CITY LAWYER Male Mabirizi who took the Kabaka of Buganda to court alleging that the latter has no mandate to manage Kingdom land, has begged the Supreme Court not to condemn him to costs in case they rule that his case incompetent.
Mabirizi may be forced to pay costs of over UGX 30bn if he loses in the Supreme court. Justice Esther Kisaakye said she will deliver her ruling on notice.
Mabirizi
Mabirizi, who went to the Supreme court after losing in the High court, said that since his suit is as a result of Article 50 of the Constitution, the court should have mercy on him and not ask him to pay costs like both the High court and the Court of Appeal ruled. Article 50 talks about ‘Enforcement of rights and freedoms by courts’.
He made these pleadings on February 12, 2020 before Supreme Court Judge Esther Kisaakye on an application where Mabirizi wants court to halt the ongoing Busuulu collection exercise by Buganda Land Board.
Mabirizi says BLB should not conduct any business until his main suit against the Kabaka’s mandate to manage kingdom land is disposed of.
However, Mabirizi struggled to explain himself in front of Justice Kisaakye as she constantly wondered why she should put a halt to Kabaka’s activities despite being the registered proprietor of the said land.
Mabirizi reasoned that although the Kabaka is the registered proprietor, he is not the registered owner.
According to Mabirizi, a registered owner is different from a proprietor, although a quick dictionary search shows minimal difference.
Owek. Christopher Bwanika, who is Buganda’s Attorney General and Kabaka’s lawyer in this case, asked the court to dismiss Mabirizi’s application for it seeks to alter the status quo where Kabaka is lawfully collecting dues from tenants on kingdom land, yet temporary injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo.
Owek.Bwanika also argued that Mabirizi came to the wrong court, since the Supreme court is only supposed to hear cases from the Court of Appeal yet Mabirizi had not gone through the Court of Appeal after losing in the High court.
BUGANDA Land Board (BLB), a professional body set up by His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda to manage land and properties returned by the central government under the Restitution of Assets and Properties Act of 1993 and subsequent agreements, has launched Phase II of annual ground rent collection project code-named ‘Busuulu Kye Kibanja’ that will last for the next three months.
On 18th November 2019, Buganda Land Board started a massive exercise to collect annual ground rent (busuulu) including arrears from tenants living on Buganda Kingdom land.
BLB officials working on Busuulu papers for a Kibanja holder
The campaign is taking place in all Buganda Kingdom counties.
According to officials from the organization, the first phase was a success, prompting them to extend the exercise.
BLB teams are currently moving across the Kingdom to assess every tenant and collect Busuulu as stipulated by Section 31 (Sub-section 3c & 3d) of the Land (Amendment) Act 2010.
Joseph Kimbowa, a Communication Officer at BLB spoke to the News Editor Online about the Busuulu project and how the first phase was: “Generally, the first phase was a success whereby over 52,000 (Fifty two thousand) tenants with bibanja on Kabaka’s land across the kingdom were given assessments. A good number of them went ahead and paid these nominal dues and we are very grateful for their cooperation.”
He, however, added: “With an estimated one million households on Kingdom land, there is still work to do. That is why we have decided to extend the ‘Busuulu kye Kibanja’ campaign for another three months.”
“We are continuing to go household by household sensitising people about the importance of paying busuulu. Every Kibanja is going to be assessed and whoever pays SHOULD receive a receipt and a ticket. Those already assessed are advised to pay all fees through the bank or mobile money. Cash payments are highly discouraged,” Said Mr. Kimbowa.
On tenants who are reluctant to pay Busuulu, Kimbowa said: “Busuulu is a legal requirement for all bibanja holders.
The law is very clear about that. It should be paid to the land lord. Failure to pay may lead to loss of your kibanja through measures prescribed by the law.”
“As a kingdom entity, we do not want to reach an extent of applying the law on defaulters, that is why we are calling upon people to pay their obligatory dues.”
THE BUSUULE CAMPAIGN Buganda Land Board staff move door to door making busuulu assessments plus collecting busuulu from those who readily have it available.
Those that don’t have cash at hand, are advised to pay in the bank, pay using mobile money or go to a nearest BLB branch for guidance.
WHY PAYING BUSUULU MATTERS Paying busuulu is the cheapest way kibanja holders can safeguard their kibanja against land grabbers.
BLB sensitising bibanja holders on how to pay Busuulu
So, every kibanja holder should take it upon themselves to pay busuulu to avoid consequences of non-payment.
Benefits of Busuulu payment are;
It creates a harmonious relationship between a landlord and tenant
Busuulu payment confirms security of tenure for a Kibanja holder
Busuulu payment is legal obligation, breach of which can lead to loss of one’s Kibanja interests
Some of the areas where Busuulu teams have been:
Butambala: Bulo, Butawuka, Bwala Bulemeezi: Kalongo, Kizito, Mityebiri Buweekula: Naluwondwa Ssingo: Sub counties like Busimbi, Ntwetwe, and in Kassanda, villages like; Railway, Ntwetwe and Kitongo Busujju: Villages are; Malwa in the subcountry of Kakindu Kyaggwe: Villages are; Kiyiribwa, Galigaytya, Kibiribiri and Kikandwa Kibuga: Villages are Mugongo, Nakinyuguzi, Kawaala parish, Kasubi 2 and Bukemba Ndejje: At Ssaabagabo Lufuka; Bunamwaya parish, Kirimanyaga Masaka: In Kalagala, Kirumba, Kasajagirwa, Gayaza, Ndoro and other places Gomba: In Ndimulaba, Kakoma, Ngomanene
OTHER BLB SERVICES
Leasing
Conveyancing
Title Processing
Express titling/survey
Service on private land
Physical planning
Land valuation
PROPERTIES MANAGED BY BLB They include among others; The Bulange, The Lubiri at Mengo, The Butikkiro, The Buganda Court Building, Kabaka’s official 350 sq. miles of land, Namasole’s 10 sq miles of land, Banalinya’s Land, Kabaka’s lake, Former Omulamuzi and Omuwanika’s Official Residencies at Mengo, Land Adjacent to The Mengo Lubiri on which Buganda Ministerial Houses used to stand, all Bassekabaka’s Tombs, Buganda Works Building at Kakeeka, Basiima House and Nalinya’s House at Lubaga.
Furthermore, the assets under its mandate extend to include all those as outlined by the M.O.U between the President of Uganda and His Majesty the Kabaka.
They include former estates of Buganda Kingdom Comprising of; Land in urban centers or towns, land where former administration headquarters i.e. Countries and Sub-counties where situated, land not claimed, utilized or occupied by any lawful or bona-fide occupant, land on Mityana Road (Jjeza Farm) and former Buganda Kingdom Markets.
THE long awaited time for FDC politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, Kampala Lordmayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago and their woman Ingrid Turinawe to experience the most political embarrassment of the century has come!
THINK TANK: KCCA councilors on Kawalya campain team in a meeting yesterday night
Election of KCCA Speaker is expected before the end of this month and the real tight race is between FDC danger man Alhaji Abubaker Kawalya (Lubaga North) and NRM’s Bruhan Byaruhanga (Kyambogo University).
FAVOURITE: Abubaker Kawalya
However, Besigye, Ingrid and Lukwago are trying to enforce their gal Doreen Nyanjura on councilors to be voted Speaker, a deal they have unanimously rejected. “The Speaker issue was already sorted out by our caucus which is mandated under the law to do that job. Hon. Kawalya was elected our FDC candidate. We are only waiting for the D-day to officially elect him Speaker.” Said Faridah Nakabugo, councilor representing Lubaga South at City Hall. She is the FDC Councillors’ caucus chairperson.
She told this online site, “That was sealed, nothing will change us. We command the Authority, we are the biggest number, winning is on our side.”
Lukwago has openly decampaigned a fellow Moslem Kawalya saying, his blessings are with Nyanjura who was endorsed by Besigye and Ingrid but his councilors have laughed him off saying, they are not kids to be ordered about on whom to vote, moreover one who is incompetent.
PANIC IN NYANJURA CAMP This Makerere University female councilor, after miserably losing in the FDC councilors’ caucus elections, her funders have now turned guns to the party Constitution and “touched’ it to favour their un popular candidate for KCCA Speaker job, a mission which looks to be impossible.
The latest is, they have organised unconstitutional nominations of Speaker contestants and that after, FDC NEC will elect the best candidate for the job, a would be mandate of the Councilors’ caucus.
All this is done under panic after realizing that Kawalya will not be easily uprooted.
Insiders say, a section of FDC bosses want show Kampala people that Lukwago’s sweet gal Nyanjura has been endorsed by FDC NEC with members dancing on the tunes of Ingrid Turinawe and her close friend Dr. Besigye!
THE GAME PLAN FDC electoral commission put guidelines for party primary elections leading to Speaker and deputy speaker elections that has been now changed to tactfully rig for Nyanjura.
Originally, it was highlighted that, “The electoral College shall comprise all FDC Councilors of Particular electoral office.”
Original FDC EC guidelines
This is what exactly KCCA FDC councilors Caucus did and elected Abubaker Kawalya. In fact under this, the contestants for Speaker and deputy Speaker must;
1. Be a valid Party card-holding member 2. Must have won an election in a particular constituency on FDC party ticket 3. Still believes in the principles and objectives of the party 4. Pay Nomination fee of 200,000/= (Two Hundred Thousand Shillings Only) for KCCA Speaker and 150,000/= for Deputy Speaker.
One is not qualified to contest if; 1. Is of unsound mind 2. Is holding or acting in an office the functions of which involve a responsibility for in connection with the conduct of an election 3. Is under a sentence of death or a sentence of imprisonment exceeding six months imposed by any competent court without the option of a fine. In all above, Kawalya passes.
Fdc official nominating Nyanjura for KCCA Speaker. FDC councilors shunned her
CHANGING GOAL POSTS After Nyanjura team realising that Haji Abubaker Kawalya has beaten them hands down, now like any dying Cock kicking, they have resorted to changing the guidelines at the 11th hour, to favour their choice.
ln an urgent meeting held at the Party Headquaters to change the goal posts, new guidelines were set. These are;
1. Any councilor interested in contesting for the position of the Speaker/Deputy Speaker, will pick nomination forms from the Party Electoral Commission office or designated office by the party Electoral Commission. 2. Nomination fee shall be determined by the Party Electoral Commission with approval of NEC 3. The nomination forms will be filled by the aspirant who must be proposed by one (1) member of the Electoral College (FDC NEC) and seconded by three (3) members of the same NEC 4. The Electoral College shall be NEC with powers to delegate.
TOUCHED IT: Changed guidelines said favour Nyanjura
WE’RE BEYOND SUCH CIRCUS – TEAM KAWALYA Speaking to the News Editor Online, Team Kawalya chief campaigner said the only time their candidate has now is to lobby NRM and DP councilors to vote for him so that he wins by 90%, for he already has the FDC block vote.
“We don’t have time for Ingrid and her team games, the party is run by a Constitution and it is clearly stated that, The Caucus shall elect it’s executive in accordance with the regulations approved by the National Executive Committee of the Party. The catch word is, The Caucus shall elect, not NEC as it has been set in the new un constitutional guidelines.’ Caucus did it’s constitutional work and elected Kawalya. That chapter was closed.” Said Team Kawalya chief campaigner.
He said, “NEC can’t just send us names they have nominated for Speaker and deputy speaker for us to cast votes. That is total rubbish! Ok, let them go ahead, delegate Nyanjura, and we will embarrass her and whoever thought he would impose her on us.”
“Or if not, let them just don’t send her name, they should also come at City Hall, attend Authority and vote for her. Otherwise for Kawalya camp, we are comfortably winning and now remained with a few NRM, DP and independent councilors we are lobbying. We want to assure Kampala people that Kawalya will win this.” Vowed Kawalya camp.
NYANJURA NOMINATED, BESIGYE AIDE SPEAKS OUT Yesterday Wednesday 12th February 2020, at the Najjanankumbi Party Headquaters, Doreen Nyanjura was nominated by FDC to vie for the KCCA Speakership on the party ticket.
Nyanjura (in glasses) after nominations on Wednesday. She went with only 4 councilors
She was escorted by only 4 FDC councilors who included; Allan Kahuirwe (Makindye West), Doreen Sabuka (Makindye East), Oliver Nakazzi (Kyambogo) and Moses Okello (Nakawa).
According to Ronald Muhinda who is the aide to Dr. Besigye, “A fighter of impeccable credentials, Nyanjura seeks to carry forward the high standards of the office set by the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.”
“Her own personal reputation aside, she fits well in Lukwago’s ‘seat’, and in there, Nyanjura will sit with her integrity, honesty, and faithfulness to her job, institution and will protect and defend the office of Lord Mayor from unnecessary assault.” Said Muhinda adding, ” More FDC potential candidates picked nomination forms, and if they return for nomination, Primaries will be conducted to choose the best candidate.”
ELECTION OF KCCA SPEAKER This comes after President Yoweri Museveni assented into Act the Kampala Capital City Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2019 that parliament passed.
This law trims some of Lord mayor’s powers and the council meetings will be presided over by the Speaker not the Lordmayor or his deputy as the practice has been.
The Act which was first introduced in 2015 has put in place the position of Speaker at KCCA and the Divisions to separate powers. This means the legislative powers have been handed over to the Speaker, while the Executive powers left to the Lord Mayor.
It also created executive committee of four people who will work for the Lord Mayor.
As you read this, Lordmayor can’t convene any council meeting and preparations are under way for the election of the Speaker and deputy who the law empowers to carry on the mantle.
Lukwago who first threatened to use courts of law and block this law, has given up and now focused on fronting a Speaker of his choice, something that has been rejected by councilors.
CALCULATION According to the law, Speaker is elected by members of the Authority. He or she must be voted by 50% of all the Councilors.
In Lukwago’s council, FDC are the dominate with 18 councilors out of 34.
Out of the 34 eligible voters, two councilors are not around, so not expected to vote.
If all the 18 FDC councilors vote Kawalya, he will definately take it.
However, on the 18 councilors, Nyanjura has only four. Kawalya needs to maintain the remaining 12 councilors, look for only more four from either NRM, DP or independents, and will be declared new KCCA Speaker. Analysts say, Kawalya looks to be unstoppable.
IN a bid to clinch this year’s league title, Vipers SC owner money magnet Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa has acquired the services of former Eastern region winger Milton Karisa on a one year deal with an option of contract extension.
Karisa also played for Bull FC and Vipers before joining Moroccan side Mouloudia club Oujda in September 2018, although his stay at the club shortlived and late last year, he return home to the citing contract errors.
According to a statement on Vipers website, ‘’Just days after securing a crucial victory on the road against stubborn Bull fc, Vipers Sports club has received huge boost in form of an international Transfer Certificate (ITC) for returnee Milton karisa ‘’.
Before joining the Moroccan side Karisa had scored 15goals in 48 appearances for the Kitende based side, and helped the Venoms win the league under Portuguese coach Da Costa in 2017/18 season.
He returns just in time as Fred Kajoba’s boys prepare to host tricky rivals KCCA FC in one of the most anticipated title clash.
Vipers are currently leading the Star Times Premier league with 49 points out off 21games whereas, and Kasasiro boys are in 2nd position with 44 points also in 21 matches.
NRM National Treasurer Hon. Rose Namayanja Nsereko spent the whole of Saturday in Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi’s Mityana North addressing his supporters on how to fight poverty out of their pockets.
The former Nakaseke district woman MP called upon the people of Mityana and Uganda at large to take advantage of the prevailing peace and engage in income-generating activities. She was officiating at a fundraising function for the completion of the pastoral house at Kiryokya SDA Church in Mityana district.
Namayanja was hosted by Hon. Kiwanda the State minister in charge of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
She said, “Uganda is now a peaceful country with no wars. Peace has been secured, the next war is now on poverty.
Lets therefore, engage in income-generating activities to uplift the economic standards of our households.
“She urged the people to continue rendering their support to NRM under the leadership of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni so that the country can continue enjoying the much-appreciated peace.
THE Archbishop of the Church of Uganda His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Stanely Ntagali has exclusively talked to us about how Rev. Isaac Mwesigwa from Kasaka – Gomba in Central Buganda Diocese who was kidnaped days ago, was dropped at a St. Peter’s Cathedral in Soroti last night.
Mwesigwa is a student and Uganda Christian University and he has an a test on Monday next week. He was kidnapped on Sunday night in Mukono only hishows car Reg. UAR 468D to be recovered on Tuesday in Sonde, Mukono.
In a recorded audio, Archbishop has said, “I would like to thank all those who have been praying for Rev. Isaac Mwesigwa. I am here in Soroti where I came for my Pastoral visit. This morning, by God’s Grace he appeared at the Soroti Cathedral and he reported to the Vica. I was lucky that he came to me.”
We have been reliably told, after Mwesigwa was taken at the Hotel where Archbishop spent a night.
“I want to tell you, Rev. Isaac Mwesigwa is alive, thank you for praying God has protected him.” Said Archbishop Ntagali.
Asked about what Mwesigwa has told him, Dr. Ntagali told us, “It is a long story, I will not say all the details because he is very tired and traumatised but he is alive. So, thank you very much indeed.”
“I have already talked to his wife, I have talked to the Bishop of Central Buganda, and I want to inform the whole Church and the whole nation that, God has protected him as he protected Daniel in the Lions den and as he protected Shadrac, Mesach and Abednego in the furnace and all came out alive.” A happily speaking Archbishop Ntagali told us.
Without revealing much being a police case, Archbishop said where Rev. Isaac Mwesigwa has been, “It was real fire, it’s a long story I can’t tell it now. But we have to thank God. Now I am in touch with the Regional Police Commander in Soroti, they are going to take care and bring him home. So to his family, Central Buganda Diocese and all of you, Rev. Mwesigwa is now in safer hands and soon, will be brought back home. Am happy that all this happened when am in Soroti. Thank you for praying, God answers prayers, glory be to God.”
News editor team is doing everything possible to get to the roots of this story. We will faithful report back.
OPPOSITION Kampala capital city Lord Mayor Alhaj Erias Lukwago and newly appointed ruling NRM government Kampala minister Betty Among Akena have been cited in Abu Dhabi, a few days to the election of Authority Speaker.
Our cameras got Lukwago and the Minister togather putting on smiles all over their faces, something insiders say, the two city leaders must be up to something.
ENJOYING: Minister Amongi (third right), Lukwago (in the middle) and Sarah Kanyike (on Lukwago’s right hand) in Abu Dhabi
We are told, the minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Hon Betty Amongi togather with Lukwago, are out of the country to attend the World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi.
They had time to meet and exchange views for the betterment of Kampala.
On Lukwago’s delegation, is Hajjat Sarah Kanyike Ssebamala, the Deputy Lord Mayor.
THE government of Uganda has committed itself to support Lions club in the provision of services to the communities.
Speaking to members of Lions club of Makerere University at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi who was the chief guest applauded the club for the selfless services to communities in Uganda through supporting activities of government departments in health, education, road safety among others.
Dr. Kanakulya from Makerere University
“As government, we are very grateful for the services you give to our communities and we will work closely with you.” Said VP Ssekandi.
Members of Lions Club Makerere University were celebrating their first anniversary since the club was introduced to Makerere.
Listening attentively
Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga of Makerere University, the incoming President Lions club promised to engage more women to join the club and mobilize more funding for the projects and greater links to lions international. She thanked the Vice President for gracing the celebrations and for the contribution towards the causes of the club.
Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga (left), incoming president
SOUNDING strong and determined to implement the new directives of the Uganda examination body to arrest all school directors and headteachers for grading students who have to be registered for final examinations through elimination methods, as residuals and sell them to others schools, the Wakiso District Education Officer Fredrick Kiyingi Kinobe has vowed to take tough actions.
In attendance
He has asked parents of affected students to sue the headteachers for psychological, emotional and financial damage due to their failure to present candidateso in fear of registering failures. “How can you admit a child for primary one all through to primary seven and then fail to present him or her for Primary Leaving Examinations, fearing that he or she will fail?” This must immediately stop and any school caught stopping students, will face it rough.
This was during the Greater Wakiso District Headteachers Meeting, hosted by Mr. Justus Mugisha, at Standard High Zana Campus.
Kinobe said, “You are busy bulldozing school management committees into signing for the release of government funds like UPE without work plans and budgets. We will not entertain sabotage.”
Deputy CAO Mr Jude Mark Bukenya warned civil servants who have refused to retire after clocking the mandatory retirement age, that there is no contracts at that age.
“What is it that you have not done in all the years of service that you want to do at 60 years? Give space for deputies to become heads.” he echoed.
The meeting was attended by DIS Thomson Kasule, Senior Education Officer William Mutashaba, Municipal Education Officers & Inspectors of Schools and other stakeholders. Wakiso District Pre and Primary Schools Headteachers’ Association (WAPPSHA) Chairperson William Bwambale praised the unity and cooperation amongst both private and public education institutions in the district, and argued them to strengthen that through nurturing those who under performing in education, athletics, ballgames and MDD to offer holistic education to the communities.
He encouraged all teachers both private or public, retired or practising to register to enable the government screen and root out the infamous ghosts in the payroll and prepare for those effectively.
NO TIME to waste as Uganda U17 Women national football team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi summons a provisional squad of 25 players to start preparations ahead of the encounter against Tanzania in the 2020 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. After eliminating Ethiopia Ayub Khalifa’s side waited eagerly to see their next opponent only to learn that it is our neighboursTanzania who eliminated fellow east African side Burundi. Now he has called for new additions to the team which includes midfielder Shamira Nalugya and defender Grace Aluka, both from Kawempe Muslim Ladies. These additions are a major boost to the squad ahead of a tough two-legged game against Tanzania who eliminated Uganda in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Nalugya and Aluka featured for the U20 National team. Other new players on the team include; Uganda Martyrs High School duo of Latifa Nakasi and Brenda Munyena. The girls will enter residential camp on Friday, 14th December 2020 at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi. Tanzania will host the first leg on 1st March with the return leg coming in a fortnight at StarTimes stadium, Lugogo.
Full Squad summoned Goalkeepers: Daphine Nanyenda, Joan Namusisi, Zulaika Nyamita Defenders: Gloria Namugerwa, Stella Musubika, Patricia Akiror, Sumayah Komuntale, , Bira Nadunga, Grace Aluka, Gillian Akandinda, Samali Nacakwa Midfielders: Sumayah Kyomuhendo, Maureen Nangozi, Shamirah Nalugya, Eva Nagayi, Kevin Nakachwa Zaina Nandede, Hadijah Nandago, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Forwards: Margret Kunuhira, Fauzia Najjemba, Catherine Nagadya, Latifah Nakasi, Juliet Nalukenge, Brenda Munyana
Grace Aluka and Shamira Nalugya (in Red) chasing after the ball
