Thousands of Buganda loyalists welcome Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi in the monarch county of Buruli.
Ahead of the Kabaka’s visit, the kingdom organized free medical camps that have seen thousands of the locals receive medication. The kingdom also distributed coffee seedlings to the subjects in Buruli.
Buruli is in Nakasongola district and borders with Lake Kyoga in the North.
The security in the area has been beefed up following reports that some of the Buruliare opposed to the visit.
Museveni shakes hands with Lucy Nakyobe the state house financial Comptroller after receiving a medal of exemplary service.
Museveni shakes hands with Lucy Nakyobe the state house financial Comptroller after receiving a medal of exemplary service.
President Museveni says salary increment for civil servants is still not a national priority and those agitating for it should be patient. Speaking in Kisoro district at celebrations to mark international labour Day, the president said he is happy with the roads and the general infrastructure development and now the country is linked from border to border.
“In order to work on infrastructure you have to hold some expenditure. You talk of Singapore but it’s a small island. It has never had any total collapse like Uganda.”
“What we are doing is good and the roads can stand for 15 years, but the salaries demand is monthly.”
Museveni ranked his priorities in the order of importance as God, peace, infrastructure and education and health.
“Uganda is a very beautiful country. I have travelled to many countries but I have not seen a country as beautiful as Uganda. When we came into power in 1986, Uganda was like food without salt. It was a country without development but now you can see the salt we have added to Uganda. You can now see the 300-mile-road from Kampala to Kisoro.”
Museveni argued that the country was moving in the right direction and now working on the modern railway.
“The Chinese are giving us a big loan to fund the construction of the railway,” he said adding that there is need to meet the trade union leaders to discuss and resolve the issue of civil servants salaries and the minimum wage.
Lweza FC plays to a one-all draw against Bright stars in the Azam Ugandan premier football league match played at Champion stadium Mwererwe.
Geoffrey Serunkuma put Lweza FC in the lead at half time but Hassan Kigoyo leveled for Bright stars in the 78th minute from the spot after referee Frank Jjingo penalized Julius Mutyaba for hand ball.
Bright stars secured another point in all the matches it has played this season .This game raised hopes for Bright stars now in the 7th position with 35 points while Lweza is in the 12th position with 27 points still struggling to escape relegation.
The visitors (Lweza) put a good performance and attack well though striker Francis Sembatya missed several scoring chances.
“It was an intensive game anything was bound to happen. I am contented with the outcome. Let’s put that aside and prepare for the next match against Sadolin Paint which I am sure it will be a win,” said captain, Ibrahim Kayemba.
Bright stars skipper Benard Muwanga says, “a draw is enough for us. Coming from behind is not an easy thing .For now it’s better with a draw.”
Vippers maintain lead
Vippers SC zeal to top the Uganda Premier league this season still remains unaffected after them defeating Police Fc 1-0 in Buikwe.
Vippers scored their only goal in the 39th minute through midfielder Farouk Miya helping them grab 59 points, two points ahead of second placed SC Villa which also beat Entebbe FC at Nakivubo.
The 2010 champions will have their next game at Namboole against SC Villa next week on Friday.
State Minister for Planning, David Bahati today urges the Journalism fraternity to resist sensational reporting.
Bahati who was chief guest at the Annual Media Convention 2015 at Makerere University pointed out a national paper that had reported on false facts about the president.
“Red Peeper falsely wrote about President Museveni going to commit suicide. It is humorous but it hurts all of us. We should focus on comparative and analytical issues in relation to National development. Also tap into the rich and unexploited culture like animation”, said Bahati.
The convention organized by the department of Journalism under the theme” Media ICTs and Development: the Era of productivity and transformation of Journalism and Communication showcased presentations from different speakers about the ICT contribution towards journalism work.
In earlier days, a journalist ought to have a pen and a notebook to be in the field but things have changed because of the usage of digital gadgets like mobile phones, notebooks and laptops. According to International Development Research in Canada, Africa has registered a regional mobile growth rate at 43% amidst challenges like low speed internet, airtime and other shortfalls”, said Professor Goretti Linda, Graduate Programs Coordinator at Makerere University.
The Director Communications, Bank of Uganda, Christine Alupo commented on the adoption of communication and strategic policies, and reputational risk management frameworks that serve the stakeholders.
The UMEME Communication Director, Henry Rugamba advised the audience to utilize all media platforms to communicate uncertainties to specific publics. “UMEME used to advertise on selected radio stations on different programmes in their eligible languages about load shedding in the different parts of the country”.
Dr. William Tayeebwa, Head of Department of Journalism and Communication, revealed the departments’ plan to launch Campus FM and Television after establishing a private partnership on Makerere holdings.
Tayeebwa requested for financial support from government (represented by State Minister) in regards to the expansion of department and remuneration of professors.
Bahati pledged to continue supporting the fraternity and also reminded the public about the NRM good works in relation to liberalizing media concerning a wide range of issues. He said that in correspondence to the upcoming elections in 2016.
The convention was sponsored by UMEME, Observer newspaper, NTV Uganda, BOU, Vision group, Parliament of Uganda,UCC, Monitor Publications Ltd, UWA, Office of Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Electricity Regulation Authority.
Busongora Kingdom first 1st Deputy Prime Minister Jimmy Muzoora declares no Mukonzo priest will be allowed to preside over the burial ceremony of King Ivan Bwabale Rutakirwa Agutamba Kabamba Rwigi VI on Friday.
Bwabale 70, passed on Tuesday night at Kardic hospital in Kampala.
The Basongora have been criticizing the bishop of south Rwenzori diocese Rt. Rev. Jackson Thembo Nzerebende for his statements in church over ethnic tensions between the Bakonzo and Basongora.
“It is very unfair to let our function be officiated by the people who regard us as enemies. We have two of our own (Basongora priests) we want them to take over the Church service and burial,” he said.
The rival Rwenzururu Kingdom premier Mr. Nzagahale, described him as a big material who will be missed in cultural struggles.
He said Bwebale was an elder the country needed in cultural matters “and we shall live to remember him”.
The Rwenzururu kingdom premier confirmed that the kingdom would participate in the burial Bwebale who succumbed to cancer after three years of illness.
“We are ready to participate in his burial, we have already agreed to send representatives there with the condolence messages to show our solidarity and grief.”
Busongora kingdom first deputy prime minister Jimmy Muzoora told this Eagle that Rwenzururu ministers are welcome to the burial since they also consented to their establishment in the Kajura report.
Bwebale’s kingdom was criticized the Rwenzururu kingdom declaring it [Busongora kingdom] as null and void a day after crononation on July 11. 2012. A group of Rwenzururu youths raided his palace in Muhokya trading centre five kilometers from Rwenzururu kingdom palace and took away the flag , drum that contained kingdom money and his regalia.
The burial arrangements were shifted from Hima to Muhokya trading centre for fear that the enemies of the kingdom may steal the body and use it for ill intentions and motives.
Makerere university football team and Nkumba University play to a one all draw in the Nile special university football league match played at Luzira.
Joshua Lubwama scored for Makerere from the spot but Nkumba’s Faisal Muwama leveled matters eight minutes later.
In group A Makerere university still tops the table and Nkumba University still in the second position. The last time the two teams met Nkumba knocked out Makerere from the league last season. Makerere University now advances for the knock out stages. Nkumba though failed to convert a penalty which could have seen them win the match.
Meanwhile, Group B leaders Makerere University Business School (MUBS) was taking on Uganda Christian University (UCU) at MUBS grounds.
The match was an encounter of the two football giants in the UFL. The third edition winners UCU won the match thanks to a goal from Jerome Luzinda in the 20 minute of the game. The win pushed UCU at the top of the group with 10 points adding three points from seven they had before this clash.
UCU coach Jackson Nyima was very happy with the win. To him they wanted a draw to secure a place in the knock out stages but the win was an added advantage to them. “We did not expect to win but what can I say, we are now on top of the group. This is a great advantage to us,” says Nyima.
In the second half, MUBS dominated the match however, they failed to pull an equalizer which could make them remain on top of the group. The team squandered chance after chance they got in the second half. Team Coach Charles Ayieko, who also coaches Rwenshama FC, was not happy with the performance blaming his strikers for laxity and lack of accuracy in the box. “I am not happy with the performance today; my strikers were not that sharp to convert the many chances that we had. In spite of that I have to give credit to UCU goalkeeper Jeremy who had an excellent performance,” explained Ayieko.
The match was stopped for almost 15 minutes when the MUBS fans started chaos which forced the referee to seek police intervention to protect UCU players from the fans.
The win now means that UCU have a sigh of relief not to face a tough team in Group A. However, there is a possibility for it to face either Makerere University or Kyambogo University. This will nevertheless depend on the result between Kyambogo University and Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi.
The draw has left the group open with Makerere praying for a draw in on Friday’s match between Kyambogo and Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi so as to be group leaders with 11 points.
Makerere university football team and Nkumba University play to a one all draw in the Nile special university football league match played at Luzira.
Joshua Lubwama scored for Makerere from the spot but Nkumba’s Faisal Muwama leveled matters.
In group A Makerere university still tops the table and Nkumba University still in the second position. The last time the two teams met Nkumba knocked out Makerere from the league last season. Makerere University now advances for the knock out stages.
Pioneer buses parked near Namboole Stadium in Bweyogerere
Pioneer buses parked near Namboole Stadium in Bweyogerere
Pioneer Easy Bus Company Limited (PEBL) is set to hit the streets of Kampala on Saturday this week. The revival of the financially struggling bus company has caused anxiety amongst taxi operators but excitement among passengers.
The buses had been grounded at Namboole Stadium since 2013 over tax arrears totaling up to Shs8 Billion owed to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The debt accumulated as a result of import and excise duty incurred from the importation of the 100 buses. Early this year, URA cleared the bus company after reaching an agreement on how to settle the debt it owes to the tax body.
Speaking to the Eagle, Mr Ben Nienaber, the Operations Executive of LARIMAR group, a South African company working with PEBL to offer advice, the bus company formalized a mutual agreement with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) which has seen them bounce back.
“KCCA agreed to reconstruct the shades and bus stops most of which were destroyed,” Nienaber said. Nienaber also noted that there will be 20 buses for each route.
According to the head of Business Operations, PEBL, Abubakerer Ochaki, the company will begin operations on two routes; between Bweyogerere and Kampala City Centre and Suburbs, and between Luzira and Kampala City Centre and Suburbs between 4:30am and 10pm every day.
The tickets will cost Shs1500 for off-peak hours and Shs1000 for peak hours. Tickets will be made available through selected ticket outlets or the PEBL.
Taxi operators and passengers react
Muhamud Kasirye, a taxi operator along Sir Apollo Kaggwa road is worried about where they will get customers now with the return of the buses.
He says, “We had got used to managing business without them and now that they are back, we are going to find it hard to cope with the situation. They should have informed us earlier so that we organize. Where are all the taxis on the streets going to get customers?”
Wako, an operator from the Kasubi stage says, “We proved that we can handle without them. We are going to lose customers. It is now clear KCCA and government do not care about us. We should go back to our villages and leave the city for the rich.”
However, though passengers are excited, they are not sure if the buses will reach their various destinations.
Sylvia Nabankema, a trader in Kikubo says, “I am happy the buses are back. I do not know whether they will reach our side. We are going to be relieved because the taxis have been over charging us.”
Henry Sseguya is concerned about the congestion in the buses despite their affordability. “Even if they are a bit cheaper, some of us find it hard boarding them because of too much congestion. Have they solved that problem this time?”
Recently, Ugandans were filled with grief over the death of Bbale Francis, Rose Mary Nankabirwa, renowned news anchors who succumbed to cancer at a time the public had responded to the call to raise funds for her medication.
In a similar situation is former Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Executive Director and Environmental Conservationist, Moses Wafula Mapesa. An operation code named “Save Moses Mapesa” to raise support funds for his medication has today been launched by a team of friends, colleagues, former workmates and family.
Mapesa urgently needs a bone marrow transplant as a result of Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a disease he has suffered for eight years now. Although he may be able to raise some funds towards his treatment, the required 100,000 US dollars is huge.
According to Sam Mwandha, a family member, it was first discovered that Mapesa had a problem with his blood in 2008. He had gone to South Africa for an operation when the doctors realized he did not have enough platelets to clot the blood.
“The length between the intervals he gets his transfusions have become shorter and shorter. Doctors have now advised that he gets a bone marrow transplant,” Mwandha said.
Mwandha says that Mapesa now needs a weekly blood transfusion which costs a sum of Shs600,000 in Kampala. Mapesa currently lives in Busia, Eastern Uganda; which means he has to travel to Kampala after every six days.
According to Eunice Mahoro Duli, the Chairperson of this noble cause, individuals of goodwill, institutions, companies, government and other concerned citizens should support and save the life of 49 year old Mapesa.
“We believe that Mr. Mapesa is a friend to many and has impacted on many people positively during his career with the organizations he has served and in his social life. This is the time for each and every one of us to respond to a friend and public servant by making a contribution towards his treatment,” Mahoro said.
According to Dr. Henry Ddungu of Uganda Cancer Institute, the cause of this ailment is medically unknown. He says a bone marrow transplant is not a simple procedure and that is why it is expensive.
“Mapesa is in a category of high risk. That is why we need to intervene immediately before it progresses,” Ddungu said.
For any financial assistance, please use mobile number 0700 754182, which belongs to Sylvia Mapesa (his wife); or call Sam Mwandha on 0776 890424.
Who is MosesWafula Mapesa?
49 year old Mapesa is a husband to Sylvia Nafula Mapesa and together they have seven children. He is currently into private consultant in the areas of tourism and conservation management. Mapesa is also volunteering at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) where he is serving as the Vice Chairperson in charge of the East and South African region.
He started work as a researcher in 1988. He joined Uganda National Parks as a research officer in 1996. He was deployed as a warden for Queen Elizabeth national Park, Chief Warden for Kibale and Kidepo national Park, from where he moved on to head Mt. Elgon as the Chief warden.
In 2000, he was promoted to coordinator Planning Monitoring and Research. In 2002, he was directed to deputy Director, Field Operations. In 2005, he was appointed Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority where he served up to 2010 when he left.
While at UWA, Mapesa served as board chair for Bwindi trust fund to support the conservation of Bwindi and Gahinga national parks. He also represented UWA globally in the IUCN.
Zuku University Basketball Tournament (ZUBL) kicks off
Zuku University Basketball Tournament (ZUBL) kicks off. The big match which will feature Makerere taking on Ndejje at Lugogo.
The Zuku University Basketball League which kicked off on March 8, is now at quarter final stage with big teams like defending Champions Ndejje, UCU, Makerere, making it to the semi finals. The teams gave it all their best with worst performance coming from Nkumba University. In the last match in their century, they almost outperformed the defending Champions forcing an extra time play for Ndejje to beat them with only two baskets.
The games however, did not have many baskets with all the games recording less than 70 baskets. This shows how the teams were prepared for the much anticipated knock out stages. The interesting match was between Makerere University and Busoga University who were being taken as underdogs. However, the efforts they pulled out required commendation. They gave Makerere a run of their money with god blocks, defense which did not allow the likes of Tonny Ileba to pull out the shots.
Nevertheless Makerere qualified to the semi finals. Thanks to the wonderful performance from the captain Ileba and Martin Ojong who managed to juggle through the Busoga University defense to give Makerere the win they needed. Ileba who left the coat quite happy with the win is confident that they will do anything to beat the defending Champions Ndejje University.
“I am very happy with the win, and I am positive that we will beat Ndejje to secure our place in the finals. They are the defending Champions and I expect it will be a big match,” says Ileba.
On the side, the Busoga University captain Benard Ojong was happy with the performance which the exhibited against Makerere University. He however hoped that they will reach go further than that in the next season. “I am happy we have reached the knock out stage and the performance we had against Makerere. In the next season am confident we shall reach the finals,” says Ojong.
All eyes are now focused to the semi finals on Friday especially the big match which will feature Makerere taking on Ndejje at Lugogo.
