The Electoral Commission has today announced the extension of the registration of voter from April 30 to May 4 to enable majority participate in the exercise.
The extension come days after opposition political parties criticized the election body of registering voters at parish level instead of village level.They argued that many would miss out on the exercise because registration centres are overwhelmed by the turn up.
The EC Chairman Eng. Badru Kiggunda told a press conference today that the exercise had to be extended due to the overwhelming turn up of the prospective voters.
Kiggundu also said the commission gazzeted June 30- July 20 as days for voter register display.
The Basongora cultural leader, Rutakirwa Ivan Bwebale.
The Basongora cultural leader, Rutakirwa Ivan Bwebale.
The 70-year Bwevale succumbed to cancer according to Kingdom and hospital sources.
Samuel Ntungwa, the Premier Busongora Kingdom told the press “the interim cabinet has decided that King Bwebale be buried on Friday, May 1.”
He also said the kingdom will decide on Bwebale’s successor after the burial.
Bwebale was crowned in July 2012, amid tensions and protests from the Rwenzururu kingdom. The Busongora are among the minority ethnic groups in Kasese mainly pastoralists in the low lands of Busongora North and Busongora South.
The Basongora cultural leader, Rutakirwa Ivan Bwebale.
The Basongora cultural leader, Rutakirwa Ivan Bwebale.
The Busongora King Rwigi IV Kabumba Rutakirwa Ivan Bwebale has passed on. He died at Kadic hospital this morning according to kingdom sources.
According to sources, the 70-year-old King was referred to Kadic Hospital from Nsambya Hospital where he had spent three weeks on treatment for undisclosed ailment.
In July 2012, Bwebale was crowned king of the Busongora and other minority ethnic groups in Kasese District at his home in Muhokya Sub-county, days after Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere and subjects celebrated 50 years of existence. Burial arrangements are underway.
Makerere University basketball team maintained their 100% run in the Zuku Uganda University Basketball League. This was after beating Kampala University 77 to 66 at Makerere University grounds. The visitors had nothing to play for but to honor their last fixture in their century. Makerere team entered the game 59 points that is after winning 386 points and conceding 327points.
All the quarters were dominated by Makerere with the first quarter ending 23 to 9, the second quarter ending 36 to 17, third quarter 52 to 17, and final quarter 78 to 66.
In spite of this Kampala University dominated the third quarter forcing Makerere to ask for time out four times in the entire quarter to put things right. The former almost bridged the gap between them and the hosts making to some point a difference of only five.
Kampala University Coach, Joseph Ntanzi admitted that this season was a bad one for them. This is because most of their players had fatigue and this forced them to use some of the young players. Besides they are trying to build a new team which will compete vividly in the next season. Kampala University has finishes this season at the bottom of the century with no win.
“We are building a new team which will compete vividly in the coming season though I cannot rule out fatigue of our major players,” said Ntanzi.
Makerere University’s Tonny Ileba who is seen by most players as the potential MVP winner was instrumental in the game. He won over 7 three pointers in the entire four quarters of the game. Ileba who played the entire game was cheered by the fans as he was dribbling the ball past the KU players.
The captain was happy with the win saying that they look forward to taking this season trophy. The win was like a boost to Makerere players as they are preparing to face Busoga University in the quarter final on Friday in Lugogo. The win will see them facing them face Ndejje University in the semi finals.
For the first time this season, KCCA FC has suffered back to back losses in the league after a 3-0 loss to Express FC at Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
The champions went into the game on the back of a 2-0 loss to Vipers on Friday but couldn’t break down a resilient Express FC which nearly got in front twice in the first half with John Semazzi testing goalie Benjamin Ochan.
KCCA’s best chance in the opening 45 minutes fell to Herman Wasswa whose shot was parried by Ali Kiggundu in Express FC goal for corner.
After recess, Coach Abdallah Mubiru who had already one substitution withdrawing William Wadri for Baker Lukooya made an immediate change introducing attacking midfielder Yasin Mugume but it was Express that got in front when Semazzi’s low shot hit the post before settling into the bottom corner in the 59th minute.
The hosts got another opportunity but again Wasswa was denied by good goalkeeping from Kiggundu.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 80th minute thanks to Isaac Sserunkuma goal before sealing the day with a late Julius Ogwang.
Despite the loss, KCCA remain 3rd on the table with 50 points; six behind log leaders Vipers who have played a game less.
KCCA return to action on Sunday May 3 when they play Lweza in the second leg of the Uganda Cup semi-finals.
KCCA XI:
Benjamin Ochan (GK), Isaac Ntege, Simon Namwanja, Sakka Mpiima (C), Timothy Awani, Rogers Lukwiya (Yasin Mugume), William Wadri (Baker Lukooya), Paul Mucureezi, Tom Masiko, Owen Kasule and Herman Wasswa.
The Attorney General, Hon. Freddie Ruhindi (R) addressing the commission
The Attorney General, Hon. Freddie Ruhindi has presented Uganda’s 5th Periodic Report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) meeting in the Gambian capital Banjul.
The Attorney General also made responses to various questions posed to the country, covering aspects that members of the Commission felt needed more clarity.
Hon. Lucy Asuagbor, the Commissioner responsible for overseeing issues in Uganda applauded the country for the comprehensive and detailed report as well as the candid responses by the Minister. “Uganda can now be counted among those countries that are up to date in their treaty obligations” she said.
Member Countries are expected to make regular presentations to the Commission in compliance with Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Uganda last presented its report (the 4th Periodic Country Report) in 2010, at another meeting held in the Gambia.
The 5th Report had long been overdue for presentation and was deferred first because Uganda wasn’t ready and later because of the postponement of the 56th Ordinary Session owing to concerns surrounding the scourge of Ebola in some countries of West Africa.
The country report was compiled using input from across all ministries, departments and agencies of Government and is structured in three main parts: The first contains information and statistics on the general state of the country, namely the status of the population, the economy and the conditions of social services.
The second part outlines the legal and administrative measures the government has adopted in order to implement the requirements of the Charter since its last report in 2010. These interventions are arranged to correspond to each article of the Charter.
The last and final part of the report contains challenges that Government continues to face as it strives to implement the provisions of the Charter.
The 56th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR is meeting in the Gambian capital, Banjul from 21st April – 7th May, 2015 with Uganda presenting her report and responding to questions from 27th – 28th April.
Gone are the days when young women would sit calmly and pretend that they are not fazed or excited at the sight of close-to-naked beefy men. Today’s woman stands up, cheers wildly and is not even afraid to smack that attractive man’s bottom.
At least that is what it looked like at Mambo Entertains fashion show held last Friday at Mask Lounge, Bukoto.
Dubbed Fashion in action, the event had two talented designers, Joweriah Juuko of Jowiz-D and Latif Madoi, tussle it out on the red carpet using models from Mambo Entertains.
Jowiz-D, whose collection mostly consisted of African print and fabric with warm earthy colours like brown, cream and green, dressed the female models in artistic African dresses, jumpsuits, wedding gowns and casual outfits, among others. Latif, on the other hand, decked them in similarly designed silky and velvet dresses with plunging necklines but with different rich colours like purple, red, royal blue and forest green. He said that he designed these while in Amsterdam.
The male models however stole the show with their well toned bodies that literally drove the women crazy. This is because there first showcase was African Jewellery. They were dressed in only trousers and shorts so as to lay emphasis on the jewellery. However the sight of their six packs evoked screams of delight from the women who wanted more and more. Unfortunately for them, the models soon after dressed up in African print designs, still by Jowiz-D. Some of these included the Nigerian Agbada, bitengi shirts and shorts.
The event was also graced by Baraka dancers, a fast rising dance group that has performed at most local gigs as well as in local music videos. Their latest being Davido and Pallaso’s twatoba.
There also were performances from a number of upcoming artistes but the climax of the show was when the long lost Diamond Oscar was invited on stage to perform. He had the crowd grooving to songs like mulungi nyo and so high.
Owned by Micheal Lule, Mambo Entertains is a Ugandan events company currently based in Netherlands. It however has spread its wings in many countries including Rwanda, Belgium, Germany, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Burundi while promoting artistes. some of whom, include Eddy Kenzo, Grace Nakimera and Bebe Cool.
The company which has organized a number of fashion events in Europe, with the help of Latif, also has a modeling agency under its belt and also signs artistes and dancers but is now focusing on promoting Ugandan talent. Baraka dancing crew is a result of this new direction.
It’s maiden Ugandan fashion show was held at backpackers in Mengo. Fashion in action was only its second show in the country.
The government today took the battle for next year’s election to the gates of the Opposition after officially tabling the highly anticipated electoral reforms bill excluding all proposals submitted by the Opposition-effectively setting the stage for a showdown with politicians who insist on either reforms or no elections.
At the heart of reforms that were first tabled by the Opposition in February 2014- and later drafted into a Citizen’s Compact, is a proposal to disband the Badru Kiggundu-led Electoral Commission with supporters of the proposal holding the electoral body guilty of forming the nexus that fixes results for President Museveni and other NRM elements.
Opposition politicians and civil society activists have used several high court rulings and the 2001 and 2006 Supreme Court rulings on the disputed presidential elections as evidence that the Commisison cannot be trusted with holding an unbiased election.
But the government rejected the proposal and just suggested that a mere tribunal be appointed by Mr Museveni-the very man who selects the Electoral Commission-to look into complaints raised about members of the Commission.
Under the proposed amendments, the name of the Electoral Commission will be changed to the Independent Electoral Commission “in order to explicitly recognize the independence of the commission.”
The new law will however, give legroom to flip-flopping politicians as it will allow MPs to change political alliances twelve months before a general election.
Under the proposed amendments, the retirement age for Supreme and Court of Appeal court judges will be revised up from 70 to 75 years while High court judges will now retire 75 up from 65.
On Thursday, the battle will be on the floor of Parliament as the government tables the Bill for First Reading-to set into a motion a process that will see the legislation sent to the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for scrutiny. Opposition MPs led by Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu (Shadow Attorney General) and Busiro East MP Medard Ssegona(Shadow Justice Ministice) are being lined up to lead the Opposition challenge of the Bill at committee level.
Backbench Commissioner with the Speaker Parliament of Zambia (third right) and Clerk of the Assembly (extreme right)
Backbench Commissioner with the Speaker Parliament of Zambia (third right) and Clerk of the Assembly (extreme right)
The Parliamentary Commission is considering setting up a Liaison Office for the Leader of Government Business in Parliament. The Office, which will facilitate the Prime Minister in the conduct of parliamentary business, will also be key in easing the interaction between the Executive and Parliament.
Backbench Commissioners of Parliament, led by Hon. Nokrach William, are visiting the National Assembly of Zambia from 27thto 30th April 2015 to share best practices and procedures in setting up a parliamentary liaison office. Currently, the Uganda Parliament is analyzing the national budget and the visit will inform their decision.
“The Prime Minister is the head of government business in the Parliament of Uganda and sometimes we have had embarrassing situations where a Minister is not in the House or does not adequately answer questions raised, so we hope learning from the operations of your Liaison Office can give us pointers on how we can address some of these challenges,” Hon. Nokrach said during a meeting with the Zambian Speaker on Monday 27th April, 2015.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Rt. Hon. Justice Dr. Patrick Matibini informed the delegation that the Office of the Vice President, who is also the Leader of Government Business, is housed in Parliament. He explained that the Office is for the convenience of the Leader of Government Business when he/she is in Parliament and is serviced by civil servants but are not paid by Parliament. The office is coordinated by a Permanent Secretary who is in charge of parliamentary business in the Office of the Vice President.
The Clerk to the Assembly, Ms. Doris Katai Mwinga further explained that all government ministries have parliamentary liaison officers. The officers are regularly briefed by the Clerk and the Cabinet Secretary on their role in assisting their ministries to account to parliament, anticipate questions and to assist in preparation of ministerial statements.
Backbench Commissioners in a meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia
The Clerk was also happy to share with the delegation that following their study visit to the Parliament of Uganda, the Parliament of Zambia now plans to establish a Parliamentary Budget Office in their Assembly.
The Speaker revealed to the delegation that the National Assembly of Zambia has undergone some reforms, among which is, the establishment of a Parliament Radio station which broadcasts live parliamentary proceedings all over the country. He added that the radio is key in bringing Parliament closer to the people. The Assembly also established constituency offices in all the 150 constituencies with staff recruited and paid by Parliament. The offices are headed by Members of Parliament regardless of party affiliation.
Hon. Akol Rose Okullu informed the delegation that the Parliament of Uganda also hopes to establish a radio and television station to facilitate interaction between Parliament and the people and that this would be key in dissemination of information about Parliament to all its stakeholders.
With a population of 14.5 million people, the Assembly, which has 159 Members of Parliament, has all its committees chaired by the Opposition although the ruling party, the Patriotic Front, has majority Members in Parliament. The Assembly is also one of the unique parliaments in Africa where wild game such as Zebras and antelopes can be seen walking in the precincts. There are plans to increase the variety of game to include peacocks and impalas among others.
The Ugandan delegation to Zambia includes Hon. Nokrach William (Commissioner), Hon. Okumu Reagan (Commissioner), Hon. Akol Rose Okullu (Commissioner) and Hon. Kasirivu Atwooki.
Democratic Party (DP) has today morning called for the changing of Electoral commission (EC) Chairperson , Badru Kiggundu. They said this at a weekly conference that’s held weekly at the party’s headquarters at City House.
Addressing the conference, the party’s Deputy Speaker, Kenneth Paul Kakande said that the current EC needs to be overhauled since it can’t organize free and fair elections. “We know that EC can’t hold free and fair elections. It’s paid by the president and it’s him that appoints,” said Kakande. “It cannot prepare fair elections, it should be changed.”
The DP Deputy Speaker also noted that the irregularities in the election results show the elections are going to be unfair. Kakande said that the EC is confusing the masses by mixing the National identity card registration with the election register. “The mistakes in the lists show that there’s something wrong. This is a sign of what’s inside EC. It (EC) has many suprises for Ugandans, it’s confusing the register so that we reach elections without a right register The results are ready for the 2016 elections”
Kakande also said that Kiggundu is Museveni’s bodyguard who flashes a thumb and wears a yellow T-shirt inside. “The solution is in Kiggundu leaving, they can’t hold fair elections. He has no capacity to stop any results.”
Speaking about the money that was given help in running political party activities, Kakande said EC used a wrong criteria in giving out the money and that it favors the National Resistence Movement (NRM). “Each represented party should be given an equal share, then base on the number of Members of Parliament,” suggested Kakande. “If you add more power to the ruling party, you weaken the other parties. MRM gets 80 percent, they take it all.”
Kakande also revealed that if Yoweri Museveni doesn’t leave democratically. They would find another way to make him leave power. “We are going to be vigilant, we are going to decide other means to kick this government out of power, we will look for a way to press his jaws.”
Party members who went to court cautioned.
Democratic Party members that ran to court contesting the party elections have been cautioned to come back. Some of them include Ochieng Peter, Balikudembe Joseph Snr and Prof. Mukiibi. “Those in court should come and participate in the election process to move the party forward,” urged kakande. “We call upon all DP members that court doesn’t decide on party issues. The door is open for anyone that wants to stand,”
