Final-Day/Tuesday Results
Vipers 1-0 Bul
KCC 0-1 Lweza
Kira Young 1-2 Simba
Express FC 1-2 URA
Soana 1-0 Police
Bright Stars 0-1 SC Villa
Rwenshama 2-1 Entebbe F.C
Sadolin Paints 0-0 SC Victoria
Vipers were officially crowned champions of the 2014/2015 Uganda Premier League (UPL) at Buikwe stadium on Tuesday.
The Buikwe-based side edged Bul-BIDCO 1-0 and duly delivered their second league title (since 2009/10) to seal a tough but fantastic campaign.
“We played well throughout the season, this group of players and coaches truly deserved this title” said Edward Golola, the Vipers Head coach.
Despite starting the day in relegation, Soana FC beat Police 1-0 at Kavumba Recreation Ground to secure League status.
Rashid Kyambadde scored the only goal in a tense game at Kavumba.
Geoffrey Sserunkuma 19th minute header was enough to give Lweza FC a 1-0 away victory against KCC FC as the Orange-boys survived relegation.
Miya (Red) was named MVP of the season
Miya is MVP, Ssentongo sharp-shooter
Uganda U-23 skipper Farouk Miya got the goal for the Champions, Vipers and capped fantastic season as he was named player of the season with Golola picking the best coach accolade.
URA’s Robert Sentongo finished top scorer with 15 goals, one ahead of Police’s Umar Kasumba.
Kira, Entebbe and Rwenshama sink
Meanwhile Kira Young saw their Two-year stay in Uganda’s’ elite league ended as they lost 2-1 to Simba at Namboole stadium thus joining Entebbe and Rwenshama into the second tie league.
Needing win to avoid the drop, Kira Young faced a Simba side that wanted a point to stay up, as fate would have it, Patrick Gohanasa and Robert Nakyenalire scored in either half for Simba as tension boiled at Namboole.
Godfrey Sembyata pulled one back for Kira, whose boss Jimmy Lukwago sat on the stairs of Gate 6, his knees supporting his chin as he witnessed his team go down.
For the second time in the Local Boxing fraternity, Uganda will host this year’s Africa Boxing Union (ABU) Convention slated for June 4-6 at Hotel Africana.
This will be Uganda’s’ second time (Kampala last held in 2006) hosting the ABU convention with 30 boxing federation from Africa already confirming their attendance.
Uganda Professional Boxing Commission, the local professional boxing governing body will be hosting the event that will be attended by the ABU president Houcine Houichi, from Tunisia.
The convention will have the union members discussing developments of the sports and new regulations together with members working on forthcoming boxing fights and the new rankings at the same time.
Lubega-Wanyonyi face-off
Former WBC International light heavweight champion Joey “Fabulous” Lubega will take on Kenya’s and Africa Boxing Union light heavyweight champion David Wanyonyi after the convention.
The other support fights will see Uganda’s David Kiwalabye taking on Tanzania’s Joseph Kimbele while Uganda’s Mustapha Katende will vie for the vacant ABU middleweight title against Kenya’s James Onyango.
While Super middleweight Farouk Daku is yet to get an opponent. The organisers of the convention expect 49 African countries to take part.
Former WBC International light heavyweight champion Joey Lubega
Kampala-Musician Pius Mayanja aka Pallaso has finally announced a move away from Team No Sleep. Known for his songs such as ‘Wekoleddewo Kaki’, ‘Go down Low’ feature Sheebah Kalungi. Pallaso has been rumored to be at longer heads with his manager Jeff Kiwanuka popularly known as Kiwa.
The singer had last week taken to Facebook to refute claims in the media that he had broken off. He instead said he had incorporated Team No Sleep with the late AK47’S Bullet Proof Soldiers.
However, taking to his Facebook page today afternoon, the singer wrote of how he was painfully making a decision to move on. He has formed a new camp called ‘Team Good Music’ which shall work alongside ‘Bullet Proof Soldiers’.
“Today marks exactly the first day that I’m officially out of Team No Sleep!! It is a very painful decision but I have finally decided to move on,” Pallaso wrote.
“The reasons are so painful but I will give them later when I feel more comfortable but now on My New camp is called “Team Good Music | Bullet Proof Soldiers” ##TGM|BPS !!,”. He added “I will soon be telling you who my new manager is very shortly as well and all the artists I will be working with!!” He concluded.
Team No Sleep which was originally made up of Pallaso, Sheebah, Bakri and Akay has since disintegrated with Bakri re-pursuing a solo career and the sudden death of Akay.
Kampala-Leader of Opposition in the Ugandan Parliament, Philip Wafula Ogutta says his group failed to show up in the house today due to the siege on two leading leaders of the group.
The two are former party president of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Dr. Kizza Besigye and the defiant Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago.
The two were put under house siege at their respective homes by government security apparatus. Mr Lukwago and Dr Besigye are seen as pro-people opposition figures in the Ugandan capital and whenever, they move out of their homes, they pull large following which is a threat to the Kampala regime.
According to the statement from Mr Wafula’s office, it was prudent for them not to go ahead and present constitutional and electoral reforms to the committee of parliament when their senior colleagues are under siege.
“Today, before the Parliament Committee of legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the opposition party leaders were meant to make presentations on the Constitutional (Amendment), Bill 2015. However, government decided to surround and hold some of the leader’s prisoners in their homes (not to get out).” Wafula’s statement reads.
He continues, “As such, we decided that the other members of the team cannot go ahead with the presentations if their colleagues must not. We have effectively called off the exercise until such a time when it will be prudent to government that our leaders are free to exercise their rights and duties freely.”
The opposition and civil societies, have been calling for reforms before next year’s elections. Uganda holds general elections next year where the incumbent president Yoweri Museveni will make 30 years of uninterrupted rule.
Below is the statement from Leader of Opposition
Office of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament
Constitutional (Amendment), Bill 2015: Why the Opposition party leaders did not present today
Today, before the Parliament Committee of legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the opposition party leaders were meant to make presentations on the Constitutional (Amendment), Bill 2015. However, government decided to surround and hold some of the leaders’ prisoners in their homes (not to get out).
As such, we decided that the other members of the team cannot go ahead with the presentations if their colleagues must not. We have effectively called off the exercise until such a time when it will be prudent to government that our leaders are free to exercise their rights and duties freely.
Importantly though, it is the institution of Parliament, the Second Arm of Government which invited these leaders to come and make the said presentations. They were to be guests to Parliament. Blocking them therefore is utterly ridiculous.
This operation of government is cowardly and unnecessary. It amounts to the suppression of the views of Ugandans because the leaders who are being blocked moved across the country to collect and synthesize views of Ugandans of all walks of life to come up with those proposals.
Indeed, even the constitutional and electoral law reform report of the Inter Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) which the NRM is party to, is also part of the synthesis.
In fact, we are aware that indeed the Constitutional (Amendment), Bill 2015 which government presented before Parliament was originally a very rich document but which Mr. Museveni conveniently tore into pieces to remain with what reached Parliament.
We are therefore aware that the reforms we are pushing are not going to be received by Mr. Museveni warmly. His NRM voting machines in Parliament will certainly purge it the way the emperor will instruct.
But make no mistake; it’s not going to be business as usual. This is going to be a whole new cup of tea. When the Committee of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs finally tables its report before the House, debate will not only be in the House but all around it and beyond. Let the country brace up for a whole new form of debate in Parliament.
The forth coming elections will be conducted only after us agreeing on these fundamental reforms necessary for Free and Fair Elections.
A protester jumps over a barricade during a protest
A protester jumps over a barricade during a protest
More than 100 protesters chanted slogans against Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza and his bid for a third term in office on Tuesday in defiance of government threats of a crackdown on demonstrations.
“We will not stop until he gives up the third term,” the protesters shouted in the capital’s suburb of Nyakabiga, a flashpoint during three weeks of unrest that have triggered fears of another bout of ethnic bloodletting in Africa’s Great Lakes region.
Protesters say Nkurunziza’s bid for five more years in power violates the constitution and a peace deal that ended an ethnically-fueled civil war in Burundi in 2005.
A group of generals, laying the same charge against the president, tried and failed to overthrow him last week. The government said late on Monday it would treat any future demonstrators as accomplices in the failed putsch.
But the protesters in Bujumbura said they were against both Nkurunziza and the attempted coup.
“No to the coup, and no to the third term. We will continue until he says no to the third term,” one of the demonstrators, who gave his name as Jean-Paul, told Reuters. He did not wish to give his last name, for fear of reprisals.
Police and soldiers watched the demonstration from the other end of the street.
Burundi, an impoverished nation with a population of 10 million, is still recovering from its civil war that killed about 300,000 people.
Neighboring Rwanda, which shares a similar ethnic mix between a Hutu majority and Tutsi minority, suffered a genocide in 1994 genocide in which 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed.
Nkurunziza says his participation in elections this year would not violate a two-term limit in the constitution, as his first term does not count, because he was appointed by parliament not chosen by a popular vote.
AFTER a comprehensive meeting of stakeholders, Sports Organizing Commission (SOC) will serve of the 2015 NSSF Volleyball League this Saturday at MTN Arena, Lugogo.
A meeting attended by the 25 Serie-A (both Men and Ladies’ League) managers ended successfully as members deliberated on issues ranging from fixtures, league sponsorship and League apparel branding.
University teams, UCU, Nkumba and Ndejje are set to host themselves at their university play grounds.
‘This is aimed at taking the game nearer to the student communities in a bid to increase the fan base’. Said Juma Osunge the Chairman SOC.
VCC are the defending NSS volleyball League champions
All teams playing in the NSSF Volleyball League (Serie A and Women’s League) agreed to don a fully branded league uniform at least once every volleyball weekend.
“Failure of which will lead to loss of the game and eventual 3 points awarded to the other team” Odong added Odong.
“In the event that they buy, with funds from sponsor, a league logo will be added’. Odong added. Some clubs prefer to have their own design and fabric quality.
“Only Serie A teams Nemostars (yet to be facilitated) and newly promoted Mulago VC, Tigers VC and Sky VC can play without the branding” said Godwin Ssenyondo, the UVF Vice president.
Promotion and relegation format revised.
The Commission also announced that it has revised the relegation and promotion gymnastics as below.
The last team after the 2 league rounds in Serie A will be relegated automatically while number 1 in Serie B earns automatic qualification to Serie A.
Teams ranked 9th, 10th, and 11th in Serie A shall play against teams ranked 2nd, 3rd and 4th from Serie B to determine the other three teams for Serie A.
The last two teams from Serie B shall be relegated to Serie C where as the top two from Serie C shall be promoted to Serie B.
Winners of the Regional League will gain automatic qualification to Serie B.
Kampala-Uganda Peoples’ Congress has finally allowed Lira Municipality Member of Parliament, Jimmy Akena to contest for party presidency after he missed out on the deadline for registration following the wrangle with party leadership.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters, Mr.Olara Otunnu the party president revealed that Akena would be contesting for the big seat.
“Following broad consultations, it has been decided, as an exceptional measure, to avail Jimmy Akena the nomination papers,” he said.
Mr Akena, the son of the former president Milton Obote, had said he would not participate in the party elections on grounds that Mr Otunnu’s leadership had no legitimacy and capacity to organise free and fair internal elections.
But Mr.Ottunu pointed out that the need to bend the party rules, for the sake of promoting unity and reconciliation within the party and fairness, are the two reasons Mr.Otunnu gave for the decision taken.
Akena talking to the press
Mr Akena expressed his gratitude to the party, “I am happy for the party’s decision and the fact that I am going to have to present my aspirations, contentions and ideas directly to the party members.” He said.
Mr. Akena had earlier written to the party president to give him an exception, outside the nomination deadline to pick nomination papers in order to present his candidature.
“Akena knows very well that nobody placed any barrier in his path to nomination, it was his own decision,” said Otunnu.
The party also presented seven other candidates to run for presidency .They include Joseph Bbosa,Sam Wandera, Julius Ocheng, Prof. Edward Kakonge,Mr.Eddy Pulkol,Benson Ogwal and Dan Okello.These will go for district conferences around the country.
The opposition Forum for Democratic Change on Monday announced the beginning of the party elections for lower structures in Kampala that will end on Sunday.
The party Spokesperson, Mr John Kikonyogo told journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala that this is the third phase after western and eastern parts of the country were covered in the first and second phases of the party elections.
“Half of Uganda is reached. By tomorrow, we will be left with about 6 districts,” he said.
M r Kikonyogo said he expected Kampala elections to be a success since all preparations were done and the “relevant authorities” had been informed.
Mr Kikonyogo said police had been informed about the activity and security has been guaranteed. “We met with [Felix] Kaweesi, the general letter was written. There’s no way police can stop us.” He said.
Police has been dispersing opposition rallies in Kampala and there are fears among the party members that members would fear turn up for voting.
On the arrest of the former FDC party president Dr. Kizza Besigye, Mr. Kikonyogo lashed out at the police officers who arrested Dr Besigye, saying they were ‘being overzealous.’
He said the meeting at Nsambya where Besigye was arrested was legal but was police blocked it in a move to show their bosses they were working. “It hurts me for some officer to stop Dr. Besigye from meeting his friends,” said Kikonyogo.
The FDC spokesperson accused Kampala South Regional Police Commander Mr. Siraji Bakaleke, the Kampala Metropolitan operations commander of wrongly arresting Dr. Besigye.
“He should not take the law in his hands. Whoever talks against him is arrested. He should stick to his job. He has overstepped his mandate and we will try to stop him. We won’t take more of this nonsense.” he said.
He supported the ongoing teachers’ strike over the demand to have government increase their salaries by 10 percent, saying the teachers are demanding what government had promised them last year.
“The government promised to increase their salaries, now they are demanding it,” said Mr Kikonyogo.
Kampala-Former Uganda Peoples’ Congress senior member, and now National Resistance Movement party mobiliser, Henry Mayega has been appointed Uganda’s ambassador to China.
In another appointment, Mr Gideon Rutazindwa Mwebaze is ambassador-designate. The country where he will be posted is not yet named.
According to a letter which is referenced Ref. HRM 77/219/01 vol.12, President Yoweri Museveni wrote on April 15, to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Service, Adah Muwanga asking her to formalize the appointments.
Mayega crossed to NRM in 2010 from UPC and has been mobilizing for the ruling party and President Museveni. He is to replace Ambassador Charles Wagidoso in Beijing.
Tuesday Fixtures
Kira Young v Simba @Namboole Stadium
Vipers v BUL – Buikwe Stadium
Bright Stars v SC Villa – Matugga
Police v Soana @Kavumba
Express v URA @Wankulukuku Stadium
Rwenshama v Entebbe @Nakivubo
KCC v Lweza @Lugogo
Sadolin v SC Victoria University – Bugembe Stadium
With the 2014/15 Uganda Premier League (UPL) title race sealed on Friday, as the best team, players and manager secured their prize with a game to spare.
At least the relegation battle should offer us some excitement to determine the third team to go down with already Rwenshama and Entebbe relegated as curtains fall on UPL season today.
Soana, Kira Young, Lweza and Simba are the contenders from which one will go down
As the table above reflects, all the four teams have a chance to survive but also can go down.
Despite a 2-1 win against the outgoing Champions, KCC FC at Kavumba, Soana exchanged position with Kira Young who put 7 past Entebbe FC at Bugonga on Friday.
Ashadu-Bugembe (Kira Young goalkeeper) must shut-out Simba.
Kira moved to 13th on the table because of a superior goal difference albeit in negatives six better than Soana but on same points (31).
Heading into the final day, Lweza and Simba need a point to stay up while Soana and Kira Young need maximum points and hope the other fixtures go their way.
By earning a point, Simba and Lweza will take their tally to 35 points an implication that Kira and Soana on 31 can’t dislodge even with victories.
However, Kira Young host Simba in the decisive game and so have destiny in their own hands.
Soana despite having the thinnest (for survival) chances can beat the drop with victory over Police at the Kavumba Recreation ground if Kira Young doesn’t defeat Simba.
Steven Bogere’s’ side Kira Young must match Soana’s’ result to stay up.
Meanwhile Vipers will officially be crowned the 2014/15 champions after their games against BUL FC in Buikwe.
