A little known organization calling themselves ‘freedom activists’ have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the spokesperson of FDC Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda to withdraw the hate campaign against artists who composed President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign song of Tubonga Nawe.

The organization is Opportunity Uganda. Babu Ssali, the spokesperson of the group told a press conference that the Tubonga Nawe composers did nothing wrong to deserve being boycotted by Ugandans.

“They were doing their ordinary work of singing in order to earn from their talent. It is wrong for anyone to incite people to boycott their concerts for singing for Museveni,” Babu says.

Babu did not disclose, however, what further steps his organization will take should Ssemujju reject their demands.

Contacted for a comment, Ssemujju first laughed his heart out on being told of the ultimatum from Opportunity Uganda.

“Who are those people anyway? I am too busy doing important work to respond to every trash by people who do not matter,” Ssemujju said dismissively.

Ssemujju launched the controversial hate campaign against Chameleon, Bebe Cool, Juliana Kanyomozi, IrynNamubiru, Cathy Kusaasira, Ronald Mayinja, HarunaMubiru, among others, for composing the song in question and for going on to entertain Ugandans during Museveni’s rallies.

Ssemujju said Ugandans should not turn up at concerts organized by the affected artists, boycott taxis and entertainment spots and FM radios running their music as well as snubbing public events such as weddings, introductions and baptism celebrations at which music for the artists is played.

Ssemujju widened the boycott to target everyone who allegedly helped Museveni to ‘steal’ the presidential victory of the FDC candidate Dr Kizza Besigye in the February 18 polls.

Sections of Ugandans have since come out to slam Ssemujju over the hate campaign, but the Kira Municipality MP elect has stood his ground saying that “election thieves and their accomplices must be taught a lesson.”

“I hope that the proponents of Homosexuality that pride themselves in their liberalism and support for human rights, will allow me my right of expression much as they may not be comfortable with my opinion,” reads part of singer Bobi Wine’s statement.

In a statement, which many believe is a reaction about him being denied a visa to perform in the UK, Bobi Wine requests gays and their sympathisers to respect Uganda’s sovereignty status.

“Uganda is a democratic country and I do not make the laws. However, It’s my duty as a Law abiding citizen to adhere to the laws as required by the constitution. A few months ago, the president of Uganda after extensive research and consultation, assented to the anti-homosexuality act and 99% of Ugandans were in support.”
The self styled Ghetto president adds that the sympathisers have misinterpreted the law to mean that Uganda wants to kill homosexuals yet the biggest punishment for the offenders (aggravated homosexuality with a minor where the offender is HIV positive) is life imprisonment and not death.

He further says that the intension of the Act is to stop promotion and exhibition of homosexual practices so as to create standard behaviour for all Ugandans.

“I am personally not out to threaten the life of anyone based on their sexual Orientation. I just DO NOT agree with them.This is my opinion and happens to be that of 99% Ugandans/Africans basing on our culture, religion and constitution.”

“Freedom should not compromise intergenerational equity and human rights should not be an excuse for acts that are counter societal progress.I completely fail to understand the pride and why the gays are so happy about it. If my opinion makes me third world, then am happy to be.”

Bobi Wine goes on to applaud the president for having assented to the law, saying that what the president did was right because it not fair when one tries to “arm-twist” society to legalise bad habits for the sake of aid. “We just can’t compromise our Values and Dignity.”

His statement comes on the foot heels of reports that the singer was denied a visa to perform in the UK, where he was to perform this month.

Since the signing of the bill into law by the president, a number of government officials were June barred from entering the US territories, justifying the action by claiming to be countering violation of human rights.

The US also cancelled a military exercise with the country and cut funds to a number of joint programs.

President Yoweri Museveni February signed the bill that calls for homosexuals to be imprisoned for life. It outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and obligates people to report gays to authorities.

The Government plans to put a ban on all dangerous chemicals and skin lightening chemicals entering the Ugandan market.

This follows the cabinet’s approval of the transformation of National Drug Authority to National Food and Drug Authority.

The new authority will block all dangerous chemicals, lotions and creams from entering Uganda.

Speaking before the cabinet on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Guidance, Hon Rose Namayanja said some of these chemicals include mercury and hydroquinone that are in many lotions and creams.

These chemicals put many women at the risk of getting skin cancers, diabetes, hypertension among other diseases.

“Cosmetic known to contain hazardous skin lightening chemicals like mercury and hydroquinone will not be tolerated. Abuse of some of these cosmetics is already exposing some of our people to health risks like diabetes, hypertension, kidney ailments and heart disease,” said Hon Namayanja.

Cabinet also aims at blocking blood based products sometimes categorized as pharmaceutical products with the risk of exposing patient to blood transmitted diseases like Hepatitis B. Some biological products like hormones also categorized as pharmaceutical products if not effectively regulated may also expose consumers to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, kidney damage and heart disease.

Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health to urgently commence the process of drafting amendments to the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, 1993, to pave way for creation of the NFDA.

When the Bill gets to Parliament, Cabinet will also appeal for bi-partisan support due the urgency to protect enhance protection of our citizens.

The family of the late Prof George Kakoma has threatened to drag the Government of Uganda to court over the national anthem.

This comes after the Government’s plan to give the Uganda National Anthem a new orchestra to help boost the country’s tourism sector globally.

The Minister of Tourism, Maria Mutagamba on Wednesday said they want to design a new anthem so that people know about their country, history and future. She said the anthem will not be changed but only be put in visual.

“We are going to use the same words and tunes, but use artistic impressions to promote the understanding of our anthem,” Mutagamba said.

However, Mrs Maria Tereza Kakoma has today (Thursday) told the media that the family retained the copyright to this song and any changes must be sanctioned by them.

Kakoma was the composer of the National Anthem and when he passed away he left the copyrights to his family.

She has threatened to go to court if the government does not abandon this project.

“Nobody can add anything, not even in music or not in words,” Mrs Tereza said, adding, “If you do change or add anything, you will put yourself in trouble.”

The Government has partnered with Alex Mukulu, a local artiste and playwright to spear head the project of giving the National anthem a new feel which will cost over Shs180 million.

Mukulu yesterday revealed that dress rehearsals have already started and it will be performed in November when Uganda is hosting the African International Tourists Association.

The new national anthem with a full orchestra is expected later this year to promote Uganda as a top tourism destination globally.

The government is yet to respond to the matter.