There was drama at State House Entebbe on Wednesday when President Yoweri Museveni and Dokolo South county Member of Parliament, Felix Okot-Ogong clashed at the start of the Caucus meeting.

According to sources who attended the closed door assembly on the proposed Land Amendment Bill, Okot-Ogong tried to stop Museveni from making a “tough” opening submission.

“Mzee was so tough at the beginning of the meeting. Okot surprised everyone when he dared (Museveni) at his toughest mood,” a source said.

Museveni had told MPs that some politicians mainly from Buganda, Lango and Acholi regions have been sending wrong and inciting information to the population portraying that the government wants to grab their land.

“Why misinform people that the government wants to grab their land? It’s wrong, irresponsible and unacceptable to incite people,” Museveni reportedly charge.

But before Museveni could complete his speech, Okot-Ogong daringly stood up on a point of procedure to stop the Fountain of Honor from “coercing” MPs.

Museveni according to the source stopped the Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa who was chairing the meeting from giving Okot-Ogong the microphone.

“Don’t let that man get the microphone. If he gets it we might end up fighting here. We will fight here,” Museveni said.

Nankabirwa made Okot-Ogong get back to his seat to wait for the right opportunity to raise his issues.

Interestingly, after finishing his speech, Museveni allowed Okot-Ogong to talk first.

Okot-Ogong who in 2006 attempted to challenge Museveni for NRM chairmanship and presidency, said at the Caucus that his government would be better than the one of Museveni.

“This government is disadvantaged by the chronic lack of planning. My government wouldn’t operate like this at all,” he said.

Museveni, who had reportedly calmed down, quietly listened as Okot-Ogong continued to discredit his leadership before the MPs.

At the end of Okot-Ogong’s speech, Museveni mentioned the roads whose construction has been hampered by court even after extensive planning.

At the end of the meeting it was concluded that Article 26 of the Constitution shouldn’t be amended to give government powers to compulsorily acquire land for infrastructure in case the owner disagreed on the value.

The Caucus resolved that Land Act should instead be strengthened and a special court or tribunal be put in place to only handle only handle land cases.

There are growing fears of rekindled fights in the western Kasese district, following the shooting of a member of the Kirumiramutima, an armed group loyal to the King of Rwenzururu Charlese Wesley Mumbere.

While speaking to Chimpreports on Friday, the UPDF 2^nd Division spokesperson Maj. Peter Mugisa confirmed the killing of Matayo Bwanzire, who was shot dead early this morning by army officers.

Just two weeks back, the army spokesperson told us, one Mzee Arthur Mbarage, an elder and Councilor of Bwisumbo Sub County was ambushed and stubbed to near death by unknown assailants.

He said the group thought the old man had died, but fortunately he survived and identified the attackers as Matayo Bwanzire (the deceased) and one Kule Mawano.

Maj Mugisa says army officers from the Kasangali Detach waylaid Bwanzire at his house this morning, and when he was ordered to come out of the house, he instead jumped through the window with two knives and grabbed one Private Wycliffe Amanya and stubbed him on the shoulder and head.

In self-defense, Pte Amanya shot him dead.

The incident happened at Kasangali, Ruhara Parish, Bwensumbo Sub County in Busongora North, Kasese district.

Mugisa says the UPDF is aware of the Kirumiramutima group trainings going on in Bunyangabo District. He says the members move at night crossing R. Mubuku to Kasangali to terrorize locals.

“We know their intentions; but our forces are on ground to capture these evil people and bring them to book” he noted

Maj Mugisa assured people of Rwenzori of maximum security and called upon the largely youthful Kirumira Mutima group to stop their illegal activities.

President Yoweri Museveni is in the Rwandan Capital Kigali to attend the inaugural ceremony of President- elect Paul Kagama as he swears in for his third term in office.

President Museveni was received at the Kigali international Airport by the Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Sam Kahamba Kuteesa, the Acting Ugandan High Commissioner to Rwanda Ann Katusiime, Brig Nyamunyanisa, among others.

Rwanda held presidential elections on August 4th 2017 that saw the incumbent President Paul Kagame sweeping the polls to secure an overwhelming 7-year, third term in office.

Beautiful. Parade march-past at the #Inauguration2017. #KagameInauguration pic.twitter.com/tR43cCNZQn

— Georgie Ndirangu (@georgiendirangu) August 18, 2017

Museveni, who is also the Chairperson of the East African Community joined other Heads of State and dignitaries from the continent and around the world attending the ceremony at Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali.

The Ugandan President, according to those in attendance, received the loudest applause upon arrival at the stadium.

Huge and length applause for Uganda’s @KagutaMuseveni at #KagameInauguration pic.twitter.com/0QPyAttjKR

— Fred Mwasa (@mwasa) August 18, 2017

President-elect Paul Kagame polled 98.7% of the vote against main opposition party leader Frank Habineza and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

According to the Rwandan Constitution, the President-elect takes oath of office within thirty days after the final results of the election have been officially released.

The inauguration was attended by thousands of Rwandans in Kigali

Several heads of states and governments have already arrived for the ceremony including newly elected President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyata, President of South Sudan Salva Kiir, that of Namibia Hage Geingob, President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba, Acting President of the federal Republic of Nigeria, President of the Republic of Niger, Faustin Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic, Brahim Ghali of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Niger, President Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Macky Sall of Senegal, Sasou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Hage Gottfried Geingob of Namibia. Others include the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat and former Botswana President Festus Mogae, former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa.

President Paul Kagame was Friday afternoon sworn in to steer the neighbouring country for another seven years.

The inauguration ceremony which opened the 59year old’s third and technically final term in office, took place at the Amahoro Stadium in the Capital Rwanda.

The president, flanked by his wife Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, swore to among others defend the Rwandan constitution, preserve peace and national sovereignty and to never use power conferred up him for personal interest.

Thereafter, he addressed dozens of foreign dignitaries and tens of thousands of Rwandan nationals, terming the inauguration day as “one of renewal of gratitude.”

Kagame expressed gratitude to the numerous heads of state – among them Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni — for gracing the occasion.

20 African Heads of State attended the inauguration, on top of other representatives and former leaders.

“The presence of so many brothers and sisters from around Africa honours our nation deeply and gives us strength. We thank you,” he said, adding “Africa has been with Rwanda when we needed you most.”

At the event, Kagame dedicated part of his speech to condemn foreign influence in the internal matters of the country, and those of other African countries, especially from the west.

He said, Rwandans have often had to fight to protect their right to do what is best for them.

“We will, without any doubt, continue to do so,” he said.

President Kagame and his supporters have in the past expressed dismay over foreign powers and media portrayal of his regime as that filled with dictatorial tendencies and suppression of dissenting voices.

Some experts have observed that his recent overwhelming (98%) election victory was an expression of frustration by the Rwandan people and their rejection of these foreign forces.

At the inauguration, Kagame observed that fellow African national have had to endure the same problem of foreign forces.

“Every African country has to contend with efforts to force us to live on someone else’s terms,” he said.

“They demand that we replace systems that are working well for us with dogmas in which their own people are rapidly losing faith.”

Meanwhile, the president reassured his people that the country, despite its grim past now remains more united than ever.

He also declared, “Today, Rwanda defines no one as an enemy, whether domestic or foreign.”

He added, “Attacks on our character only make us stronger provided we respond with clarity and conviction.”

In line with the corporations 5 year strategic direction, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation hosted its stakeholders and customers to a feedback and customer connect session at the NWSC International Resource Center, Bugolobi.

The Corporation directors, Dr. Rose Kaggwa (Director Business and Scientific services); General Manager Kampala Water, Eng Andrew Sekayizzi; Director Commercial and Customer Care, George Okol and Kampala Senior Manager Water Supply, Eng Moses Bigabwa interacted with customers during the customer connect hour moderated by Maurice Mugisha.

The officials answered customer concerns and shared the corporations’ plans to enhance customer care through innovation and introduction of E-services to better customer experience, water quality monitoring, service delivery projects to improve water and sewerage services across the country through network improvement and extensions among many others.

Customers sharing feedback at the Baraza

The corporation’s Managing Director, Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha thanked customers for paying bills promptly and assured them that the corporation is aggressively extending its network to achieve 100% service coverage in all its areas of operation.

 “I urge our customers to attend the Barazas for we cannot improve what we don’t know. Discussing issues with our customers helps us to improve and do better,” he said.

NWSC Board Chairman, Dr. Eng Christopher Ebal, on behalf of the corporation, handed over a token of appreciation to customers who pay bills promptly, report leaks, bursts and sewerage overflows.

NWSC Board chairman Dr. Eng Christopher Ebal rewarding some of the corporation’s customers

“All our customers are treasured and we extend the invitation to other customers for the 5th Baraza coming up soon,” he said.

Speaking at the event, chief guest Kampala RCC Deborah Mbabazi appreciated the Baraza initiative.

“I am glad that NWSC has adopted this kind of engagement where customers can freely share their feedback with their service provider. This is what customer centered utilities should do.”

Chief Guest Kampala RCC Deborah Mbabazi rewarding some of the corporation’s customers who report leaks and bursts.

Friday, August 19

Betway Power 64-65 Pemba Warriors (in over time)

The Men’s National Basketball League second round phase kicked off Friday at the YMCA outdoor court in wandegeya.

Pemba Warriors managed to record a league double over Betway Power with a 64-65 victory in an intense encounter.

Warriors’ Michael Buzangu Ntumba was the main actor on the day, scoring a game high 23 points as Ronnie Mutebi’s side picked their 11th win of the campaign.

It should remembered that Buzangu had recorded a game high 36 points in the first round when these team met, with Warriors taking the day with a 72-66 win then.

Power was punished severely for the slow start as they lost the first quarter by 16-21.

Warriors continued their exploits when they took a 29-35 lead going into the break.

Arnold Lando’s side regained confidence thereafter, scoring 15 points in the third to reduce the deficit by just a point, picking more momentum as the tied the game 57-57 to send it overtime.

Overtime Drama

Power’s new signing Willy Nijimbere scored 4 unbeaten points; when he made two good lay-ups inside the area to give power a 61-57 lead with only 2 minutes left in the overtime.

Later on, Stanley Mugerwa reduced the deficit when he converted one of his two free-throws but Joseph Ikong made a late 2-point shot as Power extended their lead.

Buzangu came to the front when he scored from downtown to reduce the deficit to 2 points and he later made a lay-up to tie it 63-63 into stoppage seconds.

Paul Odong converted only the first of his 2 free-throws to give power a slight 64-63 lead before Buzangu was fouled.

Buzangu managed to convert both the free-throws at the death to give Pemba Warriors a  64-65 victory.

The victory extends warriors’ lead at the top with 23 points as power remained temporarily in second spot with 21 points.

The Uganda Women Network (UWONET) yesterday held a reflection and strategizing meeting with Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) on the two amendment bills that are before Parliament that would directly affect women in the country.

These are, the Marriage and Divorce Bill 2017 and the Constitution Amendment Bill 2017 which seeks to amend article 26 which provides for the compulsory acquisition of land by government.

After facing a lot of resistance from different groups, the Marriage and Divorce Bill has since been revised by the Uganda Law Reform Commission to ‘The Marriage Bill’.

The legislators and the different women organizations discussed how best the bills can be passed with amendments to ensure that women are not affected.

UWOPA Chairperson and Kumi Woman MP, Monica Amoding noted that the group is planning an amendment into the Compulsory Land acquisition bill to ensure that family rights in regard to compensation are upheld.

The NRM caucus recently resolved to amend the initial position of the bill to provide for depositing the compensation with the property owner as opposed to Court.

Amoding noted that this is a good amendment but should provide for mutual consent of all family members since they are all beneficiaries, to avoid many people becoming homeless.

“If we are to pass that land acquisition amendment bill, much as we need government to continue with its projects, we need to ensure that compensation is given to the family not to a single individual,” Amoding said.

“As women, we have noted that problems might arise after compensation where the owner of the land who might be the family head, may get the compensation and take it as an individual; though the land might be owned by one individual, there are other beneficiaries on land.”

The legislator argued that once the compensation is given to a single person without the knowledge of the other family members, this person might choose to misuse the money like marrying other women or drinking.

“We shall bring an amendment to see to it that families don’t turn up to be homeless just in the benefit of one individual.”

Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has cautioned the people of Northern region about Hepatitis B, the region being with the highest prevalence in the latest report by the Uganda Population HIV Impacts Assessment 2016.

The report shows that Northern region Uganda posted the highest prevalence of Hepatitis B with Mid North at 4.6 percent followed by North East 4.4 percent and West Nile 3.8 percent.

“There is urgent need for doubling efforts to not only create awareness about the disease but also encourage preventive measures which include early screening to ascertain the Hepatitis B virus status,” the minister said.

While addressing journalists on Thursday at the Uganda Media Center, Dr Aceng encouraged all Ugandans, more so people from the Northern region to go for screening and know their status; and also to go for immunization.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of liver which can cause serious damages if left untreated. The disease has five types, two of which lead to chronic disease in millions of people around the world.  .

It affects the liver, damaging it in the process, and is easily spread through practicing unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing sharp instruments (needles, razor blades) with them, and getting into contact with fluids like semen, and sweat that they excrete”.

The UPHIA report also showed that the Hepatitis B infection among adults was 4.3 percent, 5.6 percent among men and 3.1 percent among women. Hepatitis B was resisted lowest in the rest of the country with a range of 0.8 percent in the South West region to 2.7 percent in East Central Region.

The survey was conducted in all parts of the country from August 2016 to March 2017 from 12,483 households and achieved very high participates rates of over 95 percent from both interviews and blood draws.

Presidential Candidate for the National Super Alliance, (NASA) Raila Amolo Odinga, and his running mate, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka  have moved to court on the basis of specific irregularities that they have identified in the recently concluded Kenyan presidential elections.

The duo looks at numerous instances like when their ticket was denied votes and others in which their competitor, Uhuru Kenyatta had undeserved votes added to his total.

The coalition, according to the affidavit before the Supreme Court of Kenya, has substantial evidence of what transpired throughout the country during the election process even though NASA agents in Rift Valley and Central Kenya regions were removed from polling stations and replaced by imposters who were caused to create fictitious names and sign blank result forms.

The petitioners also claim “data analysts have examined over 25,000 results forms for vote declarations and detected 14,000 of them that had errors.”

The errors range from statutory documents not signed by returning officers, some not authenticated by official rubber stamp, while the rest do not have agent names or signatures.

A statement condensed from the petition indicates that “some forms show one presiding officer’s name in charge of elections in multiple stations at the same time.”

According to the statement, petitioners have also observed multiple defects in counting of votes, with some being removed from Odinga to Uhuru.

“A sample review of 5,000 polling station results from NASA’s agents reviewed against those supplied by the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed a number of fundamental defects: the total number of votes added to Uhuru Kenyatta and deducted from Raila Odinga are significant, especially if you extrapolate this to 40,000 polling stations,” reads the statement.

“Votes cast for president (15,588,038) exceeded those for governors (15,098,646) and Members of the National Assembly (15,008,818) by 482,202 and 567,517 ballots respectively.”

Odinga and Musokya also fault the electoral commission for flouting principles that are supposed to be followed as per the law.

“The law and the decisions of the courts required a number of things done, including voting, electronic transmission of results, by image and text to tallying centre, and the display of results in a public portal that is accountable, verifiable and accurate,” reads the statement.

“These are the standards that determine whether or not results meet the constitutional threshold. The IEBC mould flouted all these principles. Most strikingly, by the time of announcing the final result, the Commission’s Chairman Wafula Chebukati, purported his numbers to be final. This suggested he had received all the tallies from all the polling stations.”

The petitioners further note that “by the time of making that declaration, the IEBC had not received results from 11,883 polling stations results and 17 constituencies, yet the chairman “did not qualify his announcement with the explanation that the difference was not sufficient to change final outcome.”

They are thus “left to ponder how then four days later the IEBC Chairman responds to NASA’s enquiry by saying they have not received 5,015 Forms 34A. This represents some 3.5 million votes. On what basis would he declare final results when according to him, the leading candidate was ahead by slightly over 1 million votes?”

The statement adds: “How would he declare results similar to the public portal when he has publicly claimed that the ones on the portal are not IEBC results, and without the benefit of the verification that was started and discontinued at the Bomas National Tallying Centre?”

The presidential election held on August 7, 2017 was “so badly conducted and marred with such glaring irregularities that it does not matter who won, or who was declared the winner thereof.”

The petitioners argue that the nature and extent of the flaws and irregularities so significantly affected the results that the IEBC cannot accurately and verifiably determine the number of votes any of the candidates received.

They feel IEBC “betrayed its charge to give effect to the sovereign will of the Kenyan people and instead delivered preconceived and predetermined computer generated leaders.”

This election which was supposed to be about using technology to curb frauds saw “IEBC allow technology to be perverted to defeat the will of the people by leaving the door open to meddlers to enter their system, manipulate numbers and generate an artificial result.”

The petition also looks at patterns like the “IEBC refusal to host a recovery site for its server in Kenya to the brutal killing of Chris Musando.”

This petitioners have thus asked the court and by extension the people of Kenya to nullify the entire exercise because it is fatally compromised, in order to pave the way for fresh, legitimate elections.

Below is the petition

RAO & SKM Affidavit

A 60 year old woman yesterday Friday knocked dead by a speeding vehicle along the Kabale –Mbarara road.

The deceased identified as Lydia Kashemire, was a resident of Kyabuhangwa cell, Kamwezi Sub-County in Rukiga district.

She was traveling on a motor cycle Registration number UDX157S Bajaj which collided with the Toyota Noah number UBA225K, killing her instantly.

The vehicle is said to have been involved in the ongoing political campaigns in the area.

The driver after causing the accident, fled off the scene.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson says the accident happened that at around 11:30am at Nyakanengo along Kabale Mbarara road.

He said the accident occurred when the motor cycle tried to dodge two vehicles that were trying to overtake each other.

Maate says that Police thereafter visited the scene and impounded the Noah.

The boda-boda rider was rushed to Kabale regional referral hospital in critical condition.

National Resistance Movement has postponed its primary elections for woman MP and LC5 elections   in the   five newly created districts.

NRM was set to hold its primaries on Monday 21st August   2017 in the districts of Rukiga, Namisindwa Pakwach, Butebo, Kyotera and Bunyangabu.

Dr. Tanga Odoi the NRM chairman of the party’s electoral commission says that they elections have been postponed by a day, to Tuesday 22 August 2017, after the logistics including ballot papers arrived late.

David Bahati, the NRM chairman for the districts of Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda called upon party members to be peaceful throughout the voting process, noting that it doesn’t need not to divide the party members.

Campaigns that begun on 10th august 2017 closed on Saturday 19^th in Kamwezi sub county.

This is the second time that the polls are postponed as at fist the elections were supposed to be held on 29th July 2017.

Six women are batting for the District woman Member of Parliament, namely, Victoria Abigail Atukunda, Maureen Kyarisiima, Pamela Kyomugisha Kihumuro and Charity Twongeirwe Ainebyoona, Alice Basobokwe and Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi.

Three are battling for the LC5 seat and they are,  Denis Willy Nkwasibwe, Dr. Alexander Kampikaho and Jackson Asiimwe Rwamwehare.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Janat Mukwaya on Saturday traversed Kibaale district to monitor government-funded women and youth projects as part of her ongoing monitoring exercise in the western region.

Kibaale so far has 109 funded groups which have benefited from over Shs911m.

Mukwaya visited four groups which include; Karuguuza carpentry and joinery youth group, Mugarama united youth tree nursery bed project, Marongo hardware prosperous women group and Kikoona Katweyombeke produce buying and selling project women group in  Mugarama and Kyebando  sub-counties.

The Minister was excited by the group members, especially women who disclosed that they have so far benefited though they incur some challenges.

Members of Kikoona Katweyombeke told the Mukwaya that they have purchased plots of land, built permanent houses and can also contribute to the school fees of their children among others.

Mukwaya says the fruits of the Uganda Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and youth livelihood program, channeled through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development are now very evident, with more groups making big strides in fighting poverty among women and youth in Uganda.

The excited minister, urged woman to avoid being extravagant but use the profits they make from the projects to provide for their families

She also promised order for more funds to support the flourishing groups, but cautioned men against sabotaging government programmes through disorganizing women groups.

Mukwaya is accompanied by Jane Mpaji Sanyu, the director gender and community development and project manager youth livelihood, Happy James Tumwebaze among others.

The monitoring exercise also involved the district leaders such as the Secretary for health and education Kibaale, Hope Kanyenzi; the district youth Chairperson, Jimmy Semakula; the district focal person for youth livelihood, Philip Asiimwe; Gender officer Kibaale, Robinnah Abamwesiga and chairperson women’s council, Mary Asiimwe.

The team will today morning meet some youth leaders and other district leaders at Kibaale district headquarters.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Janat Mukwaya has asked leaders at all levels to form or join groups if they want to benefit from government programs.

Minister Mukwaya is in Kibaale district to monitor government-funded women and youth projects as part of her ongoing monitoring exercise in western region.

She made the call Saturday while meeting members of Mugarama united youth tree nursery bed project in Mugarama sub-county.

The group comprises of 12 members who are both civil servants and political leaders, which has contributed to its success, according to members.

The group chairperson, Tanansi Tumuhaise who doubles as the parish chief says though the group has just started, it is promising.

He says the group received six million, twenty four hundred seven thousands shillings (6,247,000) under youth livelihood.

The Project Manager Youth Livelihood, Happy James Tumwebaze thanked the group for being focused.

Basing on that, Mukwaya asked district leadership to encourage leaders to also embrace forming groups other than waiting for money on the silver plate from government.

The UPDF has intensified the operation launched this week to root out the Kirumiramutima (Kilhumira muthima) militia group in the Rwenzori sub region.

The deadly group loyal to the King of Rwenzururu, Charles Wesley Mumbere, has been targeting armed officers according to the UPDF 2^nd Division spokesperson Maj. Peter Mugisa.

On Friday morning, one of the militia members Kule Matayo Bighanzire was shot dead by UPDF’s Pte Wycliffe Amanya , when he attempted to grab the latter’s gun and stabbed him multiple times.

Following the incident, Maj. Mugisa says, the army deployed heavily to hunt down the Kirumuramutima members in the Rwenzori Mountains.

However, yesterday during the operation at Bukala village in Kabonero sub county Bunyangabu district, two men believed to be members of the militia attempted to disarm a soldier.

Maj. Mugisa says the men fought very hard to grab a soldier’s gun but were over powered and arrested.

The arrested are Baluku Owemyaka and one only identified as Bwambale, both residents of Bukala village.

The army spokesperson says the two were interrogated and they said they were formerly royal guards of Obusinga Bwarwenzururu, which group was disbanded last year.

The two are also believed to have taken part in the murder of 2 police officers; AIP Simon Apiire and PC Ochama Saverio, both attached to Kibiito police station, who were hacked to death in November 2016.

The suspects have now been handed over to Kabarole police station for further management.

Mugisa also noted that 2^nd Division Makenke has sent its affiliated brigades to step up security in Rwenzori region.

Emmy Ngabirano, the Mitooma District Deputy RDC has been promoted and transferred to the newly created Rukiga district as the RDC.

According to the transfer letter from the Office of the President dated 16th August 2017 signed by the Secretary Hajji Kakande Yunus, the transfer takes immediate effect.

Hajji Kakande asked Ngabirano to follow the Public Service Standing Orders (2010) as he takes up his new assignment.

Ngabirano was first appointed to the office of the Deputy RDC in 2014 and posted to Kabale District and later transferred to Mitooma where he has been.

Before becoming Deputy RDC, Emmy Ngabirano represented the Youth in Rukungiri district council from 2002 to 2006 and then represented Nyakagyeme Sub County from 2006 to 2011 where in the two terms he served as Secretary for Social Services.

 Rukiga became operational on 1st July 2017 but has not been having an RDC. Darious Nandinda, the RDC Kabale has been the care taker in the meantime.

Hon Andrew Baryayanga Aja, the Kabale Municipality MP on Saturday excited hundreds of Christians at St. Peters Cathedral in Kabale, when revealed that he had decided to accept Jesus.

Baryayanga made the revelation while addressing Christians gathering at the Cathedral for a four-day commemoration of 50 years of the Diocese of Kigezi.

The MP told the congregation that even though he was raised in a Christian family where his mother, Kate Baryayanga was a devoted Christian who even served as a diocesan secretary; he never took God seriously.

He said however, that his turning point was on 13^th March 2014, when he was involved in a terrible accident as he retired to his house in Kiira, Wakiso district; which nearly took his life.

The Peugeot he was driving, the MP said, was totally written off, but somehow, his life was saved.

He said he spent two weeks and five days in the intensive care unit at Nakasero Hospital and that by the grace of God, he lived.

“God gave me a second chance, which I didn’t deserve. I therefore decided to give my life to him,” he said.

“It is not until trouble comes to your life that you realize that God exists,” added the MP, before calling upon fellow politicians to also accept God.

President Yoweri Museveni has commended freedom fighters for their role in liberating Uganda.

The President made the remarks on Saturday evening at the wedding reception of the children of Maj. John Kazoora and Amanya Mushega held at Mawanda Gardens in Kireka, Wakiso district.

Museveni told guests that the newlywed couple, had, through their matrimony, formed a forum for him, Kazoora and Mushega to get together.

He thus called on the freedom fighters that are in the opposition to return so that, together, they may achieve what was pending because there are still tasks to be performed.

Museveni observed that in life and at different stages, people may disagree but “that should not discourage them.”

He said disagreements should not be the end but serve to communicate and resolve differences.

The groom, Arnold Akandinda Kazoora, is the son of John and Naomi Kabasharira Kazoora of Rutooma Kashaari County in Mbarara district, while the bride, Kobusingye Kukunda Mushega, is the daughter of Amanya and Mrs. Alex Mushega of Bumbaire, Igara County in Bushenyi district.

Mushega and Kazoora participated in the protracted armed people’s struggle in the 1980s.

Speaking at the ceremony, Museveni took some time to applaud the role of freedom fighters in transforming Uganda.

“The people who were being despised played a big role in liberating Uganda. Kampala City has been built all the way from Entebbe through Kampala up to Kireka. It has become one town. These fighters enabled it to develop to this stage. Their children and the youth at large will streamline it,” he remarked.

Museveni thanked the Kazoora family for inviting him to the wedding ceremony and informed guests that Mushega, as a Political Commissar, did a good job during the protracted armed people’s struggle that entailed sensitizing wananchi.

MR. AKANDINDA KAZORA INTRODUCING HIS NEWLY WED WIFE KOBUSINGYE MUSHEGA TO PRESIDENT M7 AT A WEDDING RECEPPTION HELD AT MAWANDA GARDENS IN BUSEGA

He noted that people of Rutooma in Kashaari County where John Kazoora hails from are pioneers in the promotion of education.

Kazoora who was in Kyamusisi in the Luweero Triangle was also lauded for receiving the youth who were joining the struggle.

Museveni donated 10 cows to the new couple in appreciation of their new step in starting a family.

He noted that through the achievements of their children, freedom fighters in the country have resurrected.

Turning to development, Museveni told the guests that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has 4 principles, namely Patriotism, pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation and Democracy.

He assured the wananchi in Uganda that the government is committed to the struggle of eradicating household poverty.

He strongly advised the people of Kashaari as well as other areas of the country to fully embrace the Government policy of poverty eradication through the promotion of the Government projects that are entailed to boost household incomes.

Museveni said this could be done through the commercialization of agriculture, further urging people to grow coffee and rear dairy cows.

He equally called on the Igara community in Bushenyi district to put in more efforts in tea and coffee production, among others, to improve further household income of wananchi.

Museveni also used the occasion to warn the people in Uganda against land fragmentation that is usually set in motion after the death of family heads.

He called on the religious and other civic leaders to sensitize wananchi about modern methods of inheritance adding that people should only share the proceeds accruing from consolidated pieces of land as a means ensuring that land is not fragmented into uneconomic units on account of archaic inheritance practices.

Security Minister, Hon. Henry Tumukunde, highly commended Museveni for leading the freedom fighters during the liberation struggle.

“It is our honour that you led us in the critical time particularly during the liberation struggle,” said the Minister.

The Minister took time off to introduce some of the freedom fighters at the reception that included Amama Mbabazi; Local Government Minister Hon. Tom Butime; Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta; Maj. Gen. Benon Biraaro, Brigadier Francis Takirwa and Col. Ahmed Kashillingi.

Kazoora, who is an old boy of Nyakasura School requested Museveni to assist them revitalize the school.

He saluted him for his presence at the reception and noted that when they were in the bush they were united.

Arnold Kazoora, saluted Museveni for honouring the invitation to their wedding ceremony.

West Ankole Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, on behalf of the Kazoora family, thanked guests for their love, noting that marriage is a journey of 2 people in love, the Bishop urged the new couple to fear and respect God.

President Yoweri Museveni has said that the Church in Uganda is facing erosion of morals and integrity because the old time “Revival fire” is not burning vigorously today as it did in the past.

Museveni on Sunday called for revival and renewal of these flames in churches and society.

He complained that the nation has been infiltrated by the global moral decadence like corruption, nepotism, tribalism.

This was contained in the president’s message read for him by the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda at the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Kigezi that was held at St. Peters Cathedral Rugarama in Kabale municipality.

The president pointed out that the Diocese of Kigezi was the cradle of revival not only in Western Uganda but in the whole country and beyond.

He  noted that the old Revival Movement did not stop only at spreading the word of God but it became an instrument of civilization in the great lakes region.

Preachers, he said, never stopped at preaching the gospel and building churches but they also built schools, hospitals, did charitable works and socio-economic projects which helped to further human development.

 “I am happy to celebrate this important historical occasion with you.  50 years of the existence of Kigezi Diocese is a very important land mark in the history of this area. It does not only symbolize 50 years of faith in this region, but it also marks 50 years of human development and civilization,” Said President Museveni.

“The church is a very important conduit for attitude change towards development. We count on you the church to sensitize and teach our people the value of hard work and self-reliance.”

Museveni said it was unfortunate that a few years after the Diocese of Kigezi was formed, Idi Amin took over power and started persecuting the Church; but thanked the Diocese and the entire Church of Uganda, for standing the test of time and holding onto their faith.

At the jubilee celebrations, the main preacher Archbishop Stanley Ntagali in his sermon said that the country has been killed by greed, corruption and materialism saying that most jobs in the county are advertised for formality when they have already been given out.

President Museveni donated 20 million shillings toward the completion of the Golden jubilee hostel at Rugarama School of nursing.

“King” Caesar Mulenga the Vietnam consular to Uganda donated Shs 52 million to the cause and state minister of finance in charge of planning David Bahati donated 24 million.

Security has been stepped up at High Court this morning as former Tablique leader sheikh Yunus Kamoga and 13 others arrived for their judgement to be delivered by three International Crimes Division court judges.

These  are indicted for Terrorism, murder and attempted murder of fellow Muslim clerics.

The accused arrived at High Court in two groups. The first arrived from Kigo Prison at around 8am in a white Prisons double cabin truck and was escorted by a Police Patrol containing six counter terrorism officers armed with sophisticated weapons.

The second group from Luzira prison, where Sheik Kamoga is detained arrived at around 9am, in a Prisons bus flanked by two Police pickups.

Sniffer dogs, counter terrorism police and other security agents could be seen all morning combing the court premises.

Only few people by publication has been allowed through the gates after being thoroughly checked at the two check points.

Journalists, relatives, prosecutors who include Jane Kajuga, Lilian Omara, Rachel Bikhole and Marion Benbella moved fast to take their seats.

The accused persons were still in court cells while counsels and court assessors were yet to take their seats.

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Opio Aweri has been appointed the new inspector of courts, replacing Justice Augustine  Nshimye who retired in December last year after clocking the mandatory retirement age.

Justice Aweri was appointed by Chief Justice Bart Katureebe in his communication made in letter dated 3rd August 2017.

“Justice Aweri shall be responsible for carrying out inspection of courts in line with the constitution,” the letter read.

By virtue of his office, justice Aweri will receive and investigate complaints against judicial officers.

This position was created by the Chief Justice Katureebe in his efforts to strengthen the Inspectorate of Courts by empowering it to inspect, receive complaints and investigate cases of judicial officers and judiciary officers.

Previously, the inspector of courts was a registrar, the highest ranking officer in the Inspectorate, which position however made it difficult for the officer to inspect and take action against higher ranking judicial officers.

Justice Opiyo Aweri was born in 1953. he holds a Postgraduate Diploma from Law Development Center Makerere University with a Master’s degree in Law from Makerere.

In 1982 he worked as a legal assistant in Soroti and later joined judiciary as a grade one Magistrate before he became a High court judge in 1998

In 2013 he was elevated to Court of Appeal and in 2015 he was appointed as Supreme Court judge.