The first case of cancer to be diagnosed in Uganda was in the year 1966 but by the end of 2010 Uganda cancer institute (UCI) had received over 35,000 new cases of cancer most of which are in the late stages and patients are terminally ill. According to a recent study by the Uganda cancer institute over 20000 people die of cancer annually in Uganda.
Despite the fact, most Ugandans are not aware of the pandemic and the rate at which it is wrecking the human race. But why? “Most people get to cancer when they are emotionally related. But if you don`t have a relative you don`t even know it exists in the country” says Dr Tamale Henry, a radiographer at Mulago school of Radiology. Studies show that while in developed countries they are old people likely to catch this disease, the reverse is true in developing countries. “In the developing countries like Uganda young people are developing cancer than in the developed countries. This is due to poor feeding of children in developing countries” he says.
According to Christine Namulindwa the public relations officer Uganda Cancer Institute, on average UCI admits 86 patients a day and the numbers are promising to increase, yet those admitted are already terminally ill. “At present we admit those who are badly off but still the number is overwhelming” she says. Mulago also has an outpatient department where those in the early stages receive treatment from which also couples as a screening area with free training services offered especially to women who are prone to breast cancer which is very common in the country.
Namulindwa says 40 percent of Uganda`s population have cancer and the majority of which are under the age of 65 years. This is where five years old Elvis Mutumba of lugazi falls. The handsome young man was diagnosed of leukemia two years ago and has had three Bone marrow aspirate and biopsies (read surgeries) all unsuccessful and by the time The Razor met him at the hospital he had just had his last one and unable to sit due to much unbearable joint pain. “Every after treatment Elvis has to go for surgery” says his mother Nampera Betty, a single mother of two. “Treatment alone is very expensive. A single bottle of Asparagnaza costs thirty five thousand shillings yet he`s supposed to have five bottles every week” she says. “For a rough estimate that lady might have to pay fourty five million shillings for her son to heal” adds Christine Namulindwa the PRO. But is this really possible for retail shop keeper like Elvis’ mother? Despite being costly cancer drugs are also not available at the hospital pharmacy that patients have to buy them from outside.
The Uganda Cancer Institute is the only one in the region with radiology machine serving Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania and even Kenyans cross over to Uganda for cheaper services. “Even Kenyans where it is more expensive come to Uganda yet we have only one radiology machine serving the entire region. I guess that explains the overwhelming numbers we have here. Above all we operate at a low budget.” Says Christine Namulindwa. Yet as Dr Tamale Henry says, “fifty percent of all cancer patients will at one time have to undergo radiation treatment”
Studies also show leukemia, colon cancer, cervical cancer, burkitts lymphoma, and karposi sarcoma, breast cancer among others as the most common in Uganda today. Experts advise people to eat more of vegetables and fruits and avoid too much of red meat, alcohol, cigarettes for these only increase the risk of one catching cancer. Currently the Uganda Cancer Institute has set up pilot projects in all four regions of the country and it works closely with partner organizations like Uganda women Cancer Survivors Association and Hospice Uganda who also help in the identification of patients.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
SECURITY CAR LEAVES GIRL FOR DEAD
By Brian Ssenoga Kimuli
Life is full of surprises and uncertainities and you can never tell what might happen the next hour. Yesterday morning came like the past morning but for Annet Lacristo 27, the day never ended well as she was hit by an unidentified CGS security car at a junction off Nkurumah road as she was on a bodaboda coming from National Theatre. “It was on a very high speed knocked them from behind, ran over her and the bodaboda cyclist took off. I could neither get the number of the car nor that of the bodaboda” said Kelly Wanda a Samaritan who drove her to the hospital.
According to physicians at emergency ward 3B, Lacristo had sustained a few visible injuries but the worst could at anytime happen as such patients experience internal bleeding. Kazanabyo Richard a friend said who was contacted immediately said Lacristo is a resident of Moscow zone kibuli. “but do those security cars have a right of way to the existent of beating traffic lights, running over people and running away just like that” asked Kireli Wilson a police officer who had come for treatment.
Life is full of surprises and uncertainities and you can never tell what might happen the next hour. Yesterday morning came like the past morning but for Annet Lacristo 27, the day never ended well as she was hit by an unidentified CGS security car at a junction off Nkurumah road as she was on a bodaboda coming from National Theatre. “It was on a very high speed knocked them from behind, ran over her and the bodaboda cyclist took off. I could neither get the number of the car nor that of the bodaboda” said Kelly Wanda a Samaritan who drove her to the hospital.
According to physicians at emergency ward 3B, Lacristo had sustained a few visible injuries but the worst could at anytime happen as such patients experience internal bleeding. Kazanabyo Richard a friend said who was contacted immediately said Lacristo is a resident of Moscow zone kibuli. “but do those security cars have a right of way to the existent of beating traffic lights, running over people and running away just like that” asked Kireli Wilson a police officer who had come for treatment.
Monday, January 17, 2011
DOING BUSINESS AS A PERSON WITH DISABILITY IN KAMPALA
By Brian Ssenoga Kimuli
To some Kampala dwellers every morning comes like the past mornings, but for Joseph Kintu a father of two, a married man and business entrepreneur everyday in his life is a different one. His comes with uncertainty, fear and a lot of speculation and optimism which mostly end up not met. Kintu 36 is a person with disability, one among the vendors at Nakivubo mews but his is an extra ordinary story for he has spent 20 years at this place doing business at the same time battling KCC. This is how he tells his story:
“I have spent twenty years on the street doing business, I came as a young boy now I am a man with a wife and two beautiful children a boy and a girl. So no one can deceive me about any matters of business and street life. I know most of those KCC law enforcement officers, unless he/ she were assigned yesterday” he says.
By the mare look into his eyes one cannot fail see that Kintu has really gone through much on the streets. “Street business is not easy” he says. “You need a lot of patience here; sometimes the city council comes and impounds our staff not even minding about our physical disabilities. And when your staff has been taken to court , one thing you must do, do not follow up just look for some money somewhere else and start once again or else you will taken to Luzira as you try to get your staff back. You see we have a motto here; save yourself first before you save your business (we nunule nga tonaba ku nunula maali).
As if that is not enough some of these city council law enforcement officers go ahead and rip them of their money as they try to save their property from being confiscated by the law enforcers. Asked why and how kintu only has this to say; “you have no way out because it is the only source of income you’ve . Either you give him something and he releases you property or he takes it and your children go without school fees” he says. But how does one benefit from such an act? “Both parties involved benefit. He releases my staff and I continue working and he also gets something to live on. It is a fair game. Law enforcers are also people, they need money” says kintu, frowning.
Given their state of immobility, persons with disabilities conducting business along the Nakivubo channel have now devised means of easing their movement and saving their property in case of any emergency. They cooperate well with their able bodied counterparts who quickly rap up everything and hide it from those who want to confiscate them. “If you can look around, where there is a person with disability, the closest neighbor is one who is able bodied, that is for security purposes” says one Jamil Byakatonda selling padlocks.
Natural hazards like rain have also proved a menace to business in this area. It being at the biggest drainage channel in the city during rainy days it floods and business is not easy here. “Some of us do not have legs, you walk by your hands and when it rains you either swim in the mad or stay at home till the place is dry” says Joseph Kintu.
But where do they get their capital from, do they acquire loans? Well it is even more complicated because some financial institutions fear to lend them money because of the nature and size of their businesses. Aisha Nasuuna mother of four also a PWD attributes this to the fact that any time their property can be confiscated and no one knows when this is going to happen yet there is no security to that. “But also many of us never want to pay back loans despite that” she says. Just like kintu she believes that it is God sends them customers others wise their physically able competitors would have pushed them out of business. She boosts of her bungalow in Bweyogerere Bbuto zone, paying for her children’s school fees and looking after her sister and ailing mother. They also complain about the poor leadership among themselves and the unyielding nature of their member of parliament Nalule Sophia who they accuse of never coming back to her electorate to inform them of any proceedings ever since she was elected in 2006. “You don’t even hear that she said a word in parliament” commented one of them only identified as Kamenke. “ even we don’t know what happened to NUDIPU they last communicated to us in 2009 and got lost ever since, so we are on our own” says Kintu Joseph
ssenogabrian@yahoo.com
By Brian Ssenoga Kimuli
To some Kampala dwellers every morning comes like the past mornings, but for Joseph Kintu a father of two, a married man and business entrepreneur everyday in his life is a different one. His comes with uncertainty, fear and a lot of speculation and optimism which mostly end up not met. Kintu 36 is a person with disability, one among the vendors at Nakivubo mews but his is an extra ordinary story for he has spent 20 years at this place doing business at the same time battling KCC. This is how he tells his story:
“I have spent twenty years on the street doing business, I came as a young boy now I am a man with a wife and two beautiful children a boy and a girl. So no one can deceive me about any matters of business and street life. I know most of those KCC law enforcement officers, unless he/ she were assigned yesterday” he says.
By the mare look into his eyes one cannot fail see that Kintu has really gone through much on the streets. “Street business is not easy” he says. “You need a lot of patience here; sometimes the city council comes and impounds our staff not even minding about our physical disabilities. And when your staff has been taken to court , one thing you must do, do not follow up just look for some money somewhere else and start once again or else you will taken to Luzira as you try to get your staff back. You see we have a motto here; save yourself first before you save your business (we nunule nga tonaba ku nunula maali).
As if that is not enough some of these city council law enforcement officers go ahead and rip them of their money as they try to save their property from being confiscated by the law enforcers. Asked why and how kintu only has this to say; “you have no way out because it is the only source of income you’ve . Either you give him something and he releases you property or he takes it and your children go without school fees” he says. But how does one benefit from such an act? “Both parties involved benefit. He releases my staff and I continue working and he also gets something to live on. It is a fair game. Law enforcers are also people, they need money” says kintu, frowning.
Given their state of immobility, persons with disabilities conducting business along the Nakivubo channel have now devised means of easing their movement and saving their property in case of any emergency. They cooperate well with their able bodied counterparts who quickly rap up everything and hide it from those who want to confiscate them. “If you can look around, where there is a person with disability, the closest neighbor is one who is able bodied, that is for security purposes” says one Jamil Byakatonda selling padlocks.
Natural hazards like rain have also proved a menace to business in this area. It being at the biggest drainage channel in the city during rainy days it floods and business is not easy here. “Some of us do not have legs, you walk by your hands and when it rains you either swim in the mad or stay at home till the place is dry” says Joseph Kintu.
But where do they get their capital from, do they acquire loans? Well it is even more complicated because some financial institutions fear to lend them money because of the nature and size of their businesses. Aisha Nasuuna mother of four also a PWD attributes this to the fact that any time their property can be confiscated and no one knows when this is going to happen yet there is no security to that. “But also many of us never want to pay back loans despite that” she says. Just like kintu she believes that it is God sends them customers others wise their physically able competitors would have pushed them out of business. She boosts of her bungalow in Bweyogerere Bbuto zone, paying for her children’s school fees and looking after her sister and ailing mother. They also complain about the poor leadership among themselves and the unyielding nature of their member of parliament Nalule Sophia who they accuse of never coming back to her electorate to inform them of any proceedings ever since she was elected in 2006. “You don’t even hear that she said a word in parliament” commented one of them only identified as Kamenke. “ even we don’t know what happened to NUDIPU they last communicated to us in 2009 and got lost ever since, so we are on our own” says Kintu Joseph
ssenogabrian@yahoo.com
Saturday, January 15, 2011
ARMY DEPLOYING FOR FEBRUARY ELECTIONS.
ARMY DEPLOYING FOR FEBRUARY ELECTIONS.
Last week, UPDF Chief of Defence Forces General Aronda Nyakairma issued army guide lines instructing all commanders to stay away from partisan politics and to lay strategies to prevent any occurrence that might injure the electoral process. Meanwhile, Makindye West MP Hussein Kyanjo has kept on saying the army is deploying in various locations of the country particularly in northern Uganda with the intention of influencing voters.
However, Kyanjo`s allegations haven`t been received well by the army. “He should not say things that are going to push us into action. The army is going to play it`s role and that is to ensure security” said the UPDF mouthpiece Lt Col Felix Kulaije when contacted on phone. “I think Honorable Kyanjo is misinformed, the military is free to deploy anywhere in any part of the country where we sense the matter is heavy to be handled by police alone. He (kyanjo) is uninformed, the military is free to deploy. Are soldiers campaigning?” he asked.
This comes at a time when some member of parliament like Hussein Kyanjo are still unsure of the role of the army in the February elections sighting that it might be partisan. “People think that by voting the army is participating in partisan politics. Yes the army is one of the strongest pillars of the state but that doesn`t mean we do not have our right to vote” said Lt Col Felix Kulaije, confirming Lt Gen Jeje Odongo`s words when he urged the army not to be intimidated during this season when he was passing out the 517 UPDF officers at Gaddafi junior staff college in Jinja.
Last week, UPDF Chief of Defence Forces General Aronda Nyakairma issued army guide lines instructing all commanders to stay away from partisan politics and to lay strategies to prevent any occurrence that might injure the electoral process. Meanwhile, Makindye West MP Hussein Kyanjo has kept on saying the army is deploying in various locations of the country particularly in northern Uganda with the intention of influencing voters.
However, Kyanjo`s allegations haven`t been received well by the army. “He should not say things that are going to push us into action. The army is going to play it`s role and that is to ensure security” said the UPDF mouthpiece Lt Col Felix Kulaije when contacted on phone. “I think Honorable Kyanjo is misinformed, the military is free to deploy anywhere in any part of the country where we sense the matter is heavy to be handled by police alone. He (kyanjo) is uninformed, the military is free to deploy. Are soldiers campaigning?” he asked.
This comes at a time when some member of parliament like Hussein Kyanjo are still unsure of the role of the army in the February elections sighting that it might be partisan. “People think that by voting the army is participating in partisan politics. Yes the army is one of the strongest pillars of the state but that doesn`t mean we do not have our right to vote” said Lt Col Felix Kulaije, confirming Lt Gen Jeje Odongo`s words when he urged the army not to be intimidated during this season when he was passing out the 517 UPDF officers at Gaddafi junior staff college in Jinja.
GAS CYLINDER KILLS ONE, INJURES THREE
By Brian Ssenoga Kimuli
Shock engulfed residents of Namirembe yesterday when a gas cylinder exploded and left one dead and three seriously injured. The incident occurred in Bwanika zone at SSekabira and sons motor garage along Namirembe road at midday.
This left one Moses Ssebunya dead and three of his colleagues Kaye Fred and another only identified as kasozi and the third unidentified with severe injuries. All the victims of the explosion were mechanics at the garage.
According to the O.C CID old Kampala police Bakaleke Siraje, the cause of the explosion had not yet been established by the time journalists got on the scene. “However, we are still working with the bomb squad to establish the cause of the incident. And later a report will be made” he said. The injured three were rushed to Mengo hospital.
Shock engulfed residents of Namirembe yesterday when a gas cylinder exploded and left one dead and three seriously injured. The incident occurred in Bwanika zone at SSekabira and sons motor garage along Namirembe road at midday.
This left one Moses Ssebunya dead and three of his colleagues Kaye Fred and another only identified as kasozi and the third unidentified with severe injuries. All the victims of the explosion were mechanics at the garage.
According to the O.C CID old Kampala police Bakaleke Siraje, the cause of the explosion had not yet been established by the time journalists got on the scene. “However, we are still working with the bomb squad to establish the cause of the incident. And later a report will be made” he said. The injured three were rushed to Mengo hospital.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
600 MILLION DOLLARS FOR FISH FARMERS IN UGANDA
At least now fish farmers in the country have a reason to smile after the government has announced to put aside 600 million dollars which is equivalent to 600 billion Ugandan shillings for the improvement of the sector.
The great long awaited news was announced by the Assistant Commissioner for fisheries Mr. Jackson Wadenya representing the state minister for agriculture at the 4th annual fish farmers` symposium at Lugogo UMA conference hall. “ Government is extending this money to fish farmers but they should also try to seek information of its availability, many fish farmers are not informed yet this business needs one to make informed decisions” he said. He also clarified that this money is mainly for starting and boosting simple aquaculture enterprises in their local areas. “Fish farmers should try to use their expertise to see that some work is being done. This money is to go to only those who have already started something” he continued, before mentioning that the project is to benefit one thousand six hundred fish farmers and is to run for five years, from now up to 2015.
This comes at a time when fish farmers are still faced with the dilemma that government policy on NAADS excludes their sector since it (NAADS) it was majorly for animal and crop growing farmers as was dictated by the Danish government who are the major funders. However, the commissioner said the ministry has already formulated an investment strategy dubbed ‘Water for production’ which caters for aquaculture as well.
Fish farmers have for long blamed the lack of a government policy which concerns their business. “Aquaculture has not been considered by government as compared by maize, millet, coffee and the diary sector yet ours involves a lot of technology” laments Rita Amalo of Aquaculture Management Consultants, Ltd. She continues to say that even the bureaucracy stated by the current policies with the concerned authorities like NEMA is too long and rigid.
It is at this point that fish farmers place their plea to the appointing authority to create an independent ministry for fisheries just like their Kenyan counterparts have one in the same post. “It is not easy to get permission from NEMA and National water, the process is too long especially is it is cage fish farming. I think the government should appoint a minister for fisheries maybe that way we can have a clear policy on fish farming” said Paul Ssebinyansi the chairman Walimi Fish Cooperative Society.
This year`s fish farmers` symposium is organized by Walimi Fish Cooperative Society (WAFICOS) under the theme: “Viable Fish farming” with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), putting emphasis on value addition and marketing of farmed fish. It is expected to end on Friday 16th with an exhibition of fish products on the market.
The great long awaited news was announced by the Assistant Commissioner for fisheries Mr. Jackson Wadenya representing the state minister for agriculture at the 4th annual fish farmers` symposium at Lugogo UMA conference hall. “ Government is extending this money to fish farmers but they should also try to seek information of its availability, many fish farmers are not informed yet this business needs one to make informed decisions” he said. He also clarified that this money is mainly for starting and boosting simple aquaculture enterprises in their local areas. “Fish farmers should try to use their expertise to see that some work is being done. This money is to go to only those who have already started something” he continued, before mentioning that the project is to benefit one thousand six hundred fish farmers and is to run for five years, from now up to 2015.
This comes at a time when fish farmers are still faced with the dilemma that government policy on NAADS excludes their sector since it (NAADS) it was majorly for animal and crop growing farmers as was dictated by the Danish government who are the major funders. However, the commissioner said the ministry has already formulated an investment strategy dubbed ‘Water for production’ which caters for aquaculture as well.
Fish farmers have for long blamed the lack of a government policy which concerns their business. “Aquaculture has not been considered by government as compared by maize, millet, coffee and the diary sector yet ours involves a lot of technology” laments Rita Amalo of Aquaculture Management Consultants, Ltd. She continues to say that even the bureaucracy stated by the current policies with the concerned authorities like NEMA is too long and rigid.
It is at this point that fish farmers place their plea to the appointing authority to create an independent ministry for fisheries just like their Kenyan counterparts have one in the same post. “It is not easy to get permission from NEMA and National water, the process is too long especially is it is cage fish farming. I think the government should appoint a minister for fisheries maybe that way we can have a clear policy on fish farming” said Paul Ssebinyansi the chairman Walimi Fish Cooperative Society.
This year`s fish farmers` symposium is organized by Walimi Fish Cooperative Society (WAFICOS) under the theme: “Viable Fish farming” with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), putting emphasis on value addition and marketing of farmed fish. It is expected to end on Friday 16th with an exhibition of fish products on the market.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Pr Kayanja’s Wife Goes “through It All” in Style.
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.
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.
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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