Mutumba (in a maroon court) handing over Covid-19 donations to Kkangawo Mulondo. Extreme left in a blue court is Ssekamatte
NEWS EDITOR
OWEK. RONALD Mulondo, the Bulemeezi County Chief in Buganda Kingdom has cautioned Kabaka’s subjects in Bulemeezi not to relax thinking Covid-19 has been defeated. He reminded them that the virus is still roaring and eating up the world. Speaking at a function held at the County Headquaters in Bbowa from where he received three water tanks each with a capacity of 1000 litres donated by RAP & Sons from United Kingdom, Kkangawo (a title given to Bulemeezi county chief) said Kabaka’s subjects must continue observing ministry of Health guidelines to avoid getting infected and spreading Coronavirus. “We still have Covid-19 cases in Uganda. It is not yet over. We don’t want to lose Kabaka’s subjects. Therefore you are all requested to continue observing the guidelines given by central Government and Ministry of Health to stay safe.” Said Kkangawo Ronald Mulondo. He thanked RAP & Sons for the donation calling them good samaritans who have given at a time of need. RAP & Sons originates from Bulemeezi County. They are led by Dr. Prossy Najjuma together with Dr. Luyinda Lutaaya, the Kabaka’s Envoy in United Kingdom. Kkangawo said, “The three water tanks will be given to three schools to help them in keeping clean water. The schools are; Kkangawo Junior School, Bbowa Vocational and Bbowa Polytechnic.” On addition to the three tanks RAP & Sons donated to Bulemeezi County, they gave out liquid soap and sanitizers. According to Ministry of Health, regular washing of hands using water and soap or sanitizer kills Coronavirus instantly before it enters one’s body. Kkangawo Mulondo will use the donations to fight the spreading of Coronavirus. RAP & Sons together with T.Cribb were represented by Patrick Ssekamatte and Aaron Mutumba to deliver the donation. The same team donated water tanks, liquid soap and sanitizers to Kiwoko Hospital received by Dr. Peter Sserwadda. He commended the team saying, water is very important in fighting Covid 19.
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WHAT NEXT? Will President Museveni save Nabakooba from what DISO alleges?
NEWS EDITOR
FABIANO NIWAGABA, the Mityana District Internal Security Officer (DISO) is in hot soup over his leaked intelligence report implicating Tourism and Wildlife Antiquities Minister Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi who doubles as Mityana North legislator for plotting against information minister Judith Nabakooba. Nabakooba is the woman member of Parliament, Mityana district.
HOT RACE: Kiwanda will tussle it out with Kibedi Nsegumire in Mityana North
According to the leaked report, Kiwanda alongside Mityana South MP Henry Kamya Makumbi and counsel Joseph Luzige the Mityana district LCV Chairman allegedly want Hon. Nabakooba out of Parliament so that they remain the only NRM bulls in Mityana and position themselves for ministeral positions in the next cabinet reshuffle. The intelligence report indicates that Kiwanda, Luzige, Makumbi alongside one Haji Haruna Kibirige Nziiza (former NRM Chairman Mityana District) are also plotting against former Minister Vincent Nyanzi who wants to bounce back as Busujju Country member of Parliament now represented by Hon. David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga. “These fights have led to the three politicians (Hon. Kiwanda, Chairman Luzige and MP Kamya Makumbi) fielding Mrs. Deborah Kyazike against Hon. Judith Nabakooba and fielding Kato Kasujja against Hon. Vincent Nyanzi in Busujju Constituency”, reads DISO’s report. According to DISO Niwagaba, all this is likely to distablize NRM in Mityana and might give People Power’s dangerman Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake and other opposition figures a landslide victory.
INFILTRATED NRM CAMP? Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake
The intelligence report says, Kiwanda and other top ruling party leaders in Mityana are likely to distablize NRM in Mityana and this might cost the party dearly in the forth coming elections. Kiwanda and other leaders pinned by DISO Niwagaba now want him fired and be punished for what they call, writing nonsense to his security bosses. Angry Mityana district chairman Counsel Joseph Luzige has written, “Eee, how can someone write such nonsense? Is your intention to finish the Movement (NRM) by wrong reporting? You are the worst enemy that intends to cause in-fighting amongst us as NRM leaders in Mityana. I am so much disappointed with this DISO.”
LCV BOSS: Counsel Joseph LuzigeScreen shot taken from Mityana NRM forum
For Kiwanda he only wondered how DISO can write such a false report against him! Via Mityana NRM platform, Kiwanda, Luzige, Nziiza and other leaders pinned by DISO’s report have spat fire and if party supreme leaders do not intervene to save their Party in Mityana, Zaake’s dominance will indeed be felt come 2021 polls.
WHAT IS IN THE LEAKED DISO’S INTELLIGENCE REPORT Drafted in November 2019, the report addresses Political Affairs in Mityana district. DISO’s report reads; The political situation in the (Mityana) district remains generally calm except political rivalries amongst NRM candidates. In Mityana North (represented by Kiwanda) there is hostile rivalry between Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi and Muhammad Nsegumire Kibedi (an NRM figure who wants to contest Kiwanda). In Mityana South (represented by Makumbi), the rivalry is between Hon. Henry Kamya Makumbi and Apollo Kazungu the district council Speaker.
FOUGHT BY NRM: Vincent Nyanzi
In Busujju Constituency, it’s between Hon. Vincent Nyanzi (former area MP) and Haji Nuhu Kalyesubula. Both want NRM ticket to tussle it out with popular David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga (the incumbent).
FROM LEFT: Hon. Makumbi, Hon. Zaake and Hon. Kalwanga at the burial of Yoweri Musumba (Kalwanga’s father)
Then there is power struggle and fighting for ministerial positions by the LC5 Chairperson Joseph Luzige, Hon. Kiwanda and Hon. Makumbi. The three are fighting both Hon. Nabakooba and Hon. Vincent Nyanzi. Each of the three is fighting to catch the eye of President Museveni for political appointments. More confusion is created by the funder/sponsor of People Power, the father of Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake who uses ‘NRM cadres’ like John Kabango the NRM Chairman of Mityana Municipality, Kayiwa, Bigambo (NRM Chairman Tamu Division) and Haruna Mabirizi to destablize NRM. They are with NRM in the day, and with People Power at night. The confusion was brought by (then) Acting NRM chairman Mityana district Haji Haruna Kibirige Nziiza who among the four candidates fighting for the flag of NRM candidate for Mityana Municipality, favours his son Abraham Luzzi. He doesnt want him to follow the due process. Others are; John Mary Bugembe, Kakumba and Charles Sserugga Matovu (Munnakyalo). Nziiza want Luzzi to run as NRM sole candidate. He doesnt want him to go through NRM Primaries leaving the three other contenders very furious. Nziiza is now, calling the office of the RDC and that of the DISO biased and therefore belonging to opposition. This is because as Security chiefs, we asked his son (Luzzi) to present his academic documents to rule out disqualification. We also rejected the issue of sole candidature. Thirdly, we advised Luzzi camp not to rent on ZAAKE PLAZA (located innMityana taxi Park) where People power offices are located. This was to avoid physical political fights. We also advised Nziiza’s son Luzzi not to use Hon. Francis Zaake boys to avoid infiltration. Apart from the above, the rest of the conflicts can be managed because we have been mobilizing youth in the district especially in Mityana Municipality and Busujju Constituency and there is positivity. Youths are now actively mobilizing themselves against People Power’s Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake and Hon. David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga (Busujju MP) all of People Power Movement. Comments: The (then) NRM Chairman Hajji Nziiza needs to be tamed for he is busy chasing away people from the party and other NRM candidates because of his abusive language and recklessness.
LEAKED: Page one of the three pager intelligence report
On the intelligence report, DISO attached RDC’s letter to NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba detailing causes of conflict between the (then) NRM Chairman Haji Nziiza with security chiefs, RDC and DISO. Another document attached was of the Minutes taken during a meeting of October 31st 2019 between NRM leaders and RDC discussing the same conflicts.
NZIIZA MAD AT DISO NIWAGABA Commenting on the leaked DISO intelligence report, Nziiza who was recently voted out of NRM chairman’s office and replaced by businessman John Kintu commonly known as Agrovet asked what was DISO’s motive in tearing apart Mityana NRM leaders. Nziiza said, “It’s sad that as NRM, we have reached this level. Really, if DISO can write this against Haji Nziiza, Kiwanda, Luzige, Makumbi, and others on the list like Kabango (NRM Chairman Mityana Municipality, Bigambo (NRM Chairman Tamu Division), if he loves NRM, why didn’t he invite those leaders to settle issues on a round table?”
IN HOT SOUP: DISO Niwagaba
“Ok, if I am the problem, what crime did the others on the list commit? Don’t make yourself a saint, making others devils.” Said Nziiza in a recorded audio posted on Mityana NRM Forum. The former acting NRM Chairman of Mityana district is a reknown NRM National mobilizer although he claims, there are people who are trying to say that he is not. Nziiza is also a councilor representing East Ward in Mityana Municipality Council. He revealed that he has been working for Hon. Nabakooba and preaching her gospel but there is a clique led by one Sserumaga who are reknown supporters of Namabidde against Nabakooba, now hoodwinking the Information minister that she is their darling. “To my surprise, today we are seen as Nabakooba haters.” Noted Haji Nziiza. He said, during NRM District chairman elections, “I was fought by every one, but I kept quiet. I lost but have never revenged against any one. I am asking you, to tell every one that we have been hating Nziiza for nothing because that man only speaks the truth.” In an election held at Saza grounds in Mityana, Nziiza was beaten hands down. The winner Kintu is a businessman and proprietor of Agrovet Institute, Mityana School of Nursing and Midwifery, owns Coffee Factories, Chunks of Land etc. He however says, His woes were brought by people like the DISO. “You said I insulted the office of DISO. That was false. I only told the president what was going on, you turned against me that I was fighting you. Don’t make yourself too NRM while branding others rebels.” Nziiza told DISO.
When Nziiza met President Museveni
He requested Hon. Nabakooba, Hon. Kiwanda and Hon. Makumbi, to call for an urgent meeting that will bring NRM supporters together and settle suchmatters in time. He advised that their is need to apologise to one other and walk as a team. He prophesied that If that is not done, we are bound to see a divided NRM during elections and the party will surely lose.”Now we are tearing each other but you are all quiet, just making strategies to help you keep your positions. Come 2021 I will only campaign for those who have something to add onto president Museveni” Warned Nziiza who commands support most especially among the Banyarwanda living in Mityana.
LUZZI SPEAKS OUT Because his name appeared in DISO’s intelligence report, Abraham Luzzi who intends to contest for Mityana Municipality MP slot in the coming elections said he is also very sad on reading this leaked report. “How can Mr. DISO reduce us to crumbs? You can now see why we have been realising factions and strife amongst ourselves day by day.” Said Luzzi.
NRM TICKET BATTLE: Luzzi wants to unseat Hon. Zaake
“DISO, the deal given to you by Butebi (Hon. Zaake’s father), will be exposed. You are hired to weaken my camp and every one supporting me. You are fronting Bugembe a weak candidate who will be easily trounced by Zaake but we are closely monitoring you and you will be defeated.” Luzzi who is said to have leaked DISO’s intelligence report to NRM teams in Mityana, vowed.
MENTIONED: Tycoon Emanuel Butebi Sembuusi, MP Zaake’s father
Wilberforce Kakumba said, “DISO is a disgrace to NRM. This is what we have been telling you. More is still coming, just watch the space. DISO became one man’s campaign manager.” John Kabango said, “Does some one think all the mentioned individuals who are leaders of the party can be fooled by one man the DISO?” “Please! If so , it means then that the problem is not with these individuals but the people who voted them. And if you have the capability and the capacity to do your job,then you have a big task Mr. Right sir.” Noted Mr. Kabango wishing him well. “Am sure your accurate investigation will yield positive results for your party and hope it will make you get promotion to a higher office after all u deserve it. Be blessed.” Kabango wrote.
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EALA Legislator Susan Nakawuki who is remembered for getting involved in sex scandals when she was a member of Parliament for Busiro East in the 8th Parliament has been rejected by ruling NRM supporters in Mawokota South Constituency on whose party ticket she intends to stand! Nakuwuki who ran out of her matrimonial home that she shared with then husband Emanuel Magoola Matovu to another man shortly after she entered Ugandan Parliament, her interests in Mawokota South Constituency look to have hit a dead end. The NRM political party is unwilling to give her a ticket. Mawokota South voters accuse Nakawuki of being inconsistent, not dependable, dishonest, a serial liar and they say she is not a performer. According to a document leaked to the News Editor Media, supporters of NRM, a darling party in Mawokota South and Mpigi district at large have called FDC to come for their lost member, for they don’t have her ticket. “We hear about rumours that Susan Nakawuki wants NRM ticket to contest for Mawokota South MP in 2021.” Reads the NRM supporters’ document, adding, “We are advising her to try else where. In Mpigi, leaders in our party are tried and tested first. Apart from reading about how Nakawuki has been changing men like clothes and shifting from Constituency to Constituency, she has no track record in NRM.” All political indicators show, NRM is maintaining their danger man Hon. John Bosco Lubyayi Seguya who is the reigning Mpigi district NRM chairman.
Hon. Lubyayi (right) receiving chief guest Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kuteesa during St. John Bosco Buwama Catholic Church construction fundraising function. Kuteesa contributed 10M and 100 Iron sheets
DETAILS Suzan Nakawuki started her political journey in 2006 when she was elected Busiro East MP on FDC ticket. Her campaigns were bankrolled by businessman Magoola Matovu, the father of her first children. Before that, Nakawuki had introduced Magoola to her parents in Nakabago, in Mukono district. She told Magoola that was her parents’ home. A few years into this marriage, Nakawuki divorced her husband and ran off with another man. On realizing that Busiro East will not vote her back to Parliament in 2011 due to her unexemplary conduct and failure to represent her constituents, Nakawuki shifted to Masaka Municipality where she contested. FDC did not give Nakawuki a ticket so she decided to contest as an independent in a Constituency where she was less known. From day one, Masaka people refused to be fooled. They rejected Nakawuki’s bid, performing the worst in the race of five candidates, an election won by Hon. Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba. Voters there regarded Nakawuki an opportunist and a stranger with no attachment to Masaka. After this embarrassment, Nakawuki vowed never to return to Masaka politics. In 2012, she went for East African politics as an independent and elected EALA MP until 2017. During this time, she snatched another man one John Chrysostom Nsambu who had also lost 2011 elections in Bukoto East in Masaka. She introduced him to her parents this time in Buganga in 2014. Nakawuki has two children with this second man. For starters, Nsambu, Nakawuki’s new catch insulted His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda when this faded politician said he will never pay allegiance to Kabaka, because they are both men with red blood. This angered Kabaka’s subjects and they shunned Nsambu when he contested on NRM ticket during Bukoto South by election won by then DP Secretary General Matia Birekeraawo Nsubuga (late). Up to date, Buganda people have never forgiven Nsambu. In 2017, Nakawuki was voted again to EALA and her term will end in 2022, a year after Uganda elections. This means, she is still EALA MP for two and half years. Quoting articles of East African Legislative Assembly Election Act 2011 (section 7) subsection 3 a,b,c,d, Mawokota South voters ask, “Now will she represent two constituencies, Mawokota South and EALA? Let her concentrate on EALA, she shouldn’t waste her time here. We will not vote for her.” Nakawuki has been MP for 15 years. Changing parental homes from Nakabago in Mukono, to Buganga and now to Mawokota where she doesn’t have even a boy’s quarter, voters say they can’t be duped by Nakawuki. They advise her to return to Busiro East or Masaka Municipality. “How can you alledge that you were born in Mawokota after telling a different story to the people of Masaka Municipality and Busiro East? Asked Fred Mulindwa.
GENEROUS: Hon. Lubyayi handing over a brand new Bajaj motorbike to Kayabwe, Nkozi Hospital Stage boda boda riders.
Lubyayi’s supporters say, their man is still around and will resoundingly sail through and be handed the party ticket. Let’s watch the space!
In Part II of this story, we will into camps of all Mawokota South 2021 MP contenders. For comments on this story, you can also send us an sms on 0792 735159
RESCUED: Ugandans who were stranded abroad due to Covid-19 lockdown disembarking from Uganda Airlines at International Airport Entebbe yesterday night
NEWS EDITOR
THE MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs has assured stranded Ugandans abroad due to Covid 19 pandemic who wants to return back home that it is the Uganda Government’s task, so let them be patient. During a press update at International Airport Entebbe about the reparation of stranded Ugandans abroad, Ambassador Alfred Nnam the spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Uganda Government is committed to bring back all Nationals who want to return. This came after a total of 221 persons were repatriated yesterday aboard Uganda Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. A total of 150 persons aboard Ethiopian Airlines were yesterday (Thursday), brought back home. These were from Cairo (Egypt), Rome (Italy), London (UK), Copenhagen (Denmark), Ireland and Iceland. They were a total of 150 persons.
WE ARE BACK: Ugandans disembarking from Ethiopian Airlines yesterday evenning. They were received by Amb. Alfred Nnam and Mr. Moses Kalule Kasujja from ministry of Foreign Affairs
“On this flight“, Revealed Ambassador Nnam, “Are two prominent people. The Paramount Chief of Acholi Rwot David Onen Lawirwodi Acana II and Prof. Francis Omaswa, a reknown Cardiologist both on a flight from London (UK).” Rwot II, the cultural head of Acholi and all persengers on the plane were sent into quarantine for 14 days to ascertain whether they are Covid-19 negative before giving them a green light to live normally in their communities.
ACHOLI CHIEF IS BACK: Rwot David Onen II (centre) received by Amb. Nnam (right) and Moses Kalule Kasujja (Left)
Flanked by Mr. Cornwell Muleya, the acting Chief Executive Officer Uganda National Airlines Company and Mr. Moses Kasujja Moses Kalule an official from Foreign Affairs ministry, Ambassador Nnam told media that the operation which started on 22nd June 2020 to bring back Ugandans who were stranded abroad because of the covid- 19 pandemic has continued. Addressing media on June 23rd 2020, State Minister for Foreign Affairs also in charge of Internal Relations Okello Oryem said, “The Ministry registered stranded persons and by the end of March 2020, up to 2,392 persons stranded in 66 countries around the world had been registered. On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel corona virus (COVID-19) a global pandemic and also expressed concern that many countries were not doing much to halt the spread. “As a measure to forestall a possible outbreak of COVID-19 in Uganda, His Excellency the President, on Saturday 21st March 2020, announced the immediate closure of Uganda’s international borders and of the international airport in Entebbe, effective midnight on Sunday 22nd March 2020.” Read Minister Okello Oryem Statement. He said, while these interventions were timely and done in the best interest of the country, they also created a parallel problem whereby several Ugandans who had traveled abroad on short visits for business, medical treatment, tourism and other valid reasons got stranded either in the countries which they were visiting or in transit countries as they traveled back home. In December 2019, the World Health Organization China country office confirmed the discovery of a new respiratory pathogen that they named ‘the Novel Coronavirus or N-COV in Wuhan City, Chinese province of HUBEI. By early February 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs begun receiving distress calls from parents of Ugandan students in Wuhan, China who were concerned about the threat of the spreading new disease and the difficulties that their children faced under the lockdown. They demanded evacuation of their children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting through the Embassy in Beijing quickly reached out to the students to provide psychosocial support.
Ugandans at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday waiting to be returned home
Additionally, the ministry initiated consultations within the national taskforce on COVID-19, which agreed to provide financial assistance to the students and not to evacuate them since the latter would expose them to infection. The financial package was delivered through the Embassy and the students have since resumed studies. None of them fell sick. On other distressed Ugandans abroad, the Ministry said, “It is important to clarify that there are other Ugandans who have recently fallen into distress abroad as an after effect of the pandemic but are not necessarily stranded.” “You will recall the various calls for evacuation of Ugandans from Guangdong province where the city of Guangzhou is located after reports of Africans being harassed by the Chinese.” Said Minister Oryem adding that, “My Ministry working closely with other African Governments immediately engaged the Chinese authorities on this matter which had actually arisen from a miscommunication among the local authorities about how to handle foreign nationals as they control the spread of the corona virus.” He revealed that, “This matter was quickly resolved through our joint effort and the feedback that we are getting from many of these Ugandans in Guangzhou is that they are not part of the registered 2,392 who consider themselves stranded and asking to be returned home.” “Many have since gone back to their work and we are grateful to the Chinese government and our African colleagues for managing this problem.” Said Okello. On facilitating the return of the stranded Ugandans, the minister said, having registered the stranded persons and also taken note of the fact that the country has now built some considerable capacity to control the spread of the virus, the Ministry recommended to Cabinet to allow the stranded nationals to begin returning home in a phased manner which was subsequently approved. This meant that all the concerned MDAs would have to be ready to receive these returnees. The airport would have to be prepared to comply with WHO and MOH social distancing standards. Testing would have to be done on arrival. Quarantine facilities would have to be prepared and all the frontline workers would have to be well equipped with PPEs. The Ministry recently issued standard guidelines to all Missions on the conduct of the exercise. The flights are specially arranged by our Embassies abroad for the repatriation exercise and therefore Entebbe airport is not yet open to commercial passenger flights.
RETURNED: Prof. Francis Omaswa (centre) received by Amb. Nnam and Kalule Kasujja from Foreign Affairs ministry
“We are also taking advantage of flights coming into the country to evacuate nationals of other countries. Some of the returnees are also arranging for their own flights which governments is clearing.” Said Hon. Oryem.
AMBASSADOR NNAM MEDIA UPDATE In a Press briefing yesterday night, Foreign Affairs ministry Spokesman Ambassador Nnam commended departments that have been coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enable Ugandans return home. These include; Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Internal Affairs (Immigration) and the Civil Avaiation Authority (CAA) and also the operators of Airlines which led by Uganda Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and other International Airlines have participated in bringing back Ugandans. “There has been a very strong coordination of these Ministries. It is true, this is a delicate nature of the operation but so far, everything is moving on very well.” Said Ambassador Nnam in a press briefing attended by Ms. Shilah Ajok the Principle Public Affairs officer of the CAA, Martha Okumu Ringa, Mr. Richard Opio. He told media that, so far, we have received or we have operated Seven Airlines. We started with Turkish Airlines on the 22nd June 2020 followed by Tarco Airlines, a flight which came in from Khartoum on the 23rd. “On the same day, we got a fright from Amsterdam that brought our Nationals from the Netherlands and Belgium. On the 28th we got a flight from Afghanistan bringing a total of 91 persons and on the 30th, we got a flight from Mumbai (India) which brought about 26 Ugandans.” Said Foreign Affairs ministry Spokesman.
From Left: The Acholi Paramount Chief David Rwot Onen Acana II, Ambassador Julius Peter Moto, Uganda High Commissioner UK and Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa at Heathrow Airport moments before departure to Uganda on July 01 st 2020
Later in evenning, Uganda Airlines flew back home 71 persons from Southern Africa. They were picked from from Eswatin, Lesotho, Botswana, 14 from Zambia and 57 from South Africa. “By the end of the week, we expect to have received 9 Airlines. The two additional, will be coming in today and on Saturday,” said Ambassador Nnam. Today, ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive a flight of Fly Dubai, from the United Arab Emirates. It is going to ferry in 291 persons. Tomorrow on the June 4th 2021, another flight from New Delhi India will bring home 150 Ugandans. “So by the end of this week we shall have received nine flights and 853 Ugandans. The other subsequent flights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will communicate to the public once they have been cleared.” Said Foreign Affairs Ministry.
WE WILL FLY HOME MORE UGANDANS-UGANDA AIRLINES BOSS Speaking during the media update yesterday night at Entebbe International Airport, Mr. Cornwell Muleya said, “Uganda Airlines was set up for such a time as this when there is need to deal with real issues regarding travel and connectivity.” “The National carrier is supposed to come in and be counted in such a situation. Ugandans are reaping the benefits of their investment at this particular time.” Uganda Airlines boss told media adding that, “Today it’s a joyous day for all of us and we believe that the service we are giving to our people is a welcome one and fitting in the role that we are play in the economy and the social life of Ugandans.”
ON DUTY: Uganda Airlines officials, Ministry of Foreign Affairs receive Ugandans yesterday night at Entebbe Airport
Mr. Deo Nyanzi, Manager Sales & Marketing Uganda Airlines, in an interview told News Editor Media that, “Uganda Airlines has taken part in the repatriation announced by Uganda Government. We will continue to rescue our Nationals and very soon, we will announce which other countries we will go to, in order to fly back stranded Ugandans.” Asked whether they are flying back Ugandans for free, Mr. Nyanzi said that is impossible. He said they pay since its a chartered flight but at a subsidised fee. It should be remembered that Commercial flights are not working.
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When HE President Museveni congratulated FUFA as proposed by the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development as one the organizations that put to best use Government funds.
OBITUARY
ON TUESDAY 30th June 2020, I woke up to a text message from someone on the bedside of Col. Bell communicating the passing on of the decorated Soldier. It was just a few minutes from the moment he breathed his last. “Afande is gone” that was all in the message. Agonising news but it was the reality. Although I had heard about a football enthusiastic military man who owned Victors foot ball club, I first physically met Brigadier General Tushabe Jackson Bell on the 17th of December 2005. Then popularly known as Col. Bell (Afande), his first words to me were, “Anatunda omupiira kati sasi”, literally meaning, whoever sells a match will now be shot dead; of course humourous and joking as he always was. We had just been appointed members of the Executive Committee of FUFA by Dr. Mulindwa in his maiden term as FUFA President. In the first Executive committee of FUFA, Bell was appointed Chairman of the Competitions Committee and I was appointed the secretary of the Competitions Committee. He became my boss by default. The Secretary Competitions Committee was one of the most demanding and yet powerful positions in football then and our revolution was to clean up competitions that had gone to the dogs with match fixing and hooliganism. I was not yet 30 years and was still an active footballer. I signed my own player license on behalf of FUFA for 2 seasons before a coup was arranged by Mr. Mugisha to stop me from playing (A story for another day). The success we made to restore the integrity and improvement of competitions had a great input of both Col Bell and Dr. Mulindwa as my bosses. Young, naive, innovative, fearless, very energetic with passion to organise fair competitions, I took the bull by its horns. I definitely stepped on many toes and created a new normal. Col Bell, my chairman provided me with all the support and cover I needed. I can confidently say I am the administrator that I am today because I was groomed and allowed to blossom by Col. Bell and of course Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa. Col Bell was my chairman for 6 years and he accommodated my mistakes, directed me where I was going off rail and protected me where I was right against many. There is a time, Bunamwaya FC (the club owned by then FUFA President) used a player with a red card and the committee had to take the decision to deduct 6 points. Of course the likes of Haruna Kyobe could not believe this but when I explained the rules to Col. Bell, he called Dr. Mulindwa and explained it to him. I met the FUFA President and the best interest for the game was to implement the rules. It sounds easy after but not a simple thing then. These 2 gentlemen allowed me to implement the rules. One other incident, Victors FC used a player with three (3) cards inadvertently against Express FC and at that time Express could be relegated so the rules would require that three points be awarded to Express FC. I explained to my 2 bosses that no one would ever believe that this was inadvertent. I suggested we wait to take the decision and stretch Express FC to fight for its survival on the pitch for the integrity of the Competitions. Another hard and risky one but my 2 seniors believed and supported me and Express FC fought on the pitch up to even winning the Uganda Cup that season. There are countless incidents that Col. Bell stood up for me. Most notable when the big clubs wanted me to be removed from the powerful position of Competitions Secretary because I did not offer preferential treatment they always enjoyed before. For example, on behalf of the committee;
(1) I had warned and denied KCC FC leave to use Owen Kasule with three (3) yellow cards having accumulated 2 in the lower league and one (1) in KCC FC as prohibited by the rules.
(2) I had denied SC Villa’s outside the window registration of Ibrahim Kongo as prohibited by the rules.
(3) I had ordered the replay of Express FC without fans in the morning at Nakivubo and enforced it for the first time in reaction to a match aborted by hooliganism in accordance with the prevailing rules then.
The clubs thought I was being too much but Col. Bell put down his foot that I can only leave if he is leaving too. And the clubs had to accept the status quo. About 2011, Col. Bell became ill and could no longer execute his football roles and was eventually replaced by Mr. Issa Magoola as I was promoted to become the FUFA Vice President-Administration. We have since been chatting, talking and sometimes visiting him and he was as jolly as always. He always said “Va ku basiru abo” literally meaning ignore those people. Into his last days, he was always listening to radio programmes of sports and you would be shocked how current he was. I can write about Col Bell until the cows come home but what a disciplinarian yet humanitarian administrator he was. He loved football, he loved Victors FC, he loved his family. Credit or Fault Col. Bell and Dr. Mulindwa for the football administrator I have become that you love or hate. My boss has always been a great battler winning many wars; he has fought a great battle for his life for the last 10 years and for me despite the pain of losing our loved one, it has been a battle he has won. I thank the family particularly auntie Victors and Benjamin Jamhuri for the support to our friend, our father, our brother as the football family. Go rest my boss, it is just your time now and it is the decision of God that is never wrong. All of us will join you one day, it is a matter of time. On my own behalf and that of the football family, we deliver our condolences to the family, the football fraternity, and the UPDF
EMBATTLED Moses Kanuniira Atwine yesterday wrote to top managers at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), indicating that he, would not renew his contract as Director Physical Planning. In his leaked letter titled, ‘End of my local contract as Director Physical Planning’, Mr. Atwine wrote, “I am very pleased and delighted to salute you all as I conclude my tour of duty.” He was appointed by President Museveni as the Director Physical Planning at KCCA on May 10th 2017, a position he has held on contract for 3 years. Every one would expect Atwine to renew his contract, not to throw in the towel like he has done! What has caused this? We will come back to this later! Atwine was part of the transformation team since 2012 and has raised through the ranks beginning as Manager, then Deputy Director, Acting Director Physical Planning at KCCA to substantive Director Physical Planning. The Directorate of Physical Planning Atwine has resigned is one of the ten Directorates at KCCA. Others are; Treasury Services, Engineering and Technical Services, Public Health Services and Environment, Education and Social Services, Legal Affairs, Revenue Collection, Internal Audit , Gender Community Services, Production Directorate and Office of the Executive Director. The Physical Planning Directorate is responsible for planning, designing and managing City Physical infrastructure including zoning, land sub-division and demarcating areas for development. This Directorate guides the Authority on the urban design, infrastructural improvement and land development in the City. The Directorate also cooperates with adjoining districts, municipalities or town authorities such as Kira, Mukono and Wakiso to ensure coherent policies across administrative boundaries.
BACK TO ATWINE’S RESIGNATION: FIGHTING ENG. KITAKA Insiders say, Atwine’s resignation is highly connected to the disappointment his people got, when President Museveni rejected him for KCCA top job and instead identified Madam Dorothy Kisaka, the new Executive Director. “They fought Acting ED Eng. Andrew Mubiru Kitaka, plotting against him not to be named substantive Executive Director. These people wanted it for their man. Now the bid is lost, no wonder, Atwine had to leave.” Quoted source. Insiders say, his supporters made it hard for Acting ED Eng. Andrew Mubiru Kitaka to steer KCCA, frustrating him, thinking, the president will appoint their man, for the top job of Executive Director.
Eng. Kitaka (with other directors) speaking during the East African Local Authorities Sports and Cultural Association (EALASCA) Games hopted by Kampala.
It’s believed, this clique used their State House connections and were heard everywhere telling whoever cared to listen how Kitaka was to handover ED office to Atwine. However, they were shocked when President Museveni recommended a ‘Born Again’ lady, Madam Dorothy Kisaka for this juicy job, not their man Moses Kunaniira Atwine. It is suspected that, on learning that the battle is lost, a disappointed Atwine considered leaving KCCA for other assignments.
‘FAKE’ ACADEMIC PAPERS Last year, Justice Ralph Ochan, Chairperson The Public Service Commission, a body mandated to recruit all civil servants in the country, admitted that Moses Atwine was illegally recruited as the Director in charge of Physical Planning at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
Moses Atwine
He was appearing before Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises chaired by Kawempe South legislator Mubarak Munyagwa. On July 2nd 2019, Mr. Moses Atwine had appeared before COSASE to defend his academic papers. Atwine sweated plasma in Parliament when COSASE committee members grilled him on how he got a job in KCCA yet his academic documents were not adding up. He laboured to convince the legislators that he was identified by the President. By the time Parliament exposed Atwine, he was positioning himself as the best candidate for Executive Director’s job after the post fell vacant on the resignation of KCCA iron lady Jennifer Ssemakula Musisi. Because the Public service commission assured Parliament that no contract will be renewed without taking back all KCCA staff for thorough interviews, this might have caused Atwine to leave before he is exposed more.
ATWINE’S LETTER TO KCCA MANAGERS IN DETAIL Dear All, Greetings, I am very pleased and delighted to salute you all as I conclude my ‘tour of duty’ as Director Physical Planning at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) which has been running for the past three (3) years. Prior to the above 3-year contract, I was privileged to be part of the transformation team at KCCA for another four and a half (4.5) years; i.e. from December 2012 till June 2017. I wish to express my profound gratitude to H.E The President of the Republic of Uganda for the confidence and trust conferred unto me to serve in his government through KCCA during this period of transformation. Prior to joining KCCA in 2012, I worked in several other reputable organizations, including Makerere University-Kampala and a number of USAID funded projects. While at Makerere University, I was teaching in the (then) Department of Urban and Regional Planning for close to seven years [2001-2007]. During this teaching period, I taught and supervised a number of planning students’ studio workshops and terminal research projects all focusing on various cosmopolitan urban planning themes. Fortunately, the current stock of 15 physical planners at KCCA, 13 of them were my former University students, whom I have had the privilege of working with as colleagues. During my tour of duty at KCCA City Hall for the past 7.5 years in total, I have been privileged to oversee and spearhead a number of projects and sector reforms within KCCA especially those provided for in KCCA’s Strategic Plan, the Kampala Institutional & Infrastructure Development Project (KIIDP-II) as well as the Kampala Physical Development Plan (KPDP) 2013. During this same period, I have learnt quite a lot (not without challenges) in dealing with a number of routine cosmopolitan issues, which are not only characteristic of Kampala Capital City. As a team leader, I have mentored and guided staff under my supervision to the best of my ability in the period under review. Achievements include supporting staff development in pursuance of further studies where some have attained scholarships on merit, professional registration as Planners, Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and some Lawyers. This gives me personal satisfaction that I have contributed to the career betterment of these individuals without putting my knee on their neck. Relatedly, I have been closely working with the Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development in support of the new Land Information System managed by Ministerial Zonal office (MZO) housed at KCCA. My effort has been dedicated to fast-tracking and streamlining the available services relating to land administration and registration transactions, which include; land titling, land transfers, mortgage registration, caveat lodging, land sub-divisions, amalgamation, fresh leases, lease extensions, to mention but a few. For the record, I have been working diligently in safeguarding KCCA as an institution from any nugatory liabilities that could arise from any physical planning related litigation cases. I have personally attended court sessions as a state witness in defense of the Authority in some of the litigious cases against KCCA. I have successfully participated in a number of technical meetings organized by Government of Uganda and the respective MDAs with a view to addressing or/and implementing a number of policy issues ranging from cabinet decisions, inter-agency mandates, government programs and other statutory compliance issues. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Government of Uganda and all development partners (both local & international) who have supported KCCA thus far in its endeavor to improve its effectiveness in service delivery. With their unwavering support, Government (through KCCA) has made great strides in improving the city’s socio-economic transformation agenda in a number of areas in the past 9 years. Whereas the list may be long, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the following development partners; especially, the World Bank, African Development Bank (ADB), USAID, EU, JICA, KOICA, GIZ, AFD, DFID, ESRI, Bill & Melinda Gates, the Indian Women Association, to mention but a few. I have personally cherished the esteemed partnership and the continued development support they extend to KCCA through the Government of Uganda. In a special way, I wish to appreciate our political leaders, the Hon. Ministers for Kampala Capital City Authority & Metropolitan Affairs (past and present), the Lord Mayor, the Hon. Councilors, for their cooperation and support during my tenure. I wish to pledge my continued commitment to further maintain the cordial working relationship (in my next assignment/ deployment) as we continue building our country.
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YESTERDAY night, Uganda Police Force (UPF) released on bail opposition member of Parliament for Makindye West Constituency Allan Ssewanyana who was brutally arrested for blocking eviction of his people. The incident happened at Kyengeza, Munyonyo market which was demolished by National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) where the legislator had visited to see how he can help his people.
Police officers forcefully arrest MP Ssewanyana
The MP was instead arrested like a chicken thief and forced into a NEMA police van which whisked him away to Nateete Police Station. From there, a case of inciting violence to public was preferred against MP Allan Ssewanyana vide Ref. 34/29/06/2020. According to a copy of release bond we have, Hon. Ssewanyana is required to appear before the OC CID Environment Police Protection Unit (EPPU) at Ministry of Water and Environment Police Station at 9:00 am on July 02nd 2020. Haruna Sebaggala and Vincent Mujjabi stood as surety. NEMA is carrying out an operation against encroachers on wetlands and as a result Kyengeza market was brought down. A number of leaders have come out to condemn an inhuman act in which police roughed up a Honourable member of Parliament who was carrying out his mandate. The video of police officers brutally arresting Hon. Sewanyana has gone viral on social media and other media platforms. A few minutes after his release, his personal aide in a telephone interview with the News Editor Media said, “The MP has been released on bond. Police officers tortured him, screwed his private parts and he is not feeling well. He is being rushed to hospital for medical check up.”
MP Ssewanyana before he was arrested
We are told, Hon. Ssewanyana is considering suing police for torturing and obstructing him while serving his people. Kampala Lordmayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago one time went through similar torture while being arrested at his Wakaliga palatial residence. He sued and is demanding over forty millions in damages. We are told, NEMA’s next operation point will be in Kansanga, in Makindye East represented by Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi, where over 150,000 residents are facing eviction. However, we have talked to some of these residents and they vowed not to leave. “We are not seated on government land. This is private mailo land. Any attempt by NEMA to illegally evict us will be blocked using all avenues.” Vowed residents. Last week, there were demonstrations in different zones after NEMA gave them 21 days to leave or be forcefully evicted. Angry people blocked roads going to the homes of Internal Affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo and Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, demanding for Justice. Deployed police was ordered to withdraw and NEMA officials took off.
Kansanga residents rioting over NEMA eviction threats
Residents have already petitioned the office of the Speaker Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. Insiders say, the extention of Entebbe Highway Express will go through these Kansanga villages and UNRA had already set July to start paying off people where the road is going to pass. “We were shocked to get NEMA notification that we leave our homes in 21 days before UNRA compensates us! Which circus is this?”Asked one Kigozi, the affected resident.
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L-R: Jason Evans (National Director for World Vision Uganda), Owek. Dr. Joyce Abaliwano Mulebeke, Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala at the signing ceremony at Bugembe
NEWS EDITOR
THE Kingdom of Busoga and World Vision Uganda on Saturday signed a 5 year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kingdom Headquarters, Bugembe to end violence in communities and child marriages. World Vision is currently operating only in Mayuge and Bugiri Districts of Busoga Kingdom. The Kingdom Premier Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala noted that the coming on board of World Vision will go a long way in addressing the plight of the marginalized members of society. “As a Kingdom, we are a home to all people within our geographical area. However, the issue of sexual and gender based violence is on the supersonic rise in the area thereby threatening efforts by the Kingdom led by the Kyabazinga to keep all girls in school”, Premier Muvawala said before challenging the top managers of the organization to establish other offices in Namayingo, Buyende, Luuka Districts that are highly hit by the targeted vices.
Group photo after the signing ceremony
He said, “We all need to cherish and promote our cultural heritage in whatever we do. To us as a cultural institution,we are committed to supporting you whenever need arises. However, as partners in development, we need to be visible at all levels. Its therefore, high time that you established several offices in the hard to reach districts with many victims”. At the same signing ceremony, the Premier also launched the 5 Year Strategic Plan for Ekigangu kya Busoga (2020/2021-2024/2025). Relatedly, the Team Leader Ekigangu kya Busoga also State Minister for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Owek. Dr. Joyce Abaliwano Mulebeke gave a chronology of events culminating into both the signing of the M.o.U and eventual launch of the 5 Year Strategic Plan highlighting the importance of using culture to end early marriages and keep girls in school. George William Nyeko-Vice Chairperson Board World Vision Uganda said that the partnership was timely. “Partnering with cultural institutions like Busoga Kingdom to address harmful social norms and practices that violate the rights of children has been our top priority. There’s no doubt that when the protective aspects of child efforts are grounded in cultural practices in the community,the impact can be far reaching and highly transformative”, he argued adding that the COVID-19 crisis has unveiled the magnitude of violence in our communities another silent pandemic that needs to be tackled. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. Currently, the organization is undertaking a 5 Year global campaign called “It takes a World” to end violence against children. Present at the joint events were Jason Evans (National Director World Vision), Irene Kagoya (Asosciate Director Advocacy), Edward Khaukha (Eastern Regional Program Area Manager), Diana Tibesigwa (Policy and Campaign’s Officer),Mathew Kok (Chief Finance Officer-Bidco Uganda Ltd), Plan International’s Carol, Owek. George William Mutyabule (Speaker Busoga Lukiiko), Owek.Florence Biruma (Deputy Speaker Busoga Lukiiko), Prince Ayub Banamwita (Hereditary Chief Butembe). Others were Ekigangu Team members that included Peter Mwanja, Sarah Awebwa, Andrew Tenywa among others. Both the launched Strategic Plan and M.o.U take immediate effect.
THOSE who spread rumours that Joel Ssenyonyi, a former NTV News anchor and now opposition People Power mouthpiece is half a man, that he fears women prophesying that he will never get married, it’s time to eat your words.
Joel and his newly wed wife
He is now an officially married man, he has exchanged wedding vows with his sexy looking fiance at a glamorous function witnessed by People Power supreme couple Barbie and Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi. A happily looking couple walked down the aisle. It isn’t known why they chose to opt for a scientific wedding, locking our thousands of their fans. The Ssenyonyis and Kyagulanyis were dressed to kill. Congratulations informed brother Joel Ssenyonyi.
UGANDA Muslim supreme council has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the world Dignity for Girls day despite the COVID19 pandemic challenge hitting the whole world. The Dignity for girls day was initiated at Uganda Muslim supreme council (UMSC) in 2018 by Hajjat Afua Sebyala and launched by His Eminence the mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje at the Council headquarters, Old Kampala. The aim is of rebuilding the dignity for girls in Uganda and the world at large especially in the times of menstrual periods. This scientific celebrations was the third since it’s inception at the National mosque in 2018 with the a huge number of girls and women attending it. The day is cerebrated every last Friday of the month of June every year. During this unique year’s cerebration yesterday, the function was attended by only 13 members in a bid to prevent the spread of the covid19 pandemic. His Eminence the mufti of Uganda sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje who was expected to grace the function, was represented by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Secretary for education Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu. In his speech, he expressed need to support the girl child and the women at large especially during the menstrual period during which many girls drop out of school in fear of being stigmatized. ‘’Women need to be supported and we are going to fix all the issues that make them not perform mostly the menstrual period which forces many to drop out of school, “ said Bakhit Cucu. Meanwhile UMSC program coordinator of the project in Uganda hajjat Afua Sebyala advised the parents to provide the girls with all the necessities during their menstrual periods like sanitary towels to help girls know that this is a normal time in a woman’s life that shouldn’t be a basis for dropping out of school. ‘’The advice I give to the parents is to prepare girls for this phase in life, help them feel appreciated and provide the girl child with the menstrual pads that they need to go through the menstrual period because many don’t know what to do and feel it is a curse.” Insisted Hajjat Afua Sebyala.
