Since the year 2004 the Girl Power ministries has been organising an annual function for all the women in the country to meet and discuss, share experiences and motivate one another upon the various challenges they face. These ‘girls’ as they prefer to call themselves meet every year at the Miracle Centre Cathedral Lubaga. If you have been attending the previous Girl Power conferences then you would agree with me, this year’s was full of surprises and in style.
Apart from treating with a red carpet standard, all the girls were clad in black as the day’s dress code had earlier been prescribed. Black, bold and beautiful. The ladies walked with pride holding their heads matching the day’s theme: Through It All. Inside the blue glass an expert touch of a decorator was applied to reveal the goodness of the lord. “Isn’t to 20th how come it is Christmas here?” asked a one Gordon.
“This girl power we chose this theme on purpose. To say to the devil that no matter what you throw at us were are still here and we are going through it all” said Jessica Kayanja to a fully packed church of enthusiastic believers from all denominations including Muslim young ladies. “This year’s girl power is a celebration of courage, not only as women but as nation’’ She said. Highlighting some of the different catastrophes Uganda has gone through since the beginning of 2009. “We have suffered numerous infernos, landslides, floods, bomb attacks but we are still here. It takes courage not as one person but we have always stood as a nation through it all.”
As it is the tradition every year to award an outstanding achiever ,this time round the girl power award went to one Mohamed Juma Ssewagaba (30) and his wife Fatumah Nasereka both acid attack victims where Mohamed lost his left eye yet Fatumah completely lost her sight. “This award is given to this couple for their exceptional outstanding courage. Even when they were attacked they chose not to be angry but to continue with life only looking on the positive side of things” said Pastor Jessica as she presented the award to a visibly happy couple.
Among the main speakers were Mr. Sam Semaganda and his wife whose daughter Yvonne Namaganda perished in the Buddo inferno, Mrs. Alice Mutabazi wife to late Mutabazi of Bwaise Pentecostal Church who died in the September bomb attack and also Mohamed Ssewagabe whose speech sent many to the world of sorrow and pity while others strolled a tear as he painfully swallowed a lump to narrate a story of life as viewed by an acid attack victim. On the same occasion Jessica Kayanja launched her new book titled ‘through it all: a celebration of courage’
Speaking about her struggles she said “I am no stranger to tragedy, trouble, strife I don’t struggle to hide my tears but I’ve always come through”
The ceremony which started rather late was graced with a number of dignitaries’ notable of whom were: Pastor Kayanja’s elder brother and second in hierarchy in the Anglican Church, the arch bishop of York. His grace John Sentamu, Prof. Fredrick Sempebwa who was also the guest of honour, Ambassador Katatumba, Mrs. Linda Aronda , Dr. Margaret Bukenya wife to the Vice president, Faith Katana private secretary to president and of course Pastor Robert Kayanja . And also local gospel artists like silver Kyagulanyi who kicked off the ceremony with his famous Olunaku luno before Judith Babirye stirred the crowd when she sang her Wanjagala, but the day’s moment came when Pastor Kayanja took to the stage to dance with his wife to the tunes of Julie Mutesasira’s Ekikunyumira before she performed Kwata engabo to an overwhelmingly excited crowd. All was blended well with the wonderful performances by the Mafuta mass choir one of the miracle center.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
SECURITY BLANKET SOON OVER KAMPALA
“Yes, there are terror threats mainly from Al-Shabab and the ADF but we are not asleep” said the inspector general of police Gen. Kale Kayihura during the launch of police magazine Mwangaza at the Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday 15th December.
He however promised a high security alert in the region especially in and the around Kampala. “By next week we are going to have a security blanket over the region.” he said. “In fact we are working with our counter parts in Kenya to see how security can be maintained in the entire region” he continued.
This follows a recent terrorist attack in Kenya a few weeks ago which saw two police men dead. Reports say the terrorists were on a motorbike by the time they blew themselves with a grenade killing two police officers. Not forgetting also the recent ultimatum issued by the Al Shabab when president Museveni visited Mogadishu.
“We therefore appeal to all Ugandans especially private proprietors to be more vigilant during this festive season because terrorism is real, and still here. We shouldn’t forget the September attack.” he cautioned.
All this he said at the launch of a police magazine Mwangaza, a Swahili word for enlightenment, where he promised an improvement in the standards of police services come 2011. “As we celebrate the birth of Mwangaza magazine, we in the leadership of the force, promise to continuously improve the way we serve the public, and commit to the realization of community policing….” the magazine which buys three thousand Uganda shillings, highlights issues like the forthcoming presidential elections and how police plans to handle the situation, police promotions, the success of police canine unit, anti-terrorism campaign and also a reflection from president Museveni about the police force, “The police must therefore, not tolerate corruption. Not because they want to go to heaven, not because they want God to tick their certificates…”as said by the president during the 6th meeting of ministers responsible for police matters at Speak Resort Munyonyo in 2006.
Gen. Kayihura is also hopeful this publication is one way through which the force can well interact with the community and sighting the force’s shift from the traditional station-based, remote and people sensitive police to a mass-based, mass oriented, service driven and proactive police force. “Our goal is crime violence prevention, through community mobilization and problem solving hence we are putting in place a community policing system” he said.
He however promised a high security alert in the region especially in and the around Kampala. “By next week we are going to have a security blanket over the region.” he said. “In fact we are working with our counter parts in Kenya to see how security can be maintained in the entire region” he continued.
This follows a recent terrorist attack in Kenya a few weeks ago which saw two police men dead. Reports say the terrorists were on a motorbike by the time they blew themselves with a grenade killing two police officers. Not forgetting also the recent ultimatum issued by the Al Shabab when president Museveni visited Mogadishu.
“We therefore appeal to all Ugandans especially private proprietors to be more vigilant during this festive season because terrorism is real, and still here. We shouldn’t forget the September attack.” he cautioned.
All this he said at the launch of a police magazine Mwangaza, a Swahili word for enlightenment, where he promised an improvement in the standards of police services come 2011. “As we celebrate the birth of Mwangaza magazine, we in the leadership of the force, promise to continuously improve the way we serve the public, and commit to the realization of community policing….” the magazine which buys three thousand Uganda shillings, highlights issues like the forthcoming presidential elections and how police plans to handle the situation, police promotions, the success of police canine unit, anti-terrorism campaign and also a reflection from president Museveni about the police force, “The police must therefore, not tolerate corruption. Not because they want to go to heaven, not because they want God to tick their certificates…”as said by the president during the 6th meeting of ministers responsible for police matters at Speak Resort Munyonyo in 2006.
Gen. Kayihura is also hopeful this publication is one way through which the force can well interact with the community and sighting the force’s shift from the traditional station-based, remote and people sensitive police to a mass-based, mass oriented, service driven and proactive police force. “Our goal is crime violence prevention, through community mobilization and problem solving hence we are putting in place a community policing system” he said.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
NRM recruiting, training over 38000 militias as vote rigging strategy-IPC
According to the latest report released by the Inter Party Corporation (IPC) the NRM has embarked on an unprecedented recruitment, training and deployment of militias indifferent parts of the country. According to Mrs. Margaret Wokuri the IPC director of communication this is against the electoral guidelines. “IPC would like to draw the attention of Ugandans and the entire world to the continued unprecedented, unlawful recruitment, training and deployment of militia in the different parts of the
This comes shortly after a report that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is to recruit 18000 polling constables to provide security at all polling stations during the voting exercise. However, the IPC disagrees to the move saying it is not the duty of the police to recruit polling constables but rather the ECs. “Can the IGP confirm to the stakeholders (opposition parties) if the EC asked him to recruit the said polling constables and why other stake holders were not consulted?” asks the IPC Communication Director.
“We want the public to know that this recruitment of the said polling constables has nothing to do with providing security but a ploy to aid vote rigging for the NRM government” she continues assertively.
The report further establishes that in the recent past the police amalgamated Mobile Police Patrol Unit (MPPU) and Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) to form a field force unit (FFU) which in African perspective is known as FANYA FUJO UWONE created to fight anticipated electoral demonstrations againt NRM’s electoral malpractices.
The report reveals that in Ntungamo district alone, thirty NRM leaning youths were recruited from each village to form a group of 29,100 youths who are undergoing vigorous training in the name of ‘ village Crime Fighters.’ “If the entire police force is 38,000 men and women, how can a single district have such a large force” queries Margaret Wokuri. This is certainly certainly created to give mileage to the first lady in terms of votes but also to intimidate the opposition in the area. The fighting of crime should be structured whereby youths are recruited without any party discrimination”
The report also highlight that the UPDF is currently training 8000 recruits in Kapeka under the command of General Elly Tumwine and other 1500 recruits are being trained at Singo army Barracks under Brig Mugisha, in-charge Air defence and intelligence . Both gentlemen are not structured in charge of training in the UPDF. These forces are purposely for vote rigging and for intimidating the opposition.
This comes shortly after a report that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is to recruit 18000 polling constables to provide security at all polling stations during the voting exercise. However, the IPC disagrees to the move saying it is not the duty of the police to recruit polling constables but rather the ECs. “Can the IGP confirm to the stakeholders (opposition parties) if the EC asked him to recruit the said polling constables and why other stake holders were not consulted?” asks the IPC Communication Director.
“We want the public to know that this recruitment of the said polling constables has nothing to do with providing security but a ploy to aid vote rigging for the NRM government” she continues assertively.
The report further establishes that in the recent past the police amalgamated Mobile Police Patrol Unit (MPPU) and Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) to form a field force unit (FFU) which in African perspective is known as FANYA FUJO UWONE created to fight anticipated electoral demonstrations againt NRM’s electoral malpractices.
The report reveals that in Ntungamo district alone, thirty NRM leaning youths were recruited from each village to form a group of 29,100 youths who are undergoing vigorous training in the name of ‘ village Crime Fighters.’ “If the entire police force is 38,000 men and women, how can a single district have such a large force” queries Margaret Wokuri. This is certainly certainly created to give mileage to the first lady in terms of votes but also to intimidate the opposition in the area. The fighting of crime should be structured whereby youths are recruited without any party discrimination”
The report also highlight that the UPDF is currently training 8000 recruits in Kapeka under the command of General Elly Tumwine and other 1500 recruits are being trained at Singo army Barracks under Brig Mugisha, in-charge Air defence and intelligence . Both gentlemen are not structured in charge of training in the UPDF. These forces are purposely for vote rigging and for intimidating the opposition.
CBS TAKES KALISOLIISO TO STAGE
Gawuluguma is yet another production play by Cbs radio presenters. The play highlights all the difficulties the ‘presenters’ as they prefer to call themselves went through during the period the Buganda station was still off air.
The biggest part of the play is mainly run by the kaliisoliiso crew. I.e. Abby Mukiibi, Kato Lubwama and Abu kawenja. The three perfectly weave into each others’ jokes as they continue ribbing themselves. They make it so typical of the live radio pragramme that they even use their real names on stage.
“Bano abasajja oba tebagwako bisessa?” (Can’t these guys run out of jokes), asked one lady from the audience who was so engrossed in laughter before pulling out a hankie to rub her tears of joy. With a sea of rib crackers, Mukiibi told one of an old man who was scratching his spectacles, when asked why he was doing so, the old man said his eyes were itching so he needed to scratch them. His friends advised him to directly scratch the eyes instead. The old man replied with a question: “what do you do when your bum itches you, do you directly scratch it or you scratch your trousers?”
This is the second time the play Gawuluma is being staged. The first time it was before the re-opening of cbs radio. “However due to public demand we decided to bring it back” said kawenja one of the lead actors. Like most Ugandan stage productions it also does not fall short of love, lies, betrayal and, this the trio use as yet another platform for campaigning for Buganda policies including soliciting money towards the reconstruction of the Kasubi tombs.
The play written by Martin Oscar Kintu is directed by Abby Mukiibi. It slightly tackles other national issues like violence against women and unemployment. One can still catch them at Bat Valley Theatre every Tuesday in a comedy show Akandolindoli for a weekly dose of laughter.
The biggest part of the play is mainly run by the kaliisoliiso crew. I.e. Abby Mukiibi, Kato Lubwama and Abu kawenja. The three perfectly weave into each others’ jokes as they continue ribbing themselves. They make it so typical of the live radio pragramme that they even use their real names on stage.
“Bano abasajja oba tebagwako bisessa?” (Can’t these guys run out of jokes), asked one lady from the audience who was so engrossed in laughter before pulling out a hankie to rub her tears of joy. With a sea of rib crackers, Mukiibi told one of an old man who was scratching his spectacles, when asked why he was doing so, the old man said his eyes were itching so he needed to scratch them. His friends advised him to directly scratch the eyes instead. The old man replied with a question: “what do you do when your bum itches you, do you directly scratch it or you scratch your trousers?”
This is the second time the play Gawuluma is being staged. The first time it was before the re-opening of cbs radio. “However due to public demand we decided to bring it back” said kawenja one of the lead actors. Like most Ugandan stage productions it also does not fall short of love, lies, betrayal and, this the trio use as yet another platform for campaigning for Buganda policies including soliciting money towards the reconstruction of the Kasubi tombs.
The play written by Martin Oscar Kintu is directed by Abby Mukiibi. It slightly tackles other national issues like violence against women and unemployment. One can still catch them at Bat Valley Theatre every Tuesday in a comedy show Akandolindoli for a weekly dose of laughter.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY SUPPORTS NO MEDICINE
The Christian Science Society of Kampala recently organized a youth summit at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel dubbed the Kampala International Youth Summit under the theme: Building Bridges of Love, Peace and Unity.
The summit brought together over two hundred youths from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda and was facilitated by Christian Science practitioners, Linda stocks from South Africa and Christine Driessen from the United States. During the summit Mrs. Stocks urged the youths to be humble and respectful to their parents. She also advised them to change their way of thinking. “You can’t be an achiever unless you shift the way you think. Think positive, think like Jesus Christ” she advised. Love one another, work towards achieving peace and unity in society. Loving takes a lot of will power. Jesus taught love it only comes when one is willing” she continues.
However, it is quite surprising that the organization which operates mainly in universities and college campuses around the world does not believe in using medicine as a way of treating oneself. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, maker ere university CSO chairperson Esau Tumwine put it quite clear. “ we believe God is perfect and he created us in his image, so he’s the healer. We only pray and believe in him alone. We do not go to hospitals. We in a perfect healing God.” He said.
This summit was the first CSO summit in Uganda and 10th in Africa following the previous which was held in Nairobi, Kenya a year ago. It is held annually in different countries around the continent and they sponsored by the Albert Baker Fund and TMC-Youth of the United States of America.
The summit brought together over two hundred youths from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda and was facilitated by Christian Science practitioners, Linda stocks from South Africa and Christine Driessen from the United States. During the summit Mrs. Stocks urged the youths to be humble and respectful to their parents. She also advised them to change their way of thinking. “You can’t be an achiever unless you shift the way you think. Think positive, think like Jesus Christ” she advised. Love one another, work towards achieving peace and unity in society. Loving takes a lot of will power. Jesus taught love it only comes when one is willing” she continues.
However, it is quite surprising that the organization which operates mainly in universities and college campuses around the world does not believe in using medicine as a way of treating oneself. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, maker ere university CSO chairperson Esau Tumwine put it quite clear. “ we believe God is perfect and he created us in his image, so he’s the healer. We only pray and believe in him alone. We do not go to hospitals. We in a perfect healing God.” He said.
This summit was the first CSO summit in Uganda and 10th in Africa following the previous which was held in Nairobi, Kenya a year ago. It is held annually in different countries around the continent and they sponsored by the Albert Baker Fund and TMC-Youth of the United States of America.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
IF YOU DO NOT...... YOU CAN`T!
Well this is yet another fine article to feature on this blog after quit along time. i give it this title IF YOU DO NOT.. YOU CAN`T for a purpose. yes, a purpose. if you realize in past article i`ve been relactant, lazy,and practically slow at writing.
this time, NO PROCRASTINATION. I have a friend in the Miracle Center worship Team Miriam, recently said something during our thursday practice which literally caught my attention and changed my thinking, "If you do not do it here you definetely do it there" the choir members picked it and also loved it.
some times we procrastinate hoping we`ll do something later to perfection on the exact day. No we are suppossed to practice it more and more before we do the actual thing perfectly on that day. that is actually precisely Miriam`s idea.
and i would gladly buy it and any cost.
this time, NO PROCRASTINATION. I have a friend in the Miracle Center worship Team Miriam, recently said something during our thursday practice which literally caught my attention and changed my thinking, "If you do not do it here you definetely do it there" the choir members picked it and also loved it.
some times we procrastinate hoping we`ll do something later to perfection on the exact day. No we are suppossed to practice it more and more before we do the actual thing perfectly on that day. that is actually precisely Miriam`s idea.
and i would gladly buy it and any cost.
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