However, how many of these promises embeded in the manifestos are directed to the young children of the country? Kenya’s child population (0-14 year olds) is 43% of the total population; this is one of the largest demographics in the country. A large population of children (0-14) signifies high child dependency and the need to invest in child and maternal health as well as education opportunities. With this in mind it is therefore imperative to find out what the candidates have planned for the nation’s children.

Jubilee Manifesto                                                              

Jubilee Manifesto Launch

Jubilee’s vision is: A united Kenya in which wealth is created and prosperity is shared amongst all citizens; A fast-growing economy that leaves no one behind; A Kenya for all Kenyans by Kenyans; An accountable, professional and efficient government; and An influential regional power at peace with itself and its neighbours.

“Kenya has immense potential for growth, modernisation and prosperity. Growth that leaves no one behind; modernisation that secures our future for generations to come; and a prosperity that we can all share and enjoy” President Uhuru Kenyata’s address at the Manifesto launch

The manifesto noted ten points the party will work on. Out of these the promises concerning Early Childhood Development are point four and six which state:

• Expand the free primary school programme to now include free day public secondary schools in Kenya.
• Expand free maternity care to include government funded NHIF cover for every expectant mother for one year.

In the small print the manifesto further notes that it would:

Extend the “Linda Mama” programmes to a total of one year to cover both ante-natal and post-natal care and reduce maternal and child mortality rates.

Work towards achieving a 100% transition from primary to secondary school by providing free education in all public primary and public day secondary schools.

Maintain momentum in upgrading slums by providing clean water and sanitation, access roads, street lights, schools and health centres as well as income generating activities. This will help improve the lives of 4 million people living and working in slums.

Find the full manifesto here jpmanifesto2017

NASA Manifesto

NASA Manifesto Launch

NASA fronted a seven pillar vision and policy platform which the manifesto then translates into a programme of action. The vision and policy platform address:

• National reconciliation and healing
• Resolving all historical injustices
• Refining the constitution to strengthen devolution
• Transforming government from master to servant of the people
• Realizing the equality principles and goals entrenched in Article 27 of the Constitution
• Realizing social and economic rights as enshrined in Article 43 of the Constitution
• Eradicating poverty and unemployment

“…the manifesto is decidedly ideological and bold, at once pragmatic, alive to challenges of implementing social transformation, but uncompromising on principles and values. It is a manifesto for fundamental change”

Concerning early childhood development the manifesto includes:

Mainstreaming constitutional education in the school curriculum.

Progressively expanding income transfer programmes (presently limited to the elderly and households with orphans and vulnerable children (OVC)) to the critically food poor.

Establishing a National Universal Health Service Fund to be funded by the public budget for curative heath services and a minimal basic health insuarance contribution by citizens.

Delegating school infrastructure to the Counties- giving conditional grants.

Arresting high school dropout rate; expanding secondary school infrastructure; and expanding teacher training capacity hence making the primary school examinations (KPCE) redundant since every child will be assured a place.

Find the full manifesto here Nasa-Coalition-Manifesto

All in all

Although a discussion could be held on who represents the children’s issues best, these two powerhouses did not ignore the 43 per cent but included them in their manifestos and made commitments to the children of Kenya. Whichever of these parties does take the election, we will be watching and lobbying for these implementations.

The post Manifestos and the children of Kenya first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Dr. Kizza Besigye at a rally

Former FDC president Dr. Kizza Besigye has handed in his nomination forms and been nominated to contest for the party presidential flag bearer. Chairing the nomination committee, Maj. Mugarura has accepted the papers of their former party boss and declared him a candidate for the post.  Besigye was handed the party constitution and agenda to follow as he was seconded by Hon. Ekanya Geoffrey, Jack Sabbiti, Odo Tayebwa, Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo and others.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Besigye, Hon. Ekanya thanked the supporters as he assured the nation that he still carries on the electoral reforms campaign as the party also exhibits party democracy. Ekanya also added that they are to take legal action against the errant police officer, one Asimwe who shot the supporters.

The party polls commission chair, Mugarura asked candidates to follow party campaign rules in the two months campaign.

The post Besigye nominated to contest for FDC party presidential flag bearer first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The argument is that if someone like president Museveni is still alive and the people still like him, the country should not be denied the opportunity to benefit from his “visionary” leadership just because the person is above 75 years!

 Some MPs argue that they want the clause deleted in order to allow people aged above 75 years to get an opportunity to ruleUganda. This campaign is being spearheaded by some NRM MPs fromBuganda. However few vocal opposition MPs in the house shout in disapproval, saying that the move will give Museveni a chance to ruleUgandafor life.

The post MPs to lift ban to allow people aged over 75 years to contest for president first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The debate follows an argument in parliament that NRM and president Museveni won last year’s elections overwhelmingly with 85% of the total votes cast (but with only 30% voter turn out).
As if this debate is not enough, there is a heated campaign in parliament about the age limit clause in the National constitution of Uganda.

The argument is that if someone like president Museveni is still alive and the people still like him, the country should not be denied the opportunity to benefit from his “visionary” leadership just because the person is above 75 years!

Some MPs argue that they want the clause deleted in order to allow people aged above 75 years to get an opportunity to rule Uganda. This campaign is being spearheaded by some NRM MPs from Buganda.

However few vocal opposition MPs in the house shout in disapproval, saying that the move will give Museveni a chance to rule Uganda for life.

The post MPs to lift ban to allow people aged over 75 years to contest for president first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

It seems the rivals of Mufti Shaban Mubajje will develop ulcers and high blood pressure when they read this shocking information. The spokesman of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Nsereko Mutumba says that Mufti Mubajje will leave office in 2025.

He told news informers that the elections Uganda Muslim Supreme Council is organising next month are to elect Muslim organs in Uganda but they are not to elect a new Mufti.

There are two parallel Muslim leadership structures in Uganda. One led by Mubajje and another by Sheikh Zubair Kayongo. Mubajje is 57 years old. Hajji Nsereko Mutumba says that Mubajje would leave office when he is 70 years.

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council general elections will run from March 26^th to May 3^rd this year.

The post Mufti Shaban Mubajje to leave office in 2025 first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

It seems the rivals of Mufti Shaban Mubajje will develop ulcers and high blood pressure when they read this shocking information. The spokesman of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Nsereko Mutumba says that Mufti Mubajje will leave office in 2025.

He told news informers that the elections Uganda Muslim Supreme Council is organising next month are to elect Muslim organs inUgandabut they are not to elect a new Mufti.

There are two parallel Muslim leadership structures inUganda. One led by Mubajje and another by Sheikh Zubair Kayongo. Mubajje is 57 years old. Hajji Nsereko Mutumba says that Mubajje would leave office when he is 70 years.

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council general elections will run from March 26^th to May 3^rd this year.

The post Mufti Shaban Mubajje to leave office in 2025 first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Dr. Ian Clarke Busulwa, the LC3 chairperson of Makindye division has quit active politics. Busulwa says he will not seek reelection as LC3 chairperson for Makindye division after his term of office in 2016. Ian Clarke has quit politics at a time when the ruling NRM party was persuading him to accept to contest on its ticket in 2016.

Dr. Ian Clarke was declared the winner of the LC3 seat in Makindye, after he received 26,000 votes in the polls in 2011 general elections. Moses Kalungi, the incumbent, got only 11,000 votes. Rashid Biruma of NRM, FDC’s Livingstone Kizito, and DP’s Deo Kijjambu also competed.

Clarke was the first European to become an LC3 local official inUganda. Dr. Clarke holds both Irish and Ugandan citizenship.

To win the polls, Clarke campaigned largely on a development agenda, focusing on health and public service issues namely water, pit latrines, and roads maintenance.

Clarke was born inNorthern Ireland’s Armagh, but he has lived inUgandafor over 20 years. He is among the founders ofKampalaInternationalHospital.

By James Okello

The post Ian Clarke quits Uganda politics first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Besigye’s camp in FDC reportedly started witch-hunting Okumu and group in February last year after the general elections.  The problem of FDC rebel MPs started when they asked Besigye to quit politics after he lost the presidential bid thrice.

Okumu and group reportedly told Besigye to step down and get replaced by a person who doesn’t come from western Uganda where Besigye and Museveni hails from. In what looks like a punishment, Okumu was dropped as chairperson of the committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises. He was also dropped from the shadow cabinet.

Ekanya was also dropped from the post of chairperson of the Local Government Accounts Committee, a post he held in the 8th Parliament. Nabillah too is witch-hunted because she supported Okumu’s proposal to have Besigye out. In retaliation the FDC rebel MPs have also vowed not to support party activities.

The post Why FDC calls some of its MPs ‘rebels’? first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Propaganda is spreading in some political parties inUganda, especially in the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), Conservative Party (CP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) that there will be no general elections in 2016 because president Museveni’s government would be topped in 201.

FDC president Col. Kiiza Besigye has told his supporters in Najjanankumbi (Kampala) today that all political scenes indicate that Museveni’s reign will end in 2013. President Museveni’s fourth term of office as President of Uganda ends on May 12^th 2016.

Presidential Secretary Tamale Mirundi has reffered to the romours in political parties as ‘nosence’ saying it is meant to mislead the public. The rumour has it that Ugandans would compel parties to choose between Besigye or Norbert Mao of DP or any other opposition politician to ruleUganda.

Mirundi further advises leaders of political parties to circulate developmental and real ideas that will promoteUganda’s image andAfricain general.

By James Okello

The post Elections in Uganda to be cancelled’ first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Others would think that perhaps Nambooze could contest as Mukono district woman MP or LC5 chairperson. But this is not true. We have been told that the flamboyant Mukono Municipality MP is preparing to replace her long time pal, Erias Lukwago as Kampala Lord Mayor.

It is said that Nambooze has started laying down all the necessary steps needed for one to become Lord Mayor. However it is not yet known whether Lukwago will seek re-election.

By Moureen Nakyanzi

The post MP Betty Nambooze prepares to contest for Lord Mayorship first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.