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Starting the New Year Right: Nurture Your Spirit of Giving

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New Year New Start

During the holiday season, I realized that giving is far better than receiving. Even though I have lived in Uganda for almost three years now, this holiday season was different because I actually saw the need all around me and the benefits of sacrificing my needs and wants for a change to give to others like never before.

Contrary to the enormous focus on gift buying and giving in America, it seems to me that most Ugandans focus and care more on family during the holidays—which I believe that is what the holiday season is all about. Or maybe it is because of the various socio-economical issues that many Ugandans cant afford to adapt this expensive option. Whatever is the case, my friends seemed glad and well content after visiting relatives in town and in the villages, despite their lack of receiving presents and looking at Christmas trees.

I spent the Christmas holiday with friends who recently shared with me that they were thrilled to open their home to me, and was pleased that I gave them in exchange only my appreciation and company.

In addition, these and other friends I spent New Years Eve with, also focused on this virtue of giving and sharing, which made me desire to continue giving to others in need in 2006.

Now, I am really not into New Years resolutions, but I have a heavy burden in my heart to give for the sake of giving, whether it is love, a hug, my time, my advice, my company, my money, and sometimes gifts to uplift a boggled-down spirit or to put a big grin on a childs face.

Recently, I attended a mission trip to Kigali, Rwanda to minister to the children at Gospel Christ Fellowship Church and to attend their Christian Leadership Conference. In Rwanda, I experienced love and the result of giving in a way that is only imaginable.

Honestly, when I left Kampala I was so spiritually pumped to give my expertise to their childrens ministry that I couldnt wait to see what I could do to put smiles on the childrens faces.

But boy, was I in for a surprise because when I saw those children, underprivileged and poor but with joy shining on their faces, they radiated more bliss and love to me than I think I could ever give to them. This made me feel extremely blessed to the point that I felt they were giving more to me than I was giving to them.

The children are part of a ministry at the church called the Abana Bumwami Children Foundation (Abana Bumwami means the Kings children) that was established two years ago at the church through Pastor Francis Mutabazi. The foundations mission is to provide the children in the surrounding community with spiritual and physical growth, and a chance to receive a proper education. Mutabazis vision is based on the command of Jesus for believers to teach the children about Him and the bible. In addition, the foundation exists to provide holistic support to the orphaned, abandoned and marginalized children of Rwanda, and to provide them with spiritual, social, mental, emotional, and material support, so they can experience a loving relationship with God. As a result, these children will grow to be positive individuals in society, responsible adults and servant leaders for today and the future.

Because of these childrens extreme poverty condition, many people would think that these children dont have much to smile about. Yet, these young children have such a passion for God and a desire to live their lives to the fullest, they cant help but to smile and laugh.

Even my host family, the family I stayed with while I was in Kigali, was a blessing to me. Not only did they feed me until I couldnt eat anymore, but the Ndayambaje family, Johnson, Mary, Richard, Benjamin, Fortunate, Ritah, Sharon and Isaac made sure they gave me their attention, love, support, and company during my entire visit to make me feel welcomed and appreciated.

I attended this trip with a few pastors, bible students and bible teachers from my church Calvary Chapel Kampala, to assist Limitless Boundaries in providing support to Gospel Christ Fellowship.

Limitless Boundaries, a mission-based organization which is affiliated with Calvary Chapel La Habra church in California, is busy cultivating and planting other churches in other parts of the world, too, in places like Europe and Asia. In addition, they have begun a missions training program where men and women are given the opportunity to learn and serve in an environment where they can experience the changing work of the word of God together. Practical ministry is also taught in order to prepare individuals for ministry service.

While visiting with these children, I could see the need. Along with the word of God, they also needed clothes and food. Fortunately, I was able to witness more than 50 children receive letters from their sponsors through Limitless Boundaries to let them know that they were continuing their commitment to financially support the childrens needs in the future.

These sponsors, who are just ordinary church folks in La Habra, are aware that some of these children were orphaned by the Rwanda genocide and some of their parents died from AIDS or were affected with the HIV virus. And, these churches and believers are trying to do all they can to keep the children’s spirits alive.

Nevertheless, when I was around the children, I felt they didnt need much from me—just my smile, hugs, a few pieces of candy, and for me to lead them in songs, bible lessons and games to keep them happy.

Many of us think that children need toys, fancy gadgets and other material things to make them happy. But after this holiday season, I hope many have realized that our loved ones, especially children, just need people to give them love and care.

Let us focus this year on achieving an attitude of simply giving out of love, without stressing ourselves about how much we need to buy so that we can give it to make a big impression. But, for our spirits to be moved to just simply give what we can afford –like our time and devotion to visit a loved one, to play with a child, and maybe get involved with a church, a faith-based organization or mission that serves our neighborhoods or our global community.

Because that is what life is all about, right? People, and not things.

Caesarean Section or Vaginal Birth: Which is the Best?

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Pregnant Care

Now you are pregnant. You are going to have a baby. You have checked yourself at the antenatal clinic as required by your doctor, bought all the necessities for the coming baby-clothes, pampers, dippers, nappies, name it. For you are the modern lady who has planned for this delivery with your partner.

But you just forgot one important thing: How are you going to give birth to your baby? Is it going to be vaginally through the birth canal or abdominally via caesarean section?

Although many women would cry foul when they are told that they are to ‘face the Knife’ or to undergo a caesarean birth, many women are increasingly preferring to go for caesarean section. It is no longer waiting for doctors to recommend the caesarean.

Christine, a 25 year-old mother of one from Entebbe says that some women prefer a caesarean birth because they perceive it to be pain-free. “They say that the operation is carried out under an aesthetic and therefore there are no pains of labour to be endured.”

“Some women get worried about how something as large as a baby could possibly fit through such a small opening (birth canal). Some of them even have fears that the baby may be ‘squashed’ and damaged in the process,” she says.

Christine also says that some women prefer a caesarean because it is clean. “The nature of the operating theatre is very different from the physical exertion of labour. No sweat and tears. The mess of amniotic fluid and blood is dealt with out of sight. There are no lumps of poo emerging from the rectum, pushed out by the baby’s head as it journeys down the vagina,” she explains. She however says that she cannot go for caesarean birth unless it is the only option left to save her life or that of the baby. “The most obvious disadvantage of caesarean is the post-operative recovery period,” she says.

Contrary to popular perception, delivery by caesarean section is far from an easy option. Caesarean mothers are never able to jump off the operating table and get straight back to normal. “The operation itself may be completely pain free but the post-operative recovery period rarely continues to be so. There is, of course, a range of painkillers to help mothers through the first few days,” says Christine.

“But even so, moving around, handling your new born baby and going to the toilet, all present their own difficulties and have to be tackled slowly and carefully,” she adds, while giving her sister Mary as an example of a mother who faced the difficulty.

Depending on the type, severity and response to treatment, the post-operative infections can sometimes be quite distressing and can slow the recovery rate quite considerably.

According to AIMS medical Journal of 2002 titled ‘vaginal birth after caesarean’, scar tissue or adhesions may cause long- term pain, bowel obstruction, infertility or miscarriage. “The scar may make repeat surgery more difficult,” the Journal explains in part.

The authors, Gina Lowdon and Debbie Chippington Derrick say that those against caesarean birth widely acknowledge that the baby plays a part in deciding when the time is right to be born. They say that babies born by caesarean section can show signs of being angry and do not appreciate being delivered before they are ready.

Since it has all these consequences, then, how come more and more women are said to be increasingly opting to give birth by caesarean? “The reasons women give have more to do with the unacceptability of what happens during what passes as ‘normal’ labour and birth, than the appeal of major surgery. The realities of what women experience in our labour wards today is hardly inspiring,” reads the journal. Just ask mothers who have given birth from general (none private) maternity wards of even our main hospitals like Mulago, Nsambya or Mengo to understand how unappealing the situation can be.

“It is no longer a private time where women give birth to their babies themselves, supported and cared for by a few known, trusted, and accepted attendants in a familiar atmosphere,” notes the authors of the Journal.

The authors also say that some women believe that vaginal birth today is dangerous for the baby. “Women sometimes have difficulty in believing that an experience that can be so awful for them can be any better for their baby,” they say in the journal.

They say that vaginal birth today is no longer the natural process that has served the human race so well for millennia.

Mama Fiona, who was attending to her expectant daughter at Mengo hospital, agrees. “During the normal birth, the head of the child may fail to go out and the doctors may have to use machines to pull out the baby. This is normal (vaginal) birth but it is also dangerous because machines can bruise the baby’s head and the vagina of the mother,” says Mama Fiona.

Next to her was Jane, another expectant mother. She says that some women fear that their vagina would enlarge and that this would contribute to strife between the husband and the wife when it comes to bedroom matters. “But that is nonsense. I can not risk my life because I wants to fulfill my husband’s sexual expectations,” she says to the amusement of the neighbors.

Jane says that some men push their wives to have caesarean birth for that reason (avoiding the enlargement of the vagina). “That is putting their wives at a risk. I hear there are special gynecologists who can carry out operations to narrow the path. Why can’t they try that option,” she says.

There are also social reasons for this trend. Chris Babiha, a male student of Kyambogo University, says that some women go for caesarean birth because they want to have fewer children than those their husbands want and also be able to keep their marriages.

“Sometimes, women find themselves in a dilemma. You find their husbands want say 10 children when the women want to give birth to only two. So, they opt for caesarean to get a reason of not giving birth to many children,” he says.

The AIMS journal however notes that although people give many credible reasons for opting for caesarian section as opposed to virginal birth, the major problem is the state of health care system and particularly the maternity services, which are less than desirable in many developing countries like Uganda.

Drs. Gina Lowdon and Debbie Chippington Derrick say that until such time when true midwifery can come to the fore and women are given the emotional support that they need during delivery, it is likely that numbers of women needing to opt out by requesting surgery will continue to rise.

This is because even some women who are well informed of the realities of caesarean birth maintain a preference for this form of delivery.

Why Vaginal birth?
(a) Babies born vaginally have a lower risk of respiratory problems. It is widely accepted that the contractions of labour help prepare the baby’s lungs to breathe air. Babies born by caesarean section have a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome than babies born vaginally at the same gestational age. Adults with asthma are more likely to have been delivered by caesarean section compared with adults without asthma.

(b) It is also widely acknowledged that the baby plays a part in deciding when the time is right to be born. It has been commented that babies born by elective caesarean section can show signs of being angry and do not appreciate being delivered before they are ready.

(c) The passage down the birth canal also gives a baby a wonderful all-over massage that wakes up various systems in the body – cranial osteopaths claim to be able to detect whether a baby was born vaginally or by caesarean.

(d) Mothers who feel safe, confident and well supported rarely find the level of pain reaches the point where it becomes unbearable. Their hormonal state supports the process rather than fighting against it. Labour is not perceived as being a trial, the pain is more like that experienced by athletes when they are giving their all and trying their hardest. Labour and birth are often the hardest physical work a modern woman ever has to do, but can also be the most rewarding.

(e) A mother who has experienced a natural birth can generally walk unaided after the birth and can begin caring for her baby straightaway.

(f) A mother who has experienced a natural birth is usually able to become involved in family life within hours of the birth and can get back to normal daily life within just a few days.

(g) When the birth has gone well, the baby is often peaceful, quiet and relaxed. Also mothers feel stronger, both physically and emotionally. There is a wonderful sense of achievement and peace, of strength and control, of health and completeness, of being able to cope and get on with life in general. It is a very positive life-changing experience.

Why caesarean delivery?
(a) Caesarean can be scheduled. Because of modernity some people want to reach the extent of choosing the date of the baby’s birthday. To some people the child’s birthday is considerable important and they want to try as much as possible to ensure that their child is not born on the day they don’t like say March 13.

(b) A caesarean is quick in comparison to most labors. Some people believe that the quicker something can be achieved the more advantageous it is perceived to be- whether this is making a cup of instant coffee, washing the laundry or sending a communication. In our society time is money and quick delivery of a baby is a preferred option.

(c) A caesarean is perceived as pain-free. The operation is carried out under anesthetic and therefore there are no pains of labour to be endured. The “wake me up when it’s all over” scenario appeals to some women.

(d) A caesarean is clinical – and therein perhaps lies its biggest attraction. Planned caesarean birth avoids the necessity for the many probing of the vagina, which have become routine during what is termed ‘normal’ birth today. A woman can more easily maintain a degree of professionalism and detachment in her relationship with her careers since the private areas of her body are left unmolested and unsullied.

Source: Caesarean Birth/VBAC Information, Gina Lowdon and Debbie Chippington Derrick

Remember: Christmas is About Giving

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Christmas

“Christmas is for those who are well off. For us, we stay in our suffering”– says beggars in Kampala, Uganda.

He is called Samson Kyolaba, seven years old. He was born and raised on streets and baptized Samson by his own mother, who probably wished his son to be like the biblical Samson, a strong and admirable guy. I encountered him on Luwum Street very early in the morning. He was dressed in wet cloths and is suffering from a vicious shiver, a sign that he had been hit by an over night torrential storm.

The shiver seems to have been so acute that it cannot even allow Kyolaba to effectively raise his hand and do the duty he lives for- begging every by passer. I placed a five hundred coin in his left hand, which slid through his fingers almost immediately. Looking at Kyolaba and the other kids surrounding him on the verandah, you wonder whether things like Christmas really make sense to them.

To Kyolaba and many other kids bred and raised in dehumanizing conditions of Kampala streets, celebrating Christmas is really a ‘waste of time’ and a not-so familiar vocabulary to their ears. In fact, to them Christmas holiday has been marked as a ‘dark period’ where scarcity and starvation abound.

“Mubisera bya sekukkulu abantu tebagaba ssente-during Christmas period people do not part with their money,” says Kyolaba who has his entire family of two young sisters and mother living on streets.

Betty Akullo seated on Kampala road near Diamond Trust with her two-year-old daughter is another of the beggars. Although Akullo’s daughter has mastered the art of begging more accurately and cunningly than her mother, her day’s collection is not enough to see them through a ‘dry spell’-Christmas, leave alone enjoying it.

Akullo says that Christmas is a memory of the past. She only remembers to have celebrated it during her early child hood. And now she has to plan on how to get what to eat and survive on streets by begging. But how would Akullo wish to celebrate Christmas if she were well off?

“I would like to eat goats meat and rice on a Christmas day,” she says with her face billowing to reveal a far off smile.

Like Akullo, physically handicapped Losio Ssebugwawo, 53, who operates along Luwum Street would wish to have a Merry Christmas. For the past two years, Ssebugwawo a staunch catholic has woken up every morning to his duty of begging with hope that he will make enough money and have the luxury of celebrating Christmas with his family back in Butambala, in Masaka district. But that has not come yet in his last three years of begging.

“This year I have only saved ten thousand shillings, which can not be enough for my transport back home and buy some meat for the children,” says Ssebugwawo as he counts on his rosary.

But it is amazing how inequality exists in every human setting! Unlike Akullo and others, Ssebugwawo looks quite clean and modern. He is smartly dressed with a well-kept beard and dyed hair in addition to having a clean handkerchief to wipe off a stream of sweat running down his fat cheeks.

For Abas Steven Kabuye, a former cancer victim, begging is like any other work, which should fetch enough money to allow one enjoy Christmas. In fact, at his stages of operation at both Luwum and William streets, boda boda cyclists call him ‘uncle millionaire’.

“Uncle Millionaire olusi a tuyamba ne change we mitwallo ettano-uncle millionaire some times helps us with change even for fifty thousand notes,” said one boda boda cyclists at Luwum street.

Kabuye, who crawls on his arms and knees after both of his legs were amputated due to cancer, says that Id El Fitr is better than Christmas because Muslims normally donate to fellow Muslim destitutes, probably the reason he has adopted both Christian and Moslem names-Abas Stephen Kabuye.

On how he plans to celebrate Christmas, Kabuye formerly a farmer in Luwero District contemplates for seconds, then; “I will buy some clothes in Owino for my children and take two chickens for my two wives” he says affording a smile.

For Apollo Kenyi who looks to be a new kid in the world of begging, and operates at Kafumbe Mukasa and Kisenyi market, Christmas is a continuation of his misery.

“Sekukkulu yabalina wo mwana. Ffe tusigala tubonabona– Christmas is for those who are well off. For us, we stay in our suffering,” says Kenyi as he limps on improvised clutches, gathering his entire belongings of a broken basin, a dirty five litre Jeri can and a two-inch mattress that seems to have gained another inch from collecting dirt.

Rainy Season Challenges Uganda Tourism Sector

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Heavy Rains in Uganda

Uganda’s rainy season, while essential for maintaining the country’s lush landscapes, poses challenges for the tourism sector. From impassable roads to slippery wildlife, the rains affect the experiences of visitors and increase operational costs for tour operators. The situation calls for strategic interventions to balance accessibility with environmental conservation.

Uganda’s renowned national parks, such as Murchison Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, are vital attractions that draw thousands of visitors each year.

However, during the rainy season, these parks face accessibility issues due to deteriorated road conditions. Bashir Hangi, Communications Manager at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), acknowledges the problem:

“The roads are not in good condition, especially during the rains. Tourists and operators lose a lot of time navigating diversions or waiting for repairs. Routine maintenance is almost impossible in this season—fix one road, and another gets damaged,” he explained. Despite collaborative efforts with government agencies and the private sector, accessibility remains a major challenge.

Wildlife Behavior during the Rainy Season

The rainy season also impacts wildlife sightings. According to Hangi, animals tend to stay hidden during rains and emerge only when the weather improves. While this unpredictability can be frustrating for tourists, it also highlights the importance of wildlife conservation efforts.

“Even in the rainy season, animals don’t leave the parks. We’re conserving them, and tourists can still have unique experiences,” Hangi said.

Road Conditions and Tourism Operations

Flooding within and around national parks disrupts travel plans, causing vehicle breakdowns and delays. Tour operators often refer to these challenges humorously as “Muzungu in the mud,” where tourists help push vehicles stuck in the mud. Felex Musinguzi, Team Leader at Kazinga Tours, sees this as part of the adventure:

“It’s an experience. Imagine you’re in a new country, and it’s raining. It becomes a memorable story for many tourists,” he remarked.

Geoffrey Baluku, a tourism sector player, however, emphasizes the need for better road networks. He suggests allocating road maintenance funds directly to the Ministry of Tourism to prioritize infrastructure improvements for key tourism destinations.

Visitor Numbers and Economic Impact

Uganda’s national parks attract over 390,000 visitors annually, with Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks accounting for over 60% of entries. Poor road conditions during the rainy season could potentially lower these numbers, impacting revenue and the livelihoods of those reliant on tourism.

Opportunities in the Rainy Season

Despite the challenges, the rainy season offers unique opportunities. Uganda’s favorable climate during this period attracts migratory birds, making it a haven for bird watching enthusiasts. Felex Musinguzi notes that some tourists enjoy the surprises that come with the season, such as unexpected wildlife sightings.

Solutions for Resilience

Experts agree that improving road networks and weather-proofing infrastructure could significantly enhance visitor experiences. Redirecting funds for tourism road maintenance and working closely with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) could be pivotal in addressing these issues. Additionally, adopting early warning systems and proactive measures can help mitigate risks posed by flooding.

While Uganda’s rainy season presents challenges, it also offers unique opportunities for adventurous tourists. With strategic investments in infrastructure and continued conservation efforts, the country can ensure that its national parks remain accessible and appealing year-round. Balancing the rewards of exploration with the realities of the rainy season will be key to sustaining Uganda’s tourism sector.

Wakiso Allocated UGX 350 Billion for Road Construction

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Wakiso District Roads

The Government of Uganda has allocated more than UGX 350 billion to improve road infrastructure in Wakiso District as part of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) development initiative.

This investment will focus on constructing key roads that will enhance transportation and connectivity in the region.

The prioritized roads for construction in Wakiso District include:

  • Bukasa-Ssentema-Kakiri Road-Stretching over 12 kilometers, this road will connect critical areas within the district.
  • Naggalabi-Naasozi-Kitemu Road: Spanning more than 7 kilometers, this route will provide improved access between major localities.
  • Nansana-Wamala-Katooke-Jjinjakalooli Road: Measuring over 8 kilometers, this road is vital for Nansana Municipality’s transport network.

Other roads within Nansana Municipality will also be constructed, contributing to a more efficient and reliable transportation system in the district.

According to Mayanja William, the Wakiso District Procurement Officer, preparations for the project are nearing completion.

He confirmed that construction is scheduled to commence in January 2025.

The World Bank has already disbursed over USD 3 billion (approximately UGX 11 trillion) to Uganda for road infrastructure development in the GKMA, which includes Wakiso, Mpigi, Mukono, and Kampala districts.

Ssalongo Kiwanuka Achilles, the GKMA Deputy Director of Operations and Labour, stated that contractors for the projects have been selected, and the Solicitor General’s directive is awaited to begin the work.

Once approved, paving and construction activities will commence immediately.

Importance of the Project

  • This massive investment in road infrastructure is expected to:
  • Reduce traffic congestion in Wakiso and neighboring districts.
  • Improve access to essential services and economic opportunities.
  • Enhance the quality of life for residents by providing safer and more efficient roads.

The allocation of over UGX 350 billion for road construction in Wakiso District marks a significant step towards modernizing the district’s infrastructure.

With work set to begin in January 2025, the project promises to bring transformative changes to the region, fostering economic growth and improved mobility for residents.

Stay updated on this and other developments in Wakiso District as the project progresses.

Ruling on Military Court: What It Means for Soldiers and Civilians

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Kabaziguruka in Millitary Court

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Uganda made a significant ruling that soldiers convicted in military courts cannot appeal their cases in civilian courts. This decision, which emphasizes the unique jurisdiction of military courts, also temporarily applies to civilians. Here’s what you need to know about the ruling and its implications;

The Supreme Court ruling clarified that soldiers who lose cases in military courts cannot seek redress in civilian courts. The court based its decision on Uganda’s People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, which governs military affairs. According to the ruling, civilian courts do not have the authority to review decisions made by military courts.

A five-judge panel of the Supreme Court emphasized that the UPDF Court Martial Appeal Court Regulations were not designed to give civilian courts jurisdiction over military court decisions. The UPDF Act is the “mother law” for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and only the military courts have the power to hear appeals from military trials.

Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda explained that the ruling would temporarily apply to civilians who are tried by military courts. For now, anyone convicted by the Court Martial can only appeal to the General Court Martial or the Court Martial Appeals Court, not the civilian Court of Appeal.

While the Supreme Court has not yet made a final decision on whether civilians can be tried in military courts, the matter remains under consideration. Ereemye noted that the judiciary will wait for the court’s final ruling on this matter.

The Debate over Civilian Trials in Military Courts

The issue of whether civilians should be tried in military courts has been contentious for some time. In 2021, Uganda’s Constitutional Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for military courts to try civilians. This decision was based on the argument that military courts are part of the executive branch, not the judiciary.

Justice Kenneth Kakuru, who led the ruling, stated that the General Court Martial does not qualify as a “competent court” under the Constitution. He argued that military law under the UPDF Act should not apply to civilians and must be interpreted to exclude matters that fall under civil courts.

Attorney General’s Response

The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, disagreed with the Constitutional Court’s decision and appealed to the Supreme Court. Kiwanuka argued that military courts should have jurisdiction over civilians who violate military-related laws. He suggested that civilians could avoid being tried in military courts by simply not engaging in illegal military activities, such as possessing firearms or aiding in military offenses.

Kiwanuka also defended the impartiality of military courts, saying there was no evidence to suggest that they treat civilians unfairly. He emphasized that military courts are obligated to act impartially in all cases.

The issue of military courts has gained attention recently due to high-profile cases, such as the arraignment of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his ally Obeid Lutale. Both men face charges of unlawful possession of ammunition after being apprehended in Kenya and handed over to Ugandan authorities. These cases highlight the ongoing debate over whether civilians should be tried by military courts.

What’s Next for Military Courts in Uganda?

The Supreme Court’s ruling solidifies the jurisdiction of military courts within Uganda’s legal system. However, the question of whether civilians can be tried in military courts remains unresolved. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision on this issue could have significant consequences for both military and civilian defendants in the future.

For now, the ruling affirms that military courts operate independently from civilian courts. However, the question of fairness and constitutional alignment is likely to continue to spark debate as Uganda navigates the complex relationship between its military and legal systems.

Suruma Urges Government to Use Oil Revenue to Support the Elderly

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Professor Ezra Suruma

Former Makerere University Chancellor, Professor Ezra Suruma, has called on the Ugandan government to use some of the country’s oil revenues to improve the lives of elderly citizens.

Professor Suruma made the statement at a workshop held at the Lugogo UMA Show Grounds. The event was organized by the Ministry of Gender and the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER).

Recent census data shows that Uganda has 2.3 million elderly people, making up 5% of the population. However, nearly 48% of these elderly people live in extreme poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities such as soap, sugar, salt, and oil. Suruma described this as a great shame for the country.

He pointed out that countries like Norway and some U.S. states, such as Alaska, have created funds that invest 20% of their national oil revenues. The profits from these funds are then used to improve the lives of the elderly. Suruma believes Uganda can implement a similar initiative.

Angella Kasule Nabwowe, the President of ISER, emphasized the need for elderly citizens to have identity cards to access government benefits. Unfortunately, mistakes made during registration by staff at the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) have caused barriers for many elderly people. Nabwowe mentioned that ISER is in discussions with NIRA officials to resolve these registration issues.

Livingstone Ssenkungu, the head of the elderly in Kayunga District, also criticized the government and others for treating the elderly’s concerns in a dismissive and shameful manner.

Suruma Urges Government to Use Oil Revenue to Support the Elderly

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Proffessor Ezra Suruma

Former Makerere University Chancellor, Professor Ezra Suruma, has called on the Ugandan government to use some of the country’s oil revenues to improve the lives of elderly citizens.

Professor Suruma made the statement at a workshop held at the Lugogo UMA Show Grounds. The event was organized by the Ministry of Gender and the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER).

Recent census data shows that Uganda has 2.3 million elderly people, making up 5% of the population. However, nearly 48% of these elderly people live in extreme poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities such as soap, sugar, salt, and oil. Suruma described this as a great shame for the country.

He pointed out that countries like Norway and some U.S. states, such as Alaska, have created funds that invest 20% of their national oil revenues. The profits from these funds are then used to improve the lives of the elderly. Suruma believes Uganda can implement a similar initiative.

Angella Kasule Nabwowe, the President of ISER, emphasized the need for elderly citizens to have identity cards to access government benefits. Unfortunately, mistakes made during registration by staff at the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) have caused barriers for many elderly people. Nabwowe mentioned that ISER is in discussions with NIRA officials to resolve these registration issues.

Livingstone Ssenkungu, the head of the elderly in Kayunga District, also criticized the government and others for treating the elderly’s concerns in a dismissive and shameful manner.

Museveni Defends Trial of Civilians in Military Court

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Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has firmly defended the trial of civilians in military courts, highlighting their role in stabilizing Uganda by swiftly addressing gun-related crimes. In a recent statement, Museveni referred to the military court martial as an “eyokyeero” (reinforcement) that supports civilian courts in handling cases involving firearms.

Museveni explained that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government enacted the law in 2005 to combat rampant criminal and terrorist activities involving firearms. He noted that such crimes posed a significant threat to public safety, necessitating swift and decisive action.

“The move was correct and useful, and it has contributed to the stabilisation of Uganda,” Museveni stated.

Overwhelmed Civilian Courts

The President pointed out that civilian courts are often burdened with a backlog of cases, ranging from murder to land disputes. This overload, he argued, makes them ill-equipped to swiftly address crimes committed by gun-wielding criminals.

“For stabilization, you need speed. These individuals, although not soldiers, voluntarily and with evil intentions acquired killing instruments that should be the monopoly of the Armed Forces,” Museveni emphasized.

Museveni defended the court martial system as a vital tool for ensuring efficiency and protecting public safety. He highlighted its role in removing dangerous individuals from society, noting that these detainees are provided with basic needs while in custody.

He stressed that the court martial operates under Uganda’s broader judicial framework, allowing superior courts to rectify any errors in judgment.

Success in the Karamoja Region

The President highlighted the court martial’s impact in the Karamoja region, where military courts have restored peace by addressing rampant violence. He revealed that thousands of armed youth were apprehended through military operations, and 900 out of 2,000 inmates at Kitalya Prison are Karamojong youths detained by military courts.

“The efficient and focused work of the military courts, supplemented by military operations, legally put away these confused youths from society for a given period,” Museveni said.

Museveni criticized civilian courts for granting bail or endlessly remanding suspects involved in serious crimes, describing such practices as “child play.” He credited the military courts with reducing violence in Karamoja and neighboring regions, adding that local leaders and elders have even requested pardons for some of the detained youth.

Referendum on Court Martial Trials

Museveni suggested that the use of military courts could be subjected to a public referendum in affected areas. He expressed confidence that citizens would overwhelmingly support the practice.

“If we were to have a referendum in the affected districts neighboring Karamoja, I am sure 100% would support the law,” he stated.

Enhancing Efficiency in Military Courts

The President commended the military courts for their contributions to national peace and directed the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and other army officials to conduct an audit to improve their efficiency.

Ongoing Debate on Military Courts

Museveni’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the appropriateness of trying civilians in military courts. Critics argue that the practice undermines Uganda’s justice system and violates the rights of the accused. However, the President insists that the court martial remains a vital tool for maintaining stability and ensuring swift justice.

By reinforcing the role of military courts in addressing gun-related crimes, Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding national security and promoting peace in Uganda.

FDC Condemns Discrimination in Besigye Rescue Talks

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Besigye at Court Martial

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) based in Najjanankumbi has expressed outrage over being excluded from a recent opposition meeting aimed at discussing the release of Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye. The FDC has described this exclusion as discriminatory and a deliberate attempt to sideline their faction in national opposition politics.

FDC Leader Criticizes Opposition Actions

Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the FDC leader, condemned the opposition for locking their party out of the critical discussions. He stated that such actions are an effort to eliminate the Najjanankumbi faction from the country’s political affairs, a move the FDC firmly opposes.

Amuriat also criticized the registration of the FDC under the leadership of Erias Lukwago during the meeting, calling it inappropriate. He emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties to avoid unnecessary divisions.

Robert Centenary Issues a Warning

Robert Centenary, another prominent leader in the Najjanankumbi faction, warned other opposition parties to steer clear of the ongoing disputes between the Katonga and Najjanankumbi factions of the FDC.

Centenary accused Ssalongo Erias Lukwago, a senior opposition figure, of fueling divisions by publicly undermining the Najjanankumbi group. He stated that such actions threaten to weaken the collective efforts of the opposition against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.

Lukwago Responds to FDC Claims

In his response, Ssalongo Erias Lukwago argued that the Najjanankumbi faction has aligned itself with the NRM government, which he claims justifies their exclusion from the meeting. Lukwago maintained that the discussions were centered on priority opposition issues and therefore did not require the participation of the Najjanankumbi faction.

Opposition Parties Excluded

In addition to the FDC, other opposition parties like Jeema and the Democratic Party (DP) were also excluded from the meeting. The conference, chaired by opposition parliamentary leader Joel Ssenyonyi, focused on strategies to strengthen opposition unity and address pressing national issues.

Call for Unity Among Opposition Parties

The ongoing disputes and divisions within the opposition continue to hinder progress toward their common goals. As accusations and counter-accusations fly, leaders from various factions are being urged to prioritize collaboration and dialogue to present a united front in their fight for democracy and justice in Uganda.

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