyagulanyi. In fact, videos of Luzzi receiving funds from promoter Balaam Barugahare to mobilize for president Museveni in Mityana hit social media. Luzzi later confesed before press how he had received facilitation to mobilise and protect candidate Museveni’s votes in Mityana. His campaign truck was branded by both Museveni and his photos in DP colours. He doesn’t regret dropping Mao for president Museveni. He told us, “Since childhood I have been a staunch president Museveni supporter. Because some opportunists rigged me in primaries, it doesn’t make me hate mympolitical role model president Museveni. Yes my friends in DP endorsed my candidature but for president I was for H.E Yoweri Museveni.” DP remained mute as Luzzi was mobilising for candidate Museveni. He says although NUP wanted President Museveni to get no votes in Mityana, his last minute mobilisation saw NRM Presidential candidate bagging some good votes in the district. Luzzi thinks if they can go into early mobilisation, stop in-fighting, work on service delivery, fight unemployment and hire more youth for government programs, NRM will reclaim it’s glory come 2026.
CAUTIONS NUP Saluting NUP for putting up a good show during elections, Luzzi said, “For sure, you have worked hard and efficiently. You have given everybody a surprise of the century. Keep it up and we are proud of you as a country.” He said, NUP exhibited a lot of commitment and these young men and women made it against all odds. “You have not only talked about what should be done for our country but you have participated, contested and won on different levels. Ugandans have entrusted you, go and serve with one heart, be exemplary, don’t start wars with other leaders in government. Please, have respect to elders.” Said Mr. Luzzi. He wants NUP Principal not to condon acts of social media bullying, abuses and inciting violence saying public is looking up for their alternative leadership. To NRM, Luzzi urged them to embrace a political co- existence and exhibit proper judgement and advocacy to work with other political parties saying this is what multi party political system of governance and democracy calls for.
Luzzi (left) with NRM leaders at a function in Mityana. Extreme right is Hon. Minister Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi. In the photo are Party SG Justine Kasule Lumumba and Treasurer Rose Namayanja Nsereko
“I pray, we put all our efforts, creativity and time towards activities that add value to our country, let’s promote a healthy and meaningful debate on social media and elsewhere, let’s not look at NRM and other political parties, government or personalities as enemies anymore. We are all children of the soil.” Urged Luzzi. He called upon all political forces to spread the godpel of love not hatred or insults against different personalities, organisations, opposition politicians or government officials. Apologizing to all those he offended during this hottest political season, a soft speaking Luzzi said, “Let us all say sorry to one another. Let us open up a new chapter of love and respect and co-existence. As an NRM and President Museveni’s supporter, I will use any possible meansto promote love, forgiveness and understanding especially between NUP and my NRM party.” He advocates for reconciliation and rehabilitation of the situation for a better Uganda without wounds and hatred for each other. He offered himself to open up a debate for a good Uganda every one wants by calling upon all political players starting with, “My party Chairman and the president elect H.E.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the most charismatic youthful leader of NUP Hon.Kyagulanyi to put aside all challenges, pride and ego and we create a meaningful platform for dialogue to forge a way forward.”
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JUST a day to January 14th 2021 General elections, dirty games intending to influence election results have started. Masaka district is in spotlight after opposition Democratic Party treasurer money magnet Mary Babirye Kabanda is said to be in bed with ruling NRM’s Robert Asiimwe who is contesting for MP Kimanya-Kabonera against NUP’s Dr. Abed Bwanika. Babirye Kabanda is Masaka woman MP and also doubles as DP treasurer. She is said to have borrowed Norbert Mao’s DP about Shs 700M to buy party headquarters @Balintuma in Mengo. In fact that is why she is too close to Mao and chose to open a war against all Masaka MPs who defected from DP to NUP. What the two, Babirye Kabanda and Robert Asiimwe are chasing after would definitely leave many unanswered questions in opposition at a time when another DP MP candidate for Mityana Municipality Abraham Luzzi defected to President Museveni’s camp and is now kicking NUP’s Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, left, right and centre. For starters, DP’s Luzzi was paid by President Museveni’s blue eyed boy Balaam Barugahare to go and disorganise opposition camp in Mityana. Luzzi confessed to having received this money and these last campaign days, he has been seen campaigning for President Museveni. Insiders say, Babirye and Asiimwe are cooking up something that is feared to be involving Masaka district EC returning officer a one Agaba. Those in the race against Babirye Kabanda and Asiimwe must watch the two with a very sharp eye. It’s not known whether that juicy deal the three; EC’s Agaba, Babirye Kabanda and Asiimwe are allegedly chasing involves huge sums of money since Kabanda is known to splash cash like a Bank owner. Our footsoldiers in Masaka have cited a one Musinguzi who is acting as a broker between the three. Could it be about the final results which will be declared by this very returning officer Agaba? Some sources say, about three days ago, a top security chief in Masaka met polling assistants and gave them orders. A day later, Babirye Kabanda, Robert Asiimwe and Sarah Kiyimba allegedly met with presiding officers at Sarah’s mum home to seal the deal. Yesterday, Lwasa is said to have held a meeting wI think polling assistants and there are fears that he might have given them codes. In such elections, there has been reports of some candidates cutting deals with returning officers and Electoral commission has on many occasions sent warning bells to their staff. Featuring on KSTV recently, EC Spokesman Paul Bukenya said some malpractices in the election process are engineered by incompetence of some EC staff but warned that if any one is caught, he or she will face it rough. He said, “Yes we have reports that some of our people involve themselves in vote rigging. EC has no place for such undisciplined staff. Any one caught, will pay for his sins.” There is a tendency amongst some contestants to influence returning officers to change results and be declared winners. “You find a candidate who brags around that he will be declared the winner by the returning officer whether he genuinely wins or not. It is sad to note that a big number of contestants even in this election have banked their winning on returning officers. EC must watch out. Names of some returning officers have been read out in such bad deals.” Said a source. Babirye Kabanda is facing a tight race with NUP’s iron lady Juliet Kakande for Masaka woman MP while Asiimwe is having sleepless nights over NUP’s Dr. Abed Bwanika’s dominance in Kimanya-Kabonera. Last opinion polls put Dr. Abed Bwanika in the driver’s seat showing that he is the favourite Kimanya-Kabonera MP.
SUMAYIYAH MUWONGE, opposition Democratic Party candidate for Kampala Woman MP has today evening regained her freedom after two nights in detention at Jinja Road Police Station. Sumayiyah has been released on police bond after she was charged for Disobedience of lawful orders as per Vide SD Ref 105/04/01/2021. She is required to appear before the OC CID Jinja Road on Tuesday January 12th 2021, just two days to Thursday General elections. Sumayiyah Muwonge was arrested on Monday in Kirombe-Luzira, Nakawa Division during her campaigns. Also read: POLICE BRUTALLY ARRESTS DP KAMPALA WOMAN MP CANDIDATE SUMAYIYAH MUWONGE On her release, Sumayiyah vowed not to cease fire saying, her competitors might be behind this, they wanted her kept in custody until election day. “I suspect my competitors are behind my arrest. They must be worried of our sky rocketing support. We will not be discouraged, we joined this race for a genuine cause and winning is on our side next week. Tomorrow am hitting our campaign trail again.” Sumayiyah told this news website. Kampala women MP race has other contestants who includes; NUP’s Shamim Malende, FDC’s Dr. Stella Nyanzi, NRM’s Faridah Nambi among others.
When Speaker Kadaga received the rule of law award from Ms. Nabasa, President Uganda Law Society. Left is Mr. Okwalinga, ULS CEO
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ON DECEMBER 24th 2020, Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga received Rule of Law award 2020 from Uganda Law Society (ULS) at a function presided by lawyers’ President Phiona Nabasa Wall. This happened in the Speaker’s boardroom at Parliament. While receiving this special award, Speaker Kadaga said, “I am happy that Uganda Law Society has recognised my work. Sometimes I stand between the State and the people and the situation becomes complicated but I think it’s worthwhile. I feel energized and I will continue speaking for the voiceless.” The rule of law award is given to specific individuals for the efforts that they make towards the rule of law. Kadaga, a great leader who is the Kamuli district Woman legislator cited President Museveni’s directive to disband the Fisheries Protection Unit and said, “That is one of the areas that we engaged in running battles between myself and the Miltary but finally, something has happened. However in the process, there has been so much damage, so much cost, so much loss of economic opportunities, loss of life and so on. However am glad that finally our voices have been heard and Fisheries Protection Unit disbanded.” Handing over the award to Speaker Kadaga, ULS President Nabasa said, “Madam Speaker, you are the right person for this season, and we thought that you should get this rule of law award because we can not think of any body that has championed the cause of rule of law like you have.” “Allow me to present to you this Uganda Law Society rule of law award in recognition of your contribution towards the fight for rule of law, respect and enforcement of human rights, for your partnership with the Uganda Law Society and for the good will towards the people of Uganda. We know that sometimes your job looks like a thankless task but we want to remind you today that we see what you do and we thank you madam Speaker.” Said President Nabasa in the company of Moses Okwalinga, CEO Uganda Law Society. It was in light of this that Kadaga was recognised for her contribution towards the fight for the rule of law, respect of human rights, for a partnership with the Uganda Law Society and for the good will towards the Republic of Uganda. Kadaga who was presented the award on Christmas eve was found in her office working on a public holiday which surprised the delegation from Uganda Law Society. On this the President Uganda Law Society had this to say, “The fact that you are in office now shows the level of commitment you have for the service of this country.” ULS addresed Speaker Kadaga as their very dear member, the highest lawyer in parliament and actually in the land and because of that they said, they would always look to her for guidance. Uganda Law Society has a mandate to protect the rule of law but also advise government on issues of the good governance and the law in general. They release quaterly reports that name and shame and also applaud those people that have been actually championing the cause of the rule of law. A lawyer by profession, Kadaga is an active member of the Uganda Law Society praised for raising the flag high.
WHY KADAGA WAS AWARDED THE BEST The Rt. Hon. Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga was the president of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Uganda in 1986 to 1989. She championed the establishment of the first legal aide clinic in Uganda by FIDA. Ms. Nabasa noted that, as Uganda Law Society their third duty is to ensure increased access to justice thanking Kadaga for her sweat in the first legal clinic ever established in 1994. FIDA had a legal clinic thanks to Kadaga. ULS President put it to Kadaga that, “As women, we also applaud you for spearheading the establishment of the certificate of gender equity which is the first in the world. And UN women recognised this at the women’s day in Kololo in 2018. We want to applaud you for this because it has increased affirmative action in appointments and the appointment committee in Parliament and we can not thank you enough for this change.” Kadaga was the first woman to establish a law firm in Uganda and has mentored so many women through that Law firm and even with in FIDA. “However, we want to talk about your latest term as Speaker of Parliament. You are currently the Commonwealth parliamentary president designate for 2018/2019 and for me, that means you have been holding our flag high even in the issues of Commonwealth internationally.” Noted ULS President. Lawyers thanked Speaker for her effort in ensuring that two key legislations that were passed last year (2020). These are: The Human right enforcement Act which has now put in reality the execution of officers that abuse their powers but has also shown the might on torture during prosecutions. This now entitles the courts to throw out any prosecution where it is found that someone has been tortured. Kadaga was also thankes for championing the passing of the Judiciary Adminstration bill. For the first time, in the history of Uganda, lawyers say, the judiciary is now taking the place that it has always meant to be holding as per the constitution. It is the third arm of Government but for a long time it has been lame or invisible. “So we thank you that under your leadership, this year, we saw this happen and has opened up a lot of things and we are also looking to the judiciary for hope as we speak.” Said ULS President. On Kadaga’s efforts geared towards ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Uganda, ULS said this has been a huge cultural injustice and without a voice like hers in Parliament as the third member of the Government it would be hard to fight. Kadaga was hailed for championing the inquiry that has dealt with injustices and rule of law matters in this country. Lawyers zeroed on the sexual harassment in schools. “This broke with the St. Lawrence scandal and madam Speaker you were very quick to put up the Rwakojo commission to investigate these issues.” Said ULS President, adding, “That report from Parliament has been a basis of a lot of research, a basis for funding to the Uganda Law Society through you and women for all the SGBV efforts that we are making. I am glad to tell you Rt. Hon. Speaker that we have about seven legal aide clinics of our twenty-four that are now dealing with the SGBV because of the efforts that you brought forward.” As Uganda Law Society, we have rule of law clubs, believing in the rule of law should be a culture. They started rule of law clubs in schools and for the last two year, SGBV has been the theme of their rule of law symposiums. They also participted in 16 days of activism, saying their funders would not have prioritised this conversation if Speaker Kadaga had not made it a conversation that is a priority in Parliament. On championing the fight against corruption, ULS looked at The Bank of Uganda investigations and the funding around Covid-19, especially to do with the radios. On radios they said, it saved the government a lot of money after investigations revealed that the supplier was questionable. ULS noted that Rt. Hon. Speaker Kadaga has been very passionate about the new things that are happening in the Uganda Law Society. She has been a champion for the legal aide bill and the sexual offenses bill. If the legal aide bill becomes a reality, ULS said, every Ugandan will be entitled to legal aide in this country. They thanked Kadaga for always having an open door whenever lawyers go to her over the sexual offenses bill. This bill seeks to register the offenders because these people who are defilers in schools, move from one school to the other because they are not registered. “We are looking to you Hon. Speaker to have that bill passed. We also look to you to pass the human rights defenders bill. A lot of human rights enforcement officers and human right defenders have been under fear for their work because of the shrinking space they are operating in.” Said Ms. Nabasa. She explained that, “Without the human rights defenders bill being passed, human rights defenders will still continue to be viewed as annoying insects by the government and will be thwarted away endlessly. So we thank you for your support towards this bill. With someone like you Rt. Hon. Speaker, we have been able to come to you with confidence.” “When I started my term as ULS President,” Nabasa said, “I was so honoured to have you come and spend five hours with us. And with the women in Law Society talking about a new dawn for the Uganda Law Society. About the challenge that you put to us to unite as lawyers in this country, I want to report that we are achieving that.” She appealed to Speaker Kadaga to continue championing the cause of human rights defenders. “We also want as Uganda Law Society to openly petition you, we need a chairman for the human rights commission. The fact that we have not had one for a year, tribunal can not sit. This is a very big problem and a big injustice, it is creating problems of backlog in the courts like we do not have enough problems with that and a lot of people are dying without seeing any remedy.” ULS President Nabasa prayed. Former Human Rights Commission boss Med Kaggwa passed on last year.
I WILL FIGHT ON – KADAGA Thanking ULS for appreciating her work, Speaker Kadaga said she has been energized to fight on. About Human Rights commission chairman, Speaker Kadaga said, “I want to tell you that I am concerned just you are on the issue of the Chairman human rights. I talked to president three times about it so I think we really need to remind him because I know they are handcuffed.” “First of all, they registered the required number so they can not form committees but the absence of the substantive head really makes it difficult. Recently I had to devise a way for them to come up with to report because the constitution puts a particular time for them to report. So I had to find a way for them to present a report although they lack a chairman.” She explained. About the human rights defenders bill, Kadaga assured ULS that as soon as it is tabled, they will work on it saying her members would be happy to do this work. “Parliament has been very consistent for instance on torture bill and the human rights enforcement bills were from the private members. Parliament has always been concerned and trying to fill the gaps. It is so long ago that we started the FIDA work but now having all those legal aide clinics, it’s so amazing.” Noted this iron lady.
KADAGA’S SPEAKERSHIP BID All indicators show, Kadaga is still a darling and the best candidate for the Speaker’s job. She has already declared her intention to stand again to preside over the 11th Parliament as Kamuli people are set to massively vote her again next week on Thursday January 14th 2021 as their MP. Other aspiring candidates for speakership look very weak, unpopular and none can fit Kadaga’s shoes going by Uganda Law Society recommendations to their own while crowning her, best rule of law defender. Recent opinion polls put Kadaga in a very comfortable zone if elections are to be carried today. Any other MP who will be tempted to contest against Kadaga, will just be wasting time and resources.
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BAKERSSEJJENGO , the newly elected Chairman Buganda Youth Council (BYC), has opened up on the on-going killings and has demanded for a report from government on all murdered youths. He says, as youth leaders in Buganda, history will judge them as traitors if they just fold hands and keep quiet about the injustices and continued murder of youths without doing anything. For starters, Buganda Youth Council is the Buganda Kingdom youth Parliament. It has representatives from all the Eighteen Counties making up Buganda Kingdom.
BYC Boss Baker Ssejjengo (clad in a Kitengi shirt) with youth leaders and Kabaka Mwennyango members when they visited late Maliba’s mother
Ssejjengo and BYC members were on tour to the three Buganda counties making up greater Mpigi. These include; Mawokota, Butambala and Gomba. On reaching the home of late Godfrey Mugerwa Maliba, the founder of Kabaka Mwennyango Association who was killed years back, Chairman Ssejjengo extended his heartfelt condolences to Maliba’s mother and assured her how his leadership will not relent until Government brings to book Maliba’s killers. This is a group of enthusiatic bodaboda youth who escort Kabaka Mutebi whenever he tours his Kingdom. Maliba, who was their leader, was killed along Masaka Road during 2016 General elections. No one knows who killed this peaceful Kabaka’s subject and what the motive was. Ssejjengo said, since Maliba’s murder, no report has been released. “It’s absurd that fellow youth like Maliba are being murdered every day that passes by under very unclear circumstances. We have not received reports on such murders. As Buganda Youth Council, we think it’s enough. We demand that government releases the report and those implicated be prosecuted. We want to know Maliba’s killers.” Maliba’s mother narrated to Buganda Youth Council members how she is living a very tough life after the killing of her son. “I am struggling with Maliba’s children. We need justice.” Said late Maliba’s mother. Buganda Youth leaders condemned the excessive force used by security during the presidential campaigns. They said, this has ended into death, un necessary arrests and miming of innocent civilians. They want security officers to professionally execute their duties and the undisciplined officers be held responsible for their acts. Chairman Ssejjengo called upon the youth wherever he went to be peaceful, work hard and always pay attention to Kingdom officials most especially, to Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga. “Be supportive to Buganda Kingdom and give extra love to our Kabaka.” Said BYC boss. Ssejjengo took over from Paddy Kiganda Ssenkungu who had served for four years. When he was appointed by Kabaka to head Buganda Youth Council, Ssejjengo thanked His Majesty the Kabaka for giving them an opportunity to lead the youth in the Kingdom of Buganda. On a function presided over by Premier Mayiga at Bulange Mengo, Ssejjengo said, “We thank the Kingdom’s Cabinet led by the Katikkiro Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga and our line Minister Owek. Ssekabembe Henry Kiberu for entrusting us with such a great responsibility. We appreciate the out going Executive of Buganda Youth Council led by Ssenkungu Paddy Kiganda for good service to the Kingdom.” Committing himself to serve with one heart, Ssejjengo said, “We come in office with great experience earned right from our Secondary Schools were we started as members of Nkobazambogo/higher institutions of learning. The problems that the youth are facing in Buganda Kingdom and Uganda at large are not news to our ears.” “Leadership is the key to the transformation of the world. Therefore, our main task will be to prepare good Leaders for Buganda, Uganda, Africa and the world at large.” Reasoned Mr. Baker Ssejjengo. With his council, he promised to improve the participation of the youth in the Kingdom’s programs. “We are presented with a task of organising youth into investment clubs in order to build their financial muscle, Awangaale Maasomoogi.” Said Ssejjengo. He has a strong family background with strong attachments to Buganda Kingdom. A very hardworking and approachable young man, he has been a leader in Nkobazambogo through his Primary, secondary and University education life. When he graduated, he started serving the Kingdom in Buganda Land Board. He was once the Chairman BLB Nansana Branch. In 2019, Baker Ssejjengo was elected the best employer of the year and he has since been promoted.
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A group of Makindye youth visiting mayor Mulyanyama at his Makindye office. They vowed to protect his victory
NEWS EDITOR newseditor.info.co.ug
MAKINDYE Municipality mayor His Worship Haji Ali Nganda Kasirye Mulyanyama who is contesting for the same seat on NUP ticket has blasted competitor Moses Kalungi aka Bill Gates for castigating him for having a positive working relationship with the Division Town Clerk and being in good books with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Technical wing. In an exclusive interview with News Editor Media, the best ranked mayor in Kampala Mulyanyama has said, Kalungi is a faded politician who left no legacy when he was the Makindye mayor, calling him a day dreamer who thinks he can lie his way to Makindye mayorship. Mayor Mulyanyama said, “Our people can’t make that mistake of returning Kalungi! He is a political failure who messed up everything when he got a chance as Makindye mayor. He committed unforgivable crimes against the people of Makindye, funds were misappropriated and his leadership is remembered for in-fights and incompetence. Four years and a half of my leadership, what we have done is all over on the walls for every one to see. Kalungi will pay for his sins come February 3rd 2021 election day.” This comes after DP candidate Kalungi accusing Mayor Mulyanyama of handling Town Clerk with soft hands and failure to paint Municipality Headquarter building located in Makindye just a few meters from Makindye Military Barracks wherever him and his team goes to canvass for votes. In his response, Mulyanyama has referred to Moses Kalungi as an extravagant man who instead of working on the division infrastructure and service delivery, diverted tax payers’ money to personal needs and made useless expenses. “Have you ever asked yourself, why when he contested again in 2011 he was embarrassed by Makindye voters and finished 4th behind winner Ian Clarke, NRM’s Biruma and former mayor Deogratius Kijjambu? He now thinks Makindye people have forgotten this soon about his fruitless leadership? No way!” Said a vocal Mulyanyama.
Mayor Mulyanyama talking to us in his office
In this interview, Mulyanyama has taken us through his 5 years as Makindye Municipality top man. Roads and bridges have been constructed, water channels built, works on waste management, among others. He has also talked about the unfinished work that has made him to return for what he calls his last term. We asked him about why he defected from Democratic party to National Unity Platform, and these shocking secrets are a must read.
Read on;
Qn: Are you not worried that DP’s Moses Kalungi is going to oust you? Mulyanyama: I took over Makindye mayorship from an a white man Dr. Ian Clarke who served from 2011 to 2016. By the time Makindye people went for a white man, they had got fed up of the that indiscipline that marred Kalungi’s leadership. For example, fighting during council meetings, undressing himself, he had made himself a laughing stock. That is how Dr, Ian Clarke was elected and Kalungi thrown out. An angry Kalungi cursed Makindye people for rejecting him and exiled himself to Kyadondo South to contest against MP Kigozi Ssajjalyabene but even there, he was shunned. You remember he tried Nansana Municipality against Hon. Wakayima Musoke. Voters in Nansana chased away Kalungi. And you think I can be moved because such a man is contesting against me? Come February polls, I am going to use a hammer to kill this mosquito! He took Makindye people for granted, abusing fellow leaders and totally doing nothing as the mayor. You all saw him in court when he was arrested a few months back, he embarrassed himself abusing the judge before cameras. He took a wrong decision to return, let him not say that we did not warn him.
Qn: Kalungi accuses you of not re-painting division headquarters building his leadership constructed? What do you have to say in your defence. Mulyanyama: So he wanted me to spend tax payers’ money on less important issues? I thought any good leader would instead give priority to lifting the lives of tax payers and working on infrastructure like my leadership has proudly done? In fact wherever I go for campaigns, voters are asking who else is contesting against me. People think I shouldn’t be campaigning because from what I have done, acts are speaking louder. True his leadership constructed Municipality headquarters, and so? How do Makindye people benefit from it?
Qn: According to media reports, you said it was poorly built. Mulyanyama: Yes. Look at it, see the offices, but do you know how much was spent on it? We are still asking about who eats money from masts owned by telephone network companies put up by the Kalungis on this buildings.
Qn: You mean ‘Bill gates’ Kalungi can pocket this peanuts from masts? Mulyanyama: Bill gates ‘na munagani?’ And you also believe in such lies? Recently, Drake Lubega told you journalists that he doesn’t own any arcade in Kampala. He’s just a broker. Don’t you think Kalungi is another broker?
Qn: As if you want us to believe that you have no serious competitor in this mayoral race? Mulyanyama: You have said it all! Those in the race are political jokers. They don’t deserve our time.
Qn: What if your votes are rigged? Mulyanyama: Whose votes? I am an expert in vote protection. Let anyone dare!
Qn: How can you account for your leadership as Makindye mayor? Mulyanyama: During my term, over 10 roads which were impassable have been tarmacked. By the time I took over, Katwe was impassable. Plus roads like Lukuli and Gaba. I wasted no time. In my capacity, I met then KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Ssemakula Musisi and presented to her these roads. She told me, ‘we have money for these roads’ construction but we have no funds to compensate land owners where the roads pass. That is why we are not about to work on them.’ I told her, ‘If it’s about land lords, leave that to me’.
Qn: You had the money to compensate them? Mulyanyama: Not that! In Uganda, I was the first mayor who started an idea of approaching land lords asking for land where roads were to pass. Everywhere I went, they deliberately agreed, gave me land for free, and that is how we have managed to tarmac roads in Makindye.
Qn: Now you have permission from the land lords? Mulyanyama: Yes. Work started there and then. First was Kuleekaana road at Boston that road which connects Salaama Road toLukuli. Good people willingly extended their buildings, houses and fences. It was completed and launched. Second was Jjuuko road that starts from Prayer Palace Church Kibuye and stretches to Kevina – Nsambya. Thanks to Bishop Grivas Musisi who eased our work when he agreed to bring down part of Prayer Palace Church to pave way for this road. We didn’t give him any penny and none to the hundreds of people where this road passes. It is also done. World Bank in KIIDIP Phase II gave us Lukuli road. Contract was almost expiring because KCCA had no money to compensate land owners. I applied the same approach. Among the land owners were; Tooro King and Mrs. Jovia Saleh. They gave me a green light. Work commenced and the road is done.
Qn: Very good work Mayor! Mulyanyama: Kirombe road, I went there with then ED Jennifer Musisi to supervise it. She met people using dirty water and even confiscated their Generator. Those days, an elected leader moving around with Jennifer Musisi many would see it as digging yourself a political grave. I didn’t mind. I wanted services for my people. She was the KCCA accounting officer. She was the right person to bring closer. Kirombe road was constructed, the rest is history. Other roads includes; Ham road in Kawuku, Kiganda road (stretches from Jjuuko road to the fly over commonly known as katimba to Kiganda Zone), Kevina road (from katimba to Kikomera – Nsambya), Apassi road (from Kevina to Sharing Hall Nsambya) and Binaisa road. Other roads constructed during my term of office are; Audi road that goes to Pastor Tom Ssembera Church, Ssendawula road, that road that stretches from Ham road to Kampala University and then Gaba. Land was given away by Rev. Fathers and sisters. We are very grateful. Church Road was also completed. Gaba bypass is under construction.
Qn: As if all roads in Makindye are in good condition? Mulyanyama: No. We still have Salaama road that goes up to Kiruddu Hospital. It’s in a sorry state. I have already met and talked to Roads and Works minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala. He has referred the matter to KCCA Deputy ED Eng. Deo Luyimbazi. Supervision of this road is already done, work commences very soon. Kikubamutwe, Kakonge and Kabega road that goes via Nsambya Gogonya to Medical store will be worked upon in my next term. The bridge after Hon. Syda Bumba residence near Human Rights is under construction.
Qn: How have you handled the issue of drainage? Mulyanyama: We have constructed many of them. At Clock Tower, we have built a drainage that connects to Nsambya Kevina at Dr. Sserwada’s place. Another drainage is at Salaama road. This one whenever it rained, would flood for days. Many residents had even run way from their homes because of floods. That problem was solved. The Nakivubo Channel that goes via Bukasa was worked on. Am happy, flooding in Makindye is now history.
Qn: A few days in office, you launched monthly community work. Is it still going on? Mulyanyama: Yes it is. To improve the hygiene of our people, I started by spraying bed bugs in homes. I did it personally. On community work (Bulungibwansi), we partnered with Buganda Kingdom. Every month we carry out Bulungibwansi in a certain Parish.
Qn: The issue of waste management, has made you lose marks! Mulyanyama: Waste Management companies contracted by KCCA to do the work on its behalf don’t have capacity. As Makindye council, we resolved that some areas should not be pressed on the wall to pay for garbage collection because people in those areas are not in position to . We wrote to the minister addressing her on this matter. In our view, residents like in Munyonyo, Muyenga and Buziga would pay for waste but in other areas, KCCA should continue collecting garbage free of charge. Areas like; Nabisaalu, Nkere, Kikubamutwe, Mukasanvu, Kosovo, Kuleekaana, Ttaawo Zone, Kiganda, and all slum areas. some one that sleeps on an empty stomach can’t raise money for garbage fees.
Qn: Does KCCA have means to collect garbage? Mulyanyama: We don’t have enough garbage trucks but we can fuel the few trucks available. Our appeal to the President is that, like he fundraised for Covid-19 trucks, he could do the same for garbage trucks. In fact that is why I launched Bulungibwansi to collect garbage for free from those who can’t pay to waste management companies.
Qn: Talk about the relationship with your councilors Mulyanyama: Very healthy. I appointed my deputy and there was no resistance. I endorsed the Speaker and he passed. So to the deputy and ministers. We work as a team. Where we get disagreements, we quickly reconcile and move on. This is not common in other councils.
Qn: Any hardship about your day to day running of business in office? Mulyanyama: Nothing at all. My staff are well trained, incorruptible and we are all here to serve every one. My signature is for free, I don’t change my phone contacts. Mulyanyama is a mayor for everyone.
Qn: During Covid1-19 lockdown, we saw you with Minister Peter Egwang distributing government food to every homestead in Makindye. How was that interpreted by fellow opposition leaders? Mulyanyama: Does opposition mean I should leave my people to die of hunger? Thought this food was bought by tax payers’ money and other food donated by our leaders like Kabaka Mutebi? I had to be part of the distribution team and made sure, no one misses. This is the time my people needed me most. I used this chance to buy food using my money and give it out to different starving families.
Qn: NEMA threatened to evict over 10,000 people from Gaba and Kansanga. We saw you blocking the evictions. Mayor, you are against preserving of wetlands? Mulyanyama: Can I mention big names who have constructed in wetlands and are protected by the government? Why should NEMA just wake up and throw away our poor people while protecting the rich? Where is fairness? Yes I stood on the side of my people and blocked the eviction. You don’t just come and throw away our people. We hired lawyers to fight NEMA eviction orders. Thank Allah, I recently heard President Museveni also siding with us.
Qn: Some say, you are a political opportunist. Why did you leave DP for Hon. Kyagulanyi’s NUP Party? Mulyanyama: In politics I have been a ball player. I have given political ball passes to many comrades while still in DP. It’s me who lit the matchbox that saw Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye retire from presidential race and clear way for Hon. Kyagulanyi. When my brother Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba hosted me on CBS radio, I said it out that Besigye’s time was done, now it’s Kyagulanyi. I was of course attacked by the likes of Harold Kaija, the good thing is, what I prophesied came to pass. Before that, I led Hon. Kyagulanyi’s campaigns for Kyadondo East MP seat. On election day, I was in charge of Kiteezi, NRM’s stronghold. We secured Kyagulanyi’s win at almost 100%. When he announced his intention to contest for president, I was with him. There is no where I would distance myself from this great leader of our time. My former party DP didn’t want to embrace Hon. Kyagulanyi’s presidential ambition, so when he moved on to start a political party, we moved together. Are you aware that I was the chairman of presidential candidate Kyagulanyi’s Nomination Team? I am so grateful to him that he trusts me.
Qn: Your Worship, assuming you bounce back as Makindye Mayor in this month elections, where do you see yourself at the elapse of your second term? Mulyanyama: I will not offer myself again for Makindye Mayorship. I am asking Makindye people to give me one more term. After, I will go for a higher office in local government.
Qn: Are you a sportsman? How come you sit on the board of KCCA FC? Mulyanyama: I was appointed by the lord mayor during the leadership of Mr. Julius Kabugo. I am happy that the club has advanced during our leadership. It managed to lift two trophies and became a Ssalongo. It also managed to qualify in CAF groups. KCCA FC is now a darling club and has become indomitable in Uganda’s football. About whether I am a sportsman, if I wasn’t, how would I be sent to KCCA FC board and help this club to make wonders?
Qn: Is it true you started a football club in Makindye? Are you officially venturing into sports? Mulyanyama: Like I told you, I am a sportsman and I know, this game is of benefit to many of our youth. We started Makindye United. This club is facilitated by Makindye people like Prof. Gordon Wavamunno, Businessman Hamis Kiggundu among others. We also have Makindye Weyonje netball team. My leadership has promoted sports. Thanks to Buganda Kingdom which has been so supportive.
Qn: Makindye looks to have big names Mulyanyama: In fact I refer to it as Texas of Amerika. Our residents include; among others; Rt. Hon. Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Deputy Jacob Oulanya, Prime Minister Dr. Rugunda, His Eminence Emanuel Cardinal Wamala, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Supreme Mufti Sheik Silman Kasule Ndirangwa, Omukama of Tooro, Kyabazinga, Prof. Gordon Wavamunno, Prof. Badru Kateregga and others. We have the American Embassy, Common Wealthy Resort Hotel Munyonyo, a number of Universities and Katwe, the city of black people.
“Such a Municipality can’t be led by half baked leaders like Moses Kalungi.” Mayor Mulyanyama frankly told this news website
YESTERDAY evening, Police officers armed to the teeth on orders of Luzira-Kirombe Police post Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tumusiime brutally arrested Hon. Sumayiyah Muwonge, the opposition DP candidate for Kampala woman Member of Parliament and threw her into Jinja Road Police Station cells. Police says, this popular journalist-turned politician was flouting the electoral commission rules and regulations that bar candidates to campaign past allowed time. Sumayiyah was arrested alongside Mr. Charles Keeno, Nakawa East MP DP candidate. Acording to Hon. Sumayiyah Muwonge’s campaign team, she was arrested from Kirombe trading centre in Luzira where she had gone to solicite for votes ahead of next week’s Janunary 14th 2021 elections. “All was going well until OC Tumusiime came and ordered Hon. Sumayiyah Muwonge to immediately vacate the area. With her team to which we responded positively.” Said the candidate’s chief campaigner. As she was driving back to DP offices at Luzira, two police patrol pick-ups full of armed men in uniform surrounded Hon. Sumayiyah’s car, forced her out and she was whisked to Kitintale police post. On seeing numbers of her supporters increasing to demand for her immediate release, Tumusiime ordered that she be driven to Jinja Road Police station where she was still held by press time. No charges had been preffered against Sumayiyah Muwonge by the time of writing this story. Sumayiyah works with Top Media, in the news department. She formerly worked with Vision Group. Political analysts say, she is among the favourites to join the 11th Parliament. DP legal team, we are told is doing everything to see their candidate released.
A FEW days to Christmas day last week, the family of opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) Lubaga South MP candidate Aloysius Mukasa rushed him to Lubaga Hospital after falling ill, he complained of acute stomachache and later went into a coma! A day before, Mukasa Aloysius was on Presidential candidate Kyagulanyi’s campaign trail in Ankole region and the next day he was supposed to be in Lubaga South consolidating his support ahead of January 14th 2021 general elections. He couldn’t.
This Hon. Bobi Wine’s confidant was in too much pain and his supporters must be grateful to Lubaga Hospital doctors who fought tooth and nail to save his life. It is at Lubaga Hospital, that Mukasa’s family was informed that he was feared poisoned. When Mukasa’s condition improved we were later informed, doctors carried out toxicology tests and it is not clear what was detected. This however leaves behind serious questions on who might have poisoned Mukasa Aloysius and what might have been the motive. “We think someone wanted to silence Hon. Mukasa for good. This looks to be a plot against his life due to his speedy political rising.” Said a family source, adding that the suspected poisoning was ‘completely reprehensible’. Later Mukasa camp told the News editor Media that, “It must have been an attempt to diminish his political significance. So it is possible someone wanted to resolve the “Mukasa problem” for good. The timing is largely irrelevant. Why now? Well, why not. But if whoever did this hoped to silence him, he or she is a day dreamer.” Mukasa is an anti-corruption campaigner known for fighting for his people especially in Lubaga South. A renown powerful businessman, since he declared his intentions to contest for Lubaga South MP seat three years ago has led protests against poor service delivery in Lubaga. He has been arrested many times, his cars impounded and a number of supporters arrested. Hon. Mukasa is out of hospital and back on the campaign trail.
