THERE was excitement at the closing ceremony of the Nile Golf Cup when the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope, IV chose to Tee.
Kyabazinga on arrival at Jinja Golf Club
Flanked by the Kingdom Premier, Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, Chief Prince Samuel Menha Kakaire Zirabamuzaale Nkuutu and the Club President,Charles Kalumuna, Kyabazinga also planted a memorable tree at the club.
In his speech,Owek. Dr. Muvawala encouraged able members of society to join Golf.
“We should embrace this sporting activity since its cross cutting. The Kyabazinga’s presence here today is a clear manifestation that he’s ready and determined to identify and develop Golf and other sporting activities in his Kingdom and the surrounding areas”, the Premier argued.
Prime Minister of Busoga, Owek. Dr.Joseph Muvawala Nsekere with some of the current tourism queens at the tournament
On his part, Charles Kalumuna noted that part of their land was encroached upon reducing their holes to nine instead of eighteen.
He asked for the return of the same to enable development of the game.
He also revealed that Jinja Golf Club is the oldest one in the country having been established in 1952 during the construction of the Owen Falls Dam.
The Queen of England swum in their pool during her visit to commission the dam.
One of the Jinja Golf Club members kneels down to greet the Kyabazinga
Several companies participated that included Bank of Uganda, Civil Aviation Authority, Eskom Uganda Limited, Jinja Ladies, National Forestry Authority among others with Jinja Ladies emerging as the overall winner taking home a trophy and a mattress while Civil Aviation Authority emerged as 1st runners up bagging a trophy and crates of beer plus Rwenzori mineral water.
The event organized by Busoga Kingdom in partnership with Lock Events was sponsored by Century Bottling Company,Bank of Uganda,Eskom,Civil Aviation Authority,National Forestry Authority,Castle Lite,Basoga Baino among others.
I HAVE loved music for a good number of my years. Music reminds me quite many things.
AUTHOR: Counsel Denis Nyombi
The first song I watched on You tube, for example, was Glen Gold Smith’s “dreaming” off the 1988 album, “what you see is what you get.”
Artist Ronald Mayanja eyes Gomba MP seat in 2021
Preceeding this, are other intersting memories. For instance, “So So Def” was my best record label ever followed by Bad boy records, among others. If am not mistaken anyone close to my desk in high school from form 3 on words will quote me right.
Back home, I still have memories for three Ugandan songs. Philly Lutaya’s Kampala and Afrigo’s semuwemba then Jim.
Lutaya’s Kampala was my first song to be listened to in a car radio.
As a young man one day i was walking on Kla streets with mum holding me by hand, whilst crossing from what’s present day Security house, then UDIAM house (Guess the home of Tropicana 110 Those who recall do) i saw a Toyota Corolla DX pass by- (how did i know it’s a Toyota Corolla DX then ?).
That’s another story for another day.
My escapades with cars is also another book. From walking to spear motors to ask about the price of a Mercedes Benz in S 4 vac, to stoping a benz truck to pay for the same UGx Sh200, in around P2 or 3, to keeping a picture of an old E190 1986 Mercedes from P3 to S2.
Artists; Dj Micheal, Bebe Cool and Catherine Kusaasira
Back to music, with a loud beat of an acoustic sound of string and metal, a with an outstanding beat I had never heard of, symphonying Lutaya’s praise of Kampala.
Joanita kawalya’s Jim is a 1995 Afrigo band single that rocked the new FM radio stations .
These two songs start off my discussion. What’s the secret behind what i will in my opinion deem the two of Uganda’s music aspects! Thats is to say,
a)The never fading passion for Afrigo Band.
b)The never ceasing sound of Uganda’s Christmas signature voice of Philly Lutaya’s lone Christmas album.
Understanding these two, gives us the index of discussing Uganda’s music.
President Museveni recently appointed artist Mark Bugembe, commonly known as Buchaman (Left) his advisor on Ghetto Affairs.
The two faces, Afrigo band and the person of Philly Lutaya are a corner stone in Uganda’s music and they start the journey of what we have as the present definition of music.
What is common with the two, manifests our music history and what separates the two, on the other hand, places our contemporary musicians in real context of this discussion.
Their history being a define of our music is partly as discussed below:
The setting of our societies prior to the colonial emergencies, saw different cultures with music as a fibre of the social set up.
The Baganda for example, had music for burials, weddings, worshiping, wars, travel , fishing etc this was the same with all the other of the major five interlucustrine kingdoms in the present day Uganda.
A friend from western Uganda once told me, he can whistle and all the cows gather around him I understood this to mean, that their was music too their that was used to symbolise the face of a herdsman.
I once played an akog (thumb piano,) an instrument whose percussion plays the jingle at the start of NTV’s akawungezi news bulletin. It’s a west nile instrument, that confirms that in The various parts of the country, music had space.
The coming of the guitar, saw a new direction of local music, especially here in central, as it moved from typical tradition folk songs to what was popularly called kadongo kamu (The would be country music in central )
This type of music carried on until the emergence of Congolese bands and rhythms. Many musicians were inspired by super mazembe and Tabley’s styles of this genre, not forgetting Franco.
What’s common of Afrigo and Lutaaya is the fact that both gather their original style, from these Congolese bands.
Afrigo band started as Africa go band. The band today led by a former school teacher and talented footballer Moses Matovu, played the drum beats picking style from Congolese Franco among others, to entertain Idd Amin.
Philly lutaya summarises his journey of music, in one of his singles “Osobolootya”
A song in which he narrates his journey from the dark days as he was discovered by Mr. Stelli.
He played with colleagues like sebiteke Gerald, Kiwanuka, Kasule , Kigozi, mbalala, Mzee Mansulu, Dungu Mukungu, Most analysts argue that he was referring to Summy Kasule another icon of the 80s who latter joined Afrigo band.
A friend of mine who went out much with Lutaya in Sweden narrates to me how “Hanifa omulongo” this writer’s favourite, was a true story.
All this was in Rwenzoli band, prior to Hope Mukasa connecting him to Sweden where he worked with small town studio based in Stockholm.
Why did the two dominate the late 1980s and early 90s?
As seen above, prior to the 80s Uganda’s music was basically a stock of kadongo kamu and a passion for congolese music.
Masagazi, Eclaus Kawalya, Elly Wamala , Frida Sonko, Christopher Sebadduka, Dan Mugula, Matia Kakumilizi, Namale, etc were the shape and fashion of our music.
It’s these icons who gave the 80s and early 90s musicians pace. Real kadongo kamu, dominated the one radio station “radio Uganda.” Haman Basudde, Fred sebbale, Paul Kafeero, Willy Mukabya, Haman Kasozi, Fred Sebata etc were the stars .
Amidst them, were band players . Emitos of Umar Katumba, the kads band, etc who were too in the picture. Others were Jimmy Katumba who also gradually silenced out as the 90s welcomed the modern genres.
Therefore Afrigo n Lutaya, had a totally distant style from their contemporary’s crowd which made them the lead figures to the modern stage.
The other reason why the two were dominate, was that, the 1970s n part of the 80s, were a half decade of war. This silenced substantially most of Kampala night life.
Howeverclose to the end of the 1980s NRA war, came songs that gave hope to Kampala folks. Peter Balijjidde sung “Agawalagana” a song that nearly cost him his life for it’s mystirical meaning – my grandmother tells me.
Never the less, it was a take of the forthcoming victory of the NRA rebels and how the country shall put Its self to order.
At the end of the war, Kampala saw life back . This partly explains why Philly lutaya outdid all his predecessors in dominating Kampala streets.
His Christmas album, came just after these times of war, with joy happiness. But above all, the quality of his music production was so above the ordinary Uganda.This explains partly why hither too, his Christmas album still dominates .
Afrigo on the other hand, gave rhythm to the social problems that struck the country then. A song like speed, was a caution against HIV while oliyigaddi okufumba, was a song about a woman who had failed to satisfy her husband sexually.
It’s dominance and playing house hold music , accounts for its playing the memorable early 90s advert for Nile breweries nile special.– “Ffe twagala nile speciallager kabaka wa biya awatali nile special lager tetunywa kilala…….”
One important point to note, Afrigo Band and Philly lutaya together much as they set the pace , non of the two has more than fifty songs. However , there are artists today, with over twenty songs but have failed to brake through why ?????
To be continued…………
The writer Denis Nyombi is an advocate and Historian. 256-754 592 447
BUNDIBUGYO youths have been advised to maintain peace and security restored in the region by the NRM ruling government through engaging into developmental activities like farming and business.
While launching the youths pressure group dubbed ‘Generation Seven’ (G7) structures in Bundibugyo, Rwenzori region, the residential district commissioner (RDC) Mr’s Asiimwe grace kakwenza asked Ugandans to participate in the electoral commission’s program of checking for there names in the voters register as the country is preparing for the 2021 elections.
“Youths must engage in government programs like operation wealth creation, youth livelihood programs e.t.c to enable you uplift the future opportunities and fighting poverty other than wasting time in betting and other useless activities just for pleasure.” Said RDC Kakwenza.
The National co-ordinator Generation seven(G7) Mr.Gilbert Olinga appreciated Bundibugyo youths for the overwhelming support they usually give to president Museveni and persuaded them to continue with that spirit as they prepare to participate in the coming elections and to avoid politicians who are planning to use them into evils which may lead to destabilization of the region and uganda at large but to focus on developmental projects for poverty alleviation and and keeping president museveni’s legacy alive
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 .
Dr. Kimbowa and Dorothy handing over the literature of the whole bus project to Speaker Kadaga
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.
Kampala ministers Betty Amongi, her deputy Beny Namugwanya, Works minister Gen. Katumba Wamala, Kampala businessmen and TONDEKA officials during a Stakeholders consultative meeting in Kansanga recently
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.
Sample of Ashok-Leyland buses comming to 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.”
Speaker Kadaga thanking Dr. Kimbowa and TONDEKA team for work done
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.
ON 20th February 2020 The Daily Monitor ran a one sided story amplifying the false claims of land grabbing by a one Matia Lubega in a suit against Owek. Kiwalabye Male, Buganda Land Board and myself (Owek. Apollo Nelson Makubuya)
I did not steal or grab Mr Lubega’s land. I have filed a robust defense in the Court. Buganda Land Board has similarly filed a defense dismissing his spurious claims.
The brief facts are as: 1. In 2004 the Kabaka leased land in Block 268 Plot 485 at Lubowa to one Eriya Kabiswa. 2. In 2008 I bought the said land from Eriya Kabiswa and I became the owner with a lease from the Kabaka of Buganda. This was not an allocation of land to me by the Kabaka. 3. Mr. Lubega has never occupied, been gifted or granted a lease on Block 268 Plot 275 at Lubowa. He has no document to show he was given the said land by the Kabaka. 4. When I purchased the land I had no idea of Mr. Lubega’s claims. 5. It is surprising Mr Lubega has waited since 2004 (16 years now)to claim that his land was stolen. 6. Mr Lubega alleges that I used my position to acquire his land. This is false. I have asked my lawyers to seek punitive damages against Mr. Lubega for his bogus accusations. 7. The claims on social media that my undeveloped half acre plot is valued at Shs. 5.3 billion demonstrates both the falsehoods and the length at which some will go to tarnish others. 8. I have been constrained to make a public statement to counteract false information about the suit that is being peddled against me in the media by a person with ulterior motives.
The Writer is a senior counsel, Buganda Kingdom top official, Director Buganda Land Board and chief advisor to His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda
THIS is unbelievable but it’s true! Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and ruling NRM party have entered into a swap deal in the KCCA Speaker elections due March 05th 2020, to share the two elective positions and technically kick out People Power’s endorsed candidate Haji Abubaker Kawalya.
The information on the News Editor desk shows, the deal is coordinated by Mukono Municipality legislator Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke on orders of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Lord mayor Erias Lukwago who fronted this Makerere University female councilor Doreen Nyanjura for Speakership.
At the beginning of this week, FDC President Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi (POA) declared Nyanjura as the party sponsored candidate for KCCA Speaker and Doreen Sabuka, as Party candidate for the deputy Speaker.
However, a section of top FDC officials led by FDC Buganda Vice president Owek. Joyce Juliet Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo, who is also Lubaga Mayor rejected this move saying, the nominations lacked transparency, so she will support Abubaker Kawalya, who is the FDC councilor representing Lubaga North at KCCA.
We shall come back to this later.
DETAILS OF FDC/NRM DEAL
According to this deal, our inside sources have revealed to us how MP Nambooze is holding night meetings with NRM’s Kyambogo University councilor Bruhan Byaruhanga who has also been contesting for the Speaker job.
Nambooze is on orders to convince Bruhan Byaruhanga stand down for FDC’s Nyanjura and “We will give you the deputy Speaker job.”
In fact as you read this, Bruhan Byaruhanga has already given up on the Speaker post and now looking for Deputy Speaker votes.
Bruhan Byaruhanga looks to have bought the deal and his party has okayed it. So expect to other announcements, Bruhan and Nyanjura are now in a political bed, thanks to Hon. Nambooze and Peoples Government squad.
News Editor has talked to Bruhan Byaruhanga and confessed how he is no longer interested in Speaker job.
“Yes tell every one,I am contesting for Deputy Speaker. I am meeting councilors to vote for me.” Said Bruhan Byaruhanga. However, when we asked him about Nambooze deal, he just switched off his phone!
We can authoritatively state that, Lord mayor Lukwago met Bruhan Byaruhanga over the same deal. If Bruhan Byaruhanga and Nyanjura go for an alliance like it is expected, Kawalya will be finished!
For Starters, 32 councilors will cast their votes for Speaker and deputy Speaker. The winner must get 50%, meaning, he or she must get over 16 votes. Now, out of these 32 councilors, 18 are FDC members, NRM has 7 and DP has 3. Four are independents.
According to the calculation, Kawalya is comfortably having 13 FDC votes, while Nyanjura has 5 votes, plus 3 DP votes totaling to 8 votes. Now if the alliance is a success, she will be having the 7 NRM votes. With 15 votes in her bag, Nyanjura will only need to independents, and she will be announced KCCA Speaker.
Speaking to this Online site, Asuman Ssemakula, who is Dr. Besigye’s driver, he said, “Nyanjura is unstopped! She has already won. We are masters in such political games. Wait for the election day, she will be declared the winner.”
Asked why Nyanjura camp is too confident, Ssemakula said FDC is doing everything to make sure, their candidate carries the day.
KAWALYA CASE LEAVES FDC DIVIDED
Ssebuggwawo isn’t the only top FDC official to defy Peoples’ government candidate Doreen Nyanjura.
We are reliably informed, FDC Party Spokesman Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who doubles as Kira Municipality MP is a Kawalya man.
In fact during the Monday FDC press conference, Hon. Nganda arrived at the Najjanankumbi party headquarters to address the press but on learning that Eng. Amuriat and Party Secretary General Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi had plotted to use this press conference announce Nyanjura as the party flag bearer for KCCA Speaker race, he got so annoyed and asked the two, why they want FDC to be a laughing stock!
“Who nominated Nyanjura? Which criteria did you use? Don’t expect me to be part of this drama. Let me even go away.” Ssemujju left.
Journalists who had come to cover the Monday Party presser left, only to be called back three hours later that Amuriat and Mafabi were going to address the Country about KCCA and Kampala division flag bearer for Speakers and deputy speakers.
We are also told, the KCCA Speaker contest has divided FDC party as a good number of top leaders are rallying behind Kawalya, while others are team Nyanjura.
THE Fourth Quadripartite summit between heads of State and government of the Republic of Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Uganda and The Republic of Rwanda at Katuna boarder has ended with tough terms set on the contraversial issue of the closed Rwanda boarder if it is to be openned.
Museveni greets Angolan president
According to the Statement released, The Summit recommended that the Republic of Uganda should, within one month, verify the allegations of the Republic of Rwanda about action from its territory by forces hostile to the government of Rwanda. If these allegations are proved, the Ugandan government will take all measures to stop it and prevent from happening again. This action must be verified and confirmed by the Ad-Hoc Ministeries Commission for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding of Luanda.
The statement reads, “Once this recommendation is fulfilled and reported to Heads of State, the facilitators will convene within 15 days, a Summit in Gatuna/Katuna, for the solemn reopening of boarders and subsequent normalisation of the relations between the two countries”.
However, Sadam Ismail an NRM staunch supporter has posted this on a certain whatsapp platform, “But where it is recommended that Uganda should verify allegations of hostile forces against Rwanda is very bogus. And no one can prove an allegation against himself. Ugandan and the principals of common law about burden of proof is on the complaint to prove his allegations against the other party.”
FULL STATEMENT:
As agreed at the 3rd Quadripartite Summit of Luanda, and at the invitation of His Excellency Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola, the rehearsal Quadripartite Summit took place in Gatuna/Katuna, on the 21st February 2020 and was attended by Their Excellencies, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Republic of Uganda, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Heads of State noted that since their last meeting, progress was registered, regarding the commitment of the two parties to do everything they can to eliminate the tension factors. In this regard, the release of prisoners from both sides and the guarantee to continue this process in observance of the Rule of Law and the International Humanitarian Law were welcomed.
The Heads of State of the Republic of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo welcomed the signing of Extradition Treaty, took place today in the framework of the Quadripartite Summit, between the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda, which constitutes the legal framework to handle cases of justice including those related to alleged subversive actions practiced by their nationals, in the territory of the other Party.
The Summit recommended that the Republic of Uganda should, within one month, verify the allegations of the Republic of Rwanda about action from its territory by forces hostile to the government of Rwanda. If these allegations are proved, the Ugandan government will take all measures to stop it and prevent from happening again. This action must be verified and confirmed by the Ad-Hoc Ministeries Commission for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding of Luanda.
5.Once this recommendation is fulfilled and reported to Heads of State, the facilitators will convene within 15 days, a Summit in Gatuna/Katuna, for the solemn reopening of boarders and subsequent normalisation of the relations between the two countries
Their Excellencies Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Paul Kagame once again praised the dedication and entire availability of His Excellency Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola and His Excellency Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in search for a peaceful solutions in framework reconciliation process between the two sister countries.
M7 SPEAKS OUT
On his facebook, President Museveni after the meeting has written: “Together with Presidents; Paul Kagame, João Lourenço and Felix Tshisekedi, we have held a successful fourth Quadripartite Heads of State Summit at Katuna/Gatuna border.”
Earlier, Museveni wrote, “With President Paul Kagame at Katuna/Gatuna border as we commence the 4th Quadripartite Summit 2020. We are hoping for a fruitful outcome from the engagements for the benefit of both nations.”
RESPONSE ON M7 PAGE
Grace Timpani: We see the effort you are taking being, humble for peace alot of Ugandans wouldnt have agreed on being bullied like this.If there is any reason why you have ruled us for 34 years,it is because of the way you handle issues.It is what sets you apart….The truth is that we 34 years is long but man..how you have mastered the art of politics.You are a true pan Africanist.
But if your efforts fail,we …all Ugandans (red,yellow,blue,green) are behind you.Some of us..wouldnt have wanted you to stoop that low..doing everything demanded but you know why you ve remained in power for 34 years with hardly any enemies.It is your ability to make people of all types come close.
When the time comes for us to get a new president …we will surely miss you.This will go down in the books as the moment Yoweri Museveni was set apart from the rest onthr continent and it will never be forgotten.
Uganda has done what it takes..the ball is in their courts now.
Mori Rashid: That’s the most vital part, meeting and discussing matters of maturity is the only way to pave way tothe two sisterly nations and for it’s nationals to enjoy from each other.
The whole picture portray harmony, responsibilities of the committed heads of states of seeing that one day Africa signs and is capable of solving, interfering in solving it’s problems.
Baraka Ronald: We salute you Mr.president, among the Rwandan spies uganda released last two days i noticed there were 3 of my neighbours who had stayed here 4 close to six years and had national ids . idnt know why our boarders are too too porous “we are likely to fall in a menace “shd things wasen with Rwanda.”ntidemu”
Muhereza Obedi Rubango: Peace and dialogue is the only way to solve the disagreements with out shading blood.my prayers to you are to see that all goes well through dialogue.i hope possibility of positive results out of the summit.God bless you
Natin Manzi: The best ever President praying for u Mzee, Kagame shd stop wasting your time en concertrate on wealth creation for Ugandans Amiina.
William Tumwebaze: We are waiting for border to open and see free movement of goods and business es to open
Jackson Rugura: Thanks for promoting relations and being diplomatic in resolving a conflict long live our president.
Kagire Danson: Sir M7 so far so GOOD, in 6 six weeks time we look forward for the K/Gatuna border re-opening & normalization of ties!!
EKIRI ku bbooda ya Uganda ne Rwanda ky’amagye agaasuze gayiibwa ng’agamba geetegekera lutalo, gonna gabagalidde eby’okulwanyisa zzisabyalo e Katuna bapulezidenti Yoweri Museveni owa Uganda ne Paulo Kagame owa Rwanda gyebagasimbaganidde.
Museveni ne Kagame bagasimbanye
Charles Lwanga, omu ku basajja ba Museveni abali ku lusegere awandiise ku mukutu ogumu n’agamba, “Eby’okwerinda bya Pulezidenti waffe binywezeddwa ng’asisinkana Pulezidenti Kagame wano e Katuna”
Obutakkaanya obwabalukawo wakati w’amawanga abiri, Rwanda n’etuuka n’okuggala bbooda yaayo bwebuvuddeko akafubo kano okulaba nga bumalibwawo, kuba Uganda ne Rwanda baana baaluganda.
Rwanda ezze ekissa ku Uganda nti evujjirira abayeekera abaagala okusuula gavumenti ya Kagame era nti esussizza okukwata Abanyarwanda n’ebaggulako ebisangosango.Bino Uganda tebikkiriza, ekiyitakugisibako matu ga mbuzi nga banoonya okugiriisa engo.
Amaloboozi mu Uganda gakiteeka ku Rwanda okusinkanga bambega bagikette.
Wano wewasibuka obutakkaanya era ng’abakulu bombi basuubirwa okubugonjoola ne wankubadde bagezaako dda mu ggwanga lya Angola, ne bitakola.
BULI OMU AGENZE ATYA MUNNE?
Pulezidenti Museveni alabiddwako nga yeekapise akakooti munda mu ssuuti akatayitamu masasi nga bakkomando abamukuuma batemya bukofu, emikono tegiva ku masuuti gaabwe mwebakukulidde zi bbaasitoola eziwandula amasasi nga wewabeererawo ensobi yonna, omuliro gwaka.
Ye Pulezidenti Kagame azze ayambade kisaazisaazi ng’abamanyi Genero ono mutaseka bagamba, bbaasitoola tetera kumuva mu kiwato era nga wa abadde waabaddewo abamweyimbamu, ekyaasi kikaaba.
Mu bumpimpi, akafubo abakulu bano kebagenzeemu buli omu yeekengera munne nga ku bbooda e Katuna, emmundu zi lugogoma ziweddeyo.
ABA NRM BEEYIYE NGUUDO
Pulezidenti bw’abadde agenda e Katuna, abawagizi ba NRM beeyiye ku nguudo okumulaga obuwagizi n’okumwagaliza enteseganya ne Kagame ennungi.
Bakira bamuyimbira ennyimba ezimuwaana, okukuba enduulu ey’oluleekereeke n’okumukubira ka jjambo eno abalala nga bwebawuuba ffulaaga ya Uganda.
Wadde obwedda amagye gabasindiikiriza olw’obwerinde obuli mu kitundu kyeyo, tekibalobedde kulaga Muzeeyi ssanyu era yalabiddwako ng’am wen amwenyamu n’okubakubira kajjambo.
EBIRI MU KAFUBO
Abakulu bombiriri olutuuse, beekutte mu ngalo nga bebuzaako era Kagame n’assaako akaseko. Oluvannyuma beesozze akafubo nga byonna ebinakavaamu, tubireeta wano.
PRESIDENTS Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda have finally met at Katuna boarder amidst very tight security to iron out differences which are almost leading to a war between the two brother countries.
Enthusiastic crowds welcome President Museveni at Katuna Border Post as he meets his Rwandan Counterpart Paul Kagame.
Movements at the Uganda – Rwanda boarder has been restricted as each country has deployed uniformed men armed to teeth to tighten the security of the first citizens.
Months back, Rwanda chose to close its boarder with Uganda giving unsatisfactory reasons. However, it’s government has been offending Uganda government for backing rebels, arresting and tourturing it’s citizens.
NRM supporters shows Museveni love as he heads to meet Kagame
Uganda on the otherside, faults Rwanda for spying on it.
DEMOCRATIC Party members of Parliament from Buganda led by Busiro East legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona have officially waged a war against Party President Hon. Nobert Mao announcing, this comming weekend they will launch a National wide campaign against this former Gulu district chairman!
Dr. Lulume Bayiga and Buganda DP MPs in a controversial press conference
In their press conference today, Sseggona and other Buganda DP MPs offended Chairman Mao on issues of financial and political accountability saying he has frustrated the functioning of all Party organs like the Parliamentary Group and the National Council and is instead of late, running the Party on executive decrees which have no space in the realms of the Party Constitution.
Mao has however shot back at Sseggona and group saying, “The demands for accountability by these MPs is only of nuisance value.”
Mao has said, “Unfortunately, the press conference was top heavy with those who have perennially undermined the party and its leadership. They now claim to care for the party because we who have been at the helm and who never abandoned it have rebuilt it and given it value.”
“Many of them thought they were indispensable. Fortunately the party has moved on and become stronger in spite of their efforts to kill it. The current leadership of the party have revived the party brand.”Says Mao.
“We urge the MPs to desist from promoting violence and hooliganism in the party and threatening the life of party leaders. We also urge them to stop the baseless smear campaign against party leaders.” Mao responded to a statement released by Hon. Sseggona in the presence of; Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala), Hon. Mathias Mpuuga (Masaka Municipality), Hon. Joseph Gonzanga Ssewungu (Kalungu West), Hon. Ssempala Kigozi (Makindye Ssaabagabo), Hon. Florence Namayanja (Bukoto East) and Hon. Veronica Nanyondo (Bukomansimbi).
Others in attendance were: Sam Lubega Mukaaku, Kenneth Paul Kakande, Sam Muyizzi, Michael Mabikke, Sulaiman Kidandala, Dr. Abed Bwanika, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, Vincent Mayanja, John Mary Ssebuufu, Henry Lubowa and others.
DP ‘REBEL’ MPS’ FULL STATEMENT
The Democratic Party Constitution conforms to Article 71 of the Constitution of Uganda which provides for both Political and Financial Accountability which are benchmarks of any good leader and good governance. The Democratic Party Constitution is very clear on internal democratic mechanisms, democratic practices and it has since inception been a nurturing text for leadership and constitutional governance in Uganda.
Most recently, members of the DP Parliamentary Caucus requested for financial accountability from the leadership of the Democratic Party.
Now therefore, we are here to seak for Political accountability togather with a larger spectrum of the leadership structure of our mighty Party.
We have noted the concern within our ranks and file and the general public about the current political crisis brewing inside the Party leadership which is largely attributed to the lack of respect to the Constitution of the would be guardian, the Hon. Nobert Mao and his self-centred faction of leaders.
We are dismayed that:
* The Party President has avoided the important requirement for him to account for Party funds and resorted to rebuking all and sundry who dare raise a finger in this direction.
* The Party President has undermined the role of the National Executive Committee, he has frustrated the functioning of all Party organs like the Parliamentary Group and the National Council and is instead of late, running the Party on executive decrees which have no space in the realms of the Party Constitution.
* The Party President has responded to members’ agitation for political accountability by surrounding himself and the Party offices with daily Miltary, police and militia presence.
* The Party President has hijacked the Party restructuring and leadership renewal process and introduced a sham electoral process with a view to benefitting his personal ambitions at the expence of the majority democratic processes within the Party.
* The Party President and the clique around him have constituted himself into a tribunal presiding over issues pertaining to all structures from the village, Parish and District branches in direct contradiction with the Party devolved structural powers.
* The Party President is quickly eroding the hope, gains, momentum and leadership hitherto restored by the DP Reunion and DP BLOC endeavours towards a united and vibrant Party.
* The Party President has most specifically seized the powers and roles of the other office bearer and organs of the Party and increasingly relies on cliques in the running of the Party affairs whereupon he has arrogated the powers of National Organizing Secretary, Treasurer and Publicity to his cronies.
* The Party President has unlitrerally changed the decision of the last National Delegates Conference to hold the upcoming National Delegates Conference in Western Uganda and changed the venue to Gulu.
*The Party President has unliterally pronounced at a press briefing that he has changed the road map and dates of the delegates conference contrary to the decission of the Party structure.
The above actions have sunk the Democratic Party into a crisis that is pitying the Mao led clique against the majority leaders, memyers, organs, branches and sub-branches to the detriment of the Party.
As key leaders and stakeholders in DP, we shall not idly look on as the stuation further deteriorates and wish to assure the entire DP fraternity that we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that order and sanity returns.
In this vein, we now wish to make the following demands: 1. We demand that Mao respects the Party Constitution and Organs. The current crisis in the party is largely fuelled by unconstitutional and selfish actions of the party president. We demand that Hon. Mao desists from his gross violations of the Party Constitution and decisions of the Party Organs. 2. We reject the purported suspension of Sulaiman Kidandala as the National Organizing Secretary 3. We demand a stakeholders’ meeting involving members of NEC, National Council, Party elders, all MPs, DP BLOC leadership, UYD leaders, women and locall government leaders. 4. Emergency National Council to resolve it’s pending agenda and the controversy surrounding the restructuring program of the Party. 5. Issuance of Party cards.
STOP YOUR POLITICAL GAMES – MAO
In his response to issues raised by Hon. Sseggona and his group, DP Party President “I have seen the statement by DP MPs, faction leaders accompanied by leaders of cooperating parties of the DP Bloc. The statement demands financial accountability! We believe that MPs are merely playing politics.”
“Their demands for accountability was fully addressed. The National Treasurer is the principal signatory to all party accounts. And she sits in parliament!” Said Mao, clarifying that, “DP has a Finance Committee which is also in charge of procurement. We have a full time accountant. The party accounts are regularly audited. So the demands for accountability by the MPs is only of nuisance value.”
Mao said during the last National Council Meeting, the National Treasurer invited all interested leaders to come to party headquarters to inspect books of account including bank statements and that invitation still stands. As for political accountability, Mao says, “We take decisions through the organs of the party. Accountability has to be mutual and across the board. We all have to be accountable.”
“On the venue of the next National Delegates Conference, the decision was taken transparently by the appropriate organ. The suggestion that the last Delegates Conference had agreed on Mbarara is totally false and baseless. The only meeting which was scheduled for Mbarara was the National Council. That was however later changed.” Revealed Mao adding that, “On some of the opinions expressed about NEC decisions we acknowledge them but advise the MPs to note that they do not have a veto over NEC decisions.”
Mao however welcomes the proposal for continuous dialogue to deal with conflicts in the party.
“We are committed to principled dialogue. We also recognize the right of the MPs to disagree with the party leaders but disobedience will attract disciplinary measures. We can accept disagreements. We will not tolerate disobedience, indiscipline and blackmail.” Warns for Gulu Municipality legislator.
IS THIS THE REBIRTH OF SSUUBI/TJ?
A top DP learned counsel has advised the Party to rubbish Sseggona and group threats.On one of DP platforms he has written; “No need to worry, just ignore and the Party move on. It’s the usual politics towards DP Delegates conference. SSUUBI and TJ made even more deadly demands but to no effect.”
“What sat was not the DP Parliamentary group as Abed Bwanika and others are not members. We have no such organ as the DP BLOC in our Party Constitution, it was just a temporary political slogan without powers to order DP against its decisions.” Says a top party leader.
He adds, “A petition for convening National Council is done solely by members and not leaders of other parties like PDP or SDP. The functions of the parliamentary group are located in Parliament, it’s not an administrative party organ in DP. Let them be educated.”
Functions of DP Parliamentary Group are; a) to work out strategies for implementing the policy of the Party in the National Assembly
b) to consider and deal with all business of the National Assembly
c) to publicise police decisions of the Party
d)to keep watch on the activities of the Government of the day and tender advice there on to the National Executive Committee for action.
