IN a Cabinet sitting on Monday 4th November 2019, chaired by President Museveni, State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza was ruled out on the issues of Kisekka Market land saying it was leased by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to market vendors. Cabinet ruled that in any case of repossesing part of it for the development of another modern market for the ‘Wanainchi’, the rightful people will be consulted and duly compensated. This is what Namuganza and her splinter group led by Godfrey Kayita never wanted to hear about. They wanted to confiscate part of Kisekka market land worth billions. Cabinet blocked her deal. They unanimously said, this land was legally leased by the vendors and any attempt to repossess part of it, the rightful land owners must be talked to and if they agree, are compensated. Namuganza who had threatened to block development of Kisekka Market by the vendors’ leadership was beaten hands down! Before this, The learned Attorney General William Byaruhanga first wrote to ministry of Lands warning Namuganza against attempting to sabotage Kisekka market vendors project of constructing a modern market saying if vendors sue Government, this Bukono MP will be liable. Namuganza was taking sides with a section of market vendors opposition leadership and she was telling them that it’s the government which bought this land for all Kisekka market traders, which Attorney General called lies spread by the minister. In his wise counsel, Byaruhanga advised the general lands ministry to back off from Kisekka market woes warning that the Market management within the capital city is the mandate of the Kampala Capity City Authority (KCCA) and the vendors’ issues should be managed by the minister responsible for Kampala, not State lands minister Persis Namuganza. Namuganza did not know her area of jurisdiction. Being a State Lands minister, she thought she would use her office to drive home her ambitions at Kisekka market. Attorney General warned that if market vendors sue, the Minister will be liable! In his three paged legal advise to the lands ministry, Attorney General Byaruhanga wrote, “The Kampala Capital City Authority is advised to settle whatever management issues pertaining to the vendors in Kisekka Market. Lands ministry must stay away to avoid legal implications and crossing boarders.” The Attorney General legal advice came in after Kisekka Market leaders wrote to lands ministry petitioning the minister about her junior, Persis Namuganza on what they called interfearing with their project of constructing a modern market on their land that they legally leased from KCCA. They faulted Bukono MP Hon. Namuganza for leading a clique of people who they called enemies of development to sabotage the market construction by staging demonstrations claiming to have been locked outside this project yet according to the minister and her team, the market land was bought for vendors by Government. Attorney General branded this typical lies intending to mislead and disorganise Kisekka market development. In his letter which was copied to Namuganza among others, Byaruhanga advised the minister to stay away from this 1.52B land lease. Cabinet sat and agreed with Attorney General’s guidance.
DETAILS The land in question is comprised in LRV 4256 folio 8 plot 9A, Nakivubo Kisekka market. Namuganza held meetings at Kisekka market and declared a war against M/s. Nakivubo Road Old Kampala (Kisekka) Market Vendors Limited who got a lease to develop this land threatening to recall that title and put a caveat until all the vendors targeted by the president are catered for and allowed to take part in the development. This didnt go well with the traders’ Association which followed the right procedures to pay over 1.52B to win the lease offer. They reported Namuganza to then Kampala minister Beti Kamya but she instead went on a local radio and soiled KCCA minister how she cant involve herself in land matters. “These are not issues of Kampala minister. Am directly concerned, all land matters fall under my docket as the line minister. Going to Kamya is wasting time. No one can stop me from bailing out Kisekka traders who were locked out in a project blessed by my father, the president. He bought this land for all vendors, why are you locking them out?” Namuganza asked. She revealed her plans about cancelling Kisekka market lease and also take the sidelined traders to top Government officials. ” M/s. Nakivubo Road Old Kampala (Kisekka) Market Vendors Limited either have to involve these other vendors or give away the other side of the land, which isnt yet developed to them. If not, the president who bought this land for traders, will intervene.” Namuganza, who is said to be working on directions of a certain State House lady who wants Kisekka market, said. However, Attorney General warned this minister to know the repercussions if M/s. Nakivubo Road Old Kampala (Kisekka) Market Vendors Limited chooses to sue her as a person because she doesnt follow the law. Insiders say, there was a cold war going on between Namuganza and her senior ministers, taking herself to be too close to the president than any of them and for this reason, cant take their orders. Many ministers including her then immediate boss Hon. Betty Among are reportedly said to have reported her to the president for interfearing in their work.
ATTORNEY GENERAL GUIDANCE Reference is made to the letter from M/s. Nakivubo Road Old Kampala (Kisekka) Market Vendors Limited of 21st November 2016 to you and copied to me, among others. We have studied the issues raised by the Company, studied the background documents and established the facts as follows; Nakivubo Road Old Kampala (Kisekka) Market Vendors Limited Company was formed in 2007 by vendors in then Kisekka market as a vehicle mainly to acquire and develop the above reffered land. The objects, membership, governance and obligations of the members are well articulated in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of a Company. Subsequently, the Company applied to KCCA for the above which was offered to them on a sublease basis. The Company effected all the relevant payments to the tune of Ug. Shs. 1,520,000,000/= (Uganda Shillings 1 billion Five hundred, twenty million only) as premium together with annual ground rent of Ug. Shs. 76,000,000/= (Uganda Shillings Seventy six million only). The Company was given an initial lease of five years to carry out development in accordance with Architectural and building regulations, all of which the company is complying with. All payments are mobilised from members own contributions.
CABINET DECISION In a letter dated 10th December 2019 written by then Kampala minister Beti Olive Namisango Kamya to Mr. Robert Kasolo Kisembo, Kisekka market Chairman (who is being fought by Namuganza), she said, “Under minute 442 (CT 2019) 3 (17), Cabinet resolved that the Minister for Kampala Capital City & Metropolitan Affairs repossesses the undeveloped piece of land at Kisekka market for development of a modern market for the Wanainchi’ working in the market on the condition that the latter withdraw their case from Court. The rightful people will be duly compensated.”
WE DON’T HAVE VACANT LAND – KISEKKA Reacting to the cabinet decission, Kisekka market leaders said they are happy, now the propaganda spread by Namuganza team that they don’t own this land is no more, let talks begin. “We are happy the investigations by Gen. Moses Ali has found out that we truly own Kisekka market land. Those who have been spreading propaganda that we didn’t buy the land Should now lie low as an envelope.” Said Simon Peter Lubwama, Kisekka market Spokesman. He however told us, “We don’t have vacant land. According to the plan which KCCA cleared and now we are under construction, the said vacant land is part of the plan. In fact, it is the runway for cars driving to the parking at the top of the market buildings. We will meet KCCA officials and explain this because it is on the plan.” “Repossesing part of the land means changing the whole plan which is impossible and very costly. The site is already in the hands of Roko Construction and we don’t just access it. So, the deal is a bit tricky. But this place after completion, can accomodate all vendors. No cause of panic.” Said Lubwama.
BACK GROUND On 12th April, 2007, the then minister of Local Government , Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire wrote to the Town Clerk informing her that he had received a request from the Executive Committee of New Nakivubo Road (Kisekka) Market Vendors Association to develop Kisekka market in partnership with a developer of their choice, Rhino Investments Ltd. He indicated to the Town Clerk that they had no objection to their request and supported that they should have priority in developing their place of work. He requested that they be allowed to develop their market provided they fulfil the following four conditions: i, Only vendors with lock-ups and stalls should participate in the project. ii, They should present an accepted investment plan. iii, Should operate as one group to avoid a repetition of various competing groups iv, They should present a formal agreement with an investor of their choice. On 27th July 2007, the Executive Director PPDA gave a go ahead to the Town Clerk with regard to the method by which the procurement transaction was handled, stating that “Under regulation 127 (1) (b) of the Local Government (Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets) Regulations, an entity is permitted to use a method of direct negotiations with the sitting tenant as it is reasonable to give that tenant the first option to buy. The vendors in this case may be considered so long as they fulfil the council conditions and their offer is value for money. On August 22nd 2007, Kampala City Council (KCC) gave a sublease offer of land compromised on Plot 9A Kyaggwe Road commonly known as Kisekka market to Rhino Investments Ltd in a joint venture with New Nakivubo Road Market vendors Association for a period of 9years to undertake the redevelopment of Kisekka market. The Sublease was offered at a premium of Ug. Shs. 1,520,000, 000/= and ground rent of UGX 76,000,000/=, Rhino Investments Ltd. Before the Sub-lease agreement was prepared for execution, a section of market vendors rioted, protesting the re-development, resulting into vandalism. This compelled the Government to intervene by deploying the security to contain the situation and also instituted a commission of Inquiry. Following the recommendation of the commission of inquiry, on November 10th 2008, H.E the President wrote to Attorney General directing him to evaluate and compensate Rhino Investments Ltd. which had been given the sub-lease offer to redevelop Kisekka Market. In 2009, Government of Uganda compensated M/s. Rhino Investments Ltd an amount of U G X 14.9 billion on the basis that the sublease which had been given to Rhino to develop Kisekka Market by the Kampala City Council was cancelled by the Government. After the Government compensation to M/s. Rhino Limited, the land reverted to Kampala City Council and was available for leasing to the Kisekka Market vendors. From the above analysis, the land belongs to KCCA as the leasor and the Company as the lessee. There is no contention here. The company contracted M/s. Roko Construction and are in advanced stages of construction of a modern market.
Speaker Kadaga being interviewed by Meddie Nsereko at CBS
NEWS EDITOR
RT. HON. REBECCA Alitwala Kadaga speaks out about those showing interest in her seats. Without mentioning any name, the Speaker of Parliament branded them political amateurs with no experience and capacity to bring her down calling them day dreamers who will be defeated. Featuring on ‘Kkiriza oba gaana’ talk show on 89.2fm Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) radio yesterday (Thursday) night, the most powerful and influential female politician in Uganda said the position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson in NRM she is vying for requires a person with brains, exposure and competence not someone who can’t even express herself. In the two hours show moderated by veteran journalist Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba commonly known as ‘Jjogo’, Rt. Hon. Kadaga said, “In NRM, CEC is the top committee of the Party. We have National conferences and District conferences . The work of CEC is to generate views to be considered by the district conferences and others by the National conference. So, this position deserves one with brains. With my presence at CEC, it is a sure deal that views about our party will be delivered.” Bukono County MP Persis Namuganza has already shown interest in the same CEC position while in Kamuli, FDC faded politician Salaamu Musumba will contest against popular Kadaga. Speaker categorically said, those standing against her are bankrolled by her enemies in NRM. “Let them all come, I will defeat one by one.” Vowed Speaker Kadaga. In the interview, Kadaga was asked about Parliament work, her achievements as the Speaker, the row between Parliament and Executive, the issue of 10B, Landlord Vs tenants war among others.
We reproduce the full interview, word per word;
Speaker Kadaga in CBS studios
Cbs: You are most welcome Rt. Hon. Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga Kadaga: Thank you. I am also happy to be here. Good evening to you all our listeners.
Cbs: Speaker, when our people knew about your coming, they were very excited. They have issues with your Parliament, laws you pass and Kamuli politics. First in Parliament, you have been Speaker for almost 10 years. What are your achievements? Kadaga: Thank you Mr. Meddie Nsereko. We have achieved a lot. First of all, Parliament was constructed in the 1960s when Uganda was getting Independence and they stopped at the 5th floor. It has been during my leadership as the Speaker that the 6th floor was added. We are now putting up a new Parliament (building). The one where we sit was originally built to accommodate only 90 Members of Parliament but today we are more than 400. This puts your Members of Parliament at risk. I had to urgently work on a new building, a better Parliament for all MPs. When I took over speakership, I led Parliament to change Parliament committee leadership. Commitees were originally led by male MPs. I made sure that laws are amended and as we speak today 40% of the committee leaders are women. I put up the first day care center ever for breastfeeding MPs and Parliamentary staff for the safety of their children as mothers are executing their duties. I am happy that other Parliaments in the region have copied us. At the beginning of this year, we amended Local Government laws. You could find a female district councilor representing three to four sub counties yet a male counselor is representing one Sub county. We said this was unfair, that was an overload. I am happy that in the coming elections, each sub county will be represented by one female district councilor. There is also the certificate of Gender equity which I fought for. Now it is in the Public Management finance Act. This stipulates that each budget passed, must strictly indicate which funds will cater for women, men and children. This is the first world over. To me, it is a great achievement. We have done a lot but for now, let me stop at that.
Cbs: Tell us, which controversy has been passed by Parliament under your stewardship? Kadaga: Many of them. The first one is Domestic relations bill (Family law). We worked on 16 clauses and on the way, it confused us. But we expect the minister of Justice who initiated it to come back and finish it before the end of the 10th Parliament.
Cbs: Where is the problem? Kadaga: It involved too much lobbying. We decided to put it aside for a moment.
Cbs: Don’t you think madam Speaker, if this law had been passed, the too much domestic violence where people are killing each other in families would be sorted out? As a female lawyer, why don’t you work on that bill once and for all? Kadaga: It’s true domestic violence has increased. I will put it back on the order paper for the Minister of Justice who initiated it to return and we complete it. This law is urgently needed.
Cbs: Which other law was controversial? Kadaga: We have the Landlord-Tenant law. Each party had their own interests. It took us some time, however we passed it, although the President has not signed it. There is also the law on Genetic Engineering, it also involves too much lobbying.
Cbs: Rt. Hon. Speaker, you are not mentioning the amendment of Article 102 (b) to lift the Presidential Age limit! Kadaga: Yes but this wasn’t all that controversial. It didn’t involve too much lobbying.
Cbs: But it’s on record Parliament was raided by security officials, your MPs were seriously beaten, you even visited some who were bedridden at Lubaga Hospital, many were arrested and you say the Age limit bill was not all that controversial? Yet all international cameras were on Uganda and at Parliament during that time? Kadaga: It’s true Parliament was raided but it was not hard to find a solution in passing it into a law. The only area which was controversial is when the Parliamentary legal committee included the two years extension of Parliamentary tenure, which was not in the original bill.
Cbs: Who then tampered with the original bill? Kadaga: It was put in the committee report
Cbs: What is your take about the army that raided Parliament? Kadaga: It was absurd! I asked for investigations but I have never got the report.
Cbs:Who is supposed to avail you that report? Kadaga: The President. He is the Commander in Chief. I wrote to him inquiring about his men who attacked Parliament and why. I have never got a response.
Cbs: Are you still waiting for the response? Kadaga: Sometimes you have to let it go. You can’t keep on waiting all the time. You just go and do other business.
Cbs: Or you need to remind him? The president is ever busy. Kadaga: We all have other work to do.
Cbs: Parliament has passed many laws, do they represent the views of your voters? What are their effects on the ordinary person? Kadaga: It depends on which law. For instance the OTT or Exercise bill, the ordinary person feels it. Look at the Traffic and road safety Act. It’s our responsibility to enact such laws to govern the country.
Cbs: Tell us about the relationship between Parliament and the Executive Kadaga: We are moving on…..
Cbs: But we hear voices from Executive talking about you as a person Kadaga: If you are not talked about, just know you are not influential. Those talking about me do so because Rebecca Kadaga is powerful.
Cbs: Rt. Hon. Speaker, can we then believe that the relationship between the two arms of Government, Parliament and Executive is healthy? Kadaga: Well they are mandated to bring business to Parliament but if they don’t, we push them. However we are moving.
Cbs: You hosted the International Parliamentary Union (IPU). Public thinks a lot of funds were spent. How does the taxpayer benefit in such conferences? Kadaga: You see, such conferences are majorly for marketing our country. Uganda had never hosted IPU. We had it that year of the Golden Jubilee of Uganda Independence. It was so good. I want to assure you that a big number of the visitors we hosted in the 2012 conference, have kept on returning with their families for tourism. Don’t you think they come with foreign exchange? We marketed Uganda. Last year we hosted the Commonwealth conference after 52 years when we last held it here. The first one was in 1967. During my leadership, we had it again. Am sure, this marketed us more.
Cbs: Recently, traders petitioned you. How is Parliament going to help them on tax increment, URA has abnormally increased taxes and many are considering running out of business.
Kadaga: It’s true they petitioned. They brought me samples of clothes many are dealing in. The minister for Finance first told us that this move was to protect local industries but when l looked at their products, they were not made in Uganda. So there was no industry he was protecting. I met URA officials, one in charge of domestic taxes and another for customs and they also talked about protecting Uganda industries. But I reasoned that the clothes traders showed me were different. No industry here makes such products. Ours are made out of cotton, theirs are not. So we agreed, next week, I will go with these URA officials to Ham Shopping ground to see the types of clothes they are complaining about. Because the clothes I saw are not made in Uganda.
Cbs: You want to be re-elected back to NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) as the 2nd National Vice Chairperson. What is all about this position? Kadaga: In NRM, CEC is the top committee of the Party. We have National conferences and District conferences . The work of CEC is to generate views to be considered by the district conferences and others by the National conference. So, this position deserves one with brains. With my presence at CEC, it is a sure deal that views about our party will be delivered. Am convinced that I have been giving CEC views about the condition of our people.
Cbs: How have women benefited in your being No. 3 in the ruling Party? Kadaga: I am a big voice for women like the women empowerment fund, I asked how women are catered for and how we came up with that fund. I need to be in CEC for women to be fully represented. I am still around, give me more support. I have capacity and experience.
Cbs: How are the campaigns? Who are the voters? Kadaga: Campaigns are on-going, all is well. About voting, the norm of converging at Namboole every four years will not work this time round. Elections will be at the district level. Voters include leaders at the mainstream committee, Women, Men, PWDs, Entrepreneurs, workers, NRM councilors sitting in district councils, NRM flag bearers and youth leagues.
Cbs: What are your chances of winning this contest? Kadaga: My chances are very high.
Cbs: Where is your strength? Kadaga: Everywhere in Uganda. There is no part of Uganda I have not visited.
Cbs: As one of top party leaders, where do you see NRM in the coming ten years? Kadaga: We need to strengthen our structures, have activities throughout the year not only during election time. The Party must have life.
Cbs: What is your view about increasing numbers of MPs? Will there be time for every member to be on the floor? Kadaga: They have to use the available time to deliver the views of the voters. Under the multi party dispensation, parties identify who will represent them on the floor, most especially those with expertise on that very issue. But you find that everyone wants to talk. So we give you strictly three minutes to deliver your message. About new constituencies, it’s you people asking for them. You also ask for new districts. What follows, you sit in your district council and pass resolutions and forward them to the Local government minister.
Cbs: We in Buganda have been asking ourselves, how we wronged you that you don’t give us new constituencies like in Wakiso. Kadaga: Did you ask for any? Those who asked am sure were considered. Why didn’t the Wakiso district council show interest? Even in Kampala, many divisions didn’t not show interest. Then what did you expect me to do? In fact resolutions come from district councils to the local government minister, then to Cabinet and finally to the Speaker. I come last. Ask your leaders, why didn’t they follow that process? Who blocked them?
Cbs: Are you returning as Kamuli district Woman MP in 2021? Kadaga: Yes
Cbs: Why stand in affirmative, why don’t you contest against men if you are that powerful? Kadaga: Affirmative has no meaning. I represent 16 Sub counties. Each constituency has three Sub counties. Mine is 16. And you think winning it is that easy?
Cbs: But why don’t you leave Kamuli Woman MP seat and you stand for a bigger position? Kadaga: I have already told you, a Constituency has three sub counties but a district like the one I represent has 16 sub counties. Of the two, which is bigger?
Cbs: We are aware, there are those who are interested in your seat Kadaga: Let them come.
Cbs: Is it true, in NRM there is a clique fighting you and it is responsible for bankrolling opposition figures who want to stand against you in Kamuli? Kadaga: It’s true. But I am not worried at all. Am strong like anyone sleeping on the floor. Because you can’t fall.
Cbs: Why are they fighting their own? Kadaga: They fear me
Cbs: They are looking at how they can chase you? Kadaga: (Laughter) They will never manage.
Cbs: From where do you get that confidence? Kadaga: My people. That is why I have told you, let them come, I will defeat their mission.
Cbs: How do you see Uganda in general as the country heads to 2021 polls? Where do you see Uganda after the elections? Kadaga: The country will be peaceful and we shall continue serving our people. We will put more emphasis on facilities and infrastructure. Put up more industries to create more jobs and also work on marine transport.
Cbs: What is Kamuli people’s source of income? Kadaga: Farmers. They are generally in Agriculture planting maize, coffee, sugarcane etc. We have very few industries.
Cbs: Do they have markets? Kadaga: Sudan, Kenya and our local markets.
Cbs: The education standard in Kamuli is low. What is that attributed to. Kadaga: I don’t think it’s that low. We have put in more effort. From 2018, we identified schools which performed poorly in Busoga and we took back our teacher for refresher courses and am happy that in 2019, our schools performed better. We have to look at the distances from homes to schools because long distances affect the students and their teachers. But things are getting better.
Cbs: Busoga region has political camps. What is the cause? Kadaga: I think it’s uniform, not only in Busoga.
Cbs: There are some leaders in Busoga who don’t like you. How did you wrong them? Kadaga: I think you better ask them
Cbs: Rt. Hon. Speaker, there is an issue about the NSSF bill. Workers want their money. Kadaga: The report is complete and already considered on the order paper. I am expecting the line minister on Tuesday to bring the second reading, they read out the report and we see what to do. I will make sure that it’s ready, I will immediately.
Cbs: Say something about Ugandans abroad who want to exercise their right and take part in elections and also those ones in prisons? Kadaga: In February as Parliament we had moved on positively but the minister asked for more time to consult the cabinet. I think it is their right to vote for their leaders. The idea has not received favor but am sure, in the coming elections after this of 2021, they will be considered.
Cbs: Apart from the office of the Speaker, what have you done as an individual? Kadaga: I started working even before I became an MP. I was the President of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA). It’s me who started legal Aide service in 1988 and it’s now all over Uganda giving legal Aid, giving free legal services. For 23 years I have been on a campaign in Sebei and Karamoja against female genital mutilation. I have that campaign annually. I have worked with the President and put up schools where we keep girls during that season of FGM. Some are in Buko, Karamoja and Amudat. It’s a very great contribution. Even in Education, I have made sure that constructed schools have sanitation facilities and water. So to our people with disabilities. Every market constructed we make sure to have a day care center. On roads, there must be facilities like Mirembe at Nkozi. For quite a long time, I have been campaigning for water ambulances on Islands. The minister has assured me, they will be bought and launched in September. About communication, I have kept on asking the ministry of information to put transmitters for our people in Sebei and Karamoja to follow what’s going on in Uganda because they only get signals of neighboring Kenya yet they are part of us. Am happy, Hon. Minister Nabakooba has responded positively.
Cbs: And in Kamuli, your constituency? Kadaga: Yes, I have bought mattresses for all hospitals both government and private in Kamuli district. This term, I have worked on boarding schools. We have constructed four dormitory buildings which will accommodate about 400 students. And I have put beds. We have built one at Bulopa SS, Luzinga SS and Namasagali. What we have not sorted out, are the Tertiary institutions. Look at Makerere University, since 1922, it has only Mary Stuart Hall for girls but for male students they are six. Meaning, 600 male students will enroll for University a year against only 100 female students because they have nowhere to reside. So I have been on a campaign for all tertiary institutions and Universities in Uganda to change their mindset and add facilities. We approved a loan for technical institutions and we got one in Kamuli. I thought it was all fine. But when I went there, I was shocked to find out that girls were not catered for. I asked myself, how could the Education ministry approve this without catering for girls. In Makerere, girls walk at night to their hostels from the Library while male students are residents sleeping in halls like Nkuruma, University Hall, Lumumba, Mitchel and others, inside the campus. In Kamuli, I have worked on clean water. The clean water initiative has benefited even neighboring districts. Our main hospital got machines and other facilities that i lobbied from the USA through UNAA.
Cbs: When will Parliament pass a law protecting men against violence from women? You are a senior lawyer, we also need protection from you ladies? Kadaga: The affected men should report any violence case infringed to them by women. Police will handle it. I think our societies also need counselling.
Cbs: Our teachers are suffering and we have cases of those setting themselves ablaze. Any hope to open up schools this soon? Kadaga: That is not for Parliament. Yes I get petitions and forward them to either to The President, to the ministry of Education or to the Task force. We have been told about money to be given to private school teachers. I really don’t know which criteria they will follow.
Cbs: The parliamentary scorecard was released showing the best and worst performers in Parliament. Is there any way this report helps you in your leadership at Parliament? Kadaga: I am not satisfied with that assessment. I think the better assessment would be about Parliament as a whole. Because we all have constitutional responsibilities. Like how many laws have we passed, did we approve the budget, did we supervise how funds were spent. I think they would look at our mandate. Because you may find active MPs in the plenary, others in committees, MPs have different capacities. Better if they had judged Parliament as a whole. This individual assessment has issues.
Cbs: We are going back to the polls in 2021. Advise our listeners on which kind of MP they should vote. Kadaga: Let them send the one who can perfectly articulate issues, one who can deliver their views. Vote your voice and who can lobby for you.
Cbs: Did you drop the idea of extending Parliament term from five to seven years? Kadaga: Constitutional court ruled against that. It has financial implications but when the government brings it back, we will debate over it.
Cbs: In 2021 polls, new political parties like Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), National Unity Platform (NUP) are likely to produce a good number of Members of Parliament. Will they be considered for IPOD and Leader of Opposition? Kadaga: Definitely they will. Just like JEEMA’s Asuman Basalirwa is a member of IPOD.
Cbs: About these MPs defecting from political parties, how are you considering them like those who defected from FDC to NUP? Kadaga: They did it within the law.
Cbs: What have you got to say about Stranded Ugandans abroad? Kadaga: You need to thank Parliament. At the break of Covid-19, the Government closed all entry points. But later Parliament said no, our people must come back home on all costs. I am happy, repatriation is on-going.
Cbs: There is a question about Sugar cane prices and I know, most of your farmers in Kamuli are affected. Kadaga: What I can say, I fought and won the Zoning war. Millers had lied to the government that Sugar canes are not enough, so they should not allow one moving from one place to the other. Zoning was kicked out of the Sugar cane bill. We agreed with the President that our ordinary people are given a Sugar factory. This is what we are working on. Thirdly, we agreed to have incubation centers within all Busoga districts starting with Luuka and Kamuli. The incubation centers are for value addition. Like making sugarcane juice, papers, charcoal, syrup and we get markets. Later, other districts will also get incubation centers. What I have personally done, I have sourced Atiak Sugar factory investor to buy Sugarcane stems (seeds) from Kamuli and our people are earning. We now need to sort out the Permit issue because local people get issues while selling their Sugarcanes . They are required to have permits.
Cbs: When is the International Airport opening up? Kadaga: Today we were debating about Tourism in Uganda and how we can again boost Tourism in the country after the Coronavirus outbreak. Deputy Prime minister Moses Ali will deliver to Cabinet a report about reopening Entebbe Airport and on Tuesday, he will report back to the Parliament. Am sure, any time, business will be back to normal. Hoping the science people won’t block it.
CALLERS:
Makolo Kavuma: Rt. Hon. Speaker Ugandans in Diaspora through Musa Mujoba who is the President Uganda Whistle Blowers Association petitioned you to allow them elect their MPs. What have you got to say? Secondly, after serving in almost all party positions, why don’t you this time contest for NRM Chairman seat? Kadaga: The diaspora issue is still tricky. Who will elect this MP and how will he or she be reporting? You are seated in Kampala but your voters are in diaspora? The law doesn’t even allow us to have MPs who don’t live in Uganda. About why Iam not contesting for NRM Chairman, it’s me deciding where to stand. It is not a public issue.
Sauti ya Taifa, Lwengo: Speaker, why did you defend the UGX 10B give away to MPs yet the President protested it? Kadaga: Government budgeted for Wakiso and Kampala food. We told them that lockdown is affecting all Ugandans. We couldn’t believe that those affected are only in Kampala and Wakiso. Bodaboda riders in Kitgum, Busia, Kisoro, etc. We wanted everyone to be given food. Government refused. According to the Supplementary budget catering for KCCA, Ministry of Health, Security, putting up billboards and these wanted 11 billions and we asked, if people are in their homes, who will then read billboards in towns? We rejected the deal. The 10 billion that had been given to MPs was to enable legislators to buy food to the starving electorates. To me it was a wonderful move and you needed to thank us.
‘Major’ Umar from Bugoloobi: I come from NRM but am not happy over the way opposition meetings are blocked yet our leaders in the ruling Party are openly violating Covid -19 guidelines on meetings. On winning them in 2021, wont they say the game wasn’t free and fair? Kadaga: It’s unfortunate but we have always cautioned those leaders violating the given guidelines.
Bakikakase: Teachers are in acute poverty. How are you bailing them out Kadaga: I have told you, all the petitions I got I gave them to the ministry. My teachers in Kamuli recieved food through the task force.
Sulaiman Gita: When will places of worship open? Kadaga: After Martyrs’ day, I met Archbishop Dr. Steven Kaziimba Mugalu and other religious leaders asking the government to lift the ban. They had an idea of organizing prayers for a few people. I went and talked to the president. But Science people advised him not to open up. The Science people are the problem. Even after lifting the ban on bodabodas, we had to first raise our voices.
Badru Kawooya: We are facing a problem of landlords and Bank loans. How is the Parliament helping? Kadaga: The Finance minister told us how the Bank of Uganda wrote to all commercial banks ordering them not to charge interest for the period people were locked up in their homes. I asked the minister to present the instrument from the Bank of Uganda sent to banks. I have never looked at it. Hoping it wasn’t just oral communication. We will however put pressure to the minister to walk the talk. Secondly, they got money from European Union to bail out people in countries affected by Covid-19. We want to know how this stimulus package will reach the affected people.
Wamala, Nakwaya: Kiboga district is small but a new constituency has been formed. Kadaga: True. Some sub counties will be represented by different MPs
Luba Kyoya: What is your take about over 500 MPs in the 11th Parliament? Kadaga: It means, each MP will be given three minutes to debate
Richard Mpagi: Speaker you have served your country with one heart. You will leave a legacy. More light on opening places of worship. Kadaga: I have told you, the problem is with science people on whose advice the president determines what to open and what not to open. I don’t even know, who they are. I will not stop fighting for what has not been opened.
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Hon. Bobi Wine ushering in Aloysius Mukasa and a team of Lubaga South leaders
NEWS EDITOR CITY BUSINESSMAN turned politician Aloysius Mukasa who is eyeing MP Kato Lubwama’s seat on National Unity Platform (NUP) card has today Thursday led a group of Lubaga South leaders to pay allegiance to 2021 Presidential aspirant Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi and officially join the new Party. Clad in a black suit, red neck tie, a white shirt and red beret, Aloysius Mukasa said, “Mr. President, we are here to officially declare our allegiance to National Unity Platform. We are here to become members of NUP. We hereby commit ourselves to this National call. With me are Lubaga South leaders.”
MAN TO WATCH IN 2021: Aloysius Mukasa
A happy looking Hon. Bobi Wine thanked Hon. Aloysius Mukasa for his hard work and competence. “Comrade Mukasa, well-done. We are seeing your fruits. As NUP, we are very proud of you. Thank you for leading home this team. We are now very much armed for the struggle to liberate our country. Let’s move on.” Kyagulanyi told Aloysius Mukasa. The News Editor Media on Tuesday exclusively leaked details of a meeting between Hon. Bobi Wine and Mr. Aloysius Mukasa about their strategy to win Lubaga South MP seat for NUP.
Evelyn Nakiryowa (centre) and her friends at Kamwokya today
If there is any constituency Bobi badly wants for NUP, it is Lubaga South. The incumbent Kato Lubwama on many occasions he has been attacking the Ghetto gladiator and People Power and on a certain occasion, he vowed never to support Bobi. Now Kyagulanyi wants Kato to pay for his sins afterall even in Parliament, he was ranked the worst legislator who has almost never uttered a word since Lubaga people voted him, four years ago. In the meeting we quoted, Hon. Kyagulanyi was happy that other candidates who had interest in Lubaga South MP seat have resolved to step aside for a more popular Aloysius Mukasa. People Power want less known Ms, Nassolo to relocate from Lubaga South and those spreading lies on how NUP will give Sam Lubega Mukaaku a party card to contest for Lubaga South, must be very good day dreamers. Kyagulanyi deployed a team of his most trusted men to ascertain, which candidate is strong on ground and all reports show, Aloysius Mukasa is miles ahead. A great mobilizer, Mukasa, among other contenders, the only born of Lubaga South. He grew up, studied and own businesses in Lubaga. Those knowing him say, he started working at a tender age, one time he used his would be school fees to invest it and that is how he began his journey to riches (That will be a story for another day).
LUBAGA MAYOR TO BE: Angela Kigonya
He has set up structures in each village, organized over 4000 campaigners and is in touch with all constituency opinion leaders. It’s upon this analysis that Bobi zeroed on him. He has not disappointed him. Today he has carried coasters full of Lubaga South leaders who included Councilor Rose Kigozi, Sharifah Nakitende and others, to NUP. At a function held at NUP Headquarters in Kamwokya, a group of Lubaga division councilors, local leaders and 2021 Lubaga mayoral aspirant Hon. Angela Kigonya defected to National Unity Platform as a vehicle to liberate Lubaga.
Kyagulanyi saluted Angela Kigonya, Evelyn Nakiryowa and other councilors and said he will never take their move for granted.
Speaker Kawalya after Hon. Bobi Wine handed him NUP membership card
NEWS EDITOR
IT’S now official! Haji Abubaker Kawalya, Kampla Capital City Authority (KCCA) Speaker has finally deserted Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi’s new party National Unity Platform (NUP) citing mistreatment and dictatorship in the Najjanankumbi Blue Party. Speaker Kawalya has crossed with senior Lord councilors led by Faridah Nakabugo (Lubaga South) who has been FDC Caucus Chairperson, Ismail Tabalamule (Makindye East) the Chairperson Engineering and Technical Service Standing Committee, Ismail Ddamba Kisuze Musajjatasuliraawo (Lubaga South)who is Chairperson Education Standing Committee, Nsibambi Zamin Masunge who is Chairperson Gender and your own Muhammad Sseggirinya commonly known as Eddoboozi ly’e Kyebando who is Chairperson Public Health Standing Committee also representing the people of Kawempe North at City Hall. At a colorful function presided over by People Power supremo Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, Speaker Kawalya was accompanied by hundreds of his supporters chanting his name. The favorite Lubaga North 2021 Member of Parliament said he is happy that he has finally moved on saying this was after thorough consultations from his supporters. “I am very happy that I have been welcomed home. We have come as winners to join another winning team. Let the struggle continue, we are here to liberate our country.” Vowed Hon. Kawalya. Handing over NUP membership cards to Speaker Kawalya and Lord councilors,Hon. Kyagulanyi’s beamed with pride at such excellent signing. No doubt, Speaker Kawalya will be NUP candidate for Lubaga North MP.
BOBI SPEAKS OUT:
Today, yet again it was a great pleasure welcoming many leaders at different levels into the National Unity Platform. These include the KCCA Speaker, comrade Kawalya Abubakar, several KCCA councillors, Division councillors, and leaders of other areas.
Hon. Bobi Wine with KCCA Speaker, lord councilors and division councilors after their defection from FDC to NUP Party
In a very special way, it was a great pleasure receiving fellow artistes Ronald Mayinja, Hussein Ibanda aka Swengere and Aloysius Matovu Joy into the National Unity Platform.
My brother Ronald Mayinja has inspired many of us over the years, and I am sure even when he wandered off at some point, yet I know that his heart was always with us. I am grateful that you comrades have given him a warm welcome back home.
Bobi with Aloysius Matovu Joy
My kablaza Swengere is one guy you need to meet in life. He is not only a fun guy to be around, he is such an intelligent, thoughtful and solid brother whose heart is with the people. I can only pray that he will remain steadfast on this struggle for a better Uganda.
Hon. Sseggirinya receiving NUP card from Hon. Bobi Wine
Our elder and senior citizen, Matovu Aloysius Joy has been a personal inspiration over the years. I feel extremely humbled seeing such a noble citizen come to join NUP. All these things are evidence that what we do represents what is right and just.
KAWALYA AT THE HELM OF CITY HALL
For starters, a few months ago, Kawalya who identified with People Power during campaigns for KCCA Speaker won the race beating hands down Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s candidate Doreen Nyanjura. On declaring his interest to contest for KCCA Speaker, Lukwago met Kawalya at a Wakaliga Hotel and ‘Ordered’ him to step down for Nyanjura saying she was the Peoples Government candidate where the Lordmayor subscribes. Lukwago allegedly said, there is no way he can allow Kawalya in a race against Doreen Nyanjura. A bold Kawalya said, “With due respect Lord mayor, I wont buy your argument. I believe in democracy and councilors are mandated to elect their Speaker. Let’s all go for the race, the winner will take it all.” This is when Lukwago officially declared a war against Kawalya and to those who closely followed KCCA Speaker’s race, it was a real battle between Kawalya and Lukwago. Thank Allah, Kawalya emerged the winner on the polling day.
Hon. Bobi with Lubaga division councilor
Prior to elections, FDC goons were hired to attack and beat up Kawalya and other FDC members for shunning Peoples Government candidate, Nyanjura. It is alleged, huge sums of money were sent to Nyanjura’s camp to buy off councilors but all was in vain. Since then, a clique in FDC has been haunting Kawalya and when he picked nominations for Lubaga North MP, Owek. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo the Lubaga mayor who signed on his papers was seriously attacked by a clique of opportunists in FDC. “I couldn’t bear for this any more. You all know how I have been loyal to FDC, respecting all leaders and bankrolling party activities in Lubaga and Kampala at large. All indicators show they don’t need me. It’s fine, let me move on.” Speaker Kawalya privately talked to us. To those who know Kawalya, no serious opposition side can ignore his political roles! A very hardworking young man, approachable, generous and down to earth. He is a mover, a hardliner and very excellent in sorting out political issues. With Kawalya in the race, Lubaga North MP race will be the hottest ever. He is set to tussle it out with NRM’s Beti Olive Namisango Kamya Turomwe and the incumbent, Moses Kasibante. Latest opinion polls give Kawalya an early win and if he maintains the momentum, he will massively take it. Among the likely candidates, Kawalya is the only born of Lubaga North in Kawaala-Kasubi, the most populated parish in Uganda.
LORD COUNCILORS There is so much to write about the defecting Lord councilors,but at least not for today. The little we can say for now, Faridah Nakabugo has been one of the unsung FDC diehards in Lubaga. At a very tender age, Nakabugo joined FDC at its early stage in 2005. She was recruited by Hon. Beti Kamya. She picked her from Kibuye market where she was working as a young girl. Faridah, together with Asuman Ssemakula (Besigye’s driver) were assigned with mobilizing for Dr. Besigye’s return from exile in South Africa to enable him contest for President in 2006, a job they executed perfectly. Since then, Faridah has been an FDC diehard, so committed to the party and a re-known activist. No one knows, how many times Faridah Nakabugo has been arrested and detained for her activism. It’s unfortunate that she has left a party she saw growing, just because of mafias who hijacked FDC on the way. Ismail Ddamba Kisuze a journalist by profession, just like Faridah, joined FDC as a school boy at a time when people feared to be identified as FDC members. During Lubaga mayoral by elections in 2009, Ddamba, in his early 20s introduced Owek. Ssebuggwawo to the people of Ndeeba, to vote her, as new mayor. He has been a great pillar in the politics of FDC in Lubaga who led youth teams to mobilize for the party. In 2016 polls, he stood for Lord councilor and Lubaga South rewarded him for being a hard working and vocal young man. Ismail Tabalamule has also been a loyal FDC young man in Makindye working very closely with Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi, Makindye East MP. For Muhammad Ssegirinya, a lot is known about him. A great activist who almost lost life fighting for the marginalized. This is the great signing for People power ever, and we are sure, more councilors are still crossing.
Speaker Kadaga taking a photo with National Union of Creative and Performing Artistes after receiving their petition
NEWS EDITOR THE Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga will today Thursday August 06th 2020 feature on ‘Kkiriza oba gaana’ political talk show on 89.2fm Central Broadcasting Service (CBS), a radio station owned by Buganda Kingdom supreme leader His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Kimera Mutebi II. This show will run from 7pm to 9pm tonight. It will be moderated by none other than your own Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba commonly known as ‘Jjogo’ and produced by senior journalist Alex Nsubuga.
Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba
According to our insider at the Masengere based radio station, security has been tightened up in preparation for Uganda’s no. 3 visitation. The Busoga Kingdom most powerful lady is running for ruling 2nd National Vice Chairperson, a position she has been holding for years. Today morning, The Station’s programs director Haji Abby Mukiibi Nkaga confirmed Speaker Kadaga’s presence tonight. During Kaliisoliiso w’emizannyo show today morning, Mr. Abby Mukiibi said, “Dear CBS listeners, The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga is coming to CBS tonight and will feature on ‘Kkiriza oba gaana’ show from 7pm to 9pm.” Mukiibi imitated Kadaga while speaking Lusoga, underestimating her competitors in Kamuli who include FDC faded politician Salaamu Musumba. Speaker is visiting different radio stations country wide to have a discussion on matters of National importance and answering questions on how Parliament is conducting business. At CBS radio, The Kamuli district Woman member of Parliament is expected to be received by a team of Buganda Caucus members of Parliament, top Kingdom officials and CBS bosses. Kadaga is a darling in Buganda and Buganda caucus resoundingly voted for her when she stood for Speakership. In fact a few days back, Mukono Municipality legislator Beti Nambooze Bakireke humiliated Bukono constituency MP Persis Namuganza for her move to contest against Kadaga 2nd National Vice Chairperson. Nambooze openly told Namuganza that Kadaga is a class above, let Persis find her level.
Speaker Kadaga dancing alongside Members of Parliament after they endorsed her for the position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) of the NRM Central Executive Committee
On 30th July 2020, Members of Parliament from across the political divide endorsed and vowed to support Rt. Hon. Kadaga for the position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) of the NRM Central Executive Committee. On 1ST August, Speaker Kadaga featured on All Busoga Radios at 10:00am, Step FM Mbale at 1:pm and Etop FM, Soroti at 3pm. On 3rd August 2020, Speaker Kadaga appeared on Voice of Toro at 10:00am, same day, she was hosted on Radio West at 1:00pm and at 3:00pm she featured on Radio Buddu. On 2nd August 2020, Rt. Hon. Kadaga was hosted on Arua One at 10:00am,Voice of Lango at 1:00am and Rupiny FM at 3:00pm.
ON her first day in office on Monday, newly appointed Executive Director Dorothy Kiyimba Kisaka sent communication to all senior managers at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) saluting them for the hard work. Her message that was leaked to this Website reads, “Greetings Colleagues! Its Monday 3rd Aug¬ust 2020 and its my first day to work with you at KCCA from the ED’s desk. Thank you for the great work you are doing in the city to make it Vibrant, Attractive and Sustainable. I look forward to seeing you soon. You are blessed. DK” ED Kisaka said it is amazing to work with such a team at City Hall. Responding to ED’s message, Mr. Sam Sserunkuuma who has been Acting ED now Director Revenue Collection said, “Welcome aboard ED. We are ready to work with you and move the city to the next level.” Martin Ssekajja, director ICT wrote, “Dear ED, you are most welcome. We shall continue with the transformation of the city with your leadership. Best wishes.” One Doreen wrote, “We pledge our support to achieve our vision and mission for our dear city and country at large.” “Dear ED, we are thrilled to have you fill the chair. We are also ready to support you as we progress in the city’s transformational journey.” Said Bornix Nyine. Dorothy Kisaka took over from Acting ED Eng. Andrew Kitaka on Thursday July 30th 2020 at a function attended by both the technical and political wings of KCCA. Kisaka was appointed ED alongside Eng. David Ssali Luyimbazi (Deputy ED) and Ms Grace Akulo the Human Resource Director.
Lord Mayor Lukwago at the ED handover ceremony last Friday
WHAT WAS ED KISAKA’S MAIDEN SPEECH I greet you Citizens of the great Kampala City! It gives me great joy to speak at this auspicious occasion where I have taken Oath and pledged to serve Kampala City and also received the mantle of leadership from my predecessor. Let me begin by expressing my thanks to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda for the trust, he has conferred upon me to serve at the helm of Kampala Capital City Authority as Executive Director. I am greatly honored by this appointment and I embrace the opportunity to serve with great gratitude and humility. I affirm my readiness to serve the people of Uganda and develop the Capital City of our beautiful Country. I pledge to commit my energies and my daily work to deliver on the City Vision; a Vibrant, Attractive and Sustainable City. So help me Lord! Let me also thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda for identifying my colleagues Engineer David Luyimbazi Ssali, the Deputy Executive Director and Ms Grace Akullo, the Director Administration and Human Resource as part of this team. I congratulate you my colleagues on this elevation to serve the Capital City. Together we shall fulfill the mission of delivering quality services to Kampala City. In a special way I want to express my gratitude to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister for his great leadership, mentorship and support for the years I have served at OPM. OPM has been the boot camp that has provided me the nurture and skilling needed for this next level of service. I am grateful for the years of training and skilling. Every promotion in Public Service is a promotion to greater service. It calls for sacrifice, for diligence and a lot of hard work. We will yoke with the KCCA Political and Technical Leadership so that we can effectively deliver quality services to the citizens of Uganda. Kampala City is a home to all Ugandans. Kampala City is a home to millions of City dwellers from different walks of life, of different languages, and of different political leanings. Despite our diversity, the aspiration is one; the people of Uganda want a vibrant and attractive City. They want a City that they can proudly call their home. I congratulate and celebrate our predecessors for articulating the vision and the foundational work they have done in the Capital City since 2011. Laws have been established; systems and governance structures have been established. I thank you Hon Minister and your predecessors for providing guidance in this endeavor since inception. I thank Your Worship the Lord Mayor and the whole Council for the great work you have done in this regard as iron sharpens iron in your Council deliberations. I thank you Eng. Andrew Kitaka and the Management Team, for the service you have rendered to Kampala especially in the last twenty months. We will now together build on the foundation laid as we aspire to scale new heights to meet the aspirations of the people of Uganda. There is no doubt that the strong legacy established by my predecessor Dr. Jennifer Semakula Musisi, will provide a solid foundation for the greater works yet to come. Hon Minister, we are ready and we are eager to serve. I am looking forward to meeting the KCCA Management and staff in our meetings. I have identified seven areas regarding organizational culture that cut across all directorates, which we shall inculcate in our work for the effective execution of our mandate.
Dorothy Kisaka swearing in as new CEO at KCCA
The goals of the Technical Team are clearly spelled out in the Strategic Plan but the philosophy of our operations is as follows: – 1—We shall lead from the front and lead by example. We shall do what we say and avoid duplicity. 2—We must fast track development of the City and achieve the goals set out in the Strategic Plan. 3—We shall pursue a participatory approach with the Citizens of Uganda to nurture the stunning beauty of Kampala City. The staff cannot do it alone. Everyone ought to participate in beautifying his or her neighborhood. It is imperative that we work together to create a City environment that City dwellers and the whole of Uganda will be proud of. 4—We shall work towards minimizing interruptions to development by building bridges that promote peace across the many stakeholders. We cannot develop the City in the midst of unending intentional interruptions. We will promote a culture that says ‘we are bigger than the differences that divide us’. The people of Kampala deserve that. We can all win. 5—We shall serve all Kampala in its diversity and ensure that they are well catered for with basic amenities both in dwelling and trading spaces. Kampala is a melting point for the 56 tribes of Uganda and this diversity must be respected and provided for. 6—We shall promote the rich inherited values bequeathed by our ancestors; that is good neighborliness, hard work, shared wealth, integrity and honesty so that we build strong communities of City dwellers. Both the inner infrastructure and outer infrastructure are important. 7—We shall all pledge to be good stewards of what Uganda has entrusted to us as a Technical Team. We shall not yoke with detractors of development or those who steal public property, or promote divisions that deter development, or eat the bread of laziness, or mistreat City dwellers, or in any way break the law and deter the good work of developing Uganda. We shall be trustworthy stewards of this great trust of Kampala City. Hon Minister, we know you shall hold us accountable.
We begin our tour of service at City Hall at a time when we are facing a peculiar war, the COVID-19 pandemic. For the last four months we have witnessed the citizens of Uganda put on a brave face to fight this pandemic. Our first concern in Kampala is safety for all. I want to thank our teams for the commendable work you are doing to ensure that community infections are minimized. While we nurse our sick and mourn our dead, let us not be negligent in taking basic precautions to avoid infection. This pandemic provides us City dwellers an opportunity to improve on City sanitation. As I conclude, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you Hon Minister for all your endeavors in ensuring that we settle in smoothly. Thank you for organizing the orientation and fast tracking the processes to enable us join our colleagues at City Hall. I wish to thank the Head of Public Service, Mr. John Mitala for the role you have played today in ensuring that we recognize the magnitude of the work ahead of us. I thank Your Worship the Lord Mayor and the entire Council, and the Division Councils for warmly welcoming us and we look forward to a cordial working relationship I thank you Eng. Andrew Kitaka, and the KCCA Management Team for graciously receiving us in a style that observes the SOPs. I particularly thank you for a smooth handover and for the detailed handover brief. I have read it and I look forward to internalizing it. Allow me to leave you with a scripture from Judeo Christianity attributed to Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew 17:20. It is a one sentence that says: ‘If you have faith, nothing shall be impossible to you’ For God and My Country I thank you!
ENG. KITAKA’S HANDOVER SPEECH I welcome you all to this occasion where you will witness the handover of the offices of the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and Director Administration and Human Resource at Kampala Capital City Authority.
GOOD MAN: Eng. Andrew Kitaka giving speech at the handover function
It has been a great honour for me to serve the people of Kampala and the Nation at large in the capacity of Acting Executive Director for the last 20 months. I am therefore very grateful to H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda for entrusting me with the great responsibility of administering Kampala City for the last 20 months. I would like to thank the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, the Political Leadership of Kampala Capital City Authority, the Management and Staff of Kampala Capital City Authority for the support accorded to me during this period. Together we have achieved a lot in the transformation of Kampala City and I believe the Institution will continue on this trajectory or even better. The Development Partners; World Bank, JICA, European Union, African Development Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. A number of projects have been completed and others are at various levels of progress, while for some we shall soon do the ground breaking. I will not enumerate them as the list is quite long. This year 2020 will see most of them completed. KCCA has continued to rank very high in accountability and service delivery and is a much respected brand in Uganda and beyond. We have had unqualified audit reports for three years running including FY 2019/2020. Automation of Revenue Collection; e-Government Procurement – KCCA is among the 10 Government institutions that are piloting this; The soon to come SMART PERMIT for building plan approvals. Area-wide Traffic Control The Transformation Journey has not been without challenges and these are some worth mentioning here which need the support of other Government Agencies: The staffing situation which has demotivated staff. We have a total of 658 temporary staff working on 4-month contracts since inception; Inadequate funding which has slowed the pace of Transformation; Defiance by a large section of the public which has made the enforcement of trade order and protection of our green spaces difficult; Vandalism and theft of public infrastructure which leads to costly replacements and wastage of the already meagre resources; also posing a danger to the City dwellers etc. I pledge to support the in-coming Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director in their work and will continue to carry out my mandate as Director Engineering and Technical Services towards our Vision of a Vibrant, Attractive and Sustainable City.
THE Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Ms. Jane Frances Abodo has today informed Court in Mityana how Ugandan government has lost interest and withdrawn charges against Mityana Municipality legislator Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake.
Hon. Zaake arriving at Mityana court today
The letter signed by DPP Abodo and delivered by the State Attorney to Mityana Chief Magistrate Moses Kule Lubangula reads, “This is to inform court that the Director of Public Prosecution has decided to discontinue proceedings against Hon. Zaake Francis charged with Negligent act likely to spread the infection of disease C/S171 of The Penal Code Act and Disobedience of Lawful Orders C/S117 of The Penal Code Act.”
Hon. Zaake entering court
SIX TOP POLICE BOSSES WANTED BY COURT OVER TORTURE
Meanwhile, Six top Police bosses are expected to appear before Court in Mityana on 18th August 2020 in the matter of prevention and prohibition of Torture Act, 2012.
Hon. Zaake in court
The accused allegedly tortured Mityana Municipality legislator Francis Zaake and the MP want them in court to be punished for the sins he says, they committed.
A2. SP Alex Mwine Mukono, Uganda Police Officer, The District Police Commander Mityana District.
A3. D/IP Twesigye Hamdam, Uganda Police Officer attached to Special Investigations Unit/Division at Kireka Kampala.
A4. D/ASP Musa Walugembe, Uganda Police Officer, The Officer-In- Charge Special Investigations Unit/Division at Kireka, Kampala
A5. D/SCP Elly Womanya, Uganda Police Officer, Commandant, Special Investigations Unit/Division at Kireka Kampala
A6. D/ACP Oketcho Isaac, Uganda Police officer.
The DPP has however asked court to takeover this case, a move objected by Hon. Zaake lawyers Aaron Kiiza. The Magistrate will give his wise ruling on this on 18th August 2020
MP Zaake listening to his lawyer KiizaMP Zaake leaving court accompanied by his supportersPeople power supporters at Mityana court
Hon. Kyagulanyi and Aloysius Mukasa during the launch of National Unity Platform Party
BY ANISHA NAMALE KAMWOKYA
OPPOSITION National Unity Platform (NUP) supreme leader Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has launched engagements with a section of People Power MP aspirants in a mission to front one candidate for each constituency and win seats for this new Party. He has started with three prime constituencies which includes Lubaga South, where he already vowed to replace his political enemy Kato Lubwama with businessman-turned politician Aloysius Mukasa. Other targeted constituencies are Nakawa, where two People Power giants Joel Ssenyonyi and mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo are set to battle for the same MP seat. In Kyadondo East, over three people are eyeing this seat on learning that the incumbent Hon. Kyagulanyi is moving on to a bigger slot in 2021. Those with interests are, counsel Muwada Nkunyingi, Khalid Ssimbwa and Kasangati mayor Tonny Kiyimba Ssempebwa. Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi said, “I want to engage all aspirants and we see, if we can agree on who is running where. We don’t want to lose any of them because that is what Primaries mean.” The 2021 NUP presidential aspirant is worried that, if he only bases on party primaries, he may lose many political big shots and National Unity Platform may end up tornapart.
BOBI, MUKASA MEET Last week Hon. Kyagulanyi held a one on one meeting with Lubaga South MP hopeful Aloysius Mukasa to strategies on how to massively win this seat for National Unity Platform. In the meeting, Kyagulanyi said he is well briefed by his intelligence teams in Lubaga on how Mukasa camp is combing support from all villages and parishes. “However, our worry is about other candidates who may dent People power and sabotage this race. We want a single candidate for each constituency.” Kyagulanyi said. Bobi who we are told deployed People Power top officials to sort our Lubaga South mess where over three aspirants affiliated to National Unity Platform want this seat, told Aloysius Mukasa that he is happy, the issue is being handled. “I am happy, there are new developments in your constituency. I am aware how other aspirants are looking into relocating to other positions and leave you to tussle it out with the enemy.” Quoted the Ghetto gladiator adding, “That is the People Power spirit and am encouraging you on. We need a united force to defeat those who are against our cause.”
Mukasa leading residents of Kabowa and Wankulukuku in a demonstration against an Indian investor who blocked their road. One Kibuuka was shot dead
We are exclusively informed, a team led by Mr. Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, leader of Informal sector in People power met one Euginia Nassolo who also has interest in standing for Lubaga South MP seat and asked her to step aside for Aloysius Mukasa, National Unity Platform favorite. Nassolo was asked to look into other posts and she was assured that she would receive party support. They frankly told her, “Our research shows Mr. Mukasa is well grounded in Lubaga South, he is a resident and has more than two major businesses in the Constituency, he is in touch with senior opinion leaders in Lubaga and has been available for all constituents.”
Also read;https://www.newseditor.co.ug/2020/05/10/lubaga-south-mp-2021-race-people-powers-aloysius-mukasa-leads-opinion-poll-by-62-as-competitors-turn-to-witchcraft-blackmail/ “In People Power, Mukasa is a very strong pillar and a dependable leader. We are very much convinced that he has all the necessary means to win Lubaga South seat for us.” Said Fred Nyanzi team. After this meeting, Nassolo camp lead by Musa Lusembo and Sepiriya Kabuuka met Mukasa camp to forge a way forward and see how their candidate would step down as requested by People Power top leadership. What the two camps resolved is still unknown but we can authoritatively report that talks were conducted and Nassolo will not be given National Unity Platform flag for Lubaga South MP. The News Editor Media has labored to reach either Mukasa or Nassolo for a comment but by press time, all was in vain.
LUBEGA MUKAAKU, KIFAMPA OUT OF THE PUZZLE A clique of people wanted to front Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku for NUP flag in Lubaga South but a report drafted by Bobi Wine team shows, the struggling politician has no attachment whatsoever with the constituency. Ask 1000 people in Lubaga South about Sam Lubega, you will be shocked, only one knows about him. He has no residential address in the constituency, when he visits Lubaga South, Mukaaku hires a small lodge in Spire Zone, Ndeeba where he puts up. Kyagulanyi team was shocked to find out that Lubega Mukaaku is totally off Lubaga South ground. ” It will be like throwing our flag into the dustbin if we mess and give our flag to Sam Lubega. We can instead post him to another constituency where he is well known, like in Mawokota South but in Lubaga South, no way. We badly want this constituency and we will allocate it to a competent candidate.” Said Bobi’s intelligence team. With JEEMA’s Siraje Kifampa, he has already contested twice and lost. His campaign message is not clear and he is not in good books with People Power top command. He is faulted for having led a group of JEEMA opportunists who attacked party President Asuman Basalirwa for being in a political bed with Hon. Kyagulanyi. If Kifampa had hopes in NUP fronting him for Lubaga South, he better think otherwise. We are reliably informed, JEEMA Spokesman Kyamundu Ssentongo, who is Kifampa’s blue eyed boy, has been on forefront in blackmailing People Power officials, manufacturing social media lies to taint National Unity Platform bosses. All these were taken note of. All this leaves Kifampa out of the Lubaga South puzzle. He is said to be poor a team builder.
Joseph Kiyimba and Councilor Richard Kayima (Putting on red mask) in the dock on Friday
NEWS EDITOR
BUGANDA Road Court on Friday remanded two conmen to Kitalya Government prison, one is Richard Kayima a councilor representing Nateete at Lubaga Division Council.
The two, Kiyimba Joseph Jjuuko aged 43 years an Accountant by profession is a resident of Nsambya Gogonya Zone 1 Makindye Division Kampala district while Kayima Richard aged 36 years is the area councilor of Nateete Parish Rubaga division Kampala district.
Kayima and Joseph Kiyimba Jjuuko were arrested and paraded before court to answer for five counts all in connection with fraud, blackmail, assaulting the Buganda royal family and top Kingdom officials.
Kayima and Jjuuko set up multiple facebook accounts with pseudo names yet they were the same individuals and were holfing out as Princes.
Appearing in court on Friday, the two pleaded not guilty but the no nonsense Grade 1 Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis sent them to Kitalya on remand until August 6th 2020 when the bail ruling will be given.
According to the particulars of the offence on the charge sheet, Kayima and Jjuuko committed the offence of libel contrary to section 179 & 180 of the Penal code Act and offensive communication contrary to section 25 of the computer misuse Act 2011when they consistently used their Facebook pages to call members of the Royal family and kingdom top officials thieves and fraudsters especially in matters relating to kingdom land management.
“The two and others still at large, tricked public to be the rightful source about Buganda land, fraudulently siphoning money from unsuspecting people promising to sell them kingdom land.” Says an Insider. Now that the two are arrested, it’s time to pay for their sons.
In their posts intended to blackmail, taint royal family and Kingdom officials and also to hoodwink the Kabaka’s subjects, Jjuuko and Kayima insulted Prince David Kintu Wasajja, Kabaka’s young brother.
Other victims are; Buganda Premier Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga (CPM), former Buganda Land Board (BLB) Managing Director David Kyewalabye Male, BLB Board chairman Engineer Martin Kasekende and Bashir Kizito Juma, the head of Operatoins and Corporate Affairs at BLB, among others.
The two and others still at large falsely accused the royal family and officials appointed by His Majesty the Kabaka, to perform Kingdom duties.
These crooks have been repeatedly abusing Mengo officials until a concerned party sued them. Case was reported at CID Headquarters Kibuli on Police Ref. E199/2020
PARTICULARS OF THE OFFENCE
Kiyimba Joseph Jjuuko and Kayima Richard between October 2019 and June 2020 within Kampala or thereabout willfully and repeatedly using Facebook accounts ‘Kiyimba Jjuuko’ and ‘Omulangira Kayima Jjuuko’ inter-alia that, “Does ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Planning have an office at Masengere? How come the district staff surveyor of Wakiso previously of Nakaseke do ministry of Lands work at Masengere and is Betty Kamya Turomwe aware of this? Kizito Bashir Juma tell the world about this. The fraudster Kizito Bashir is below and I am reporting to the Uganda Police in charge of Economic Crime vides this report and the Inspector General of Government.” Among others disturbing the peace, quiet or right of privacy of Kizito Bashir with no purpose of legitimate communication. Also the two, between October 2019 and June 2020 willfully and repeatedly using Facebook pages ‘Kiyimba Jjuuko‘ and ‘Mulangira Kayima Jjuuko‘, Inter-alia in that, “David Kyewalabye Male, fraudent chief executive officer involved in mortgage backed security fraud”, among others to disturb the peace, quiet or right of privacy of David Kyewalabye Male with no purpose of legitimate communication
INTERNATIONAL businessman David Takozekibi has officially declared his intention to contest for Member of Parliament Budiope East Constituency in the forth coming NRM Party Primaries. Mr. Takozekibi says, Hon. Geofrey Dhamuzungu should find something else to do, for he has offered himself to be the voice of Budiope East. Insiders say, Takozekibi is set to put a very tough contest as Budiope people say their son will sail through. “Let him come, he is our son, we will vote for him. Budiope is lagging behind in service delivery. We want a bold voice in Parliament.” Says Budiope East voters. Mr. David Takozekibi’s hands on skills have endeared him to the electorate . He has been involved in many developmental projects. He has supported schools and promoted education . People say, “He sponsored all the PLE candidates who scored a first grade in Budiope for secondary education. A leader who has promoted sports activities in his community which has helped to identify talent especially among the youth deserves our votes. He is tested.” David Takozekibi has been visibly involved in improving health services for his people through his sponsorship of health camps. Budiope East MP elections will be one of the hottest races.
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