A video of an unidentified city girl dancing to Navio’s hit, Njogereza has gone viral with the chic whining her waist whilst doing the backsimba. Njogereza, a fusion of backsimba percussion and urban beats is currently dominating the airwaves.
The Hip-Hop singer is set to launch his album on September 9 at Gard city rooftop .
Navio who is currently billed the best hip-hop singer in the country has proven that an urban rapper can move away from the English and do even better in the Luganda.
TO SUE KENYA: SPLM -IO chief Riek Machar. His group says it wil sue the Kenya government.Photo Credit/Reuters
The United Nations facilitated the fleeing of embattled former South Sudan First Vice President Riek Machar to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to Machar’s spokesperson James Gatdet Dak, his boss was airlifted from South Sudan by the UN mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, which had liaised with DRC President Joseph Kabila.
‘The First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/SPLA (IO), thanked the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or MONUSCO, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), under the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Kabila, for their hospitality by airlifting him and his officials from the South Sudan-DRC border and for taking good care of him and his officials in the DRC,’ Gatdet Dak wrote in a statement issued earlier today.
Gatdet Dak said Dr. Machar and his troops had braved the jungles for 40 days before the assistance rendered to him came forth, adding that the former FVP would ‘soon’ contact parties that were instrumental in signing of the peace deal in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last August.
‘Despite being “exhausted” after staying in the bushes and walking on foot for 40 days, he is very fine and he has assured that he will soon speak to the media in the next few days, and particularly as he is establishing contacts with the leaderships of IGAD, AU and the UN to communicate his views on the current situation in the peace process. He will soon be on visit to IGAD member countries in the region,’ Gatdet Dak added.
According to the statement, Dr. Machar also issued a ‘congratulatory message to the gallant forces of the SPLA-IO who have fought successfully in self-defence since July 8, 2016, attack by President Salva Kiir’s forces in the attempt to murder him at the Presidential Palace in Juba’.
GAVEL AND RINGS: Signs that things are not all that cool as rings are tossed off the fingers.Photo credit/nigeriatoday.ng.
Social media has changed the world view of societal communications engagements, and soon we might find ourselves knowing all that happens in the sacrosanct precincts of the high and mighty.
Over the past few days the internet has been awash with very discomforting stories emanating from one of the prominent bedrooms in the East African region.
The story concerns one of the First Families, whose structure has reportedly broken down because of infidelity, which allegedly resulted in the birth of a boy child born out of wedlock, who is now at the centre of controversy.
It is said that the boy’s ‘real’ father is a diplomat formerly serving at the United Nations in New York, who has reportedly sought ‘asylum’ for fear that he might land in real trouble should he set his foot home, following his recall from the tour-of-duty.
And, because nobility knows no bounds, it is said that a sage, a former Ambassador who represented his country in various foreign missions abroad, has been recalled from ‘retirement’ to come and stoke the burning embers. That the sage chosen for the task is a former diplomat is probably emblematic of the immensity of conflict-resolution techniques required to solve the jinx that has the capacity to temporarily ‘affect the functioning of State’!
Billionaire's son: Rajiv Ruparelia, son of tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia. Photo credit/rosandpost.com
Yes, we have been here and this topic seems to be getting rather old but might also become interesting as we feed you with the names of Kampala’s rich and famous and their latest antics or purchases that will not only leave you in admiration but might also leave you frustrated because their names do not help anyone when it comes to the end of month bills and debts.
Kampala is a funny place; a place of several million people with very few of them rich and living a life akin to that of the mega stars of Beverley Hill in Hollywood!
Of course most of us less scumbags already know these public figures, the amount of monies they claim to possess and what level of status and fame their riches have earned them. But what we tend to ignore is that these wealthy moguls and celebrities aren’t just out to only top the list of Uganda’s richest; behind closed doors they are surely and steadily trying so hard to shape the country’s next elitist society.
Make no mistake, when we talk of Uganda’s next batch of elites we don’t mean trivial personas such as Sheila Gashumba or Zari’s beautiful brood(give them time) not even the Sudanese spawn that seems to have an endless supply of dollars. We mean the type who can hold at least a five minute conversation with the Queen of England without a typical ‘come again’ or those few who know how to pronounce exotic names like ‘Calais’ and ‘Cannes’ correctly and have actually been to Coachella, where they partied with their friends as Beyonce stood in formation with her eight bodyguards just a stone’s throw away. The girls have attended the annual fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, London and New York without the need of a ‘blesser’ while the boys have booked flights to Rio de Janeiro Brazil to watch the Olympics. With their tales of underwater hotel rooms, private jet trips to remote islands in the Caribbean to shopping sprees in Monte Carlo with their father’s black card not to mention the German car ‘Uncle Bob’ got them for their eighteenth. These kids were born with the real silver ‘mulaho’ in their mouths that even some white folks (bazungu) who meet them on their own turf make way for them kids! Welcome to some of Kampala’s Crème de la Crème de kids:
RAJIV RUPARELIA
FATHER AND SON: Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia with his son Rajiv.
It goes without saying that Rajiv, son of billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia tops the list. Ugandans got acquainted with the heir to the family business when he became of age, and took up managerial roles in the family empire. Indeed, his father Sudhir never held back when it came to his one and only son; from black cards with a 30,000 pound limit to exotic cars driven on different soils around the world, there is nothing Rajiv can dream up that his father is not able to provide. He has been to prestigious schools in the UK and is currently managing family businesses that among others invest in the hospitality, real estate and education sectors. Like his father Sudhir, Rajiv is also a philanthropist, contributing to several charities.
ALEXANDER MUKONZI SALEH
Just like his father General Caleb Akandwanaho ‘Rufu’ aka Salim Saleh, Alexander Mukonzi Saleh highly values his privacy so much so that no one in Uganda knew of his existence till recent, reminding us journalists of his father’s ever infamous ‘disappearing acts’.
Despite being President Yoweri Museveni’s nephew Alexander and his cousins Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Natasha Karugire, Patience Rwabwogo and Diana Kamuntu are constantly reminded of their parent’s humble beginnings and true to their preaching this man, from a very tender age, learnt the basics needed for one to make it in life. Alexander’s humility has caught on and he is steadfastly moving up the ranks and making a name for himself. Of course he is helped by the connections that come with being a close member of the first family. But don’t let Alexander’s modesty fool you; his expenditure in a single expedition about town is enough to cater for two people for month or two, with enough left to invest in a poultry business of no less than 5000 birds!
NADIA KABAHITA MBIIRE
KAMPALA HERE WE COME! Nadia Mbire, tycoon Charles Mbire’s daughter at her wedding to Yasser Matovu. Photo credit/galaxyfm.com
Nadia Kabahita Mbire is one of only two daughters born to tycoon Charles Mbiire, Uganda’s richest indigenous man whose worth is estimated at US$200 million. Nadia’s little sister Thandiwe Mbiire is a laid back gal but still finds time to enjoy the fruits of their father’s labour. At one time their father paid the singing duo of Brick and Lace hundreds of thousands of dollars for them to sing for the two girls who are Uganda’s version of the Hilton heiresses Paris and Nicky.
But most Ugandans had never heard of Nadia in serious form because she was probably in one of the best private schools money can take one to, and having holiday trips to various five star destinations like Dubai, Monaco, Hollywood and Disneyland! While enjoying a jet set life full of adventure, Nadia fraternized with rich and famous celebrities such as Chris Brown, Tyga and Lil Brown and if in doubt, her Instagram account is testimony enough for the beautiful heiress of the Mbiire Empire. Then all of a sudden the ‘east-or-west-home-is-best’ bug hit Nadia hard; she discovered a new fondness for all that is good at home, even getting a lifetime partner in the process.
Indeed, Nadia brought the heat to Kampala every holiday displacing so many wannabes in her wake. Strictly socializing with those of the same class and stature, she has been known to make her rounds in Uganda, occasionally in the company of her peers like Lucy Bunyenyezi, daughter to tycoon Ezra Bunyenyezi of Security 2000 and the former Uganda Travel Bureau, a flourishing Tour and Travel Company of the 1970s and 80s. It is during such fraternizing times with her peers that Nadia would, at her best, host state-of-the-art parties as she made herself at home. But now happily married to Yassah Matovu, son to ceramic tiles mogul Yusuf Matovu of Youma Builders, Nadia’s father Charles Mbiire can now properly turn his full attention on raising Nadia’s younger sibling.
THE KIGONGO GIRLS
Their father needs no introduction; he has been the National Resistance Movement Vice Chairman for the last 30 or so years. Al Hajji Moses Saku Kigongo, known for his knack for expensive rides like the Merc, BMW and Maybach, is formerly of remarkable wealth derived from family businesses that dealt in transportation and the fuel industry. But the proprietor of Mosa Group has also made substantial wealth during the NRM regime, making him one of the richest Ugandans. And for this, he will stop at nothing to share his riches with his girls Siki and Anisha, born to Uganda National Chamber of Commerce boss Olive Zaitun Kigongo. From day one on earth Siki and Anisha have been spoilt by both their parents. The recent split between Al Hajji Kigongo and Olive Kigongo might cause a dent in the family’s income but not the girls’ spending sprees since both parents are still magnanimously wealthy.
Interestingly, it isn’t the money that gives these girls status in this small circle of Hollywood look-alikes but rather the fact that they are pioneers in the world of sophistication.
Whilst we attended the signature schools of our time such as Kampala Parents, Kings College Buddo and Lohana Academy the Kigongo sisters were flying to schools with standards like the famed St. Andrews Turi in Kenya and various other schools across the globe every semester, with a guaranteed first class ticket back home for the holidays.
The distinction for them was made and other kids of lesser mortals were left ‘starving’ most times even resorting to doing menial jobs (kyeyo) during holidays to make ends meet. Mmmmh!
But that is not all; Ugandans must fully understand that just as there is chain of hierarchy amongst the big guns, the same can be said for their spawn and the Kigongo sisters are royalty when it comes to the elite of Ugandan society and no ‘rich kid’ can make it in the big league without their approval. And if you rub them the wrong way, your chances of getting ousted from the ‘rich kids country club’ is a done deal.
LUCY BUNYENYEZI
Beautiful, charismatic and fun, this Ugandan with Rwandan heritage is a beauty to behold and boys going gaga every time she is on Uganda’s social scene, regardless of the occasion.
A pioneer in her own right, Lucy, the daughter of tycoon Ezra Bunyenyezi stands out amongst her peers and family because unlike the typical rich kid snob, she engages her peers regardless of status, social ranking and background.
Indeed, her down-to-earth attitude has even grabbed the attentive fillers a one Henry Mulira of the prominent and Buganda aristocratic Mulira family. And overtime, tales of her beauty have travelled far and wide even landing her an appearance on the latest hit series on television “Beneath the lies’ where she worked with fellow rich kid Cedric Babu, son to Zaitun Kigongo and politician Edward Francis Babu, a former Kampala Central Member of Parliament.
Anyhow, Ugandans can only stand afar and admire this godly work of art and only cheer Lucy B along as we witness her rise to fame and stardom, since she has everything else. For the uninitiated, you can also join us as we stalk her via her various media accounts but most especially on Instagram @LucyBsmize
SAM MUHWEZI
THE RICH AND GLAMOUROUS: Sam Muhwezi, a son to flamboyant jim Muhwezi, while the former worked at the Uganda High Commission in the UK. Photo credit/archnect.com
This eligible bachelor is constantly dodging his parents’ attempts to get him hitched and instead opts to party with his friends. Word has it that Sam had become such a party animal, painting the city of Kampala red on a daily and at times going over board, something that reportedly forced his parents Major General (rtd) Jim Katugugu Muhwezi and Susan Kabonero Muhwezi to get him a job at the Ugandan High Commission in the United Kingdom, in an attempt to get him away from Kampala and the lesser mortals he had picked along the way.
One thing Ugandans may not know is that Sam and his siblings are not only children to public figures Jim and Suzan Muhwezi but also nieces and nephews to Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, and city tycoon Bob Kabonero, the proprietor of Kampala Casino and several other investments.
Further to that, name any country or place in this world and we can guarantee that Sam and his sisters have been to them on their bucket lists.
Indeed, they were bred in such a way that they are a class apart. And if attending Eton, one of the best schools in the world, a centuries-old preserve of English aristocracy that has alumni like Prince William and Prince Harry, is not enough, then what else can we ask of the Muhwezis.
GLORIA WAVAMUNNO
RICH FASHIONISTA: Gloria Wavamunno, daughter to tycoon Gordon Wavamunno. Photo credit/monitor.co.ug.
Not much is really known about Gloria Wavamunno’s private life, but this is expected because rarely will you find her in on the social scene if it has nothing to do with fashion.
A philanthropist like her father tycoon Gordon Wavamunno of the Wavah Holdings empire including Spear Motors, Wavah Water, Wavah Broadcasting Serrvices; generally everything that brings money in one’s pockets!
But the heiress to the ‘Wavah Empire’ has put all her acquired skills, lessons the best education can get you and the money and provided a platform for many artistes, especially fashion designers, to showcase their works.
PRINCE KIWEWA JJUNJU
ROYALTY! Prince Crispin Jjunju Kiwewa with Ambassador Emmanuel Sendawula. Photo/credit/owensseremba
Prince Kiwewa Jjunju is the first born son, born to the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and Lady Venetia Sebudandi, Rwanda’s former High Commissioner to India. A career diplomat, Lady Venetia also worked as her country’s Ambassador to Sweden.
But diplomacy may not be a thing for their royal offspring Prince Jjunju who, like many royals, espouses etiquette at the expense of other social norms.
Indeed, being sure that he cannot succeed his father, Prince Jjunju, like his grandfather Kabaka Edward Fredrick Luwangula Mutesa II, has taken the social scene, living his life once at a time.
His birthday parties every year are a must attend affair for the glitterati, as they not only offer exquisite food and drinks to the guests but also allow many well wishers and socialites to visit the home of the Kabaka.
After the regal expedition at Twekobe, the ordinary attendees return only to brag to other peers that they’d been to the palace and hobnobbed with royalty.
However, of recent the party animal in Prince Jjunju calmed down and has now showed an interest in enterprise.
L-R: Roy Tumwizere, National Promotions Manager, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), Anja Gobel, Director Goethe Zentrum Kampala/ Uganda German Cultural Society, Alexander Aheebwa, Bayimba Head of productions and Herman Kabubi, Bayimba Artists Coordinator unveil Bell Lager as a partner of the 9th Edition of the arts festival.
In this second round of acts for the 9th BAYIMBA International Festival has announced that Bell Lager has taken on the festival as a sponsor.
Bayimba of the arts has grown from humble beginnings to provide a platform for the arts and culture to shine.
In a manifestation of how much the arts in Uganda have grown, the festival was a celebration of everything from photography, theatre, film, music to poetry and fashion.
This year brings more than 700 artistes from more than 14 countries, with up to 120 performances around the theatre space.
“As an authentic Ugandan brand, we are happy to be partnering with an event such as this one that celebrates and recognizes authentic Ugandan talent. It is our pleasure to enable this great musical experience that will allow people to live and enjoy every moment,” said Roy Tumwizere, National Promotions Manager, Uganda Breweries Limited.
Uganda’s biggest arts and music festival also presented the activities for the three day on:
Second Stage: Located in the theatre upper garden, the space is formerly known for hosting majorly the hip-hop genres, and to look a little different, we’ve diversified the line up of acts that will present at this particular space including; Mbale’s current top hip-hop duo and Sharon Sento and Byg Ben, Hoppy Benny from Gulu, while the Blood Brother’s band will return to do a solo showcase after playing for reggae star Maddox’ set at the 2014/15 Festival, from Germany, we have DJ Wurzelholz, Femme Electronic alongside Ugandan reggae sensation Mighty Son, Jamaica born Anthony Jermaine and the Mataali Group from .
Auditorium: The auditorium will host theatrical groups that include: – Mandragora Circo from Argentina, Zimbabwe’s Lamentations @ 12 and Uganda’s Pride Performers. Other acts announced are; Ugandan Kadongo Kamu maestros Willy Mukabya, Kazibwe Kappo and Fred Ssebbale, a dance piece by dancer and choreographer Faisal Ddamba, along with Vizuri Dance Company, Kanaan Gents and a comedy showcase by the Punchliners. Courtesy of Amakula Kampala Film Festival, a couple of African films will be presented.
Dance Floor: After 8 years of showcasing Fashion at the open space during the Bayimba Festival, at this edition of the – it will be presented as the main voice of this particular space, with a proper catwalk and sitting under Uganda’s fashion mogul Ras Kasozi in a theme dubbed SEED fashion show, Kasozi will be joined by yet another fashion ace Buyi Phil who will be unveiling his Kkolo collection, not forgetting popular highlight activity “Silent Disco” at an extra 5,000 UGX.
More than 650 children have been recruited into armed groups in South Sudan since the beginning of the year, the UN children’s agency Unicef has said.
Supporters of President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar had both intensified their recruitment drives since July, when a new round of conflict broke out, Unicef added.
A senior politician led the recruitment of the boys, some as young as 12, from a village, using intimidation, it adds.
The document indicates that the recruitment of children took place shortly after the UN Security Council approved a resolution about a week ago to send an extra 4,000 troops to South Sudan to protect civilians after a new round of fighting broke out in the capital, Juba, last month, AP reports.
Speaking to the press after visiting South Sudan, Unicef deputy executive director Justin Forsyth said:
“You see child soldiers as you drive along the roads, just in uniforms and who have been recently recruited.”
Mr Forsyth said there was widespread malnutrition and some areas faced a threat of famine: “We have to be honest, we’re doing sticking-plaster jobs. I mean we’re trying to save children’s lives, save mothers’ lives. It’s a sticking-plaster.”
“The only long-term sustainable solution to this problem is if the different parties to the conflict resolve their differences and establish proper governance in South Sudan. And until that happens we’ll continue to be on the brink of this very serious situation, which may tip over.”
The US is giving up a considerable power over the way the internet functions.
The US has confirmed it is finally ready to cede power of the internet’s naming system, ending the almost 20-year process to hand over a crucial part of the internet’s governance.
The Domain Naming System, DNS, is one of the internet’s most important components.
It pairs the easy-to-remember web addresses – like bbc.com – with their relevant servers. Without DNS, you’d only be able to access websites by typing in its IP address, a series of numbers such as “194.66.82.10”.
More by circumstance than intention, the US has always had ultimate say over how the DNS is controlled – but not for much longer.
It will give up its power fully to Icann – the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers – a non-profit organisation.
Icann will get the “keys to the kingdom”, as one expert put it, on 1 October 2016. From that date, the US will lose its dominant voice – although Icann will remain in Los Angeles.
If anyone can, Icann?
Users of the web will not notice any difference – that’s because Icann has essentially being doing the job for years anyway.
But it’s a move that has been fiercely criticised by some US politicians as opening the door to the likes of China and Russia to meddle with a system that has always been “protected” by the US.
“The proposal will significantly increase the power of foreign governments over the Internet,” warned a letter signed by several Republican senators, including former Presidential hopeful, Ted Cruz.
Whether you think those fears are justified depends on your confidence in the ability of Icann to do its job.
It was created in 1998 to take over the task of assigning web addresses. Until that point, that job was handled by one man – Jon Postel. He was known to many as the “god of the internet”, a nod to his power over the internet, as well as his research work in creating some of the systems that underpin networking.
Mr Postel, who died not long after Icann was created, was in charge of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Administration of the IANA was contracted to the newly-formed Icann, but the US’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the Department of Commerce, kept its final say over what it was able to do.
It’s that final detail that is set to change from October. No longer will the US government – through the NTIA – be able to intervene on matters around internet naming.
It rarely intervened. Most famously, it stepped in when Icann wanted to launch a new top-level domain for pornography, “.xxx”. The government wanted Icann to ditch the idea, but it eventually went ahead anyway.
From October, the “new” Icann will become an organisation that answers to multiple stakeholders who want a say over the internet. Those stakeholders include countries, businesses and groups offering technical expertise.
Best option
“It’s a big change,” remarked Prof Alan Woodward from the University of Surrey.
“It marks a transition from an internet effectively governed by one nation to a multi-stakeholder governed internet: a properly global solution for what has become a global asset.”
Technically, the US is doing this voluntarily – if it wanted to keep power of DNS, it could. But the country has long acknowledged that relinquishing its control was a vital act of international diplomacy.
Other countries, particularly China and Russia, had put pressure on the UN to call for the DNS to be controlled by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union.
A treaty to do just that was on the table in 2012 – but the US, along with the UK, Canada and Australia, refused, citing concerns over human rights abuses that may arise if other countries had greater say and control over the internet and its technical foundations.
Instead, the US has used its remaining power over DNS to shift control to Icann, not the UN.
In response to worries about abuse of the internet by foreign governments, the NTIA said it had consulted corporate governance experts who said its the prospect of government interference was “extremely remote”.
“The community’s new powers to challenge board decisions and enforce decisions in court protect against any one party or group of interests from inappropriately influencing Icann,” it said in a Q&A section on its website.
As for how it will change what happens on the internet, the effects will most likely be minimal for the average user.
“This has nothing to do with laws on the internet,” Prof Woodward said.
“Those still are the national laws that apply where it touches those countries.
“This is more about who officially controls the foundations of the Internet/web addresses and domain names, without which the network wouldn’t function.”
The most bizarre and anticipated season in Uganda football toptier’s history, the first league game at now artificial Lugogo pitich, an aging scoring specialist in Bokota Kamana to take aim and the West Nile territory newcomers Onduparaka dreaming of victory.
Uganda Premier League 2016 starts in a few hours at 4:00pm live on Azam TV. Here is your ultimate guide to the matchday one!
Sponsorship deals have been signed, and season and club membership cards launched. Some coaches and players, too, have since changed loyalties.
KCCA, who also launched a season ticket worth Shs300,000, have led the way in the build-up to the 2016/2017 Azam Uganda Premier League (UPL) season, adding Britam and Prime Media to the list of sponsors that include Star Times.
Onduparaka have also since secured a Shs180m shirt sponsorship deal with Betway, while Bright Stars announced sponsors, Lato Milk, in a two-year pact reported to be Shs130m.As if not to be left out, Hema Water joined a partnership with URA.
SC Villa, who have Star Timers on a five-year deal, managed to keep in the media by snapping musicians Winnie Nwagi, Irene Ntale and Leila Kayondo in an ambassadorial role, something Express did earlier with earlier Bobi Wine, and Vipers with radio presenter Abbey Mukiibi. We could go on and on.
Yet time for all the hype and trash talk in the media must take a break now, if only for 90 minutes.
The trigger to the new campaign goes off with eight fixtures across the country on Friday. Surely that should quench domestic football’s three-month thirst, at least for the start.
Coaches move
The season starts with some changes on the technical benches, with Abdallah Mubiru taking over at Vipers and Mujib Kasule returning to the Proline dugout due to Baker Mbowa lack of the required topflight qualification.
It is the same coaching qualification story at Onduparaka, where veteran Leo Adraa has replaced Allan Kabonge, the man who brought the Arua side to the Premier League.
Paddy Kintu, formerly of relegated Maroons, has also since moved to Lweza, where ex-SC Villa coach Ibrahim Kirya is the technical director.
Former SC Villa striker and URA coach, Alex Isabirye, has taken over at newly promoted Kirinya-Jinja SS, while Frank ‘Video’ Anyau assumes the former’s role at Bul.
Ex-Proline and KCCA Coach Abdallah Mubiru is now in charge of Vipers assisted by his former boss, George ‘Best’ Nsimbe.
Morley Byekwaso, the ex-SCVU and Simba coach, also joined his former club KCCA as manager Mike Mutebi’s assistant, replacing Sam Ssimbwa, who was sacked mid-way last season.
Cameras, lights, action
Much attention will inevitably be at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, where champions KCCA begin their title defence against JMC Hippos.
League newcomers, Onduparaka, at home to Soana in Arua should provide an electric atmosphere. You don’t expect less from a side that were synonymous with filling stadiums last season. They also filled their Green Light Ground duering a pre-season friendly against Maroons.
But it is not just about KCCA and Onduparaka. Eight matches are lined up on the day, with all 16 clubs in action. Below we break it down for you.
KCCA vs JMC Hippos
Knowing that pressure will be on him to both defend the title and impress in the Caf Champions League, manager Mike Mutebi went for youth and experience in his recruitment. He brought back Brian Majwega from Simba in Tanzania and Denis Rukundo (Maroons), as well as the tested legs of Vincent Kayizzi (Express) and Geoffrey Sserunkuma (Lweza). It is these and Muzamir Mutyaba in the midfield that he will rely on to hold off a James Odoch-coached JMC Hippos at Lugogo. Odoch added in his ranks Herbert Kakande, a defender acquired from Kakamega in Kenya. He will need that defence.
Bul vs Proline
Anyau has beefed up his Bul squad with prospects like Paul Mujampwani from Bugembe Junior and Tibita Hamisi from his junior side. But the experienced coach also knows that experience will come in handy, the reason he brought Edgar Lusige from Sadolin, Andrew Kalule (SCVU) and Hassan Musana from Bright Stars among others. On the other hand, Mujib Kasule has promoted a big number of youngsters from the Proline academy. He has also brought on board Farouk Musisi (Lweza), Sam Kintu (Express), defender Yusuf Mukisa (Vipers) and former KCCA striker Nelson Ssenkatuka among others. Kasule will want to secure early points to avoid early jitters when Proline travel to Kakindu in Jinja.
Express vs Lweza
The Red Eagles have an outlook of a collection centre of sorts. Coach Wasswa Bbosa’s Express have four rejects from KCCA including striker Herman Wasswa, midfield player Sam Ssenkoomi, Emmanuel Opio and Isaac Sserunkuma. Vipers’ trio of John Semazzi, Mike Mutyaba and Allan Kyambadde also form part of the otherwise experienced party that should be able to fashion a result off Lweza in the Wankulukuku derby. Yet Lweza also ooze promise having brought in veteran coach, Kintu, and Kirya from Villa. Kintu has since boosted his squad with Owen Kasule (KCCA), Karim Ndugwa and James Kasibante (all SC Villa) among others.
Kirinya Jinja vs URA
Coach Kefa Kisala’s URA take a shot trip to Bugembe Stadium to face newcomers, Kirinya-Jinja SS, knowing anything less than a trophy this season will have his employers’ heads turning. With last season’s marksman Robert Ssentongo all but out, Kisala went foreign; bringing in Bokota Kamana (Rwanda) and Nigerians Emmanuel Ibe Obina (Mathare Utd) and Harry Gentle Frank (Sofapaka) among others. URA will hope to contain the pressure that normally comes with teams braced for relegation skirmishes. Jinja have indeed braced themselves for the fight by bringing in experience in Edward Kakembo (Soana), John Wakalayita, David Kiiza, Mike Kawooya (all Bul) and Caesar Sapeo (SCVU) among others.
Police vs SC Villa
With a new man, Deo Sserwada, at the helm, SC Villa will hope to hit the ground running. The 16-time league champions have struggled to add to the tally since 2004, and club president Ben Misagga has changed coaches six times in his three years in charge. He has also changed players in the same fashion. Hardly impressive! Alex Kitata (Saints), Bernard Muwanga, Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars) and Vitali Tabu (Onduparaka), are some of the new names at Villa and should have a runout when Sserwadda takes his team to Kavumba to face Police. Coach Sam Timbe’s Police have had a quiet transfer activity up until now, with ex-Bright Stars striker Anthony Bongole the only noticeable acquisition. But having lost few, Police should give Villa some shove.
Vipers SC vs Bright Stars
Abdallah Mubiru begins his reign at Vipers knowing club owner and former Fufa president, Lawrence Mulindwa, will accept nothing but the league title and a sustained run in the Caf Confederations Cup. Assistant coach, George Nsimbe’s shortfalls both in the league and on the continent last season saw him lose the job to his former junior at KCCA. Now they will have to pull together to keep in the boss’ good books. The two-time league champions open their account at home to depleted Bright Stars. With last season’s lead scorer (16 goals) Erisa Ssekisambu abroad for greener pastures, Mubiru has turned to former Soana striker Musa Esenu to address the goal-scoring question. Ibrahim Kayiwa (Express) and Brian Kakaire (Vaxjo Football – Sweden) have also since been added on. In the same vein, Mubiru has released Mike Mutyaba, Allan Kyambadde and John Ssemazi (all Express) among others. Fred Kajoba’s Bright Stars, who have lost most of their experienced stars like goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya (Sofapaka), Anthony Bongole (Police), Bernard Muwanga and Joseph Nsubuga (all SC Villa), could struggle to get out of the blocks despite bringing in Nicholas Ssebwato (from SC Villa), Andrew Kaggwa (Saints).
Onduparaka vs Soana
Last season’s biggest story for reaching the Uganda Cup for final, earning promotion and filling stadiums with huge crowds, Onduparaka start the season as the people’s darling. Whoever visits Arua will surely find out how intimidating the home side can be. Soana, whose coach Charles Ayiekoh resigned last Friday, are the first to visit coach Leo Adraa’s men. Onduparaka have managed to maintain almost their entire team, only losing out Vitali Tabu (SC Villa) and Nafian Alionzi. The Northern side have since added Dickens Okwi, Mahad Kisekka, Emmanuel Olinga, Peter Duzman and Simon Olema to their ranks. Soana have lost marksman Esenu to Vipers but have brought in Cameroonian Oliviere Akono, Emma Kalyowa (Lweza) and experienced striker Frank Kalanda from URA.
The Saints vs Sadolin Paints
The Saints have since been bought by relegated Simba but will most likely maintain the same for at least a season. Coach Moses Basena remains coach, for now, and will have to get a way of picking 25 players from Saints and Simba squads. They host their first match at Bombo Barracks against Sadolin, who will hope the home side are still be in disarray. Coached by Abdul-Samadu Musafiri, Sadolin have only goalkeeper Franco Oringa, from Bul, as the main acquisition.
President Yoweri Museveni has challenged his political nemesis Kizza Besigye to touch on electricity wires and see if he isn’t electrocuted.
President Museveni told a rally of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters in the recently created Omoro district that the opposition and more so Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) kingpin Kizza Besigye should test his achievement by touching on electricity wires.
Mr Museveni is currently in Omoro to campaign for the NRM Candidates for both Woman Member of Parliament and chairman LCV seats. Opposition has often times contested programmes initiated by President Museveni as non-viable.
“Opposition and Besigye (Kizza) say government has done nothing. Let them touch these electricity wires and if they survive, vote them” the president said.
In reply to President Museveni, Dr.Besigye said Museveni should be ashamed that under his administration of 30 years, it is only 7 per cent of the population that can afford power, meaning majority are poor.
“Let him show houses that use electricity in those areas? Homes that use power (electricity) are a mere 7 per cent meaning that our people cannot afford the price of power. Anyway, Mr Museveni is like a hunter who goes hunting and has never captured any animal and if he kills a bird, the whole world will know” Dr. Besigye said.
CLEARED OF MURDER CHARGES: Former CPS DPC Aaron Baguma
Who will ‘police the police’ is the question on many people’s lips as several people bay for the blood of a senior police officer accused of complicity in murder?
Opposition Forum for Democratic Change leader Dr Warren Kizza Besigye seems to have an answer; the four-time presidential challenger has called upon Ugandans to stand up for their rights and arrest Superintendent of Police (SP) Aaron Baguma, who is wanted by court in connection with the murder of city businesswoman Donah Katushabe.
And Dr Besigye’s clarion call to Ugandans comes in the wake of police failing to produce SP Baguma, a former District Police Commander (DPC) at the Central Police Station in Kampala, who has since become rarified specie, holed up at a police training college on the outskirts of Kampala city, a place where he was loathed and respected in equal measure.
“Since the police has neglected the directives of another arm of government (judiciary), the citizens of Uganda can now take up the matter and arrest Baguma; in any case, the case is Uganda versus Baguma,” Dr Besigye said of Baguma’s case that has elicited a lot of anxiety since the killing of Ms Katushabe in 2015.
He added: “It is a very silly precedent, people who should be in law enforcement are the ones breaking it and this means that the State is a failure.”
Ms Katushabe was reportedly killed by a group of people led by city businessman Muhammad Sebuwufu, a dealer in second hand cars and owner of Pine car bond on Lumumba Road, after the deceased failed to clear a debt of Shs9 million.
Following the killing, Katushabe’s relatives swung into action and ensured Sebuwufu was arrested and remanded to Luzira prison. However, Baguma, most probably using his powerful connections and influence, has since evaded arrest, prompting Katushabe’s relatives to protest to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mike Chibita wa Duallo, who in turn wrote to the police asking them to ensure Baguma faces the law. But in the midst of all the hullabaloo, police chief General Kale Kayihura reshuffled his officers in the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) area, in the process sending Baguma for a six-month ‘refresher’ course at the Police Senior Command and Staff College (PSCSC), Bwebajja, along Entebbe Road.
Meanwhile, as the behind-the-scenes cat and mouse game ensued the judiciary set in motion, summoning Baguma to the Buganda Road magistrate’s court, which he has failed to do. And today, the court issued an arrest warrant for the now elusive police officer.
By press time, the Eagleonline was not able to establish whether the police would react to Baguma’s arrest warrant, or whether the force would wait for option ‘B’, Dr Besigye’s call to citizens to arrest Baguma.
