I AM OUT: Singer Henry Kiyagga aka Dr Hilderman of the Mazongot fame has quit Golden Productions Band.
Catherine Kusasira performed at Geoffrey Lutaya’s concert held last Friday at Club Obligatto. Lutaya is a known enemy to Mesach Ssemakula, who turns out to be Kusasira’s boss. It’s this stint that brought the ‘Sonyiwa Banno’ singer on a collision course with her group, the Golden Productions, where she was reportedly threatened with expulsion.
But before Kusasira is expelled, another member of the group has expelled himself.
Henry Kiyagga aka Dr Hilderman, has quit the band where he has been a member for over two years, claiming he is not progressing in his career.
QUIT NOTICE: The letter written by Dr Hilderman’s lawyers to Golden Productions Band.
“Am out of Golden today the 1/9/2016. I thank Golden Team for giving me the chance to work with u for this period of 2yrs and four months. Its been a good Learning Experience Working with you but I Need to Work towards my Career Development which I can’t execute perfectly with the group. I will always be loyal to you as I carry on my new Transition,” he writes, through his lawyers Kalenge, Ssemambo and Company Advocates.
Formerly a solo performer, Dr Hilderman, who is also commonly called Mazongoto, joined Golden Band shortly after its formation in 2014.
However, things have totally failed to workout under Golden Productions as he has hardly belted out any hit under the group.
Rwanda’s finest Disc Jockey, DJ Pius of the Agatako fame, is already in Kampala ahead of his Rwanda Night-themed performance at City Ville Lounge tonight.
According to City Ville Lounge management, tonight’s event is aimed at making fun loving people come together have fun and revive one of Kampala’s posh hangouts, located in Bukoto after Radio Simba before Kabira country Club.
“He is also the best choice for such a night given his last performance here,” one of the managers said.
DJ Pius’ last performance in Uganda was on a similar night at Cayenne Bar and Restaurant. His song, ‘Agatako’ with Jose Chameleone is currently a hit in Uganda.
The other acts of the night are DJ Simples and DJ Aludah, and organisers have imported a bevy of Banyarwanda models and socialites for the event dubbed the biggest in Kampala this Friday.
And surprise? Unlike the previous edition where revellers had to part with Shs50, 000, entrance to City Ville tonight will be strictly free.
Many Ugandans must be wondering where former Urban TV presenter Mary Luswata, could be hiding.
IN THE UK: Mary Luswata at the Arsenal Emirates Stadium in the UK
But those in the know say the motor-mouthed former Urban TV and Galaxy FM presenter returned from the United Kingdom a few months back, laden with a bump, and was hosted to a welcome party at Club Amnesia.
Indeed, authoritative information has it that Luswata is seven months pregnant, effectively rendering baseless Gravity Omutujju’s assertions that no man can go for the pint-sized presenter, who is over the moon over-her-yet-to be born baby.
“It’s been seven months of carrying you inside my womb and I have never felt anything like this in my whole life. Every single kick and all the amazing things you do in there that I can only witness on the outside have filled me with so much joy.
Every morning, I wake up waiting to feel you move. Sometimes I get anxious thinking you are moving too much or less frequent. God you keep me on the edge but am enjoying every single bit….” Luswata writes.
She adds: “Sometimes I wonder about what you look like, if I will love you enough… But one thing I know even before I hold you is that I will most probably kill for you, I hope I never have to. My heart warms up and I get a zillion butterflies in my stomach just because by thinking about you.”
However, she has been out of sight since the party at Amnesia – at least not anywhere near social places, ostensibly because of the bump.
Meanwhile, the identity of the man responsible for the pregnancy is still a mystery but there are reports he lives in UK, where the two are said to have met on Luswata’s first trip to the Queen’s land.
Lubaga South Member of Parliament Kato Lubwama is popularly known as a comedian but that might be no more if reports emerging that he is set to acquire a multi-million TV station are found true.
BIG BOYS: Lubaga MP Kato Lubwama (extreme right) with Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko and a friend ‘enjoy’ life in the US where they are for the UNAA conference.
According to a source, Lubwama, who has been on a trip to Europe and Asia, and is currently in the US for the Uganda North American Association 2016 conference, announced that he had bought BILIV TV at Shs 600 million, and was in the final stages of revamping the station, a process that will involve firing staff and relocating the station from Mengo.
“He intends to relocate the station from where it is being housed – in a building opposite Mengo Hospital to his theater,” the source said, adding that the station will mainly air his productions and those of other local actors.
Lubwama, aka Bidugu, is a renowned musician and actor who worked as a presenter at the Bulange-based CBS FM before joining politics and winning the February parliamentary elections by trouncing Conservative Party (CP) president John Ken Lukyamuzi aka the Man.
Previously a darling of many because of his comedy antics, Lubwama has of recent attracted severe criticism after he scoffed at members of the public who castigated plans by government to buy MPs cars worth Shs150 million.
“As MPs, we are entitled to a good life… Some of us have driven even more expensive cars than the ones you want to buy us,” he reportedly said.
THE MASAAI 'COLOSSUS': Kenya's longest-serving politician William Ole Ntimama
Kenya has lost one of its long-serving politicians, William Ronkorua Ole Ntimama, who has passed on early this morning at his home in Narok in Masaailand, aged 86.
Family sources say he died of natural causes and by press time the cortege carrying his remains was headed for the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.
A revered Masaai elder, Mr Ole Ntimama served as the Narok Member of Parliament for over 20 years and also served as Minister, holding different portfolios during the better part of former President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi’s regime from 1977 to 2002.
Controversial to the hilt when challenged on Masaai issues, Mr Ntimama started off his political career as the chairman of the Narok County Council, where he served for 15 years before joining mainstream politics.
Meanwhile, another Kenyan prominent personality, lawyer-cum-businessman Horatius Da Gama Rose, the Managing Director of Muchanga Investments has also passed on early today, aged 72.
At the time of his death Mr Da Gama was embroiled in a dispute over a 134-acre piece of land in the upscale Nairobi outskirt of Karen worth about Kshs8 billion (appox. Ugshs 267bn).
A lawyer, Mr Da Gama Rose hailed from a prominent Kenyan-Goan family that was a close to the Kenyatta family even before Kenya gained Independence in 1963.
South Sudan has deployed a huge force along Juba-Nimule road that leads to the Ugandan border at Elegu after security officers were killed on the road by unknown gunmen believed to be allied to the former First Vice President, Riek Machar.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the official army of South Sudan, has been ordered to deploy troops in response to the new situation on the road connecting to Uganda that serves as the lifeline for the government.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Justin Boulo said at least two officers have been confirmed dead with others sustaining injuries when they were attacked on the road by the gunmen.
“The army will help track down the bandits so that law and order is restored immediately,” said Boulo.
Residents of Nesito, an area along Juba-Nimule road said on Thursday that they had seen a convoy carrying a large police team, which included the regular police, members of criminal investigation department and paramilitary officers. Later a line of government forces followed.
Security officers who survived the attack claimed the attackers were not ordinary criminals because they used sophisticated weapons such as anti-personnel bombs and rocket-propelled grenades in the attack.
South Sudan’s National Security Council, which was chaired by President Salva Kiir with membership of his two deputies, security ministers including interior, national security and defence convened an urgent and closed meeting on Thursday during which the leadership decided to order the army’s deployment and condemned “the heinous act of killing of members of the national services who were on patrol.”
“Everything will be done to ensure the culprits are apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law,” police spokesman told reporters on Thursday.
The council also said it wanted “peace, reconciliation and disarmament exercises” to be carried out in the affected areas.
Hundreds of people have been fleeing the remote area fearing revenge attacks. The two national security officers were killed in an ambush in Jebelain area, a remote valley where people from ethnic Madi community live in separate villages.
A legislator from the area at the national legislative assembly in the capital, Juba, who did not want to be named said that residents in the area feared they may feel the wrath of the security forces, as those behind the killings had disappeared.
“The information we are getting now is worrying. The area could be devastated. The security forces are annoyed and they will turn this anger on innocent civilians. Because of this the civilians have now started fleeing their homes. Some have started coming to Juba and others have started going towards the Uganda-South Sudan borders,” the legislator said on Thursday.
A Local administrative officer in Pageri area claimed he counted houses where up to 1,500 people are believed to have fled into the bushes after gunmen opened fire on a commercial vehicle at Loa area near Pageri town on Tuesday.
Police spokesman denied the force will target civilians but warned that in future the police will defend themselves from gunmen. He also called on the civil population to cooperate with the security forces and provide them with necessary information.
Brenda Nalubega, the lady who dragged renowned Pastor Augustine Yiga to court for child neglect and, raping and infecting her with the deadly Aids virus, has passed on.
According to sources, Ms Nalubega died yesterday evening, after prolonged suffering ostensibly because of her ailment and thoughts about her baby. Little is known about the whereabouts of her son, but at the time of her she was reportedly living with a relative in one of the city suburbs.
Brenda Nalubega (seated on floor) talks to city ‘businessman’ Frank Gashumba. Photo credit/youtube.com
According to the deceased’s narrative given at the height of their troubles, Ms Nalubega said then that she first got in contact with Pastor Yiga aka Abizaayo at his Christian Revival Church in Kawaala, while seeking ‘blessings’ for her imminent give away and marriage around 2007.
It was during the subsequent ‘blessing meetings’ that the Pastor allegedly raped Ms Nalubega, resulting in a pregnancy which would later give rise to a baby boy named (names withheld because he is a minor), the subject of a protracted legal battle for child neglect.
The two then fell out after pastor Yiga denied fathering the child, prompting Ms Nalubega to report a child neglect case against him to FIDA. With the heat now turned on, the Pastor was ordered to take a DNA test, something he declined and instead opted to care of both the child and mother.
However, according to sources, after sometime the Pastor reneged on his commitment, forcing Ms Nalubega to drag him to the Nabweru court, where the magistrate ordered Yiga to pay a monthly upkeep of Shs150.000.
But last year Ms Nalubega’s lawyers sought to have that figure revised upwards to Shs800.000, a prayer that was granted by High Court Judge Muse Musembi.
Who is Pastor Augustine Yiga aka Abizaayo?
Pastor Yiga ‘Abizaayo’ emerged on Uganda’s religious following claims that he had powers to exorcise bad omen and cast it unto the ‘sender’, a claim that helped him attract a large congregation of followers who believe in the effectiveness of a fusion between religion and cultism.
Pastor Yiga’s fiancee Julie Namutebi, who recently introduced him to her parents.
NABBI OMUKAZI ACCUSED PASTOR YIGA OF HOLDING ‘CARPET INTERVIEWS’: Singer Maggie Kayima aka Nabbi Omukazi. Photo credit/oops.ug
Over the years the flamboyant Pastor who cruises a white Toyota Land Cruiser with customized number plates tagged ‘ABIZAAYO’, has been linked to several women but was reportedly secretly introduced to his fiancée Juliet Namutebi’s parents in March this year, allegedly throwing a spanner in the wheels for the other women in his life, including singer Maggie Kayima aka Nabbi Omukazi and her sister Betty Namisinga, a duo that once accused the Pastor of having ‘carpet interviews’ with his female flock.
Uganda Cranes skipper Geofrey Massa remains optimistic for a brave home performance in Sunday’s AFCON 2017 final group D against Comoros at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Kampala.
The hopes of a nation rest on young shoulders, especially captain Geoffrey Massa who has admitted the atmosphere in the camp is right as the Cranes seek a win over Comoros on Sunday to end their 39-year absence from the Nations Cup due January in Gabon.
Massa remains optimistic for a brave home performance with all the players aware that the job at hand is outscore Comoros and Uganda will be in Gabon next year.
Micho’s side managed a goalless draw with Kenya ahead of the critical and final 2017 Afcon qualifier against Comoros on Sunday.
The destiny is fully in Uganda’s hands and once again, the country is high on expectations.
And Massa told Fufa’s official website: “After a long wait of 38 years, I believe that we shall write the history on 4th September 2016.”
“Everyone has played their respective roles. Right from the Federation, technical team and now it’s the fans and players to partake their share of responsibility against Comoros.
“Let us focus on this current game against Comoros where we have a slight advantage compared to the past games.
TZ based Murushid Jjuuko will be at the heart of defence at Namboole
TEAM NEWS
Uganda
Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic has a slight selection problem in defence with Denis Guma his usually reliable right back is suspended for the Sunday game.
The first choice goalkeeper Denis Onyango is nursing a hamstring injury but likely to start ahead of Al Merrikh’s Salim Jamal Magoola who manned the posts during Tuesday’s friendly game vs Kenya.
In although there have been calls for him to include Nicholas Wadada from the start but Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Hassan Wasswa and Joseph Ochaya will man Uganda’s defence to thwart the fast Comorians.
Micho will most probably go with a midfield of Khalid Aucho, Tony Mawejje, Kizito Luwagga and Farouk Miya, with Massa and Emma Okwi up top.
That may be tough on Yunus Sentamu but someone has to miss out.
He will always find a way to get a goal – he has to be in the final line-up against Comoros.
Comoros
It is not the time to discount Comoros, however, especially with team captain Nadjim “Jimmy” Abdou who plays at English League One club, Millwall lurking. They could rain on Uganda’s much waited Nations Cup parade. Uganda fetched maximum points in Moroni courtesy of Iceland based midfielder Tony Mawejje’s solitary strike earlier this year.
The first bunch of Comoros players and officials arrived in Uganda on Thursday while the contingent arrives on Friday afternoon and are accommodated at Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala.
The Islanders are expected to have a light training session on Thursday evening at the Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
Namboole security
Kampala Metropolitan Police commander Emilian Kayima assured the media at Mengo yesterday that an expansive security plan has been drawn to combat theft, violence and terrorism during the crucial game.
Head-to-head
Uganda and Comoros have no storied history and have played each other competitively on one occasion and never met in any major international friendly.
Uganda are joint top in Group D on 10 points with Burkina Faso.13 group winners and best two runners-up from 11 four-team groups qualify for 2017 Cup of Nations with hosts Gabon
Personal verdictUganda 3-0 Comoros
Against Kenya, Micho’s Cranes charges lacked punch, they didn’t get enough crosses in and lacked bodies in the box.
Uganda was trying to make the perfect move all the time and never really looked like scoring.
After a two weeks preparing for this game I expected a lot more understanding because Cranes looked like a team that didn’t know how they were going to score a goal.
Hopefully that can start to happen now and we can get on a roll. My money is on a Massa brace given his decent strike rate for Cranes at Namboole over the years and by the third goal from Joseph Ochaya, the momentum for the AFCON party will have kicked in.
In fairness to Uganda and Micho, the attitude of the players has been first-class all campaign.
Portugal based Kizito Luwaga and teammates will have no excuses for not ending a jinx that stands since 1978.
2017 AFCON QUALIFIERS (SUNDAY)
Uganda vs. Comoros, 5pm
Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Burkina Faso vs. Botswana, 5pm
Stade du 4 August, Ouagadougou
Namboole charges: Shs25,000 (Ordinary), Shs60,000 (VIP- Blue seats) and Shs150,000 (VVIP- Orange seats)
NO LONGER AT EASE: The Nemba post at the Rwanda-Burundi border. Photo credit/newtimes.co.rw
Relations between Rwanda and its neighbor Burundi continue waning and yesterday Rwandan armed forces reportedly shot dead two Burundian food smugglers who were trying to cross the border between the two countries, Burundi police has said.
Pierre Nkurikiye, Burundi’s national police spokesperson, said Niyonkuru Fidèle, 25, and Nyabenda Jérémie, 23, were killed on the Rwandan side of the border near Ruhwa in Cibitoke province in the northwest of Burundi, as they tried to smuggle sacks of eggplants and tomatoes across the border into Rwanda.
According to Nkurikiye, the victims were neither armed nor dangerous. He added that the two men had been part of a group of nine persons encountered by Rwandan troops while trying to cross the border.
“Seven of them succeeded in getting away from the place before they were shot. They are now detained at the police jail in Cibitoke province for investigation reasons,” he said.
In July, this year, the Burundi government banned the export of all food commodities as well as public transport from Burundi to Rwanda.
The decision severely affected farmers of tomato and eggplants in Cibitoke province because they were selling much of their produce to Rwanda.
Rwandan authorities have not yet confirmed the incident.
Relations between Burundi and Rwanda have been deteriorating since last year especially from May when a group of Burundi army and police officers tried unsuccessfully to topple Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza’s regime.
Burundi accused Rwanda of backing the coup and later attempts to destabilise the government, and early this year, a former Rwandan Minister and diplomat Jacques Bihozagara, died in a Burundi prison under mysterious circumstances, after he was arrested and accused of spying for his home country.
The government is set to re-orient the face of media advertising in the country, with online media now set to become a strategic beneficiary.
Meeting the online media managers earlier today, Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance Minister Frank Tumwebaze said the new initiative will ensure that dissemination of information is effective, positively impacting on the target audience.
“Government is now considering outsourcing entire media buying function to competent advertising agencies and I can assure you a policy on this is coming,” the Minister told the managers, who met him under the auspices of their umbrella organization, the Online Media Association of Uganda.
The Minister made the remarks after presentations by the managers indicated that despite being a platform that reaches out to very many Ugandans advertisers including government, which is the biggest advertiser, had overlooked the importance of online media.
Mr Tumwebaze reiterated government’s commitment to the use of online media as a channel for communication, valuable in raising public awareness. He, however, warned against complacency in reporting, saying that would tarnish the image and confidence of would-be advertisers.
He also urged online media to be instrumental in marketing the country’s image abroad.
On their part, the managers called for cooperation, arguing that access to information should not face limitations by those entrusted with the responsibility of dissemination.
Giving an example of constraints to the flow of information, Richard Wanambwa of Eagleonline told the minister that he recently called a Minister for an update on a government policy on a certain matter to no avail.
Association chairperson Giles Muhame said there was need for partnerships with government agencies to promote campaigns.
In that respect the two parties resolved to schedule a meeting with senior government officials including Permanent Secretaries and government spokespersons to hammer out modalities of possible partnerships.
The association members will also have another meeting with the Minister after one month.
