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Meghan Markle wows public with speech on women’s right

Agnes Tumuheire — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 08:39:33 +0000

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has moved the public in New zealand with her speech based on the country’s history of women’s suffrage.

The Duchess was on a joint royal tour with her husband, Prince Harry in New Zealand on Sunday.

“We are proud to be able to join you tonight in celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in your country,”The achievements of the women of New Zealand who campaigned for their right to vote, and were the first in the world to achieve it, are universally admired,”In looking forward to this very special occasion, I reflected on the importance of this achievement, but also the larger impact of what this symbolizes…because yes, women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness,

“Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community, the involvement and voice that allows you to be a part of the very world that you are a part of.” Meghan Markle implored.

Markle described women’s suffrage as a method of silencing the minority view.

“it is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people, including those members of society who have been marginalized whether for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation, to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community.”

“So bravo, New Zealand, for championing this right 125 years ago—for the women who well deserve to have an active voice and acknowledged vote, and for all of the people that this effort has paved the way for globally. We all deeply thank you.”

While signing out, the Duchess used a quote New Zealand most popular suffragette, Kate Sheppard:”All that separates, whether of race, class, creed or sex, is inhuman and must be overcome.'”

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“Police refused to stamp on the request letter” Bobi Wine speaks out on kyarenga concert

Agnes Tumuheire — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:57:55 +0000

Posters of Bobi Wine’s Kyarenga concert had already been cirulated : COURTESY PHOTO

Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has accused Uganda police of distorting his ‘Kyarenga’ concert earlier scheduled for October 20, 2018.

The legislator claims that the police refused to stamp on the concert request letter that Bobi Wine’s team had taken to get the police’s consent.

Read Bobi Wine Statement below

“Last night I returned to Uganda after a very successful trip in Nairobi – Kenya. I am very grateful to Kenya for the warm brotherly welcome. Later, I will send out a special message of thanks to the people of Kenya and specific individuals who made our visit memorable.”

“I know that many of our friends are anxious about the status of our KYARENGA concert which stands scheduled for this Saturday. 20th October.”

“….As you are all aware, there have been several hiccups in our preparations. These problems have been caused by the inconsistency and lack of transparency on the part of Uganda Police Force. For the past three weeks, the event organizers have been tossed up and about by the police. Indeed, over three weeks ago, we approached the police and informed them about our intentions to hold the concert as required by law.

Concert postponed to 20th

“We agreed and made payments to the Namboole Stadium management, and made a booking for the 13th of October. That was our initial date of choice for the show. After making a deposit on venue fees, the Managing Director of the stadium called requesting us to change the date because there was going to be a match between Uganda Cranes and Lesotho on the date we had booked. Even when we had already recorded adverts mentioning the 13th, we decided that a game involving our national team was very important and it was fit and proper for us to let them access the stadium. We then agreed with Namboole Management and rescheduled our concert for the 20th of October. We started advertising.”

Robert Kyagulanyi was invited Kenya last week for the Moi Day celebrations: COURTESY PHOTO

police approval

“Once again our team went to the Police headquarters in Naguru with a written request for the Police to clear the show and provide security on that day. On arrival, the police officers in charge of recieving and filing letters refused to stamp on it to indicate that it had been recieved. Even when we insisted that we needed this for our records, they persisted. Days went by and when we followed up, the team was advised to meet the Director of Research in the Police about the same!”

Our team went ahead with other copies of the letter to the Director of Research (Mr. Ochom) who sent us to the Inspector General of Police. The team went to the IGP’s office and he sent them to his assistant who then sent them to afande Asuman Mugyenyi.”

“At this point, these guys started speaking a different language.The team was asked to get written clearance from Namboole stadium first and when they approached the Namboole MD for the letter, he in turn asked them for police clearance!

It is a day later that we saw a letter on social media addressed to us from Namboole saying that the 20th of October was also booked for a wedding. We asked for a copy of the letter if it was legitimate and it was not given to us.”

Kenyan Legislator Babu Owino hosted Bobi Wine for the Moi Day celebrations. He was also hosted on the JKLIVE show on Citizen TV

Way forward

“The team also visited the Kampala Metropolitan Police office and the KMP head, Moses Kafeero referred them to his assistant. His assistant told them to go to the Chieftaincy of Military intelligence (CMI) if they wanted any information concerning police clearance of the Kyarenga Concert!

My team went back to the Police headquarters on Friday last week and they were told to go back today at 10am on condition that I appear with them in person. When they told me, I decided to cut short my trip to Kenya to attend this meeting today. To my dismay, when my team reached the Police headquarters this morning, they were told that the IGP was out of town. I resorted to making phone calls to him all day today but the person who picked my calls kept telling me that the IGP was in a meeting at the Police headquarters board room since 8:00am.

We have done everything required of us by law but it is apparent that the people in authority are doing everything possible to frustrate the concert.

As things stand, the concert has been left in balance. A lot of money and time have been spent in advertisements and preparations.

Dear fans and friends, I am not sure when or whether the Kyarenga Concert will happen. But I advise those in authority to desist from these provocations. I am a Ugandan artiste with a legitimate right to stage a concert.”

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Court orders Makerere University to reinstate Stella Nyanzi

Agnes Tumuheire — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 06:52:57 +0000

The Makerere University staff appeals tribunal has ordered university administration to reinstate Dr Stella Nyanzi.

The tribunal ruling states that Dr. Nyanzi’s suspension was done through an illegal procedure. The University is therefore tasked to pay the doctor outstanding emoluments within ten working days after the order.

On March 31, 2017, with an order from the appointments board chairman, Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, the then vice chancellor Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu gave Nyanzi an indefinite suspension on allegations of attacking the First Lady and Education minister Janet Museveni on Facebook.

The tribunal chairperson, George Omunyokol, blamed the appointments board for abrogating the statutory rules by not conducting Nyanzi’s disciplinary hearings within four weeks after suspension.

It further observed that the letter seeking the researcher’s suspension had not detailed aspects of dehumanization that the accused had allegedly uttered.

Omunyokol urged the disciplinary committee to convene disciplinary hearings on the issue within ten working days to provide a disciplinary report on Nyanzi.

According to Isaac Ssemakadde, Nyanzi’s lawyer from the Legal Brains Trust, the ruling was a land mark that will aid in the protection of other disoriented Makerere staff.

“The tribunal has in very strong terms stated that it’s the supreme authority in all matters of labour and employment at Makerere University. The university put up a very strong set of objections for this case not to go forward, but they have all been dismissed by the university staff tribunal. And we’re overjoyed to learn that the staff tribunal has been sensitive to the requirements of justice in crafting remedies that are appropriate for Dr Stella Nyanzi. We’re exceedingly impressed by the clarity of jurisprudence, the impartiality and boldness displayed today by the members of the university staff tribunal.” Ssemakadde said.

Woman Activist and Makerere researcher Dr. Stella Nyanzi. The tribunal has ordered the University to reinstate her and pay her outstanding emoluments.

In her vote of thanks to the tribunal and the entire public, Stella Nyanzi said “the university staff tribunal has proved itself that there’s a remnant of academics of legal minds that understand the importance of protecting the sacred grounds of the university.”

“If the university will not allow its scholars to critic those that abuse power, those that centralize the abuse of power, then we can as well pack up Uganda, there is no reason to have any thinkers in Uganda if the university can do this,

“For those of us who are thinkers and value the right to think and express our thoughts – whichever way, whichever way this for me is a major win…For me this is historical, we’re changing the law of employment, labour rights in Uganda because the abuse had penetrated to the very core of the heart that think for and about Uganda.” Nyanzi stated.

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“Our Message was a Piece of Wisdom not an Attack” – Phaneroo on Bobi Wine Attack Clip

Agnes Tumuheire — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 07:04:59 +0000

Apostle Grace Lubega of the Phaneroo ministries : COURTESY PHOTO

Phaneroo Ministries has issued a statement defending itself on the video clip that has gone viral on social media platforms in which it’s preacher, Apostle Grace Lubega, allegedly attacks the Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.

“This was done by some unknown individuals, who for their personal motives intentionally cut out of a full sermon, what worked for their benefit.
The clip has been used to provoke harsh sentiments, propagate misunderstandings and discredit some political individuals and thus the ministry and its Vision Bearer,” the statement read.

The video had evoked a negative reaction from social media fanatics who warned the pastor against judging others because it is against the bible teachings.

“Neither do we judge any man for we are not God, and if this was the impression given, we choose to turn the right cheek and apologise for that,” Phaneroo replied to the allegations.

Below is the full statement

PHANEROO MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC STATEMENT
[Sunday 30th September, 2018, Kampala, Uganda]
We take this opportunity to write to those we owe an accountability to and those who seek to know the truth pertaining the recent and ongoing attacks, and false accusations against Phaneroo ministries and the person of Apostle Grace Lubega.
The public has been given the impression that the ministry is fighting some political individuals and siding with others.
As a ministry, we owe it to the moral conscience of our nation to clarify on this matter for the purpose of setting the record straight because this deliberate attack is terribly contrary to our convictions, integrity, moral code, ethics and values.

On 6th September 2018 Apostle Grace Lubega, in a Phaneroo sermon on the critical issue of inheritance and the birth right addressed believers on their responsibility to not only pray for their nation but also take up critical offices for the noble purpose of Godly leadership.

It was spoken in a spirit of love, and humility without necessarily finding fault with one or blaming another.
However, like all information, there is no control of what one could make it say or imply, and for such we find ourselves in circumstances of being misunderstood.

In making this statement, we are cognisant of the sensitivity of the issues at hand, the volatile political atmosphere of our nation and the strong undercurrents that are driving the issues in contention.
We deeply respect the inherent human right of freedom of speech of all peoples and that the same ought to be exercised with wisdom, responsibility and a sense of accountability to the conscience of the wider society in which we live.

And thus we state these facts.
1. A video clip of the service was created out of context by propagandists and posted on social media. This short video clip was not prepared or sent by Phaneroo ministries, and neither exists on any of our media platforms.
This was done by some unknown individuals, who for their personal motives intentionally cut out of a full sermon, what worked for their benefit.
The clip has been used to provoke harsh sentiments, propagate misunderstandings and discredit some political individuals and thus the ministry and its Vision Bearer.

2. Secondly, we wish to pronounce that as a ministry we are non-partisan and have no political agenda or interest. We are neither for the present establishment nor for any anti-establishment— we are for and of God.
We do not condone violence, and the shedding of innocent blood to achieve political objectives. Neither do we judge any man for we are not God, and if this was the impression given, we choose to turn the right cheek and apologise for that.

Our gospel is of peace, love, forgiveness and reconciliation.
3. The message was not in any way meant as an attack on any specific individual as was implied, it sought to emphasise the fact that the heart of any leader who pursues any office should seek divine wisdom and purpose, not just ride on emotions.
Getting emotional happens to all men whether for or against any idea, but at the end of the day we hope beyond pain and find answers. Hence, the call by the man of God, for Christians to pray for this land.
We do not in any way undermine the sentiments of those that believe that our nation deserves positive progress, but we are also aware that this can only be by the hand of God.

It is this very deep sense of responsibility that informs the context of the sermon from which the video clip was extracted.
The message of this particular sermon was on the principles by which one builds a legacy; the importance of what you live IN your children over what you live FOR your children (Proverbs 13:22); the infallible truth that Christ, who is called the First Born is our standard and that by Him, Christians have been made partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12).

Ultimately, the very gist of it is that the true and sincere Christian believer has a greater advantage if elevated to any position of responsibility because of God’s grace at work in them.
It is from this very context that Apostle Grace Lubega strongly emphasised the need for any leader to have a genuine personal relationship with God.

Like he vehemently pronounced, “God give us Godly leaders in this nation, Men and women who fear your name. Men and women who bow to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. People who understand their responsibility.”
In a world vying for liberalisations that water down the fundamentals of authentic Christian belief and the principles by which stable cultures ought to exist, it is important that the Church of Christ pledge to prayer, truth and love. History should never judge us for silence in the times when we had the choice to speak, only God will judge our hearts and know we were not against men and that we loved our country.
We commit to continue to preach truth with the great mandate of drawing the lost to Christ with God as our aide and guide.

We choose to forgive those that were quick to judge without asking the right questions, and those who used our ministry to further their personal objectives.
We continue to pray for our land and believe for Godly wisdom and direction.
Our future is in God’s hand and with His mercy, this nation shall soar towards greatness.
God bless Uganda.
Phaneroo Public Relations Office

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Development partners caution government on debt

Gerald Businge — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:53:17 +0000

Development partners are strongly cautioning government on the continued behaviours of increased borrowing which they say will, in the long run, fail faster economic and social development as government will then be engaged in servicing the debts.

PatrickTumwebaze

Speaking in a meeting organized to discuss the way Uganda borrows and the way it uses its resources, the executive director Ugandan debt network, Patrick Tumwebaze says that citizens need to be engaged in knowing how and why government takes debts since it is the citizens who lift the payment burden. Still Patrick stresses the burden of government taking concessional loans which he says will cause problems to government in payment.

Meanwhile, State Minister for finance, planning and economic development, David Bahati, mentioned that Uganda’s debt interest totalling to USD.4.5Bn is paid with debts having the fast call on the national budget confirming that government has a debt strategy and debt management frame work in place despite not having enough resources to finance requirements of the national budget. He added that with the discovery of minerals, Uganda will cover her own budget in future.

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Uganda’s Whitney Houston wants support to launch second Album in August

Gerald Businge — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:43:44 +0000

Young music artist, Tammy Tamale

One of Uganda’s youngest singers, Tammy Namale a.k.a Little Tammy will be launching her second Album the African Child on August 22 2010 at KCC grounds in Kampala. That is if she gets the necessary help to enable her carry out a successful launch as she looks to boost her music career.

The 11 year old singer launched her first Album “Aids is Erosion” in December last year at Didi’s World now called Wonder World.

Her Manager Yiga Kassim has told Ultimate Media they are running around to look for sponsors for the event that is set to take place next month though they are yet to secure a single sponsor.

Little Tammy was inspired by Whitney Houston to start singing and Houston’s ability to advocate for children’s rights. Little Tammy’s music is geared towards advocating for Children’s rights.

While she hopes to meet Whitney Houston one day, her biggest moment in her career as a singer so far was recently when she shook hands with Africa’s music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka in a recent concert in Kampala.

Muziki by Tammy Tamale

Dedication to homeless children by Tammy Tamale

By Tiberindwa Zakaria, Ultimate Media

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Musician Chaka Chaka adds voice to the call for the commitment to the Abuja Declaration

Gerald Businge — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:09:25 +0000

One of Africa’s most celebrated singers Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be in Uganda to join the rest of Africa in calling out to the African Leaders to commit to the pledges they made under the Abuja declaration in which African countries committed to have at least 15% of their national budgets committed to the health sector by 2015.

Chaka Chaka

Chaka Chaka will be the guest of honor at an a concert dubbed “Hakuna Wakati Abuja 15% sasa” in which various singers both international and local will perform to create awareness on this commitment that African leaders made under the Abuja declaration.

Some of the singers that will perform at the concert slated to take place an Hotel African on Sunday 25 2010, starting at 8:30 am include, Bobi Wine, Joanita Kawalya, Angella Kalule, Jemimah Sanyu, Annet Nandujja, Maiko Zulu and Mingas from Mozambique among others.

The concert is organized by the Civil Society Organizations and the Princess of Africa Foundation that is brain child of Chaka Chaka.

Chaka Chaka is currently a good will ambassador for the United Nations on Malaria, Tuberculosis and the Millennium Development Goals. She also featured greatly in the song “8 goals for Africa” which calls for action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in Africa

The African Union summit is being held in Kampala Uganda with a focus on achieving maternal health targets. Though many African countries committed themselves in the Abuja declaration, it is unlikely that by 2015 many of them will have committed the 15% of their budgets to the health sector as they committed themselves.

See more stories on African Union

See other stories on maternal health issues

By Tiberindwa Zakaria, Ultimate Media

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Uganda Marks Nelson Mandela day with tree planting, hailing his liberation ideals

Gerald Businge — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:43:41 +0000

Uganda has joined the rest of the world to Mark the Nelson Mandela day which saw several trees planted and speeches dedicated to justice, unity and development, as the international icon marked his 92^nd birthday.

The Nelson Mandela day was marked at Kitante High School where the head teacher, Rose Zizinga called upon the pupils and Ugandans to embrace Mandela’s ideals of Freedom and Justice.

South Africa High Commissioner to Uganda, John Okwelane attended the event and led the planting of trees in the event his government organized in collaboration with ABETO (always Be Tolerant).

Nelson mandela turned 92 on 18th July 2010

Okwelane said Nelson Mandela who served as South Africa’s President from 1994 to 1998 is a big role model for both young people and old people, especially those in leadership across the world.

Other speakers described Mandela as the father of democracy in Africa and hailed him for his efforts to see a free liberated Africa.

Several parts of the world also celebrated the Nelson Mandela day with ”goodwill games” among activities. The UN announced July 18 birthday of Mandela as an international day devoted to public service and unity.

”Today is an opportunity for millions of people around the world to look inside themselves and find those beautiful qualities as any human being has and say: `I am able to make a difference to my neighbor, to someone underprivileged, I can extend my goodness to other people,”’ Mandela’s wife Graca Machel said Sunday after planting a vegetable garden in a Soweto orphanage.

She said that while her husband was no longer so physically strong to appear at many public events as Mandela would love to, ”his spirit is strong as ever.”

South African President Jacob Zuma who marked the day in Mandela’s birthplace of Mvezo led activities of planting trees and painting class rooms. He said Mandela taught South Africans that ”we must work together to entrench African unity and solidarity in our country.”

‘We urge a continuation of this spirit of African unity, love and friendship,” Zuma said.

US President Barrack Obama in a message on the Mandela Day encouraged the public to heed the call to engage in some form of service to others, and said of Mandela, ”We strive to follow his example of what it means to truly give back to our communities, our nations, and our world.”

”We are grateful to continue to be blessed with his extraordinary vision, leadership, and spirit. And we strive to build upon his example of tolerance, compassion and reconciliation,” Obama said in a statement.

More information about Mandela at www.nelsonmandela.org

By Ultimate Media

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Museveni vows to defeat Al- Shabab terrorists, to increase Uganda troops in Somali

Gerald Businge — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:28:08 +0000

President Yowri Museveni has dismissed claims that the bomb attacks on innocent Ugandans was a result of Uganda sending troops to Somali and rubbished calls for Uganda’s withdrawal from the war raveaged country in the Horn.

“Well, those people are not right. Do you remember ADF? ADF was planting bombs in Kampala in the 1990s and that time we had not sent troops to Somalia. Terrorists are terrorists. They will act against order unless they are stopped. In fact one of the reasons for sending our troops to Somalia was because we knew the character of these types of people. If they had succeeded in taking over Somalia at that time, then they would have been more problems for the region,” he said, adding that “Those who argue that the best way of avoiding trouble is to surrender Africa to terrorists from the middle East are definitely wrong. The correct way is to ensure that the people of Africa enjoy their freedom, which we fought for. We fought for freedom not for slavery from some confused groups in the middle East. Those people are definitely wrong.”

Museveni and Irina Bokova head of UNESCO

The President Yesterday made a national address on the bombings at a Press Conference he held at his country home in Ruhama, Ntungamo district. The President who had just returned from an anti poverty mobilization in Ntungamo district, said some years ago there were attacks on American on their Embassies of America in Kenya and Tanzania, asking where the Kenyans had sent troops. “Had they sent troops to Somalia or Afghanistan or to Iraq. Why did they attack the Kenyan people or Tanzanians,” he wondered..

The President said they have mobilized the Somali community here to identify those wrong doers. “If you want to know more about a community, then you should work with people from that community. And Somalis in Uganda can help us in knowing more about Somalia.

Ugandans should not be hostile to Somali refugees

“I appeal to Ugandans not to be hostile to our African brothers from Somalia especially those who are living here. Because some people may misinterprete this to mean all Somalis are involved which is not true. Many of Somali living here are very much involved in the systems of Uganda and they are living well. Many of them have no reason to involve themselves in this type of activities. Therefore don’t look at every Somali living here as if they are connected with this.

There are those who are connected, we shall get their details, we already know their leaders in Somalia, they will obviously be indicted for these crimes. Therefore don’t blanket all Somalis in the category,” he said.

The President extended my condolences to the people of Uganda for the death following attack by the terrorists on Sunday July 11, 2010.

“Within Uganda we are going to weed out any of these elements or loopholes which these people used., The main problem within Uganda was our laxity and liberal atmosphere not to interfere with functions of private people. We never monitor very closesly, foreigners who come here. We have been having a bit of free atmosphere and this is what they used,” he said.

The President said they had some information about possible infiltrations by these groups but the information was not exactly the way it turned out to be. “After this incident, the police has been able to alert the population and we are able to weed out these elements. It’s not that difficult because our population guided by police can identify these types of people, Therefore within Uganda, this is not going to be a long term problem. It will and can be stopped,“ he said.

He said the two incidences where a surprise because `we were totally relaxed especially in public areas. In government institutions there were some precautions. The problem with tight security is that it interferes with business and interferes with the tempo of business in the country, so we try to avoid it if we can. That is why you never find roadblocks in Uganda because it interferes with the free flow of business.” he said.

Africa’s IGAD to send more 20, 000 troops to Somalia

The President however said outside the country in the case of Somalia where these people seem to have come from, the IGAD has already taken a position.

“IGAD is going to increase soldiers in the short run by about 2000 or 3000 and then build up strength of force to 20,000 so that we can work with the transitional government of Somalia to eliminate these terrorists. These terrorists are sponsored apparently by some elements in the middle east. We are going to get more information about that. These groups in the Middle East have a wrong and confused orientation both in terms of aims but also in terms of methods,” he said.

The President said that in terms of aims, they seem to aim at very narrow goals, chauvinistic goals, which have caused so much harm in the Middle East which is always a hot bed of extremism, narrow-mindedness and quite futile and directed to sort of violence. When it comes to methods, he said they obviously use terrorist methods.

“Terrorism means when you use violence without discriminating the targets. Targeting non combatants, children and women, people just enjoying themselves, like was what happened the other day. These Middle East groups seem to be the ones pushing their programmes in Somalia which is part of Africa. And this one is not acceptable to IGAD and I believe to the AU. This force in IGAD will be expanded and we shall be able to clean up that place,” he said.

The President said families whose relatives were killed or injured will be assisted while foreign nationals will get support from their respective governments. The compensation process will be implemented after clearance by the Attorney Generals’ office.

“When I went to Mulago Hospital, I gave some support there but we shall also support those people whose relatives were killed. As the people of Uganda, we are very, very sad about what happened. We can assure you that we are going to eliminate these groups. They are not many, they are easy to deal with.

Africa Union summit in Kampala to go on as scheduled starting July 19^th

About the AU Summit due in Kampala, the President said the summit will take place.

“Africa Union not take place because of this incidence? Noo! That is all rubbish. The African union summit will take place obviously. There is no way it can be stopped by this incident neither procedurally nor from the point of view of security. If you look at this incident, these people were just attacking people who had no protection at all. They were just there in the open field, that Rugby place is not even a stadium, its open field. The resturant in Kansaga had no controls there, it was open. But the African Union is not going to take place in a pitch, besides all the pitches are going to be guarded now that we have been aroused. But specifically for the African Union, its’ going to be taking place in very well guarded places. There is noo way this incident can stop the AU from taking place,” he said.

The President said given the low levels of Laxity especially since the ADF was defeated there has not been heighted vigilance. “Some people could move from Somalia through Kenya and come, not through normal boarders but panyas. They could even use state parties, they could, but we are investigating all possibilities. But now with the alert, it would be very difficult. In fact we are going to go on the offensive and get those people who were involved in this,” he said.

The President said they had already picked up one of the bombs. “That bomb told us more about these people. This group has really invited us to follow them. In the past we were not bothering with them. We were just in Mogadishu on the mission of the African Union to guard the port, airport and statehouse, that was all. Only when they come to attack us, would we send them back. But now they have mobilized us to look for them. We are beginning to take interest in them. So when I say offensive it is in all areas starting here because we have now got information than before. But obviously, we are now taking more interest in these groups. It was a very big mistake on their side,

The President said the laxity was not just in security services but the whole country once you tell hotel owners to be vigilant. “In past not bothered. When I talk of laxity, don’t think only of security forces, even the society. Security forces can’t be everywhere and they normally work through the structures of the country. If somebody tells hotel owner, guides him on how to provide security to his hotel, these are the gaps am talking about. The restaurant in Kansaga if they were searching people or at the Rugby Club, there was no way these people would have got there. But you know when you do that, you also delay business, there is inconvenience,. That is why people usually don’t want to do it unless it becomes necessary.

The President said the 20,000 soldiers force will be raised. “I think it will be raised especially now because these people have provoked the world more than before. And I can assure you they have invited a lot of problems for themselves.

He said they had not discussed how many troops Uganda should provide. But as IGAD had agreed that they get 2000 or 3000 and later raise it to 20,000. “All the other leaders are looking into this. When we meet for the African Union Summit, that is when we shall know how to move forward. We from IGAD will have a side meeting and know how to move forward,” he said.

About Uganda’s porous borders, the President said even if they guarded the routes, it can’t stop people from crossing.

“The more accurate method is to handle them at terminal points where they are going. Even if they crosses, were will they end up? If we are mobilized like now, we can catch any of these people because you can be sure that the neighbours, will start asking questions. Even if you cross the border from wherever, you will get to where you will be asked questions. And that is the real answer – popular vigilance within the country,” he said.

On whether the terrorists solicited help from Ugandans the president said it was not a good idea to start giving details saying the police will issue a statement. He however said he was encouraged by the course of investigations.

He said those who commit crimes always leave a trail. “Even if they are getting more sophisticated. It doesn’t make much difference. Sophistication also helps to nail these people,” he said.

The President said the NRM never believes that crime or even other actions are community based. “When we were fighting Idi Amin, we never made the mistake of thinking that all the people of West Nile were supporting Idi Amin. And this is where we differed with UPC. UPC in 1980 persecuted the people of West Nile because Amin had come from there. And in fact you remember Idi Amin was trying to use the Muslims in some of the things he was doing.

However, some of the best support whenever I would came here to Uganda from Tanzani to do my clandestine work, most of the time I was staying with Muslim supporters. This was supposed to be a Muslim regime of Idi Amin but Muslims where the ones accommodation me. Abbas Kibazo, Zubair Bakari, my late RDC or Bugiri, Zubair Bakari is the one who used to drive me all over the place. Haruna Kibuye,..these where all my very close collaborators,” he said.

The President said the idea tha Muslims will be Isolated, is not part of the culture of the NRM. “We believe that each person commits his sins. Personally, when I was in the bush. Obotes people came and arrested my father Mzee Kaguta and took him to the barracks in Mbarara and they beat him. They even arrested my mother took her to the barracks. And they were beating my father, an old man that time he was in late 60s. And they were asking him, where is Museveni? He was also asking them – Do your parents know that you are beating me now? You are now beating me here in Mbarara but do your parents know that you are beating me. I think that Kaguta answer was a classic one,” he said.

He said there is no reason why Muslims should be blamed for actions by some individual Muslims. These are crimes by individuals.

On whether he would want to see legal amendments to quickly try such terrorists, the president said cases of people who committee such crimes should be expeditiously dealt with. And I totally agree for us when we were in the bush. At one time I was chief justice of my small area which I was controlling in Luwero. For us Justice was never delayed, justice was prompt. And I could see the good effect it could have on the population. I want to discuss with the chief justice and see how they could really especially for murder, rape, defilement, maybe also terrorism. These are matters that should be handled.

Opposition demands that Security Minister Amama Mbabazi and IGP Kaihura resign over incident.

In very advanced countries like the US we had incidences like Septemeber 11. These are a lot of advanced countries with a lot of means but still you couldn’t rule out what happened. And there are many examples like that. Once incident happening should not be used to condemn permanently some of the actors. Because these bombs have been everywhere, India, Pakistan, different parts of China. China very strict but they had bombs and riots in Urimwinyi some years ago. So you shouldn’t unless it becomes a tendency, but an incident can happen any where can happen anywhere.

Presidential Press Unit

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Uganda National Contemporary Ballet brings a Restless Night to the National Theatre

Gerald Businge — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:13:12 +0000

The Uganda National Contemporary Ballet will hold a dance show dubbed a restless night at the National Theatre on the 21^st of July 2010.

Uganda contemporary dancers on stage

Sizzler Dance group will be a curtain raiser during the show that will feature renown dancers like Patrick Kaddu, Mike Kaddu and Herman Serwanyana.

Restless night is story told through dance on how life can be destroyed by greed, jealousy and violence.

“We don’t give any solution. The audience is free to think what you want… Dance gives an opportunity for individuals to find themselves,” says dancer Patrick Kaddu

The Choreographer of the dance that will be displayed at the show is Valerie Miquel.

The show tickets cost 10,000 shillings for adults and 5, 000 shillings for students.

The Uganda National Contemporary Ballet is a group of about 8 dancers, six men and two women, including the chorographer plus one percussionist.

Though all the dancers originate from different companies, they have been performing together as dancers for about two years now.

Uganda National Contemporary Ballet performers are trained in contemporary, classical, traditional and hip hop dance.

By Zacharia Tiberindwa, Ultimate Media

The post Uganda National Contemporary Ballet brings a Restless Night to the National Theatre first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.