Uganda has spent more than two years preparing for The Common Heads of Government Meeting. Improving national security has been the first priority these preparations. Billions of money was put a side for the purpose of training police and recruiting manpower in the police force. Government also purchased expensive riot vehicles from South Africa for the purpose of cubing down riots.
Three months back after carrying out serious training, the police under the inspection of the Scotland Yard Police, failed to perfect their exercise on streets of Kampala. During this exercise, police vehicles meant to be used in riots knocked down many cars in the process.
Both the public and the inspectors were looking on as the police officers trained to protect the public were jumping off the patrol to save their lives. Some people got minor injuries in the process of running away from the uncontrollable truck, which was knocking everything on the way.
It created some kind of suspicion; one could wonder whether these were bogus imported vehicles or it was too early for police officers to master new technology. To some sympathizers, they argued that it was too early to judge them, they still had months to get ready hence the public didn’t react much.
As if that was not enough, the police seems has not learnt from its past mistakes, on 17th October 2007, five weeks to the CHOGM meeting, it carried out another testing this time it was about how to handle two critical situations [a demonstration and an accident] occurred at the same time in the same venue, it was carried out on Entebbe road.
This exercise involved serious accident where a police officer got burnt in the process of lighting fire. He got injuries all over his body and he was taken in hospital for medication.
This officer forgot that his clothes had consumed fuel, which they were using at the moment, in a process he came nearer to the fire frames and he couldn’t survive it.
One could wonder, who is responsible for this carelessness? Could it be the trainers who don’t seem to mean business at work or the blame goes to the trainees who seem to take things for granted?
What if this was a real incident ‘God forbid’, where this police was sent as rescue team, do you think it was ready to save life of the dignitaries on that day with out losing any? This is the question, which is supposed to be answered by the police.
The police as a government department is losing it, it is creating suspicion among different groups of people. The opposition side is keen to see any slight mistake made by government to get platform from where they can start criticizing these preparations. And it is their duty to do other wise.
The international community is equally interested in whatever happening in Uganda at this moment, more especially on security matters. Any mistake can make the country lose out.
The government need to be alert about activities carried out by our police, they should avoid such mistakes in this sensitive period, other wise the country is bound to be ashamed during that time of CHOGM meeting.
The police force should put it in mind that, people’s lives including those of foreign leaders; special envoys and tourists are lying in their hands. By making such mistakes when we are left with not even a month to the meeting leaves us with our common question…is our police ready for CHOGM?
Thursday, November 8, 2007
UGANDAN MPs HUMBLES KENYAN MPs
Uganda 2 Kenya 1
It was a joyous moment for Ugandan MPs and football lovers, when the Parliamentary football team beat their Kenyan counterparts 2-1 in a friendly match played on Friday September 07, at Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala.
Team captain Hon. Odongo Otto, opened the score sheet for the Ugandan side in the 15th minute, five minutes later, the Kenyan got an equalizer.
Just before the half-time whistle, Kassimu Nsimbe made it 2-1 for the Ugandan side, thanks to Hon. Kibedi’s cross.
The Kenyan side got a free kick inside the 18-yard box after the Uganda goalkeeper Geoffrey was forced to grab a back pass from Hon. Ssejjoba, but the Kenyan side failed to make use of it.
The second half saw rising tempos with the Kenyan side launching several attacks in an attempt to get an equalizer, but the Ugandan defense was solid enough.
The function was presided over by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Edward K Ssekandi. Also present were the minister of state for sports, Hon. Charles Bakabulindi, and the Clerk of Parliament.
“We had the best organisation and preparations, we started our training one month earlier and of course the best team has taken the day, nonetheless, the Kenyan team was equally good,” Hon. Elijah Okupa said.
“This is the beginning of Uganda’s success for tomorrow’s game against Niger! It is a sign of good luck, we worked very hard and we deserved to win, so I hope Uganda Cranes win tomorrow to give Ugandans happiness,” Hon. Otto, the Uganda team captain said, after the final whistle.
Both teams were given medals, the Ugandan team receiving gold plus the trophy, which was handed over by Hon. Edward Sekandi to the team captain while the Kenyan side received silver medals.
This was the first time in history of the competition for Ugandan MPs to defeat their counterparts from Kenya.
The return leg is scheduled for October in Nairobi, Kenya. These games are aimed at strengthening the East African federation.
It was a joyous moment for Ugandan MPs and football lovers, when the Parliamentary football team beat their Kenyan counterparts 2-1 in a friendly match played on Friday September 07, at Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala.
Team captain Hon. Odongo Otto, opened the score sheet for the Ugandan side in the 15th minute, five minutes later, the Kenyan got an equalizer.
Just before the half-time whistle, Kassimu Nsimbe made it 2-1 for the Ugandan side, thanks to Hon. Kibedi’s cross.
The Kenyan side got a free kick inside the 18-yard box after the Uganda goalkeeper Geoffrey was forced to grab a back pass from Hon. Ssejjoba, but the Kenyan side failed to make use of it.
The second half saw rising tempos with the Kenyan side launching several attacks in an attempt to get an equalizer, but the Ugandan defense was solid enough.
The function was presided over by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Edward K Ssekandi. Also present were the minister of state for sports, Hon. Charles Bakabulindi, and the Clerk of Parliament.
“We had the best organisation and preparations, we started our training one month earlier and of course the best team has taken the day, nonetheless, the Kenyan team was equally good,” Hon. Elijah Okupa said.
“This is the beginning of Uganda’s success for tomorrow’s game against Niger! It is a sign of good luck, we worked very hard and we deserved to win, so I hope Uganda Cranes win tomorrow to give Ugandans happiness,” Hon. Otto, the Uganda team captain said, after the final whistle.
Both teams were given medals, the Ugandan team receiving gold plus the trophy, which was handed over by Hon. Edward Sekandi to the team captain while the Kenyan side received silver medals.
This was the first time in history of the competition for Ugandan MPs to defeat their counterparts from Kenya.
The return leg is scheduled for October in Nairobi, Kenya. These games are aimed at strengthening the East African federation.
WHO DO YOU PREFER TO BE MUK's NEXT CHANCELLOR??
With Prof.Apolo Nsibambi’s four-year term of office expiring on Tuesday October 23, two potential candidates were forwarded to president Museveni by the University Council for approval. Who will then determine the next Chancellor to lead MUK for the next four years.
University News’s Haruna P. Mawa managed to interview some MUK students, on who they prefer to succeed Nsibambi,
1- George H.Muzahuzi, Presdent ICT, “ I prefer Kagonyera because Bukenya is more loyal to his party. This may directly conflict with Makerere’s cause so we need Mondo”
2- Akello Judith Tracy, Vice president MUK Law Society, “Bukenya has had more scandals as Vice president, taking into account his reputation and where MUK is I doubt whether he can direct us thus Kagonyera”
3- Lydia Namagala, DVS II, “I prefer Bukenya basing on what he has done for Ugandans. This qualifies him to handle the Makerere it is now and his international fame answers it all.”
4- Diana Wodeya, DVS II, “Am more familiar with Bukenya, who is Kagonyera and what has he done for us to entrust him Makerere?”
5- Farooq Mpanga, Cival Engineering I, “Bukenya has been very active as a doctor but Kagonyera is sleepy, yet it is time for scientists to lead this world just like the Iranian president an Engender by profession.”
6- Oliver Nakatudde, Mass Communication I, “Having been a Dean in the Medical school here, I believe Bukenya is well aware of Makeere’s problems and can best find the answer”
7- Claire Namugera, Arts in arts I, “Bukenya being the Vice president and a top cabinet member in government, it’s easy for him to use his office to advocate for students views.”
8- Livingston Nkusi, former guild contestant, “Kagonyera is the right person because the difference between Bukenya and Nsibambi is the similarity. The fact that the
Prime minister didn’t help Makerere, the vice president too will do little”
9- Tugezeku Kephar, former guild contestant,“Bukenya’s position near the president will fasten Makerere’s complaints yet he is creative, innovative and works to achieve”
10- Andrew Tayebwa, Chairperson Mitchell hall, “Bukenya has a similar problem with Nsibambi which is having little time for Makerere, we need someone with more time for us. Again Kagonyera scored higher than Bukenya in interviews so we need him”
Accoording to these different views it seems this race is going to generate many talking topics since pro. Kagonyera is leading the race. hey watch out this space, who is gonna win??
University News’s Haruna P. Mawa managed to interview some MUK students, on who they prefer to succeed Nsibambi,
1- George H.Muzahuzi, Presdent ICT, “ I prefer Kagonyera because Bukenya is more loyal to his party. This may directly conflict with Makerere’s cause so we need Mondo”
2- Akello Judith Tracy, Vice president MUK Law Society, “Bukenya has had more scandals as Vice president, taking into account his reputation and where MUK is I doubt whether he can direct us thus Kagonyera”
3- Lydia Namagala, DVS II, “I prefer Bukenya basing on what he has done for Ugandans. This qualifies him to handle the Makerere it is now and his international fame answers it all.”
4- Diana Wodeya, DVS II, “Am more familiar with Bukenya, who is Kagonyera and what has he done for us to entrust him Makerere?”
5- Farooq Mpanga, Cival Engineering I, “Bukenya has been very active as a doctor but Kagonyera is sleepy, yet it is time for scientists to lead this world just like the Iranian president an Engender by profession.”
6- Oliver Nakatudde, Mass Communication I, “Having been a Dean in the Medical school here, I believe Bukenya is well aware of Makeere’s problems and can best find the answer”
7- Claire Namugera, Arts in arts I, “Bukenya being the Vice president and a top cabinet member in government, it’s easy for him to use his office to advocate for students views.”
8- Livingston Nkusi, former guild contestant, “Kagonyera is the right person because the difference between Bukenya and Nsibambi is the similarity. The fact that the
Prime minister didn’t help Makerere, the vice president too will do little”
9- Tugezeku Kephar, former guild contestant,“Bukenya’s position near the president will fasten Makerere’s complaints yet he is creative, innovative and works to achieve”
10- Andrew Tayebwa, Chairperson Mitchell hall, “Bukenya has a similar problem with Nsibambi which is having little time for Makerere, we need someone with more time for us. Again Kagonyera scored higher than Bukenya in interviews so we need him”
Accoording to these different views it seems this race is going to generate many talking topics since pro. Kagonyera is leading the race. hey watch out this space, who is gonna win??
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Who is who in the MUK Guild campaigns
With Gerald Karukanga's guild cabinet dissolved on 18th/03/2007, tensions are increasingly getting high in Makerere University as 19 guild contestants begin promising students the sky will come near the earth for every campuser to touch.
With the elections set for this Thursday 5th April 2007, two candidates have already dropped out of the race, like UYD speaker Kiddu Julius and Mitchell hall chairman Igaba Nelson, several have lost their voices. Political parties have already endorsed their flag bearers for the race. Nevertheless, a number of independent candidates have too shown interest in the race.
Among the party contenders include; Muggaga Remi Mukuve, 22, a third year student of law and resides in Lumumba hall. He attended st Savio p/s, St Henry's college Kitovu; he is currently the chairman of FDC MUK Branch, and secretary Muk-law society. Once elected, Remi has promised "...iam going to focus on students struggling with tuition by convincing private corporations to help especially Madhivani and fight the deadline for current tuition payment.”
Democratic Party's Abbo Susan 23, third year student of law, is a resident of Africa Hall; she went through Nakigo p/s in Tororo before joining Kisoko high for O' Level and Kibibi ss in Mpigi. She is currently the speaker of Africa hall and Vice Chair person UYD MUK branch, "...iam going to embark on improving student’s welfare through setting up welfare communities at halls of residences, the allowances are too low yet costs of living are high due to high inflation rates in the country," the confident Abbo said.
Uganda Peoples Congress' Ochen Martin Odyek 23, a second year student of information technology resides in Nsibirwa hall, he attended, Ayago p/s and Comboni College in Lira district before joining St Peter's Naalya ss for A Level, He was the deputy Head prefect Comboni, " I will restore sanitation and better livelihood of Muk and making sure government doesn’t intervene in guild decisions" Ochen promised.
NRM'S Achumu Violet Engeu 21, a second year student of industrial psychology and organization, she attended Kiswa primary school, Lakeside College Luzira,she is the president Makerere University Forum For Women Empowerment, vice chairperson, Youth League Entebbe, " I will aim at publication of superb research, rehabilitation of halls of residence, blocking the privatization of halls, promotion of better administration as an organizational psychologist as well as decentralization of identity card renewal" Violet promised.
Nkusi Livingstone 23, a second year student of social science and non-resident of Mitchell hall. He attended Bishop Ssenyongo p/s before joining Nakyenyi ss and London College of St Lawrence. He is currently the publicity NRM Youth League. “Iam going to struggle for student's cause especially the pending retake fee and the six weeks’ fees policy it’s not fair" said Nkusi.
Others include independents Tayebwa Andrew 21, second year student of information technology and residing in Mitchell hall. He went through Victoria Nile p/s and Busoga College Mwiri in Jinja were he served as deputy head prefect ..."I will offer full representation of the students cause and undivided attention to students affairs"Tayebwa said.
Tugezeku Kepha 22, second year student of arts in arts, from Lumumba hall, he went through Mpumudde p/s Jinja,Iganga Progressive for O' Level before joining Lord’s Meade Vocational college. He served as Head prefect Lord's Meade and currently is the directer Rotary club of Muk. “I will bring services near to students through People by not mixing it with politics" Kepha promised.
Buteera John.Mugabe 22, second year student of social sciences and attached to Nsibirwa hall. He started his school at Nazareth p/s, Kabale ss and completed at Masaka ss. “ I am to fight party politics in MUK and strive for the students cause,” he emphasized.
Others are, Maaka Ephram doing Tourism year Two, Idambi Paul from law, Nuwabiine Jossy Bachelor of commerce, Rashid Mohammed pursuing Education,Mutyaba Steven library and information management,Isingo John Baptist, Ssenabulya Ronald, and Khafu Philip doing Education.
However several factors have always determined who to lead this desert of ignorance;
Political affiliation, in the last five years DP has enjoyed the majority support, having three of last five presidents, Mbidde Mukasa, Maurice Tibalya, are some of DP's past presidents. Nevertheless with FDC in place and having the out going president Gerald Karuhanga, it still enjoys the lion share of students support, but these two parties are bound to face stiff competition from NRM's "iron lady" Achomu Violet who has already started convincing students and has promised government support should the movement Candidate be voted. UPC on the other hand is struggling to bring back its lost glory
Oratory or power of speech, like any other institution, the command a candidate has over his language will matter. The use of quotes, parables and complicated terminologies to tease the students' mind has always worked out as Wanyama Cyrus, a 2006 guild contestant and out going foreign affairs minister recalls teasing students "We need a guild of high caliture and high Ntuntu who will always be to the almamata of the university and more so a sweet Generi because the Ejuce--dem--Generis is always the Modus operandi in Makerere in order to avoid situations of miltus-miyocus (crisis)" With the Norbert Mao's having won on the same ticket, DP's Abbo Susan, UPC's Ochen, FDC's Muggaga and NRM's Achomu are too good to secure votes out of this favor.
Finance, initially the money issue was not a key factor in MUK campaigns as candidates’ capability to convince and strive for the students' cause but of late the trend has changed the money issue is ranking among the top priorities as it is in our society where politicians even bribe to win elections. Candidates are seen in halls at night buying logistics especially spirits (tot packs). The party candidates still enjoy the big share basing on the huge amount they have received from their parties. And a few independent candidates especially Tayebwa Andrew, Nkusi Livingstone and Buteera Denis are also spending big.
The elections are scheduled to take place on this Thursday 5th April 2007. For one to vote, a student must have a valid Makerere University identity card.
“No student will be allowed to vote with out a valid identity card, and a valid identity card in this case should bear a renewal date of 2006/2007.” Said Zzavuga Ronald, the chairman Makerere University Electoral Commission.
The voting exercise will begin at 8:00AM -5:00PM in halls of residence. Medical students will vote from Galloway polling station in Mulago. The elections will be guided by the dean of students and the Makerere Electoral commission.
With the elections set for this Thursday 5th April 2007, two candidates have already dropped out of the race, like UYD speaker Kiddu Julius and Mitchell hall chairman Igaba Nelson, several have lost their voices. Political parties have already endorsed their flag bearers for the race. Nevertheless, a number of independent candidates have too shown interest in the race.
Among the party contenders include; Muggaga Remi Mukuve, 22, a third year student of law and resides in Lumumba hall. He attended st Savio p/s, St Henry's college Kitovu; he is currently the chairman of FDC MUK Branch, and secretary Muk-law society. Once elected, Remi has promised "...iam going to focus on students struggling with tuition by convincing private corporations to help especially Madhivani and fight the deadline for current tuition payment.”
Democratic Party's Abbo Susan 23, third year student of law, is a resident of Africa Hall; she went through Nakigo p/s in Tororo before joining Kisoko high for O' Level and Kibibi ss in Mpigi. She is currently the speaker of Africa hall and Vice Chair person UYD MUK branch, "...iam going to embark on improving student’s welfare through setting up welfare communities at halls of residences, the allowances are too low yet costs of living are high due to high inflation rates in the country," the confident Abbo said.
Uganda Peoples Congress' Ochen Martin Odyek 23, a second year student of information technology resides in Nsibirwa hall, he attended, Ayago p/s and Comboni College in Lira district before joining St Peter's Naalya ss for A Level, He was the deputy Head prefect Comboni, " I will restore sanitation and better livelihood of Muk and making sure government doesn’t intervene in guild decisions" Ochen promised.
NRM'S Achumu Violet Engeu 21, a second year student of industrial psychology and organization, she attended Kiswa primary school, Lakeside College Luzira,she is the president Makerere University Forum For Women Empowerment, vice chairperson, Youth League Entebbe, " I will aim at publication of superb research, rehabilitation of halls of residence, blocking the privatization of halls, promotion of better administration as an organizational psychologist as well as decentralization of identity card renewal" Violet promised.
Nkusi Livingstone 23, a second year student of social science and non-resident of Mitchell hall. He attended Bishop Ssenyongo p/s before joining Nakyenyi ss and London College of St Lawrence. He is currently the publicity NRM Youth League. “Iam going to struggle for student's cause especially the pending retake fee and the six weeks’ fees policy it’s not fair" said Nkusi.
Others include independents Tayebwa Andrew 21, second year student of information technology and residing in Mitchell hall. He went through Victoria Nile p/s and Busoga College Mwiri in Jinja were he served as deputy head prefect ..."I will offer full representation of the students cause and undivided attention to students affairs"Tayebwa said.
Tugezeku Kepha 22, second year student of arts in arts, from Lumumba hall, he went through Mpumudde p/s Jinja,Iganga Progressive for O' Level before joining Lord’s Meade Vocational college. He served as Head prefect Lord's Meade and currently is the directer Rotary club of Muk. “I will bring services near to students through People by not mixing it with politics" Kepha promised.
Buteera John.Mugabe 22, second year student of social sciences and attached to Nsibirwa hall. He started his school at Nazareth p/s, Kabale ss and completed at Masaka ss. “ I am to fight party politics in MUK and strive for the students cause,” he emphasized.
Others are, Maaka Ephram doing Tourism year Two, Idambi Paul from law, Nuwabiine Jossy Bachelor of commerce, Rashid Mohammed pursuing Education,Mutyaba Steven library and information management,Isingo John Baptist, Ssenabulya Ronald, and Khafu Philip doing Education.
However several factors have always determined who to lead this desert of ignorance;
Political affiliation, in the last five years DP has enjoyed the majority support, having three of last five presidents, Mbidde Mukasa, Maurice Tibalya, are some of DP's past presidents. Nevertheless with FDC in place and having the out going president Gerald Karuhanga, it still enjoys the lion share of students support, but these two parties are bound to face stiff competition from NRM's "iron lady" Achomu Violet who has already started convincing students and has promised government support should the movement Candidate be voted. UPC on the other hand is struggling to bring back its lost glory
Oratory or power of speech, like any other institution, the command a candidate has over his language will matter. The use of quotes, parables and complicated terminologies to tease the students' mind has always worked out as Wanyama Cyrus, a 2006 guild contestant and out going foreign affairs minister recalls teasing students "We need a guild of high caliture and high Ntuntu who will always be to the almamata of the university and more so a sweet Generi because the Ejuce--dem--Generis is always the Modus operandi in Makerere in order to avoid situations of miltus-miyocus (crisis)" With the Norbert Mao's having won on the same ticket, DP's Abbo Susan, UPC's Ochen, FDC's Muggaga and NRM's Achomu are too good to secure votes out of this favor.
Finance, initially the money issue was not a key factor in MUK campaigns as candidates’ capability to convince and strive for the students' cause but of late the trend has changed the money issue is ranking among the top priorities as it is in our society where politicians even bribe to win elections. Candidates are seen in halls at night buying logistics especially spirits (tot packs). The party candidates still enjoy the big share basing on the huge amount they have received from their parties. And a few independent candidates especially Tayebwa Andrew, Nkusi Livingstone and Buteera Denis are also spending big.
The elections are scheduled to take place on this Thursday 5th April 2007. For one to vote, a student must have a valid Makerere University identity card.
“No student will be allowed to vote with out a valid identity card, and a valid identity card in this case should bear a renewal date of 2006/2007.” Said Zzavuga Ronald, the chairman Makerere University Electoral Commission.
The voting exercise will begin at 8:00AM -5:00PM in halls of residence. Medical students will vote from Galloway polling station in Mulago. The elections will be guided by the dean of students and the Makerere Electoral commission.
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