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The Ultimate African Travel Bucket list

By
Evelyn Masaba
-

 “I hope you have an experience that alters the course of your life, because after Africa nothing has ever been the same again…” Suzanne Evans

To many of us in Africa, we never understand the strange fascination that foreigners have for our continent and the fact that most of them think Africa is just one large country; with several wild animals and mud wattle huts and kids with hungry bellies that have not been fed in a while.

The thing is, Africa is more than the ads you see on TV asking you to contribute to a hungry child by sending money to an organisation. Africa is several different shades of people, speaking different languages in several different countries scattered all over the continent and brought together by the love of community.

You have not travelled until you have moved out of your country to see the beauty that our continent has to offer and we have an ultimate bucket list that you need to experience at some point in your life.

Victoria Falls Zambia- Zimbabwe

Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe off the Zambezi River in South Africa, these falls are the widest of their kind all over the continent and one of the best tourist attractions. The falls would make the ultimate destination for any thrill seeker with an amazing water rafting, bungee jumping off the Victoria bridge and even better, have a walk over the falls with a guided tour and wait for the moonbows that occur when the moon light rays hit the waterfalls; creating a cascading play of lights.

Trek The Ethiopian Highlands

Ethiopia is a traveler’s gem, you have to add this country to your African travel bucket list any day. The highlands are rugged mountains located in the “horn of Africa” are sometimes referred to as the “Roof of Africa” and reach into Eritrea.

They were formed when Magma from the Earth forced its way into the surface. They used to be home to the ancient kingdom of Kaffa which has several remnants that were dug up by archeologists and make a good history lesson on your tour.

The highest peak of the highlands is the Ras Dashen from the Semien Mountains.

Marvel At The Old Quarters of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is just off the main coast of Tanzania and will make a good destination for your wandering feet. You will love the architecture of the old stone city with the slave quarters that were used to hold slaves before they were shipped off albeit the sad history that the city holds.

There is an overwhelming vintage beauty within that tiny coastal town filled with churches and mosques built years ago with a mixture of Portuguese and Arabic architecture styles, a distance from the expansive ocean.

Frolic With The Gorillas

Rwanda is beautiful; even more beautiful is its green lush countrysides filled with the wonders of the wild, ready for your eyes to explore. You will see the several endangered mountain gorillas on your trek in their green natural habitats and if you get the chance you will also spot the lake Burera and Ruhondo almost at the border of Uganda with beautiful waterfalls and hills.

See King Khufu’s Pyramid

Also known as the Pyramid of Giza, this is the oldest pyramid in Egypt that was built around 2560 BC. The pyramid is said to be the tomb of the Pharaoh Khufu who is also known as Cheop and used to be the tallest manmade structure in the several wonders of the world.

The pyramid has several structures within it divided into chambers for the Pharaoh and his wife plus servants. There is a very beguiling history surrounding the pyramid and the more you learn, the more you understand how superb the structure is. Take care not to climb to the top of the pyramid because it is illegal.

Sossusvlei Dunes

You need to see them to marvel at their beauty; the dunes are located in the southern part of the Namib desert in Namibia. The name is both Namib and Afrikaan meaning “dead-end marsh” due to its structure and formation that acts as a drain for the Tsauchab River.

The sand dunes are very high and are estimated to be over 200 meters with the highest being 380 meters.

Cape Winelands

The Winelands are located in the North-East of Cape Town with some of the best views in South Africa and are easily accessible from Cape Town through tour buses and by car. You can visit some of the best vineyards in the country that are usually open through the week till the weekend, so you get a chance to taste the wines on site and enjoy a walk through the expansive vineyards.

Bird Watching In The Mabira

The Mabira forest located in Eastern Uganda is an expansive stretch of mixed tree species that harbour different animals within the thick vegetation. The best of the sights are the various bird species that are considered indigenous to Uganda and quite rare. There is an estimate of over 300 bird species such as; Dusky Long Tailed Cuckoo, Grey Parrot and several others that call Mabira home; including the undocumented or not yet sighted birds.

Touch The Sky At Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori

How would you write a bucket list without adding the two most climbed mountains in East Africa? Mount Rwenzori is found in Western Uganda and is famous for its glaciers and several beautiful views of the wildlife parks in the areas surrounding it plus the lakes. Then, Mount Kilimanjaro crowns off in Tanzania with a beautiful sky-high limit with its three top summits. The two mountains are breathtakingly beautiful.

Experience Mozambique’s Coastline

Almost similar to Zanzibar, the long and beautiful coastline is almost beguiling to experience; you will love touring it via several dhows and seeing how expansive and lively it is. It used to be one of the main slave ports along the shores of the Indian ocean and since Mozambique was once colonised by the Portuguese, you will find several old but beautiful church structures mixed among the many mosques in the small towns along the shores.

Tee Off  At The Legends Golf Course

An ardent golfer would definitely have to experience this very famous golf course in Limpopo with the extreme 19th hole only being accessible by helicopter. Limpopo is located in South Africa.

Rush Through Kampala to The Parks

You would think going through traffic jam in the city centre would not be part of a thrill, but that makes Uganda. Anyone that has never done it finds it very thrilling, take a boda in the busy Kampala city center amidst several moving cars and tour the hidden gems of the city. The boda boda is another important form of transportation in Uganda that makes it faster and easy to reach your destination, even better when doing budget tours in the National Parks; several people seem to opt for the certified boda guides.

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Thursday declared public holiday for Museveni’s inauguration

By
Our Reporter
-

The government has declared Thursday the 12th of May 2016 a public holiday to pave way for Ugandans to attend the inauguration of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the Kololo Cremonial Grounds in Kampala.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday, May 10, by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service, Henry Muganwa Kajura via a statement shared by the Uganda Media Centre.

Turning to preparations for the inauguration ceremony, government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said all is set for the event, adding that international artists have been invited to perform together with local artists.

President Museveni will be inaugurated after polling over 60 percent of the vote in the 18th of February harmonised elections while his main rival, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye got 37 percent.

public holiday

Some of the African leaders expected in Kampala for Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony include Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari, , Tanzania’s John Pombe Magufuli, DRC’s Joseph Kabila, Salva Kiir of South Sudan and South African leader Jacob Zumaand Zimbabwean strongman, Robert Mugabe.

Though invited for the ceremony, Mr Besigye’s home remained restricted by police since May 5 after for a nationwide strike on May 12 against Museveni’s re-election.

The government, however, moved swiftly and called for a ban on live media coverage of the protest, saying those who defied the ban risked having their licences revoked.

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Cindy: I am single & not searching, love will find me

By
Our Reporter
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Singer Cindy Sanyu

Singer Cindy Sanyu had an interview with Kenyan publication and she talked about her signing to Grandpa Records to do her promotions, nudes and relationship status.

The interview is as below;

Pulse: What brought you back to Kenya after many years of absence from showbiz?

Cindy: I have been getting my career back on track as you would know that a lot has changed in the music scene since the days I was working under Blu3. Besides having a good command in Uganda, I wanted my music brand to make a good presence in Kenya and Tanzania as well as other parts of the continent. That is why I am in Kenya now.

P: What is the deal with Grandpa Records whom you are now working under?

C: We signed a two-year contract for them to do my promotion in Kenya and Tanzania. We have just released a new song Still Standing and I am working on a number of projects with artistes besides doing the Kenyan tour that started last week.

P: A lot has changed in the music industry since 2005 when you started off. There are new faces, more competition and media dynamics have also changed the way things used to work…

C: True. A lot has changed and that is part of the reason I took a break to remap the industry and Cindy the brand. I have also come to learn that with fame also comes many challenges and haters also work hard to put you down.

P: What are some of these challenges?

C: You recall how my nude photos created such a negative buzz around the Cindy brand? People even paid to keep the story going on for years. Nothing has ever hurt me like that. But at the same time, that also made me stronger at the end of the day.

P: Some people actually thought it was a stunt keep your publicity running…

C: That is not true. I would do nude photos but not such (photos). That was too malicious. I know am not perfect and I don’t work hard to show that I am a perfectionist. Sometimes it is crazy how the media sits and creates falsehood around musicians, something that is common with Ugandan tabloids.

P: What keeps you moving with all these controversies trying to break you?

C: You have to create a strong brand around you and that is what I have done. I have content, songs that keep my fans happy with my. From Dat Dat, Selecta, Sample Dat, Yes Man and many others. The style I also do is unique. I take music professionally and so I have a strong management team around me researching the market and getting me a step ahead of competition.

P: Talking about your songs like the Sample Dat video, you come out as bold… and suggestively sexy. Is that just art at work or it is your real persona?

C: That is me in real life. I write my songs and so I don’t hide my emotions like it was the case with Sample Dat that people said was too sexual. I love life, I am single and happy so… why not show a little of that?

P: You said you are single?

C: Yes I am but I am not searching. You can’t search for love. It finds you. When love finds me, I will embrace it.

P: We understand that you have also worked on a song with Wahu and Dufla, the Tempo hit maker. Tell us about that.

C: Working with Wahu is something I have always wanted to do. We have been friends and I guess it is only that the timing has never been right. The song was directed by Nameless and J Blessing and I just can’t wait for it to be released. Dufla is a very talented star. When I heard his Tempo song in the club, I asked who he was and that is how we ended up recording together. There are many other artistes am looking forward to working with here as well as across the region.

 

 

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Gov’t chooses Kenya over USA for Carol cancer surgery

By
Our Reporter
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Atuhirwe Carol has an operation for her lungs scheduled very soon

Ms Carol Atuhirwe, a Uganda Christian University student suffering from throat and lung cancer will be flown to nearby Kenya for further treatment after efforts to be treated in the United States got frustrated.

According to Mr Muhereza Kyamutetera, the coordinator of the ‘SaveCarol Campaign’ which raised the required Shs.270million for her treatment at the University of Cleveland Hospital in the US, on Uganda Cancer Institutes’ recommendation, Ms Atuhirwe will seek more advanced treatment the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi.

READ: OOPS! Carol Atuhirwe was ‘burnt’ by Mulago radiotherapy machine

 

This was reached on after extensive reviews by both Uganda Cancer Institute and the same visiting medical team from the US led by Dr. Chad Zender, the family was told that due to the delicate situation that Carol’s health had gone into, she would be unable to safely fly to the US.

“Following the new communication, the family has been engaging the health ministry (Uganda Cancer Institute) for other alternatives and following another meeting today May 10th- it has been agreed that Carol’s case be referred to Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi for further attention,” Mr Muhereza said.

READ: Promoter Balaam’s son survives cancer

READ: Lukwago to swear-in Kizza Besigye on Thursday

Despite Nairobi being next door, it should be noted that Carol will have to wait much longer with the Ministry of Health allegedly playing the same tricks of “delaying” Carol’s travel documents like was the case last week.

“The family is still waiting for the referral papers and once ready, Carol should be flown to Nairobi for further attention,” Mr Muhereza reveals.

Another delay will threw the Ministry of Health under more negative light.

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Museveni rejects Income Tax Amendment Bill

By
Richard Wanambwa
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PRESIDENT Museveni says what moral authority can Parliament or government have to encourage the public to comply with their tax obligations when Members of Parliament have granted themselves special status?

Kampala-President Yoweri Museveni has rejected the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2016 in which Members of Parliament passed a law exempting themselves from paying tax.

Museveni said the decision by Parliament does not promote good practice because it risks to undermine the integrity of both the Courts and Parliament.

“I do not support the decision of Parliament and am accordingly returning the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill for reconsideration by the house,” he said.

The President has now written to the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, detailing his reasons for rejecting the bill including the need to enhance revenue collection if we are to meet the ambition of transforming Uganda into a middle income country by 2020 as well as meeting the short term demands for infrastructure development and social services.

“The decision by Parliament to grant themselves a tax exemption status is not only injurious to our revenue effort, but it is not politically and morally correct,” he said, “pointing out that small income earners like teachers, nurses and other public employees cannot be expected to pay income tax on their consolidated meagre salaries and yet Members of Parliament who earn considerably well are exempted.”

Recently Parliament passed the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2016, in which it decided to amend Section 21 (1) of the Income Tax Act, Cap 340, to exempt the employment income of members of Parliament, except salary, a decision that provoked public outrage and projected government in bad light as not being sensitive to the priorities of the country and the general economic conditions of the citizenry.

“As a principle, salaries for all employees were consolidated to minimize abuse which was hitherto rampant through disguise of salaries in form of allowances. This was part of our efforts to change the tax paying culture in the country and improve tax effort,”

Museveni wrote. Adding, “What moral authority can Parliament or government have to encourage the public to comply with their tax obligations when Members of Parliament have granted themselves special status? This would tantamount to applying double standards,” he said.

 

 

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EXCLUSIVE: Lukwago to swear-in Kizza Besigye on Thursday

By
Stephen Muneza
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Opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye (L) and Lord Mayor Lukwago

Drama is expected to ensure on President-elect Yoweri Museveni’s May 12 swearing-in after FDC’s former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye officially announced that he will also be inaugurated on the same date.

In a statement seen by EagleOnline, Mr Besigye claims he won the elections by 52 per cent and his ‘People’s Government’ will be ushered into power by Capital City of Kampala, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

“The launch of the People’s Government will take place in the Capital City of Kampala, led by the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Come to the City to be witness to this historic occasion”

In the past days, several opposition leaders were arrested as security forces increased a crackdown on political dissent after FDC officials called for countrywide protests ahead of the Thursday presidential inauguration.

The opposition kingpin on Tuesday morning took to social media and spilled what he calls convincing statistical evidence that the election was gravely interfered with in favor of the incumbent.

READ

Uganda Election: Besigye presents evidence, claiming it was rigged

Dr Besigye still under house arrest

US gov’t condemns Uganda ban on Besigye media coverage

Below is Dr Besigye’s full statement.

Regaining Control Over Our Country

The Museveni/NRM regime has ignored the path Forum for Democratic Change has recommended that could help return our country to constitutional rule, following the fraudulent 2016 presidential election and subsequent gross violations of the constitution.

Mr. Museveni, together with some members of his NRM regime, is going ahead to use the armed forces to overthrow the will of the people of Uganda. They seek to retain power by force of arms!

The people of Uganda decided, through the election of 18/02/2016, to change the leadership of our country. They clearly said: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH to the 30-year leadership of Mr. Museveni.

After 30 years of Museveni/NRM rule, Ugandans are crying out loudly due to biting poverty, massive unemployment, collapse of education and health care, collapse of agriculture, collapse of businesses and economic development, excessive taxes, collapse of the physical infrastructure (roads, rail, water transport etc), insufficient and unaffordable power (electricity), etc.

That’s why Ugandans are desirous to regain control of their country. The country cannot remain captive to a handful of corrupt warlords in the NRM regime.

Mr. Museveni may have control of our armed forces and our national resources, but he does not have the support of the people of Uganda. There is also evidence that the majority of members of the armed forces voted for change.

Since it’s clear that the path to amicably and conclusively establish the outcome of the 2016 elections has been ignored, we have no choice but to do what the people of Uganda mandated us to do.

On the 12/05/2016, we shall establish leadership of our country as mandated- a transitional government of national unity. A leadership that will restore to the people of Uganda, the control of our national resources and our national institutions. The people of Uganda are entitled to share our national resources equitably and to enjoy equal opportunities.

 

DON’T MISS!!!

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Congo opposition leader faces mercenary charges

By
Our Reporter
-

A leading opposition candidate for president of Democratic Republic of Congo has been questioned in the city of Lubumbashi after the government accused him of hiring mercenaries, reports Reuters news agency.

Police fired tear gas at more than 1,000 supporters of Moise Katumbi who marched to the prosecutor general’s office, where he was being questioned, chanting “president!”.

Some entered the building and at least four were arrested, a witness told Reuters.

Mr Katumbi has denied accusations made by the justice minister last week that he hired mercenaries including US soldiers.

His supporters say the allegations are aimed at derailing his campaign to succeed President Joseph Kabila.

The government denies Katumbi is being targeted for political reasons.

Elections are expected later this year.

@BBC

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Death toll in Bundibugyo landslides reaches 16

By
Our Reporter
-
Bundibugyo floods were a result of heavy downpour. (PHOTO/NTV)

At least 16 people have been killed by landslides caused by heavy rains on Tuesday morning in Bundibugyo, Rwenzori region officials say.

Most of the victims are mostly children, reports from Humya village in Bukonzo Sub County say. More than 50 injured residents are admitted at Bundibugyo Hospital.

EagleOnline was told the downpours that started at 4.00am have also destroyed more than 210 homes and damaged infrastructure across the district, especially in areas of Bukhonzo, Humya, Bubukwanga and Bumadu.

According to Bundibugyo RDC, Godfrey Mucunguzi, there have been a number of deadly mudslides since last year in Rwenzori area with several infrastructures including bridges, roads, water system have been devastated.

The densely populated region on the foot of Mountain Rwenzori is made up of hills and valleys, and erosion is a problem.

Authorities have blamed the El Nino weather phenomenon for a much heavier rainy season in the region. Vast gardens of coffee, banana and maize remained blanketed white with hailstones as dense cumulonimbus clouds drifted in the mountainous expanse, a warning sign of likely more rains and associated hazard.

Volunteers and Uganda Red Cross staff are reported on ground to help in rescue efforts whereas its unclear whether the ministry of Health has already dispatched a team of different health professionals to do on-the-ground assessment and determine first-line of emergency response.

In recent years, the government has moved some people out of areas designated as high risk like the eastern Bududa District.

 

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Burundi coup leader gets life sentence

By
Our Reporter
-
Protests erupted in Burundi against President Pierre Nkurunziza's third-term bid.

General Cyrille Ndayirukiye, the leader of the failed May 13, 2015 coup plot against Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court.

Gen Ndayirukiye, who was sentenced together with 20 other officers and men of the Burundi army, is one of the soldiers who participated in the plot to oust President Nkurunziza, as the president was away in Tanzania attending an East Africa Community (EAC) Heads of State summit convened to deliberate on peace in his troubled country.

Embattled: Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza
Embattled: Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza

Burundi slid into chaos last year following President Nkurunziza’s announcement that he would run for a third term. Since then over 400 people including about a dozen senior army officers have been killed, while another 200,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.

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Etihad strengthens global management team

By
Our Reporter
-
Etihad Aviation Group Board of Directors Chairman Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei

The Etihad Aviation Group Board of Directors under the Chairmanship of Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei has announced the new management structure for the Etihad Aviation Group, in a bid to foster steady growth.

He said that the move has been driven by the formation of new companies, including Etihad Airways Engineering, Etihad Global Cargo Management Company, the Global Loyalty Company, Hala Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Airport Services.

“The acquisition of minority equity stakes in Alitalia, airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Etihad Regional operated by Darwin Airline, Jet Airways, and Virgin Australia, has also necessitated the need for a dedicated team to manage our shareholding, and the delivery of wide-ranging synergies that are beneficial to all parties,” Mr Mazrouei said.

One of the world’s leading aviation groups, Etihad employs about 20,500 workers from 140 nationalities and James Hogan, who has served as Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2006, has been appointed Etihad Aviation Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

Under the leadership of Mr Hogan, the key Etihad Aviation Group functions will be led by James Rigney as Group Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Knight as Group Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, Ray Gammell as Group Chief People and Performance Officer, and Robert Webb as Group Chief Information and Technology Officer. These areas will provide leadership, governance and strategic direction in their expert areas across all companies in the Etihad Aviation Group.

Other executives include: the Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways Peter Baumgartner; the Chief Executive Officer Airline Equity Partners Bruno Matheu and the Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways Engineering, Jeff Wilkinson.

 

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