South Sudan President Salva Kiir has expressed disappointment with the global community for isolating his administration, claiming the young nation has been written off.
“I know that many in the world community have written us off and there are many out there who believe that the situation in South Sudan will never get any better. We have a simple message for them, South Sudan shall rise once again and it shall be triumphant against all the odds”, he said in a Christmas message to the nation.
The South Sudan leader said he was optimistic the war-torn nation would come out of the situation to which it has been thrown into after the 2013 political differences within the leadership of the governing Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) over pushes for internal reforms and democratic processes-turned violent.
“Let the skeptics be reminded that the proclamation of South Sudan’s independence on July 9, 2011 was perceived as a mission impossible and yet you the people of South Sudan succeeded to make it possible,” said the South Sudanese leader.
He further added, “Therefore if you could accomplish such a feat, why would anyone question your ability to recover from the present predicament? This country shall emerge stronger, united and prosperous and we shall be the envy of the world”.
According to Kiir, the national dialogue he and his administration initiated as the only way to resolve differences would go down in the history books as the turning point when South Sudan regains peace.
“Peace and prosperity are within our reach and I challenge all of you to unite and work together to return the good days of South Sudan,” he stressed.
The clashes come barely a month after Kiir announced a national dialogue involving a bottom-top approach to address local grievances and political issues affecting the country. He formed a committee to lead the dialogue, a move critics say could derail the process.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) General Kale Kayihura has praised journalists, religious leaders and crime preventers, noting that their work has greatly contributed to peace and security in the country.
“We have gotten a lot of support from crime preventers, religious leaders and also the journalists,” Gen Kayihura said today while addressing a press conference at police headquarters in Naguru.
He added: “There is no doubt that crime preventers are of added value to the country. I want to appreciate their patriotic service.”
During the press conference IGP Kayihura also issued guidelines on the use of fireworks on New Year Day. “Display of fireworks and burning tyres near petrol stations and inflammable places is prohibited,” he said, and warned Ugandans against being lax during the festivities.
“We have different forms of terrorism these days. We have to be vigilant of all the people around us,” he said, adding: “We want people to have fireworks but since we are living in the era of terrorism, terrorists may use that savagely.”
Further, the police boss said Christmas-related cases, mostly those of homicide, had reduced in 2016.
“This year, we registered 33 homicide cases on Christmas Day compared to last year where we registered 50 cases,” he said.
Meanwhile, a raging fire has broken at Casablanca Bar and Restaurant in Kansanga and, according to police, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Rwenzururu king Omusinga Charles Mumbere, has been sent back on remand till January 12, because his committal papers are not ready, court has said.
Mumbere and other suspects were appearing in the Jinja High court, where they were supposed to answer to multiple charges including treason, murder and aggravated robbery, following the clashes in Kasese in November.
Mumbere’s incarceration followed the attack on his palace, where over 100 people including security agents and the Rwenzururu Kingdom royal guards were reportedly killed.
On his arrest about a month ago, Mumbere was driven from Kasese to Jinja and detained at the Nalufenya Police Station, a designated Uganda Police holding facility for high profile prisoners like opposition politicians and dangerous criminals.
Prominent among the people who have been to Nalufenya include Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer Dr Warren Kizza Besigye, the party’s MP for Nakawa Division Michael Kabaziguruka, and notorious Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) commander Jamil Mukulu.
WON 2016 ELECTIONS: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
As we come to the end of this year we take time to look back at how the year 2016 faired generally given the various events that shaped Uganda and the world in general. As Ugandans, we are also optimistic of the future of our country and we want to own this future.
Ugandans queue to vote in the 2016 elections
Republican Donald Trump after winning the US presidential elections this year.
That noted, some of the prominent news-making events in 2016, in no particular order, included the Ugandan contested presidential elections in February; the attack on King Charles Wesley Mumbere’s palace in Kasese and his subsequent arrest; the devastating attack on Syrians in Aleppo and the unexpected win of Donald Trump in the recent American elections.
Indeed, the year 2016 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride full of surprises; some as markers of progress and others reminders of how far we still have to go.
The eight Ugandan presidential candidates in the 2016 elections
In Uganda, this year’s starter was rather eventful, with the presidential campaigns setting the tone as President Yoweri Museveni faced off once again with archrival Dr. Kizza Besigye for the presidential seat. Other notable contestants inclded former Prime Minister and NRM Secretary General John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, seasoned contestant Dr Abed Bwanika; retired soldier-cum-politician Major General Benon Biraro Buta, Independent Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba and lone woman contestant Maureen Walube Kyalya.
Presidential candidates that attended the first debate
Ugandans saw the drama and unrest that followed the elections as riots almost brought Kampala to a standstill on several occasions, and with businesses shut down at times. However, to the credit of the Inter-religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) and the Council of Elders chaired by retired judge, Justice James Ogoola Munange, the 2016 elections were one of a kind as millions of Ugandans got to witness the first-ever Presidential debate live on television, held at the Serena Hotel. Seven candidates attended the first debate, and President Museveni joined them for the second debate a week later.
The seriousness and comedy that followed the event left varying impressions on the minds of several Ugandans, but needless to say, some of the eight candidates acquitted themselves well. Eventually, one of them won.
HOLED UP AT HOME: Police officers restrain Dr Besigye from leaving his home in Kasangati.
However, the win by NRM’s Museveni was followed by the arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye on February 20, drawing mixed reactions from different stakeholders, with the opposition and international community emphasising on the need for free and fair elections and the end of all forms of oppression. Since then Dr Besigye has been a relatively ‘free’ man but this has not dampened his resolve to insist that he was cheated of victory in the election through a ploy involving Mr Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, in connivance with the former Electoral Commission boss Eng Badru Kiggundu. To date, Dr Besigye is still promoting his ‘defiance’ campaign throughout the country as a way of demonstrating against his perceived robbed victory.
An accident scene involving boda bodas and a fuel tanker.
But amidst all the political hullabaloo, the Kampala-Masaka highway became a death trap claiming the lives of many travellers in freak accidents that occurred inexplicably, earning the road the unenviable moniker: ‘Highway to Hell”. The rising death toll along the road raised nationwide alarm, with the demand for a solution at a high. This prompted religious leaders of different dominations to intervene and encourage citizens to ‘pray for the road’ and the families of the deceased. Inevitably also, concern over the deaths gave birth to ‘Operation Fika Salaama’, a programme that was initiated by the police and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to ensure road safety and also that Ugandans reached their destinations safe and sound. So far the accidents reported along that particular road have dropped considerably.
Makerere University students on strke.
Then in came the ongoing strikes and riots by both teaching, non-teaching staff and students of Makerere University over salary arrears and other issues, a development that rendered the vicinity a perceived bedlam, prompting the President to order for the shutting down of the varsity, citing concern for citizens and properties. Currently, Makerere has been closed for two months, with an ongoing investigation into its mismanagement. However, after several meetings it has been decided that it will open on January 2, for completion of the first semester, with only a one week hiatus that will mark the start of the second and last semester.
Uganda’s founding President and Makerere University alumni Dr Apollo Milton Obote. Dr Obote led a strike at makerere and was to be expelled from university before completion of his studies there.
However, despite issues being far from solved in regard to the administration of the university, issues like ‘sex for marks’ and incompetence that have long troubled the institution are being reportedly being scrutinised, much to the delight of many parents and students. Founded before independence in 1922, Makerere University is one of the most renowned institutions of higher learning in Africa for its quality education and notable alumni that includes six former East African presidents; Yusuf Kironde Lule; Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa, Milton Obote (Uganda), Julius Nyerere and Benjamin William Mkapa (Tanzania), and Emilio Mwai Kibaki of Kenya.
A procession during the Kampala City Carnival 2016
Then, there was something that put a smile on the faces of several Ugandans; the Uganda Cranes win against Comoros in September that marked their qualification for the African Cup of Nation, the first in 38 years! This joyous spirit was further preserved when KCCA held the ‘Kampala City Festival’ in October bringing together many citizens in Kampala to celebrate not only the progress Kampalans had made but somehow also inadvertently celebrate Independence from colonial rule in 1962. With a diverse culture and rich heritage Ugandans are never short of entertainment and a reason to fraternise. Indeed, from outrageous outfits to never before seen feats of elation and, despite the odds, many individuals still find time to fraternise making Uganda one of the friendliest and safest countries in the world.
KILLED: Kenneth Akena Watmon
But the Ugandan cloud with a silver lining came under threat on November 12, when the country awoke to the sad news of the death of Kenneth Watmon Akena, a social worker and child activist who at the tender age of 33 met his end.
IN COURT: Cyhthia Munangwari, Mathew Kanyamunyu and his brother Jpseph Kanyamunyu, while appearing before the Nakawa Magistrate’s Court. Photo/File.
His death came as the result of a gunshot wound reportedly fired by a one Mathew Kanyamunyu, an entrepreneur who is currently behind bars in Luzira awaiting trial alongside his co-accused; lady friend Cynthia Munwangari and his brother Joseph Kanyamunyu.
VOICE OF REASON: Ms Winnie Byanyima. She said her nephew Mathew Kanyamunyu should face the law over the fatal shooting of Kenneth Akena. (Courtesy Photo)
Akena’s death sparked off tribal outrage, something that highlighted the tribal tension that is ever prevalent in many African nations, as few took to social media to spread propaganda and hate. But there were also voices of reason and conscientious; Kanyamunyu’s aunt, the indefatigable Winnie Byanyima, wife to opposition icon Dr Besigye, came out and called for justice to prevail, even if it was her nephew on the receiving end. No wonder many have indicated Winnie can make a good President in future.
Major Muhammad Kiggundu’s vehicle in a ditch after he was shot dead by assailants on motorcycles.
Anyhow, as the country was still trying to come to grips with Akena’s death, military honcho Major Muhammad Kiggundu, who was also a state witness against Islamic clerics facing terrorism charges, was gunned down.
THREATENED TO ‘DEAL’ WITH HUBBY’S KILLER: Traditional herbalist Mama Fina, widow of slain UPDF officer Major Muhammad Kiggundu.
Maj Kiggundu was the husband to popular herbalist Sophie Nalubega aka Mama Ffina and father to 14. The death of Maj. Kiggundu came as a shock and reminded many of the death of former Army Commander Major General James Kazini.
Internationally, the world was shocked when images and footage of murdered African Americans (mostly male) at the hands of the US police surfaced, sparking off numerous riots across the country as thousands protested against ‘racism and prejudice in the American judicial system’ under the mantra #blacklivesmatter.
‘Brexit’, the astounding departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), was another game changer that left many Britons and other Commonwealth parties either saddened at the decision or ecstatic. Despite the UK being the only country to have exited the EU this year, some other countries in the EU agree with the idea and now exude tale-tell signs of following suit.
PICTURE TELLS IT ALL: A shot taken from the war torn Aleppo area in Syria
Meanwhile, the Middle East is known for being ravaged by war and death. The recent videos of bombed buildings and bloodied, orphaned children barely surviving death by airstrikes and stray bullets struck a chord not only in Uganda but the world as well as millions came together to bring awareness to the situation in Syria, Aleppo. With the recent assassination of a Russian diplomat to Turkey a ceasefire is highly unlikely in war torn Syria, although hope is given on discovery that ‘Twitter legend’ Bana Al-bed, who took to Twitter to report the situation in Aleppo and ask for help, was safely evacuated with her family from the jaws of death. Nonetheless, several people of good will continue to pray for Aleppo.
Anyway, as Ugandans tend towards the end of 2016, many can’t help but be grateful that they are able to see a new day with friends and family. And, true to their patriotic and resilient nature, Ugandans still continue to smile and make merry, ignoring or forgetting some of the dark clouds that enveloped this beautiful country.
Revellers at the Blankets and Wine festival in Kampala.
And, as many will testify, the last Blankets and Wine concert held on December 18, 2016 is true testimony to the merrymaking, as individuals both local and foreign and regardless of tribe or religion, all came together to celebrate and toast to ‘another year’, in typical Ugandan fashion before heading to their respective homes for Christmas.
No one knows what the future holds in 2017 but Ugandans certainly want to focus on making Uganda great again; a Uganda where corruption, tribalism and chauvinism among other vices are non- existent would indeed be a country that would make both Ugandans and God proud.
Uganda's goalkeeping legend Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundwins.
Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango has been ranked among the top 10 goalkeepers in the world as per the latest IFFHS ranking, making him the best goalkeeper in Africa.
In 10th position, Onyango, who turns up for South African Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns, has also been ranked ahead of top goalkeepers Arsenal’s Petr Cech and FC Barcelona’s Ter Stegen.
Onyango, 29, started his goalkeeping career in 2004, aged 17. He was a member of the Mamelodi Sundowns team that lifted the CAF Champions League title this year.
David J. Steiner frames a shot while filming a documentary about Sudanese refugees in Uganda. Photo credit/Chicago Sun Times.
Despite the police stepping up anti-accident surveillance during the festive season, a Chicago filmmaker was killed in a crash in Uganda, where he had traveled with students from Barbara A. Sizemore Academy in Englewood after working with them on a documentary about their school.
David Steiner was traveling with his son, several students from the Englewood school and a film crew in Uganda to collect more international awards for their documentary. The group was together in a bus when they were hit head on and sent into a ditch.
Two eighth grade students and two other adults suffered non-life threatening injuries; Steiner was the only one killed; died on impact.
The group was in Uganda for the Nile Diaspora International Film Festival to screen their documentary, and school officials said they were working with the US Embassy and elected officials to get the students and adults back to Chicago as quickly as possible.
Steiner worked with Terrance Dantzler and Hayah Rasul on ‘Saving Barbara Sizemore’, an award-winning indie documentary about the successful quest by students to keep Barbara Sizemore Academy open after Chicago Public Schools voted to close it in 2015.
The group left for the trip last week. They had hoped to open even more eyes overseas and were set to work on another documentary on Sudanese refugee children.
“They were also going to be engaged in a second documentary where he was having them meet with Sudanese refugee children,” said Dr. Carol Lee, co-founder of Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools.
“David was incredibly passionate about this project. It was his life,” Greene said.
On Christmas, the filmmaker used his iconic silver hair to dress up as Santa to bring some holiday cheer to their traveling group.
“I last spoke to him on Saturday night and he was really happy,” Nachman said.
Steiner’s fiancée Diane Silverberg opted to stay behind for the trip. She released a statement, saying, “David died as he lived: Selflessly bringing joy to others, no matter the distance or complexity. In one of his last texts to me, he remarked that the joy they were bringing to the Sudanese refugees and to the children from Englewood who accompanied him had made all the challenges of the trip worthwhile.”
Sarah Giroux, a Chicago-based cinematographer on the trip with the group, posted a message on Facebook saying their van was knocked into a sewage ditch during the crash and as the group waited for help their bags were raided, their money was stolen and some of their passports taken. The remaining members of the group are now back at a hotel trying to figure out how to get back to the United States as soon as possible.
Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools, which operates the school, released a statement Monday saying in part, “We are extremely saddened to learn that filmmaker David Steiner, one of our committed school volunteers, died tragically in an automobile accident in Uganda… Our sincerest prayers and condolences are extended to the entire Steiner family, particularly his wife Diane and his father Joe. David was a rare cinematographer who loved our school and sought the goodness in all humanity. We will miss him.”
Burundi has halted legal action against 11 non-governmental organisations that were banned due to accusations they conspired with opponents of President Pierre Nkurunziza, the prosecutor general’s office has said.
Nkurunziza’s government has often accused civil society groups of working against it during a crisis that erupted last year over his disputed election for a third term. About 450 people have been killed in political violence.
“The Prosecutor General of the Republic informs the national and international community that he has terminated judicial proceedings against some civil society organizations,” Prosecutor General Sylvestre Nyandwi said in a statement.
It said the NGOs and non-profit groups had been suspended from operating in order to investigate ‘their share of responsibility in the insurgency movement launched in April 2015’.
The 11 organisations authorised to reopen include the Observatory for Government Action (OAG), which opposed Nkurunziza’s plan to seek another term in office on the grounds that the move was unconstitutional.
Opponents of the president said his re-election also violated a deal that ended a civil war in 2005.
The government, however, cites a ruling by the constitutional court saying the president could seek another term. It also dismisses allegations of human rights abuses.
Most of the groups’ leaders have fled the country fearing for their safety, and a representative of one of the entities said conditions remained difficult.
“It is hard to reopen and work as long as there are no acceptable conditions for us to fulfil our mission,” the representative said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The violence in Burundi has alarmed a region where memories of the 1994 genocide in neighbouring Rwanda remain raw. Like Rwanda, Burundi has an ethnic Hutu majority and a Tutsi minority.
LISTEN: Pope Francis I meets with DRC President Joseph Kabila. The Catholic Bishops in the country have demanded that elections be held
A deal to end the political stalemate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which incumbent President Joseph Kabila could stay in power for one year pending elections in 2017, is set to be signed Friday.
Media sources indicate that political parties involved in the talks led by the Roman Catholic Bishops in the country, say a breakthrough is imminent and that under the deal Kabila would stay in power for a year but the constitution not be changed to let him run again.
Catholic Bishops Conference president, Marcel Utembi told reporters that they have finished practically 95 percent of the work and that there remains a short way to go.
CLINGING TO POWER: DRC President Joseph Kabila
Kabila’s mandate expired on Tuesday but he has remained in office. A presidential election scheduled for last month was postponed until at least April 2018 because of what the government said were delays in registering voters. Scores of people were killed in protests calling for Kabila to step aside.
However, the DRC’s main opposition bloc warned that several significant differences remained and that if the divergences are not bridged, it will be difficult to sign the accord.
Divisions persisted over whether the prime minister will come from the main opposition bloc, and the composition of the electoral commission, which the opposition accuses of pro-government bias.
A deal could be a breakthrough for a country that has not seen a peaceful transition of power since independence from Belgian colonial rule in 1960.
It would also come as a surprise following a week in which security forces killed dozens of people protesting Kabila’s tenure.
There was no immediate comment from Kabila, whose representatives participated in the talks.
North Korea has mocked outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon over his apparent ambitions to run for South Korean president, calling him an opportunistic “chameleon in a human mask” who’s dreaming a “hollow dream”.
The North’s state-run Uriminzokkiri website said Mr Ban’s alleged presidential ambitions were absurd because the way he handled his job as UN chief for the past 10 years has left him living in “criticism and shame”.
The article said Mr Ban, 72, had a bad reputation in South Korea’s domestic politics because he was an opportunist who “sets sail wherever winds blow and changes colours by the circumstance”.
“There is an old saying that you stretch your feet no longer than your blanket will reach,” Uriminzokkiri said.
“His harbouring presidential ambitions despite living in all sorts of criticism and shame could only described as an incomparably hollow, silly dream.”
Mr Ban, who steps down as UN secretary-general at the end of the year after two five-year terms, has not officially declared an ambition to run for South Korean president, but he has not denied his interest either.
In a meeting with South Korean reporters in New York earlier this week, Mr Ban said he was ready to “burn” his body in devotion for South Korea, his strongest hint yet of a presidential bid.
The spotlight is on Mr Ban because there was a possibility South Korea could hold a presidential election in the coming months.
If Ms Park is formally removed from office, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.
If he does make a run for the presidential Blue House, Mr Ban is likely to represent a new conservative party created by defectors from Ms Park’s Saenuri Party.
Uganda Revenue Authority has published a list of tax defaulters and asked them to clear their debts within seven days only from the time of publication.
Among the top defaulters is the confined former Principal Accountant at the Ministry of Public Service Christopher Obey and J &M Hotel.
“This serves as a warning and short of which they will be liable to relevant tax laws, however there is room for clarity and if a person has evidence that he or she cleared the payments , should present that evidence to avoid being a liability of law” reads the notice from the tax body.
