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The State of the Ugandan Shilling

By
mike
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0

Uganda has seen an unprecedented rise in protests triggered by the cost of living back home, and the dire condition of the shilling.  Traders and others in the business community recently closed shop to protest the high fuel prices and a weak shilling, which yesterday was valued at sh2605 to one dollar, and has dropped as low as sh2700.

Despite recent Central Bank interventions, the shilling has been at some of its lowest levels against the dollar.  There has been a 15.8 percent inflationary spike in Uganda, and regionally, Kenya has seen inflation at 14.5 percent. Tanzania is facing 10 percent inflation, while only Rwanda has kept inflation in single digits at 6 percent.

Regionally, consumers are hurting back home as their savings and salaries shrink in purchasing power.  Bloomberg, a financial news agency, recently named the Ugandan shilling as one of the worst performing currencies in the world, as it has slid a sharp 12 percent since January.

The Kampala City Traders’ Association held a two-day strike and called on the government to fix the exchange rate at sh2000.  The government said this would violate the country’s open market dynamics, and require the government to subsidize traders by about sh500 per dollar, still harming consumers.

Maria Kiwanuka, the minister of finance and economic development, told Parliament that there are only mid to long-term solutions to the structural imbalance.  Much of this, she said, depends on the recovery of global export markets, as well as the rate of recovery by advanced economies to current financial crises.

Despite this, the Bank of Uganda launched a program called Inflation Targeting on July 5th, which will use a Central Bank Rate (CBR) or interest rate, to guide seven-day interbank interest rates.  The rate will be set once a month and publicly announced to clearly announce the government’s stance on monetary policy during the month, according to Dr. Louis Kasekende, the deputy governor of Bank of Uganda.

The CBR will be set at a level which is consistent with moving core inflation towards the Bank of Uganda’s policy target of 5 percent over the medium term, down from its 17-year high of 16 percent in May.   It is similar to the London Interbank Offered Rate(LIBOR), adopted in the mid 1980’s by the world banking system as a much needed benchmark for short term interbank loans, which are fixed every business day in the UK.

The CBR is seen as a welcome sign for an economy facing inflationary pressures, a volatile exchange rate, rising interest rates and increased friction between the private sector and the government.

Peter Muzoora is an accounting student at Baruch College and a contributing writer based in New York. He can be contacted at petermuzoora@gmail.com.

The Future for Dr. Kizza Besigye

By
Uganda Today
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A political spanner was thrown into Uganda’s politics when it was recently reported that Forum for Democratic Change president Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye had announced he would not be President of FDC beyond 2014 or become party flag bearer in the 2016 Presidential elections.

Dr. Besigye who has competed in the last three presidential elections in 2001, 2006 and recently in February 2011 is the founding President of FDC, the leading political party in Uganda.

He might have lost in all past elections to incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement, but there is no doubt even to the most primary political onlooker that Besigye is arguably the best man now who can give Museveni a real run in elections.

Debate had already started across the country on whether Besigye is doing the right thing to “get out” of Uganda’s politics when many people continue to say they need change in the country’s political leadership.  Others however applauded Besigye for committing to let go the party’s leadership and perennial competition for the country’s top post on behalf of the opposition.

Dr. Besigye on KTN on the Protests (May 2011)

 

Is it the end of Besigye as leader of FDC?

Toterebuka Bamwenda, the Deputy spokesperson of the FDC says Dr Besigye told party leaders at their retreat in Mukono recently that he will retire from the party’s leadership in 2014 when his second term as Party President expires. “Besigye told the leaders that he will not cling to power or amend the party constitution like President Museveni did in order to continue to be President,” Toterebuka says.

Some people interpreted this to be an act of throwing in the towel on the part of Dr. Besigye with many media speculating on why the FDC will no longer compete in Presidential elections. Besigye clarified later that he had been quoted out of context. He says he will stand down as Party President in 2014 but he cannot rule out competing again as a Presidential candidate.

The FDC party constitution does not limit the party’s flag bearer in national elections to any office and thus even without any leadership position in FDC, Besigye can still compete to be its flag bearer in the 2016 Presidential elections. But should Besigye really compete in another election?

It is not clear for many people including FDC supporters whether Besigye is an asset or a liability to the party’s ambitions to win political power. Yes he has tried three times and lost on both occasions in contestable election results. He has ably delivered an alternative to President Museveni that was missing before 2001 and achieved everything apart from winning the Presidency. But while some people are urging the FDC leader to continue at the helm of the party till they acquire political power, others are urging him to give way to other leaders within the opposition. Both sides are giving varied reasons but there are some factors that have been building that make it important for both sides to ponder before the 2016 political period matures.

Election fatigue

There are those who say after three consecutive elections and loosing (despite not agreeing with the results), Besigye should retire from competing in presidential elections.

In 2001 when he first competed, Besigye garnered 27% of the vote, 39% in 2006 and 28% in 2011 according to official results released by the Uganda Electoral Commission. Besigye worked himself hard in all three elections, telling the country that he would beat Museveni. Try hard as he did, Museveni outsmarted Besigye on both rounds (never mind the means) and it was very humiliating in 2011 with Museveni getting more votes at the expense of Besigye.

From busy campaign schedules and having to deal with election results you don’t believe are fair, as well as arrests here and there, it is believed that Besigye has been worn out by three consecutive elections. Those of this view say that it is better for Dr. Besigye to retire from active politics than continue despite his political clout and strong points as a leading opposition figure.

Many arrests weighing on Besigye

In fact, the last 13 years or so since Besigye left the then Movement (which turned into NRM) and started opposing his former comrade Museveni have been years of misery for Dr. Besigye. Apart from losing three elections, he has been politically tortured, arrested on several charges and to this day continues to face several court cases.

After the 2001 elections, Besigye was on several occasions stopped from moving within Uganda which resulted in his fleeing into exile in South Africa where he spent almost four years. He returned to a hero’s welcome in 2005 in time to be presidential candidate of then newly formed FDC. But in November 2005 as campaigns were starting, Besigye was arrested and charged with treason, concealment of treason and rape. He might have finally been cleared of all these charges but they have left their toll on him politically and physically.

Police use brutal force to arrest Besigye (April 2011)

In May 2011 soon after the 2011 elections which the opposition contested, Besigye was arrested on more than five occasions as he engaged in the so called “walk to work” protests, including in the infamous two rounds when he was allegedly shot on the arm on one incident, and another where he was sprayed with pepper and manhandled by police, leading to his hospitalization in Kenya, and later the USA.

Besigye himself said doctors advised that he rests more and avoids active engagements like demonstrations. Even without such warnings, the most physically, mentally and spiritually healthy would be concerned about their future given the rate at which Besigye has been arrested, tortured and the many times he has to appear in court to answer one case after another. Some people feel that the retired colonel has done his best and doesn’t need to be worn out anymore.

Conflicts within FDC

But leaving the bad treatment meted on Besigye alone, there have been growing rifts in FDC over its top party leadership headed by Besigye. There are those who genuinely feel Besigye has led the party since its formation and represented the group (from Reform agenda times) in three presidential elections without succeeding and it is time another person is given a chance to lead the biggest opposition party in Uganda.

However, the key issue seems to stem from sectarian concerns among those worried that like the NRM where Museveni who is from the south west dominates the party, FDC is another party dominated by people from the west. In the past competition for the party’s flag bearer, Besigye competed with Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, his former army comrade who is also from south western Uganda.

While Mugisha Muntu is a senior citizen and likable man of good character, many in FDC feel strongly against not only the west keeping hold of the top position in Besigye remaining President, but in another person from the west taking over from Besigye. Some key FDC leaders like Aswa County MP Reagan Okumu have publicly said the next FDC leader should come from central, northern or eastern Uganda.

But there have been increasing voices within FDC calling for Besigye to step aside from the party leadership and being party flag bearer, with some insisting the doctor had done his best and has nothing more to offer.

Why some people just want Besigye

Yet in all this, there is an equally strong group calling for Besigye to keep around as the party’s leader (in any capacity) to help the opposition oust the NRM. Some FDC Party members led by the likes of Patrick Amuriat Oboi say that as far as Ugandan politics stand right now, only Dr. Besigye can lead FDC and the opposition in general to political power. Some of the leaders have recently been writing letters in the media calling Besigye a betrayer if he decides not to compete again in presidential elections.

Besigye is already credited for competing the best anyone could against Museveni and the NRM, leading FDC to become the leading opposition party over taking traditional ones like Democratic party and Uganda People’s Congress; as well as giving FDC strong leadership that has kept them largely united and focused as a political party.

“We are in this struggle to capture power from the current government. Any one giving up before that is like stopping in the middle of the struggle. Dr. Besigye is our strongest asset and we need him to lead us to our destination,” says Kenneth Obbo, FDC Secretary for Youth in Soroti.

Apart from his eloquence and experience in politics and governance, some supporters say that Besigye has shown stamina and attracts the highest level of international trust and partnership from political parties, governments and multinational organizations.

Views from other select FDC supporters on Besigye

“The gentleman has played his role. I must add that he has played his role to the full. 3 times, he has given M7 the scare. Most recently M7 openned all coffers to buy off the vote, what has happenned is a nightmare-ish financial situation that has made news and promises to make this kisanja the most interesting. Besigye should know that the best time to leave is that time when they still love and adore you,” adds Peter Mugisha, a political analyst.

“Just like Mandela, Obote, Jomo Kenyatta, Nyerere, Museveni (before capturing power), Garang, Nkrumah, Castro etc….. you don’t leave a struggle in the middle. As a national leader (President) the constitution will or should limit your stay in power. Besigye is a strugglist,yet. He has proved his political clout, so far, beyond any reasonable doubt and we know why he is not a national President, yet. Selfish interests rather than the will to struggle harder than Besigye will push those who want to repalce him as the flag-bearer. Until / unless interred like biblical Moses or John Garang he should be left to lead the struggle – it is only a struggle for now – not the Presidency of Uganda,” Anthony Okullo Abuka.

“The main and only concern of FDC supporters today is for Besigye to respect the party constituition and hand overpower when his tenure expires in 2014. And on whether he comes back as the party flagbearer in 2016 or not,i think supporters shall cross the bridge when they reach there,” John Beribo.

“The day KB stands for president again, will be my last day with him. we need to appreciate that parties are bigger than individulas, and KB leaving FDC wwould ultimately be good for the party and Uganda at large,” Jane Antwiine.

“Uganda has 33 million people!! We can certainly do better than Besigye! This has turned into a two men political game. Dr. you have fought a good fight, it is now time to pass the torch to a new and younger generation!!! We need new faces, new ideas, new direction,” Faith Naki.

“The most disappointing statement we always make is surrendering our collective duty to just a few of us. Besigyes dream has never been to be president of Uganda coz that is too selfish anyway his objective has always been clearly to free Uganda of dictatorship, despotism and corruption. So we can’t afford to personalise such a noble cause, Any one with a clear objective provided is a team player will deliver us to the promised land. Remember we don’t need strong men but rather strong institutions and minds,” Paul Kiguli.

“If Besigye goes at the close of his term it is quite necessary and prodent for him to set a good example that he has been fighting for not to cling on power. FDC has many many good and capable leaders admired by many Ugandans let them have their chance and take the front. His retirement will make a very good campaign for any FDC candidates in 2016!” Vincent Nsumba.

Who will succeed Besigye

Even with the good credentials and best of intentions, there is no doubt Dr. Besigye has one day to leave the leadership of FDC and allow for other capable hand to steer the party forward. The key question is who will succeed Besigye ably and be able to steer the party beyond its unopposed position of Uganda’s leading opposition political party to a government in power- which is the ultimate objective of any political party.

Despite Besigye’s near God kind of stature in FDC, the party boasts of many capable and experienced politicians who could or are interested to lead FDC. The likes of Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri west MP and current leader of opposition in Parliament), Sallamu Musumba (FDC Vice President for Eastern, Reagan Okum, Mugisha Muntu (Secretary for Mobilisation), Alice Alaso (FDC Secretart general and Woman MP for Serere ), Sam Njuba (current FDC Chairman), Prof. Ogenga Latigo (immediate former leader of opposition) have all been mentioned in different occasions as possible successors to Dr. Besigye.

Bugweri MP Abdu Katuntu, Aruu County MP Odonga Otto, Kitgum Woman MP Beatrice Anywar, Amanya Mushega Winnie Byanyima (Besigye’s wife) and even new comers like Cecilia Ogwal (Dokolo Woman MP who crossed over from UPC) are all said to be interested in leading FDC. This is an impressive lineup surely but the thing about politics is that the right person is needed at the right time and for many, it is not clear whether this is the right time for any of these to challenge Museveni or the NRM.

The Museveni factor

Also, so long as President Museveni remains the leader of NRM and continues to compete in national elections, the opposition will always need a strong candidate who can give him competition on all his credentials. So far, no one in the opposition has or can be said to compete against Museveni than Besigye has and can. And if the aim of the opposition remains mainly regime change and particularly get Museveni out of power, there will always be those clamoring for Besigye to keep on.

“Dr. Besigye is still relevant in the politics of Uganda and has a key role to play in FDC as party President, leader in other capacities or as a party member. His contribution to Uganda so far is beyond measure. In case of any transition, FDC members need to be cautious, focused and spot on,” says Stephen Kaliija, an FDC supporter.

But many other FDC members are commending and encouraging the FDC leader to step down both as party president and flag bearer to allow room for FDC to have more fresh leaders who might have a better chance to steer the party from government in waiting to government in power. There are also serious worries that as Besigye stays longer at the helm of opposition politics, he is becoming easier for his opponents to taint, with some citing his dismal performance in the 2011 presidential elections.

“It is good for Dr. Besigye to retire early when he is still relevant. Staying on for long will make him no different from Museveni whom he criticizes for staying in power at all odds. By staying on beyond now, Besigye will lose the moral authority to criticize Museveni for staying too much in power and for personalizing NRM,” argues Desire Kuetsa, an FDC supporter from Masaka.

Born on July 11th: A Reflection from a Ugandan in the Diaspora

By
mike
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0

During the one-year anniversary of terrorist bombings in Kampala, one of the worst tragedies in Ugandan history and the world, yearly birthday parties and celebrations take a backseat to memorial services and candle light vigils—and rightly so.

I woke up this morning in a contemplative mood, undeniably ambivalent about how to feel as I watched the images on my computer screen and read the heart-breaking stories of the victims’ families and friends. I was born 29 years ago on July 11th and the date was always welcomed with joy and happiness. I never thought that one day it would signify so much sorrow for so many.

I kept thinking that no amount of balloons, candles, birthday cake, or gifts can make me forget the horror I felt when I watched the television screen a year ago today to see the words “bombings” and “Uganda” flashed across the screen in bright red. I remember frantically calling my mother to tell her to turn on the T.V.
Ugandan writer Arao Ameny reflects on the tragedies back home one year ago.

I remember calling family members to check to see if they were safe or to see if friends were affected. I was uneasy, knowing that the country where I was born, and love dearly, was all of a sudden, a target of terrorism.

Angrily, I read that Al Shabab, a radical Islamic Somali-based terrorist group, affiliated to the Al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the 7/11 bombings, stating that it was revenge for Uganda’s involvement in Somalia.

I couldn’t understand how something like this could happen and that is when I realized that the day of my birth, which I equated with happiness and joy, would be forever changed…

Out of respect for those who perished, for the lives lost too early, for the youth who did not have a chance to realize their dreams, I decided to celebrate a day earlier. In respect of my fellow countrymen, for Ugandans and others, who lost their lives on that day, I choose to honor this day as a day for prayer and meditation for families that continue to endure the painful aftermath of such a traumatic event.

I choose to honor the memory of the ones lost by reflecting on what we can do as Ugandans—those of us in the Diaspora—to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated again.

From my experience, as Ugandans—even those of us with U.S. Citizenship—we shy away from civic engagement, equating it with politics. Being an active participant in civil society doesn’t necessarily mean entering politics, joining political organization or being a politician. We can write letters to the politicians who represent us asking them to speak out against terrorism in Africa. We can hold forums, meetings and dialogues informing our neighbors and friends here in America about what is happening in East Africa. We can use these platforms to make them aware, to make them care, since terrorism is not just a Ugandan problem but more so a global problem.

We can educate ourselves about American foreign policy efforts on the African continent and even write letters to our public officials to request that they take a greater interest and role in anti-terrorism efforts in East Africa and Africa in general.

We can educate ourselves; join non-profits, non-governmental organizations advocating peace and anti-terrorism programs. We can mobilize and even ask our embassies here in America to formally update us on what the Ugandan government, in partnership with other countries, is doing to lessen terrorism in our country.

We cannot be silent. We cannot wait.

We can forge relationships and alliances with our Somali brothers and sisters in the Diaspora to start and maintain dialogue. We can form partnerships and relationships with them to begin conversations, not about ideological differences, but about peace and anti-terrorism, to move the East African region forward, and in turn, moving Africa forward.

Today, I choose to remember my fellow fallen countrymen, though we were miles apart watching the same World Cup final, one bond inextricably bound us together—love for our country, Uganda.

Today, I use this day to pray for peace and security.

On July 11th, people died but their legacy and memories bore many more patriots. Their lives were lost but many more Ugandan patriots were born on this day.

So, on this birthday and many birthdays after, I chose to honor the lives of those lost because in my heart, I cannot, with a clear conscience, celebrate my own birth, without taking a moment to acknowledge the death of so many more.

Out of reverence and respect for the ones lost, I choose to use July 11th to reflect on the ways I can contribute and give back to a country and a people that have given me so much—a sense of identity, a sense of community and the value of collective responsibility—giving back to those who have given to you.

In order for us to honor the memories for those lost, we have to work hard to ensure that our government, our leaders and the politicians who represent us, are working hard to make Uganda secure and safe. We have to hold the partnerships of Uganda and the States, the African Union and all others, accountable to ensure that our common enemy—terrorism—is defeated.

When the 9/11 attacks happened on American soil, I was horrified at what had happened to a country that had become my adopted home. When 7/ll attacks occurred, I felt the same uneasiness and it was hard to accept that terrorist attacks had also occurred in Uganda as well. I couldn’t imagine attacks in two countries that have inevitably and inexplicably shaped and even changed my worldview. I had always felt like I’m living in two worlds, with one foot in Uganda and other in America. On that day, my two worlds collided.

I am a Ugandan-American woman who chose to celebrate my 29th birthday on July 10th instead of July 11th because I did not think it was appropriate to celebrate on a day of mourning and sorrow of a nation I love dearly. Even though I have lived abroad and have done so for most of my life now, I still have a strong connection to events that occur in Uganda, a place that my parents taught me to know as “home.”

Even though I disagree with Museveni on many things, today I wholeheartedly agreed with him on this.  As president Museveni addressed Uganda on Sunday, he said, “As we remember our citizens who lost their lives at the hands of terrorist bombs planted in Kampala, on 11th July, 2011, I send my deepest condolences to their families. I want their families to know that we will never forget this tragic day. We will always mourn for the youth and vigor destroyed by senseless terrorists.”

I was also humbled by the American response to this sad day for Ugandans around the world.

Jerry P. Lanier, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, said “The American people send their condolences to the people of Uganda and all nations affected by the terrorist attacks in Kampala a year ago. We send our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. On this day, we are reminded of the strong bonds that unite us as we work together to protect our people from perpetrators of terror and those who seek to harm us.”

Uganda and America must work together to fight our common enemy, terrorism, because it affects our common future, the youth.

Patriotism at Stake in the Pearl of Africa Rally

By
Uganda Today
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For long, the Ugandan Head of State Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been agitating for patriotism among Ugandans. He even reached the extent of suggesting that patriotism be put on the education syllabus. His call seems to have  come to pass as manifested in the KCB Pearl Of Africa Rally  that gets underway this weekend 15th -17th  July, 2011.

For quite some time, the top local rally drivers have been divided into factions characteristic of a co-wife kind of relationship. The situation reached its apex early this year when former national champion Ronald Ssebuguzi publicly declared that he couldn’t drive in the rally where Ponsiano Rwakataka was competing. In the last National Rally Calendar Championship organized in Masaka, Ssebuguzi who had registered for the event withdrew on the eleventh hour upon realizing that Rwakataka was to take part.

It is interesting that the two have found a motivation to bury their hatchet for the national interest ahead of the KCB pearl of Africa Rally. “This is a national call, whereby it calls for unity.  We are attacked by foreign invaders whom we can’t accept to dominate us at own backyard. We are therefore ready to die for our country,” says the ever vocal Ponsiano Rwakataka.

The country’s female leading driver Susan ‘super lady’ Muwonge almost echoed her local adversaries   when She warned that she hadn’t registered to participate but with a mission to accomplish.

“For some time, the foreign drivers have dominated us at home but it’s the precise time to pay them back,” promised the National Rally Calendar (NRC) leading driver.

The 1999 African Champion Charles Muhangi who has shied away most of the NRC championship this year, is among the entrants to hold Uganda’s  flag and is breathing fire ahead of the big event.

“I’m more than ready to take on any one including Jimmy Whyte? Last year I performed poorly due to circumstances beyond my control but this time I’m ready to fight on for my country and fans,”  Muhangi said.

Muhangi, in last year’s event finished 9th a poor performance he attributed to his car. The Subaru N12   Which he had just bought at 210 million shillings failed to start on day one at a special super stage in Lubiri. He only joined the race on day two after rescue from a foreign European mechanical team fixed his car.

It is not only the usual motor rallying suspects turning up for this weekend’s national duty at the Pearl of Africa Rally.

Uganda Peoples Defense Force driver Ismail Lule who has been out of the sport for three years has resurfaced from the hide to take part. The other notable drivers to shoulder Uganda’s flag include National Champion Nasser Mutebi in his Subaru N8, Ronald Ssebuguzi who has just replaced his car Engine and John Barlow Luumu.  Mansur Sanya, Edison Mungyereza in N10, Ismail Ortega, Godfrey Lubega and Godfrey Nsamba are also on the list. Veteran driver Wycliffe Bukenya has also secured a new Mitsubishi  Evo 9 at 150 million shillings in time to take part in the July rally.

The Ugandans,  are to tussle it out with a group of ‘invaders’ commanded by African reigning champion Jimmy Whyte from Zimbabwe, Burundi’s Allan Bethise,  Christak Fitidis of Rwanda  and the Madagascan pair of Fredrick Rokotomanga and Ronarievo Jean. Former Ugandan speed merchant Jas Mangat who defected to Kenya is also back on his former hunting ground, to take part.

Ponsiano Rwakataka will open the route ahead of the likes of Jimmy Whyte, Ronarievo and Rotomanga. Nevertheless, he isn’t bothered of the likely pressure. “I’m an experienced driver. I can’t be on pressure because Whte is behind me. In fact it’s a blessing to me,” says Rwakataka.

Jimmy white, will take off next after Rwakataka with Ranarievo, Jas Mangat, Rakotamanga, Ssebuguzi and Dethise following in that order. “Super lady” Suzan Muwonge, will be flagged off in eighth position in front of Fitidis and Mungyereza.

Mean while, Mungereza has been boasted with a  four million shillings sponsorship package from Mechatools and Equipments Limited ahead of the rally.

The event which is the fifth round of the Continental Championship tip off on Friday 15th 2011 with a cock tail for the 32 driver crews shortly after a car scrutinizing exercise.  Thereafter, drivers will be flagged off at KCB Oasis Mall Bank branch before heading to Lubiri for the first competitive Section. The People of Mukono and the newly created district of Buikwe will be blessed with a free meal of dust when the cars traverse their respective areas on day three as the battle for the king of motor rallying gets under way

Can Uganda Avert the Looming Famine Threat?

By
Uganda Today
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Fighting Famine

Approximately 80 percent of Uganda’s 31 million inhabitants are involved in agricultural activities for both cash and food production. Uganda is abundantly blessed with fertile soils, ample rainfall and a number of vital natural resources which have helped its economy to remain relatively stable.

Despite this, a majority of Ugandans still cannot afford to have the required food rations of at least two meals a day a situation that causes fear and worry among local leaders as to whether Uganda has the capacity to avert the looming famine threat that has come on board in the recent times.

Last month, media reports indicated that once more, the people of eastern Uganda are crying of famine due to recurrent rain failure leading to prolonged drought that left most crops stunted with no hope of ever registering any harvests at the end of the season.
The outcry is loudest in the districts of Bulambuli, Mbale, Sironko, Iganga, Namutumba, Bugiri, Busia, Tororo and parts of Teso sub-region where Members of Parliament (MPs) there allege seven people have died of famine since May 2011.

Following these media reports, state minister for relief and disaster preparedness Mr. Musa Ecweru rushed in with a donation of food items with at least each of the 400 most affected households in Bulambuli district receiving 10kg to ensure there is continuity for the next few days.

While delivering these food rations, Mr. Ecweru said, “this is the little we can afford as of now, accept it so it pushes you for a while as government plans to provide a solution to emergent calamities of this nature.”

But the real question is can government enforce an appropriate measure to ensure food security and avoid leapfrogging into a famine threat that is looming at the moment as trucks with Kenyan number plates ferry bags of maize across the border barely a month of media reports that people are dying of famine in some parts of the country?

In Nabikhaso village in Bungokho sub-county in Mbale district its harvest season, trucks with Kenyan number plates have camped here and are daily being loaded with bags of maize to the embracement of a few local leaders who think, government would have taken up the initiative to buy this maize for storage as a means of averting the looming famine in case its outbreak impacted heavily on the communities involved in the sale of maize to Kenyan traders.

Mr. Robert Mabonga the area LCI chairperson said that at least five trucks carrying 700 tons of maize each are loaded meaning 3,500 tons of maize cross to Kenya daily and that for the past three weeks the Kenyan traders have camped in the village, they have been able to export 73,500 tons.

“Its harvest time and a kilogram of maize is being sold at Shs. 900 barely a month when a kilogramme went for Shs. 1,500 and Mize flour cost Shs. 2,500 before harvest time. Posho is now costing Shs. 1,800 and we have forgotten the suffering we went through before harvest and we are just selling off the produce like there is no tomorrow,” Mr. Mabonga said.
While addressing Mbale main Market venders at police children primary school recently, state minister for trade Mr. David Wakikona revealed that the government is in advanced stages of constructing silos to ensure food security in times of scarcity.

Mr. Wakikona explained that although the eastern region serves as a food basket to parts of Kenya, South Sudan and DR. Congo, there was need for government to set up measures to avoid excessive sale of food items across borders despite a free market economy Uganda operates.
“We have started building Silos for food security in the country and we are already setting up one in Ambachi in Gulu and another in Kabale municipality after which we intend to build one in Bugisu sub region,” Mr. Wakikona said.

Mr. Wakikona’s revelation is a positive move towards food security in the country but not in a liberalized economy of Uganda’s context where business transactions are determined by forces of demand and supply.

According to Mr. Charles Namansa, manager FINCA bank Mbale branch, the majority of Uganda’s population lives below the poverty line feeding on less than a dollar daily. This means they can only be bailed out from their poverty conditions through the sale of the produce at harvest time.

He says it is difficult to stop these farmers from selling their produce especially that Uganda is operating a free market economy but that putting across a regulation that prohibits them from selling food items to foreign traders without government approval could help control the extent at which the food.

“But despite a free market economy, government should design measures that will ensure food security in order to avert the looming famine threat. If the minister says plans are under way to build silos, then the budget estimates should include a close that caters for money meant to buy food stocks for storage. A strong regulatory system on indiscriminate of food sale can help Uganda avert the looming famine threat,” Mr. Namansa said.

Famine is currently a major concern especially that the inflation rates have more than doubled and the cost of living has gone high. There is fear that if famine broke out country wide, the government will not be in position to protect the population given its failure to handle the rising cost of living that has seen commodity prices hiked.

Pan-African Music Steals Show In Central Park

By
mike
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Ugandans Abroad (NEW YORK)— A diverse African immigrant crowd gathered in Central Park for energetic performances by Hugh Masekela, Freshlyground, and Sami last Sunday.

Somi, a talented Ugandan and Rwandan-American artist with band members in Central Park.

Somi, a Ugandan and Rwandan-American singer and songwriter, opened for the southern African performers.  Somi’s music has been described as New African Soul, she is also a jazz artist.

The lovely queen of African Jazz performed songs from her latest album “If The Rain Comes First,” which is one of the top records on Billboard’s world charts.

Ugandans from all over the New York metropolitan area came to see her, including Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who recently served as Uganda’s permanent representative to the United Nations.  A group of Ugandans from Dallas, Texas, also attended.

The international crowd of diverse African immigrants and Americans enjoyed great performances in Central Park. Emma Pinkerton.

After Somi, Freshlyground took to the stage.  The band is truly pan-African, with its seven members hailing from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.

The group recorded the 2010 World Cup Song “Waka Waka Africa” with Shakira, and is known for its indigenous, afropop, and jazz tunes.

The international crowd was electrified by Hugh Masekela, a Grammy-winning artist who also co-produced the Broadway musical Sarafina, and is known for songs like “Grazing In the Grass.”

The free pan-African concert was held at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield, and organized by Summer Stage, the largest performing arts festival in New York City.  Summer Stage performances will continue until September 2nd.

Who is Olara Otunnu?

By
mike
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0

Mr Otunnu was born in Mucwini (Chua) in northern Uganda in September 1950, Olara Otunnu received his early education at Gulu High School and King’s College Budo. He then attended Makerere University in Kampala (where he was president of the students’ union…), Oxford University (where he was Overseas Scholar) and Harvard Law School (where he was a Fullbright Scholar).

A lawyer by profession, he practised law as an Associate with the law firm of Chadbourne and Parke in New York, prior to becoming Assistant Professor of Law at Albany Law School. In the 1970s, as a student leader and later as Secretary-General of Uganda Freedom Union, Mr Otunnu played a leading role in the resistance against the regime of Idi Amin.

At the Moshi Unity Conference on Uganda (1979), Mr Otunnu was elected to serve as a member of the Uganda National Consultative Council, the interim administration in the post-Amin period (1979-1980). Harvard Law School graduate Olara A. Otunnu LL.M. ’78 is the newest recipient of the prestigious Harvard Law School Association Award.

The award will be presented by Dean Elena Kagan ’86 and Harvard Law School Association President Jay H. Hebert ’86 on June 15 at the Worldwide Alumni Congress, held this year in Washington DC. “Olara Otunnu is one of our most inspiring alumni,” said Kagan. “His career in public service, his extensive leadership in the fields of international security and human rights, and his groundbreaking work at the UN set an example for all of us. He is a tireless advocate for children around the world, and I am honored to be able to present him with the HLSA Award.”

The former United Nations under-secretary general and special representative for children and armed conflict, Otunnu founded and currently heads the LBL Foundation for Children.

The New York-based non-profit is committed to promoting education and healing for children around the world, especially those whose lives have been dislocated by war. By drawing international attention to neglected conflict situations and pressing for full compliance with international protection laws, the LBL Foundation supports communities to recover and rebuild themselves. During his time at the UN, Otunnu spearheaded the campaign to develop and mobilize international action on behalf of children exposed to war. He was the architect of the groundbreaking compliance mechanism designed to protect war-affected children, which was unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council in Resolution 1612 (2005).

Otunnu is also the recipient of the 2005 Sydney Peace Prize, the 2002 German Africa Prize, and the Global Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights. In 2006, the International Jury for the World’s Children’s Prize, on behalf of 12 million children in Global Friend schools, elected him the first World’s Children’s Ombudsman. He has also served as president of the International Peace Academy; president of the UN Security Council; chairman of the UN Commission on Human Rights; and Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative to the UN.

Otunnu serves on the boards of the Aspen Institute; the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Carnegie Corporation of New York; and the Hilton Humanitarian Prize. The HLSA designates up to three award recipients each year. The award honors HLS alumni, faculty members and friends who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the legal profession, to society, or to HLS. Recipients are nominated by the HLS community and chosen by the HLSA Awards Committee. The first HLSA Award was presented to Erwin Nathaniel Griswold ’28 S.J.D. ’29 in 1992.

Since then, recipients have included Mary Robinson LL.M. ’68, the former president of Ireland; former Attorney General Janet Reno ’63; and Senator Barack Obama ’91. OLARA A. OTUNNU BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE For over three decades, Mr. Otunnu has held several diverse leadership positions, for which he has received wide acclaim for demonstrating outstanding political and diplomatic leadership, vision, innovation, and courage. The breadth and depth of that experience is exceptional.

This profile provides a sketch of that itinerary. I. Leadership Positions The leadership positions Mr. Otunnu has held include:
• United Nations Under-Secretary General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, 1998 – 2005.
• President, International Peace Academy (now IPI), 1990 – 1998.
• President of the United Nations Security Council, 1981. • Uganda’s Representative to the UN Security Council, 1981 – 1982.
• Chairman of the UN Commission on Human Rights, 1983 – 1984.
• Minister of Foreign Affairs (Uganda), 1985 – 1986.
• Uganda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative and to the UN, 1980-1985.
• Vice-President of the UN General Assembly, 1982 – 1983.
• Chairman of the UN General Assembly Credentials Committee, 1983-1984.
• Chairman of the Contact Group on Global Negotiations, 1982-1983.
• Chairman, Group of 77 for Law of the Sea Negotiations, 1980 – 1981.
• Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Ministerial Meeting of Non-Aligned Movement, 1983.
• Secretary General, Uganda Freedom Union, 1976 – 1980. • Delegate, Moshi Unity Conference on Uganda, 1978.
• Member, Uganda National Consultative Council (Uganda’s interim government, following the removal of the Idi Amin regime), 1979 – 1980.
• President, Makerere University Students Guild (students’ union), 1972 – 1973.
• Member, Makerere University Council (university governing body), 1972-1973. He currently holds the following positions:
• President, LBL Foundation for Children.
• World’s Children’s Ombudsman (selected by a worldwide network of over 12 million children). II. Major Prizes and Awards Mr. Otunnu has been widely acclaimed for his many outstanding and diverse contributions and achievements. He is the recipient of several major international prizes and awards, including:
• Harvard Law School Alumni Association Award, 2007.
• Global Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights (India), 2006. • Sydney Peace Prize, 2005.
• German Africa Prize, 2002. • Distinguished Service Award, awarded by the United Nations Association of USA.
• Overseas Scholar, Oxford University.
• Fulbright Scholar, Harvard University.
• The United States of America has recognized Mr. Otunnu as a person of “extraordinary ability and talent”, for which he has been granted the special O1 immigrant status, which is reserved for “few individuals who have risen to the very top of their field of endeavor”.

III. Membership of Major Boards Mr. Otunnu has been very active in many civic activities and organisations, serving on the Boards of several major international institutions. Currently he serves on the following Boards:
• Aspen Institute.
• International Peace Institute (formerly IPA)
• Member, Club of Rome.
• Jury for the Hilton Humanitarian Prize.
• Jury for the John P. McNulty Prize.
• Patron for the World’s Children’s Prize.
• Aspen France. Previously, he has served on the Boards of:
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• International Selection Commission of the Philadelphia Liberty Medal.
• Carnegie Corporation of New York.
• International Crisis Group.
• Council of African Advisers of the World Bank.
• Hampshire College.
• International Patrons of the Refugee Studies Programme at Oxford University.
• Advisory Committee of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
• Aspen Italia.
• Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
• Henry Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva • Regional Security Steering Committee of International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), London

IV. Membership of Major International Commissions Mr. Otunnu has been a member of several important independent international commissions, most of which have focused particularly on issues of Peace and Security, Human Rights, Conflict Management, Reform of the UN, and North/South Relations.

These commissions include:
• Carnegie Commission on Preventing Deadly Conflict, 1994 – 1997.
• Commission on Global Governance, 1992-1995.
• Group on Rethinking International Governance, 1986 – 1990.
• International Panel on Management and Decision-Making in the United Nations (1986-1987).
• United Nations Group of Experts on New Concepts of International Security, 1984 – 1985.
• Commonwealth Group of Experts Study Group on the Security of Small States, 1984-1985.
• International Task Force on Security Council Peace Enforcement.

Lawyers Tell Legislators to Restore Term Limits

By
mike
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The Uganda Parliament

Members of Parliament were yesterday advised to ensure the return of presidential term limits and the removal of “unnecessary” interest group representatives from the House if they want to respect constitutionalism and good governance.

The advice was given to the legislators yesterday by senior lawyers and academicians, Prof. Frederick Ssempebwa, the former chairman Constitutional Review Commission, and Prof. John Jean Barya during the first induction seminar for members of the 9th Parliament. “Our state is neopatrimonial, with more patronage and clientalism rather than institutions,” he said. “The country has laws but what takes place is contrary. It is managed on a personal basis and the donors may be interested in such a state because it is easy to manipulate,” said Prof. Barya while responding to Prof Frederick Ssempebwa’s paper. “If Parliament does not have an oversight function to the executive, then it should not exist,” he said.

The Makerere University law don told the MPs that in order for the country to move away from personal rule of President Museveni, the legislators should restore term limits removed in a controversial 2005 amendment during which MPs were handed Shs5 million by the government, create a genuine debate on federalism and demand for regional governments.

“There is no society that lacks talent (vision). There will always be problems if you do not want talent to show up,” he said. The MPs, 223 of whom are fresh legislators, are taking part in a four-day induction workshop to get acquainted with how Parliament should operate and how to behave as MPs.
Lecturing on constitutionalism and good governance, Prof Ssempeebwa said the last Parliament was devoid of this key ingredient and advised the new Parliament to avoid being influenced by the Executive.

“There is nothing wrong with influence provided it is based on principles; pushing through one of several options for achieving a goal that advances the good of society. But on the negative side is the failure to interrogate the need for the ministerial faculty of over 70,” he said.
He also proposed some constitutional amendments among which is the repealing of Articles 69(2) and 70, which describe “the Movement” as an alternative political system and declare Uganda a democratic multi-party state; and to also protect life by repealing Article 22(1) — a provision which gives the state the right to kill.

The learned friends also advised MPs to oppose government’s overspending through creation of new ministerial slots. Although some ruling NRM law makers tried to defend the existence of the army in the House for historical purposes, Prof. Barya maintained his call for the removal of the army and youth representatives. “The army and the youth should be excluded from the House because being a youth is not a permanent condition and the five youth MPs do not have any organisational capabilities to represent all the youth. The army is already part of the Executive and that’s why some of them do not turn up for plenary and only show up if they are instructed to come and vote,” said Dr Barya.
He added: “Workers MPs come to Parliament as NRM MPs so whose interests are they representing, workers, or NRM?”

Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, who warned the MPs that leaders who do not deliver to the electorate will be evicted from the House at the next election also indicated that House Rules will be “very rigidly applied in the 9th Parliament.”

The Head of Delegation of European Union to Uganda, Dr Roberto Ridolfi, who told MPs that democracy in the world is far from perfect advised that a country’s best hope lies in the separation of powers.

Gen. Saleh feels Museveni should hand over power in 2016

By
mike
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0

General Caleb Akandwanaho brother to President Museveni, has said he personally feels the later should prepare to hand over power in 2016. He however insists the big decision on the matter must be taken by the ruling  NRM party and not the President or his family.

He indicated that he would be ready to take up the mantle but only if “necessary”. He, however, did not explain the circumstances that would warrant necessity.

Appearing on the Kfm Hot Seat show on Thursday evening, Gen Saleh, who was speaking out for the first time to a national audience in more than seven months, a period that has seen wide speculation about an alleged fallout between him and the President, said he was not interested in the job of President of Uganda
The general, who was announced dead on a social media platform, talked about a wide range of issues affecting the country, including his conspicuous silence and absence from public life, the walk-to-work demonstrations, corruption and the recent purchase of Sukoi fighter jets.

Saleh attacked the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, whom he insisted had a hidden motive beyond concerns on the cost of living.

But when he was challenged on his defence of security agencies in crushing the demonstrators, Saleh warned that the situation could have been worse had he been in command.

Asked if he believes that it would be convenient in 2016 for President Museveni to step aside and allow someone else to assume the leadership of the country, Saleh said: “Personally, I would think so, but really it is up to the party (NRM).”

Saleh is the younger brother of Mr Museveni and played a big role in the 1986 bush war which brought President Museveni and the NRM into power.

During the show hosted by Charles Mwanguhya, Saleh explained that it might not be in the interest of the President to stay in power for a long time but that he could be acting under the influence of party interests.

“It’s not up to him, it’s up to the party,” Gen. Saleh said, adding, “As a family member—I think—we are permanently overridden by national and party interest, both myself and others in the family. I don’t think we would wish to be where we are. But sometimes we have to subordinate our personal interests to those of the country.”

Saleh, however, ruled out the possibility of him calling the President to advise him to step aside.
“No no. no. He is still my boss. He is a commander in-chief and I am a junior. I follow his orders really. I don’t have the privilege of challenging him. He is ideologically more competent than me, so he knows what he is doing.”

The former NRA bush war hero, revealed that he is not interested in replacing his brother as the President of Uganda unless if he is pushed by unavoidable circumstances.

“I operate better under command,” he said. “I have no ambition unless it is necessary. I am really not interested in that job.”

Asked whether Uganda should have spent $740 million to buy fighter jets, Saleh, a former army commander and military advisor to the President, refused to discuss the matter, claiming that it was the role of the Minister of Defence to defend the controversial purchase.

“I know you want our heads to clash but please reserve that question for the Minister of Defence, Dr (Cryspus) Kiyongo,” he said.

The Governor Central Bank, Mr Tumusiime Mutebile, said this week that Mr Museveni’s erratic policies and the government’s fiscal indiscipline have led to higher inflation and declining foreign reserves.

Mr Mutebile told Financial Times, a UK-based newspaper, that he had disagreed with Mr Museveni over the decision to spend $740 million on jet fighters, which has pushed reserves down from six to four months of import cover.
The ministry of Defence, under President Museveni’s directive, withdrew a reported $400 million (Shs960 billion) from the Central Bank to pay for the fighter jets without parliamentary approval.

But Saleh told KFM, a sister station of the this media House, that as a security consultant, Uganda needs more aircrafts – three times the level of what has been purchased but that he is not sure whether this should have been the right time to carry out the contentious purchase.

Gen. Saleh also said he was disappointed with his friend and bush war colleague Dr Besigye who, he said, instead of proposing alternative solutions to the current fuel and food crisis, has resorted to inspiring insurrections against a legitimate government.

Dr Besigye spearheaded the recent protest whose callous handling by security operatives drew attention of the international community about Uganda’s flimsy political situation and attracted foreign condemnation of the President.

He defended the heavy force used by the Ugandan military and police in quelling the protests and warned that it would have been worse had he been in command because he cannot withstand the level of provocation from the opposition.

Although Saleh admitted that the issues being raised by the opposition are valid and should be handled, he said he was disappointed with Dr Besigye’s approach.
“He tried to play a film on TV but that will not help him. His arrest in Wandegeya (by Arinitwe Bwana) was a pity. It was a pity for Dr Besigye to reach that extent of being manhandled like that. They should have used better means,” he said.

“He is a very eloquent person, much eloquent than me and that’s why he was National Political Commissar before I dreamed of becoming one. I don’t know why he has resorted to these means that ridicule him and Uganda.

This time I have to entirely blame him because he has capacity to save the situation. I will call him if you give me his number. ….The last time I called him was in August last year but he didn’t pick my call. I will call him again if you give me his number because it seems I lost it.”he added.

Media Denied Access to Besigye Trial

By
mike
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0

FDC party president Dr Kizza Besigye yesterday promised to fight attempts to try him behind closed-doors after security agents stopped journalists and the public from entering Nabweru Court purportedly on the instructions of the magistrate.

Chief Magistrate Justine Atukwasa presided over the brief proceedings as scores of armed security personnel in police uniforms and plain clothes milled around the premises.
She adjourned the hearings to July 8, ostensibly to allow Dr Besigye’s lawyer Earnest Kalibbala study prosecution documents and prepare for cross-examination and defence.

Ms Atukwasa is the same magistrate who controversially presided over other protest-related cases preferred against Dr Besigye in three separate jurisdictions, setting stiff bail conditions when she released him from detention in Nakasongola.

Dr Besigye yesterday said the adjournment was a direct consequence of the prosecution’s failure to provide to his lawyers copies of assorted documents and witness statements they intend to rely on during trial.

“We shall not allow trial in closed-door court when journalists and members of the public are blocked from knowing the proceedings. We shall challenge this illegality in court because the law is very clear,” said Dr Besigye shortly after court.

Charged jointly with supporters Francis Mwijukye, Aaron Kaija and Feziren Nuwagaba; Dr Besigye is facing allegations of holding illegal assembly and inciting violence – arising out of his participation in the walk-to-work protests against the rising cost of living. The group denies the charges.

There was a scuffle as Dr Besigye’s co-accused unsuccessfully tried to force open the court gate, prompting Kawempe Police Station commander Moses Ochieng to intervene on two occasions as his men clashed with the co-accused and journalists whose pleas to be let in had been ignored by Ms Atukwase.

Security deployed heavily from Wandegeya along the entire route to Nabweru Court with armed police in riot gear backed by water cannon trucks stationed at various places. Roadblocks were thrown up at Mulago Roundabout, Northern By-pass junction, at Bwaise, Kazo junction, and others on the way to Nabweru.
Police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba yesterday said they deployed for crowd control.

Judiciary spokesperson Elias Kisawuzi refused to be drawn into the matter. “I am not aware of any order to block the media and public from accessing court,” he said, adding that although he had no knowledge of the incident, “proceedings are supposed to be public unless there is an order”.

Business was paralysed in Nabweru and surrounding areas when security personnel prevented Dr Besigye, his supporters and journalists from walking from the court premises and getting onto the Nabweru-Nansana Road.

Another confrontation ensued before Dr Besigye accompanied by his supporters took refuge at the nearby Yowana Maria Mzee Catholic Church. They sat in the church compound from 10.30am until 3.30pm under the surveillance of the police who kept dispersing curious bystanders. He later got into his car and drove away.

“The court had requested the police to take control of crowds which at times create noise. The deployment along the road is to maintain law and order,” she said.

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