NEWS EDITOR

THE Rt. Hon. Speaker Parliament of Uganda Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has pledged to give TONDEKA buses all support they want from Parliament, to make sure 980 buses arrive in Kampala as soon as possible to curb the ‘annoying traffic jam’ in the Capital City.

Kadaga made this commitment on Thursday during a meeting she convened to be briefed by Tondeka Metro bosses led by Board chairman Dr. Peter Kimbowa about the Ashok buses which are set to replace matatus .

Other TONDEKA official present were, Dorothy Kabugo, the company Secretary,  Mr. Shibir Karia, Mustafa Mayambala (Chairman UTRADA), Amanda Ngabirano who is a Board member an expert in urban planning and environment, and Gad Mugisha who is the Chairman Taxi owners also a  board member, Sarah Musumba who is the Cordinator at secretariat of Tondeka and Morris Mukiibi communication and information executive.

Kadaga said, “I support the initiative of bringing buses in Kampala. When I was young, we were leaving in Naguru and I used to come to school at Shimon by a Kabandole bus.”

Causing laughter in the meeting, Speaker Kadaga said, “I would stand around Esso corner about 20 meters where our stage would be. The days when I did not eat the money, I would go by bus, the days I ate the money, would just walk back home.” 

Kimbowa told Kadaga, “We are business people, we dont deal in conspiracies hiding this and that. We have had several constructive meetings with the Ministry of Works,  we have had meetings with UDC which actually are the main organisation in this, we have had several meetings with KCCA and others.”

“We do believe that the ultimate impact of this project is going to be that we increase safety, reduce on the traffic jam, increase affordability,  the fares are going to be low, one has to pay a monthly ticket of 55000 like London Metro, 18000 for a week and 3500 for a day and if you are going one way, is 1200.” He told Madam Speaker

“This is a very good idea, because the congestion is so sickening. I have just been with the president and was talking with him about Jinja road jam and said, we can not continue with this.” Said Kadaga.

She said, she is very  much familiar with Ashok – Leylands TONDEKA bus suppliers seing them in different  East African Countries.

According to Mr. Kimbowa, Ashok Leyland is number one bus manufracture in the World, TONDEKA are bringing best in class buses. They caters for disabled people, the old people and Children.

In the presence of journalists, the Speaker showed concern about the too much traffic of Kampala – Jinja road saying, “In the past, Jinja-Kampala was 45 minutes but now, 45minutes are between Kampala and Banda. Can you imagine? If you are going to Jinja, the journey will take you three to four hours. Its just a nightmare. It’s a very good idea and I want to commend you because I know it’s annoying travelling in this town, everybody is losing.”

KOTSA PETITION

In their petition to the Speaker of Parliament about Tondeka buses, a section of Taxi operators under Kampala Operational Taxi Stages Association (KOTSA) they said, “We implore you as an institution of Parliament to ensure the taxi drivers and conductors are part of this project for mis-inception to final launch of the buses less to be kicked out of the project.”

“We have been here when there was no body, helped this country to do transport. So if we are kicked out of the transport it will not be fair, we are so many and we have families.” KOTSA petition reads.

However, before the Speaker ruled on this petition, he asked TONDEKA Metro how incorporate this group of taxi operators.

“And tell me, how are you going to guarantee the transition from taxis to buses because that is the worry of these KOTSA people?” Asked Kadaga.

DR. KIMBOWA EXPLAINS

In his response, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, chairman Tondeka Metro said, “Madam Speaker, we are actually supposed to have KOTSA on our board but they still have leadership issues. When they agree on their leadership, we will definately welcome them. Their place is still vacant. “

“We have got a very phased program of managing a smooth transition. One, we held a multi stakeholder technical meeting which involved Wakiso, Entebbe, Mukono, Ministry of Transport, we have involved police, ISO. This technical consultative meeting took place in December.” He said.

“We held another one in Kansanga, again bringing together all stakeholders for consultations and engagement and finding out from them how they want this phase to be and to build some kind of harmonisation and concensus.” Explained a soft speaking Kimbowa adding, “We got very good ideas which we are implementing now, the most important thing madam Speaker, is that they are all represented on the board. And the three groups are actually shareholders of Tondeka Metro including KOTSA group owning about 4% shares.”

Kimbowa talked about the recruitment of the bus drivers saying all drivers of taxis are going to be do subjected to driving tests and those who will pass, automatically be included. 

“The process has started. We have asked all taxi drivers to submit their papers, there is going to be a screening exercise in Kololo and we will proceed with the process in conjuction with the Ministry of Works who are have the best driving tests mechanism.” Said Dr. Kimbowa.

Tondeka assured the Speaker that they are going to have continuous communication with all the various stake holders. 

“We have meetings scheduled between now and in June to ensure that we keep meeting these people and keep sharing information and all crucial milestones we are achieving before the buses arrive. So that when they arrive,  we are ready to move.” Said Kimbowa. 

DETAILS KIMBOWA GAVE KADAGA ABOUT TONDEKA BUS PROJECT 

Briefly who are we and what do we do, Madam Speaker, I have come with some literature which I will be leaving behind but I will briefly say, that we are locally a constituted company. 

It’s a local company, Ugandan company Tondeka and it’s owned by Ugandans. So it has been constituted as a local company to address some of the problems that we have in Kampala. 

We have a very inefficient and almost difficult transport system and among challenges we all face is the traffic jam, a lot of congestion, pollution, Kampala is the 2nd most polluted city in the world and there is lack of safety and affordablity of transport within. 

So our intervention is to bring in 980 buses to start with and we are in partnership with Kiira Motors that the subsequent deliveries of the buses will be assembled here by Kiira Motors. So this all project of Tondeka is conceived with the understanding that we are going to work togather with Kiira Motors. So, we are going to bring the first batch of the buses,  the rest of the buses 200 per month, will be worked on by Kiira Motors which is 100% owned by government.

There will be a self financing mechanism in this project, there will be no exchange of cash, it will be cashless. The fees are going to be a lot more affordable. So there is going to be a lot of convenience, safety and comfort for the passengers.

We have constructively engaged all key stakeholders both in government, development partners and civil society to get their opinions on making this project work. 

In terms of revenue, we are going to pay taxes and will increase the tax base. Uganda has been losing USD 800M in traffic jam. 

I understand there are other social issues around traffic jam which has been brought to the attention of Parliament but are more concerned about the loss in terms of money. Then there is employment. There is going to be almost 20000 of jobs created directly and 40000 jobs created indirectly within Tondeka because we are not only talking about the buses but the entire eco-system of buses which includes other things like the terminals, which is like starting new cities outside Kampala. 

Because that is where people come to pick buses, go shopping, park their vehicles, enter buses and come to town.

The tax owners are shareholders in this company, the tax operators are also shareholders. The president made this very clear that from the word go, we have to be with the taxi owners and operators at the centre of this whole project. 

The other shareholders are companies like IV consultants, Transport management consultants and other local investors and Entrepreneurs.

As this project was conceived,  the commitment that we made and we still do, is that after three years, there will be an IPO that will open broad ownership of this projects to Ugandans.

Right now our core shareholders are taxi owners and operators and the rest of the entrepreneurs. 

ASHOK-LEYLAND OFFICIAL ASURES PARLIAMENT 

Mr. Shibir Karia said, “Ashok Leyland are offering sufficient solution of transport system and not only supplying the buses but also offering training of drivers, mechanic technical training, Cashless digital solutions including the financing solution which is forwarded by EXIM Bank of India, it’s finance credit to the government of Uganda.

“It’s a self financing project. So all the revenues, the first priority will be paying off the loan and clear taxes.”He said.

The Indian man explained that, “Ashok Leyland is number one bus company in India, we have been supplying buses in Africa now for 25 years, we first launched in Lagos in 2008 and before we went there, the situation in their capital was worse than here in Kampala. Today, almost 5000 buses operates in Lagos. Other cities like Abuja, Accra to Ghana, Ivory Coast,  Abidjan, Senegal, Kinshasa and many other African countries.”

ANY RIFT BETWEEN TONDEKA & KIRA MOTORS?

Dr. Kimbowa told Kadaga that,  “We saw the MP on the floor yesterday talking very eloquently about the need to protect local jobs, the need to support local industries and so on”

“Well he has his opinion but as far as this project is, it is conceived with full understanding that apart from the 980 buses, all the subsequent buses are going to go through Kira Motors which is government owned. It is set up and has got infrastructure, got an assembling plant and its growing it and Ashok Leyland has inspected and offered to support it all the way.” Said TONDEKA Board Chairman.  

He revealed that, “With the other initiative of the person in Namanve, their capacity we don’t know, but as far as concerned, for us we are working with Kira Motors.”

“And another clarification madam speaker, we have opened the door. Any Ugandan who has buses and would want them integrated in Tondeka, is free to do so.” Kimbowa explained, adding, “The people in Namanve are actually free bring those buses for as long as they match our standards, the specifications, we have no problem.

So the doors are open, we believe in inclusive growth of the country. Any one who has anything can come and fit in, we are not excluding any one at all.”

About the taxi owners having loans, Kimbowa daid, “Madam speaker, some of the taxi drivers and owners have debts. Some have just bought the taxis. We have actually the product already we have designed with financial institutions to enable the current drivers of taxis to actually offset those debts and be reintegrated especially those who are going to be drivers and conductors the process of recruitment has started now”.

DOROTHY KABUGO GIVE MORE EXPLAINATION

One may wonder how the 980 buses will be brought and navigate through this jam! We are talking to the minister of Works and also to KCCA and we are going to work within the infrastructure we have today but there are a number of extention plans of the roads which is now on going. 

We are encorporating bus stops and where possible, they are going to create priority lines within the Central business district and then as you move out of the city because the project is within the greater Kampala,  the ministry of Works is talking to UNRA to see how best we can work on the infrastructure.

The buses are not going to have a park within the city. They will be going through and rotate and goes to its terminal like that until the end of the shift. 

The greater Kampala Metropolitan area has been divided into zones which includes: Eastern, Western, Southern and North. 

And at the end of this zones we have a terminal, because you can’t have it in the city. 

The terminal will have a taxi park but a bigger one sitting on about 10 acres and has a place where buses load and offload passengers. 

Traffic jam is caused by those who leaves their houses with three, four, five cars and all driving to the city. 

So what this solution is offering, is also allowing the people who use taxis use the buses.

So that means that, instead of spending 600,00 shillings per a month on fuel, I can just buy my card at 550,00 shillings. But also to ease jam within town.

It also means that within the town here, some of those parking slots may go especially along the major routes to create priority lanes so there is an opportunity for an investor to invest into park and ride service so that by insisting on coming to town with my car, I must be charged for parking.

The terminals/bus stops have the shopping centers, the markets and in every place where a terminalis created is indeed a new town or a new city because we will have hundreds of people converging there.

This means that, just at a terminal, you can have up to 3000 people being employed. Of course there are washing bays, restaurants, etc. 

We have the depots for Tondeka to park buses at the end of the day, wash them, service them and ensure that they are ready to go on the road the next day. Then the drivers’ changing rooms, all that. We don’t want any bus park within the city, there are depots along each of these  routes.

There are bus stops along the road. Unless like the ordinary taxis or bus stops we have now where every after a meter there is a stop, people jump on and off, we are coming with a systematical way. 

We are working with KCCA to mark them out and actually know that within such a distance, we will have a bus stop so that we don’t bring jam again.

So when you access the infrastructure, this is not an issue of bringing in buses, its an issue of reorganizing transport in the city and we are working with experts like Ms. Amanda Ngabirano and also and Engineers to plan carefully so that we don’t dump it on the people.

But as work, we are with UDC. Tondeka Metro is the operator.

KCCA on a number of times put up bids for investors to invest in buses and failed. In fact one time they got, but failed to provide the buses. Here we are, and we will manage.

Public transport internationally is a public good. Essentially, government is supposed to invest in it. 

But when an investor coming in to work with government to make sure it is streamlined, then it is a plus.

We have identified the sites of terminals and its private investors that are investing in these terminals.

We are planning five terminals. On Jinja road we have one in Mukono – Wantoni stage onwards, we have already identified the site. Along Jinja road, we have up to three park and ride services, where people can drive and park their cars and then jump on the buses.

Other terminals are in Matugga on Bombo road, Buloba on Mityana road, a terminal in Nsangi on Masaka road. Entebbe road,  there is no terminal there but a park and ride service at Kitubulu. The same way to Gaba road and Luzira.

We have a major workshop for the buses because they will need to be serviced.

AMANDA ON CONGESTION 

The level of intensity of the activities in the city is quite high.

This is easy because the level of service provision was quite focused on Kampala as a capital. And therefore, this generated travelled much people to access places for schools, jobs, markets, for home and all this happens very fast that Kampala started chocking. 

One of the obvious chocking is traffic and transportation. Every body is now discussing, every body is concerned even a lay person is complaining about a traffic congestion.

Kampala isn’t the richest city that we have so many cars. The only problem, we don’t have an alternative means of transportation, we don’t have an efficient public transport system.

The city of our status, the population and how it is growing, there is nowhere in the world that the city will operate on private car system dominating the transportation system.

And the way we are developing as a country, we are getting more people educated, more people who want to live comfortably. So many will choose getting personal cars. This is going to be unsustainable, it will choke the environment which is very bad for the city and therefore, make people spend more money in traffic jam.

Transportation is going to eat up our people income, they wont be in position to save and invest for their economic growth. This brings me to how the transportation system in our city has encouraged private car ownership.

The land use planning system has not been well integrated in traffic and transportation such that, you find someone staying 25kms away from where they work and why, because they know can buy a car, there is no public transport system.

There is also a problem of first and the last mile. If I work at the parliament of Uganda, and the taxi or bus leaves me in Lugogo, how would I get here, probably that is my last mile? 

So the first mile from my home, through the dark streets to the stage has encouraged people to own cars, because if you are to leave home at 4:30 am to 5:00am, you cant walk to the stage so you are going to start planning for owning a private car.

The city must think about a multi-model transport system whereby, you focus on carrying people not carrying cars. The system we have today, is that of carrying vehicles. 

Because, per a person, the carrying capacity is two people in a private car and if it’s a higher carrying capacity vehicle, you can have the same number of private cars lets say 64 cars, being taken up by one bus. The current system, we have 64 cars occupying a space of one bus.

So I highly encourage the city and the government to think about higher capacity carrying systems.

MAYAMBALA GIVE DRIVERS & CONDUCTORS POSITION

Chairman Uganda Transport Development Development Agency (UTRADA) an association of Drivers and conductors said, the bus project isn’t new in their ears.

“When we met President in 2015, we had our issues against KCCA, local government, police and other bodies.” Said Mustafa Mayambala.

He told the Speaker, “When the president listened to us, he assured to settle our issues andhe indeed settled them. We want to thank the president.”

“But the president told us to start preparing for transition because taxis will be phased out to mass out but assured us, we will be given the first priority.” He said.

In 2019, they were informed about TONDEKA Metro in charge of preparing them for the transport transition.  “True, we have also travelled to places like Kenya, Rwanda and saw, their transport has greatly changed. Jam has been affecting us in fuel and time. In our association, we will make sure protect the jobs of our people. We are happy, taxis will not totally phased out.” Said Mayambala.

Gad Mugisha, the chairman tax owners said, for them are very ready for the transition.

NEWS EDITOR

THE Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, a few minutes from now is expected to meet proprietors of the Tondeka bus transport system in the Speaker’s Boardroom.

The Speaker however, has beem sumoned by President Museveni to State House but any time from now, she will be in.

The Government of Uganda in a move to decongest the Central business district (CBD) and easien public transport in Kampala Metropolitan Area, has entered into an Eight years’ deal with powerful Hinduja Group in India which manufacture vehicles to supply 980 Ashok-Leyland
buses to Uganda in phase one, and replace over 12000 taxis that has been operating around city centre.
“This is a very organized project that works in different Africa cities and many people will find no reason to drive their cars to and from city centers since buses will be very many and fares affordable.”Said officials of Tondeka Metro a locally Special Purpose Vehicle sponpored by Hinduja Group to operate these buses.
This comes after a meeting between The Head of State and Hinduja Group to supply Ashok-Leyland buses of the JAN make that will not only boost Tax revenue by 100 billion in taxes and GDP by US$ 800M annually but also create over 20000 jobs especially to youth, veterans and women in
the first year.
In this meeting, both parties agreed that allowing buses to operate in Kampala will enhance urban safety and security, massive reduction in security surveillance costs, it’s affordable in costs to the elderly, youth, women and disabled and cost optimization.
“In countries where our buses are operating, the city roads are decongested and this leads to quality environment. There is road optimization and a very organized city transport system.” Wealthy Hinduja Group told the President in the meeting.
They talked about Ancillary infrastructure services, issue of IPO – on completion of year three track record  and that there will be service accessibility and predictability.
The suppliers assured Government that their buses are comfortable and hygiene and will cut trabsport costs hence household savings.
In a letter to Finance, Planning and Economic Development minister
Hon. Matia Kasaija dated August 31st 2018 on supply and assembly of Ashok leyland buses and trucks, president Museveni directed him to,
“Expedite the signing of the Term sheet dated  July 9th 2018, valid for 90 days from EXIM Bank of India for supplier credit under Loan Agreement.” Letter reads, “Recently when I met with the representatives from
Hinduja Group, in regard with the supply of 980 buses Ashok – Leyland to Uganda through a secured funding under EXIM Bank NEIA, I agreed  on the following actions”.
“Ashok – Leyland will supply 980 buses imported from India under Phase 1 and to establish an assembling plant for trucks/buses in Uganda with a minimum of 200 units per month for the supply of vehicles beyond the initial 980 buses.” President Museveni said.
He added that, “The Ashok- Leyland buses will only use arteries of cross-city transport (East-West, North-South, South-East to North-West) and leave the feeder branches to the locals for some years.”
The President also agreed with Hinduja Group to strengthen the institution and technical collaboration between Ashok -Leyland and Kiira Motors in Uganda.
“Eventually, Ashok-Leyland will float shares so that the locals canalso benefit from our growing purchasing power, transport expendituresin this case.” Said Museveni in his letter to the Finance minister in which he gave him directives.
“The past is PROLOGUE not DESTINY! We should be open minded and curious. A lot has been done. More needs to be done”  said President directeing Finance minister to expidite this project.
The project name is Tondeka Metro and the government is implementing this project through UDC, the government investment arm in collaboration with the Hinduja Group/Ashok Leyland.
This project will be fully implemented in 6 months.
Matatus will now work in feeder roads, feeding buses and no matatu will be allowed in centre centre and all routes where buses operates.

We will give you the details of this meeting

NEWS EDITOR

ON TUESDAY February 18th 2020, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, chairman Electoral commission in preparation for the 2020-2021 General Elections, and in accordance with Section 25 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 140), the Electoral Commission has appointed 19th February – 10th March 2020 as the period for the Display of the National Voters’ Register.
Nominations of Presidential and Parliamentary candidates is set for August 2020.
In News editor analysis, we bring you Part I of Members of Parliament from Buganda, who are safe, who are unsafe and why. 
Read on:

IBRAHIM KASOZI
The Deputy Chairman COSASE is superb and competent. Makindye East constituency is in safe hands. This learned counsel recently told us at Parliament, when time for active politics comes, he will showcase all he has done for Makindye East.
Former NRM MP John Ssimbwa wants to return but it will be hard to break this money magnet. 
In the 10th Parliament, Kasozi is top on the list of very generous Buganda MPs. A selfless youngman, he is so generous to the extent that he sometimes gives out all he has to bail out his constituents in need. 
It is Dr. Besigye who endorsed Kasozi’s name to deputize Hon. Munyagwa in COSASE saying, his former aide has delivered 100% in Parliament.
This FDC legislator if not found at Parliament, will be at his farm looking after animals. You can’t find Kasozi throwing parties. 
This very down to earth legislator values genuine friends. Kasozi is loved for being a man of his word, incorruptible and dependable.
Hon. Kasozi will be in the 2021 August House. Word of advice to those who dream of unseating him, please find other things to do.

JOHN BOSCO LUBYAYI
He doubles as Mawokota South MP and NRM Chairman Mpigi district. He is set to tusstle it out with FDC’s electoral commission Chairman Yusuf Nsibambi who owns Nkozi clays and he is setting up a city in Mawokota.
The Kampala Land Board Chairman has already vowed to unseat NRM’s Lubyayi but this may not be an easy task as this billioniare thinks.
First of all, Nsibambi is in a sea of problems after a number of people especially in the constituency have come out claiming that he fraudulently took their properties like land titles, houses and other assets.
These among others include Haji Ali Kasule commonly known as Subaru and the family of late Paulo Kivumbi a former NRA fighter. Kivumbi’s orphans in Kalagala, Nkozi, Mawokota South have already petitioned the president pinning Nsibambi for fraudently taking their family home sitting on five acres. 
Just last week, COSASE committee in Parlianent issued a warrant of arrest to Nsibambi for defying their summons to answer queries about over 200 titles in Kampala.
Nsibambi who recently had an operation, will face a hard task to win the Mawokota South seat.
Talked about as having too much pride, Nsibambi’s  political approach doesn’t work in villages.
Mpigi politics is a bit tricky, it is the only district near Kampala where NRM takes almost every seat.
True Lubyayi voted to ammend the constitution to lift presidential age limit but his voters forgave him saying, as NRM chairman of the district, he had no option.
In the 9th Parliament, Lubyayi was removed by tycoon Bbosa Kiyingi Lutalo’s son Kenneth Kiyingi accusing him of not being in good books with Mengo. 
Lubyayi worked on this and has been assigned more responsibilities to lead Kabaka’s Mawokota county football club an assignment he perfectly executed and Mawokota lifted the trophy. In 2016, voters sent him back to Parliament.
Through his Voluntary Action for Development, Lubyayi built schools, churches, mosques, helped farmers, funded youth groups, Women SACCOS and this has kept him closer to the voters.
A very connected Lubyayi, recently hosted minister Sam Kahemba Kuteesa and other ministers during the fundraising to build Buwama Catholic Church.
Lubyayi gives back to his voters, a down to earth legislator, he will be very hard to break.
Other politicians who want this seat includes EALA’s Susan Nakawuki but Mawokota people have already told her openly not to waste her money, she should either go back to Busiro East where she has ever served as an MP or to Bukoto.
There is also one Warakira. It is also speculated that DP will front Samuel Lubega Mukaaku.  
All indicators show, Lubyayi will bounce back.
He is an experienced legislator who is popular even among the youth.

RUTH NANKABIRWA
The Government Chief Whip, should sit in Kampala and relax, things are not all that well. Having served as Kiboga district representative now for 25 years, the voters think, she has not given them her best.
A young lady, Grace Kakooza from People Power wants Nankabirwa out.
Born to late Joseph Kakooza Ssempijja and Aisha Namakula at a village called  Kabutemba in Kiboga Town Council, Grace grew up an orphan.
Her life was about striving but she says, God helped her make it.
She started school at Gloria Nursery School, St. Andrews, Islamic Centre and St. Paul schools in Kiboga. 
She went to Mityana S.S Namukozi, Light College Katikamu, Manchester High Kisaasi and Makerere University Business School for her Bachelors.
She landed a job in United Kingdom from where she managed to use her savings and set up Grace Foundation which educates over 250 children from helpless families.
An admirer of MPs Idah Erios Nantaba and Francis Butebi Zaake, Grace says enough is enough for Nankabirwa. Kiboga has not benefitted from the guerilla war it facilitated because their would be voice is mute.
This sexy chic commands support from youth, opinion leaders and veterans.
She says Kiboga has no medical facilities, their sick people are instead reffered to Masindi in Bunyoro.
Asked whether she isn’t worried of Nankabirwa’s influence, Grace Kakooza said let time come, she will be embarassed.
Nankabirwa joined politics fresh from Makerere University in 1994.
She was endorsed by Rhoda Kalema, then Kiboga NRC representative on her retirement from politics.
Nankabirwa was Kiboga’s representative in the drafting of National constitution and since then, she has been an MP.
She has served in many ministries like that of Luwero Triangle, Fisheries, Defence and Micro Finance.
Grace is painting Kiboga red where NRM has been scoring 96%.
For the first time, Kiboga one of the Luwero Triangle districts had riots last year and Hoima road was templorily blocked.
Grace has vowed to give Nankabirwa a run for her money.
However, Nankabirwa has also woken up.
She organised a mega show to bring back her supporters.
This will be another very hot contest in the country, come 2021.
Nankabirwa has been tustling it out with State House’s Rose Zimulinda and humiliating her, but with the coming in of People Power’s Grace, the story may easily change.
Grace hosted opposition politicians led by Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi and Hon. Zaake at function attended by thousands of Kiboga people. Police tried to block the function but her supporters over powered it.

FRANCIS BUTEBI ZAAKE

The Mityana Municipality legislator is very safe. Any one who has interest in this seat is advised to look elsewhere. Many opposition politicians like Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke never expected this youngster to make it to the 10th Parliament. She even camped in Mityana to decampaign Zaake urging Mityana Municipality voters never ‘to send us that boy, Parliament is not a play ground that he is coming to play football with other boys.’  Nambooze was in Mityana to campaign for DP Candidate Faustine Mukambwe Lukonge. 

However, all this fell on deaf ears. On polling day, thousands voted Zaake, sending Nambooze’s candidate (Mukambwe) to third position.
NRM’s Charles Sserugga Matovu finished second.
Zaake’s win wasn’t a surprise to many of us. He had massively attended campaigns with a solid message.  He automatically had to sail through.
Coming from an extra rich family, his dad Emanuel Ssembuusi Butebi owns a number of hotels both in Kampala and Mityana making the family popular. Butebi is a successful businessman who heads Mityana Traders Association (MITA) and is well connected to Mengo where Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II appointed him to sit on the Buganda Twezimbe, a committee set up to redevelop Buganda Kingdom.
Zaake’s father is reknown in Mityana and respected by elders, opinion leaders, business fraternity and religious leaders. It was therefore a walk over for his son in 2016.
He gathered a number of votes from the youth, women, business people and elders. 
In Parliament, Zaake who stood as independent has proved to the likes of Nambooze that he is a real MP material.
He is one of the vocal MPs who perfectly legislate for his constituents.
Hansard has captured Zaake raising matters of National importance like the poor status of Mityana government Hospital, impassable roads in Mityana, lack of electricity among others.
During the debate to ammend article 102(b) of the Constitution to lift presidential and LCV age limit, Zaake consulted his voters and they ordered him never to touch it, so he did not scoring highly back in the constituency.
The boy who was despised by Nambooze has become a thorn in NRM’s fresh. Zaake backs Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi’s Poople Power, he has become the talk of international media and has raised Mityana flag high.
On two incidences, one during a hot Togikwatako debate and during the Arua Municipality MP by election saga where he was clobbered to near death, many expected this MP to give up. However each day that passes by, he becomes stronger and more popular.
Mityana people think their MP has given them all, they are very proud of him and dont expect to look for a substitute come 2021.
Those with hopes to contest with Zaake like one Abraham Luzzi, Lukonge Mukambwe, Kintu Aggrovet, Sserugga Matovu and others, have a tall tree to climb. 
In fact during Zaake’s thanks giving ceremony last year in Mityana, Arua Municipality MP Kassiano Wadri asked Mityana people to make Zaake a sole candidate come 2021 so that, he gives the would be Mityana campaign time to other candidates in different parts of the Country.
Analysts say, who ever thinks can unseat Zaake, will be just wasting time and money.
Zaake commands support from NRM, DP, FDC, People Power and other forces. He is good at lobbying for his voters, for churches, mosques, schools, youth and women groups, etc.
He is now a darling to the likes of Nambooze. No opposition politician can dare step in Mityana to decampain Zaake.

MATHIAS MPUUGA
The Masaka Municipality DP MP is serving his second term. His return for the third term swings in balance. EALA MP Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, who also doubles as Masaka DP Chairman and DP National Vice President has already declared his bid for the same slot.
For Starters, in 2011, Mpuuga unseated then DP Vice President General Counsel JB Kawanga. He was then an independent backed by SSUUBI pressure group.
In 2016 elections, Mpuuga returned to his mother party DP on advice of Hon. Mbidde.
All signs show, Mpuuga will be shown the exit come 2021.
Mpuuga is being fought by church which has already come out openly to support Mbidde. They accuse Mpuuga for not financially supporting church projects. Sometime last year, Masaka Diocese Bishop emeritus JB Kagwa saluted Hon. Mbidde during a fully parked Kitovu Church mass for being a generous leader who gives back to church.
The new Masaka Bishop Rev. Fr. Jjumba and Mbidde are very close friends, he is also said to be a close pal to Anglican Bishop, Tamale Katumba.
In fact during the consecration of Bishop Jjumba,  Mpuuga as the area MP was on the list of Speakers but was  blocked by Church a few minutes to being  invited by the Master of ceremony.
Among the electorates, Mpuuga is taken to be a man of too much pride, who wants voters to worship him because he is a former Buganda minister. Mbidde, is a down to earth guy who can be found in Masaka ghettos jazzing with youth.
In Mengo, Mpuuga is no longer in good books with Premier Charles Peter Mayiga.
It is believed, he is among Buganda MPs who see Mayiga as an NRM sympathiser and that Kabaka needs to fire him.
During the 2018 Kabaka birth day fete in Kalungu, a few meters from Masaka, Mpuuga didnt show up and this annoyed Katikkiro.
He had a fight withbformer Pokino Mayega, Kabaka’s Buddu County chief.
One time Pokino Mayega blasted Mpuuga for blackmailing him.
It’s true in People Power, Kyagulanyi appointed Mpuuga as a Cordinator for Greater Masaka but the Ghetto gladiator isn’t happy with Mpuuga for being incompetent and inactive in all people power activities.
During a meeting held in Wakiso a few months back, Bobi Wine was disappointed by his likes for having no written report about their deployments. Insiders say,  Bobi is considering to substitute the likes of Mpuuga who even fear to put red berets on their heads.
During the last year’s Kabaka’s owned Muteesa I Royal University Guild elections, Mbidde’s candidate Aloysious Kibira won massively and Mpuuga’s candidate lost.
The same happened in  the last Local council elections in Masaka.
Mpuuga really needs devine intervention to save him if not so, money magnet Mbidde is set to take over Masaka Municipality.
Now Mpuuga camp has resorted to tribal sentiments saying Mbidde isn’t a Muganda not knowing that this smear campaign instead works for this EALA MP.
Those knowing Masaka Municipality politics say, If Mbidde consolidates Church support when he wins the DP ticket like we all anticipate, he will easily take over Masaka Municipality. 
It is not known whether NRM will bring back their 2016 candidate Herman Ssentongo who almost took it away from Mpuuga.
We are told, FDC is set to endorse Kayemba Afaayo, Masaka Municipality mayor for the MP seat in 2021.
If so, this will be one of the hottest races, although Mbidde is likely to emerge the winner.

KATO LUBWAMA
The Diamonds Essemble star is in very big trouble, Lubaga South is slipping out of his hands. Voters think, the one term given to Kato alias Biiso is enough, they want him to retire and go back to his drama. Over 20 new faces have shown interest in the seat but the highest bidder is Talton Gold Aloysious Mukasa, a reknown Bobi Wine blue eyed boy, a businessman in Ndeeba and Najjanankumbi.
We are told, DP leaders in Lubaga South  want to endorse Mukasa for the MP seat.
Born to Aloysious Kalyango of Kyengera Mugongo and Annet Nayiga of Mutundwe, Church Zone in Lubaga South, Mukasa is giving Kato Lubwama sleepless nights.
These days, he goes door to door making consultations. He says, Lubaga people needs a strong and bold voice in Parliament, which can speak loudly for every one to hear if they are to get a share of the National cake.
Mukasa attended Uganda Martyrs Primary School in Lubaga, Kazinda Primary school Kyengera now Kampala Model, Lubiri SS and St. Marys Kitende where students massively voted him Head prefect.
He is also an old boy of Merryland High School Kigungu in Entebbe. 
He was awarded an Advanced certificate in Business Adminstration and also graduated with a Bachelors in Business Managent at MUBS.
Recently, he was awarded a second degree at Ndejje University. 
Mukasa deals in Food suppliments, he is the proprietor of Dascus Nursery School Najjanankumbi and Bex Limited, a company producing disinfectants.
He says, Lubaga South lacks good health facilities, youth especially mechanics are not supported, Women groups need to be facilitated to fight poverty.
Mukasa single handedly constructed Rama Krishna road in St. Anne Zone which was in a sorry state and was always used by law breakers to steal bodabodas, rape women at night and kill people.
Kato Lubwama was too close to former IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura and his man Abudallah Kitatta.
In fact after winning elections in 2016, the three used to appear on different functions.
Since Kayihura and Kitatta got problems, Kato Lubwama politics in Lubaga south melted.
He does not see eye to eye with People Power’s leader Bobi Wine and is remembered for fighting with promoter Bajjo on a certain tv show. It all started when Lubwama was blamed for staying mute in the House as MPs were tasking government on why Bobi shows were being blocked.
Lubwama is said to be an NRM sympathiser and for those knowing Lubaga south politics, this can easily make him get more enemies.
John Ken. Lukyamuzi who was ousted by Kato Lubwama is also set to stand alongside other new candidates like Princess Eugene Nassolo. 
Aloysious Mukasa has an upper hand unless otherwise.

BETTY NAMBOOZE BAKIREKE
DP and People Power want to front Mukono Municipality mayor Kagimu against Nambooze accusing her of fighting party activities, blackmailing Hon. Ssentamu Kyagulanyi and moving around with FDC’s Dr. Kizza Besigye.
DP says, Nambooze has never supported any party presidential candidate. In 2006, she shunned candidate Ssebaana Kizito and campaigned for Besigye. The same happened during the 2011 campaigns where she failed to join Hon. Nobert Mao’s Team. She again supported Besigye. In 2016, the Party resolved to endorse John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, but still Nambooze campaigned for Besigye.
DP says, Nambooze is big headed, she doesnt attend party activities, dodges NEC meetings and other meetings but she is always the first to hit  back at the party. They want to give their card to a loyal party cadre who will preach the party gospel, not like Nambooze who is fed by DP but milked by FDC.
Mukono Municipality is a bit tricky. If both Nambooze and Kagimu choose to contest, never be shocked when NRM candidate takes the day.

MOSES KASIBANTE
Like Mathias Mpuuga, Kasibante is not safe at all in Lubaga North. 
Newly apointed Lands minister Beti Olive Namisango Kamya, was recently hosted by senior journalist Steven Dunstan Busuulwa on Top radio’s Negwozadde Saturday  talkshow and announced that she is returning in 2021 for the same seat. However it isn’t known whether this time Kamya will stand on NRM ticket.
She has vowed to reclaim what she calls her 2016 win.
If Kamya chose to stand, then the battle for Lubaga North will most likely be between her and Abubaker Kawalya, the Lubaga North FDC councilor at City Hall. Kasibante is nowhere in this puzzle.
As of today, all opinion polls put Kawalya at the top.
He is a born of Kawaala in Kasubi, a zone with the highest number of residents in Uganda.
All factors to win Lubaga North favour Kawalya.
He is a rich young man, well connected, hard working and popular. DP leaders have already cut a deal with him and Bobi Wine already  declared his support for Kawalya.
Kasibante must now be at the crossroads, not knowing what comes next.
Rumours in NRM say, Singh Katongole  is likely to be fronted for Lubaga Municipality mayor, leaving the MP contest to Kamya.
Kasibante has a weakness in Team building, he takes supporters for granted. 2021 is likely to be a bad year for this former radio CBS news anchor.

MUHAMMAD NSEREKO
Cedric Babu, son to former Kampala Central MP Capt. Francis Babu has declared his intention to unseat incumbent Muhammad Nsereko on NRM ticket. 
However according to our investigations, MP Nsereko is still a darling to Kampala Central voters, he commands support and will always trounce who ever dares him.
We advise Babu not to waste his time and money, Nsereko is still around until further notice.
Some voices in People Power want Chairman Fred Nyanzi to contest with Nsereko but his brother Bobi Wine openly objected saying, Nsereko is like his real brother, he can’t decampaign such a star who is vocal in parliament. 
Bobi told Nyanzi, if he disobeys him and proceed with standing against Nsereko “Be ready for embarrassment, I will not even step at your rallies. Hon. Nsereko has been there for the struggle, we will not be fighting him.”
If Nyanzi defies Bobi’s wise counsel, let him be ready to face a hard task in convincing Kampala central people why Nsereko should be substituted.
It is not known whether FDC is returning their man Harold Kaija.
Of recent, Nsereko and Besigye are good friends. FDC may choose not to fight Nsereko.
Factors helping Nsereko include being an experienced politician in the heart of Kampala, a rich man, very good speaker, generous, vocal in the House and perfectly knows election games. Such a politician is hard to unseat.

ANN AMELIA KYAMBADDE
The NRM Mawokota North MP will be in the 11th Parliament. Artist Innocent Hillary Kiyaga alias Hilderman who wants to unseat her should be advised him to look for something else to do.
Unless former President Museveni PPS deliberately throws in the towel, she is still around.
Our research shows, The minister for Trade is well positioned to bounce back.
She has built personal structures through her Twezimbe project and to those knowing her, when it comes to looking for votes, she is not a joking ‘subject’.
She has supported youth and women groups, is in good books with Mengo and a reknown fighter. She can perfectly manage her wars.
She will use all avenues to make sure, Mawokota isnt accessed by Hilderman and People Power Team.
Never say we didn’t warn you.

DAVID LUKYAMUZI KALWANGA
He is commonly known as ‘Essuubi lya Busujju’ literally meaning, Busujju County constituency’s hope. He is the only independent MP in Buganda who trounced a serving minister in 2016 elections. He removed then minister Vincent Nyanzi and won by 78%.
Their are those targeting his seat but this former media personel will bounce back come 2021.
In his manifesto, he promised to work on roads and he has fulfilled this through lobbying and putting in his own salary.
He has set up a school to cater for secondary students, lobbied for health facilities and single handedly constructed Busujju Play ground worth 450M. 
He is very close to Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, voted not to ammend the constitution to lift age limit, popular in Churches and Mosques.
Both Bishop Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese and the Angalican Bishops are good friends to Kalwanga, they see him as their own son and normally meet to guide him.
He was recently hosted by Supreme Mufti Sheik Silman Kasule Ndirangwa.
Voters in Busujju are satified with the four years so far Kalwanga has been in Parliament.
A very jovial MP, Kalwanga joined Parliament when he was already rich. He says, he is not in parliament to look for a job but to represent, make laws and lobby for his people.
If elections are conducted today, Kalwanga can resoundingly win by 80%. All factors favour him.

ALLAN SSEWANYANA
The Makindye West MP is just too good to be substituted. Commonly known as Musajja wa bwiino, Allan Ssewanyana took over from JEEMA’s Haji Hussein Kyanjo who endorsed him. The brain behind Katwe United FC has worked so hard to fit in Kyanjo’s shoes and he is the happiest.
A wonderful activist, Ssewanyana is incorruptible, a man of his word and approachable.There are some voices who want this seat, but Ssewanyana is a Lionel Messi for Makindye West, very safe.
He plays well his political cards, vocal in Parliament, very active in the constituency and has never moved even an inch from what Makindye West people sent him to do.
Some voices wanted Haji Kyanjo to return but let him be advised not to listen to them because the youth generation will embarass him.

PAUL LUTTAMAGUZI SSEMAKULA
His 2016 win in Nakaseke South, shocked many. He is the only DP MP voted during a general election in Luweero Triangle.
A very hardworking and Pro people MP, Luttamaguzi has continued to consolidate his support. One of the most vocal legislators among the new MPs, Luttamaguzi is a voice of the voiceless in Nakaseke, always on frontline to fight land grabbers. A Peoples’ MP, Luttamaguzi has continously supported youth, women, church projects, farmers and religious affliations.
His 2021 win is guaranteed. He commands support not only from opposition but even in the ruling NRM. A very active and generous legislator. 
There are attempts by ruling NRM treasurer Rose Namayanja Nsereko to front her husband Nsereko but he is hard to sell.
The award winner for the most active MP in the 10th Parliament, will bounce back in 2021. 

Wait for part II of the story